Welcome to #CardsMailbag, a weekly installment that allows you to ask me questions about the Arizona Cardinals throughout the week via Twitter @joshweinfuss. I'll answer them every weekend during the offseason. Make sure to use the hashtag #CardsMailbag.
@joshweinfuss How does that front seven look vs league/vs NFC West? What could hold back these Cardinals from winning 10+ this fall? Depth?
— kc masterman (@kmasterman) July 22, 2015
@joshweinfuss: From what I've seen, I think Arizona's front seven is among the deepest -- not just in the division, but the league. The Cardinals' front office has most definitely overcompensated to prevent the depth issues caused last season by injuries. Having that many players at James Bettcher's disposal will keep legs consistently fresh and allow the Cardinals to blitz more frequently. I don't think depth will prevent them from winning 10 or more games this season. I think, if anything, it'll be a new defensive coordinator instituting parts of his own scheme and a 35-year-old quarterback coming off a second-career knee injury that will hold the Cardinals back.
@joshweinfuss Your gut feeling says we will add a vet or two before camp open. Yes or No?
— Brian Sharp (@bjsharpy916) July 22, 2015
@joshweinfuss: I could sit here and say, yes, but signing Jermaine Gresham was obviously one of those moves. I don't know if anyone else will be added, as there aren't any other positions that are in as desperate need of an addition as tight end was.
@joshweinfuss Early look on RB depth chart - Ellington clear starter then who? #CardsMailbag
— Erik Zembeck (@EZembeck) July 22, 2015
@joshweinfuss: Behind Andre Ellington -- who is the clear-cut starter -- is, in my opinion, David Johnson, Stepfan Taylor and Robert Hughes.
@joshweinfuss saw your prediction that Sims will beat out Thomas, love to hear you elaborate on that. #CardsMailBag
— Timmy (@Cardsfan37) July 23, 2015
@joshweinfuss: I think, when it comes down to it, Logan Thomas hasn't progressed as well as the Cardinals hoped he would at this point. He's still making too many mental errors and mistakes that should've already been cleaned up. We saw that during OTAs and minicamp when coach Bruce Arians had a quick hook with Thomas, giving the other four quarterbacks more reps. If Phillip Sims can be consistent and not make mistakes, I think he has a good shot at making the roster.
@joshweinfuss Who's a "name" player that might not make the team?
— kc masterman (@kmasterman) July 23, 2015
@joshweinfuss: I've been consistent saying I don't think LaMarr Woodley will make the roster. There's so much depth at outside linebacker. Even though Arizona needs to improve its pass rushing from a year ago, I think the Cards have been able to do that with Alex Okafor, Lorenzo Alexander (although I'm not sure he'll stay a full-time OLB), Kareem Martin, and rookies Markus Golden and Shaquille Riddick.
@joshweinfuss any chance Shaq busts into starting lineup?
— Daniel Zink (@DanZink_Results) July 23, 2015
@joshweinfuss: Not sure Riddick will be one of the two starting outside linebackers for a few reasons. First, he missed so much time during OTAs and minicamp because of injuries and has a lot of time and ground to make up. Secondly, there are better pass rushers -- at least proven pass rushers -- ahead of him. I think he'll find a role on the defense, but it won't be as a starter.