You think you know, but you don't know. And you never will

[RugbyMuffin]

The Cardinals have gone and done something completely out of left field.

Just when you think they are done with free agency they go out and make sure that they are not drafting for need in the later rounds of this year's draft....or even in the early rounds.

Yes, there is no denying the fact this teams needs to find a stud RB, and there is no denying our OLB position need some youth.

Yet, past that ?

Blocking TE - Anthony Becht (280 lbs, I love it)
OL Depth - Elton Brown
Secondary depth - Bryant McFadden
OLB depth - Clark Haggans, Bertrand Berry
RB depht - Jason Wright

This leaves the Cardinals with 8 picks, 2 needs and 6 spots to go best player available.

So what if we end up with 8 TE's ? Let them battle it out for a spot on the team.

Same goes for every position. Whiz preaches to his players that they will need to compete against themselves just to make it on the field. It pushes the entire organization to be better every day.

So what if we are loading up our roster ? I would rather have a solid vet that could play a role here and there then to bring in 14 UDFA's who have a small chance to ever see an NFL field.

Today was a big day..... a shocking day for me to say the least.

Today makes the draft exciting, today give the Cardinals an advantage in the later rounds to truly go after the best player available at just about any position on the field.

:number1:

BTW: The title comes from my all time favorite Jim Mora Sr. media interviews.

 

[Savage58]

I agree completely. I love all of those signings, espescially Becht and Wright, just what the Dr. ordered.

 

[Catfish]

Once again the FO has taken the approach of using FA's to fill needs where possible, thus allowing them to draft the BPA in most circumstances to create depth. Of course, there is always the chance to take a draft player for need, if the situation arises, but the norm has been otherwise. This has worked remarkably well in the time that Coach Whizenhunt and company have been aboard. The Cards have suddenly found that there are REAL competitions for all starting spots, and that there is always someone chopming at the bit to get into the mix. I'm lovin' it.

 

[SuperSpck]

Just when you think they are done with free agency they go out and make sure that they are not drafting for need in the later rounds of this year's draft....or even in the early rounds.
This leaves the Cardinals with 8 picks, 2 needs and 6 spots to go best player available.

So what if we end up with 8 TE's ? Let them battle it out for a spot on the team.

Same goes for every position. Whiz preaches to his players that they will need to compete against themselves just to make it on the field. It pushes the entire organization to be better every day.

So what if we are loading up our roster ? I would rather have a solid vet that could play a role here and there then to bring in 14 UDFA's who have a small chance to ever see an NFL field.

Today was a big day..... a shocking day for me to say the least.

Today makes the draft exciting, today give the Cardinals an advantage in the later rounds to truly go after the best player available at just about any position on the field.

:number1:

Agreed. Competition makes teams stronger and more competition reduces apparent "need".

 

[WildBB]

The depth is important because of where we're drafting. Only two or three draftees will probably crack the opening day roster, IMO.

I don't think we're quite done yet either. Ralph Brown and Chicke Okeafor might still be on board. (Chicke restructuring).

 

[O]

I agree completely Rugby.
The other thing to consider is;
Every player we draft will be affordable.
No player where we draft will be able to hold us hostage for a contract.
That also excites me.

 

[AzCards21]

I agree completely Rugby.
The other thing to consider is;
Every player we draft will be affordable.
No player where we draft will be able to hold us hostage for a contract.
That also excites me.

Was just going to add that. The slotting will be so much easier and there won't be as much wiggle room in the contracts.

 

[NeverSayDieFan]

Was it really just a few weeks ago...

that our lack of action in FA, etc. was driving us KRAZY!! Myself included. Well, the landscape has changed dramatically since then. VERY PLEASED!! Though I am still hoping for "I-45" & R. Brown to be re-signed. Especially, Smith as I think the players feed off of his energy. GO CARDS!!

 

[Buckybird]

Great write up Rugby!!! I know I was bashing Graves earlier in FA but we seemed to maintain pretty well. Don't think we got better, I think our players talents stayed about the same.

I like the fact we haven't really had any significant loses in players on the roster. Even though he has tremendous upside, Calais Campbell must replace a savvy and underrated DE in Antonio Smith. The key in determining just how good we can be is how well the new coaches fit in. Haleys mind in the passing game will be sorely missed. Sure Warner knows the offense, but can Mike Miller have the same connection with Kurt and call the right plays? Has he ever been a coordinator before? Maurice Carthon will be missed because he has been around alot of good coaches and players, he knows football. Is Russ Grimms duties spread too thin? Defensively, losing Clancy was a few years overdue. Hopefully the bend but break defensively schemes went with him to KC. Can Davis continue making the Cards to be one of the best in the league at getting takeaways defensively? Say what you want about Pendergast, his teams would force turnovers. How this teams newly shuffled staff will have a big say in how good the Redbirds will be in 2009.

 

[Goldfield]

They are being very smart with their cap. They sign solid players to solid contracts. They get much more value following this method. We would all freak out if WE over paid for Hansworth because the BIG names are exciting. But filling hole with solid players at a much cheaper price allow you to fill your team with much more talent and depth.

The next step is drafting well. Time will tell if we have improved there.

 

[WildBB]

They are being very smart with their cap. They sign solid players to solid contracts. They get much more value following this method. We would all freak out if WE over paid for Hansworth because the BIG names are exciting. But filling hole with solid players at a much cheaper price allow you to fill your team with much more talent and depth.

The next step is drafting well. Time will tell if we have improved there.

Yeah, they're building the RIGHT WAY, and that's exiting.

 

[lauraw]

I agree the fo is doing well this offseason, and i am a frequent rg basher. lets hope the draft is improved as well as getting our players AW KD re-signed. that is one area where they are still falling short.

 

[football karma]

defensively -- a 3/4 defense thrives with athletic types at the outside lb spots

the Cards are kinda old at those positions. Adding a player there will be key

 

[Buckybird]

defensively -- a 3/4 defense thrives with athletic types at the outside lb spots

the Cards are kinda old at those positions. Adding a player there will be key

yes sir, ding ding ding we have a winner!!!

 

[WildBB]

defensively -- a 3/4 defense thrives with athletic types at the outside lb spots

the Cards are kinda old at those positions. Adding a player there will be key

They'll probably go English or Sintim first and Center, Wood 2nd and see who drops to the 3rd for a RB. It'll be interesting. A shocker would be Pettigrew 1st. But he has that kind of talent to be a difference maker. And the wild card(s) are probably Moreno, and Brown maybe McCoy at this point.

But I think the first senario is the most likely, although I'd sure like Eric Wood in the 2nd. Some drafts have us picking an OT there as well (Merideth) and a Saftey like Rashad Johnson is probably not out of the realm there.

Btw... can you imagine if they scoop like English 1st and come back with Barwin 2nd. Woa...Instant rush. Someone flying somewhat under the radar in the 1st also is Ayers, but I don't think he is quick enough.

 

[bg7brd]

They'll probably go English or Sintim first and Center, Wood 2nd and see who drops to the 3rd for a RB. It'll be interesting. A shocker would be Pettigrew 1st. But he has that kind of talent to be a difference maker. And the wild card(s) are probably Moreno, and Brown maybe McCoy at this point.

But I think the first senario is the most likely, although I'd sure like Eric Wood in the 2nd. Some drafts have us picking an OT there as well (Merideth) and a Saftey like Rashad Johnson is probably not out of the realm there.

Btw... can you imagine if they scoop like English 1st and come back with Barwin 2nd. Woa...Instant rush. Someone flying somewhat under the radar in the 1st also is Ayers, but I don't think he is quick enough.

You wouldn't hear a complaint out of me if we got English and Barwin with the 1st 2 picks. If we do draft an OLB/DE I'm guessing Haggans would move into the middle to replace Beisel.

 

[splitsecond]

Silly inept FO, making great moves at great value. How dare they!

All kidding aside, I was particularly tickled with the Becht signing. Very nice addition.

 

[perivolaki]

I agree the fo is doing well this offseason, and i am a frequent rg basher.

I'm going with the rumor that McCreight is on board and responsible for all the signings. Try it, it helps us all keep our preconceived notions in place.

 

[Perfectionist]

The FO told us what their goal was going into this off season and they have remained true to their word."The Cardinals have re-signed more of their own unrestricted free agents (six) than any team in the league. The other NFC West teams have re-signed two apiece".
LINK

 

[RugbyMuffin]

The FO told us what their goal was going into this off season and they have remained true to their word."The Cardinals have re-signed more of their own unrestricted free agents (six) than any team in the league. The other NFC West teams have re-signed two apiece".
LINK

Wow, good stuff guys, I got a couple things off this thread:

1. Above, well when your team sucks (no offense Niners, Hawks, Rams) and you have new coaches, it is usually out with the old, and in with the new. The Cardinals should be resigning players, they were in the Superbowl for Pete's Sake.

2. The Cardinals usually keep around 3/4 million around during the season for injuries and what not. Karlos Dansby is currently sitting on that 3/4 million. I highly doubt if Dansby signs an extension his number for this year would stay at 8 million, so the Cardinals would gain about 3/4 million just by extending Dansby's contract. Unfortunately, I don't think the same could be said for Adrian Wilson, or Anquan Boldin. They might cost a little bit more.

3. If we got Connor Barwin in the 2nd round I would pass out. Why he would last that long is beyond me though. Talk about the stereotypical blue chipper, well in my mind he is one. I would pick the guy in the first round, that is what I think of his speed, power, size, and abilities. He is going to be a great OLB, IMO.

4. Pendergast, his claim to fame was exotic blitzes, and the more I think about it the more I smell the B.S. surrounding that comment. Why are they so "exotic" ? Cause we blitz, Dockett, Dansby, Wilson, Berry, and Okeafor at different situations ? Well, DUUUUH!!!! If you didn't use those guys then you would be flippin' crazy. I actually am expecting to see A LOT more from Wilson in the pass rush this year, with McFadden being brought in.

5. Losing Haley is a double edged sword. But I think Whiz calling the plays is coming full circle. His first year coaching he spread himself too thin. New team, new staff, calling plays, making sure this is done, and that is taking care of, etc., etc., etc. Tweet.....delay of game.

Well, it is three years later, with the same players, and coaches for the most part. I would not be surprised if at the end of last season he was thinking to himself that "he could take on more" at game day because the routine has been put in place. Just like how Pendergast's 5000000000 yards off the line of scrimmage preventive defense crapola cost us a games, like the Superbowl . I think Haley was a little too pass crazy. Yes, passing is big for our team, but do the Cardinals throw a 100 yard INT return against the Steelers, if Warner hands the ball off to Hightower ? You think Whiz would have been passing in that situation ? Furthermore, You think Whiz is going to stop being pass heavy? Stop throwing it deep to Fitzgerald ? Or stop Warner from calling Audibles ? I don't think so either.

6. Finally, Yes, the front office gets a nice pat on the back, and good job. I was pretty annoyed with them at the beginning of the offseason. I still would like to see some extensions done, but that is nitpicking.

Good stuff guys!

 

[WildBB]

3. If we got Connor Barwin in the 2nd round I would pass out. Why he would last that long is beyond me though. Talk about the stereotypical blue chipper, well in my mind he is one. I would pick the guy in the first round, that is what I think of his speed, power, size, and abilities. He is going to be a great OLB, IMO.

The scary thing is that he's only played the position for One yr. He's just scratching the surface still. And he can play TE in some instances. A lot of teams including the Ravens are considering him late 1st early 2nd now. If he gets to Cincinatti in the 2nd, he's gone, that's certain.

http://cincinnati.scout.com/2/848799.html

 

[BillsCarnage]

5. Losing Haley is a double edged sword. But I think Whiz calling the plays is coming full circle. His first year coaching he spread himself too thin. New team, new staff, calling plays, making sure this is done, and that is taking care of, etc., etc., etc. Tweet.....delay of game.

Haley had a break out year as an OC and was rewarded. I've not been too concerned w/ his departure since Kurt was directing the ship. Between Warner and Whiz, the Cards are in no rush to get an OC for at least the up coming season.

During the next two seasons Whiz will groom an OC to be promoted.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Just like how Pendergast's 5000000000 yards off the line of scrimmage preventive defense crapola cost us a games, like the Superbowl .

Finally, Yes, the front office gets a nice pat on the back, and good job. I was pretty annoyed with them at the beginning of the offseason. I still would like to see some extensions done, but that is nitpicking.

Good stuff guys!

FYI: Big Ben's passer rating was around 50 against prevent and over 100 against pressure in the SB.

Of the 61 players on the roster going into 2007 only 23 are still with us.

With some of the OLB / Centre, etc... scenarios suggested, some may want to reconsider the cutting of Edge in the final year of his contract.

 

[bg7brd]

Wow, good stuff guys, I got a couple things off this thread:

1. Above, well when your team sucks (no offense Niners, Hawks, Rams) and you have new coaches, it is usually out with the old, and in with the new. The Cardinals should be resigning players, they were in the Superbowl for Pete's Sake.

2. The Cardinals usually keep around 3/4 million around during the season for injuries and what not. Karlos Dansby is currently sitting on that 3/4 million. I highly doubt if Dansby signs an extension his number for this year would stay at 8 million, so the Cardinals would gain about 3/4 million just by extending Dansby's contract. Unfortunately, I don't think the same could be said for Adrian Wilson, or Anquan Boldin. They might cost a little bit more.

3. If we got Connor Barwin in the 2nd round I would pass out. Why he would last that long is beyond me though. Talk about the stereotypical blue chipper, well in my mind he is one. I would pick the guy in the first round, that is what I think of his speed, power, size, and abilities. He is going to be a great OLB, IMO.

4. Pendergast, his claim to fame was exotic blitzes, and the more I think about it the more I smell the B.S. surrounding that comment. Why are they so "exotic" ? Cause we blitz, Dockett, Dansby, Wilson, Berry, and Okeafor at different situations ? Well, DUUUUH!!!! If you didn't use those guys then you would be flippin' crazy. I actually am expecting to see A LOT more from Wilson in the pass rush this year, with McFadden being brought in.

5. Losing Haley is a double edged sword. But I think Whiz calling the plays is coming full circle. His first year coaching he spread himself too thin. New team, new staff, calling plays, making sure this is done, and that is taking care of, etc., etc., etc. Tweet.....delay of game.

Well, it is three years later, with the same players, and coaches for the most part. I would not be surprised if at the end of last season he was thinking to himself that "he could take on more" at game day because the routine has been put in place. Just like how Pendergast's 5000000000 yards off the line of scrimmage preventive defense crapola cost us a games, like the Superbowl . I think Haley was a little too pass crazy. Yes, passing is big for our team, but do the Cardinals throw a 100 yard INT return against the Steelers, if Warner hands the ball off to Hightower ? You think Whiz would have been passing in that situation ? Furthermore, You think Whiz is going to stop being pass heavy? Stop throwing it deep to Fitzgerald ? Or stop Warner from calling Audibles ? I don't think so either.

6. Finally, Yes, the front office gets a nice pat on the back, and good job. I was pretty annoyed with them at the beginning of the offseason. I still would like to see some extensions done, but that is nitpicking.

Good stuff guys!

I'm on the Barwin bandwagon too. It's kind of a double edged sword. You can say he doesn't have enough experience or polish but on the other hand you have to wonder what he can do with some experience and good coaching. I think as draft day gets closer he will see a steady rise. I would be okay if mgt thought he was worth the 31st pick.
As far as extensions go, I'm thinking they are going to use the money saved from Edge's contract to redo AW and Q.

 

[WildBB]

I'm on the Barwin bandwagon too. It's kind of a double edged sword. You can say he doesn't have enough experience or polish but on the other hand you have to wonder what he can do with some experience and good coaching. I think as draft day gets closer he will see a steady rise. I would be okay if mgt thought he was worth the 31st pick.
As far as extensions go, I'm thinking they are going to use the money saved from Edge's contract to redo AW and Q.

Edgerrin knows they're not paying him 5M to sit behind Hightower. While we have all the components of the passing attack in place and a year of experience under Hightower's belt, and with another rookie in place, there is no chance that Edge remains. None.