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Tag Archives: donte whitner
August 9, 2011 · 3:36 pm
Training camp cuts roundup
Ex-Jet Jerricho Cotchery. Image via Wikipedia
In this post, we'll discuss the players released during training camp. This will include players cut until the first cutdown on August 30. (For players released earlier, check out this link to our pre-camp cuts analysis.)
Vikings (cut OT Bryant McKinnie) – We discussed McKinnie's release in this post.
Cowboys (cut C Andre Gurode) – Gurode has made the Pro Bowl the last five years, but the nine-year vet's play no longer matches his price tag. It'll be interesting to see what contingency plan the Cowboys have in mind, but it's clear that Gurode still has enough in the tank to be at least an above-average center for someone.
Bills (cut OLB Aaron Maybin) – Maybin, a former first-round pick, was an utter disappointment in Buffalo. He never provided much of a pass rush, and so his impact was negligible. His talent may earn him a look elsewhere, but it's hard to see someone who was such a complete bust completely turning his career around. The Bills, under a regime different than the one that drafted Maybin, cut the cord after two seasons, indicating they thought he was a hopeless case.
Jets (cut WR Jerricho Cotchery) – Cotchery has been a decent starter for the Jets, but after the Jets spent big money for Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress, his price tag proved to be too much. So the Jets (who also lost Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith) will likely try to add a veteran as the third receiver until Jeremy Kerley develops. Cotchery latched on with the Steelers.
Saints (cut OT Jon Stinchcomb and DE Alex Brown) – Stinchcomb had started every game at right tackle the past five seasons for the Saints, and he made a Pro Bowl just two seasons ago in 2009. But his play slipped last year, and he's not the heavy-duty run blocker the Saints seem to prefer at this point. So New Orleans saved $2 million plus and released him. Still, he's good enough to start elsewhere, especially for a West Coast offense team. Brown, whom the Saints added last season, is a decent starting defensive end because he's OK against both the pass and the run, but he's no longer an impact guy. He lost his job as the Saints upgraded across the D-line and his pricetag no longer matched his expected contribution.
Bengals (cut DT Tank Johnson, CB Fred Bennett and QB Jordan Palmer) – The Bengals gave the troubled defensive tackle a chance, and it worked out beautifully in 2009. But last season, Johnson's performance fell off. If he can prove he's healthy and stay on his best behavior, Johnson could still latch on as a backup DT elsewhere. Bennett, a former Texans starter, has completely fallen off the map. Palmer (the brother of Carson Palmer) lost a roster spot after the additions of Andy Dalton and Bruce Gradkowski.
Titans (cut DT Jovan Haye) – Haye was a starter for the Titans in 2008-2009, but he lost his starting gig last year and then lost his roster spot this year. Still, he provides experience at a position of need, so he should find a job somewhere.
Broncos (cut RB LenDale White) – The Broncos signed White after the Titans and Seahawks gave up on him, but he got hurt last preseason and missed the entire year. After adding Willis McGahee, White became expendable for Denver.
Steelers (cut WR Limas Sweed) – Sweed, a former second-round pick, was supposed to replace Plaxico Burress in the Steelers' offense, but injuries and inconsistency limited his impact. Instead, later draftees like Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders, and Antonio Brown emerged, making Sweed extraneous. Some team will really be looking at the way-back machine if it is to give him a second chance.
Ravens (cut FB Jason McKie and OT Oniel Cousins) – McKie is a decent fullback, but after the Ravens upgraded with Vonta Leach, he became expendable. Given the dearth of teams that use a fullback, McKie could have trouble finding work. Cousins entered camp as a potential starter at right tackle but lost the job and then a roster spot. The addition of Bryant McKinnie made Cousins an expendable piece.
Eagles (cut DE Ricky Sapp) – Sapp, a fifth-round pick in 2010, was battling knee injuries and roster depth before he left the Eagles early in camp. Given their depth, the Eagles decided to cut Sapp instead of keeping his rights.
Patriots (cut safeties Brandon McGowan and James Sanders) – McGowan, who was a starter at free safety for the Patriots in 2009, had fallen behind youngsters Patrick Chung and Brandon Meriwether at the position. So he was released. The more surprising cut was Sanders, who was a starter and a regular last year and a starter in the third preseason game two days before his release. He's still good enough to fit in somewhere.
Redskins (cut PK Shayne Graham) – Graham lost out in a kicking competition with Graham Gano. The vet will likely become an injury replacement somewhere before the season is out.
Rams (cut LBs David Vobora and Na'il Diggs) – Vobora, a former Mr. Irrelevant, was a stat-minded favorite, but his talent wasn't going to justify a roster spot. It'll be interesting to see if an analytics-driven team gives him a shot. (UPDATE: Seattle did.) Diggs is a solid veteran who is a replacement level starter at best. He will find work as an injury fill-in at some point.
Lions (cut RB Mike Bell, DT Montavious Stanley, and PK Dave Rayner) – Bell, one of the running backs whom the Lions signed after Mikel Leshoure's injury, failed to make an impact to win a job. Stanley provides decent depth at tackle but lost a job on Detroit's deep line. Rayner did a good job filling in for Jason Hanson last year, but Hanson's back for his 20th year in Detroit.
Jaguars (cut WR Tiquan Underwood) – Underwood, a former sixth-round pick, becomes the first draft pick of the Gene Smith era to be cut in Jacksonville. His three years were underwhelming, and the Jags have added a ton of other receivers in the draft since he was selected.
Bears (cut DE Vernon Gholston and DT Tank Tyler) – Tyler, an ex-Chief and Panther, has never lived up to his draft status as he's bounced around the league. But he's not nearly the bust that Gholston, a former sixth overall pick, was. The Bears took a shot on Gholston as a reclamation project, but it obviously didn't take. (Meanwhile, Amobi Okoye, a similar case, has performed pretty well.)
Chargers (cut LS David Binn) – Binn played 17 years for the Chargers, but he's always been small for a long snapper and no longer holds up. The Chargers' special teams problems last season ultimately led to many changes, including this one.
Tagged as aaron maybin, alex brown, andre gurode, baltimore ravens, brandon mcgowan, braylon edwards, buffalo bills, chicago bears, cincinnati bengals, dallas cowboys, dave rayner, david binn, david vobora, denver broncos, detroit lions, donte whitner, Football Relativity, fred bennett, james sanders, jason mckie, jerricho cotchery, jon stinchcomb, jordan palmer, jovan haye, lendale white, limas sweed, mike bell, montavious stanley, na'il diggs, new england patriots, new orleans saints, new York jets, NFL, NFL Free Agency, NFL free agents, oniel cousins, philadelphia eagles, pittsburgh steelers, ricky sapp, san diego chargers, San Francisco 49ers, shayne graham, st. louis rams, tank johnson, tank tyler, tennessee titans, tiquan underwood, vernon gholston, washington redskins
August 5, 2011 · 12:30 am
49ers strike gold as league year starts
Braylon Edwards, once a Brown, now a 49er. Image via Wikipedia
The San Francisco 49ers were relatively quiet during the first week post-lockout, but as the NFL league year started on August 4, they made two major moves by adding WR Braylon Edwards and then swiping SS Donte Whitner away from the Bengals at the last minute.
Edwards, whose market turned him into a bargain, had his best year since 2007 last year. He's a big target with downfield skills, which makes him a commodity the 49ers don't otherwise have. And with Michael Crabtree injured during training camp (again), Edwards has a chance to establish himself as the 49ers' No. 1 target in 2011. Given the 49ers' extremely favorable cap situation, a one-year, $3.5 million contract for Edwards is easy to justify. And if Edwards works out by the bay, he could become a longer-term answer.
Whitner was so close to signing with the Bengals that he actually tweeted "Who Dey," but at the last minute he opted for the 49ers gold – three years, $11.75 million, with a $4 million signing bonus. The former top-10 overall pick in Buffalo has been good but not great in his five NFL seasons. Last year, he did set a career high with 94 tackles. He's an upgrade over the Reggie Smith/Taylor Mays combo the 49ers had at strong safety last year, but if this signing keeps the 49ers from re-signing FS Dashon Goldson, then the cost was too high.
Tagged as braylon edwards, buffalo bills, donte whitner, Football Relativity, michael crabtree, new York jets, NFL, NFL Free Agency, NFL free agents, reggie smith, San Francisco 49ers, taylor mays
July 28, 2011 · 12:57 pm
Pre-camp signings
New Titan Matt Hasselbeck. Image via Wikipedia
The NFL free-agent market opened with a flurry, and in this post we'll try to make sense of it all. We'll discuss all the major signings between the resumption of play and the August 4 date on which veteran signees could begin practicing.
Panthers (keep DE Charles Johnson, RB DeAngelo Williams, and OLBs Thomas Davis and James Anderson; add NT Ron Edwards, PK Olindo Mare, QB Derek Anderson, TE Ben Hartsock, LB Omar Gaither and Safeties Kevin Payne and Sean Considine) – We discussed Johnson in this post and Williams in this post. Davis is a major impact player who has fought major knee injuries the last few years. While he wasn't technically a free agent, the team had agreed to either re-sign him or cut him. So Davis got a five-year deal. So did Anderson, who stepped into the starting lineup when Davis was out last year and played quite well. He got a five-year, $22 million contract with an $8.5 million signing bonus. Anderson's emergence will let the Panthers move Jon Beason back to middle linebacker, and it will give Carolina a powerful LB corps. Edwards fills a major need for the Panthers, who had terrible defensive tackle play last year. That's why they gave him a solid three-year, $8.25 million deal. Even though the Panthers run a 4-3, they traditionally put one of their tackles right over the center, so Edwards fits in as he moves over from a 3-4. The Panthers gave Mare a four-year, $12 million deal with a $4 million signing bonus. Mare has been terrific the last three years inSeattleafter a mid-career lull, and he's got a powerful leg on kickoffs. That gives him an edge over Panthers fan (and owner) favorite John Kasay, who's remained good on field goals into his 40s but who can't kick off reliably anymore. Anderson, who played for new Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski in Cleveland, comes on board as the veteran quarterback who can start Week One if Cam Newton isn't ready. Hartsock, an ex-Cardinal, got a two-year deal to replace Jeff King as a reliable blocking tight end. Payne, who sat out last year, was a decent starting safety in Chicago and should be worthy of a roster spot. He may have to beat out Considine, a decent safety and strong special-teamer, to win that spot. The Panthers also extended the contract of Pro Bowl MLB Jon Beason. Gaither busted out as a starter in Philadelphia last year, but he's pretty good insurance against another Thomas Davis injury at strong-side linebacker. Like Considine, Gaither played for new Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott in Philadelphia.
Eagles (add CB Nnamdi Asomugha, DT Cullen Jenkins, DE Jason Babin, QB Vince Young, OG Evan Mathis, RB Ronnie Brown, OT Ryan Harris, DTs Derek Landri and Anthony Hargrove, S Jarrad Page, TE Donald Lee, and WR Johnnie Lee Higgins) – We discussed the major Asomugha move in this post. Jenkins moves over from Green Bay for a five-year, $25 million deal to provide a pass-rush push inside. He was one of the best defensive linemen on the market, and the Eagles adding him is a big upgrade. Jenkins played in a 3-4 last year, but he's played in a 4-3 as well, which speaks to his versatility. Babin, who was a first-round pick in Houston once upon a time, bounced around the league (including Philadelphia) before having a breakout season in Tennessee last year. His DL coach with the Titans, Jim Washburn, is now in Philadelphia, so it makes sense that Babin would follow him to the City of Brotherly Love. Babin got a five-year deal worth up to $28 million (but with just $6 million guaranteed) to help the Eagles ramp up their pass rush. Young, who was released by the Titans, gets a one-year deal to back up Michael Vick. Despite his off-field reputation, he's a pretty good insurance policy for the Eagles, and they could revive his career. Mathis looks to be a backup in Philadelphia, but he's been a pretty decent starter at guard in the past. That's a nice addition for depth. Brown may be starting the downhill part of his career, but he provides nice insurance behind starting RB LeSean McCoy. Harris was a good starter at right tackle at times in Denver. He adds depth but could challenge holdover Winston Justice for a starting shot. Landri and Hargrove add depth at a thin position. Landri probably fits better as a spot player; Hargrove can provide some interior pass rush. Page adds depth at safety, which is a young position on the roster. Lee is a blocking tight end with experience in the West Coast offense. Higgins has good return skills but will have trouble cracking the Eagles' deep WR rotation.
Jets (keep WR Santonio Holmes, CB Antonio Cromartie, OT Wayne Hunter, PK Nick Folk, CB Donald Strickland, Safeties Brodney Pool and Eric Smith, and QB Mark Brunell; add WR Plaxico Burress and S DaJuan Morgan) – We discussed Holmes' signing and how it establishes him as a No. 1 receiver in this post. Cromartie was the consolation prize after the Jets missed out on Nnamdi Asomugha. Cromartie isn't the shut down corner that Asomugha or Darrelle Revis is, but he's good enough to make it hard on opposing quarterbacks. Plus, he's dangerous if he ever gets the ball in his hands. He got a four-year, $32 million deal. Hunter, who filled in for an injured Damien Woody at right tackle last year, got a four-year, $13 million deal to take Woody's place permanently now that Woody has retired. Folk performed well in his first year as a Jet and got a one-year deal to return. Strickland, Pool, and Smith are solid players who fit in well in the team's DB rotation. Smith and Pool fit in as starters; Strickland a nickel back. Morgan adds depth at the position. Burress got a one-year, $3 million contract to replace Braylon Edwards as a starter across from Holmes. It's a bit of a gamble for the Jets to rely on Burress, who has missed the last two seasons because of his legal problems, but if he's the same player he was with the Giants he'll be a nice addition. Brunell came back after being cut.
Chargers (add ILB Takeo Spikes, OLB Travis LaBoy and WR Laurent Robinson; keep S Eric Weddle, OT Jeromy Clary, TE Randy McMichael, S Bob Sanders, OLB Antwan Barnes, NT Jacques Cesaire, and QB Billy Volek) – Spikes, who played for new Chargers defensive coordinator Greg Manusky in San Francisco, is a solid veteran who is still a reliable run-down tackler. He'll be a good fit in the Chargers' 3-4 defense, even if his three-year, $9 million deal with a $3 million signing bonus is a little rich given his age. LaBoy is another vet who is a solid but unspectacular outside linebacker. He's shown pass rush ability in the past, but not in recent years. Weddle was the Chargers' biggest free agent, and they paid big money to keep him – a five-year, $40 million contract with a $13 million signing bonus and $19 million guaranteed that his agent claimed as the richest contract ever for a safety. Weddle may not be the best safety in the league, but he's very good. His range at free safety is remarkable, and his presence allows the Chargers more flexibility in pass coverage. They simply couldn't afford to lose him. Clary got a four-year deal to continue to play right tackle, even though his pass blocking has been suspect. McMichael provides insurance against Antonio Gates injury, while Sanders brings a veteran influence and hard hitting to the strong safety position if he can stay healthy. Barnes bounced around last year but finally found a home that matches his pass-rush skills in San Diego. Cesaire has started at nose tackle the last couple of years and played well. His return stabilizes the front line, because he does a nice job against the run. Volek is a solid veteran hand backing up Philip Rivers. The Chargers know he can be a solid short-term replacement if Rivers were to get injured. Robinson has been hurt a lot, but he's big and fast. If healthy, he could help replace Malcom Floyd.
Redskins (keep WR Santana Moss, OT Jammal Brown, CB Philip Buchanon, DE Kedric Golston, and S Reed Doughty; add DT Barry Cofield, DE Stephen Bowen, CB Josh Wilson, WR Donte Stallworth, QB Kellen Clemens, and OL Chris Chester) – We discussed Moss in this post. Cofield was one of the big prizes of the free agent market, and might have been the best defensive tackle available. But it's odd for Cofield, who thrived in a 4-3 last year, sign to play in a 3-4 in Washington. Maybe he will provide the Redskins a lot of scheme flexibility, but there's a strong chance he'll end up being a square peg trying to fit a round hole. That's not what you want in a guy you're giving a six-year megacontract. Bowen, who got a five-year, $27.5 million contract with a $12.5 million signing bonus, is a perfect fit for the system. He'll step in as a solid five-techinique defensive end, and he'll really improve the front. With Bowen and Cofield, the Redskins have taken a nice step forward up front. Wilson is a much better fit. He had a nice year in Baltimore last year, and he should provide an upgrade over the departing Carlos Rogers across from DeAngelo Hall. Wilson signed for a reasonable deal as well – three years, $13.5 million with $6 million in guarantees. We discussed all of these defensive additions in this post. Stallworth, who signed a one-year deal, adds depth to a receiving corps that is young aside from Moss. He's likely a No. 4 receiver at best, but he still does have downfield speed. Clemens never made much of an impact as a second-round pick with the Jets, but like John Beck at one point he was a hot prospect. Clemens likely fits in as a No. 3 QB. Chester, who has been starting at guard for the Ravens, comes over to address a big need on the interior of the Redskins line. He got a five-year contract worth up to $20 million. Brown got a five-year deal to return and play right tackle. He didn't have his best year last year, but he's talented enough to play left tackle or right. Buchanon adds depth at corner, but he will miss the first four games of the season because of a league suspension. Golston is a decent backup lineman. Doughty adds depth at safety.
Seahawks (add WR Sidney Rice, TE Zach Miller, QB Tarvaris Jackson, OG Robert Gallery, DTs Alan Branch and Ryan Sims, DE Jimmy Wilkerson, and PK Jeff Reed, ; keep DT Brandon Mebane, CB Kelly Jennings, RB Michael Robinson, LB Leroy Hill and DT Junior Siavii) – Once Santonio Holmes re-signed with the Jets, Rice was the best receiver on the market, and Seattle stepped up to sign him to a five-year, $41 million deal with $18.5 million guaranteed. Rice fought injuries last year, but he showed in 2009 that he can be an elite downfield receiver because of his great size and ball skills. His presence will let Mike Williams settle in as a solid No. 2 receiver and shore up a trouble area. Miller, who was a fine receiving tight end in Oakland, wasn't at a position of need, but his talent was strong enough that the Seahawks gave him a big deal (five years, $34 million, with $17 million guaranteed). He's a big-time receiving threat. The question is who will get Rice and Miller the ball. The Seahawks couldn't come to a deal with Matt Hasselbeck, and to replace him they brought in Jackson on a two-year, $8 million deal that basically puts him on equal footing with Charlie Whitehurst. Jackson fell far out of favor with the Vikings last year, but he played well down the stretch in 2008 before Brett Favre hit town. Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell was with the Vikings at that point, so he knows Jackson's ability and potential. Still, Jackson will have to grow more consistent and protect the football if he is to knock off Whitehurst and seize the starting job. Gallery was a bust as a tackle, but he's played well as a guard. Former Raiders head coach Tom Cable is now in Seattle, so he must trust that Gallery can add veteran experience to an offensive line that's young at tackle with Russell Okung and James Carpenter. Branch was a disappointment in Arizona, but he is huge and moves well, so the Seahawks will try to unlock his potential. Branch got a two-year, $8 million deal with $4 million guaranteed. Mebane was a huge retention for the Seahawks. He was one of the top defensive tackles on the market and had several suitors. Now he returns to create havoc up front. Having a wide body like Branch alongside could allow Mebane to penetrate even more. Robinson is a backup running back who is a decent receiver as well. Hill had played well for the Seahawks in the past, but off-field issues have limited his impact in recent years. Still, he has talent. Siavii adds depth inside. Sims and Wilkerson provide depth. Reed replaces the departed Olindo Mare. Jennings is a good but not great corner who's probably better suited to play in a nickel set than as a starter.
Titans (add QB Matt Hasselbeck, LB Barrett Ruud, DT Shaun Smith and TE Daniel Graham; keep OG Leroy Harris, FB Ahmard Hall, and DEs Jacob Ford and Dave Ball) – The Titans stole Hasselbeck away from the Seahawks with a multiyear deal. The move will allow the team to develop rookie Jake Locker slowly, and and it will also help the Titans compete in the short term. Hasselbeck should have the personality to mentor Locker, but he'll have to play better than he has the past 2-3 years if he is to really make the Titans contenders. Still, the team needed a veteran QB, and Hasselbeck was the best available. Smith has a reputation of crossing the line, but he played well for the Chiefs last year. He's capable of starting and holding his own. Ruud, who was a tackle machine in Philadelphia, isn't the thumper that departing MLB Stephen Tulloch is, but Ruud brings more athleticism to the position. The Titans will be able to play a little differently with him in town. Harris got a two-year deal to return as a starting guard, but he needs to continue to develop into that role. Graham is a solid blocking tight end with some receiving skills who will help to replace Bo Scaife. Hall is a solid blocking back who had options elsewhere but returned. Ball and Ford are not world-beaters, but they're at least rotation-quality defensive ends who can hold up on run downs. Neither is going to create a ton of pass rush, though.
Texans (add CB Johnathan Joseph, S Danieal Manning FB Lawrence Vickers, and P Brad Maynard; keep WR Jacoby Jones, OT Rashad Butler, QB Matt Leinart, and DT Damione Lewis) – The Texans have a lot of talent, but secondary play was their tragic flaw last year. They addressed it with two big signings. Joseph, regarded as the second-best corner on the market, got a monster five-year, $48.75 million deal with a $12.5 million signing bonus to be the lead corner. He played really well in Cincinnati, and he'll be a huge upgrade. Manning, a versatile player who struggled to find just the right fit in Chicago, comes in to play free safety. He has immense talent if the Texans can figure out where to play him. Manning got a four-year, $20 million deal with $9 million in guarantees. Jones got a three-year, $10.5 million contract with $3.5 million in guarantees in the hopes that he's ready to fulfill his vast potential and emerge as a starter opposite Andre Johnson. The skills are there; the question is whether Jones can unlock them. Butler started four games at tackle as a fill-in last year. Leinart got a two-year, $5.5 million deal with $3.75 million guaranteed, which means the Texans expect him to compete with Dan Orlovsky for the backup spot behind Matt Schaub. Lewis got a one-year deal to play in Houston's new 3-4; he played in a similar scheme in New England. Vickers, an ex-Brown, replaces Vonta Leach as a blocking fullback. Vickers isn't as good as Leach, but he's pretty good. Maynard started to fall off last year, but the vet may find punting easier in warm Houston than it was in cold Chicago.
Ravens (keep OG-OT Marshal Yanda, CB Chris Carr and LB Prescott Burgess; add FB Vonta Leach and S Bernard Pollard) – Yanda, who for years was a solid guard for the Ravens, moved out to right tackle last year and continued to play well. His strong play led to a strong market for his services, but the Ravens stepped up to keep Yanda with a five-year, $32 million deal with a $10 million signing bonus. Yanda is dependable, and his versatility will help him continue to make an impact through the length of the deal. That should make this a good deal for the Ravens. Burgess fits in as a backup outside linebacker. Carr is a solid nickelback who got a four-year deal to return. That's important, especially after the Ravens lost two secondary starters – Dawan Landry and Josh Wilson – via free agency. Leach got a three-year, $11 million deal to replace LeRon McClain and Willis McGahee in the fullback role. Leach isn't a great runner, but he's a terrific blocker and will help Ray Rice tremendously in that role. Pollard is a great in-the-box safety who isn't great in coverage. His skills mirror Dawan Landry, so he's a decent replacement despite being older.
Rams (add S Quintin Mikell, OG Harvey Dahl, WR Mike Sims-Walker, DTs Justin Bannan and Daniel Muir, CB Al Harris, LBs Zac Diles and Brady Poppinga, and RBs Jerious Norwood and Cadillac Williams) – The Rams had to cut FS O.J. Atogwe back before the lockout because of a huge escalator, and that was a huge loss. To replace him, they broke the bank for Mikell, an eight-year vet who has emerged as a top safety the last year or two. Mikell got a four-year deal worth $27 million with $14 million guaranteed, so he'll need to continue to play at an elite level to be worth the price. But his presence will help the Rams defense continue to grow. Dahl is a good guard in large part because of his physical, borderline-dirty style of play. He'll add an edge up front for a Rams line that features young OTs Jason Smith and Rodger Saffold and C Jason Brown. They could become one of the best front fives in the league now that Dahl's in town on a four-year deal. Sims-Walker is a big receiver who's more talented than any on the Rams' roster. Since Mark Clayton isn't yet healthy enough to play, MSW could be the Rams' No. 1 option. Bannan, who got a three-year deal, is a versatile lineman who got cut after a scheme change in Denver. He can be a decent backup inside or outside. Muir, who got a one-year, $1.85 million deal, is in the same boat. Both add good depth. Harris got a one-year deal to see if he can resuscitate his career. He adds veteran wiles at least. Diles is an athletic weak-side linebacker. Poppinga can play outside as well. Norwood and Williams add depth at a position that was razor thin behind Steven Jackson last year. Both are great on third-down; the question is whether one or both can stay healthy.
Jaguars (add MLB Paul Posluzny, OLB Clint Session, S Dawan Landry, CB Drew Coleman, and OG Jason Spitz) – The Jaguars made their splash by signing two linebackers to fix a trouble spot. Posluszny, an ex-Bill, got a six-year, $45 million contract that includes $15 million in guarantees. Posluszny is an athletic player who fits best in a 4-3 like the Jaguars run, not in the Bills' 3-4. He's a reliable tackler who also has the athletic ability to get deep in coverage, and he fills an area that was a problem for Jacksonville last year. The price was high, but the fit seems right for the Jaguars. Session, an ex-Colt, got a five-year deal worth $30 million with $11.5 million in guarantees to play on the weak side. He'll add even more ranginess to the group. After building the defensive line through the draft the last few years, the Jaguars hope Posluszny, Session, and holdover Daryl Smith are ready to make the front seven formidable. Landry got a five-year deal to address safety, which was another big trouble area. Landry's better in run support than coverage, but he's a lot better than what Jacksonville had at the position. Coleman, who got a three-year, $7.4 million deal, is better playing in the slot than outside, but he will help a trouble area. We discussed all of these Jaguars defensive moves in this post. Spitz will get a chance to start a left guard.
Colts (keep QB Peyton Manning, PK Adam Vinatieri, S Melvin Bullitt and RB Joseph Addai; add QBs Dan Orlovsky and Nate Davis, LB Ernie Sims, DE Jamaal Anderson, and DT Tommie Harris) – Manning, who was the franchise free agent for the Colts, had some tense moments of negotiation but eventually re-signed for a massive five-year, $90 million deal. He tried to take a little less money to make room for the Colts to re-sign some key players such as Addai, who is still the best back the Colts have despite his age and fragility. Vinatieri got a three-year deal to remain as the Colts' dependable clutch kicker. Bullitt, who missed most of last season, also got a three-year deal. He'll be in the mix to start at safety. After Orlovsky was cut by Houston, he quickly got a new gig in Indy. He'll be an upgrade at backup quarterback. Davis, a bust as a 49ers draft pick, gets a two-year deal in Indy to compete with Curtis Painter for the No. 3 job. We discussed the Colts' additions of three former first-rounders – Harris, Sims, and Anderson – in this post.
Falcons (add DE Ray Edwards; keep OT Tyson Clabo, OG Justin Blalock, and OLBs Stephen Nicholas and Mike Peterson) – Edwards, the second-best defensive end on the market behind Charles Johnson, got a solid but not earth-shattering deal to come to Atlanta – five years, $30 million with $11 million guaranteed. He'll add pass rush and allow the Falcons to use John Abraham more strategically. That kind of pass rusher was one of the biggest needs for the Falcons, and Edwards was one of the best available. That's a win for the Dirty Birds. Atlanta fought off a major challenge from the Bills to keep Clabo, who provides physical play at right tackle. The Falcons, who had three OL starters hitting free agency, gave Clabo a five-year, $25 million deal with $11.5 million guaranteed to stay. Blalock got a six-year, $38 million deal to return at left guard. Clabo and Blalock will stabilize a run game and give the Falcons more flexibility with their other guard spot. Nicholas has emerged as a quality outside 'backer for a Falcons defense that is strong at that left. He got a five-year, $17.5 million contract that includes $7 million in guarantees to stay and help the Dirty Birds get over the hump. Peterson, who plays at the other outside linebacker spot, returns as well. He's got a ton of experience and still drops into coverage pretty well.
Cowboys (keep OT Doug Free, DEs Marcus Spears and Jason Hatcher, OL Kyle Kosier, and S Gerald Sensabugh; add DE Kenyon Coleman and S Abram Elam) – The Cowboys had to cut a bunch of salary just to get under the salary cap, but they kept cutting to make sure they could keep Free, who emerged as a starting left tackle last year. Dallas fought off Tampa Bay by signing Free to a four-year, $32 million contract with $17 million in guarantees. If Free develops into an above-average left tackle, he'll be worth that deal, and he's young enough to do so. That makes this a wise investment for Jerry Jones. Kosier is a versatile player who can start inside. He got a three-year, $9 million deal. Spears got a five-year, $19.2 million deal to stay and play defensive end. He became a priority when Stephen Bowen went to the division rival Redskins. Hatcher got a $2.5 million signing bonus on a three-year, $6 million deal to help out in the defensive end rotation as well. To add depth after Bowen's departure, the Cowboys brought in Coleman, a veteran who played for new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan in Cleveland. Elam is another Cleveland import. He'll team with Sensabaugh, who played well in Dallas last year, to improve Dallas' safety situation. Both Sensabaugh and Elam got one-year, $2.5 million contracts.
Steelers (keep CBs Ike Taylor and William Gay, OT Willie Colon, OG Jonathan Scott, NT Chris Hoke, RB Melwede Moore, PK Shaun Suisham and P Daniel Sepulveda; add TE John Gilmore) – Taylor, regarded as one of the best corners on the market, stays in Pittsburgh on a four-year deal. His physical style fits the Steelers' system well, and the system keeps him from being exposed in coverage. He wouldn't fit any other scheme as well. Gay isn't as good as Taylor, but he's been a decent starter for the Steelers. Suisham stepped in for Jeff Reed last season and did a nice job for the Steelers. Colon has battled injuries the last two years, but he has played well when healthy at left tackle. Pittsburgh's counting on him to man the position at a high level, because they cut Flozell Adams and Max Starks as they gave Colon a five-year, $29 million deal. Scott adds solid depth at several positions. Sepulveda returns to punt for Pittsburgh once again. He's been effective when healthy. Hoke and Moore are key players at their positions. Gilmore helps to replace departed backup TE Matt Spaeth.
Chiefs (add WR Steve Breaston, NT Kelly Gregg, ILB Brandon Siler and RB LeRon McClain; keep DE Tamba Hali, C Casey Wiegmann, WR Terrance Copper, S Jon McGraw, and CB Travis Daniels) – Breaston showed promise in Arizona, especially when now Chiefs head coach Todd Haley was the offensive coordinator there. He comes in to provide a complement to Dwayne Bowe as first-rounder Jonathan Baldwin develops. Breaston got a five-year deal that includes $9 million in guaranteed money. Gregg, who played for the Ravens, has been a solid plugger up front who frees the players around him to make plays. He's a nice replacement for the departed Ron Edwards and could be an upgrade if he can maintain his past performance. Siler is a solid inside linebacker who will help against the run. McClain can play tailback but probably fits in better as a versatile fullback. Hali, the Chiefs' preeminent pass rusher and franchise player, got a long-term deal – 5 years, $60 million with $35 million guaranteed. It's a high price, but Hali has earned it. Wiegmann, who has played more than 10,000 consecutive snaps since 2001, got a one-year, $2.25 million contract to remain K.C.'s starting center. Copper, McGraw (who got a one-year deal), and Daniels all add experienced depth, which is key after a no-minicamp offseason.
Bengals (add DE Manny Lawson, QB Bruce Gradkowski, LB Thomas Howard, CB Nate Clements, and OG Max-Jean Gilles; keep RBs Cedric Benson and Brian Leonard and S Gibril Wilson) – Lawson is a talented pass rusher who doesn't have many sacks but still makes an impact. He could spring to life replacing Antwan Odom. He's certainly worth a one-year, $3 million deal. Gradkowski, who had some success as a starter in Oakland, comes to Cincinnati to be the placeholder until rookie Andy Dalton is ready. Gradkowski played for Jon Gruden in Tampa, so he'll be comfortable in offensive coordinator Jay Gruden's system. He was the right fit to be the Bengals' Week 1 starter. Howard got a two-year, $6.5 million deal to move over from Oakland and step into the starting lineup. Clements, who never lived up to his massive contract in San Francisco, returns to Ohio (where he played college football) to replace Johnathan Joseph in the starting lineup. Gilles is a massive player who can play either guard spot or even fill in at tackle. He got a one-year, $1.15 million deal. Benson has had off-field problems, but he's been a decent back for the Bengals. The question is whether his career is on the decline given his age. Leonard, who got a two-year deal, is a versatile back who can run, catch, and block. He's a key contributor to the Bengals' offense. Wilson was a starting safety last year. He's OK but not great.
49ers (keep QB Alex Smith, DE Ray McDonald, and C Tony Wragge; add C Jonathan Goodwin, CB Carlos Rogers, S Madieu Williams, PK David Akers and OLB Antwan Applewhite) – In one of the worst kept secrets of the lockout, Smith got a one-year, $5 million deal to be the 2011 starter and placeholder for Colin Kaepernick. McDonald got a much bigger deal to provide sturdy play up front – five years, $20 million with $7 million guaranteed. McDonald pushes the pocket more than most think. Wragge, who got a one-year deal, provides depth at center after the loss of David Baas to the Giants. But Goodwin, who came over from the Saints for a three-year, $10.9 million deal with $4 million in guarantees, should become the starter at the pivot. Rogers, an ex-Redskin, takes over for Nate Clements. Rogers has hands of stone, but he's pretty good in coverage and may be an upgrade over Clements. Williams fills in at safety, which is a position full of question marks right now. Akers, a long-time Eagle, comes to town to replace injured kicker Joe Nedney, who was cut. Akers has a ton of experience if he can keep his skills intact. Applewhite moves over from San Diego to add depth at an outside linebacker spot that's been hit hard by free agency.
Buccaneers (keep OLB Quincy Black, OG Davin Joseph, and OT Jeremy Trueblood; add P Michael Koenen) – Black, who is the best playmaker among the Bucs' linebackers, got a big-time deal to stay – five years, $29 million, with $11.5 million guaranteed. He's playing the weak-side spot that Derrick Brooks made so many plays in for so many years. Joseph is a talented guard who struggled a bit last year but had a Pro Bowl season in 2009. He got a big deal – 7 years, $52.5 million with $19 million guaranteed – to continue to anchor the Bucs' line. Trueblood is a marginal starter at right tackle, but he still got a two-year deal to ensure continuity on the line. Koenen comes over from Atlanta on a major deal – six years, $19.5 million with $6.5 million guaranteed – to replace Adam Podlesh. Koenen's also great on kickoffs.
Giants (add C-OG David Baas, P Steve Weatherford, QB David Carr, TE Ben Patrick, and DT Gabe Watson; keep RB Ahmad Bradshaw, OT Shawn Andrews, OG-OT Kevin Boothe, DE Mathias Kiwanuka, and WR Michael Clayton) – After purging three starting offensive linemen, the Giants started the rebuilding process with Baas, who proved with San Francisco that he can be an effective starter at center as well as guard. Boothe got a two-year deal to provide depth at tackle, and he may get a chance to start at left guard. Kiwanuka is a versatile player who has contributed both at defensive end and at strong-side linebacker. With Osi Umenyiora threatening a holdout, the Giants couldn't afford to let Kiwanuka leave. Weatherford, an ex-Jet, is an upgrade over last year's punter for the Giants. Plus, he has experience kicking in the Meadowlands. Bradshaw tested the market but stayed in Big Blue with a four-year, $18 million deal with $9 million in guarantees. He's the best back the Giants have. Patrick is a solid blocker but not much of a receiver. Watson and Clayton were high picks who disappointed elsewhere but still have talent. Andrews, who had been cut, returns and could start again. Carr returns as Eli Manning's backup after a year in San Francisco.
Saints (add RB Darren Sproles, NT Aubrayo Franklin, CB Fabian Washington, and OTs Alex Barron and George Foster; keep WR Lance Moore, OTs Jermon Bushrod and Zach Strief, LBs Scott Shanle and Danny Clark, Safeties Roman Harper and Chris Reis, and CB Leigh Torrence, add LB Will Herring) – After trading Reggie Bush, the Saints signed Sproles, who proved in San Diego that he can be a game changer as a returner, runner and receiver if used correctly. The Saints' RB depth should let them feature the diminutive Sproles without wearing him out. If they can do that, the four-year, $14 million deal with $6 million guaranteed will look like a bargain. Franklin came to town on a one-year deal that significantly upgrades the Saints' front line. (We'll analyze that addition further soon.) Harper got a four-year, $28.5 million deal with $16 million guaranteed to return as the starting strong safety. He's been a very solid player for New Orleans. Moore, an ideal slot receiver, got a five-year deal to stay in New Orleans. He can be a real X-factor for the offense, so it makes sense for the Saints to keep him. Bushrod has started at left tackle for the last two years for the Saints and has held up OK. He had other options in free -agency but wanted to return to New Orleans on a two-year deal. Torrence is a backup corner and special-teams ace, as is Reis, a backup safety. Herring, an ex-Seahawk, adds depth at linebacker, in addition to solid contributors Shanle (two years, $4 million) and Clark. Washington adds depth to help replace the departed Usama Young. Strief is a solid swing tackle, but he'll have to beat out former first-round picks Barron and Foster to keep his job. Barron and Foster have been disappointments elsewhere.
Bills (keep CB Drayton Florence; add S Brad Smith, LB Nick Barnett, and QB Tyler Thigpen) – Florence played well for the Bills last year, his first in Buffalo. His reward is a three-year, $15 million deal. Thigpen started for the Chiefs in 2008, but his skills fit a Pistol offense that few teams use. Bills head coach Chan Gailey was the offensive coordinator during Thigpen's best NFL season, so he will be able to make the most of the QB's skills if Ryan Fitzpatrick gets hurt or falters. This is a good match of player and coach for a backup quarterback. Smith, an ex-Jet, got a four-year, $15 million contract. He can make an impact as a slot receiver, option quarterback, and kick returner, which creates a lot of options for the Bills. Let's just hope having Smith run the Pistol isn't one of them. Barnett, who was cut by the Packers, will help replace Paul Posluszny. Barnett, who's more physical than Posluszny, should fit the 3-4 defense better than the former Bill did. Barnett got a three-year, $12 million deal with $6 million guaranteed.
Vikings (keep PK Ryan Longwell and OT Ryan Cook; add WRs Michael Jenkins and Devin Aromashodu, DL Remi Ayodele, and OT Charlie Johnson)– Longwell has been a reliable kicker for the Vikings, so they anted up to keep him with a four-year, $12 million deal with a $3.5 million signing bonus. Jenkins, who got a three-year deal, never lived up to his status as a first-round pick in Atlanta, but he has great size and speed and is a willing blocker. He won't replace Sidney Rice, but he's going to get a chance to. At the least, his presence will allow the Vikings to continue to play Percy Harvin in the slot. Aromashodu showed some promise with the Bears, but he fell out of favor last season and was not tendered a free-agent contract. Still, his ability and size makes him worth a shot for the Vikings, especially since their biggest target, Sidney Rice, left in free agency. Ayodele did a nice job as a rotation player for the Saints. He'll provide depth behind the Williams wall and help to fill in during their suspensions. Johnson and Cook add depth at offensive tackle, and Johnson may start after Bryant McKinnie's release.
Cardinals (add OGs Daryn Colledge and Floyd Womack, LB Stewart Bradley, WR Chansi Stuckey, CB Richard Marshall, and TE s Todd Heap and Jeff King) – Colledge, who was a starter for the Packers, moves over to provide help at a big trouble spot. He'll also take over some of the veteran leadership role that the retired Alan Faneca had last year. Womack, an ex-Brown, is versatile enough to fill in at guard or tackle. He's an ideal sixth lineman. Bradley is a big, physical inside linebacker who has seen his skill sapped by injuries the last two years. Still, he's worth a look to see if he can return to form. Stuckey adds depth at receiver after the departure of Steve Breaston. Marshall's 2010 season wasn't good, but in previous years he was a good starter for the Panthers. He will get a chance to start in place of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and on a one-year deal he's a nice addition. Heap, a longtime Raven, got a two-year deal to return to Arizona, where he played his college ball. Heap will add an element that hasn't been in the Cardinals passing game in past years. King, a solid blocker who also has good receiving skills, becomes the tight end complement for Heap and rookie Robert Housler in Arizona. King got a one-year deal.
Browns (add S Usama Young, RB Brandon Jackson and CB Dmitri Patterson; keep PK Phil Dawson, TE Evan Moore and DE Jayme Mitchell) – Dawson, a reliable kicker who was the Browns' franchise player, signed for the guaranteed one-year tender of about $3 million. Young, an ex-Saint, can play corner but likely fits in as a starting free safety with the Browns. He brings ability and locker-room leadership to the mix. Patterson, an ex-Eagle, was exposed as a starter last year, but he's good enough to be a nickel back, and he fills a need position. Moore emerged as a good pass-catching tight end last year and could earn a bigger role. Jackson got a two-year, $4.5 million contract. He fits in as a good third-down back for the West Coast offense, although he showed last year he's not a starting caliber back. Mitchell didn't play much after coming over via trade last year, but the Browns see him as a starting tight end in their new 4-3 defense. He got a two-year deal.
Packers (keep PK Mason Crosby, WR James Jones and FB John Kuhn) – The Packers re-signed Crosby, who has been a solid kicker even in bad winter weather, to a five-year deal. Jones was looking to move up the depth chart by moving in free agency, but he didn't find a deal to his liking. His return means the Pack remains incredibly deep at receiver. Kuhn is a blocking full back who can catch and can run in short yardage. He fits the Packers better than any other team, and so re-signing makes sense.
Raiders (keep OLB Kamerion Wimbley, S Michael Huff, OT Khalif Barnes, C Samson Satele, OG Justin Smiley, OLB Jarvis Moss and LS Jon Condo; add QB Trent Edwards and OT Stephon Heyer) – Wimbley, the Raiders' franchise player, had his best season since his rookie year last year, but that doesn't mean his massive five-year, $48 million contract with a whopping $29 million guaranteed is a good deal. That deal was necessary so that the Raiders didn't take the full brunt of the franchise tag this year. Huff had a breakout year at safety last year, but he didn't find big money on the open market. The Raiders happily took him back. Barnes got a one-year deal to return as a starter at tackle while youngsters at the position develop. Moss, whom the Raiders picked up off the scrap heap last year, was a first-round bust in Denver, but he has enough pass-rush ability to be a solid backup at a one-year, $1.25 million price. Condo is a dependable long-snapper for the Raiders' elite specialists, so he's worth keeping around. Edwards comes to town as Jason Campbell's new backup. Satele, Smiley, and Heyer (who got a one-year, $1.7 million deal) add depth at offensive line, and a couple of the trio could end up starting.
Dolphins (keep DE Tony McDaniel; add ILB Kevin Burnett, OLBs Jason Trusnik and Jason Taylor, QB Matt Moore, DT Ronald Fields and OT Marc Colombo) – With trade negotiations for Kyle Orton falling apart, the Dolphins added Moore, who was a bust as a starter in Carolina last year but who might be good enough to keep Chad Henne on his toes. Moore's no Orton, but he should be an average backup. McDaniel got a two-year deal to remain as a backup defensive lineman. Trusnik, most recently with Cleveland, is a solid outside linebacker and special-teams player who provides quality depth behind Koa Misi and Cameron Wake. Trusnik got a two-year deal as well. Taylor does as well, returning to the team he has spent most of his career with for the third time. Taylor can still make a play or two as a featured pass rusher. Burnett got a big deal – five years with $10 million in guarantees – to replace Channing Crowder at inside linebacker. Burnett's more athletic (and less annoying) than Crowder. Fields is an inside plugger who can back up Paul Soliai. Colombo has ties to Tony Sparano from the Dallas days, and it appears the Dolphins are moving Vernon Carey inside so that Colombo can start at right tackle. But Colombo didn't really hold up at the position last year, so that plan seems risky.
Bears (add P Adam Podlesh, TE Matt Spaeth, WRs Roy Williams and Sam Hurd, RB Marion Barber, DE Vernon Gholston, DT Amobi Okoye, and C Chris Spencer; keep DT Anthony Adams and LB Nick Roach) – After cutting stalwart Brad Maynard, the Bears brought Podlesh over from Jacksonville on a five-year deal worth more than $10 million. The Bears traditionally have among the best special teams in the league, so adding Podlesh's stronger leg to the mix will make a difference. Spaeth, an ex-Steeler, replaces blocking TE Brandon Manumaleuna. He's not as bulky but is a better receiver out of short-yardage sets. Williams was a bust in Dallas, but he had his best season with offensive coordinator Mike Martz in Detroit. He's a worthwhile gamble, especially since the Bears don't have a receiver with his kind of size. Hurd is a nice depth signing at wide receiver; he'd be a quality fourth option at the position. Adams got a two-year deal to return as a solid tackle who can play over the center. He's solid and allows the guys around him to make plays. Barber got a two-year, $5 million deal to add some physicality to the running game. The question is whether injuries limited him in Dallas, or whether his career is winding down. Gholston and Okoye, both disappointments as first-round picks, are rebuilding projects for Rod Marinelli, considered one of the best defensive line coaches around. Both got one-year deals, and if Marinelli turns them into forces, it will be a huge win. Roach got a two-year, $4.5 million deal to return as a backup linebacker and special-teams player. After failing to come to a deal with long-time center Olin Kreutz, the Bears added Spencer on a two-year deal. The former first-round pick was never great in Seattle, and his style is more finesse than physical. But O-line coach Mike Tice is one of the best in the league, so he might be able to get a little more out of Spencer's talent.
Lions (add CB Eric Wright, LBs Justin Durant and Stephen Tulloch, and WR Rashied Davis; keep QB Drew Stanton, CBs Chris Houston and Brandon McDonald, OL Dylan Gandy, LB Bobby Carpenter, and PK Dave Rayner) – Wright has played pretty well in Cleveland, and he got a one-year deal to address a huge need area for the Lions. Wright's at least good to be a top three corner. Houston returns as a starter. He was Detroit's best corner last year, and he's good enough to be a solid starter. Detroit couldn't afford to lose him. Durant, an ex-Jaguar, got a two-year deal to upgrade the linebacking corps that was such a problem last year. Tulloch will be an even bigger upgrade; he was hoping to hit it big in free agency but took a one-year, $3.25 million deal to reunite with Jim Schwartz. The Lions will be glad he did, because he's a big-time thumper at middle linebacker. Davis, an ex-Bear, is a fine special-teams cover player who can contribute at wideout in a pinch. Stanton, a former second-round pick, played well in relief last year and provides a solid backup option. McDonald played in six games, starting two, as a backup corner last year. Rayner filled in for long-time kicker Jason Hanson after Hanson got hurt; now Rayner has a chance to steal away Hanson's job. Gandy got a two-year deal. Carpenter returns to add LB depth.
Broncos (add RB Willis McGahee, WR David Anderson, TEs Daniel Fells and Dante Rosario, and DT Ty Warren) – McGahee, who had been released by the Ravens, got a four-year, $9.5 million deal to come in as Knowshon Moreno's backup. It's a ridiculous deal for an older running back who hasn't shown much pop in recent years, and the fact that it takes away from Moreno's carries makes it even worse. Anderson, who was released by the Texans, adds depth at wide receiver. Fells (an ex-Ram) and Rosario (an ex-Panther) have shown pass-catching potential, but neither has been consistent. Still, they should help the passing game. Warren, whom the Patriots cut after he failed a physical, got a two-year, $10 million deal with $2.5 million guaranteed to help the Broncos move to a 4-3. Warren and trade acquisition Brodrick Bunkley now form the center of that defense. Warren has been great at points in his career, but he must prove he is now healthy enough to still play well. Still, he's a nice and necessary addition for Denver.
Patriots (keep OT Matt Light, RB Sammy Morris and RB Kevin Faulk) – Light returns to play left tackle, but now he's a place holder until Nate Solder is ready. Still, he provides good insurance for the Pats on Tom Brady's blind side. Morris, a versatile back who takes snaps at tailback and fullback, re-signed on a one-year deal. Faulk, who missed much of last season due to injury, returns as the Patriots' do-everything back. But with the emergence of young backs, Faulk could face an uphill battle for a roster spot.
Tagged as abram elam, adam podlesh, ahmad bradshaw, ahmard hall, al harris, alan branch, alex barron, alex smith, amobi okoye, anthony adams, anthony hargrove, antonio cromartie, antwan applewhite, antwan barnes, arizona cardinals, atlanta falcons, aubrayo franklin, baltimore ravens, barrett ruud, ben hartsock, ben patrick, bernard pollard, billy volek, bob sanders, bobby carpenter, brad maynard, brad smith, brady poppinga, brandon mcdonald, brandon mebane, brandon siler, brandon stokley, brian leonard, brodney pool, bruce gradkowski, buffalo bills, cadillac williams, carlos rogers, carolina panthers, casey wiegmann, cedric benson, chansi stuckey, charles johnson, charlie johnson, chicago bears, chris carr, chris chester, chris hoke, chris houston, chris reis, chris spencer, cincinnati bengals, cleveland browns, clint session, cullen jenkins, dajuan morgan, dallas cowboys, damione lewis, dan orlovsky, danieal manning, daniel fells, daniel graham, daniel muir, daniel sepulveda, danny clark, dante rosario, darren sproles, daryn colledge, dave ball, dave rayner, david akers, david anderson, david baas, david carr, davin joseph, dawan landry, deangelo williams, denver broncos, derek anderson, derek landri, detroit lions, deuce lutui, devin aromashodu, dmitri patterson, donald lee, donald strickland, donte whitner, doug free, drayton florence, drew coleman, drew stanton, dylan gandy, eric smith, eric weddle, eric wright, ernie sims, evan mathis, evan moore, fabian washington, floyd womack, Football Relativity, gabe watson, george foster, gerald sensabaugh, gibril wilson, green bay packers, harvey dahl, houston texans, ike taylor, indianapolis colts, jacksonville jaguars, jacob ford, jacoby jones, jacques cesaire, jamaal anderson, james anderson, james jones, jammal brown, jarrad page, jarvis moss, jason hatcher, jason spitz, jason taylor, jason trusnik, jayme mitchell, jeff king, jeff reed, jeremy trueblood, jerious norwood, jermon bushrod, jeromy clary, jimmy wilkerson, john gilmore, john kuhn, johnathan joseph, johnnie lee higgins, jon beason, jon condo, jon mcgraw, jonathan goodwin, jonathan scott, joseph addai, josh wilson, junior siavii, justin bannan, justin blalock, justin durant, justin smiley, kamerion wimbley, kansas city chiefs, kedric golston, kellen clemens, kelly gregg, kelly jennings, kenyon coleman, kevin boothe, kevin burnett, kevin faulk, kevin payne, khalif barnes, lance moore, laurent robinson, lawrence vickers, leigh torrence, leron mcclain, leroy harris, leroy hill, madieu williams, manny lawson, marc colombo, marcus spears, marion barber, mark brunell, marshal yanda, mason crosby, mathias kiwanuka, matt hasselbeck, matt leinart, matt light, matt moore, matt spaeth, max-jean gilles, melvin bullitt, melwede moore, miami dolphins, michael clayton, michael huff, michael jenkins, michael koenen, michael robinson, mike peterson, mike sims-walker, minnesota vikings, nate clements, nate davis, new england patriots, new orleans saints, new york giants, new York jets, NFL, NFL Free Agency, NFL free agents, nick barnett, nick folk, nick roach, nnamdi asomugha, oakland raiders, olindo mare, omar gaither, paul posluszny, peyton manning, phil dawson, philip buchanon, pittsburgh steelers, plaxico burress, prescott burgess, quincy black, quintin mikell, randy mcmichael, rashad butler, rashied davis, ray edwards, ray mcdonald, reed doughty, remi ayodele, richard marshall, robert gallery, ron edwards, ronald fields, ronnie brown, roy williams, ryan cook, ryan harris, ryan longwell, ryan sims, sam hurd, sammy morris, samson satele, san diego chargers, San Francisco 49ers, santonio holmes, scott shanle, sean considine, seattle seahawks, shaun smith, shaun suisham, shawn andrews, sidney rice, st. louis rams, stephen bowen, stephen nicholas, stephen tulloch, stephon heyer, steve breaston, stewart bradley, takeo spikes, tamba hali, tampa bay buccaneers, tarvaris jackson, tennessee titans, terrance copper, thomas davis, thomas howard, todd heap, tommie harris, tony mcdaniel, tony wragge, travis daniels, travis laboy, trent edwards, ty warren, tyler thigpen, tyson clabo, usama young, vernon gholston, vince young, vonta leach, washington redskins, wayne hunter, will herring, william gay, willie colon, willis mcgahee, zac diles, zach miller, zach strief
This is our final post in picking the best players at each position by jersey number. If you have quibbles, or want to add someone I forgot, leave a comment and we'll update this post. Next, we'll combine all of our posts to create our all-jersey number 2009 team.
We started this project with wide receivers in this post and then with tight ends in this post and quarterbacks in this post and running backs in this post and offensive linemen in this post and kickers/punters in this post and defensive linemen in this post and linebackers in this post. Now we move to defensive backs, who wear numbers between 20 and 49.
20 – Ed Reed, Ravens – This hasn't been Reed's best year because of injury, but he still has three interceptions and three forced fumbles in 11 games. No safety in the league has had more impact this decade than Reed, and the fact that he won the league's defensive player of the year award in a year that his team didn't make the playoffs speaks to his greatness. So he gets the nod over long-time standouts S Brian Dawkins of Denver and CB Ronde Barber of Tampa Bay. Other notable 20s: Mike Adams, Browns; Alan Ball, Cowboys; Atari Bigby, Packers; Ralph Brown, Cardinals; Antoine Cason, Chargers; Chris Gamble, Panthers; Randall Gay, Saints; Brent Grimes, Falcons; Nick Harper, Titans; Michael Johnson, Giants; David Jones, Bengals; Keenan Lewis, Steelers; T.J. Rushing, Colts; Anthony Smith, Jaguars; Keith Smith, 49ers; Craig Steltz, Bears; Justin Tryon, Redskins; Jonathan Wade, Rams; Donald Washington, Chiefs; Donte Whitner, Bills; Madieu Williams, Vikings
21 – Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders – It's an incredibly difficult call to go with Asomugha over Green Bay's Charles Woodson, who is having an epic renaissance year in Green Bay. But while Woodson has eight interceptions, Asomugha has one pick and just four passes defensed because teams refuse to throw his way. That ultimate sign of respect ultimately gives Nnamdi the nod. Injured Colts S Bob Sanders, a former defensive player of the year, would be in this discussion were he able to stay healthy. Other notable 21s: Asher Allen, Vikings; O.J. Atogwe, Rams; Derek Cox, Jaguars; Vontae Davis, Dolphins; Andre' Goodman, Broncos; Corey Graham, Bears; Joselio Hanson, Eagles; Mike Jenkins, Cowboys; Kelly Jennings, Seahawks; Dwight Lowery, Jets; Chris Owens, Falcons; Kenny Phillips, Giants; Sabby Piscitelli, Buccaneers; Brodney Pool, Browns; Antrel Rolle, Cardinals; Lardarius Webb, Ravens; John Wendling, Bills; Dante Wesley, Panthers
22 – Asante Samuel, Eagles – First in New England and now in Philadephia, Samuel has been and still is a top-level cornerback. His eight interceptions this year is the second-best total in his career, and he now has 34 in his career. Other notable 22s: Nate Clements, 49ers; Vincent Fuller, Titans; William Gay, Steelers; Chevis Jackson, Falcons; Johnathan Joseph, Bengals; Pat Lee, Packers; Brandon McDonald, Browns; Tracy Porter, Saints; Carlos Rogers, Redskins; Samari Rolle, Ravens; Benny Sapp, Vikings; Matt Ware, Cardinals; Terrence Wheatley, Patriots
23 – DeAngelo Hall, Redskins – It pains me to honor Hall, but he's the best of the lot at a thinner number. Hall was OK in Atlanta and then awful in Oakland, but in D.C. he's been pretty good. So he gets the nod over New England's Leigh Bodden, a solid but unspectacular corner, declining CB Marcus Trufant of Seattle, and CB Dunta Robinson of Houston. Other notable 23s: Tyrone Carter, Steelers; Cedric Griffin, Vikings; Renaldo Hill, Broncos; Kevin Hobbs, Lions; Chris Houston, Falcons; Marcus Hudson, 49ers; Quentin Jammer, Chargers; Tim Jennings, Colts; Sherrod Martin, Panthers; Donnie Nickey, Titans; Dimitri Patterson, Eagles; Jermaine Phillips, Buccaneers; Hank Poteat, Browns; Mike Richardson, Chiefs; Corey Webster, Giants
24 – Darrelle Revis, Jets – Revis has had a breakout season as the preeminent lockdown corner in the league. So even though he wears the same number as all-time great CB Champ Bailey of Denver, stud safety Adrian Wilson of Arizona, and former Pro Bowl S Chris Hope of Tennessee, Revis is the obvious choice. Other notable 24s: Al Afalava, Bears; Ron Bartell, Rams; Sheldon Brown, Eagles; Jarrett Bush, Packers; Brandon Flowers, Chiefs; Dominique Foxworth, Ravens; Deon Grant, Seahawks; Tye Hill, Falcons; Michael Huff, Raiders; Dante Hughes, Chargers; Terrence McGee, Bills; Kalvin Pearson, Lions; Sean Smith, Dolphins; Ike Taylor, Steelers; Terrell Thomas, Giants; Leigh Torrance, Saints; Jonathan Wilhite, Patriots; Eric Wright, Browns
25 – Ryan Clark, Steelers – In a battle of former teammates, we'll go with hard-hitting strong safety Clark over CB Bryant McFadden, who left Pittsburgh to play corner for Arizona in the offseason. Clark doesn't get the hype that his teammate Troy Polamalu does, but he's a good player who really fits into the attitude of the Pittsburgh defense. Other notable 25s: Will Allen, Dolphins; Kevin Barnes, Redskins; Tarell Brown, 49ers; Chris Carr, Ravens; Pat Chung, Patriots; Kevin Ellison, Chargers; Nick Ferguson, Texans; Coye Francies, Browns; Danny Gorrer, Rams; Bruce Johnson, Giants; Tyrell Johnson, Vikings; Ellis Lankster, Bills; William Moore, Falcons; Reggie Nelson, Jaguars; Jerraud Powers, Colts; Kerry Rhodes, Jets; Aqib Talib, Buccaneers; Morgan Trent, Bengals; Pat Watkins, Cowboys; Marvin White, Lions
26 – Antoine Winfield, Vikings – Winfield is not just a great cover corner; he also hits with the tenacity of a safety. Even though he's missed several games this season, we'll give him the nod. So he gets the nod over fine Lions rookie S Louis Delmas. Other notable 26s: Will Allen, Buccaneers; Josh Bell, Packers; Michael Coe, Jaguars; Erik Coleman, Falcons; Abram Elam, Browns; Ken Hamlin, Cowboys; Kelvin Hayden, Colts; Sean Jones, Eagles; Kevin Kaesviharn, Titans; Dawan Landry, Ravens; Ty Law, Broncos; Mark Roman, 49ers; Stanford Routt, Raiders; Lito Sheppard, Eagles; Quinton Teal, Panthers; DeShea Townsend, Steelers; Eugene Wilson, Texans; Josh Wilson, Seahawks; Ashton Youboty, Bills
27 – Rashean Mathis, Jaguars – He doesn't get a lot of attention because he plays in front of empty seats, but Mathis is a terrific cover corner. He gets the nod over two safeties, Jordan Babineaux of the Seahawks and Philadelphia's Quintin Mikell. Other notable 27s: Michael Adams, Cardinals; Kyle Arrington, Patriots; Will Blackmon, Packers; Daniel Bullocks, Lions; Joe Burnett, Steelers; Reggie Corner, Bills; Torrie Cox, Buccaneers; Jamaal Fudge, Falcons; Cletis Gordon, Cowboys; Walt Harris, 49ers; Malcolm Jenkins, Saints; Jacob Lacey, Colts; Paul Oliver, Chargers; David Roach, Rams; Fred Smoot, Redskins; Nick Sorensen, Browns; Donald Strickland, Jets; C.J. Wilson, Panthers
28 – Gibril Wilson, Dolphins – Wilson was a safety on the Giants' Super Bowl champion team, and then got a contract that was too big from the Raiders. But the Raiders cut him after the season, and Wilson found a great home in Miami. Other notable 28s: Darius Butler, Patriots; Thomas DeCoud, Falcons; Steve Gregory, Chargers; Marlin Jackson, Colts; Leodis McKelvin, Bills; Antwuan Molden, Texans; Curtis Taylor, 49ers; Greg Toler, Cardinals; Usama Young, Saints; Tom Zbikowski, Ravens
29 – Leon Hall, Bengals – Hall has been the breakout corner of the season, as he and Johnathan Joseph have given the Bengals a terrific pair of corners. Hall has five picks and 20 passes defensed this season. He gets the nod over Arizona's Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, another good young corner. Other notable 29s: Tyrone Culver, Dolphins; Drayton Florence, Bills; Lendy Holmes, Redskins; D.J. Johnson, Giants; Eric King, Lions; Derrick Martin, Packers; Marcus McCauley, Saints; William Middleton, Jaguars; Ryan Mouton, Texans; Ryan Mundy, Steelers; Glover Quin, Texans; Derrick Roberson, Buccaneers; Shawn Springs, Patriots; Brian Williams, Falcons; Cary Williams, Ravens
30 – Mike Brown, Chiefs – At a popular safety number, Brown gets the nod with his renaissance season in Kansas City. He has stayed healthy all season after injury problems plagued him in three of his last five years in Chicago. So he earns the choice over Charles Godfrey of Carolina, LaRon Landry of Washington, and Brandon McGowan of the Patriots. Other notable 30s: David Bruton, Broncos; Chris Clemons, Dolphins; Drew Coleman, Jets; Gerard Lawson, Browns; Jason McCourty, Titans; D.J. Moore, Bears; Geoffrey Pope, Eagles; Ko Simpson, Lions; Reggie Smith, 49ers
31 – Cortland Finnegan, Titans – If Antoine Winfield isn't the most physical corner in the league, Finnegan is. He's vital to the Titans' defense and their strong second half of the season. So he gets the nod over rookie sensation Jarius Byrd of Buffalo and corners Antonio Cromartie of San Diego and Al Harris of Green Bay. Other notable 31s: Dre' Bly, 49ers; Phillip Buchanon, Lions; Hiram Eugene, Raiders; Ellis Hobbs, Eagles; Justin King, Rams; Maurice Leggett, Chiefs; Ken Lucas, Seahawks; Richard Marshall, Panthers; Darcel McBath, Broncos; Brandon Meriweather, Patriots; Bernard Pollard, Texans; Pierson Prioleau, Saints; Aaron Ross, Giants; Scott Starks, Jaguars; Nathan Vasher, Bears; Fabian Washington, Redskins; Roy Williams, Bengals
32 – Eric Weddle, Chargers – At a tough number to call, we'll give Weddle, a key player in the Chargers' defense, a nod over CB Jabari Greer of New Orleans and big-money safety Michael Lewis of San Francisco. Other notable 32s: Jason Allen, Dolphins; Fred Bennett, Texans; Anthony Henry, Lions; Orlando Scandrick, Cowboys
33 – Charles Tillman, Bears – Tillman isn't a premier cover corner, but he's pretty good in coverage. He's also a good tackler and great a punching the ball out, as his six forced fumbles attest. He gets the nod over Raiders SS Tyvon Branch, who has a ridiculous 110 tackles this season. Other notable 33s: Melvin Bullitt, Colts; Michael Griffin, Titans; Nate Jones, Dolphins; Elbert Mack, Buccaneers; Jamarca Sanford, Vikings; Alphonso Smith, Broncos; Eric Smith, Jets; Brandon Underwood, Packers
34 – Dominique Barber, Texans – At a thin number, Barber, a part-time starter at safety for the Texans, gets the nod over Mike McKenzie, a long-time solid pro who recently re-signed with the Saints. Other notable 34s: Marquice Cole, Jets; Travis Daniels, Chiefs; Kyries Hebert, Bengals; Roy Lewis, Seahawks; Mike Mitchell, Raiders; Byron Westbrook, Redskins
35 – Zack Bowman, Bears – Bowman took over as a starting cornerback in Chicago, replacing Nathan Vasher. He gets the nod over rookie safety Macho Harris of the Eagles. Other notable 35s: Kevin Dockery, Giants; Todd Johnson, Bills; Jacques Reeves, Texans
36 – Nick Collins, Packers – Collins is a terrific safety for the Packers, and he gets the edge over another safety, Tanard Jackson of Tampa Bay, because Jackson missed four games due to suspension earlier this year. Collins has six picks this year, while Jackson has four. Other notable 36s: Jamar Adams, Seahawks; Josh Barrett, Broncos; Josh Bullocks, Bears; Quincy Butler, Rams; Courtney Greene, Jaguars; Mike Hamlin, Cowboys; Brandon Hughes, Chargers; Jim Leonhard, Jets; Lawyer Milloy, Seahawks; James Sanders, Patriots; Shawntae Spencer, 49ers
37 – Yeremiah Bell, Dolphins – Bell is a solid starting safety for the Dolphins, and his tackle total (103) is among the tops for defensive backs across the NFL. So we opt for Bell over George Wilson, another tackling machine playing safety for Buffalo, and Raiders CB Chris Johnson. Other notable 37s: James Butler, Rams; Sean Considine, Jaguars; Reed Doughty, Redskins; Eric Frampton, Vikings; Roderick Hood, Titans; Anthony Madison, Steelers; Chip Vaughn, Saints
38 – Dashon Goldson, 49ers – Goldson is emerging as not just a starter at free safety but as an impact player for the Niners. He gets the nod over Packers CB Tramon Williams and Bears S-CB Danieal Manning. Other notable 38s: Brandon Anderson, Buccaneers; DeMarcus Faggans, Texans; Bret Lockett, Patriots; DaJuan Morgan, Chiefs; Mark Parson, Texans; Charlie Peprah, Falcons; Ramzee Robinson, Browns
39 – Brandon Carr, Chiefs – Carr has started all 30 games at cornerback for the Chiefs since he entered in the NFL as a 2008 fifth-round pick. He gets picked on a bit because Brandon Flowers is emerging as a good corner on the opposite side, but Carr has broken up 16 passes this year. Other notable 39s: Husain Abdullah, Vikings; Quintin Demps, Eagles; Trevor Ford, Packers; Chris Reis, Saints; DeAngelo Smith, Lions
40 – Marquand Manuel, Lions – Manuel has bounced around a lot, but he has been a starter in all but one of his six NFL stops. This year in Detroit, he started six of the nine games he played before going on injured reserve. Other notable 40s: John Busing, Texans; K.J. Gerard, Ravens; Jamie Silva, Colts
41 – Antoine Bethea, Colts – Bethea, the Colts' starting free safety, has had to be the one constant in the secondary for the Colts this year, and he's played his role well with 90 tackles and four interception. He gets the nod over Cowboys CB Terrence Newman, Saints S Roman Harper, and Bengals S Chinedum Ndukwe. Other notable 41s: Tyron Brackenridge, Jaguars; C.C. Brown, Giants; Antoine Harris, Falcons; William James, Lions; Corey Lynch, Buccaneers; Brice McCain, Texans; Kareem Moore, Redskins; Captain Munnerlyn, Panthers; Evan Oglesby, Dolphins; Karl Paymah, Vikings; C.J. Spillman, Chargers; Raymond Ventrone, Browns; Frank Walker, Ravens
42 –Darren Sharper, Saints – Sharper's veteran leadership has helped the Saints stabilized their secondary, and the veteran continues to make plenty of plays. He has eight picks this year, three of which he's returned for touchdowns, and now 62 career interceptions. Other notable 42s: Gerald Alexander, Jaguars; Chris Crocker, Bengals; Brian Russell, Texans; Jack Williams, Lions
43 – Troy Polamalu, Steelers -Polamalu has been hurt much of the year this year, but his ability to range and make plays is what takes the Steelers defense from good to great. He may miss the Pro Bowl for the first time since his rookie season, but he still gets the nod here in a walk. Other notable 43s: Craig Dahl, Rams; Aaron Francisco, Colts; Chris Harris, Panthers; Hakuri Nakamura, Ravens; Tom Nelson, Bengals; Bryan Scott, Bills; Gerald Sensabaugh, Cowboys
44 – Jarrad Page, Chiefs – Page was in his third season as a starting safety in K.C. before going on injured reserve after playing five games this season. Still, that's a better resume than that of Kevin Payne, who has lost his starting safety job with the Bears. Other notable 44s: James Ihedigbo, Jets; Rico Murray, Bengals
45 – De'von Hall, Colts – Hall, an undrafted rookie out of Utah State, has seen action in four games in his rookie season, notching three tackles. He is the only active defensive back wearing 45.
46 – none
47 – Jon McGraw, Chiefs – McGraw is in his eighth season, and he has started seven games for Kansas City this season, which is a career high. He also recorded his first career sack this season. His long career of contributing gives him the nod over rookie Cary Harris of Buffalo and fourth-year man Matt Giordano of Green Bay.
48 – Chris Horton, Redskins – Horton, a second-year player out of UCLA, emerged as a starter in his rookie season but fell out of the lineup before a midseason injury stopped his sophomore campaign. He is the only notable DB wearing 48.
49 – Rashad Johnson, Cardinals – Johnson, a third-round pick out of Arizona, is the only active defensive back wearing 49. He has not seen action this year.
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April 17, 2009 · 12:18 pm
RP: Draft boom and bust by position – Defense
This is part two of our research project examining which positions in the NFL draft have yielded the most hits and the most misses this decade. We did the offensive side of the ball yesterday in this post, and now it's time to start in on the defense.
Here's the methodology: We looked at the top 16 of every draft this decade. We categorized each player as a positive, a negative, or a neutral. We only allowed neutrals for the past three drafts so that we didn't straddle the fence over and over. We combined defensive ends and outside linebackers because of the proliferation of rush 'backers in the 3-4 in the draft the last four years.
We then counted the positives as completions and negatives as incompletions to create a percentage of sorts. Neutrals did not count as attempts so that they don't skew the rankings.
So here are the results. Feel free to quibble with the positive/negative/neutral ratings, because that would obviously change percentages. I've tried to be fair, and if there is a debate, I leaned toward the positive. (That's the kind of guy I am.) Even with that, there are some pretty clear distinctions by position. Hopefully you'll find the results are pretty insightful.
Defensive tackles: 13 of 20 positives (65 percent)
Positives: Sedrick Ellis, Amobi Okoye, Haloti Ngata, Broderick Bunkley, Tommie Harris, Kevin Williams, Ty Warren, John Henderson, Albert Haynesworth, Richard Seymour, Damione Lewis, Marcus Stroud
Negatives: Travis Johnson, Dewayne Robertson, Johnathan Sullivan, Jimmy Kennedy, Ryan Sims, Wendell Bryant, Gerard Warren
Neutrals: Glenn Dorsey, Justin Harrell
Thoughts: This is one of the positions with the highest bust rates. When a player hits, they often hit big — Haynesworth, Seymour, Williams, and Ngata are (or have been) terrific, while even Harris, Henderson, and Stroud are among those who have been game changers. But there are also some big-time busts here in Robertson and Gerard Warren. Some of the busts (Sims, Kennedy) are still in the league, but they have settled into reserve roles. I've put Okoye and Ellis on the positives list based on single good years. For Ellis it was his rookie year; Okoye was good as a rookie but stepped back last year. Dorsey is also leaning positive, based on a solid first season. But Harrell has been so banged up that he's headed for negative land as well. All in all, this is a dangerous position to draft.
This year's candidates: B.J. Raji, Peria Jerry
Defensive ends and pass rushers: 13 of 17 positives (76 percent)
Positives: Gaines Adams, Adam Carriker, Mario Williams, Kamerion Wimbley, DeMarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman, Terrell Suggs, Julius Peppers, Dwight Freeney, Justin Smith, Greg Ellis, Andre Carter, John Abraham
Negatives: Michael Haynes, Jerome McDougle, Jamal Reynolds, Courtney Brown
Neutrals: Chris Long, Vernon Gholston, Derrick Harvey, Jamaal Anderson
Thoughts: I used to consider pass rusher a premium position (along with quarterback, left tackle, and cornerback), but with the proliferation of 3-4 defenses, the job description has changed. Now guys like Suggs, Ware, and Merriman (and to a lesser extent Wimbley) rush from a standing outside linebacker position. While they pile up huge sack numbers, they don't strike me as quite as dominating as a more traditional end. I guess that makes me a 4-3 guy. So I would lean toward the more traditional end like Williams who can rush the passer but also can do other things. Peppers is in that camp too, although he wants to move to a 3-4 now. That's what the Bucs are hoping Adams will do as well. Freeney and Abraham are interesting because they are 3-4 style guys who have fit in beautifully as 4-3 rush ends. There haven't been a ton of busts, although Brown was the No. 1 overall pick, but the jury is still out on Long, Gholston, and Harvey from last year. Still, this position has a better hit rate than I expected, largely because teams have been able to successfully find guys who can be productive in a 3-4 scheme since Ware and Merriman opened the floodgates in the '05 draft. This year's top candidates – Orakpo, Maybin, Ayers, and Brown – all fit that mold as well.
This year's candidates: Brian Orakpo, Aaron Maybin, Robert Ayers, Everette Brown, Tyson Jackson
Linebackers: 12 of 12 positives (100 percent)
Positives: Keith Rivers, Jerod Mayo, Patrick Willis, Lawrence Timmons, A.J. Hawk, Ernie Sims, Thomas Davis, Derrick Johnson, Jonathan Vilma, Dan Morgan, LaVar Arrington, Brian Urlacher, Mike Peterson
Negatives: None
Thoughts: Linebacker typically aren't valued at the very top of the draft, but the research shows that the first-round candidates are usually players. Willis and Mayo have been defensive rookies of the year the last two years, and many of these guys are stalwarts of their teams. The problem is that while these guys are productive, few are game-changers. On this list, only Urlacher and Arrington early in his career truly fit that description. So while linebacker is a safe pick, it's not always the best pick when you're trying to build a superstar club. Still, especially around the 10th pick and beyond, it makes a lot of sense to pick a linebacker. It stands to reason that this year's candidates – Curry and the three USC starters from '08 – will continue the trend of linebackers being good selections. None of the four has the most upside of any pick on the board, but my guess is that all of them will be productive.
This year's candidates: Aaron Curry, Rey Maualuga, Clay Matthews, Brian Cushing, James Laurinaitis
Cornerbacks: 10 of 11 positives (91 percent)
Positives: Leodis McKelvin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Darrelle Revis, Carlos Rogers, DeAngelo Hall, Dunta Robinson, Terrance Newman, Marcus Trufant, Quentin Jammer, Deltha O'Neal
Negatives: Adam "Pacman" Jones
Neutrals: Tye Hill
Thoughts: I traditionally consider cornerback a marquee position and a building block, but this decade the draft hasn't produced a Champ Bailey/Deion Sanders/Chris McAllister elite guy in the top 10. There are some good players on this list – Revis, Newman, Jammer, and Trufant have probably had the best single seasons of these guys – but none of them are true shut-down guys. Revis is probably closest at the present moment. Maybe those guys don't exist as much anymore, because the Tampa-2 defense emphasized zone coverage and tackling, while the 3-4 also usually features a zone behind it. Again this year, there is no all-time elite kind of corner. Malcolm Jenkins should be a good player, but he's Newman-level good instead of Champ Bailey-level good. Still, the new defensive systems have meant that most of these corners have panned out. Even the negative, Jones, showed flashes of great ability, but his off-field issues ruined his career and relegated him to the negative category.
This year's candidates: Malcolm Jenkins, Vontae Davis, Darius Butler
Safeties: 6 of 6 positives (100 percent)
Positives: LaRon Landry, Donte Whitner, Antrel Rolle, Sean Taylor, Troy Polamalu, Roy Williams
Neutrals: Michael Huff, Jason Allen
Thoughts: Not many safeties reach this stratosphere, but the ones that do typically are at least good players. The late Sean Taylor was by far the best of this bunch, while Landry (another Redskin) is the one of the best of these players at this point. The top current safety, of course, is Polamalu, who is a game-changer at a level that most safeties never even think about reaching. Roy Williams was a standout early in his career, but when Dallas switched defensive systems he lost all effectiveness. Allen and to a lesser extent Huff are leaning toward the negative category, but we'll leave the jury out on them for now. Most of the time (including this year), there aren't safeties worth this kind of investment. That makes this position like linebacker, only taken to the extreme.
This year's candidates: Louis Delmas
Filed under NFL draft, research project
Tagged as a.j. hawk, aaron maybin, adam carriker, adam jones, albert haynesworth, amobi okoye, andre carter, antrel rolle, b.j. raji, brian orakpo, brian urlacher, broderick bunkley, carlos rogers, chris long, courtney brown, damione lewis, dan morgan, darius butler, darrelle revis, deangelo hall, deltha o'neal, demarcus ware, derrick harvey, derrick johnson, dewayne robertson, dominique rodgers-cromartie, donte whitner, dunta robinson, dwight freeney, ernie sims, everette brown, gaines adams, gerard warren, glenn dorsey, greg ellis, haloti ngata, jamaal anderson, jamal reynolds, jason allen, jerod mayo, jerome mcdougle, jimmy kennedy, john abraham, john henderson, johnathan sullivan, jonathan vilma, julius peppers, justin harrell, justin smith, kamerion wimbley, keith rivers, kevin williams, laron landry, lavar arrington, lawrence timmons, leodis mckelvin, louis delmas, malcolm jenkins, marcus stroud, marcus trufant, mario williams, michael haynes, michael huff, mike peterson, NFL draft, pacman jones, patrick willis, peria jerry, quentin jammer, richard seymour, robert ayers, roy williams, ryan sims, sean taylor, sedrick ellis, shawne merriman, terrance newman, terrell suggs, thomas davis, tommie harris, travis johnson, troy polamalu, ty warren, tye hill, tyson jackson, vernon gholston, vontae davis, wendell bryant


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As we get older, wrinkles, fine lines and dark circles can quickly become more of a problem. Many people are looking for ways to keep these kinds of problems at bay. Luckily, there are a number of ways that you can strive to keep your skin looking younger and healthier. Regardless of which of these issues you're having a problem with, there are solutions that will have you looking and feeling better in no time.
AHAs are Alpha Hydroxy Acids. These are excellent chemical exfoliants that can help to shed the dead layer of your skin and allow fresh, new skin to come out. They also offer added collagen and humectant properties, keeping your skin hydrated and plumped; both of these things can help to keep wrinkles at bay. Glycolic acid is one of the most commonly used forms of these products, and is considered a must by many who have a keen interest in their skin care. To make sure the glycolic acid doesn't irritate your skin, it's a good idea to make sure you start out with products that have lower percentages of it.
Microdermabrasion is another way to help remove layers of dead skin from your face to help the natural processes of your skin. It's important to be gentle when using a microdermabrasion product, because they can irritate your skin if you're too rough with them or use them too frequently. There are microdermabrasion methods that you can use at home, as well as ways to have it professionally done. It's going to be up to your individual skin which method is going to be best for you.
These products work intensely to get rid of lines, wrinkles and reduce the size of pores. They're strong products that many swear by. Depending on the needs of your skin, a store-bought Retinol product may work just fine. However, if your skin needs more intense help then you can get a Retinoid prescribed by a dermatologist. Make sure to start with a Retinol or Retinoid product that will be gentler on your skin, and only move to products with higher percentages of the substance if needed. If you're unsure about using these products, then make sure to talk to a doctor and get their opinion on it.
Keeping your skin well hydrated is the first line of defense against fine lines, wrinkles and more. important to have a quality moisturizer that is made for your skin type so that it won't cause negative effects. Don't be afraid of adding moisture to oily skin, because it can help to balance your skin out so that it becomes hydrated without adding excess oil. Make sure to do your research to find the moisturizer that will be the most ideal for your skin type so that you can get the greatest effects.
Many people think that sunscreen is only something they need when they're going to be out in the hot sunlight for longer periods of time. However, the sun can have effects all year long. On a cold, clear winter day the sun is still shining and can still add to the aging your skin shows at the very least. Because of this, it's important to wear sunscreen all year long. It can help to keep your skin safe from the harmful rays of the sun, protecting you from melanoma and signs of aging alike to keep your skin youthful.
Keep your pores clean and clear, because clogged pores can lead to not only blemishes but also add to fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you clean your face with a gentle face wash at least once a day, in the evening. Try to avoid cleansers that are too rough on your skin, as they can do more damage than good. In combination with a good moisturizer and sunscreen, it will help to keep your skin healthy and avoid signs of aging for as long as possible. At home, facial steamers are a great solution as well. The steam opens pores, and at the same time keeps your skin moisturized.
Sleep is key to keeping your skin healthy, especially when it comes to the skin around your eyes. Dark circles can easily form when you aren't getting enough sleep regularly. The older you get, the more important it becomes for you to keep a regular sleep schedule. Hydration is also key to keeping your skin healthy, inside and out. Making sure to drink plenty of water can help your skin to bounce back from the occasional night out. It won't work to take the place of a good night's sleep but it can help. As much as possible, it's going to be the best option to get your eight hours in to keep your skin healthy.
For those who need a little extra help, there are a number of eye creams you can use to assist in the battle against dark circles. These products contain things like hydroxy acids, Retinoids and Vitamin C that can help with hyperpigmentation that causes the circles. If you choose to try out these products, make sure to be careful and test them out slowly, as they can irritate the skin. Moving from gentler products to those that are more intense can help your skin to get used to the ingredients while keeping irritation at a minimum.
Overall, don't fear if you're beginning to see wrinkles, fine lines or dark circles or if you've been suffering with them for a longer period of time. There are plenty of products on the market today that can help to slow the effects of aging by keeping your skin healthier for longer. Including a gentle cleanser, a quality moisturizer, sunscreen and a suitable Retinol product into your daily routine will do wonders to help your skin. Aside from using products, getting into a regular sleep habit and drinking plenty of water will also help to keep your skin healthy.
I've been using Dermalmd anti aging serum for the past month under the inner corners of my eyes. I started noticing the wrinkles under my eyes have been less pronounced and the skin is a lot softer and smoother. I've always been a big fan of Olay products, but dermalmd is just amazing!


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Where is Arborfield?
Arborfield is located in the county of Berkshire, South East England, four miles south of the town of Woodley, four miles south-east of the major town of Reading, and 35 miles west of London. Arborfield lies three miles north-east of the Hampshire border. Arborfield falls within the unitary authority of Wokingham. It is in the RG2 postcode district. The post town for Arborfield is Reading.
Arborfield on a map
Bounding box showing extent of Arborfield
Location of Arborfield within the UK
Which county is Arborfield in?
Arborfield is in the ceremonial county of Berkshire, the historic county of Berkshire, and the administrative county of Wokingham.
Where is Arborfield in Berkshire?
Arborfield is situated towards the southernmost extremity of Berkshire, and roughly centrally between the easternmost and westernmost extremities of Berkshire.
Location of Arborfield within Berkshire
What is the postcode for Arborfield?
The nearest postcode to the centre of Arborfield is RG2 9HZ.
Where is Arborfield in RG2?
Arborfield is situated roughly centrally between the southernmost and northernmost extremities of the RG2 postcode district, and towards the easternmost extremity of the RG2 postcode district.
Location of Arborfield within RG2
What is the post town for Arborfield?
The post town for Arborfield is Reading. Arborfield is in the RG2 postcode district, which corresponds to the post town of Reading.
What is the latitude and longitude of Arborfield?
The centre of Arborfield is located at position 51.40287° latitude and -0.91817° longitude.
What is the easting and northing of Arborfield?
The centre of Arborfield is located at the grid reference easting 475350 and northing 167648 within the British National Grid (OSGB36) system.
What are the nearest towns to Arborfield?
Position of Arborfield relative to nearby towns. Distance is measured from the centre of Arborfield to the centre of the town.
Arborfield is 4 miles south of Woodley
Arborfield is 4 miles west of Wokingham
Arborfield is 4 miles south-east of Reading
Arborfield is 6 miles north-west of Crowthorne
Arborfield is 6 miles north-west of Yateley
Arborfield is 6 miles north-west of Sandhurst
Arborfield is 7 miles west of Bracknell
Arborfield is 8 miles north-west of Blackwater
Arborfield is 9 miles north-west of Camberley
Arborfield is 9 miles north of Fleet
What are the nearest cities to Arborfield?
Position of Arborfield relative to nearby cities. Distance is measured from the centre of Arborfield to the centre of the city.
Arborfield is 28 miles south-east of Oxford
Arborfield is 29 miles north-east of Winchester
Arborfield is 35 miles south-west of St Albans
Arborfield is 35 miles west of City of Westminster
Arborfield is 35 miles west of London
Arborfield is 36 miles west of City of London
Arborfield is 40 miles north of Chichester
Arborfield is 40 miles north-east of Southampton
Arborfield is 43 miles north of Portsmouth
Arborfield is 45 miles north-east of Salisbury

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl