The Cardinal rule about RBs

[Mr. Too Proud]

Let's jump right into it

 

Trade

 

Josh Jones, Myjai Sanders, Marco Wilson and conditional 2025 pick 3rd round pick (if he's on the team during 2024) or a 4th (if he's a one year rental)

 

For

 

Jonathan Taylor and a 2024 6th round pick

 

 

Logic for Cardinals

The Cardinals get a top 5 RB for 1 starter and 2 backups this year.

Short term: Acquiring a star. Cardinals cut DeAndre Hopkins and Kyler Murray is injured. A RB may not move the needle on wins but it gives the fans something to watch even through a rebuild.

 

 

Long term: The Cardinals could bottom out and try to reboot with Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. If they go this route the Rookie will have a top RB, a field stretcher at WR (Marquis Brown) and a good pair of TEs. If they stick with Kyler they can grab Harrison Jr and build a juggernaut offense.

 

 

Logic for Colts

There have been complaints about the structure of this franchise and how we pay positions that aren't traditionally seen as corner stones. This trade bucks that trend and gives us starter level play at the outside CB position.

 

Short term: We are acquiring depth at positions and we get something out of this deal.

 

Long term: Colts decided to dig their heels in on JT. This trade takes away the decision to pay him and gives them a lottery ticket (draft pick) in the future to replace him.

 

 

Josh Jones OT 6'5 319LBs

3rd round pick in 2020

Under contract through 2024

NFL games played 47

NFL games started 21

 

 

Per NFL scouting report:

NFL Comparison

Bobby Massie

Overview

Early tape would suggest that Jones is a raw, developmental project in need of substantial technique work, but tape study later in the season suggests a level of improvement that creates additional intrigue for the long, athletic left tackle prospect. To be clear, he needs plenty of work with his pass sets and footwork, but most of his issues appear to be coachable. He's a good fit for a move-oriented rushing attack and has the traits and talent to become a future starter if he continues to develop with coaching.

Strengths

Long frame has room for additional mass

Plus athlete with great bend throughout lower half

Able to get to difficult reach blocks on play-side and back-side

Quick out of stance and on the track when asked to pull

Easy climbs to second-level linebacker

Showed rapid improvement inside the season

Hand placement not perfect, but getting better

Has lateral-slide smoothness to handle mirroring duties

Many of his current issues are coachable and should improve

Hints at a potentially nasty field demeanor

 

 

This guy can come in and challenge for the starting LT position and provide depth on the line. Also depending on Braden Smith play we could see if either Jones or Raimann could man the right tackle position.

 

Pff grade 75

https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/2023/5/29/23741224/josh-jones-and-his-unknown-future-with-cardinals

 

 

Myjai Sanders Edge 6'5 255lbs

3rd round pick in 2022

Under contract control until 2025

 

 

Per NFL scouting report:

NFL Comparison

Arden Key

Overview

Three-year starter whose unorthodox movements can be off-putting until you realize they also help put him in position to make plays. Whether playing the run or rushing the passer, Sanders is flexible and slippery, making it hard to sustain run blocks and mirror him during pass sets. He needs to diversify his rush counters but has the foot quickness and efficiency of movement to cut a cleaner path into the pocket. Sanders is a segmented mover with a slender build and might need a move to 3-4 outside linebacker to keep from being mauled by NFL blocking. He has the potential to earn snaps as a designated pass rusher.

Strengths

Sudden hands snap into blockers for early lift and leverage.

Unexpected upper-body strength for his frame.

Quick feet and twitchy hands help to discard the block.

Loose hips provide recovery agility when knocked off-balance.

Athleticism to find his way back into plays after getting behind.

Inside/outside jab steps create edge openings as rusher.

Effective stutter-and-swipe rush tactic.

Upper- and lower-body flexion to slip punch and bypass block.

Twist transitions come suddenly.

Sanders could be a steal in this trade. We seen what Gus Bradley has done with Yannick Ngakoue and I think he has the potential to be that same type of pass rushing specialist.

Pff grade 53

https://thedraftnetwork.com/cardinals-myjai-sanders-breakout-2023/

 

Marco Wilson CB 5'11 187lbs

4th round in 2021

Under contract until 2024

 

Per NFL scouting report:

NFL Comparison

De'Vante Bausby

Overview

Ingredients like size, speed, strength and athleticism are all present, but Wilson hasn't been able to combine them and make a meal since early in his career. He clearly has the athletic talent and skill set to be a much better man defender than he showed in 2020. His size and strength are big advantages when it's time to play the 50-50 balls, but he needs to do a more consistent job of crowding his targets and maintaining his positioning through the rep. There are times when the coverage pursuit simply looks too lackadaisical and not consistently competitive from game to game. Wilson's run-support effort needs a lot of work, as teams will find and exploit it if he is on the field. He has the traits and athleticism of a Day 2 starter, but with the tape of a Day 3 backup with inside/outside versatility.

Strengths

One of four true freshmen to start at cornerback in Florida history.

Brother of NFL defensive back Quincy Wilson.

Good size with plenty of play strength.

Athletic, with smooth hips in transitions.

Willing to attack and jump the slant route.

Sees route progressions clearly from zone.

Disciplined to midpoint high-low route combinations.

Good closing burst when he's in recovery mode.

Explosive leaper with ability to shade the jump ball.

Forceful at the catch point.

 

 

So his brother didn't work out but this is a new regime. Marco is young but has more experience than the majority of our CBs currently.

Pff grade 55

https://www.si.com/nfl/cardinals/analysis/marco-wilson-defensive-player-of-the-week-arizona-cardinals

 

Summary

We are getting 2 players selected in the 3rd, a player selected in the 4th and at worst a 4th in 2025 (a year after they may start a rookie QB)

For

JT and a 6th round pick this year

Salary implications shouldn't be a factor because we have money for all these guys.

 

Good or bad deal?

[indyman411]

I’d rather not trade JT, but this trade would be more than fair. 

[NorthernColt]

Cards have no interest in being good this year. Their win window is so far out with that roster that they'd likely want nothing to do with Taylor, as he'll likely be past his prime when they're ready.

[BlackTiger]

JT doesnt fit their timeline, they wont want to invest that much in a rb