The Core
Every team has its stars. The one player who can singlehandedly change a game in a flash. They are coveted across the league. But every player on your team can't be a star. Not only are they few and far between, they also command a load of money. The salary cap prevents you from having too many of these guys on your team. So how do you fill out the rest of your roster? This, my friends, is the key to success in the NFL. The best teams in the league such as the Colts, Steelers, Patriots, and Giants build through the draft, stockpiling youth on the bottom of its roster. Then you have some teams, like the Redskins and Cowboys, sacrifice youth and depth for a few superstars.This usually backfires.
So you ask, if these players are so valuable, why do they go so low in the draft? Well, as the old adage goes, one man's trash is another man's treasure. A 245 college defensive end is useless to a 4-3 team, but he could emerge as a legit starter for a 3-4 defense. Some guys simply need refinement, and can sit behind an aging starter and learn their trade. Plus, a guy who doesn't do anything great but does everything well is very helpful when injuries strike.
Lets go over the qualifications to make my list. In order to be a "core" guy, you must
A) Be drafted by the current team or signed as a rookie free agent, or signed as a free agent before the player ever appeared for another teamB) Have 4 or less years of experienceC) Drafted 3rd round or laterIt isn't asking much. Now lets go over each team's 10 "core" guys.
Arizona Cardinals
Tim Hightower, RB, 5th round draft pick, 2008While he may have been in over his head last year, Hightower is a capable running back with a nose for the endzone. Starting may not be in his future, but with the two running back attack en vogue, he is a cheap and effective compliment to first round pick Beanie Wells.
Ali Highsmith, OLB, Undrafted, 2008Highsmith was viewed as a draftable prospect for most of his senior season but wasn't selected and signed with the Cardinals. While he hasn't done much with the team yet, he is a solid contributor on special teams and he could become a valuable part of the linebacker rotation by 2010. The team has several aging LB's and also has Karlos Dansby unsigned through 2009. Changes are coming, and Ali should be a part of them.
Kenny Iwebema, DE, 4th round draft pick, 2008Another player with minimal production so far, but he is a great fit in Arizona's morphing 3-4 defense. He is stout at the point of attack and may soon be able to anchor the edge. If he can stay healthy, he can work his way into the defensive line rotation sooner rather than later.
Lyle Sendlein, C, Undrafted, 2007This is a player that defines what I am talking about. An undrafted free agent steps in and starts two games in his rookie season and goes on to start every game the next season, in the midst of a Super Bowl run nonetheless. He is an intelligent player who makes all of the line calls. Lyle will never be dominant, but that is a blessing in disguise, as he is never going to command big time money. He is just a solid and consistent starter. Can't ask for much more from a guy who was passed up by every team multiple times.
Steve Breaston, WR, 5th round, 2007An absolute steal by the Cardinals scouting system, Breaston has emerged as possibly the best slot wide receiver in the NFL. He broke the 1,000 yard barrier in his second season and has continued to improve this season. A great sign that this team has a grasp on the players that fit their system, Breaston could soon be in for a big payday. But he may be a candidate to replace Anquan Boldin if he departs, and would clearly be cheaper.
Brandon Keith, T, 7th round, 2008Keith is an enigma with a shaky off the field reputation. He is extremely gifted however and was headed to Oklahoma before he ended up at Northern Iowa. It is unknown whether he is best suited to be a guard or tackle, but either way he could be a contributor if he keeps his head in the game and continues to work.
Greg Toler, CB. 4th round, 2009Toler has yet to contribute, but he is talented. An alum of St. Paul's College, he needs a lot of refinement. But the future is bright and Arizona is stocking up a young and talented secondary.
Early Doucet, WR, 3rd round, 2008Another wide receiver? Well yes, Arizona throws A LOT. Doucet is extremely gifted but needs experience and teaching. He has ideal physical tools and could be a starter opposite a superstar like Larry Fitzgerald. He could get a shot if Anquan Boldin leaves at some point.
Michael Adams, DB, Undrafted, 2007Adams will likely never be a starter, but he is experienced in the system and has some ability. He can play dime corner and should continue to provide depth for a few more years for next to nothing financially.
Will Davis, OLB, 6th round, 2009A true project, Davis was a 205 pound WR as a freshman in college and moved to DE as a sophomore. He is now trying to learn how to play linebacker in the Cardinals diverse scheme. Size is a positive for Davis, and with a defense always looking for aggressive run stoppers, he could become a role player as early as 2010.
Overall forecast: Ken Whisenhunt has brought stability not seen in the Cardinals organization for decades. He has a solid, winning system in place and is slowly starting to stockpile talent for the future. As this roster becomes more and more of the exact model Whiz wants, the team continues in the right direction. They look set for years.
Tomorrow: Atlanta Falcons
