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AFC
BALTIMORE RAVENS
C
With LT Jonathan Ogden and QB Steve McNair retiring and veteran CBs Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle and TE Todd Heap coming off injury-marred seasons, the Ravens seem to be inexperienced and aging in all the wrong spots. Much hinges on rookie QB Joe Flacco's development. Early returns for coach Brian Billick's replacement, John Harbaugh, seem positive.
C
With LT Jonathan Ogden and QB Steve McNair retiring and veteran CBs Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle and TE Todd Heap coming off injury-marred seasons, the Ravens seem to be inexperienced and aging in all the wrong spots. Much hinges on rookie QB Joe Flacco's development. Early returns for coach Brian Billick's replacement, John Harbaugh, seem positive.
BUFFALO BILLS
B
The Bills enlisted playmakers in the draft (CB/KR Leodis McKelvin and WR James Hardy) and play-killers on the market (LB Kawika Mitchell and DT Marcus Stroud). They have not addressed Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters' desire for a hefty raise.
The Bills enlisted playmakers in the draft (CB/KR Leodis McKelvin and WR James Hardy) and play-killers on the market (LB Kawika Mitchell and DT Marcus Stroud). They have not addressed Pro Bowl LT Jason Peters' desire for a hefty raise.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
C+
Give the Bengals points for finally jettisoning chronic distractions in WR Chris Henry and LB Odell Thurman. But deduct points as they let WR Chad Johnson's histrionics devolve into a spring sideshow. The offensive line's health will determine whether franchising G/T Stacy Andrews was shrewd or foolish. The defense needs rookie LB Keith Rivers to be an immediate presence.
Give the Bengals points for finally jettisoning chronic distractions in WR Chris Henry and LB Odell Thurman. But deduct points as they let WR Chad Johnson's histrionics devolve into a spring sideshow. The offensive line's health will determine whether franchising G/T Stacy Andrews was shrewd or foolish. The defense needs rookie LB Keith Rivers to be an immediate presence.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
B
Throwing caution to the wind, the Browns punted the '08 draft to acquire QB Brady Quinn (last year) and DTs Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams (this year) as the defensive line needed the help. WR Donte' Stallworth was a good pickup amid Joe Jurevicius' knee issues. And it was smart to retain QB Derek Anderson and see if he's the real deal. CB Leigh Bodden will be missed.
Throwing caution to the wind, the Browns punted the '08 draft to acquire QB Brady Quinn (last year) and DTs Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams (this year) as the defensive line needed the help. WR Donte' Stallworth was a good pickup amid Joe Jurevicius' knee issues. And it was smart to retain QB Derek Anderson and see if he's the real deal. CB Leigh Bodden will be missed.
DENVER BRONCOS
C
Quite a revolving door with K Jason Elam, RB Travis Henry and WR Javon Walker among those exiting and LB Boss Bailey, rookie LT Ryan Clady and DT Dewayne Robertson entering. Could be much ado about nothing unless new defensive coordinator Bob Slowik can fix a unit that banished Jim Bates could not.
Quite a revolving door with K Jason Elam, RB Travis Henry and WR Javon Walker among those exiting and LB Boss Bailey, rookie LT Ryan Clady and DT Dewayne Robertson entering. Could be much ado about nothing unless new defensive coordinator Bob Slowik can fix a unit that banished Jim Bates could not.
HOUSTON TEXANS
C-
Though on the playoff cusp, the Texans were fairly quiet with LB Rosevelt Colvin the splashiest newcomer. Houston will need its journeymen signings and unheralded rookies to bolster the running game and hold down the secondary until CB Dunta Robinson is ready to play.
Though on the playoff cusp, the Texans were fairly quiet with LB Rosevelt Colvin the splashiest newcomer. Houston will need its journeymen signings and unheralded rookies to bolster the running game and hold down the secondary until CB Dunta Robinson is ready to play.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
B+
In typical fashion, the Colts quietly restocked the bottom of their roster through the draft, let some middling players such as G Jake Scott and LB Rob Morris go and locked up pieces they value more -- TE Dallas Clark and G Ryan Lilja. This recipe for success should breed more success.
In typical fashion, the Colts quietly restocked the bottom of their roster through the draft, let some middling players such as G Jake Scott and LB Rob Morris go and locked up pieces they value more -- TE Dallas Clark and G Ryan Lilja. This recipe for success should breed more success.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
B-
Out with the old, in with the new. The Jaguars drafted rookie pass rushers Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves and said goodbye to Bobby McCray and Marcus Stroud. Are WRs Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson upgrades or lateral moves?
Out with the old, in with the new. The Jaguars drafted rookie pass rushers Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves and said goodbye to Bobby McCray and Marcus Stroud. Are WRs Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson upgrades or lateral moves?
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
B
DT Glenn Dorsey, G/T Branden Albert and CB Brandon Flowers highlight what might be a watershed draft crop. DE Jared Allen won't be easily replaced, but the Chiefs did the right thing letting CB Ty Law, WR Eddie Kennison, C Casey Wiegmann, et al. go. The Chiefs won't be good in 2008, but a promising foundation looks to be in place.
B
DT Glenn Dorsey, G/T Branden Albert and CB Brandon Flowers highlight what might be a watershed draft crop. DE Jared Allen won't be easily replaced, but the Chiefs did the right thing letting CB Ty Law, WR Eddie Kennison, C Casey Wiegmann, et al. go. The Chiefs won't be good in 2008, but a promising foundation looks to be in place.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
A-
Bill Parcells' arrival as the football operations kingpin was a precursor to an ongoing overhaul. Largely unknown head coach Tony Sparano will get to work with LT Jake Long, the draft's No.1 overall pick. DE Phillip Merling, QB Chad Henne and G Shawn Murphy are other potential starters obtained on draft day. Parcells also received good value by getting a second-round pick for DE Jason Taylor. Miami got younger, if not immediately better, in 2008.
Bill Parcells' arrival as the football operations kingpin was a precursor to an ongoing overhaul. Largely unknown head coach Tony Sparano will get to work with LT Jake Long, the draft's No.1 overall pick. DE Phillip Merling, QB Chad Henne and G Shawn Murphy are other potential starters obtained on draft day. Parcells also received good value by getting a second-round pick for DE Jason Taylor. Miami got younger, if not immediately better, in 2008.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
B+
Priority No.1 was retaining WR Randy Moss, which the Patriots did. Priority No.2 was adding youth to the linebacker corps -- hello Jerod Mayo (first-round pick) and Victor Hobson (signed away from the New York Jets). Priority No.3 was compensating for the expected loss of CB Asante Samuel, especially in light of Ellis Hobbs' injuries. Didn't happen.
Priority No.1 was retaining WR Randy Moss, which the Patriots did. Priority No.2 was adding youth to the linebacker corps -- hello Jerod Mayo (first-round pick) and Victor Hobson (signed away from the New York Jets). Priority No.3 was compensating for the expected loss of CB Asante Samuel, especially in light of Ellis Hobbs' injuries. Didn't happen.
NEW YORK JETS
A-
It remains to be seen if the Jets make a play for a certain Packers quarterback they wanted to draft in 1991. Regardless, New York has already made $140 million worth of noise to upgrade its roster. G Alan Faneca and T Damien Woody should help the running game take flight, especially with FB Tony Richardson also on board. Rookie sack artist Vernon Gholston is expected to be a force, and LB Calvin Pace fits the 3-4 defense like a glove, though new NT Kris Jenkins must adapt. Locking up S Kerry Rhodes was a wise move. Now about that quarterback position ...
It remains to be seen if the Jets make a play for a certain Packers quarterback they wanted to draft in 1991. Regardless, New York has already made $140 million worth of noise to upgrade its roster. G Alan Faneca and T Damien Woody should help the running game take flight, especially with FB Tony Richardson also on board. Rookie sack artist Vernon Gholston is expected to be a force, and LB Calvin Pace fits the 3-4 defense like a glove, though new NT Kris Jenkins must adapt. Locking up S Kerry Rhodes was a wise move. Now about that quarterback position ...
OAKLAND RAIDERS
B-
Ignoring the trenches, the Raiders opted for voltage, drafting Arkansas RB Darren McFadden. It'll be considered a wise move if he takes heat off QB JaMarcus Russell, but it could leave the Raiders open to second-guessing if Russell's constantly on his back or trying to bail out a defense that can't stop the run. CB DeAngelo Hall will team with Nnamdi Asomugha to form a near airtight air defense. WR Javon Walker is a wild card.
Ignoring the trenches, the Raiders opted for voltage, drafting Arkansas RB Darren McFadden. It'll be considered a wise move if he takes heat off QB JaMarcus Russell, but it could leave the Raiders open to second-guessing if Russell's constantly on his back or trying to bail out a defense that can't stop the run. CB DeAngelo Hall will team with Nnamdi Asomugha to form a near airtight air defense. WR Javon Walker is a wild card.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
B-
Rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall could be more than a valuable insurance policy for Willie Parker, while WR Limas Sweed is the big target QB Ben Roethlisberger requested. But an offensive line that struggled to protect Roethlisberger and lost its best player (G Alan Faneca) could be an issue.
Rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall could be more than a valuable insurance policy for Willie Parker, while WR Limas Sweed is the big target QB Ben Roethlisberger requested. But an offensive line that struggled to protect Roethlisberger and lost its best player (G Alan Faneca) could be an issue.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
A-
They continue to lock up their nucleus (DE Luis Castillo, SS Clinton Hart) while making crafty signings (T L.J. Shelton, G/C Jeremy Newberry, LB Derek Smith) who could be valuable role players. CB Antoine Cason and RB Jacob Hester should contribute as rookies. Bigger question is if QB Philip Rivers, TE Antonio Gates and C Nick Hardwick will be close to 100% by Week1.
They continue to lock up their nucleus (DE Luis Castillo, SS Clinton Hart) while making crafty signings (T L.J. Shelton, G/C Jeremy Newberry, LB Derek Smith) who could be valuable role players. CB Antoine Cason and RB Jacob Hester should contribute as rookies. Bigger question is if QB Philip Rivers, TE Antonio Gates and C Nick Hardwick will be close to 100% by Week1.
TENNESSEE TITANS
D-
That receiver QB Vince Young so badly needs? Aging TE Alge Crumpler and retread WR Justin McCareins will have to do. DE Jevon Kearse hardly makes up for the departures of DEs Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy or DT Randy Starks.
NFC
That receiver QB Vince Young so badly needs? Aging TE Alge Crumpler and retread WR Justin McCareins will have to do. DE Jevon Kearse hardly makes up for the departures of DEs Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy or DT Randy Starks.
NFC
ARIZONA CARDINALS
C-
The defense lost LB Calvin Pace but added depth with DE Travis LaBoy, DL Bryan Robinson and LB Clark Haggans. Rookie CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and DE Calais Campbell also help. Failing to hammer out deals for WR Anquan Boldin and LB Karlos Dansby could hurt down the road.
The defense lost LB Calvin Pace but added depth with DE Travis LaBoy, DL Bryan Robinson and LB Clark Haggans. Rookie CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and DE Calais Campbell also help. Failing to hammer out deals for WR Anquan Boldin and LB Karlos Dansby could hurt down the road.
ATLANTA FALCONS
A-
The house has been cleaned from top to bottom. General manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith are the new architects of a franchise that is trying to emerge from the Michael Vick-era wreckage. Dimitroff snared six players in the draft's first three rounds, headlined by a new franchise cornerstone in QB Matt Ryan. Free agent RB Michael Turner and K Jason Elam should also pay immediate dividends. Gone are CB DeAngelo Hall, TE Alge Crumpler and RB Warrick Dunn, who were among the unhappy campers on the squad in 2007.
The house has been cleaned from top to bottom. General manager Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith are the new architects of a franchise that is trying to emerge from the Michael Vick-era wreckage. Dimitroff snared six players in the draft's first three rounds, headlined by a new franchise cornerstone in QB Matt Ryan. Free agent RB Michael Turner and K Jason Elam should also pay immediate dividends. Gone are CB DeAngelo Hall, TE Alge Crumpler and RB Warrick Dunn, who were among the unhappy campers on the squad in 2007.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
B+
Rookie RB stud Jonathan Stewart and RT Jeff Otah should enhance a stagnant running game. QB Jake Delhomme and WR Steve Smith should be much happier having WRs Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett helping them rather than Keary Colbert and Drew Carter. The team might not be able to afford both DE Julius Peppers and LT Jordan Gross in 2009.
Rookie RB stud Jonathan Stewart and RT Jeff Otah should enhance a stagnant running game. QB Jake Delhomme and WR Steve Smith should be much happier having WRs Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett helping them rather than Keary Colbert and Drew Carter. The team might not be able to afford both DE Julius Peppers and LT Jordan Gross in 2009.
CHICAGO BEARS
D
Addition by subtraction with RB Cedric Benson? Maybe, but no guarantee that Matt Forte' or Kevin Jones will be better. The receiving corps is a mess with Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammad gone, not exactly an elixir for a shaky quarterback tandem. At least LBs Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs and KR Devin Hester got paid.
Addition by subtraction with RB Cedric Benson? Maybe, but no guarantee that Matt Forte' or Kevin Jones will be better. The receiving corps is a mess with Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammad gone, not exactly an elixir for a shaky quarterback tandem. At least LBs Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs and KR Devin Hester got paid.
DALLAS COWBOYS
A+
CB Adam "Pacman" Jones is the latest arrival for a team that's perfected the high-risk/high-reward transaction. LB Zach Thomas is also in that mold, though the risk with him is mileage. With WR Terrell Owens, RB Marion Barber III, LT Flozell Adams, CB Terence Newman and S Ken Hamlin receiving new deals and rookie RB Felix Jones and CB Mike Jenkins providing playmaking ability and depth, it's little wonder the Cowboys are thinking Super Bowl.
CB Adam "Pacman" Jones is the latest arrival for a team that's perfected the high-risk/high-reward transaction. LB Zach Thomas is also in that mold, though the risk with him is mileage. With WR Terrell Owens, RB Marion Barber III, LT Flozell Adams, CB Terence Newman and S Ken Hamlin receiving new deals and rookie RB Felix Jones and CB Mike Jenkins providing playmaking ability and depth, it's little wonder the Cowboys are thinking Super Bowl.
DETROIT LIONS
B-
Coach Rod Marinelli is stocking his Tampa 2 defense with men he knows -- CB Brian Kelly and S Dwight Smith -- while the likes of DT Shaun Rogers are shown the door. CB Leigh Bodden, netted in the Rogers deal, fills another hole. Rookie RB Kevin Smith and RT Gosder Cherilus are made to order for a team that wants to stress the run with Mike Martz gone.
Coach Rod Marinelli is stocking his Tampa 2 defense with men he knows -- CB Brian Kelly and S Dwight Smith -- while the likes of DT Shaun Rogers are shown the door. CB Leigh Bodden, netted in the Rogers deal, fills another hole. Rookie RB Kevin Smith and RT Gosder Cherilus are made to order for a team that wants to stress the run with Mike Martz gone.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
I
(Incomplete)
The NFC runners-up return virtually intact ... virtually. But until the Brett Favre saga plays out, it's hard to assess the offseason of a club that could be a contender or if the drama will impact Favre's apparent heir apparent, Aaron Rodgers. The Pack and Favre get an 'F' for failure to communicate.
The NFC runners-up return virtually intact ... virtually. But until the Brett Favre saga plays out, it's hard to assess the offseason of a club that could be a contender or if the drama will impact Favre's apparent heir apparent, Aaron Rodgers. The Pack and Favre get an 'F' for failure to communicate.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
A
An already stout defense should see its vulnerability to the pass rectified with DE Jared Allen, the reigning sack king, and S Madieu Williams now among its ranks. WR Bernard Berrian not only gives QB Tarvaris Jackson a credible deep threat, but his arrival also weakens the division rival Chicago Bears.
An already stout defense should see its vulnerability to the pass rectified with DE Jared Allen, the reigning sack king, and S Madieu Williams now among its ranks. WR Bernard Berrian not only gives QB Tarvaris Jackson a credible deep threat, but his arrival also weakens the division rival Chicago Bears.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
B+
They gambled in the draft, trading up for DT Sedrick Ellis, and on the trading block, importing LB Jonathan Vilma and TE Jeremy Shockey, who no longer fit their old teams' plans. The Saints addressed needs with each gambit, and if two pay off, they could be right back atop a weak NFC South.
They gambled in the draft, trading up for DT Sedrick Ellis, and on the trading block, importing LB Jonathan Vilma and TE Jeremy Shockey, who no longer fit their old teams' plans. The Saints addressed needs with each gambit, and if two pay off, they could be right back atop a weak NFC South.
NEW YORK GIANTS
B+
LB Mathias Kiwanuka's return should partially salve DE Michael Strahan's retirement. The Giants scored a second-round pick for disgruntled TE Jeremy Shockey. And the club wisely reinvested in its underrated offensive line rather than overpay for LB Kawika Mitchell or S Gibril Wilson. Rookie S Kenny Phillips could be star.
LB Mathias Kiwanuka's return should partially salve DE Michael Strahan's retirement. The Giants scored a second-round pick for disgruntled TE Jeremy Shockey. And the club wisely reinvested in its underrated offensive line rather than overpay for LB Kawika Mitchell or S Gibril Wilson. Rookie S Kenny Phillips could be star.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
B
CB Asante Samuel's arrival garnered the headlines, but the draft-day trade for RB Lorenzo Booker could prove to be a coup, too. Rookie WR DeSean Jackson should be perfect for the lackluster return game. CB Lito Sheppard's situation is still festering.
CB Asante Samuel's arrival garnered the headlines, but the draft-day trade for RB Lorenzo Booker could prove to be a coup, too. Rookie WR DeSean Jackson should be perfect for the lackluster return game. CB Lito Sheppard's situation is still festering.
ST. LOUIS RAMS
B-
DE Chris Long, the No.2 pick of the draft, should rev up a defense in need of a jolt. On the heels of a season ruined by injuries, QB Trent Green and G Jacob Bell are welcome sights. Mainstay WR Isaac Bruce and K Jeff Wilkins are gone, but with K Josh Brown aboard, the Rams will no longer have to endure the ex-Seattle Seahawk breaking their hearts at the gun. Does coordinator Al Saunders' arrival help or hinder the offense?
DE Chris Long, the No.2 pick of the draft, should rev up a defense in need of a jolt. On the heels of a season ruined by injuries, QB Trent Green and G Jacob Bell are welcome sights. Mainstay WR Isaac Bruce and K Jeff Wilkins are gone, but with K Josh Brown aboard, the Rams will no longer have to endure the ex-Seattle Seahawk breaking their hearts at the gun. Does coordinator Al Saunders' arrival help or hinder the offense?
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
B-
New offensive coordinator Mike Martz might be the key for a team that saw its offense struggle in 2007. His creative schemes and ability to integrate either QB Alex Smith or Shaun Hill and new WRs Bryant Johnson and Isaac Bruce into them will likely determine this club's fate in 2008. The draft netted young linemen.
New offensive coordinator Mike Martz might be the key for a team that saw its offense struggle in 2007. His creative schemes and ability to integrate either QB Alex Smith or Shaun Hill and new WRs Bryant Johnson and Isaac Bruce into them will likely determine this club's fate in 2008. The draft netted young linemen.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
D+
Would it have been wiser to draft RB Shaun Alexander's replacement rather than throw cash at Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett? The receiving situation is ugly with Bobby Engram unhappy, Deion Branch hurt and D.J. Hackett with the Carolina Panthers. And who's kicking? At least they kept CB Marcus Trufant and signed LG Mike Wahle.
Would it have been wiser to draft RB Shaun Alexander's replacement rather than throw cash at Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett? The receiving situation is ugly with Bobby Engram unhappy, Deion Branch hurt and D.J. Hackett with the Carolina Panthers. And who's kicking? At least they kept CB Marcus Trufant and signed LG Mike Wahle.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
C-
The Brett Favre whispers are still simmering. But for now, other than adding C Jeff Faine and dumping CB Brian Kelly, the Bucs shuffled a lot of spare parts around their roster.
The Brett Favre whispers are still simmering. But for now, other than adding C Jeff Faine and dumping CB Brian Kelly, the Bucs shuffled a lot of spare parts around their roster.
WASHINGTON Commanders
B
Until DE Jason Taylor's acquisition, the only major change had been on the sideline, where Jim Zorn takes the headset from Joe Gibbs. Personnel continuity is good for a playoff team; hiring an unproven coach with a new playbook is more dicey.
Until DE Jason Taylor's acquisition, the only major change had been on the sideline, where Jim Zorn takes the headset from Joe Gibbs. Personnel continuity is good for a playoff team; hiring an unproven coach with a new playbook is more dicey.
