Projecting The Arizona Cardinals 2010 Roster: Middle Linebackers
by Andrew602 on Jul 1, 2010 9:54 AM MDT
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PrintAndrew602 note: I apologize for the absence the last two days. I've been dealing with connection issues at home but I'm back full strength. Also, the Hamza Abdullah Q&A needed to be rescheduled. I'll keep you guys in the loop.
In our last set of roster projections, we looked at the defensive ends. The starters - Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell - are set in stone, and the depth is much better this season. Behind the defensive ends are the middle linebackers. They are the strength behind any defense. They may be asked to defend against the run, the pass, or even rush the passer, and they're usually the leaders of the defense. The Cardinals group has seen vast changes so far in 2010, primarily because longtime linebacker Karlos Dansby bolted when the free agency period began. The team brought in depth and drafted a future starter as well. Here is their story.
Starters
MILB: Gerald Hayes
- The only middle linebacker on the Cardinals roster that is a lock as a starter is Gerald Hayes. Although he's faced back problems stemming from last season, Hayes and the coaching staff have assured the fans that he'll be healthy and ready when the season begins. He's the Cardinals best run-defender and one of the leaders on defense. After playing in Dansby's shadow the last six seasons, we'll get a full view at what Hayes is made of and see how he handles the pressure of being the top dog.
WILB: Paris Lenon
- Before there was Daryl Washington, there was Paris Lenon. Most of us cringed at the idea of Lenon replacing Dansby, but the front office and coaching staff made it clear that that wasn't the deal. Lenon is a seasoned veteran linebacker that can learn the Cardinals' defensive system, provide adequate play, and mentor the rookie. The journeyman linebacker has bounced around from the Packers, Lions, Patriots, to Rams during his NFL career, and Arizona could be his last stop if he doesn't mind providing depth and special teams play.
Primary Back Ups:
Daryl Washington
- Washington may have a tougher time starting in 2010 then 1st round pick Dan Williams, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a chance. He's transitioning to middle linebacker and will need to take advantage of the Cardinals offseason programs and training camp to be prepared for next season. If he is, Ken Whisenhunt will likely rotate him into the starting line up in passing situations. If Washington can grasp the speed of the NFL with little hesitation, we may be looking at a starter on defense halfway through the season.
Money Beisel
- The Cardinals brought back Beisel last season because of the depth and experience he provides. That reason won't change in 2010. Although he's practiced with the first team in OTAs, he'll be a special team's ace and back up entering the season. Beisel's lack of speed and athleticism is what hinders his chances at starting time, but his determination will prevail at times when we see him on game day.
On The Bubble: Reggie Walker
- Reggie Walker is an intriguing prospect entering camp this year. He was added to the roster last offseason and he didn't see much playing time. With the changes made at linebacker this year, Walker could get shuffled into the line up as a situational role player. Either way, he'll face a steep hill to climb if he wishes to play an abundance amount of time next season.
Out Of The Mix
- After the undrafted Highsmith was signed back in the 2008 offseason, many Cardinal fans were anticipating his play on the field. Unfortunately, he was sidelined with a knee injury that season and was placed on IR. Last year, Highsmith was fully recovered and even started when Gerald Hayes sat out with back problems. The production decreased however, and Highsmith's status with the team isn't so sure. The knee injury could have been lingering, and perhaps he'll use this offseason to work out any kinks in his game. Highsmith will likely be a part of the Cardinals practice squad next season.
Chris Johnson
- Chris Johnson is the best running back in the league right now and after running for over 2,000 yards last season, he'll ... oh wait, not that Chris Johnson? Actually, the Cardinals Chris Johnson was brought on during OTAs this offseason as a undrafted rookie. He has the speed and heart on his side, but at this point, he only stands a puncher's chance at making the roster.
Middle linebacker could make or break the Cardinals 2010 season. Dansby's departure has already raised eyebrows and no one will believe the Cardinals can play well without him until they actually do it. That time can't come soon enough. What are your thoughts at middle linebacker and can Daryl Washington start before the season begins?
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He most likely won't start before the season
But if he can prove himself to Whiz then he will be the starter before seasons end.
Remember no matter where you go in life...there you are!
by McCards010 on Jul 1, 2010 11:36 AM MDT reply actions
Washington
Of the few positions rookies can make the transition quickly from college to pro’s, I think ILB is one of them. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Washington playing early in the mix. I know Whiz will make him prove himself, but if he isn’t starting or a major contributor by week six, I will be very disappointed. Well, unless it’s because Lenon is playing out of his mind.
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that." - Bill Shankly
+1
ILB does seem to be a position where guys do step in pretty quickly (Lewis, Urlacher, Willis, Laurinaitis, Maualuga, etc.) so I don’t think it’s unrealistic to think that Washington may be starting even before Williams. One correction to what Andrew said, even though he was sometimes listed as an OLB in college, in reality he played inside so the adjustment at this level won’t include learning a new position.
I would be surprised if he’s the starter when the season begins, but by midseason I think it’s realistic.
I thought he played both.
I know during the combine and draft he was listed as an inside linebacker.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
It does get confusing
because TCU will run a 4-2-5 defensive alignment so it can be difficult to tell who’s playing where. The other thing that was mentioned a lot during the combine was how many 4-3 teams may have been looking at him as an OLB in that scheme. Not saying he never lined up outside, but last season he was primarily inside.
If he doesn't start by week 6 we may have another Rashad Johnson
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
plenty of hope for rashad
we was behind rolle, wilson, and ware.
im not disappointed with him.
he’s been holding it down in madden for me all year. i dropped a-dub to ROLB and put Johnson as starting SS.
by fansincejakenrob on Jul 1, 2010 3:06 PM MDT up reply actions
Interesting
Did Wilson’s stats go up or down?
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
I think he goes into the mid 80s.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
He's an 88 at OLB
Johnson is a 69 at SS. I put him back there because he has better hands than Adub.
And #24 at OLB let him play mid field coverage and rush.
by fansincejakenrob on Jul 2, 2010 1:06 PM MDT up reply actions
Didn't Highsmith play in too many games to be eligible for the PS this year?
Walker had two sacks…???
I kinda think that if Walker puts together another great preseason he has a shot at beating out Beisel. I really don’t see us carrying more than 4 ILBs considering the wealth of players we have elsewhere so these guys are really going to have to compete to get it, and even though Beisel is our only experienced backup, Walker does have a year under his belt now and there was a reason they didn’t put him on the PS last year…
Damnit
I always get Walker and Will Davis mixed up for some reason. Davis had 2 sacks
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
Hah no prob
I was mixing up Walker & Washington earlier, and that was before we had two Washington’s…
I think he's
got a very legit shot at beating out Beisel as Hayes’ back-up, but unless he’s a lot better than I realize we better pray that Hayes stays healthy. Will be curious to see who may get released during the preseason that we may take a look at if neither instills confidence in the coaching staff.
I think Washington could make it into the starting lineup around the Bye Week.
For some reason Madden has Washington listed as an OLB too even though it was made pretty clear that he was there to take over for Dansby.
I’d like to see what Walker does too. He was impressive in the Broncos preseason game, I remember that tackle he made near the goal line.
Lifelong Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan [I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].
I can't stand fair-weather/bandwagon fans, stick with your team, throughout the good and the bad. And don't switch to whichever team wins the Super Bowl each year.
Andrew, Glad you're back
I was a little concerned when you dropped off. Any idea when the reschedule with Abdullah might happen?
by Birdman from Mesa on Jul 1, 2010 3:50 PM MDT reply actions
I'm shooting for next week. I'll need to contact him today or tomorrow.
Trust me when I say I was breathing fire when I couldnt get my internet up. Next time I’ll have a back up plan.
What? I didn't break it, I was just testing its durability, and then I placed it in the woods becuase it's made out of wood and I just thought he should be with his family.
Revenge of the Birds
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