Arz Lb'ers (1 Viewer)

[PhillyStars]

Denny Green loves to draft and trade for offensive players and pretty much ignore the defensive side of the ball ..... That said ....... how does the LB'er situation line up in the middle?

Darling is an 10 yr vet who had an OK year last year with 41 tackles, 14 assists & a sack. RFA Gerald Hayes is coming off season ending injury last year.

Does Darling keep his spot in year 11?

 

[ffchamp1]

Denny Green loves to draft and trade for offensive players and pretty much ignore the defensive side of the ball ..... That said ....... how does the LB'er situation line up in the middle?

Darling is an 10 yr vet who had an OK year last year with 41 tackles, 14 assists & a sack. RFA Gerald Hayes is coming off season ending injury last year.

Does Darling keep his spot in year 11?

James DarlingGerald Hayes

Lance Mitchell

I would imagine the week 1 MLB is not on the roster

Tom

 

[cr8f]

Denny Green loves to draft and trade for offensive players and pretty much ignore the defensive side of the ball ..... That said ....... how does the LB'er situation line up in the middle?

Darling is an 10 yr vet who had an OK year last year with 41 tackles, 14 assists & a sack. RFA Gerald Hayes is coming off season ending injury last year.

Does Darling keep his spot in year 11?

Darling had 88 total and missed two games.

 

[The_Hunchback]

Denny Green loves to draft and trade for offensive players and pretty much ignore the defensive side of the ball ..... That said ....... how does the LB'er situation line up in the middle?

Darling is an 10 yr vet who had an OK year last year with 41 tackles, 14 assists & a sack.  RFA Gerald Hayes is coming off season ending injury last year.

Does Darling keep his spot in year 11?

James DarlingGerald Hayes

Lance Mitchell

I would imagine the week 1 MLB is not on the roster

Tom

The same was said last year at this time, yet nothing changed. I see no reason why it will this year either.cr8f is also right with the correct tackle numbers.

 

[Bob_Magaw]

i know norton is pretty high on mitchell (bloom, perhaps, too, in long term sense)...

hayes was favorite last pre-season before injury, so green & ARI coaching staff seemed to think (at that time, at least), that he was more talented... if he is all the way back, i would think he would at least have chance to compete for starting job & have decent chance of emerging (though he doesn't have right to be called incumbent)...

imo, they are looking to upgrade from darling... if hayes isn't it, than it is very possible (as alluded to above), that the 2006 starting MLB isn't currently on roster... they would be in good spot in round two to get guy like jackson or hodge (consensus top 2 MLBs) if that is direction they want to go in (they could also get second tier OT or blue chip guard like joseph or jean-gilles)...

 

[inbreeder]

Ah, Lance Mitchell.

Like Norton, I was awful high on him last offseason but I've no idea what to think about him now. Despite a bunch of injuries that left the Cards playing a 5-2 alignment fairly often last year, Mitchell didn't get many snaps. Another ding to the knee limited him at year's end when the Cards (and us) could've seen some valuable snaps out of him. He was a significant contributor to special teams, though, and that could suggest he is over some of the tentativeness that plagued him his senior year at Oklahoma.

Darryl Blackstock is an intriguing name as well, but he didn't get any extended looks either, and looks to be a backup. And the Cards have done little to address the LB slot in FA other than mention that Will Witherspoon and Julian Peterson were nice players.

Unless something happens in the draft, I think Hayes is the man in the middle. The Cards loved him at the end of 2004 and he was more or less unchallenged until his preseason injury. He should be fully recovered.

I'm still sitting on Mitchell in two leagues, so I'll be on draft day and during minicamps.

 

[John Norton]

Ah, Lance Mitchell.

Like Norton, I was awful high on him last offseason but I've no idea what to think about him now.  Despite a bunch of injuries that left the Cards playing a 5-2 alignment fairly often last year, Mitchell didn't get many snaps.  Another ding to the knee limited him at year's end when the Cards (and us) could've seen some valuable snaps out of him.  He was a significant contributor to special teams, though, and that could suggest he is over some of the tentativeness that plagued him his senior year at Oklahoma. 

Darryl Blackstock is an intriguing name as well, but he didn't get any extended looks either, and looks to be a backup.  And the Cards have done little to address the LB slot in FA other than mention that Will Witherspoon and Julian Peterson were nice players.

Unless something happens in the draft, I think Hayes is the man in the middle.  The Cards loved him at the end of 2004 and he was more or less unchallenged until his preseason injury.  He should be fully recovered.

I'm still sitting on Mitchell in two leagues, so I'll be    on draft day and during minicamps.

Lance Mitchell... talk about a sore subject. Had he not been inured as a junior and entered the draft he would have been one of the first linebackers taken, but we can say "what if" about a lot of guys. Mitchell was quickly elivated to #2 on the depth chart last season. Unfortunately when #1 (Hayes) went down they skipped over him claiming it was due to his lack of experience. Later in the year the knee was giving him some trouble thus he never got a chance. Darling is a marginal starter (and usually plays WLB), Hayes is coming off injury and hasn't distinguished himself by any stretch. Inbreeder mentioned Blackstock who is basically a pass rushing SLB. The reality of it is that Karlos Dansby is the only real good (proven) linebacker on the roster. Yet the Cards still have made no effort to bolster the position. Maybe they really believe in Hayes and/or Mitchell. Or maybe they will make a move in the draft since the LB position is deeper than it has been in several years. The problem I see is that to Green defense like a butt hole, everyone has to have one, and it doesn't get any attention until it itches. Unless something changes drasticaly it will be tough to get excited about any Arizona LB other than Dansby.

 

[inbreeder]

The problem I see is that to Green defense like a butt hole, everyone has to have one, and it doesn't get any attention until it itches.

He speaks! Sayers speaks!And with "Post of the Year" quality material as well.

 

[Bob_Magaw]

to extend the metaphor... i hope green scratches that itchy ########!

 

[cr8f]

Denny Green loves to draft and trade for offensive players and pretty much ignore the defensive side of the ball ..... That said ....... how does the LB'er situation line up in the middle?

Darling is an 10 yr vet who had an OK year last year with 41 tackles, 14 assists & a sack. RFA Gerald Hayes is coming off season ending injury last year.

Does Darling keep his spot in year 11?

Last year they took Rolle in round 1Green and Blackstock in round 3

and Mitchel in round 5. Over half their picks were defense.

 

[John Norton]

Denny Green loves to draft and trade for offensive players and pretty much ignore the defensive side of the ball ..... That said ....... how does the LB'er situation line up in the middle?

Darling is an 10 yr vet who had an OK year last year with 41 tackles, 14 assists & a sack.  RFA Gerald Hayes is coming off season ending injury last year.

Does Darling keep his spot in year 11?

Last year they took Rolle in round 1Green and Blackstock in round 3

and Mitchel in round 5. Over half their picks were defense.

That's a good point. It's not that they don't address the defense, it's more that they don't make good decisions there. There just doesn't seem to be an eye for defensive talent. How much of an impact did those guys have? Rolle was a starter right away but Green didn't see a great deal of action until injuries piled up and even then he wasn't particularly impressive. Blackstock was a reach to begin with and neither of the linebackers were given much of a chance. They just seem to make a lot of ugly picks on defense. It's a curse that dates back way before Green took over. Anyone remember Wendell Bryant? Maybe those guys will all step up in their second year. The Cards sure need them to.

 

[RAPTURE]

That's a good point. It's not that they don't address the defense, it's more that they don't make good decisions there. There just doesn't seem to be an eye for defensive talent. How much of an impact did those guys have? Rolle was a starter right away but Green didn't see a great deal of action until injuries piled up and even then he wasn't particularly impressive. Blackstock was a reach to begin with and neither of the linebackers were given much of a chance. They just seem to make a lot of ugly picks on defense. It's a curse that dates back way before Green took over. Anyone remember Wendell Bryant?

Maybe those guys will all step up in their second year. The Cards sure need them to.

Darryl Blackstock Grade: 4.03 Position: OLB

Class: Jr

School: Virginia

Conference: ACC

Ht., Wt.: 6-2.5, 247

40 Time: 4.73

Selected by: Arizona Cardinals

Round 3, pick 32 (95 overall) Grading System

BIO: Three-year starter awarded varying degrees of All-Conference honors since his freshman campaign. Posted 45/13/10.5 as a junior after 85/16/6 the prior year. Made an instant impact as a freshman with 107/14/10.

POSITIVES: Physically gifted defender who forces the action and makes an impact on the field. Breaks down well, easily plays off blocks and gets to the action. Tough to knock off his feet, effectively uses hand technique to protect himself and redirects well to the play. Quickly changes direction and displays the ability to immediately alter his angle of attack. Pursues well laterally, forceful up the field and at the same time covers a lot of area displaying good sideline-to-sideline range. Disciplined, reads the action and stays with assignments.

NEGATIVES: Mainly used up the field or in the box at Virginia. Stiff backpedaling in reverse and possesses marginal skills in coverage.

ANALYSIS: A defensive player who must be accounted for on the field, Blackstock has been likened to former All-Pro Lawrence Taylor by Virginia head coach Al Groh. Has similar abilities to disrupt the action, yet must complete the deal and improve his play in coverage. Possesses a lot of upside and can be used in several defensive systems.

PROJECTION: Late First Round

He was a reach by the Cardinals?

RAPTURE

 

[Weiner Dog]

That's a good point. It's not that they don't address the defense, it's more that they don't make good decisions there. There just doesn't seem to be an eye for defensive talent. How much of an impact did those guys have? Rolle was a starter right away but Green didn't see a great deal of action until injuries piled up and even then he wasn't particularly impressive. Blackstock was a reach to begin with and neither of the linebackers were given much of a chance. They just seem to make a lot of ugly picks on defense. It's a curse that dates back way before Green took over. Anyone remember Wendell Bryant?

Maybe those guys will all step up in their second year. The Cards sure need them to.

Darryl Blackstock Grade: 4.03 Position: OLB

Class: Jr

School: Virginia

Conference: ACC

Ht., Wt.: 6-2.5, 247

40 Time: 4.73

Selected by: Arizona Cardinals

Round 3, pick 32 (95 overall) Grading System

BIO: Three-year starter awarded varying degrees of All-Conference honors since his freshman campaign. Posted 45/13/10.5 as a junior after 85/16/6 the prior year. Made an instant impact as a freshman with 107/14/10.

POSITIVES: Physically gifted defender who forces the action and makes an impact on the field. Breaks down well, easily plays off blocks and gets to the action. Tough to knock off his feet, effectively uses hand technique to protect himself and redirects well to the play. Quickly changes direction and displays the ability to immediately alter his angle of attack. Pursues well laterally, forceful up the field and at the same time covers a lot of area displaying good sideline-to-sideline range. Disciplined, reads the action and stays with assignments.

NEGATIVES: Mainly used up the field or in the box at Virginia. Stiff backpedaling in reverse and possesses marginal skills in coverage.

ANALYSIS: A defensive player who must be accounted for on the field, Blackstock has been likened to former All-Pro Lawrence Taylor by Virginia head coach Al Groh. Has similar abilities to disrupt the action, yet must complete the deal and improve his play in coverage. Possesses a lot of upside and can be used in several defensive systems.

PROJECTION: Late First Round

He was a reach by the Cardinals?

RAPTURE

Agreed. Blackstock was supposedly one of the best steals in last year's draft, especially with the recent valuation of athletic OLB's. I guess only time will tell.Back to the topic...

Even though it pains me to say it, I think it's currently Darling's job to lose. The Cards were #10 overall in rushing yards allowed per game last year. Darling's contribution to this total cannot be discounted, even though Dansby is obviously the masher of the group. I would be utterly shocked if the Cards did not draft a MLB in the 2nd or 3rd round next month. Hayes (...and his knee) and Mitchell (...and his knee) cannot be trusted. I'm a little shocked the Cards have not made a play for Chris Claiborne.

 

[John Norton]

Most of the scouting reports I read on him were more along this line

"While he is an accomplished pass rusher, Blackstock needs work in every other part of his game. He needs to bulk up and get stronger to get off blocks at the next level. With his pass rush ability, he wasn’t asked to drop into coverage much, and he needs to develop this part of his game. He may not be a very good fit in a 4-3 defense, which most teams run in the NFL."

The one that sticks out in my mind (I believe it was in PFW) said he struggles against the run and is very raw. It even called him a "one trick pony" who has a long way to go to be more than a pass rush specialist.

Just goes to show that beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I thought Wendell Bryant was going to be a stud...so I can't fault them for that pick.

Karlos Dansby looks like a great pick. IIRC, Blackstock's value dropped a lot leading up to the draft because many scouts thought he was too one dimensional. Ironcially, I thought the best comparison for him in the league was a guy like Dansby. At a minimum, he provides some nice depth and can contribute as a pass rusher in nickel situations...but he could develop into a solid LB.

They really do need some help in the middle though.

 

[PhillyStars]

I thought Wendell Bryant was going to be a stud...so I can't fault them for that pick.

Karlos Dansby looks like a great pick. IIRC, Blackstock's value dropped a lot leading up to the draft because many scouts thought he was too one dimensional. Ironcially, I thought the best comparison for him in the league was a guy like Dansby. At a minimum, he provides some nice depth and can contribute as a pass rusher in nickel situations...but he could develop into a solid LB.

They really do need some help in the middle though.

So Aaron, what si darling worth going into 2006?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I thought Wendell Bryant was going to be a stud...so I can't fault them for that pick.

Karlos Dansby looks like a great pick. IIRC, Blackstock's value dropped a lot leading up to the draft because many scouts thought he was too one dimensional. Ironcially, I thought the best comparison for him in the league was a guy like Dansby. At a minimum, he provides some nice depth and can contribute as a pass rusher in nickel situations...but he could develop into a solid LB.

They really do need some help in the middle though.

So Aaron, what si darling worth going into 2006?

I'm not sure. He seems like a guy who is very productive when he plays, but the team is constantly trying to replace him. I haven't really looked into that situation at all since the season ended, but I'd guess that Hayes and Mitchell would get a chance to win the MLB job if they don't bring in an upgrade on draft day. They moved Darling to WLB last year so they might do that again. If they spend a day 1 pick on a LB, that would help clarify things a little.

 

[Dave Baker]

I have nothing to add, but I figured since every other FBG IDP crew posted here, I must too.

FWIW, I'm not so sure the starting MLB for Arizona is currently on the roster.

 

[Tick]

PFW on Blackstock:

"Summary: An ideal 3-4 rush LB with a great burst off the edge. Needs to commit himself to the weightroom and get stronger, but he has the athletic ability and pass-rush skills to develop into a blue-chip starter."

They rated him the 5th best LB (ahead of Crowder, Ruud, Thurman, and Tatupu).

 

[PhillyStars]

I thought Wendell Bryant was going to be a stud...so I can't fault them for that pick.

Karlos Dansby looks like a great pick. IIRC, Blackstock's value dropped a lot leading up to the draft because many scouts thought he was too one dimensional. Ironcially, I thought the best comparison for him in the league was a guy like Dansby. At a minimum, he provides some nice depth and can contribute as a pass rusher in nickel situations...but he could develop into a solid LB.

They really do need some help in the middle though.

So Aaron, what is Darling worth going into 2006?

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

 

[Weiner Dog]

So Aaron, what si darling worth going into 2006?

 

[John Norton]

PFW on Blackstock:

"Summary: An ideal 3-4 rush LB with a great burst off the edge. Needs to commit himself to the weightroom and get stronger, but he has the athletic ability and pass-rush skills to develop into a blue-chip starter."

They rated him the 5th best LB (ahead of Crowder, Ruud, Thurman, and Tatupu).

OK so it wasn't PFW. I read a lot of scouting reports from several credible sources. Maybe the politically corect phrase I should have used is that he is a project. I just remember that as Aaron mentioned, his stock fell the closer it got to draft day and he wasn't a big favorite of the ESPN crew when the pick was made.

 

[coolnerd]

PFW on Blackstock:

"Summary: An ideal 3-4 rush LB with a great burst off the edge.  Needs to commit himself to the weightroom and get stronger, but he has the athletic ability and pass-rush skills to develop into a blue-chip starter."

They rated him the 5th best LB (ahead of Crowder, Ruud, Thurman, and Tatupu).

OK so it wasn't PFW. I read a lot of scouting reports from several credible sources. Maybe the politically corect phrase I should have used is that he is a project. I just remember that as Aaron mentioned, his stock fell the closer it got to draft day and he wasn't a big favorite of the ESPN crew when the pick was made.

Profootballweekly = very credible (PFW)profootballtalk- see my signature. (PWT)

 

[John Norton]

In now way did I intend to imply that either you or PFW lack credability. I am simply relating my opinion. As I said a long time ago in this thread, "Just goes to show that beauty is in the eye of the beholder..."

There were obviously a wide spectrum of view points on Blackstock and the fact is his stock fell as the draft approached. The teams/scouts obviously must have soured on him or he wouldn't have fallen to the 95th pick.

He has a lot of raw talent and potential but in my opinion the Cards were in need of a more "well rounded" player who could contribute right away, thus I tagged him a "reach" in my opinion. The more accurate term may have been "project".

Can we please stop beating this dead horse now?

 

[Tick]

FYI, I wasn't calling you out with that PFW quote, just providing info since I still have the book.

 

[John Norton]

FYI, I wasn't calling you out with that PFW quote, just providing info since I still have the book.

No problem, your contributions are always both good and appreciated.