cowboyjoe
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Note, I only put the ones I thought you all would be interested in;
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/425414-grading-the-off-seaon-of-all-32-nfl-teams#page/6
Miami Dolphins
Key Additions - Brandon Marshall, Karlos Dansby
Key Losses - Jason Taylor, Ted Ginn Jr
Notable Draft Picks - Jared Odrick (DT), Koa Misi (OLB)
Overview - The Dolphins went heavy on the defensive side of the ball in the draft, selecting defensive players with seven of their eight picks. Also added this offseason was linebacker Karlos Dansby who was signed to a lucrative contract which made him one of the highest paid linebackers in the league.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Dolphins added Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall to a young receiving group that includes Davone Bess and Brian Hartline. Marshall will be taking the roster spot of disappointing first round pick Ted Ginn Jr., who was traded to the 49ers for a fifth round draft pick.
The AFC East is one of the toughest divisions in football, but the Dolphins have a chance to compete with Patriots and the Jets with the additions they made this off-season.
Grade B +
New York Jets
Key Additions - Jason Taylor, Santonio Holmes, Antonio Cromartie, Ladainian Tomlinson
Key Losses - Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, Alan Faneca
Notable Draft Picks - Kyle Wilson (CB) Vladimir Ducasse (OG)
Overview - The Jets were one of the busiest teams this offseason and are the favorite to win the Super Bowl, at least according to Rex Ryan. Ryan also forgot that the Jets were still in the playoff hunt last season after a loss to the Falcons, so take his hubris with a grain of salt.
Rather than pay Thomas Jones the Jets released him and picked up Ladainian Tomlinson. Thomas proved last year he could still be a productive back, while Tomlinson looked like a player at the end of his career, so expect Shonn Greene to get the majority of the carries.
Santonio Holmes and Antonio Cromartie are both talented players, but come with a lot of baggage, including a four game suspension for Holmes. Jason Taylor was a long-time rival when he was with the Dolphins and now will be used mainly as a situational pass rusher in the Jets defense.
Even with all the a changes the Jets made to their roster this year it is likely that the two players who will have the most say in the success or failure of their season are both second-year players, RB Shonn Greene and QB Mark Sanchez.
Grade B -
New England Patriots
Key Additions - Torry Holt
Key Losses - Benjamin Watson, Adalius Thomas
Notable Draft Picks - Devin McCourty(CB), Rob Gronkowski (TE), Aaron Hernandez (TE)
Overview - The Patriots had twelve picks in the draft for the second straight season. Some might question the quantity over quality method if it were any other organization, but considering their recent history they are given the benefit of the doubt.
The loss of tight end Benjamin Watson should be softened by the additions of Rob Gronkowski and fourth-round steal, Aaron Hernandez.
The biggest concerns for the Patriots this off-season do not involve new additions or key loses, but rather a couple of veteran Patriots. Tom Brady is reportedly unhappy with his contract and Wes Welker is still recovering from a knee injury sustained last season. If Brady reports to camp on time and Welker is fully health when the season starts, there is no reason to think the Patriots should not be the favorites in the AFC East.
Grade C+
Buffalo Bills
Key Additions -None
Key Losses -Brad Butler, Terrell Owens
Notable Draft Picks - C.J. Spiller
Overview - After firing Dick Jauron last season the Bills set out to find a new head coach and settled on Chan Gailey who will be implementing a 3-4 defense.
First round pick C.J. Spiller is an explosive offensive threat, but unfortunately he will not have much of an offensive line to run behind. As poor as their offensive line was last year, the Bills still waited until the fourth round to select an offensive lineman, tackle Ed Wang.
Quarterback is still the most glaring issue for the Bills. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brian Brohm, and Trent Edwards will be battling it out this training camp, but none of the three will inspire any confidence in an offense that ranked 30th in total yards last season.
The Bills had many areas of need to address this offseason, and they just did not do enough to fill those needs. The good news is they should have another top-10 pick in draft next year.
Grade D
Washington Commanders
Key Additions - Donovan McNabb, Larry Johnson, Willie Parker, Jammal Brown
Key Losses - Jason Campbell
Notable Draft Picks - Trent Williams (OT)
Overview - A year after signing the biggest free agent available in Albert Haynesworth, the Commanders were a bit quieter in free agency, but still managed to make some drastic changes to a team that finished last in the NFC East.
Highly sought after new head coach Mike Shanahan brought in defensive coordinator Jim Haslett and his 3-4 defense, much to the dismay of Haynesworth.
To the offensive side of the ball the Commanders traded for QB Donovan McNabb who should be a substantial upgrade over Jason Campbell, and first round pick Trent Williams, and new addition Jammal Brown should help protect him, but the Commanders receiving corps is still a question mark.
Also added were running backs Willie Parker and Larry Johnson to a group that already includes Clinton Portis. They may have been a talented group in their prime, but all three have substantial injury histories and are approaching 30.
The Commanders already had a solid defense, and the addition of McNabb should make them better Still, if they want to compete with the Eagles and the Cowboys, they will need to add some weapons to an offense that averaged fewer than 17 points a game last year.
Grade B
New York Giants
Key Additions - Antrel Rolle, Deon Grant
Key Losses - Domenik Hixon (IR), Antonio Pierce
Notable Draft Picks - Jason Pierre-Paul (DE), Linval Joseph (DT)
Overview - After starting last season with a five-game winning streak, the Giants lost eight out of their next eleven and failed to make the playoffs. The main cause of their collapse was their defense which allowed over 26 points a game and 40 points or more in five games.
Not surprisingly the Giants drafted heavily on the defensive side of the ball, selecting talented yet raw pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul in the first round, and massive defensive tackle Linval Joseph in the second round.
To boost their secondary the Giants signed free agent safeties Antrel Rolle and Deion Grant.
Unfortunately, the Giants lost Domenik Hixon to injury this preseason, but they should still have enough weapons to maintain a top-10 offense and if the new additions to the defense can keep opponents scoring to a reasonable level, they should be back to contending for a playoff spot this season.
Grade B –
Dallas Cowboys
Key Additions - None
Key Losses - Flozell Adams
Notable Draft Picks - Dez Bryant (WR)
Overview - With no salary cap to hold him back, many thought Cowboys owner Jerry Jones would open up the pocket book this off season and pick up some big name free agents. However, Jones and the Cowboys exercised restraint this year and did almost nothing in free agency.
The Cowboys lack of activity this off season has less to do with fiscal responsibility and more with the talent that is already on this team. Last year saw Dallas get their first playoff win since 1996, and this year the Cowboys are a popular Super Bowl pick.
The Cowboys got a steal in first round pick Dez Bryant who should add another playmaker to an already potent offense.
The biggest question mark the Cowboys have is their offensive line which was not upgraded this off season and proved to be their Achilles heel in a playoff loss to the Vikings last year.
Grade C+
Philadelphia Eagles
Key Additions - Ernie Sims, Mike Bell
Key Losses - Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook
Notable Picks - Brandon Graham (DE), Nate Allen (S)
Overview - The Eagles had enough faith in Kevin Kolb after a couple of starts last season to trade franchise QB Donovan McNabb to division rival Washington Commanders. 2010 will also be a test for second year running back LeSean McCoy who will be asked to take over for RB Brian Westbrook who was released after a series of concussions.
In the draft the Eagles went heavy on defense, drafting nine players on the defensive side of the ball.
With young players taking over key positions on the offensive side of the ball and a fresh group of defenders trying to make the roster there are questions of whether or not the Eagles can improve on their 11-5 season of last year.
We will see this year if the decision to go younger backfires on them, but you have to give Eagles management credit for making such tough choices.
Grade C
Baltimore Ravens
Key Additions - Donte Stallworth, Anquan Boldin
Key Losses - None
Notable Draft Picks - Sergio Kindle (OLB), Terrence Cody (DT)
Overview - For years the Ravens have had one of the most feared defenses in the NFL, but their offense was never on quite the same level. This year the Ravens hope to change that by trading for Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Also added to the receiving group was Donte Stallworth, who was suspended last year after pleading guilty to DUI and manslaughter charges.
Linebacker Sergio Kindle and defensive tackle Terrence Cody both add some youth and depth to a defense that ranked in the top three in both points and yards allowed last season.
The Ravens have become an early Super Bowl pick and for good reason. They have a top-three defense and added offensive playmakers to go along with third year quarterback Joe Flacco and Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice.
Grade B+
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/425414-grading-the-off-seaon-of-all-32-nfl-teams#page/6
Miami Dolphins
Key Additions - Brandon Marshall, Karlos Dansby
Key Losses - Jason Taylor, Ted Ginn Jr
Notable Draft Picks - Jared Odrick (DT), Koa Misi (OLB)
Overview - The Dolphins went heavy on the defensive side of the ball in the draft, selecting defensive players with seven of their eight picks. Also added this offseason was linebacker Karlos Dansby who was signed to a lucrative contract which made him one of the highest paid linebackers in the league.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Dolphins added Pro Bowl wide receiver Brandon Marshall to a young receiving group that includes Davone Bess and Brian Hartline. Marshall will be taking the roster spot of disappointing first round pick Ted Ginn Jr., who was traded to the 49ers for a fifth round draft pick.
The AFC East is one of the toughest divisions in football, but the Dolphins have a chance to compete with Patriots and the Jets with the additions they made this off-season.
Grade B +
New York Jets
Key Additions - Jason Taylor, Santonio Holmes, Antonio Cromartie, Ladainian Tomlinson
Key Losses - Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, Alan Faneca
Notable Draft Picks - Kyle Wilson (CB) Vladimir Ducasse (OG)
Overview - The Jets were one of the busiest teams this offseason and are the favorite to win the Super Bowl, at least according to Rex Ryan. Ryan also forgot that the Jets were still in the playoff hunt last season after a loss to the Falcons, so take his hubris with a grain of salt.
Rather than pay Thomas Jones the Jets released him and picked up Ladainian Tomlinson. Thomas proved last year he could still be a productive back, while Tomlinson looked like a player at the end of his career, so expect Shonn Greene to get the majority of the carries.
Santonio Holmes and Antonio Cromartie are both talented players, but come with a lot of baggage, including a four game suspension for Holmes. Jason Taylor was a long-time rival when he was with the Dolphins and now will be used mainly as a situational pass rusher in the Jets defense.
Even with all the a changes the Jets made to their roster this year it is likely that the two players who will have the most say in the success or failure of their season are both second-year players, RB Shonn Greene and QB Mark Sanchez.
Grade B -
New England Patriots
Key Additions - Torry Holt
Key Losses - Benjamin Watson, Adalius Thomas
Notable Draft Picks - Devin McCourty(CB), Rob Gronkowski (TE), Aaron Hernandez (TE)
Overview - The Patriots had twelve picks in the draft for the second straight season. Some might question the quantity over quality method if it were any other organization, but considering their recent history they are given the benefit of the doubt.
The loss of tight end Benjamin Watson should be softened by the additions of Rob Gronkowski and fourth-round steal, Aaron Hernandez.
The biggest concerns for the Patriots this off-season do not involve new additions or key loses, but rather a couple of veteran Patriots. Tom Brady is reportedly unhappy with his contract and Wes Welker is still recovering from a knee injury sustained last season. If Brady reports to camp on time and Welker is fully health when the season starts, there is no reason to think the Patriots should not be the favorites in the AFC East.
Grade C+
Buffalo Bills
Key Additions -None
Key Losses -Brad Butler, Terrell Owens
Notable Draft Picks - C.J. Spiller
Overview - After firing Dick Jauron last season the Bills set out to find a new head coach and settled on Chan Gailey who will be implementing a 3-4 defense.
First round pick C.J. Spiller is an explosive offensive threat, but unfortunately he will not have much of an offensive line to run behind. As poor as their offensive line was last year, the Bills still waited until the fourth round to select an offensive lineman, tackle Ed Wang.
Quarterback is still the most glaring issue for the Bills. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brian Brohm, and Trent Edwards will be battling it out this training camp, but none of the three will inspire any confidence in an offense that ranked 30th in total yards last season.
The Bills had many areas of need to address this offseason, and they just did not do enough to fill those needs. The good news is they should have another top-10 pick in draft next year.
Grade D
Washington Commanders
Key Additions - Donovan McNabb, Larry Johnson, Willie Parker, Jammal Brown
Key Losses - Jason Campbell
Notable Draft Picks - Trent Williams (OT)
Overview - A year after signing the biggest free agent available in Albert Haynesworth, the Commanders were a bit quieter in free agency, but still managed to make some drastic changes to a team that finished last in the NFC East.
Highly sought after new head coach Mike Shanahan brought in defensive coordinator Jim Haslett and his 3-4 defense, much to the dismay of Haynesworth.
To the offensive side of the ball the Commanders traded for QB Donovan McNabb who should be a substantial upgrade over Jason Campbell, and first round pick Trent Williams, and new addition Jammal Brown should help protect him, but the Commanders receiving corps is still a question mark.
Also added were running backs Willie Parker and Larry Johnson to a group that already includes Clinton Portis. They may have been a talented group in their prime, but all three have substantial injury histories and are approaching 30.
The Commanders already had a solid defense, and the addition of McNabb should make them better Still, if they want to compete with the Eagles and the Cowboys, they will need to add some weapons to an offense that averaged fewer than 17 points a game last year.
Grade B
New York Giants
Key Additions - Antrel Rolle, Deon Grant
Key Losses - Domenik Hixon (IR), Antonio Pierce
Notable Draft Picks - Jason Pierre-Paul (DE), Linval Joseph (DT)
Overview - After starting last season with a five-game winning streak, the Giants lost eight out of their next eleven and failed to make the playoffs. The main cause of their collapse was their defense which allowed over 26 points a game and 40 points or more in five games.
Not surprisingly the Giants drafted heavily on the defensive side of the ball, selecting talented yet raw pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul in the first round, and massive defensive tackle Linval Joseph in the second round.
To boost their secondary the Giants signed free agent safeties Antrel Rolle and Deion Grant.
Unfortunately, the Giants lost Domenik Hixon to injury this preseason, but they should still have enough weapons to maintain a top-10 offense and if the new additions to the defense can keep opponents scoring to a reasonable level, they should be back to contending for a playoff spot this season.
Grade B –
Dallas Cowboys
Key Additions - None
Key Losses - Flozell Adams
Notable Draft Picks - Dez Bryant (WR)
Overview - With no salary cap to hold him back, many thought Cowboys owner Jerry Jones would open up the pocket book this off season and pick up some big name free agents. However, Jones and the Cowboys exercised restraint this year and did almost nothing in free agency.
The Cowboys lack of activity this off season has less to do with fiscal responsibility and more with the talent that is already on this team. Last year saw Dallas get their first playoff win since 1996, and this year the Cowboys are a popular Super Bowl pick.
The Cowboys got a steal in first round pick Dez Bryant who should add another playmaker to an already potent offense.
The biggest question mark the Cowboys have is their offensive line which was not upgraded this off season and proved to be their Achilles heel in a playoff loss to the Vikings last year.
Grade C+
Philadelphia Eagles
Key Additions - Ernie Sims, Mike Bell
Key Losses - Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook
Notable Picks - Brandon Graham (DE), Nate Allen (S)
Overview - The Eagles had enough faith in Kevin Kolb after a couple of starts last season to trade franchise QB Donovan McNabb to division rival Washington Commanders. 2010 will also be a test for second year running back LeSean McCoy who will be asked to take over for RB Brian Westbrook who was released after a series of concussions.
In the draft the Eagles went heavy on defense, drafting nine players on the defensive side of the ball.
With young players taking over key positions on the offensive side of the ball and a fresh group of defenders trying to make the roster there are questions of whether or not the Eagles can improve on their 11-5 season of last year.
We will see this year if the decision to go younger backfires on them, but you have to give Eagles management credit for making such tough choices.
Grade C
Baltimore Ravens
Key Additions - Donte Stallworth, Anquan Boldin
Key Losses - None
Notable Draft Picks - Sergio Kindle (OLB), Terrence Cody (DT)
Overview - For years the Ravens have had one of the most feared defenses in the NFL, but their offense was never on quite the same level. This year the Ravens hope to change that by trading for Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Also added to the receiving group was Donte Stallworth, who was suspended last year after pleading guilty to DUI and manslaughter charges.
Linebacker Sergio Kindle and defensive tackle Terrence Cody both add some youth and depth to a defense that ranked in the top three in both points and yards allowed last season.
The Ravens have become an early Super Bowl pick and for good reason. They have a top-three defense and added offensive playmakers to go along with third year quarterback Joe Flacco and Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice.
Grade B+
