With draft fever growing every day, the best way to look at the potential drafting for each team is to look back at whats gone on over the last couple of months since Free Agency began. Starting with the AFC.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills.
Key Additions - Craig Nall (QB), Matt Bowen (S), Andre Davis (WR), Peerless Price (WR), Larry Triplett (DT), Robert Royal (TE)
Key Losses - Eric Moulds (WR), Ron Edwards(DT), Sam Adams (DT), Mark Campbell (TE) Lawyer Milloy (S) Mike Williams, (OT) Feb. 24 (cut).
Key Draft Needs - Where to start? DT, a game breaking WR or TE, and a pass rusher are probably the key needs, but the Bills probably would need twice the amount of draft picks to get it done.
Overall: The Bills need to enter full scale rebuilding mode in the next couple of years and has started the clearout well by getting rid of the likes of Moulds, Adams and Milloy who have all either seen better days or have bloated contracts. They also gave up on Williams who was a high draft pick. But, the additions of Nall, Bowen and Davis aren't going to cause too much anxiety amongst division rivals, and the 10$ million resigning of Peerless Price has made Marv Levy and Ralph Wilson look like senile old fools, again.... A solid draft day is needed.
Miami Dolphins
Key Additions - Deke Cooper (S), Will Allen(CB), Kelly Campbell (WR), Renaldo Hill(CB), Daunte Culpepper, André Goodman (CB), Sedrick Hodge (LB), L.J. Shelton (OT).
Key Losses - Tebucky Jones (S), Sam Madison (CB), Reggie Howard (CB), Gus Frerotte (QB)
Draft Needs - Hard to really assess, the Fins will probably go after "the best player available" whether it be a potential star DB, O-line help, or more youth at LB.
Overall: The obvious overhaul off the offseason in Miami was in the secondary which is Nick Saban's coaching speciality, and they have gotten younger by getting rid of Jones and Madison. The addition of Shelton, and the resigning of Damion McIntosh is important to protecting new prize QB Daunte Culpepper, and if the Fins can snag one of the better linemen in the upcoming draft, this Fins team could make some noise in January.
New England Patriots
Key Additions - Mel Mitchell (S), Eric Warfield(CB), Tebucky Jones (S), Martin Gramatica (K) , Reche Caldwell (WR)
Key Losses - Tom Ashworth (OT), Adam Vinatieri (K) Tim Dwight (WR) , Tyrone Poole (CB), David Givens (WR), André Davis (WR) Christian Fauria (TE) Willie McGinest (OLB)
Draft Needs - The dynasty is in danger of crumbling, but don't write off the Pats just yet. A solid draft at LB, and maybe a younger running back to spell Corey Dillon and the Pats should make another playoff run.
Overall: No team has gained as much publicity over the free agency period as the Pats, as they have primarily lost key players. But a closer look reveals they have let go ageing players looking for bigger money elsewhere (Vinatieri, McGinest), or younger role players looking to be a star for big money elsewhere (Givens). Belichick has brought in some wiley veterans to his much maligned secondary last year. Caldwell is the type of receiver who can flourish in the Pats multiple receiver sets, and they have held over enough quality to be a strong team yet again.
New York Jets
Key Additions - Andre Dyson (CB), Monsanto Pope(DT), Tim Dwight (WR), Patrick Ramsey(QB), Kimo von Oelhoffen (DE/DT)
Key losses - John Abraham (DE), Kevin Mawae (C), Ty Law (CB), Jason Fabini (OT), Jay Fiedler (QB) Jerald Sowell (FB)
Draft Needs - The Jets need help in several areas and must be torn between drafting Matt Leinhart (in a possible trade up), Brick Ferguson, and Super Mario Williams. But the Jets need a solid all around draft to upgrade an average looking roster. Two picks in R1 should help.
Overall: The Jets need to find a replacement for Abraham somewhere in the draft whether its Williams or not. They did the right thing in letting Law go and run his mouth on the Free Agent circuit (hows that going Ty?) while Mawae was a sensible cut considering his age. Dyson was an underrated pick up for the secondary, which should be a well coached unit by Mangini's new crew.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
Key Additions - Corey Ivy (DB), Mike Anderson (RB) Justin Bannan(DT), Trevor Pryce (DE)
Key Losses - Will Demps (S) Dave Zastudil (P) Anthony Weaver (DE) Chester Taylor (RB), Maake Kemoeatu (DT)
Draft Needs - Is Boller the answer at QB still? Who knows, but the Ravens may well have a shot at Jay Cutler in the draft. Demps needs to be replaced, while Pryce is an adequate replacement for Weaver at DE
Overall: Lost more than they gained, look for Demps, Taylor and Kemoeatu to impact their new teams.
Cinncinati Bengals
Key Additions - Sam Adams (DT), Antonio Chatman (WR), Dexter Jackson (S)
Key Losses - Kim Herring (S), Kevin Walter (WR),
Jon Kitna (QB) Matt Schobel (TE), Duane Clemons (DE)
Draft
Needs - Any defensive playmaker would do, possibly a premier corner if available. Schoebel's pass catching ability needs to be replaced and there are several good TE's in the draft.
Overall: The addition of Adams will make a huge difference to the porous Bengal run defense that was their Achilles last year. Look for Thurman and Pollack to benefit from the wide bodied arrival at the heart of the defense. Kitna could be a big loss if Palmer fails to get back before September.
Cleveland Browns
Key Additions - Willie McGinest (OLB), Ted Washington (NT) Dave Zastudil (P), Joe Jurevicius (WR) Kevin Shaffer (OT), LeCharles Bentley (C)
Key Losses - Ben Taylor (LB) , Chris Crocker (S), Aaron Shea (TE), Antonio Bryant (WR),L.J. Shelton (OT), Kenard Lang (DE)
Draft
Needs - Interior D linemen. Washington is old and Browns fans would love to get Ngata. Also some youth at outside LB would be useful.
Overall: One of the big spenders of the free agent period, the Browns may well have overpaid for ageing players such as Washington and McGinest. Still, the spending attitude must be applauded, and the new age in Cleveland continues with Crennel's squad is definitely headed in the right direction, getting Bentley was huge...
Pittsburgh Steelers
Key Additions - Rodney Bailey (DE), Ryan Clark (S)
Key Losses - Chris Hope (S), Kimo von Oelhoffen (DE), Antwaan Randle El, (WR) Mike Logan (S)
Overall: No huge moves from the champs. Their only real decision was whether or not ot match any offers for Randel El, and Dan Snyder took that decision out of their hands. Much like the Pats, they'll be alright.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
Key Additions - Eric Moulds (WR), Wali Rainer (LB), David Loverne (OG), N.D. Kalu (DE), Sam Cowart (LB), C Mike Flanagan (C) Jeb Putzier (DE) Kevin Walter (WR), Anthony Weaver (DE), Jameel Cook (FB)
Key Losses - Tyson Walter(C), Jabar Gaffney (WR), Corey Bradford (WR), Milford Brown (OG), Marcus Coleman (S) Tony Hollings (RB)
Draft
Needs - Reggie Bush + offensive line help is essential if this team is going to go anywhere soon.
Overall: Signs of intent by the Texans. Entering their 5th year as a franchise its about time the Texans began putting together a playoff worthy team. Moulds and Putzier give Carr more options other than Andre Johnson. Should they be able to upgrade the O-line and snag Bush with in the draft, the pressure will firmlly be placed on David Carr's shoulders.
Indianapolis Colts
Key Additions - Adam Vinatieri/(K)
Key Losses - Mike Vanderjagt (K), David Thornton (LB) Edgerrin James (RB), Larry Tripplett (DT)
Draft
Needs - Replace Edgerrin James, get more O-line help to stop Manning ####ing about protection. Help at LB would be a bonus.
Overall: Like Pitt and NE, the Colts as a premier team lose more than they gain, Vinatieri is a clear up grade over Vanderjagt. The loss of James will impact the Colts offense until Manning and company figure things out.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Key Additions - Stockar McDougle (OT), Mike Williams (OG), Brian Williams (CB)
Draft Needs - If they can't sign Lavar Arrington, the Jags need a stud linebacker (Wimberley / Ryans) to be one of the best defenses in the league.
Overall: The Jags identified a need and went out to fix it. The O-line has to eb good due to Leftwich's long setup and throwing stride. Williams was an underacheiver in Buffalo, but with Mike Tice coaching the line (something he's actually good at) the improvements should be notable. They did overpay for Brian Williams though.
Tennessee Titans
Key Additions - Chris Hope (S), David Givens (WR), Kevin Mawae (C), David Thornton (LB)
Key Losses - Tank Williams (S), Rocky Boiman (LB) Justin Hartwig (C) Brad Hopkins (OT)
Draft Needs - Replace Steve McNair as that situation seems unretrievable. Matt Leinhart would be ideal with Norm Chow. More help in the secondary is also needed as is a premier pass rusher if available.
Overall: No superstars, but the Titans have to be happy with the quality of their acquisitions. They may have overpaid for Givens who has never faced double coverage as a Patriot. Thornton will be a real upgrade as a defensive leader.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Key Additions - Kenard Lang (DE)
Key Losses - Monsanto Pope (DT), Mike Anderson (RB) Trevor Pryce (DE), Jeb Putzier (TE)
Draft Needs - Already a very good team, if the Broncos can find a pass catching TE, and premier pass rusher (missed out on Abraham) they will challenge again. RB and OL help may also be required. John #### is also getting old. Two R1 picks are important in realizing those needs.
Overall: Another AFC leading team that made little noise in FA, the Broncos will rely on the draft to reload for another run at the superbowl.
Key Losses - Marc Boerigter(WR), Tony Richardson (FB), Chris Horn (WR), Shawn Barber (LB), Dexter McCleon (CB), Eric Warfield (CB)
Draft Needs - Defense. And lots of it. A playmaking DB is essential alongside Patrick Surtain, while a premier pass rusher is also needed. If the Chiefs could find a big play WR the Chiefs offense could be lethal.
Overall: Strange that the Chiefs didn't go all out to get the biggest names possible. They have the Offensive line, TE, QB and RB to make a real offensive push, but you feel they need a game breaking WR to blow teams out in the first half. If they draft well this could well be a playoff team.
Oakland Raiders
Key Additions - Duane Starks (CB), Rashad Moore (DT), Aaron Brooks (QB), Tyrone Poole (CB)
Key Losses - Ed Jasper (DT), Renaldo Hill (CB), Kerry Collins (QB), Derrick Gibson (S), Denard Walker (CB), Ted Washington (DT).
Draft Needs - Can they overlook Vernon Davis and Vince Young if they are available? They should look to draft defense, and draft defense big. They need to develop a pass rush oppposite Derrick Burgess and need secondary help.
Overall: Hard to know what to make of the Raiders acquisitions this spring. If Walter is the guy at QB, surely he would have been worth starting this year rather than bringing in Brooks. I think Brooks will succeed throwing to Moss and Porter, but the Raiders need to find some defensive studs in the draft or they'll be playing catch-up all year long, something Brooks won't be able to do.
Draft Needs - More secondary help and another target for new QB Rivers.
Overall: McCree was one of the key additions of free agency as he provides a massive upgrade in a terrible secondary. The Bolts have one of the best front 7s in football, which is pointless if they are continuously burned by big passing plays. A good draft, and solid QB play from Rivers could get them into the playoffs as a wild-card.
Now for the controversial part, my 1-16 ranking of AFC free agency.
1. Miami - Needed a franchise QB, went out and got one. Saban is turning the Fins around. 2. Cleveland - Crennel's old boys will do him well for a year or so. Bentley was a great signing. 3. Houston - Improvements in personnel have been made. 4. Tennesee - Solid veteran players added to young team, what now for McNair? 5. Jacksonville - Fixed the O-line problems, can they get Arrington? 6. Cinncinati - Sam Adams will be huge for them, literally.... 7. Denver - Wangled another R1 pick, no great changes needed. 8. New York Jets - Back up QB in place, difficult draft choices ahead. 9. San Diego Chargers - McCree is a good addition, can Rivers replace Brees? 10. Baltimore - Will miss Demps, Kemoaetu and Taylor. 11. Oakland - Its all about Aaron.. for 12 months. Defense needed. 12. Indianapolis - Got a great kicker, but lost a great RB. 13. Kansas City - Nothing spectacular, need a good draft 14. Pittsburgh - Didn't need to do much, so they haven't. 15. New England - Umm, at least they did better than Buffalo 16. Buffalo - 10mil to Peerless Price puts them at the bottom.
I really want to break all of this down, but I blather on enough as it is so I'll stick to the Raiders.
Charles Woodson is a loss. I'm not sure why people think he is coming back or isn't certainly out, but at this point he is as good as gone.
Rashad Moore signed? I didn't know this and Yahoo shows him with the Seahawks. Never heard of the guy actually. Depth is needed at DT so that would have been a good move.
I very much agree that DE is a need opposite Burgess who was nothing short of awesome in season 1. Tyler Brayton hasn't lived up to his late 1st round selection, partially because the idiots went to a 3-4 and set back his progress.
I will probably only be happy if they trade down into the #10-#14 range while acquiring another solid pick. A player like Winston Justice can make their offensive line more secure in case of injuries - instead of wasting all the "skill" talent as they did in 2005.
-OR-
Trading down they can still get a good safety which for my dollar is their biggest need.
Yeah Norcal, Burgess was a sensation since coming across from the Eagles - if the Raiders could maybe pair him with someone like Hali (don't think he'll drop to pick 7 in R2 though) that would instantly improve your D. Rashad Moore signed on 23Mar06 , you were probably still celebrating the Brooks signing (joke!) to notice. Of course there are still some high profile FA's out there to pick up, but at the moment i see the Raiders as no more as a spoiling team, capable of beating any team, but also capable of losing to any team and ultimately finishing outside the playoffs. At the moment, the season looks as open as it has in a long time and there is real parity in many of the divisions. All the power teams from last year have doen little, where as some of the lesser teams from last year have thrown cash at FA's trying to catch a break.
TT - Denver is in my mind clearly in control of the AFC West because of their balance & ability to run the ball. Kansas City is barely ahead of the Raiders really, but they had the LJ factor to get them a lot more wins. This year there will be less o####ap. San Diego I think is ready to implode after sending Brees off to New Orleans. That was a gutsy play.
Oakland has always been a team that can contend heads up with every opponent. During their 3 year reign atop the AFC West I felt of them as the best team in the NFL over that period, but because of a slam (Siragusa on Gannon) tuck (Snow Bowl) and Chucky (Gruden in their huddle) it ended without a title. Since then outsiders make jokes about them, but I promise you that NFL players do not enjoy playing them, especially in Oakland.
Yeah Norcal, i pretty much agree with your assessment of the West. Denver are the best team and with 2 R1's could be real tasty come September. The Chiefs will be too dependent on LJ running the ball, and the secret is now out on him, so teams should be a little more prepared next time they face him. What i meant by the Raiders was if Brooks plays up to his best with Moss and Porter that offense could live with anyone. If Brooks implodes and makes plays like the famous flipping the ball backward to a lineman, the Raiders could get blown out by average teams as their defense is that bad. The Bolts are going to be a defense and run the ball team this year as Rivers settles in. Its obvious Marty Schott wanted to keep Brees, but he's stuck with Rivers now who has a lot to prove as a third year player. I also think Brees will struggle in NO without LT and Gates to play with..
TT - I think you underestimate the Raider defense. There are some good players. The issue last year was that the offense stalled so often, leaving the defense in bad position. Early in games the defense held up fine.
There are some holes to fill now though, so in 2006 it might be more of an issue. They need to be sure the youngsters are ready to go at CB or the Patriot scraps (Poole/Starks) can fill in on nickel/dime for example. Ted Washington's snaps can't be replaced, but Mr. I smoked dope right before the draft Hawthorne might bring athleticism to the DT spot if he starts the year on the 53. The linebackers aren't terrible, and while the safeties are weak they might add one in the draft.
A defense is made to look better by a great offense that keeps the chains moving, which is part of the reason New England started blowing it in 2005 when Dillon went down.
Norcal, all good points well made. I guess my burning memory of watching the Raiders D last year was Tiki going 95 yards untouched for a TD in the first quarter, that one certainly wasn't on the Offense. The Raiders do have some Defensive talent, but they need to scheme better, and in my opinion are about 3 or 4 quality defensive players (DT, DB, LB, and DE) away from being a competitive unit in the West.
TT - Bear in mind that the Raiders always quit in the final month if they are out of it.
They just signed Johnstone back (5 year hiatus in Minnesota) for an occasional pass rush opposite Burgess. I think that is a great move.
They got some DT from Seattle and possibly Hawthorne can live up to his pre-Mary Jane before the draft hype.
Safety & Linebacker I think will be addressed in the draft. The more these teams at the top jockey for position, the more I believe Hawk falls to the Raiders which would be great. Then a guy like Bing in round 2 or possibly someone else, clearly a good one will be there.
Just those moves plus younger guys having another year of development will make them a surprising defense.
Location: London, England
Age: 25
Marital status: Wifey (but not yet married)..
Job: Dolphin Trainer
Sports: Football, Basketball, Soccer, Golf
Likes: Good Food, Good Beer, Nice Cars, Beautiful Women, Military, Ben Stiller Movies
Dislikes: Bad Food, Bad Beer, Rubbish Cars, Ugly women, Terrorists, Jennifer Lopez Movies
Things I can't live without: Oxygen, Sex, Food, Money, Sports, Television, The Internet (But not necessarily in that order)
