Mike LaFleur's top QB priority is "Toughness in the Pocket:

                                                              photo from Heavy on NFL

By Walter Mitchell

During Mike LaFleur's interview with Dani Surek, she asked him what he looks for in a QB. If you fast forward to 2:28 you will hear MLF elaborate on his preferred QB criteria:

https://youtu.be/K6XZcC2m83w

"If you're not tough and you can't sit back in that pocket, it's hard to play." Mike LaFleur

The two exemplars whom Mike LaFleur mentioned: Matt Ryan and Matthew Stafford, 2025 NFL MVP

What QBs in 2026 would aptly fit Mike LaFleur's description:

* Jacoby Brissett - in-house with plenty of tape to prove it

* Derek Carr - has said he would like to return this season for the right situation.

* Daniel Jones - UFA - coming off Achilles tear

* Aaron Rodgers - UFA - coming off solid season in PIT

* Marcus Mariota - UFA - might be the most under-rated QB in the NFL

* Jimmy Garoppolo - UFA - he was groomed to play the pocket well by Kyle Shanahan

* Fernando Mendoza, Indiana - 2026 Draft 

* Ty Simpson, Alabama - 2026 Draft

* Trinidad Chambliss, Mississippi - 2026 Draft - evidence here (click)


Ryan Roberts
@RiseNDraft
Love the toughness/composure that Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss plays with inside the pocket. Dude is tough as nails. Not afraid to stick in there against pressure.

https://x.com/RiseNDraft/status/2010190761661448263?s=20

* Garret Nussmeier, LSU - 2026 Draft

* Drew Allar, Penn. St. - 2026 Draft

Which QBs listed here appeal to you? Do you have another QB in mind?

Comments

  1. Simpleman 2026February 8, 2026 at 7:32 AM

    What are your thoughts about Malik Willis, UFA.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walter MitchellFebruary 8, 2026 at 8:13 AM

      Malik Willis does not appear to fit the criteria. Plus, given his shoulder, hamstring and concussion concerns after his brief, albeit impressive stint late in the season one has to wonder whether he can hold up physically for 17+ games. The comes the question of salary. Some are saying 2/$45M.

      Delete
    2. Simpleman 2026February 8, 2026 at 10:35 AM

      Malik isn’t worth that salary with his injury history. My mock drafts I take RT, G, and would draft D Allar in Rd 4. This defense line needs a total redo besides keeping Sweat and Nolan probably need to upgrade the rest. I don’t see Campbell playing here again, so whoever is the D coordinator has tons of work to do not to mention coaching up the younger guys.

      Delete
  2. JethroBodineFebruary 8, 2026 at 8:44 AM

    If I'm Lafleur, I'm fixing the OL this season and drafting my QB of the future next year. Whoever starts in 2026 needs to have experience, be durable and not break the bank. I would start Brissett and find another tough experienced backup on the cheap knowing that one or both of them will help mentor the Cardinals 2027 first round draft pick.

    Carr is an injury waiting to happen IMO. Maybe Garoppolo but I remember him not being all that that durable. I've always wanted to see Aaron Rodgers throwing in AZ but he'll head back to the PA before he comes to AZ. Maybe Mariota or for shits and giggles and a media bump, sign Flacco to backup Jacoby for a season.

    ReplyDelete
  3. RedrunFebruary 8, 2026 at 9:34 AM

    QB's playing all games in a season is becoming rarer with the 17-game season. That said, I would want a competent backup for Brissett in 2026 via FA. Maybe look at bringing in Mariota, Jones, Garoppolo. If one of draft selections is available in rnd 4 or later, I might take a flyer. For draft I am leaning Edge, OT, OG in 1st three rounds.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Since 61February 8, 2026 at 10:46 AM

    2026-27 Cards have the 4th toughest schedule in the League. Brissett has earned a full season start and frankly, there isn't a QB on the planet that could get this current squad, even with a good draft, to the playoffs '26-27. Let's just hope and manage expectations to see substantial improvement across the board, toughness, tackling, play calling and overall competitiveness and accountability. It's the first season of another rebuild.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walter MitchellFebruary 8, 2026 at 11:15 AM

      Hey 61, my friend, I am still holding out hope that if Mike LaFleur hires the right defensive coordinator who can maximize the previously unlocked talent on that side of the ball, then I think the Cardinals to the playoffs could happen.

      Delete
    2. Since 61February 8, 2026 at 4:02 PM

      Hope so!

      Delete
  5. UnfortunateFanFebruary 8, 2026 at 8:43 PM

    Brissett- Deserves a chance to compete for the job
    Carr- Likely doesn't consider this "the right situation"
    Jones- Likely will not be fully recovered from his injury to start next season
    Rodgers- May retire. Hasn't looked like he still has "it" for a few years now.
    Mariota- Intriguing if he can be brought in on the cheap as a depth/competition for Brissett contract
    Garoppolo- Serious durability concerns. I could never trust him as the starter.
    Mendoza- Would love to get, but he will go to the Raiders and there's nothing Arizona can do about it.
    Simpson- Tempting if he somehow can be had without spending pick #3 but fixing the OL/pass rush is a high priority. If he somehow slides into the 20s, I'd suggest MO start calling every team and seeing what it takes to move up from pick 34.
    Chambliss- This guy performed exceptionally in high pressure situations. I'd love to give him a chance.
    Nussmeier- Potential 3rd or 4th round diamond in the rough. At one point he was considered a potential top pick in this draft.
    Allar- Same as Nussmeier and with his injury he could very easily slide to the 5th round or later, possibly even go undrafted. This guy has the best chance of anyone in this draft to be next Brock Purdy

    The good news is that edge and OT are 2 of the deeper positions in free agency at the moment and the Cards are also in a perfect position to draft either of those 2 positions. So sign Mariota, sign one of the OTs or Edge in FA, draft one of Bain, Bailey, Mauigoa or Fano, and draft one of Simpson, Chambliss, Nussmeier or Allar. In many ways, Allar has the most allure as a potential draft steal.

    ReplyDelete

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