Decoding the Coach Speak: Monti Ossenfort and Jonathan Gannon at the NFL Scouting Combine

Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort and coach Jonathan Gannon addressed the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday afternoon.

There weren’t many concrete declarations, which shouldn’t be a surprise from the tight-lipped duo, especially at this time of year.

But fear not, dear reader, for I am here to decode the messages. Big ups to Johnny Venerable, Bo Brack and the PHNX Cardinals crew for putting so many of the clips online.

Ossenfort on Zaven Collins’ fifth-year option: “I thought Zaven made a lot of great strides throughout the season. …With him, as with all our players, we expect to see a jump from Year 1 to Year 2. His comfort level, just getting more used to the position. In terms of the fifth-year option, and we’ve got some time on that, we’re going to continue to figure that out as we go.”

Ossenfort decoder: We don’t really need more time. Collins is an athletic player who has yet to find an NFL home at off-ball linebacker or edge. Like Isaiah Simmons before him, there is no chance we are picking up the fifth-year option on Zaven.

Gannon on the potential of re-signing Hollywood Brown: “There is an economic piece to that. That will sort out as we get going here.”

Gannon decoder: We’ll make him an offer. If it’s topped, say goodbye to Hollywood. If it's not, welcome back.

Ossenfort on D.J. Humphries: "It's a difficult situation. All I can say is, Hump has been in the facility every day. He is grinding through rehab, and I know he will put himself in the best position to be ready to play."

Ossenfort decoder: We love you, D.J., but it’s a cold business. The divorce is near.

Gannon on Budda Baker’s future: “Monti will handle that, but obviously I know the value that Budda Baker brings to this organization and the team. I want to see ‘3’ out there.”

Gannon decoder: If we were in a position to be picky, I’d prefer a star at a premium position like cornerback over a standout safety. But our defense stinks and we need good players, and Budda is a good player.

Ossenfort on prospects choosing to skip drills at the Combine: “For me, more information is better, but I respect anybody’s decision to choose what they want to do.”

Ossenfort decoder: I still love you, Marvin.

Ossenfort on second-year quarterback Clayton Tune competing to be the backup quarterback: “Clayton made a lot of strides last year. It’s hard to come in as a rookie and play. … Ultimately it’s going to be, ‘Who can do the job at the highest capability?’ Whether that’s a young player or an old player, we’re going to make that best decision.”

Ossenfort decoder: You remember the Browns game, right? Yes, we need a veteran backup, and hopefully one is willing to come this offseason after we got spurned by Jacoby Brissett last year. 

Gannon on Marvin Harrison, Jr: “Playmaker. Any time he touches it, he can score points.”

Gannon decoder: Playmaker. Any time he touches it, he can score points.

Ossenfort on Trey McBride: “Trey was a fun player to watch last year, with the way he continued to progress as the season went. Excited that we have him, and excited that we’ve got him moving forward.”

Ossenfort decoder: At least Keim left me one good player on a rookie deal.