In our continued breakdown of each and every position heading into camp, we round out the offense today by previewing the interior of the offensive line. If you missed any previous breakdowns you can catch up on the tight ends, wide receivers, running backs, full backs, quarterbacks and offensive tackle. The interior of the offensive line is the bread and butter of the offense because most of the running plays (especially with Edge at RB) will be between the tackles. They're also responsible for keeping pressure out of the quarterbacks' face and with two rather immobile quarterbacks, that can be critical. The good news is that the starters are projected to return for 2008 and with another year of experience and continuity this group will have a chance to gel and help the offense excel.

Al Johnson (C): Johnson anchors the middle of the offensive line and while he's not specatular, he is productive and most importantly he's consistent. He signed a four year $17.5 million contract before last season and played up to his contract in the first year. His second season could be even better considering that he was having to learn a new system and play with a group of guys for the first time. He's a leader on the line (45 career starts) and could be the key to this line becoming great.

Lyle Sendlein (C): Sendlein had a great rookie season, especially considering he was undrafted out of the University of Texas. He appeared in 14 games and even more impressively started two games (weeks two and three). During Sendlein's two starts Edge averaged 5.44 yards per carry and the line only gave up one sack. That'll certainly open some eyes especially considering that the opponents were the Seahawks and the Ravens. The coaching staff raves about Sendlein and he could seriously push Johnson for playing time next year, if not this season.

Deuce Lutui (OG): Deuce played well in his first full season as a starter and even though he'll have to improve his consistency, he looks like he'll be a solid starter for years to come. He's a mauler who at times doesn't play under control but the coaching staff really likes his aggressive style of play. Another season of starting experience combined with the tutelage of Russ Grimm, could have Lutui step up as one of the most productive and consistent lineman for the Cardinals.

Reggie Wells (OG): Wells is a small school success story and he just keeps getting better. The 27 year old out of Clarion University has been the full-time starter for the Cardinals for the past four seasons and has almost 60 games as a starter. Despite Wells starting experience, there is still hope that he can improve in 2008 since he bounced between guard and tackle in previous seasons but this will be the first time that he's spend two consecutive seasons at left guard. He signed a five year contract last year and should be a Cardinal through 2010.

Elton Brown (OG & OT): Brown's the top backup at every position on the line except center. He's a versatile player but has problems staying healthy. If he could stay healthy some scouts think that he could push either guard for playing time. He's on a one year contract though so this could be a make or break year for him. He's got a good initial punch at the point of attack but at times plays with poor leverage and can overextend. Brown's the second in line at both guards and tackles so he'll see playing time during the season.

Scott Peters: Peters can play either guard or center but hasn't appeared in a NFL game since 2003 when he started four games for the Giants. The Cardinals are his fifth team since 2002 but it will be the first time in his career that he's spent two consecutive seasons with the same organization. He spent the 2007 season on their practice squad, but he'll have to perform well enough in camp to earn a roster spot if he wants to stick around. The Cardinals have too many young lineman to use a practice squad spot on a guy who'll turn 30 years old during the season.

Hercules Satele: Satele's an interesting prospect even though he's a bit small (6'2 308) for a guard. At Hawaii's pro day he put up 40 reps on the bench (Jake Long led all OL at the combine with 37) and he started the last 25 games for the Warriors high flying offense. He ended his senior season with a 1st Team All-WAC honor and second team FWAA All-American Team. He'll likely have to gain a little bit of weight or he could also seem an eventual move to center. Either way though, he'll likely see at least one season on the practice squad.

Carlton Medder: Medder started two seasons at RT for the Florida Gators but his lack of quickness kept him from being drafted. In the post-season Texas vs. the Nation game he showed that he didn't have the foot quickness to handle speed rushers. Still though he started 26 straight games for the Gators and earned second team All-SEC honors his senior season. The Cardinals list him as a guard so they must think that he'll be able to use his size (6'5 316) to engulf opponents while masking his lack of speed by allowing him to play inside. Regardless of where he lines up, he most likely destined to the practice squad for at least a season especially if he's learning a new position.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The offensive line as a whole is a good mix of proven, established veterans and developing talent. If Lutui continues to grow as a player and the interior of the offensive line gels, this unit could help Edge revive his career and help Leinart stay comfortable in the pocket. Injuries to the starting five have the potential to be catastrophic though considering that Sendlein and Elton Brown are the only capable backups. Thoughts/Concerns? Any possible guys that you'd like to see the Cardinals take a look at for depth?

• Brandon Keith, the Cards seventh round pick, plead guilty to two misdemeanor charges from March of this year. The charges included interfering with officials, which cost him a year of probation, and a rioting charge, for which he got a deferred charge. If he completes his probation without incidence, the rioting charge will be dropped from his record. Coach Whisenhunt and the front office did know about the charges on draft day.
  
• The deadline to resign Karlos Dansby is fast approaching (July 15th) but the team and his agent don't seem any closer to negotiating a long term deal. General Manager Rod Graves talks about the ongoing conversations (of lack thereof) with Dansby's agent and touches on the contract situations with Boldin as well. With the Cardinals lack of cap room, it doesn't seem likely that either will get new deals before the season starts.
  
• Team officials still believe that Boldin will report to camp on time even if he doesn't get a new contract. The combination of his status as a team leader and the fines amounting to $14,000 to $15,000 bucks a day should be enough to get him to Flagstaff on time. It's also still believed that the Cards will keep a close eye on cuts by other teams as they attempt to find a veteran backup offensive tackle. With their limited cap space, it would have to be a pretty marginal player though.
• The cohesiveness of the offensive line has been apparent throughout the offseason but there have been some rumblings that the team expects Levi Brown and Deuce Lutui to make significant strides in terms of consistency. Mike Gandy and Reggie Wells have been 'rock solid' so far and big things are expected from the left side of the line.
  
• We've seen numerous reports about Leinart taking his training and classroom work more serious this offseason and now it looks like he's embracing his role as a role model as well. He recently made news when he attended a Make-A-Wish luncheon and pledged to grant one wish a month for a year (equivalent to $60,000 donation). He was reportedly emotional as he spoke to the crowd about his previous experiences with the Make-A-Wish foundation.

The Arizona Cardinals enter the 2008 season in a relatively unfamiliar position. They're not coming off a losing season (something only two other Cardinals' teams can say in the past 20 years), they're not looking to replace many starters, and expectations are much higher than in most seasons. In fact, it's conceivable there will only be two new starters on both sides of the ball combined (Calvin Pace and Terrence Holt). The group could benefit the most from a second consecutive season working together is the offensive line. In 2007 Ken Whisenhunt took over the reigns of this franchise and his choice for offensive line coach was the heralded Russ Grimm. Together Whiz and Grimm set out to revamp a unit that ranked 32nd and 30th in rushing the previous two seasons and revamp, they did.

By the time the 2007 got ready to kick off, the Cardinals had three new starters. Two of the new faces would come via free agency (Mike Gandy and Al Johnson) and the third was the 5th overall pick in the draft, Levi Brown. The results weren't necessarily  immediate or miraculous but they were no doubt a better unit than the Cardinals have had for quite some time. The Cardinals leading rushers had the highest yards per carry average since 2002 and gave up the least amount of sacks since before the turn of the century. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely. They still ranked just 29th in the league in rushing but with a second season as a cohesive unit, they should improve quite a bit.

Levi Brown: The 5th overall pick just one year ago won the starting job from day one but  had an 'up and down' season. He missed 5 starts because of an ankle injury and according to some it hampered him the rest of the year. He looked like a great player at times and at other times, he looked like a rookie learning on the job. One thing that no one questions though is the kid's ability to play. He'll be a solid player for years to come and should end up on a Pro Bowl roster or two.

Deuce Lutui: Depending on what you read, Lutui's either the best member of the group or he's the most likely to be replaced by top backup, Elton Brown. If you're asking me, Lutui is a young player (just turned 25) who's getting better with every game and already is above average as a run blocker. He started his first full season in 2007 and goes into this season with 24 starts under his belt. I'd look for him to really benefit from the consistency of having the same guy on either side for the second consecutive season.

Al Johnson: Johnson (29) was a free agent signee after four seasons in Dallas, two of which he was the starter. Most consider him the weak link of the group, but even with that label, he's pretty solid. His contract runs through 2010 but the coaches rave about last season's undrafted rookie, Lyle Sendlein. Johnson will be the starting center for 2008 and expect another solid, yet unspectacular season, but look for Sendlein to make a push for the job in 2009.

Reggie Wells: The longest tenured member of the group is also the most consistent. Wells was the Cardinals' sixth round pick in 2003 and he's been a starter since his second season, totally 58 starts. At 6'4 305, he's not the biggest guard around but he gets the job done. Wells performed admirably last season considering he had two new faces around him and has now started 32 consecutive games.

Mike Gandy: Gandy's third stop in the NFL landed him in Arizona for the 2007 season. He previously played for the Bears and Bills but arguably his best season was this past one. Even though he's considered a natural guard, he's had considerable experience at both positions. His play in 2007 made most Cardinal fans forget, or at least easily block out the six seasons of unspectacular play by Leonard Davis. Gandy is signed through 2009 so the Cardinals may look to either draft a replacement or groom rookie Brandon Keith to take over after 2008.

Top Backups: Elton Brown and Lyle Sendlein are the top backups with Brandon Keith also in the mix. Brown's entering his fourth year and will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. As much as the team would like to keep him, they'll probably have to have a starting spot for him in order to get him to come back. He's got the ability and some team will hand him a starting job, as well as starting money. Lyle Sendlein has future starter written all over him. It's not often that an undrafted free agent gets into a starting role during his rookie season but that's exactly what he did when Johnson went down with an injury. Is it a coincidence that Edge's averaged 5.44 yards carry during Sendlein's two starts, despite playing two of the top 12 rushing defenses? Keith is a massive rookie and he's raw but most agree that he has the tools to play in this league. It'll take him at least a year of development though.

So how confident are you that this offensive line can help lead this team to playoffs? Who's the strongest and weakest link and do you think the team should be looking for another backup tackle?

The Arizona Cardinals would enter the 2006 draft with the tenth overall pick after a 5-11 season. It would be Dennis Green's last draft to oversee.

First Round: Matt Leinart QB – USC

Two seasons into Leinart’s career he’s started a combined 16 games and while his stats aren’t eye popping by any means they’re not terrible for basically a season. With nearly 3,200 yards, 13 TDs, 16 INTs, a 56.0 % completion percentage and a QB rating of 71.2, he didn’t immediately become the Cardinals’ savior as we’d all hoped but he’s still young and it’ll be his second season in the same offense. He struggled in 2007 with a change in the coaching staff which isn’t all that uncommon for a young quarterback. Hopefully some consistency in the coaching staff  and offensive system will help him reach a full potential not to mention his mix of explosive weapons.

Other possible picks: Jay Cutler, Haloti Ngata, Antonio Cromartie

Second Round: Deuce Lutui OG – USC

 Lutui came has started 24 of the 30 games he's played over the past two seasons and goes into camp looking to improve on his first full season as a starter. He's got to work on his consistency and having the same starting five for the second year in a row should help out quite a bit. Lutui looks to have a solid future ahead of him and some consider him the best member of the Cards offensive line. Whether or not he's the best or not, the right side of the line seems set for the next several years with Lutui and Levi Brown.

Other possible picks: LenDale White, Marcus McNeil, Kellen Clemens

Third Round: Leonard Pope TE – Georgia

Pope is a mountain of man at nearly 6'8 260 pounds and even though he's yet to stay healthy for a full season, he showed flashes of a dynamic red zone target with 5 touchdowns in 2007. His biggest weakness so far in his career has been an inconsistency in the running game but with former Steeler, Russ Grimm, instructing the offensive line, there's hope that he'll improve in that area and become a complete player. Together Pope and Ben Patrick should be a fairly versatile and effective one-two punch at the tight end position, if they can manage to stay healthy.

Other possible picks: Jerious Norwood, Anthony Smith, Brodie Croyle

Fourth Round: Gabe Watson DT – Michigan

 Watson became a full-time starter in 2007 and the results were somewhat mixed. On one hand, with the increased 3-4 defense his stats don't look as impressive as they were his rookie season. Nose tackles in the 3-4 rarely rack up good stats though since they basically asked to hold their ground and occupy as many blockers as possible. Most of the time a 3-4 nose tackle is the key to the front seven's ability to stop the run, so considering the Cards ranked in the top 10 in run defense they can't be too unhappy with his performance. Watson and Alan Branch should team up to be formidable duo and give opposing centers fits every game.

Other possible picks: Leon Washington, Brandon Marshall, Willie Colon

Fifth Round: Brandon Johnson LB – Louisville

 Johnson was an undersized but athletic outside linebacker who didn't get much of an opportunity in Arizona but didn't do much with his limited playing time. In 9 career games he had just 4 tackles after being known as a standout-special teams player during his days at Louisville. He was a free agent this offseason and signed with Cincinnati in March.

Other possible picks: Dawan Landry, Brad Butler

Sixth Round: Jonathan Lewis DT – Virginia Tech

Lewis would play in four games during his rookie season but would be cut during in August of 2007. Since then he ended the 2007 season on the Oakland Raiders' practice squad but wasn't resigned and has since signed with and been cut by the Seahawks.  Shortly after being cut by the 'Hawks he signed a one year deal with the Lions.

Other possible picks: Lawrence Vickers, Antoine Bethea

Seventh Round: Todd Watkins WR – BYU

Watkins would spend most of the 2006 season on the practice squad after being a 'toolsy' prospect in the '06 draft. The 6'3 receiver had sub 4.4 speed but has yet to put it all together. He's bounced around from the Cardinals to the Falcons and was recently signed by the Raiders and he's yet to appear in an NFL game.

Other possible picks: DJ Shockley, Rodrique Wright

----------------------------------------------------------------

Looking back it's hard to be too disappointed in a draft that has produced 4 players who've combined to start 78 games over the course of two seasons. Watson and Pope could eventually end up losing their jobs to but both are at the very least quality players who will help this team win in the future. Leinart and Lutui should both be solid starters and possibly Pro Bowl caliber players in the future and will be cornerstones for the offense for years to come. The continued progression of Leinart is critical to not only the Cardinals success in the future but also to the perceived view of this draft class. For now I'd have to give it a B.

Sure there are numerous training camp battles that need to play themselves out before we can start serious talks about a final 53 man roster, but where's the fun in that. Here's my 53:

QBs: (2) - Matt Lienart & Kurt Warner

I've never been a fan of keeping 3 QBs on the active roster, that's what the practice squad is for. St. Pierre's not eligible for the practice squad but undrafted rookie Anthony Morelli is so in essence he's your 3rd QB.

RBs: (3) - Edgerrin James, JJ Arrington, Tim Hightower

Arrington beats out Shipp because Arrington has value on special teams. Not to mention that Arrington's 4 years younger and Shipp hasn't averaged over 3 yards a carry since 2003.

FBs: (1) - Tim Castille

Castille beats out incumbent Terrelle Smith, former Brown, and the team does Smith a favor by letting him go instead of making him sit on the bench

WRs: (6) - Fitz, Q, Early Doucet, Steve Breaston, Jerheme Urban, Jamaica Rector

Sean Morey ends up being a surprise cut despite his track record for being a special teams standout and his familiarity with the coaching staff. Former Cowboy, Rector wins the job in preseason and camp by showing his improved ability to stretch defenses.

TEs: (3) - Leonard Pope, Ben Patrick, Jermane Tuman

No surprise here, tight end is quite possibly the most set position on the offensive depth chart. Pope and Patrick are the youth and future and Tuman, the former Steeler, is the veteran blocking tight end that Whiz covets.

OL: (9) - Levi Brown, Deuce Lutui, Al Johnson, Reggie Wells, Mike Gandy, Elton Brown, Lyle Sendlein, Brandon Keith, One veteran OT cut by another team

The ninth spot will depend a great deal on how Keith preforms in the preseason. If he does well enough that the coaching staff would feel comfortable giving him snaps at tackle, then they can only carry eight. I don't have that much faith in a rookie yet though. Otherwise Elton Brown is the only backup OT.

DT/NT: (2) - Gabe Watson & Alan Branch

If the Cards play much 4-3, then a couple defensive ends will have to slide down to tackle but Watson and Branch should be a great rotation as 3-4 nose tackles.

DE: (6) - Darnell Dockett, Antonio Smith, Bryan Robinson, Calais Campbell,  Kenny Iwebema, Bo Schobel

That's an awful lot of guys to fill just two positions but four of them (Dockett, Smith, Robinson and Campbell) can also slide down to DT when the Cardinals decides to roll out a 4-3. In the end it looks like a deep a talented unit where everyone should stay fresh.

OLB: (5) - Chike Okeafor, Bertrand Berry, Clark Haggans & Travis LaBoy

The outside backers are deep and talented and should make for a formidable rotation. Chris Harrington will end up on the practice squad as the conversion from college defensive end to NFL linebacker is too much to overcome in one offseason.

ILB: (5) - Karlos Dansby, Gerald Hayes, Monty Beisel, Matt Stewart, Ali Highsmith

Call me crazy but somehow I just think Highsmith, the undrafted free agent, will do too much in the preseason to not make the 53. He'll have to keep his motor in high gear especially on special teams. He'll take his lumps but he's a player.

CBs: (5) - Roderick Hood, Eric Green, DRC, Matt Ware & Micheal Adams

Youth and athleticism rule the secondary as Ware and Adams beat out veteran Ralph Brown. DRC won't win the starting job for week 1, but he'll take over for Green before mid-season.

FS/SS: (4) - Adrian Wilson, Antrel Role, Aaron Francisco & Oliver Celestin

The starting two are solid and as long as they're healthy, the secondary will be solid. Francisco and Celestin are adequate backups but we have to hope that they're role players behind Wilson and Role instead of fill-in starters in case of injury.

Specialists: (3) - Neil Rackers, Dirk Johnson & Nathan Hodel

If Rackers is even decent this unit is above average. If he has another season like 2007, they need to find another kicker mid-season.

Thoughts? What tweaks would you make?

Before we start hearing about rookie contracts, I thought we'd take a look at where the Cardinals stand in terms of cap space. The salary cap is kind of like rocket science in that you have to be near genius in order to understand it all. Since I'm no where near that level, I'll defer to the experts on these numbers. This, from what I understand, is a very conservative estimate in that every possible bonus is included, even if it possibly won't count against the cap. Hat tip to joeschmo, resident capologist at azsportsfans for this comprehensive look at the Cardinals' cap for 2008. Here's a couple of things that jump out at me before we get down to the raw numbers.

• Matt Leinart has to step up and show signs of becoming the franchise QB in 2008. Having nearly $10 million tied up in two quarterbacks won't work much longer. Warner's contract ends after 2008 and they need Leinart to be firmly entrenched as the starting and productive QB.
• The offensive line is in better shape than I thought. The entire starting five are signed through at least 2009. Considering that they were at the very least average in 2007 and they were breaking in three new starters, I like the idea of those five guys growing more cohesive. A steady dependable OL will go a long way to helping Leinart develop and help Edge live out his contract.
  

Continue reading this post »