The Cardinals are back in the building. It's early, thanks to having a first-year head coach, but the voluntary strength and conditioning work (and meetings) are underway with the new staff. Let's get in the first mailbag of the offseason program too. Don't forget to send a question for a future mailbag with at least a first name and last initial.
From Robert V:
"What should the Cardinals do with the third pick? Mendoza is a lock at No. 1 and deserves it. Who, in this year's draft, is worth the third pick? I think Ty Simpson would be a stretch at 3. I am hoping that the Cardinals trade down to 5 through 12, if possible, and build draft capital for next year (like quarterbacks Dante Moore and Arch Manning.) Perhaps a trade with Washington for the number 7 pick as they might be interested in Jeremiyah Love. I would love to see the Cardinals get David Bailey, Sonny Styles, Ruben Bain or Francis Mauigoa. I love Taylen Green in the fifth round as a project. His footwork and decision making needs some improvement, but he is an athletic freak."
Now we're talking fifth round? I can barely handle all the questions and speculation about the first. You certainly can try a fifth-round QB project, but most of the time that begats a John Skelton or Logan Thomas. Temper those expectations.
As for what to do at 3, nothing has really changed. It feels like pass rusher makes the most sense for "value" at that spot, depending on how you feel about Mauigoa. I am sure Monti will explore the trade-down possibility, but again, who wants to trade up and for whom? Not a quarterback I wouldn't think.
From Pop Ventura:
"How voluntary is voluntary? I mean we talking about practice."
Not a game, not a game. Practice.
So yeah, the league and NFLPA frown heavily on any coaches or GMs suggesting that players have to show up at the voluntary stuff. Do many players show? Of course, partly because why wouldn't they? They have to train anyway and knowing their playbook inside and out makes sense. Does it derail a team if a player doesn't come or if he misses a chunk? Unless it's the QB, in my experience, nope. If I was a player, I'd volunteer. And if you aren't locked in as a key veteran, you might need that extra time. But truthfully, as long as a guy is there to start training camp and knows how to get in shape, I've never really noticed guys who have not shown to all of the voluntary stuff getting derailed when the games begin. IMO.
From David S:
"Darren, what do coaches like so much about joint practices? It seems like there are more of them now. And why don't the Cardinals ever host one?"
The last part is easy enough to answer: Too hot, and not enough room inside the stadium for two teams. As for coaches liking joint practices, that actually is pretty easy too. You get to have your players see different schemes, hit guys who aren't their teammates, and do it all in a setting coaches can control, unlike an actual preseason game. It breaks up the monotony of training camp too.
From Mark Bailey:
"Hey Darren. Really hoping Cards stick to the strategy as they did in free agency. Just draft the best player available don't reach or get cute, just stick to your board. And more than anything else please no chances on any player with concerns of medical issues! Do you think are biggest need might actually be LB this point?"
I assume you are talking about inside linebacker rather than OLB/edge. No, I wouldn't say it's the biggest need, but for me that is more about positional value more than options. Finding a long-term right tackle, and a game-breaking edge, would be my bigger "needs" to be honest. Could they use a Luke Kuechly or Bobby Wagner? Absolutely. Does that jump, say, Sonny Styles into the conversation at 3? Not sure about that.
From Artie B:
"Now that there is a new coach and Michael Bidwill seems to be in the win-now mindset, shouldn't Monti break the bank they way Steve Keim did on his way out? I don't know, I just feel he needs to do more than be conservative they way he has been."
Here is how I have always approached how I look at the way coaches and GMs do things. (And this does not mean they are infallible or can do no wrong.) They got the jobs they are in by doing things a certain way that they believe in. Yes, you need to be adaptable, but if you are of the belief that, for instance, the free agents available are mostly middle-of-the-road and the bump some of the more expensive ones are not worth the payout, then why? GMs and coaches aren't trying to get fired. They are trying to makes sure they have enough success so they stick around for a long time.
From Braden K:
"Hey Darren, love the mailbag. All the stuff you guys do, actually. Did I hear right and Mike LaFleur has coached Minshew before? Is that why the Cardinals signed him? Because I know for me, I was really surprised he was the QB they added here."
Yes, LaFleur was on the Senior Bowl coaching staff when Minshew played in the game, and Minshew was so hype for getting the chance he FaceTimed LaFleur to talk the offensive scheme and they chatted for four hours about it before Minshew even arrived for a week of practice. I'm sure there were a couple of reasons why they wanted Minshew -- not the least of which they wanted a veteran besides Jacoby Brissett in the room -- but I would guess LaFleur liked the idea of having him plenty.
From Gary M:
"Why does the NFL need pro flag football? Why do they keep looking to do other stuff instead of making what they do better, like getting the refs better?"
The reality is that the NFL wants to make sure football is accessible as a sport to as many people as possible. Flag football takes a lot less equipment, is a lot easier for females and younger kids of both genders, and is usually less complicated. It's an Olympic sport. It can help the sport grow worldwide, moreso than the tackle variety. And it's not about replacing anything else. It's about adding to the sport's reach. Backing flag football and doing things like working on officiating don't have to be mutually exclusive.
