In a continued look at each position heading into camp (tight ends and wide receivers) we'll take a look at the running backs that the Cardinals will roll out this year. For an offense that bordered on explosive in 2007, the running game was...well, pedestrian. Despite having the most yards from their leading rusher (Edge 1,222) since 1983 (Otis Anderson 1,270), the Cardinals still finished at or near the bottom of the NFL in nearly every rushing category. The finished 26th or worst in yards per game, average yards per rush, runs that resulted in a first down, runs of 20+ yards, runs of 40+ yards and fumbles. So how could there be hope, since the only addition was a 5th round pick that no one heard of on draft day?

Edgerrin James: After two seasons in the desert, we pretty much know what we
have in the man that they call 'Edge.' The first running back to have for back to back 1,000 yard seasons for the Cardinal since Otis Anderson in 1983 & 1984 hasn't been the play-maker that we thought we were getting when he signed a four year 30 million dollar contract, but that's not to say he's been a disappointment either. After a 2006 season that saw him run behind a porous offensive line over 330 times, he rebounded during 2007 and increased his yards per carry average by nearly half a yard (3.4 to 3.8) and posted his fifth consecutive 1,000 yard season. Edge won't run by many defenders but he's one of the best at turning a three yard gain into a six or seven yards. He should be in line for another 1,000 yards and his yards per carry should continue to rise as the offensive line gels in their second season together.

Tim Hightower: The 'wildcard' in the depth chart at running back could be the difference between another sub-par year on the ground or a season in which the Cards running game finally takes some pressure off of the passing game. He was a fifth round pick but has opened some eyes already and could win the #2 job with a solid camp and preseason. Hightower's been compared to Marion Barber and Steven Jackson but overall his game seems to resemble Edge as well. He lacks 'game-changing' speed but is excellent between the tackles, has soft hands out of the backfield and plays faster than his forty times would indicate. The best case scenario for the Cardinals would be for Hightower to take over short yardage and goal line carries to save some wear and tear on Edge who's averaged over 330 carries for the past five seasons.

Marcel Shipp: The veteran will turn 30 next month and he's clearly not the player that he was several years ago. He hasn't averaged over three yards per carry since 2003 and has had exactly 41 yards rushing each of the past two seasons. Shipp has been decent is short yardage situations and served as the goal line back in 2006 totaling 4 touchdowns on just 17 carries. He's a great locker room guy but at some point his salary ($1.75 million this year, $1.85 million next year) and complete lack of production will result in him being cut. If Hightower proves to be capable around the goal line, Shipp's days in the desert could be numbered.

J.J. Arrington: The only back on the roster who wouldn't fit the 'power back' mold hasn't done much to stand out since being the Cardinals second round pick in 2005. Arrington started a handful of games his rookie season but proved that he wasn't a starter and has since bounced around from kickoff returner to third down back. His straight line speed is great but he has problems making people miss and nearly always goes down at first contact (always a bad combination). All that being said, he still has some value as a kick returner and he's only 25 years old so a case could be made that he could still develop into something. He did set career highs in receptions and receiving yards in 2007, but he'll have to do more than that since Edge and Hightower are both capable receivers out of the backfield.

Steve Baylark: The former University of Massechusetts' back is yet another Cardinal with size (6'0 225) who excels between the tackles but lacks a second gear. He spent the 2007 season on the practice squad after being just the third player in Division I-AA history to rush for 1,000 yards in  four consecutive seasons (1,950 his senior season). He'll turn 25 later this month and seems destined for another season on the practice squad unless injuries strike a couple of other backs. He may or may not be ready to play at an NFL level, but with three 'big-bodied' backs ahead of him on the depth chart, he'll have a hard time making an impact this season.

Chris Vincent: Vincent was signed to one year deal in April after being undrafted in the 2007 draft and being cut by the Lions before camp even started. There's not much information out there on him but he was injured his senior season at Oregon and finished with just ten carries for 41 yards. He was actually a linebacker and special teams ace his junior year. The 6'1 224 pound back is a very long shot to make the team and being that he'll turn 27 later this year, he'd probably have to have a great camp to even make it to the practice squad.

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The Cardinals backfield won't be confused with the Jaguars, Vikings or Steelers anytime soon but this could end up being the most productive season in quite some time. The running game is obviously a by-product of the offensive line and the line should be ready to hold it's own for the first time in a while. If they can manage to open some decent sized holes for Edge and Hightower, they should be able to punish opposing defenses and keep some pressure off of Matt Leinart and the passing game. Anyone else see some hope in this group or are the Cardinals destined for another sub-par season running the ball? Is Hightower the front-runner for the #2 job or do you still have faith in Shipp and Arrington? If the running game finish around the middle of the pack, is the offense basically unstoppable?

The Cardinals have made a consistent habit of picking up former Pittsburgh Steelers since Coach Whisenhunt moved to Arizona from the Burgh. The list includes the likes of Sean Morey, Chukky Okobi, Brian St. Pierre, Clark Haggans and Jerame Tuman among others. Their dedication to becoming the 'Steelers of the West' could be tested with the Steelers most recent cuts though. The Steelers made news over the weekend when they cut backup running back Najeh Davenport, along with three other rarely used players. Since we've looked at nearly every other free agent running back, here's a quick look at whether or not Davenport would thrive in Arizona.

Why he'd be the right guy: Make no mistake about it, Najeh Davenport is the definition of a career backup. In six NFL seasons, he's started a total of 3 regular season games (one playoff game) and hasn't ever really even pushed a starter for playing time. He's almost a 'tweener' type of back because of his mix of size (nearly 250 pounds) and his speed (had at least one 40 yard carry in 5 of 6 seasons). During the 2007 season, he flourished as the Steelers change of pace back and short yardage/goal line specialist. He ended the season with a career highs in carries (107), yards (499), rushing  touchdowns (5), receptions (18), and receiving touchdowns (2). He also contributes on special teams and was even was the Steelers top kickoff returner in 2006. All of that and he's still not 30 years old (turned 29 in February). I'll grant you that nothing he does is spectacular but just consider that the backup duo of Shipp and Arrington have combined for 179 yards in 2007 & 2006 combined.

Why he'd be square peg in this round hole: Even though Davenport would be an upgrade over either Shipp or Arrington, the problem with him coming to the desert is that his game closely resembles both Edge and Hightower. He excels when running between the tackles and has the size to get two yards when you need one, but that's also what Edge and Hightower do well. Najeh excelled in Pittsburgh because he was a complimentary change of pace back to 'Fast' Willie Parker, but that wouldn't be his role here. The Cardinals may also want to keep away from Davenport because him coming in would take snaps away from Tim Hightower and at least to this point, they sound very encouraged by his abilities. 

In the end, I doubt that the Cardinals make a serious run at Davenport, but if they did it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Signing Davenport would mean that either Shipp or Arrington would simultaneously have to be cut (which I'd be all for), but I'd want his role to be clearly defined and somewhat limited. If they brought him in I'd hope that his role would be limited to kickoff returns (partnered with Breaston) and a third down back. That wouldn't cut into Hightower's development too much and would allow the Cardinals to upgrade their running back stable. So I pose the question to you, are you interested in yet another Steeler? Would he be a good fit here and where would rank on your 'wish list' of free agent backs?

• Pro Football Weekly says the Warner has jumped both Karlos Dansby and 
  Anquan Boldin in the proverbial contract line. Warner and the front office have been working on an extension which isn't all that surprising. They mention how how Tim Hightower could have an even bigger role since the Arrington arrest and this time compare Hightower to Steven Jackson.
  
• Kent Somers reports that the Cardinals long time trainer, John Omohundro has retired. He has been the Cardinals trainer or 36 seasons and has worked 814 games for the Cardinals. That's a long time to be with any team and he'll be missed by many inside the organization.
  
• Darren Urban has an interesting take on how Tommie Harris' new contract could effect Darnell Dockett's mindset. Harris, defensive tackle for the Bears, got a new contract last week that was basically a four year extension for $40 million. Dockett and Harris are not only friends but they also share the same evil agent, Drew Roshenhaus. Don't think for a second that Rosenhaus hasn't whispered this contract in Dockett's ear.
  
• Yahoo Sports takes a couple of quick looks at the revamped scouting department, the guys who want new contracts and the new turf they enjoy during training camp.

We've talked about several free agent running backs (including Kevin Jones, LaMont Jordan and Cedric Benson) and haven't talked about several others (Shaun Alexander, Ron Dayne and Travis Henry) for various reasons. The recent arrest of JJ Arrington got me thinking even more about the possibility of signing another running back. Arrington's arrest may or may not effect his status with the team for the upcoming season, but regardless the depth at running back is questionable at best. A significant  injury to Edgerrin James might just be the worst single injury that the Cardinals could sustain in 2008. 

So that got me thinking, if I'm Rod Graves, what would I do? Would I want to look at a another running back to sign or does the current crop of free agents have too many question marks, including injury concerns (Jones & Jordan), age concerns (Alexander, Dayne) or off the field baggage concerns (Benson & Henry)? What would you do? If you have another guy on your mind, feel free to share as well.

• 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.

The details are still pretty sketchy but JJ Arrington has been arrested in his home state of North Carolina overnight and is charged with disorderly conduct. He was reportedly involved in a fight at the D & I Event Center and a total of five people were arrested in the altercation. He's currently being held in the Nash County Jail.

As more news becomes available I'm continue to update. Players being arrested has always been bad news but in the 'new NFL' with Commissioner Goodell ruling with an iron fist, Arrington could be facing a short suspension.

Update: According to AZ Republic, a spokesperson for the Cardinals confirmed that they are aware of the situation and were seeking further details. The only other news that we know now that we didn't know this morning was that an undercover officer is the one who called police to the scene about 1:30 in the morning.

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.

First off, I know the reasons that I shouldn't even bring up this kids' name in connection with the Cardinals, but by now we all the that the Bears cut /released Cedric Benson. He's obviously got issues both on and off the field. Effectiveness on the field mixed with multiple run-ins with the law off the field is most likely enough for teams to stay away from a character like Cedric Benson. I personally wouldn't be in favor of bringing the guy in, but since I've brought up nearly every other running back who's on the market (Jones and Jordan), I'll make a weak case as to why the Cardinals should at the very least, take a look at him.

Positives

Depth: If  you're new to ROTB, you might not be familiar with my main concern at the running back position: I have little to no faith in Shipp or Arrington. Neither of them offers much when they come into game, in my opinion. For everything that Benson hasn't been during his three seasons as a pro, an uneffective #2 back isn't on of them. He played sparingly as a rookie, based largely on injuries, but had his best season in 2006 when he was backing up Thomas Jones. His 4.1 yards per carry in 2006 and 3.8 yards per carry for his career might not sound like much but Shipp hasn't averaged better than three yards per carry since 2003 and Arrington's career average is 3.1.

Youth: Benson's about the same age as Arrington, which means he's some 5 years younger than Shipp and Edge. So, could the case be made that he's still developing and could eventually become a not only a productive player but also a respectable human being? Certainly, but no one knows for sure. This is still the same guy who was the 4th overall pick just three years ago.

Price: The market for Benson will likely be very scarce meaning that it's very possible he'll have to sign a small contract that is built mostly on incentives. That might be enticing the Cardinals front office considering that the duo of Shipp and Arrington will cost nearly $3 million dollars combined this season.

Negatives

Production: Obviously anyone who signs Benson and expects him to be a 1,000 yard back or average five yards a carry, will be sorely mistaken. Benson's proven that he'll likely never be a featured back. Is it worth bringing in a 'trouble maker' who doesn't have a high ceiling? That's a question that I can't answer.

Suspension: Anyone who even looks in Benson's direction will have to be prepared for him being suspended for at least the first four games. Again is that something that the Cardinals can live with?

Injury Prone: In three seasons, he's yet to play a full season and in total has missed 13 games despite not carrying the ball over 200 times in any season. In just three seasons he's accumulated two knees injuries, a shoulder, a forearm and an ankle injury. Two of those injuries were season ending.

Locker Room Influence: To be honest, I have no idea what kind of kind of guy he is inside a locker room, but I'd imagine he won't be instantly embraced by new team mates. Especially he if he is replacing a veteran player who has worked his tail off to make the team each season after being an undrafted free agent (Shipp).

I'm sure I'll probably get blasted for even mentioning this guys name but I'd imagine a few teams inquire about his services. Still though, a team with an accomplished, veteran running back who could mentor him while at the same time have little invested in him might be interested. So if the price was right, would you even give him a chance or is he kryptonite? Would be excited, disappointed or somewhere in between if your Arizona Cardinals signed Cedric Benson?

Picture source

Since the Arizona Cardinals have several players who want new deals, I thought it would be a good idea to look ahead to the 2009 offseason to see just how much work the front office will have in front of them.

Kurt Warner - As we've already mentioned, the team is already working on an extension. It's reportedly to be a two year extension, which isn't too bad as long as the cap number isn't too exorbitant.

JJ Arrington - He's never lived up to his second round draft status and with the emergence of Steve Breaston on kickoff returns, his role was reduced in 2007. As a running back he's pedestrian at best with less than 1,000 combined yards in three seasons and a career yards per carry of 3.1. Arrington's is still young, but he's not anything more than a situational role player who can contribute on special teams.

Tim Castille - If he does end up beating out Terrelle Smith for the starting fullback job, he'll likely get an extension sometime during the season. Since he's was undrafted out of Alabama, he'll be cheap and he's a restricted free agent anyways.

Terrelle Smith - Smith's day in Arizona are likely numbered. Teams rarely carry two fullbacks and Castille seems to have a leg up in the early competition. If Smith does make it through camp without being cut, it will certainly be his final season in the desert.

Ahmad Merritt - Merritt signed a one year deal since he was restricted free agent heading into this offseason. He turned 31 earlier this year and hasn't had a reception in the NFL since 2003, but Merritt has stuck around because he's a decent special teams player. I can't imagine they'd resign him again after this season. At some point a 32 year old special teams player seems like a waste.

Ben Patrick -The seventh round pick just one season ago ended up starting several games at the end of the year and he'll only be a restricted free agent. He'll be back in 2009, even it's only on a one year deal.

Leonard Pope - The incumbent starter at tight end, will be a restricted free agent if he isn't extended before the end of the season. Pope still has some areas of his game that need improvement, most importantly blocking, but the Cardinals finally utilized his size in the red zone in 2007 and this season should see an expansion of his role in the passing game.

Elton Brown - He's been an admirable backup (14 starts in 3 season) since being a 4th round pick out of Virginia. Whether or not he returns depends on several things: do the Cardinals view him as a future starter and is Brown willing to wait until a spot opens up?

Lyle Sendlein - The previously undrafted free agent will be an exclusive rights free agent after 2008, so he'll be back in 2009. The backup center made two starts in 2007.

Bertrand Berry - Berry restructured his contract in order to give the Cardinals some cap relief and lessen the chance of being cut. The 32 year old is trying to play his first full season since 2003 when he had 14.5 sacks. At his age it'll be interesting to see if there's a market for his services after this season.

Antonio Smith - Smith should be a big name in the free agent market after this season. He had his best season as a pro in 2007 totaling over 40 tackles and 5.5 sacks in his first season as a starter. I can't imagine that he's in the Cardinals future plans considering that they drafted Campbell in the second and another DE in the fourth round.

Clark Haggans - The former Steeler signed a one year contract this offseason but he'll be 32 after this season. He should provide some veteran depth but I wouldn't think that they'd be very interested in bringing him back next season.

Monty Beisel -  Beisel's a decent backup linebacker who's performed well in spot starts but his age may be the biggest factor in him not being brought back after this season. He'll be 31 before the start of the 2009 season.

Karlos Dansby - The man playing for big money this season is Dansby. He was franchised this offseason and as much as the Cardinals have tried to work out a long term deal, he seems content with testing the market. He's in his prime and I'd expect nothing less than his best season as a pro in the expectations of breaking the bank.

Eric Green -  This is quite possibly a make or break season for the fourth year pro. Green struggled in his first season as a starter and if he's beaten out early in the season by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie it'll be interesting to see if how the rest of the NFL sees him. I'm still wondering if he'd be a decent nickel back, but I'm not sure he'd accept a backup role.

Obviously it looks like the biggest question marks next offseason will be on the defensive side of the ball. Is there any way that Dansby can be signed to a long term deal? Will Campbell be ready to step in at defensive end position or will the Cards have to franchise Smith? Replacing Dansby, if a deal can't be worked out, could be the biggest problem facing the next season, but there are some concerns about depth at running back and outside linebacker. So what concerns you the most about next offseason and who would you most like to see resigned?

Tim Hightower, the Cardinals 5th round pick, was the first pick to sign yesterday. He agreed to a 3 year deal but financial terms weren't disclosed. Hightower's in a competition with Shipp and Arrington to be Edge's primary backup.

 Hightower's already made more news that a normal 5th round pick but he's got a decent chance of being a contributor from day one. His role will likely be limited to spelling Edge and most likely handling short yardage and goal-line carries, if he can manage to win the #2 job.