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Post by CardCore on May 1, 2024 16:16:45 GMT -7
This from Tom Pelissero via "X": Former Colorado WR Xavier Weaver is signing with the #Cardinals on a deal that includes $255,000 guaranteed, per his agents @davidcanter @nessmugrabi @iangrutman
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Post by CardsFanQC on May 1, 2024 16:48:58 GMT -7
This from Tom Pelissero via "X": Former Colorado WR Xavier Weaver is signing with the #Cardinals on a deal that includes $255,000 guaranteed, per his agents @davidcanter @nessmugrabi @iangrutman HMMM ... he was obviously targeted by the Cardinals and so maybe Monti is not going to look for any of the vet FA's currently on the market. FWIW - Weaver was listed by WF as the 21st best WR and projected in 4th round.
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Post by Dry Heat on May 1, 2024 16:57:27 GMT -7
One of those 1sts had to be their #11 spot. If I was Ossenfort, I also would have said, "NO DEAL." I think most of us here were on the “three firsts and now we’re talkin’” team. I didn’t see many (any?) posters on the forum clamoring for 2 firsts and a third.
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Post by CardCore on May 1, 2024 17:19:32 GMT -7
This from Tom Pelissero via "X": Former Colorado WR Xavier Weaver is signing with the #Cardinals on a deal that includes $255,000 guaranteed, per his agents @davidcanter @nessmugrabi @iangrutman HMMM ... he was obviously targeted by the Cardinals and so maybe Monti is not going to look for any of the vet FA's currently on the market. FWIW - Weaver was listed by WF as the 21st best WR and projected in 4th round. Zirlein had Brenden Rice at 21, but Weaver @ 34...I already posted once prior on a different thread, I didn't quite know what to make of Zirlein this year though. Did you happen to look at WF's "grading" on our draft? God what a chump.
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Post by End Zone on May 2, 2024 16:49:40 GMT -7
HMMM ... he was obviously targeted by the Cardinals and so maybe Monti is not going to look for any of the vet FA's currently on the market. FWIW - Weaver was listed by WF as the 21st best WR and projected in 4th round. Zirlein had Brenden Rice at 21, but Weaver @ 34...I already posted once prior on a different thread, I didn't quite know what to make of Zirlein this year though. Did you happen to look at WF's "grading" on our draft? God what a chump. I'm not sure what to say about WF and Zirlein rankings on Rice and Weaver. That no team was interested in spending a 1-6 pick on Rice seems to say there was a issue with his background. Dirt is not generally discussed in public. Rice was selected by LAC in the 7th round, helping him avoid the embarrassment of UFDA. Maybe Rice will embarrass the NFL GMs in 10 years. I am looking forward to Weaver's practices. We'll know soon what we got in him.
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Post by flash on May 3, 2024 11:33:22 GMT -7
I just finished watching the highlights for the 3 CB's, our 7th pick WR, the Safety and the Dline player we drafted...
Here is what I think...
We had 3 huge weaknesses...
1. Having a #1 WR...and a better WR Corp 2. Having a good CB Corp 3. Having a good Pass Rush...
WR Corp
Well, we addressed the main weakness of not having a #1 WR by drafting Marvin. But did we improve with our other WR's? First of all, we have to look at Trey McBride as more of a WR than a TE. Just like Kelce is more of the top pass receiver for the Chiefs...
Last season, our WR Starters were:
Hollywood Rondale Wilson
Dortch should have been one of the starters instead of Rondale in my opinion. So, we lost Hollywood and Rondale. Well Marvin replaces Hollywood. Who replaces Rondale? No brainer...Dortch. So now we have this WR/TE receiving Corp:
Marvin Harrison Jr. Michael Wilson Greg Dortch Tejhaun Palmer
Trey McBride
I am not including the back up players...or at least who I think will be back up players or practice squad players...
I have to make a prediction here that some of you may not agree with...I can be totally wrong, but after watching his highlights, I truly believe that Tejhaun Palmer is going to be our sleeper of the draft. He will be our Brock Purdy but in WR format...ha ha ha. Why do I think this? After watching his highlights, this kid catches with his hands not his body the way Andy Isabella used to do...
This is what I saw in Palmer. He catches with his hands. He catches contested balls. He catches the ball over his head when in tight coverage. But what really stands out to me the most is his speed on the field...he runs a 4.45 40...that is not even close to other players who run 4.39 40's, but on the field his 4.45 speed looks like he runs 4.39. The Defensive Secondaries he played against just can't seem to catch him if he gets in front of them...that 4.45 speed looks pretty good when you take into account that Michael Wilson runs a 4.58 40.
Like I said, I think he will make the team and be our sleeper of the draft...
Now let's add one more thing to our WR Corp...Michael Wilson...we have to remember that he started only 12 of 13 games that he played. He missed 4 games playing with Murray. With Marvin on the field, Wilson will get many more opportunities. The question will be...can he stay on the field...
So, if Michael Wilson can stay on the field and Palmer can become better than what Rondale was...that right there is a huge upgrade to our passing game. That does not even include whatever Marvin happens to do for our team...
Pass Rusher
I watched Robinson's highlights...he is not fast. But he shows in his highlights that he can penetrate the opposing Offensive Line and he is a sure tackler...that's what I liked about Dante Stills...he made the tackle...
Robinson looks like he will do better than B.J. Ojulari...I could be wrong on that...but I don't think he will be worse than B.J. Who could our other pass rushers be besides Robinson? Could Dante Stills be one of our starting Pass Rushers? He only started 8 out of 15 games last season...I seriously think he starts more games this season. Is that it? Will Ojulari improve over last season? Did you know that Ojulari started zero games out of 17 games last season? He was our 2nd round draft pick last season...at #41 overall...when Dante Stills(6th Round...213th overall) and Kei'Trel Clark(6th Round...#180 overall pick) start more games than him, that doesn't really look good...but perhaps he will step it up this year...so we have to see if he pans out this season...can any of the Linebacker's become a dominant pass rusher? I am not counting on Zaven Collins to improve much...but who knows...maybe J.G can sprinkle some magic dust on him....anymore possible pass rushers? Hmm...Yes!
Perhaps you won't agree with me, but we might have a surprise pass rusher amongst us...Jaden Davis CB...our last pick in the draft...after watching his highlights...he played as a Blitzing CB...and he is very good at it...he creates pressure and he tackle really good. But since he won't be considered as one of the regular pass rushers...he more than likely will be a back up to our starting CB Corp...
CB Corp
Even though our defense was 31rst in points allowed last season...our pass defense was not as bad as I thought...our pass defense was 30th in points allowed but pretty good in preventing passing yards.
Pass Defense: 13th in Passing Yards allowed: 3613 passing yards allowed 13th in Passing Yards allowed per game: 212.5 passing yards per game 30th in passing Touchdowns allowed...
If we were 13th in Pass Defense in yards allowed...I see us end up as a top 10 passing defense this season. What did we do to turn 30th in passing touchdowns allowed to at least average?
Did we draft to cut down on passing touchdowns by our opponents...hmm...
Max Melton CB runs a 4.39 40 but is 5'11" Elijah Jones CB runs a 4.4 and is 6'1 1/2" Jaden Davis CB runs a 4.47 40 but is 5'10" Dadrion Taylor-Demerson Safety runs a 4.41 40 but is 5'10"
That is a lot of speed listed above...but 3 of those players are 5'11" or shorter...what happens if they go up against elite tall WR's? Can speed overcome height? Add to that, Kei'Trel Clark is also 5'10". Will you believe that Garrett Williams is also 5'10"? Should we have drafted at least one more taller CB?
The 3 Corners we drafted have one thing in common...they all tackle exceptionally well. They are very good tacklers in open field...but of course highlight films probably don't show missed tackles...perhaps someone can shed some light on the 3 CB's.
Aside from now having a short CB Corp...hopefully their speed will make up for their height. If two of the three CB's pan out and Garrett Williams steps up his play this season...we should have an above average CB Corp in passing yards allowed, passing yards allowed per game. It is the passing touchdowns allowed that concerns me...J.G and Rallis need to solve that problem.
I do think that Melton, Jones, Davis, Clark and Williams are above average Cornerbacks or can become above average Cornerbacks. Should that happen...we will have a winning season this year.
Rushing Defense...ouch!!!
We were last in rushing yards allowed last season. We were 27th in rushing touchdowns allowed last season. Will drafting Robinson help in improving these stats? Will our LB's step up? Where did Buddha and Jalen fit in when it came to rushing yards allowed? I know Jalen was our FS...so he gets a pass on this stat...
I don't know that we addressed this problem...Can Dante Stills return help? What about Zaven Collin or Kyzer White? Is Gardeck still on the team? He had the most sacks of the LB's with 6. And he started only 8 of 17 games...but he does not address the run as much as getting after the QB...
Can you tell me how we can address our run defense with the players we currently have? I see this as one of our weaknesses still. And for this reason, I don't think we have a team that can make a playoff run...
Well there is what I think of our team after the draft....I am looking forward to all of your feedback on my thoughts...
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Post by End Zone on May 3, 2024 13:50:11 GMT -7
Flash, that is a heck of an open editorial to the Forum. Nice job!
To answer your question, here's my 2 cents:
Draft Grade: A
Players Selected: A (I had some other players that were picked off by other teams.) I really liked DeJean. I think Rice is better than Weaver.
Trading down: D. I thought that was a mistake at the top of the 2nd Round. Ossenfort missed some outstanding starter talent that would have helped the Defense in September. I'm okay with the extra pick from the trade but still think the cost of dropping from #35 to the 40s and adding an extra pick will cost too much. That's my opinion and we won't know who is right (Ossenfort or me) for years.
Effect of the Draft on W/L in 2024: B. I think the team will win more than 4 games in 2024. The rookies will make an impact starting at game 1. The rookies have to learn fast and avoid injury. If they can accomplish the unthinkable and help the team win 10-11 games, then Ossenfort hit a grand salami.
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Post by JAB on May 3, 2024 21:31:40 GMT -7
1-7 Padres.
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Post by devongent on May 4, 2024 0:22:53 GMT -7
Dortch should have been one of the starters instead of Rondale in my opinion. So, we lost Hollywood and Rondale. Well Marvin replaces Hollywood. Who replaces Rondale? No brainer...Dortch. So now we have this WR/TE receiving Corp: Marvin Harrison Jr. Michael Wilson Greg Dortch Tejhaun Palmer Trey McBride I am not including the back up players...or at least who I think will be back up players or practice squad players... I think we can add Elijah Higgins TE to that list, he showed enough last season that he is a good option (baring in mind we will be using 2-TE sets on a regular basis). Looking at the recruitment as a whole, we are setting ourselves up for a strong running game. Trey Benson and Tip Reiman are a clear demonstration of this, and the receiving corps should be able to benefit on the back of this approach. Most will depend on whether (or not) the O-Line is strong and able enough to get on the front-foot and dictate our pattern of play on the opponent. If they can, then the Cardinals have a fearsome Offense, which will score a lot of points in most games next season. However, if the O-line is deficient, then expect to see a familiar pattern of Kyler scrambling around and a stuttering Offensive effort. Great post flash, I can tell you put a lot of thought and effort into it.
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Post by devongent on May 4, 2024 0:37:00 GMT -7
Max Melton CB runs a 4.39 40 but is 5'11" Elijah Jones CB runs a 4.4 and is 6'1 1/2" Jaden Davis CB runs a 4.47 40 but is 5'10" Dadrion Taylor-Demerson Safety runs a 4.41 40 but is 5'10" That is a lot of speed listed above...but 3 of those players are 5'11" or shorter...what happens if they go up against elite tall WR's? Can speed overcome height? Add to that, Kei'Trel Clark is also 5'10". Will you believe that Garrett Williams is also 5'10"? Should we have drafted at least one more taller CB? The 3 Corners we drafted have one thing in common...they all tackle exceptionally well. They are very good tacklers in open field..You have hit the nail on the head here flash, and allied to the 'speed factor' these are the attributes our FO really values. I like our young corps of DB's and think there is a lot of talent and potential within. I see Sean Murphy-Bunting is listed at 6'0", which is near to normal for an outside Cornerback, and he should have a large part to play. We shall have to wait and see what happens this coming season, but if 'height at the back' proves to be our Achilles heel, then I will commit here & now to jump on the bandwagon and make this our Number One priority for the 2025 Draft...!
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Post by End Zone on May 4, 2024 4:28:10 GMT -7
Max Melton CB runs a 4.39 40 but is 5'11" Elijah Jones CB runs a 4.4 and is 6'1 1/2" Jaden Davis CB runs a 4.47 40 but is 5'10" Dadrion Taylor-Demerson Safety runs a 4.41 40 but is 5'10" That is a lot of speed listed above...but 3 of those players are 5'11" or shorter...what happens if they go up against elite tall WR's? Can speed overcome height? Add to that, Kei'Trel Clark is also 5'10". Will you believe that Garrett Williams is also 5'10"? Should we have drafted at least one more taller CB? The 3 Corners we drafted have one thing in common...they all tackle exceptionally well. They are very good tacklers in open field..You have hit the nail on the head here flash, and allied to the 'speed factor' these are the attributes our FO really values. I like our young corps of DB's and think there is a lot of talent and potential within. I see Sean Murphy-Bunting is listed at 6'0", which is near to normal for an outside Cornerback, and he should have a large part to play. We shall have to wait and see what happens this coming season, but if 'height at the back' proves to be our Achilles heel, then I will commit here & now to jump on the bandwagon and make this our Number One priority for the 2025 Draft...! Leaping ability can compensate for some of the DB height and arm length concerns. We don't often discuss a DB's ability to out-jump and challenge taller WRs.
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Post by flash on May 4, 2024 12:52:01 GMT -7
Dortch should have been one of the starters instead of Rondale in my opinion. So, we lost Hollywood and Rondale. Well Marvin replaces Hollywood. Who replaces Rondale? No brainer...Dortch. So now we have this WR/TE receiving Corp: Marvin Harrison Jr. Michael Wilson Greg Dortch Tejhaun Palmer Trey McBride I am not including the back up players...or at least who I think will be back up players or practice squad players... I think we can add Elijah Higgins TE to that list, he showed enough last season that he is a good option (baring in mind we will be using 2-TE sets on a regular basis). Looking at the recruitment as a whole, we are setting ourselves up for a strong running game. Trey Benson and Tip Reiman are a clear demonstration of this, and the receiving corps should be able to benefit on the back of this approach. Most will depend on whether (or not) the O-Line is strong and able enough to get on the front-foot and dictate our pattern of play on the opponent. If they can, then the Cardinals have a fearsome Offense, which will score a lot of points in most games next season. However, if the O-line is deficient, then expect to see a familiar pattern of Kyler scrambling around and a stuttering Offensive effort. Great post flash, I can tell you put a lot of thought and effort into it. Thank you Dev, I always value your opinion, even if we don't agree...
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Post by flash on May 4, 2024 12:58:41 GMT -7
Max Melton CB runs a 4.39 40 but is 5'11" Elijah Jones CB runs a 4.4 and is 6'1 1/2" Jaden Davis CB runs a 4.47 40 but is 5'10" Dadrion Taylor-Demerson Safety runs a 4.41 40 but is 5'10" That is a lot of speed listed above...but 3 of those players are 5'11" or shorter...what happens if they go up against elite tall WR's? Can speed overcome height? Add to that, Kei'Trel Clark is also 5'10". Will you believe that Garrett Williams is also 5'10"? Should we have drafted at least one more taller CB? The 3 Corners we drafted have one thing in common...they all tackle exceptionally well. They are very good tacklers in open field..You have hit the nail on the head here flash, and allied to the 'speed factor' these are the attributes our FO really values. I like our young corps of DB's and think there is a lot of talent and potential within. I see Sean Murphy-Bunting is listed at 6'0", which is near to normal for an outside Cornerback, and he should have a large part to play. We shall have to wait and see what happens this coming season, but if 'height at the back' proves to be our Achilles heel, then I will commit here & now to jump on the bandwagon and make this our Number One priority for the 2025 Draft...! I am hoping that J.G. will figure out how to overcome the height thing if it really becomes an issue...but I guess we will see how that pans out Dev...
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Post by devongent on May 5, 2024 0:45:46 GMT -7
Leaping ability can compensate for some of the DB height and arm length concerns. We don't often discuss a DB's ability to out-jump and challenge taller WRs. That's a fair point EZ, athleticism can overcome a lot; for starters it allows the DB/ other defender to get his body in the right position to check & disrupt the runner and also from where to launch a solid jump towards the ball. In addition, good players can actually lever up well and jump high, and the outstanding players can do it all and can time and co-ordinate everything together.
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Post by devongent on May 5, 2024 0:54:29 GMT -7
I am hoping that J.G. will figure out how to overcome the height thing if it really becomes an issue...but I guess we will see how that pans out Dev.. You would think he is confident in the DB's collective skills, abilities and their competitive nature. - However, you have to wonder who is going to cover the 6'4" plus receiver pounding down the field. The play-call may be simply to lob the ball up there (basketball style) and expect him to out-muscle and out-reach the defender. All to determined when the play action starts next season...
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