Lee Evans Traded To The Ravens, Cardinals Fans Don't Need to Worry

by Jess Root on Aug 13, 2011 2:41 AM MDT in NFL Preseason/Training Camp

For a while now, the biggest theme around the needs of the Arizona Cardinals has been finding a suitable number two receiver to stretch the field vertically and complement Larry Fitzgerald. The rumors have traveled. First it was Braylon Edwards, then Malcolm Floyd, then Jerricho Cotchery. From there it brought Randy Moss to the forefront. Each player found a new home or, in Moss' case, decided to stay home. Then Lee Evans came up as a possibility

However, Evans was traded on Friday to the Baltimore Ravens for a reported fourth round draft pick. Cardinals fans are disappointed once again. But they shouldn't be.

Obviously it has been frustrating for fans to hear name after name come up as being connected to the Cards, only to see them end up elsewhere, but the team was never going to go after a big name for a bunch of money. The reason is because of the young players they already have are doing well and the team believes in them.

If the team was going to get one of these guys, it was going to be on a short-term, relatively inexpensive contract. That never materialized.

It is important to note that the price that Buffalo fetched for Evans was one Arizona never wanted to pay. In 2012, they already are without their second round choice because of the Kevin Kolb deal. Yes, they are picking up a lateround pick from he Tim Hightower trade, but the Cards likely will not want to part with any more picks.

Additionally, and this cannot be stressed enough, it is apparent that the coaching staff thinks highly of both Andre Roberts and Early Doucet. These guys, if they stay healthy, will do just fine. No, they are not a big name, but does that matter?

Remember that teams look more at film for game prep rather than at someone's jersey. Roberts came on strong last season and has had a very good camp. Doucet is just trying get out of camp without injury for the first time in his career. We have already seen what he is capable of.

So, while the Cardinals were in fact kicking the tires and inquiring about other receivers, just know that they will be satisfied with who the, already have.

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Comments

His face...

kind of looks like the Duke Blue Devil mascot. Pointy nose and pointy chin with goatee.

In Every Climb and Place....

by PhoenicianPakFan on Aug 13, 2011 3:02 AM MDT reply actions

haha!

Oh man, I thought I was the only one who thought the same thing.

by CanadianCard on Aug 13, 2011 3:29 AM MDT up reply actions

Evans & Steve Smith were on the top of my list

Not necessarily because I thought we needed them, but because I’m a fan of both of those guys and we still have a little money to spend. I like the pieces that we have, but we’ve gotten questionable-at-best results from all of them (except Fitz, obviously). I do believe we can field an effective passing attack with the pieces that we have, and I like the potential of the group. I wouldn’t mind adding another piece, but I’m also content to go ahead with what we have and let them learn as they go. Hard to argue with letting our young talent develop with our new, young(ish) QB.

by tw3kr on Aug 13, 2011 3:40 AM MDT reply actions

Well

I like our receiving unit currently and I’d rather we toughen up the OL some more.

by KholdStare88 on Aug 13, 2011 3:58 AM MDT reply actions

Amen

I would rather get a kick @ss LT than anything else!!!!! That would make all our WRs, RBs, and QB better!

by dramathew on Aug 13, 2011 7:55 AM MDT up reply actions

OT or pass rusher.

Would much rather invest in either. Our two biggest weaknesses.

by hadrarius on Aug 13, 2011 11:14 AM MDT up reply actions

Strong safety

Even before 24 went down (hopefully short-term) we weren’t deep at safety. I’d love to see another SS brought in.

"The true test of a person's intellligence is how much they agree with you."

by pthesz on Aug 13, 2011 11:00 PM MDT up reply actions

I think the pieces are in place

Doucet and Roberts (and potentially Williams) provide a young tandem to fill in nicely. And judging by the amount of targets to the TE’s on Thu, we’re going to finally see that position in the mix for the first time…..

by Cardzfan on Aug 13, 2011 6:52 AM MDT reply actions

A 4th round pick is pretty good.

by Rob Burson on Aug 13, 2011 8:53 AM MDT reply actions

I do think the FO is taking a bit of a risk though...

…with the WR corps in general. The Cards do not have an established #2 at this time. They’re hoping one develops between now and the first game of the regular season. When I bring that up around the office, the fellas all say: “Well Heap is our #2 receiver.”
I’m not so sure I’m buying that one. We’ll see.
I was definitely hoping the Birds would pick up a solid #2 in FA.

by Rob Burson on Aug 13, 2011 8:58 AM MDT reply actions

Don't think the team cares about establishing a #2 receiver at all.

They want their receivers to perform obviously. A pecking order isn’t important to them. It’s going to be interesting to see how the WR group shakes out in any case. Steven Williams looked good against Oakland. Isaiah Williams and Demarco Sampson had their moments too. Komar was held out of the game due to injury. Chansi Stuckey is going to have to fight just to make the team. Team will probably carry six receivers. Fitz, Roberts and Doucet are in. Leaves the rest to struggle over the last 3 spots.

by hadrarius on Aug 13, 2011 11:24 AM MDT up reply actions

Who over gets put on the PS

Will get stolen by a team like Indy

by Jesse Reynolds on Aug 13, 2011 1:07 PM MDT up reply actions

I'm thinking S. Williams and Sampson make #4 and #5

I. Williams probably goes to the PS ‘cos I believe he’s the only one eligible, and Komar and Stuckey fight it out for 6.

by tw3kr on Aug 13, 2011 8:54 PM MDT up reply actions

Sampson would also be eligible.

Any of the rookies, but only them.

by hadrarius on Aug 13, 2011 11:11 PM MDT up reply actions

I'd like to see

Fitz, Roberts, Doucet, Stuckey, S. Williams, and Sampson.

Komar was a great guy to have on the squad last year, but I don’t feel like he really did anything special. That mixed with this groin injury, I can’t see him making it over the bigger, more physical, more polished guys he’s competing with.

Faith Focus Finish

by b0rd3rline on Aug 14, 2011 1:50 AM MDT up reply actions

That line up

makes good sense to me at this point. Isaiah Williams could go to the practice squad. Komar was ok but nothing special. Stuckey has more experience. S. Williams I’d like to see up against #1 corners this preseason. He has great potential.

by hadrarius on Aug 14, 2011 10:33 AM MDT up reply actions