The 'centerfielders' of the defense are critical for not only preventing big plays for opposing offenses but this season they'll also be expected to produce big plays for the defense. Like most positions on the defense, the safeties look to be more talented and deeper than they were not only last season, but any season in quite some time. One position in set in stone and the other position is still in flux but either way the starter looks to be solid. The only question seems to be, just how good can this unit be?

Adrian Wilson: A-dub finished the season on the IR for the first time in his career in  2007 and the defense suffered almost immediately. The defense allowed 21.6 points per game in the 9 games that he played and 29.1 in the 7 games that he didn't. When he's healthy, Wilson can wreak havoc on opposing offenses by supporting the run, rushing the QB and defending the pass. The fact that he's only been to one Pro Bowl is proof that the system simply doesn't work. He'll turn 29 years old during the season but he's keeps himself in tremendous shape so there's no reason to think that he'll slow down anytime soon. He's also playing for a new contract this season since his contract ends after the 2009 season and it's believed that the club wants to extend him before he's allowed to hit free agency.

Antrel Rolle: The former first round pick is being moved to free safety after several up and down years at cornerback. He still has to win the job during camp but for now he's believed to be the front runner. Most scouts believe that Rolle's skill set and size (6'0 208) was always better suited to play safety and that he'll thrive at the new position. One thing is for sure, he's a play-maker and he instantly upgrades the athleticism in the secondary. If he can pick up the finer points of the position fast enough, he should be able to hold off Aaron Francisco. Having a quality safety beside Wilson should allow A-dub to free wheel more often and create even more problems for opposing offenses.

Aaron Francisco: Francisco has opened some eyes during his limited playing time the past couple of years and looks to be Wilson's main competition at free safety. He filled in for Wilson last year and averaged over 6 tackles a start. He's a big hitter who's still young (just turned 25) but already has some experience (5 starts in 3 seasons). Whether or not he wins the starting job, he'll continue to be a force on special teams. If he does win the starting job it'll be because of his physical style of play and his familiarity with the position. Francisco is signed through 2010.

Oliver Celestin: Celestin started the first four games of his career in 2007 after three seasons of playing primarily on special teams. He's not particularly athletic but he's been around long enough to play intelligent football and get by on veteran savvy. He's best suited as a backup though as he got exposed at time last year while filling in for Wilson. He's a solid special teams player and has the size (6'0 207) to deliver a big hit at times. He signed a one year contract in April of this year.

Matt Ware: Ware is versatile enough that he'll probably compete as a backup safety and at corner. He's built like a safety (6'2 214) and has already been in the league for 4 seasons despite being only 25 years old. Up until now he's played mostly on special teams but he did start a game in 2006 and recorded a career high 4 tackles. He signed a two year contract after the 2007 season.

Dennis Keyes: An undrafted free agent out of UCLA, Keyes is most likely headed to the practice squad if the Cardinals want to keep him. He's a physical player who made a name for himself in the PAC-10 as a big hitter. He's doesn't have great timed speed but he makes plays all over the field and has good instincts. Keyes was a free safety in college but I wouldn't be surprised if the coaching staff took advantage of his tackling prowess by moving him to strong safety.

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The safety position is the only unit on the defensive side of the ball that didn't have at least one addition either through the draft or free agency this offseason. Rolle moved into the position from cornerback and unless injuries ravage the position again, it should be much improved in 2008. A-dub is one of, if not the best, safety in the NFC and after a season lost to injury he should be out to prove that to the league. Is the safety position ready to dominate? Does Fransisco give Rolle a serious run for his money at free safety?

• Darren Urban, at the Cardinals official site, identifies five players who are poised for a breakout season, including Levi Brown, Antrel Rolle, Steve Breaston, Matt Leinart and Alan Branch. Needless to say, if his list is correct an those five do step up and have career years, this team is playoff bound.
• The official site also took a look at Fitzgerald's off season travels and needless to say with his pocket book he can go just about anywhere he pleases, including Brazil, Peru, New Zealand, Australia and is planning trips to Africa and Morocco. I hope his future plans also include taking this team to the promise land as well.
  
• The Cardinals are keeping an open mind as to which players could make an impact on special teams in the upcoming season. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie blocked several kicks in college and he could be a candidate as well as Leonard Pope Calais Campbell, both of who are 6'8.
  
• While every sports cast that I've seen the past week has centered around Favre's possible return to the NFL, I didn't expect to see Kurt Warner's take on it, but he offers his opinion to STL Today. He adds that he plans to play three more years before seriously considering retirement, but also said that he understands Favre's predicament.
  
• The Cardinals and Karlos Dansby aren't any closer to agreeing to a long term contract and both sides seem to have conceded that a deal won't get done before the July 15th deadline. Dansby wants $9 million a season, while the Cardinals are trying to stick much closer to Lofa Tatupa and Lance Briggs' contracts.

• CBS Sports identifies their 30 players most likely to break out this season and as you'd expect, most of them are second or third year guys. There were two Cardinals made the list and if this is correct, I'd expect big things from the Cardinals in 2008:

5. Antrel Rolle, S, Arizona Cardinals: The scouts all said Rolle didn't have the hips to play corner. So even though he made some big plays last season -- including two picks for scores in one game -- Rolle moves to free safety this season. Look for Rolle to be much more of a fit at safety. He is a playmaker who will complement Adrian Wilson well. 

7. Matt Leinart, QB, Arizona Cardinals: His second season was cut short in 2008 when he suffered a broken collarbone in the fifth game. That led to Kurt Warner taking over and playing well. But Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt is going back to Leinart, which is the right move. Leinart can be the Cardinals' franchise passer and this is the season he proves that to the many skeptics.

• Scout.com takes another look at the contract situations with Boldin, Dockett, Dansby and Wilson. They believe that GM Rod Graves should be more concentrated on Wilson and Dansby that on Q and DD, and I for one couldn't agree more.
  
• The Cardinals official site has an interesting story about the Cardinals 7th round pick, Brandon Keith. He talks about his off the field issues prior to the draft and how he's handled himself since. They also touch on what he needs to improve on and his goals for the upcoming season and beyond.
• If you're still looking for your season tickets, your are in luck. The Cardinals season ticket sales are lagging behind the previous two seasons but they do still expect to continue the current streak of 20 straight sell outs. If you're in the market for single game tickets, they will go on sale on July 26th.

To continue an ongoing series focusing on the Cardinals undrafted free agents, today let's look at a guy who was a three year starter in the PAC-10. Dennis Keyes started over 35 games at UCLA and finished his senior season with as the team leader in tackles.  He had an up and down career as a Bruin but he always had a reputation as a big hitter. Keyes never hesitated to lay the big hit either in the passing game or at the line of scrimmage in support of the run. With Rolle moving to free safety to compete for the job, there are several safeties in the mix but what does Keyes have to do in order to make an impact in 2008 and beyond? 

Why the deck is stacked against him: First and foremost, the Cardinals have plenty of depth at the safety position. Keyes played at free safety during college meaning that he's got to contend with Aaron Francisco,  Antrel Rolle and Matt Ware as well at FS and Oliver Celestin (another backup safety). Having five established safeties ahead of him will make it tough to make an impression, much less get on the field. Keyes also doesn't have great timed speed and will miss tackles when trying to go for the big hit. His lack of top end speed and stiff hips make it hard for him to keep up with receivers down the field and he struggles when matched up man-to-man.

Why he's got a chance: Keyes is has plenty of experience at a high level of competition meaning that his transition to the NFL won't be as drastic as other rookies. He plays fearless and makes plays all over the field, even against bigger, stronger players. He led his team in tackles and was fourth in the conference (8.83 per game) in 2007. Keyes' has good instincts and plays faster than he times, especially when closing on the ball. For as much as he struggles in man-to-man situations, he is solid in zone coverage when he can back pedal and react when the ball is in the air. At the start of his career, Keyes will have to make an impact on special teams and most importantly coverage units.

Bottom line: If Keyes wants to make the opening day roster, he'll have to be a special teams terror during the preseason. He's got the 'football' speed and demeanor to make an impact kickoff and punt coverage units. As far as the regular defensive group, I wouldn't be surprised if he moves to strong safety where his tackling ability can be used to support the run and his lack of coverage ability can be disguised a bit. He'll also have add some weight to his slender frame (6'1 205).  If he can get up to about 220 or so without losing any athleticism, I could see him being a capable backup at strong safety.

Much has been made of Antrel Rolle's move to free safety and the consensus seems to be that he's got the tools to excel as a safety. Rolle was known as a physical corner so few question his ability to step into a role that requires a player to be a sure tackler. There is one thing that Rolle will have in his favor, he's got a Pro Bowl safety to learn from. Adrian Wilson's career has been highlighted with three seasons of at least 90 tackles, two seasons of at least 5 sacks, five seasons with multiple interceptions and a 2006 Pro Bowl. Together they have the potential (yea I hate that word at much as the next guy) to form one of the best safety combinations in the league. Rarely does a team have two really good safeties and I can't wait to see it on the field. They should make a unique combination with Wilson ranging all over the field supporting the run and the pass and Rolle ranging in center field just waiting to capitalize on every quarterback's mistake. One things keeps popping into my head though, can they both be Pro Bowlers, if not which one is more likely to make it to Hawaii?

How good do you think Rolle can be at safety and can he be productive in his first season? Will he need a season of transition or is he finally ready to live up to his draft status?

• Receiver Jerheme Urban is glad he can finally give back to his home community as he's returning to Victoria, Texas to hold his first annual football camp. The camp will be for high school age players and is free of charge. Urban was born is Victoria and attended college at nearby Trinity University where he holds school records for career touchdowns, season touchdowns and kickoff return yards in a career and a season as well as several track and field records. Urban is in group of receivers fighting for the #3 job.
• CBS Sports makes their case for why Warner should be the starter instead of Leinart. According to Clark Judge, the Cardinals have a legitimate shot to win the NFC West and Warner is more capable of leading to them to that goal. He also makes a case that if their caliber of play is close in the preseason, that Warner should get the nod over Leinart. 

  

• ESPN is also covering the QB battle situation but they're sticking to the middle  ground and not naming their choice, at least not yet. They do seem to notice that Warner doesn't seem content standing on the sidelines. They also cover the battle for the #3 receiver, injury concerns and Rolle moving to free safety.
  
• SI.com covers the JJ Arrington arrest and has a bit of extra news. Arrington was held for 24 hours in contempt of court after he was charged with contempt of court but the other four who were arrested were charged with lesser crimes. Reportedly the team is still gathering details. 
• According to Pro Football Weekly, early reports out of the Cardinals are that Ali Highsmith has a good shot at making the final roster. So far, according to them, he's shown an impressive blend of strength and quickness. 
• Scout.com 
  takes a look at the expectations facing the Cardinals this season and if they can live up them.

In a continued look back at past Cardinals' draft classes, today brings us up to the 2005 draft. The Cards were coming off a 6-10 season and held the 8th overall selection after their first season with Dennis Green as the head coach.

First Round: Antrel Rolle CB - Miami

The good news for the Cardinals is that Rolle had the best season of his career in 2007 and is finally getting moved to a position that better suits his skill set. The bad news is that if Rolle's career ended today, he'd go down in history as a bust. Rolle has started 28 games over the past three years (played in another 9) but only has 21 passes defended and 7 interceptions (although 5 of those INTs came in '07) to show for it. His move to safety should allow him to use his above average closing speed and superior tackling to support the run and patrol the middle of the field. We may very well check back in a couple of years and say that Rolle is a very solid (maybe even Pro Bowl caliber) safety.

Other possible selections: Carlos Rogers, Demarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman

Dennis Green thought he was getting the future at running back when he drafted Arrington, even though most scouts considered him a situational back based on his lack of size and some durability questions. As it turned out it, the scouts were right. Arrington's game simply hasn't transitioned to the NFL game. He got a chance to start his rookie season but hasn't done much with any opportunity he's been given. His career line of 152 carries for 467 yards (3.1 ypc) and two touchdowns simply aren't good enough for an early second round pick. He offers something out of the backfield and on kick off returns but that's about it. Being that's he's still only 25 years old, some might argue that he's still developing his game.

Other possible selections: Lofa Tatupa, Khalif Barnes, Roscoe Parrish

Third Round: Eric Green CB - Virginia Tech

After two seasons behind Rolle on the depth chart, Green finally took over as the starter in 2007, but his performance warranted the Cardinals using another first round pick on a corner. Green has started 24 games (played in another 14) over the past three seasons but only has 25 passes defended and one interception to show for it. The knock on Green coming out of VT was that he played off receivers too far allowing passes underneath, because of a lack of physicality and that has been the case so far in his career. Green will likely to be pushed early by rookie DRC and should move back to the slot by mid-season.

Other possible selections: Ryan Moats, Ellis Hobbs, Kirk Morrison

Third Round: Darryl Blackstock OLB - Virginia

The Cardinals traded Duane Starks and their fifth round pick to the Patriots for the Pats third and fifth round pick in order to select Blackstock, who by some accounts was the steal of the draft. Blackstock was supposed to be a versatile player who was stout against the run and a gifted pass rusher but in three seasons in Arizona he started just two games and managed a total of four sacks (three of which came in '07).He left via free agency this off season and signed with the Bengals.

Other possible selections: Domonique Foxworth, Marion Barber III, Brandon Jacobs

Fourth Round: Elton Brown OG - Virginia

Brown's been a versatile player for the Cardinals since he was drafted starting games at both guard and tackle. In total he's started 14 games (played in 4 more) and according to who you believe he's got the tools to become a starter at either guard or tackle in the future. For now he's the top backup at each guard, possibly each tackle and a solid run blocker when he's in the game.

Other possible selections: Jerome Mathis, Kerry Rhodes, Darren Sproles

Fifth Round: Lance Mitchell LB - Oklahoma

Mitchell was a inside linebacker who sustained a serious knee injury his junior year that most thought lingered throughout his senior season. He was supposed to be very good against run although there were question marks about his ability in coverage. He'd play just one year in Arizona though, finishing the 2005 season with
eight tackles in 12 games. He injured his ankle before the 2006 season and was placed on injured reserve before being cut.

Other possible selections: Bo Scaife, Cedric Houston, Derek Anderson

Seventh Round: LeRon McCoy WR - Indiana

McCoy was a speedy reciever with good size but was considered an underachiever who would have to improve his route running to become a legit receiver. McCoy would play in 10 games, even starting 4, his rookie year and would total 191 yards on 18 receptions including a touchdown. Injuries would lead to his release from the Cardinals and kept him from getting on the field last year in San Francisco. He is currently a Texan and competing for a roster spot there.

Other possible selections: no notable players

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Overall the 2005 has been pretty weak draft so far, producing just 12 Pro Bowlers out of 255 picks. It's tough to judge the Cardinals draft yet because so far it's produced zero solid starters and four players who are somewhere between marginal starters (Rolle & Green) and career backups (Arrington & Brown). In time though, if Rolle excels at free safety and if Green performs better as the nickel corner and if Brown steps in as a starter soon then this draft could be very successful (but we all know that was alot of 'ifs'). Overall right now I've gotta say it's a C minus.

The Cardinals kicked off the final week of organized team activities yesterday and welcomed a couple of starters who were absent last week, Karlos Dansby and Antonio Smith. Center Al Johnson also took part in his first practice since undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery five weeks ago and by all accounts, he should be 100% by the start of training camp.

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The Arizona Cardinals have already signed two of their seven draft picks and according to general manager Rod Graves, the team's goal is to get Early Doucet, Chris Harrington and Brandon Keith signed before the start of July. That the would give the front office the month of July to focus on signing first and second round picks, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Calais Campbell. Since he was 16th overall though, Graves isn't too worried that they'll get Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie's contract worked out before the start of camp:

"We will see if it holds true, but the fact the deal is in that area and not the top 10, we have a better chance of getting it done in a timely fashion," Graves said.

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The agents for Darnell Dockett and Anquan Boldin, Drew Rosenhaus made an appearance yesterday and had an informal meeting with both Rod Graves and Ken Whisenhunt. Before anyone gets their hopes up though, at least according to reports his visit possibly wasn't even related to Q or Dockett. Rosenhaus could have been simply visiting other his other Cardinal clients which include Antonio Smith, Edge, Eric Green, Antrel Rolle and Gabe Watson. Of those guys Smith and Green will be free agents after the 2008 season, so their contract situations could be even more pressing.

While perusing the internet I ran across an article at Scout.com's azredreport. If you've never checked out the site, it's worth a look and it might be the Cardinals site updated most often throughout the off season (just in case you're craving some Arizona Cardinals coverage, like I am). This article focuses on the defensive veterans most likely to ____. That obviously doesn't make a lot of sense, so I'll just jump right in before we all get too confused.

New veteran most likely to make an immediate impact: DE/OLB Travis LaBoy

My Take: I admittedly am not as big on the LaBoy signing as most fans have been/are, for three reasons. 1-I'm concerned that he lost his job in his final year with the Titans after gradually working his way into the starting lineup the three previous seasons. 2-I wonder how much of his 2007 season was a result of the rest of the defensive line. That group sent two players to the Pro Bowl as starters. LaBoy finished tied for third in sacks among his D-line mates. 3-It normally takes more than an off season for a defensive end to transition to an outside line backer. He might jump right in there and lead the team in sacks considering the knock on him has always been he's a good pass rusher but can't handle to run, but it would surprising if he can pick it up that quickly.

My Pick: Clark Haggans is the only guy who's had significant experience at outside linebacker. That means they will probably use him more in coverage and let the other guys focus on rushing the passer, but he can still be a force as long as his snaps are limited. Last year was a down year for him,in Pittsburgh, but he started out great (3.5 sacks in first 5 games) but got worn down by too much playing time.

Veteran most likely to be replaced in starting lineup: DE Antonio Smith

My Take: I understand their reasoning with Smith considering he'll be an unrestricted free agent after this season and that two defensive ends were drafted to compete with him. I think Smith will have every motivation to have a career year though. He'll be entering free agency at a prime age (27) and if he can build on his 5.5 sack season from 2007, he'll be in line for a big payday. Campbell should push for time but Smith's experience should hold him off and he might even benefit from a rotation that'll keep him fresh the entire season.

My Pick: Eric Green will have to play much better than he did in 2007 or Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will take over by mid-season. He'll have to do better than 8 passes defended and zero picks to hold off the promising rookie.

Veteran most likely to suffer a season-ending injury: DE Bertrand Berry

My Take: This is a no-brainer. Berry's only played in 27 games the past three seasons and restructured his contract in February because the team was reportedly considering releasing the soon-to-be 33 year old veteran.

Veteran most likely to resurrect their career: DT Bryan Robinson

My Take: Robinson's not a bad choice but I don't see how he'll get many snaps. He has the size to play both tackle and end but he'd be third on the depth chart at tackle and fourth at end (assuming Campbell beats him out). If he's that far down the chart he'll probably only get limited snaps as the final member of the rotation. He could surprise though if the Cardinals play more 4-3 than we expect.

My Pick: If Antrel Rolle can be considered a veteran, then he's my pick. I really like the idea of moving him to free safety and his success or failure at the change in positions could go a long way to shoring up the 28th ranked pass defense in 2007.

Veteran most likely to get a restructured contract: SS Adrian Wilson

My Take: It's had to disagree with Wilson as the pick here unless they can pull some serious magic and get Dansby locked up. Dansby seems content to put up another solid season then test the free market though. Boldin would be the only other option but Wilson has been with the team so much longer that he's probably ahead of Q in line.

So what do you think? Disagree/Agree?

The first week of organized team activities concluded this afternoon in Arizona and the good news is that there aren't any new injuries and there weren't any surprise absences. The reports that come out of OTAs need to be taken with a grain of salt but I'll pass them along anyways.

• Steve Breaston seems to be the shining star so far after three practices. He'd carried the momentum from a solid mini-camp shortly after the draft. After a rookie season in which he made a name for himself as a returner he definitely made it a point this off season to improve as a receiver. He's making sure that  Early Doucet will have to do more than simply show up to get the #3 job.
• Coach Whisenhunt stated that he has been in contact with both Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett but that he doesn't expect them in for OTAs anytime soon. This isn't as bad as it sounds though. Sure it would be nice to have two veteran players in town, mentoring the youngsters but with them gone right now, Doucet and Calais Campbell are getting considerably more snaps than they would have. Doucet is taking snaps with the second group and Campbell is taking snaps with the first and second defense.
  
• Offensive line coach Russ Grimm found an interesting way to get around the NFL's 'no contact' policy for OTAs by doing one on one offensive lineman drills with a tackling dummy between the guys. Not sure if he did this during his days with the Steelers but it's definitely a way to keep things from getting monotonous.
  



• There's also a 'feel good' article on Antrel Rolle's new job at free safety and how he's moving to a more natural position for his skill set. The good news for Rolle is that he's following up Terrence Holt, who did a great job of underwhelming everyone last year, so the bar is set pretty low. There's an odd about Rolle possibly playing safety on first and second down then switching to corner back to cover slot receivers in the nickel defense. I don't really see the point in 'flip-flopping' him like this because he can't focus on being a great safety if he's playing a third of his time at corner. Oh well, there's still a couple of months before we'll see if that'll work. Hopefully DRC can step up and lock down the #3 job with a close eye on Eric Green's job.
  
• There's also an encouraging story from the Cardinals official site about rookie Tim Hightower. It's encouraging in that the coaching staff has relatively high expectations of him for a guy who was a fifth round pick and is supposedly buried on the depth chart (4th in line). It sounds like they expect him to move up the depth chart and have a legit role for this team in 2008. That could be bad news for veterans Marcel Shipp and JJ Arrington.
  
• The streak of seven practices without a turnover ended today though as a pass from Matt Leinart was tipped by Gerald Hayes and intercepted by Clark Haggans. Coach Whisenhunt has said a couple times though that Leinart looks much better now than he did this time last year, which is great news for the Cardinals. Hopefully a full season and off season under the new system will make light years of difference for Matt.
  

All in all, not a bad first week. We've heard good things about several of the young guys, both quarterbacks have looked good and the team as a whole looked sharp which led to crisp practices. It's way too early for any of this to mean much, but it's still good to hear that is sounds like the Arizona Cardinals are buying into what Whisenhunt is preaching. Thoughts? Has anyone been able to watch any practices?