Back again with the NFC winners and losers from FA prior to the draft at the end of April.
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
Key Additions - Mike Vanderjagt (K), Rocky Boiman (LB), Jason Fabini (OT), Terrell Owens (WR), Ryan Hannam (TE), Akin Ayodele (LB), Kyle Kosier (OT)
Key Losses - Torrin Tucker (OT), Larry Allen (OG), Jacob Rogers (OT), Keyshawn Johnson (WR), Dan Campbell (TE), Scott Fujita (OLB), Dat Nguyen (LB), La'Roi Glover (DT)
Draft needs - The
Cowboys have loaded up for a run at the Superbowl this year, so an
impact player in any position would be valuable. They could use a
safety alongside Roy Williams and offensivel ine help also.
Overall - The
addition of TO is huge for Dallas. Owens will have a massive chip on
his shoulder and provided he doesn't unload on Bledsoe, who will make
mistakes as always, Dallas offense could be explosive with Glenn,
Witten and Julius Jones.
New York Giants
Key Additions - Will Demps (S), R.W. McQuarters (DB), Jason Bell (CB), Quentin Harris (S), Sam Madison (CB)
Key Losses - Will Allen (CB), Shaun Williams (S), Kendrick Clancy (DT), Brent Alexander (S), Barrett Green (LB) Jason Whittle (OG)
Draft needs - Got
to get one of the better linebackers if they are still available. The
Giants are obviously happy about the offensive side of the ball, and
made no attempts to sign any high priced offensive free agent.
Overall - The
Giants will be happy with the overhaul of the secondary and the arrival
of Demps and Maddison is certainly an upgrade over Allen and Williams.
Remains to be seen if Eli Manning continues to grow in the the offense,
or will they regret not supplying him with another weapon? Signing
Lavar Arrington would be a very big deal for this defense, particularly
if one of the better LBs in the draft is not there when the Big Blue
get to pick.
Philadelphia Eagles
Key Additions - Ed Jasper (DT), Jeff Garcia (QB), Jabar Gaffney (WR), Matt Schobel (TE), Darren Howard (DE), Shawn Barber (LB),
Draft Needs. - Ask 5 different people, you'll get 5 different
answers. Whether its LenDale White to provide muscle (and fat) to the
running game, Chad Jackson or Santonio Holmes to add more talent to the
WR corps, or an impact defensive player at LB or lineman. I think the
Eagles will be tempted by a LB such as Ernie Sims and let McNabb work
with the talent he has at WR and TE.
Overall - The Owens loss was
obvious since last year, so the Eagles gained more than they lost. The
arrival of Jevon Kearse really propelled the Eagles defense 3 years
ago, and now the addition of Howard should do the same. How will McNabb
cope without a genuine star WR to throw to? I guess we'll find out.
Eric Moulds would have been a great addition.
Washington Redskins
Key Additions - Kenny Wright (CB), Mike Pucillo (C), Andre Carter (DE/OLB), Adam Archuleta (S), Antwaan Randle El (WR), Christian Fauria (TE), Brandon Lloyd (WR)
Key Losses - Omar Stoutmire (S), Patrick Ramsey (QB), Ryan Clark (S), Robert Royal (TE), Matt Bowen (S), Walt Harris (CB), Brandon Noble (DT), Tom Tupa (P), LaVar Arrington (LB)
Draft Needs - With
no R1, Dan Snyder tried to fix all aspects in FA, in the 2nd round they
may look at a young DB or LB to groom in Greg Williams defense.
Overall - Money
talks, and all of the arriving FA's have seen the light side of
Snyder's chequebook. As always the Redskins have overpaid for what they
got, although Andre Carter will be an extra pass rusher of high
calibre. Replacing Arrington's playmaking abilities will fall to the
likes of Sean Taylor (provided he's acquited of firearm offenses), and
CB Carlos Rogers, Shawn Springs.
Draft Needs -Cornerback and Wide receiver are positions of need if this team are to improve on last years performance.
Overall - We
know what to expect from the Bears next season, run the rock and play
defense. No team has done less in FA and the bears could have used
another addition to an average WR corps. The addition of Griese will be
important to either push or supplant Grossman at QB.
Detroit Lions
Key Additions - Mike Furrey (WR/S), Idrees Bashir (S), Josh McCown (QB), Jon Kitna (QB), Dan Campbell (TE), Corey Bradford (WR), Shaun King (QB)
Draft Needs - They should draft defense. They really should.
Would you bet against Millen taking Chad Jackson or Santonio Holmes in
R1? I know i wouldn't. Maybe the Lions should draft Cutler if he falls
that far as the QB of the future, as very few of the Lions fans truly
believe Kitna or McCown are the long-term answer at the position.
Michael Huff of Texas is likely choice, with a pass rusher and LB other
obvious needs.
Overall - Not good. Furrey and Bashir will
provide little impact on defense, whereas the Kitna, King and McCown
situation does nothing but scratch heads, particularly with Martz
complicated and intricate offense to be installed. Did they really need
another WR? A big draft is needed, but with Millen's history, i
wouldn't hold my breath.
Green Bay Packers
Key Additions - Marc Boerigter (WR), Billy Cundiff (K) Ben Taylor (LB), Ryan Pickett (DT), Marquand Manuel (S)
Key Losses - Grey Ruegamer (OG), Tony Fisher(HB), Mike Flanagan (C), Craig Nall (QB), Ryan Longwell (K), Antonio Chatman (KR/WR), Na'il Diggs (LB)
Draft
Needs - Where to start? With Brett Favre sitting on his arse in
Mississipi waiting for impact players to join, the likely best options
are AJ Hawk and Mario Williams. Favre would love to play with
D'Brick Ferguson also. Elsewhere, the entire roster needs
upgrading particularly in Javon Walker carries out his threats to not
play.
Overall - Not good enough for supposedly one of the better franchises
in the NFL. The Pack need to make a play for either Arrington, Woodson,
Law etc.(i know they'll overpay but they have no other choice), and
follow up with a big draft day to please their fans.
Minnesota Vikings
Key Additions - DeQuincy Scott (DE), Tank Williams (S), Mike McMahon (QB), Tony Richardson (RB) , Steve Hutchinson (G), Jason Whittle (OL), Chester Taylor (RB), Ben Leber (LB), Ryan Longwell (K)
Key Losses - Lance Johnstone (DE), Raonall Smith (LB), Nate Burleson (WR), Sam Cowart (LB), Melvin Fowler (C), Michael Bennett (RB), Toniu Fonoti (OG), Daunte Culpepper (QB), Corey Chavous( S), Brian Williams (CB)
Draft Needs - QB of the future, LB and Line depth are needed for the Vikes.
Overall - The Wilf / Childress era has begun in earnest, and you have to like the Vikes intentions. They are going to commit to running the ball with the additions of Hutchinson, Richardson and Taylor as they know Brad Johnson won't be able to carry the load on his own. The addition Leber is a start at LB but they need more firepower there. The big concern is the long term future at QB having traded Culpepper, who would have become a distraction with regards to his contract.
NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
Key Additions - Wayne Gandy (OT), John Abraham (DE), Chris Crocker (S), Lawyer Milloy (S)
Key Losses - Bryan Scott (S), Barry Stokes (OT), Kevin McCadam (S), Kevin Shaffer (OT), Brady Smith (DE)
Draft Needs - Having given up an R1 for the rights to Abraham, the Falcons could still use secondary help and a wide bodied, run stuffing DT.
Overall - Look for a big improvement in the Falcons this year. Last year, they lost the ability to get to the QB which will be addressed by Abraham lining up across from Kerney, and the play from their safeties was terrible. Milloy will add veteran leadership and Crocker will add youth and enthausiasm to the position. Gandy will be an upgrade at OT as the Falcons develop younger linemen for the future.
Carolina Panthers
Key Additions - Keith Adams (LB), Reggie Howard (CB), Keyshawn Johnson (WR), Kevin McAdam (S), Shaun Williams (S), Damione Lewis (DT), Justin Hartwig (C), Maake Kemoeatu (DT)
Key Losses - Kemp Rasmussen (DE), Idrees Bashir (S), Dante Wesley (CB), Will Witherspoon (LB), Marlon McCree (S), Brandon Short (LB) Brentson Buckner (DT), Stephen Davis (RB), Rod Smart (KR)
Draft Needs - Running Back and Linebacker are the major needs
Overall - Always count on the Panthers to make solid moves in FA. Losing Witherspoon will hurt but they were unable to match the offer he got from the Rams. Lewis and Kemoeatu make great D-line additions while Keyshawn will be a compliment to the terrific Steve Smith.
New Orleans Saints
Key Additions - Bryan Scott (S), Chris Horn (WR), Mark Campbell (TE), Anthony Simmons (LB), Omar Stoutmire (S), Michael Bennett (RB), Drew Brees (QB), Scott Fujita (LB)
Key Losses - Wayne Gandy (OT), Mel Mitchell (S) Kendyl Jacox (OG), Aaron Brooks (QB), Fakhir Brown (CB), Darren Howard (DE), Sedrick Hodge (LB), LeCharles Bentley (C), Boo Williams (TE)
Draft Needs - Offensive Line, Cornerback, and Linebacker are all major needs. They are desparately tring to trade the 2 pick to NYJ or GB or any other team interested in Leinhart, but they should protect the money the have in Brees with Ferguson.
Overall - A new era in NO, the enigmatic Brooks had to go, as did disgruntled LeCharles Bentley, and Darren Howard wanted a new start. Brees has shown ability the last 2 years, but how will he fare without LT and Gates around...?
Key Losses - Todd Steussie (OT), Billy Cundiff (K), Dexter Jackson (S), Jameel Cook (FB), Brian Griese (QB), Jeff Gooch (LB), Matt Stinchcomb (OG)
Draft Needs - Wide receiver, O-line and Safety
Overall - Lost more than they gained, the official Chris Simms era begins now. Expect a drop off from last year, namely because ATL and Carolina will be better...
NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals
Key Additions - Edgerrin James (RB), Kendrick Clancy (DT), Milford Brown (OG),
Key Losses - Russell Davis (DT), Josh McCown (QB), Quentin Harris (S)
Draft Needs - They will be praying Vernon Davis falls to them to add the last piece of an offense loaded at skill positions. O-line help for James in also essential.
Overall - They will be sadly mistaken if they feel James will bring his productivity from his Colts day sto the desert. He is still a massive upgrade and is terrific in pass protection which is essential with Warner a complete statue at QB. They will need more to challenge the Hawks and Rams in the division.
San Francisco 49ers
Key Additions - Sammy Davis (DB), Larry Allen (OG), Walt Harris (CB), Bryan Gilmore (WR), Antonio Bryant (WR), Jesse Palmer (QB)
Key Losses - Rashaun Woods (WR), Fred Beasley (FB), Julian Peterson (LB), Andre Carter(OLB), Brandon Lloyd (WR) Chris Cooper (DE), Johnnie Morton (WR), Ahmed Plummer (CB)
Draft Needs- Oh dear. The 9ers need help on both sides of the ball. Particular needs are LB and a upgrade at RB.
Overall - Like the Packers, the 9ers are in a sorry state. Alex Smith needs serious help around him if he's going to succeed and the 9ers aren't in a position to give it to him. Joe Nedney's leg will get another work out this year. The 9ers will be awful....
Seattle Seahawks
Key Additions - Kemp Rasmussen (DE), Oliver Celestin (S), Nate Burleson (S), Tom Ashworth (G) Russell Davis (DT), Julian Peterson (LB)
Key Losses - Steve Hutchinson (G), Ryan Hannam (TE), Rodney Bailey (DE), Marquand Manuel (S), Joe Jurevicius (WR), Andre Dyson (CB), Jamie Sharper (LB)
Draft Needs - Secondary, Offensive line and Defensive end are all in need of solid additions.
Overall - Victim of the poison pill sheet on Steve Hutchinson, the Vikings got a valuable signing in Ashworth, and a terrific pick up in Julian Peterson. Nate Burleson will be a home favorite at Q-West field, and a good draft should see them contending for NFC championship honours again.
St Louis Rams
Key Additions - Todd Steussie (OT) Raonall Smith (LB), Matt Turk (P), Tony Fisher (HB), Gus Frerotte (QB), Fakhir Brown (CB), Will Witherspoon (LB), Corey Chavous (S), La'Roi Glover (DT)
Key Losses - Corey Ivy (CB), Rex Tucker (OG), Ryan Pickett (DT), Adam Archuleta (S) Damione Lewis (DT), Chris Claiborne (LB)
Draft Needs - Defensive backfield needs an upgrade and the Rams should address that with pick 11 in R1. They could also use another LB, and O-lineman depth.
Overall - One of the more interesting teams to look out for in 2006, the Rams could benefit from Linehan's new offensive system, and also a new attitude on defense bought by Witherspoon and veteran safety Chavous.
TT - This is good analysis, it would be nice to hear from the fans of these teams.
My Mock Draft is entering round 2 (you're on deck). Now that you have Brick, based on the above I will expect to see a CB? There are a few good ones still on the board. The pick will probably come up tomorrow unless Northsider (Houston) is around today...
I guess i gave it away hey Norcal? Yeah i'm all over the mock draft - no worries there. The Saints will take a DB in R2 as all the decent LBs will have gone (every team needs 'backers this year it seems). Thats what this blog was about - fans reaction to their teams pick-ups and dumps - i'd be upset if i was a 9ers or Pack fan...
TT - 49er fans here are just lost. I of course hear about it on the radio. They were so spoiled with that great run of 10+ win seasons while they pounded on a TERRIBLE group of division "rivals". Now that the purse strings are no longer flying with Eddie D and questionable personnel decisions are the norm everyone is up in arms.
I found it interesting in the other blog that you said you had been to NFL Europe games. What is the vibe across the pond about the league in general? I generally see great attendance, but do people really care that much who wins? I would think it is almost a NFL/MLS situation with soccer/NFLEL over there. NO ONE talks about soccer here and I am curious if it is the same for NFLEL there.
My neighbor growing up (who was our high school QB) played safety for Amsterdam in the VERY early days of the WLAF.
Norcal - in my R2 pick for your mock i'll take Jonathan Joseph Cornerback from South Carolina. He's probably the most NFL ready of all CB's in the draft, and will provide an upgrade in the NO secondary.
If Joseph goes, i'll take Abdul Hodge LB form Iowa.
Norcal, Soccer is king in England (and the rest of the world for that matter)and that's why the Monarchs franchise fell apart (it used to to sell out 100,000 at Wembley stadium in the days of Johnson and the fridge - yes THE fridge), people just didn't have the time and money to go to both soccer and football. Football suffers from a real identity crisis in Europe (soccer is called football here), to the point where now only German and dutch die hards keep the league alive watching average players play average games. Subsequent franchises in Scotland and Spain fell apart as well.
In my opinion, you could watch the world paint drying competition at the old wembley and it would have been a great atmosphere - just one of those special sporting venues. I loved going there with my dad when i was younger, either soccer or NFL world league. I hope the new stadium will be as special when its done, it looks amazing. The new Wembley is said to be the next venue for an NFL regular season game to played outside the US, and it will be a roaring success if/when it happens.
My idea for the NFLE would have it be like a developmental league for the NFL that runs simultaneously to the NFL season, and then players could be called up to the NFL in good shape during the season as injury replacements, that would make things a lot more competitive and a lot more interesting to watch.
Its fair enough soccer fails in the US, there are many other more identifiable sports in the US, which have dedicated followings throughout the seasons of the year, and soccer has the "g
Da Vikes will take it all this year because we have B. Johnson leading us! lol. Right. I do like the aggressiveness of the Wilf/Childress combo though. They're even getting the stagnant MN legislature to at least LOOK at a new stadium to replace the aging Metrodome. I look for better things from da Vikes this year, especially if they adapt to the cover 2 D well.
By the way tt, does your name here refer to the infamous american porn star?
Last edited by Johhnystorm on April 16th at 2:15 PM.
Haha, i've gotten that a lot since i started here - wasn't sure what they meant to start with. Alas no, its a merger of 2 nicknames i had as a kid (TT are my real initials, and i was always referred to as "boy" by my pops) which became my "handle" on boards and blogspots such as these. I have several ex-girlfriends who will testify i have no similarities to any porn-star (try as i may...)
Who's the Cowboys fan Crab? Trust me, i'm not a cowgirl fan. But 11mil guaranteed to 'Twan and 5 mil per for Archuleta, i'd say they overpaid alright...
Cowboys, have done nothing wrong this offseason. Maybe they realize that with Parcells maybe retiring soon, they need to win. Losing Nyguen and Glover will hurt the D. The D seems kinda weak to me.
Giants, don't look like they've changed. They must be content.
Eagles, Shawn Barber I predict will be a big-time linebacker. Many people don't know how good this guy is, but the Eagles still have no WRs.
Redskins, With all of the problems with Sean Taylor, Archuleta will be a great addition. Andre Carter is also a diamond in the rough. Losing Royal and Ramsey will hurt, they still have no QB.
Bears, Brian Griese will turn out to be a good move once Grossman gets hurt again. (He'll probably do it hanging out with Mark Prior and Kerry Wood)
Lions, McCown may end up working, but I'm not sure. The Lions need a new everything other than stadium.
Pack, getting rid of Longwell and Na'il were both stupid moves. The guy they should get rid of wears #4.
Vikings, Tank Williams is a sleeper safety. Longwell makes no sense, because I thought Edinger did fine. One note, Chester Taylor, could be huge.
Falcons, Defense means business. This is the way to win, Abraham, Milloy. Purely Brilliant.
Panthers, really not adding anyone who means jack outside of Key and Hartwig. Losing Witherspoon and Short was dumb. And they got rid of "He Hate me?" Shame.
Saints, not sure why they got rid of 3 good O-lineman. Maybe they don't want to give any support to Brees and McAllister.
Bucs, I don't remember Billy Cundiff ever playing for them, I missed something.
Cards, Edge is good, but they need a line, and a QB who isn't slower then a winded fatman.
49ers, Larry Allen is good, but they have gotten rid of most of the talent. I guess the rebuilding plan is going to take an extra 2 years added to the current 3. Sad.
Seahawks, While they've lost a lot, they have gained Peterson and Ashworth.
Rams, They need D, and Witherspoon, Chavous, Glover help. But why did they toss Archuleta and Pickett?
Pack was stuipid for losing longwell I know the vikings are getting a kick out of it lol.Farve needs to go.hoping to get a good draft pick but then agian thompson's calling the shots. so much for that idea.
If SF gets him it would dramatically improve their offensive outlook. Last year it was throw a bomb to Lloyd, get a lucky long run out of Gore or punt. Now I like the Larry Allen addition from a leadership standpoint on the O-line. His nasty attitude can hopefully influence others like the guys they drafted last year, plus Jennings will be healthy at LT. With Bryant sliding into the #2 WR, Eric Johnson healthy at TE and possibly Vernon Davis added with the #6 pick suddenly Alex Smith will be a solid RB away from having zero excuses.
If the Eagles get Walker, the rest of the NFC East should be immediately worried.
If the Broncos wind up getting him I'd be surprised. They try to lowball people which is why they didn't get Owens.
DAAAAAAA Vikes da vikes da vikes da vikes, lol. Viking superfan here, doing my super bowl dance, lol. I'm not really feeling the Longwell pick up either. I'm not sure what the coaches thought there, but Edinger did seem to be doing allright. Longwell has been the more stable of the two over the years, maybe thats what Childress saw.
The irony in this situation is that last year Edinger beat the Packers twice. Then we take Longwell, the kicker who missed and maybe cost the Pack a game against us. I couldn't make that up even with performance enhancers, lol.
Mr- losing longwell will hurt, but rumor has it he jumped as soon as he could just to get away from favre. apparently he's not the only 1 who has a sincere dislike for #4. as for Diggs, he never lived up to expectations, and injuries were a big reason for that.
TT- i truly doubt the packers will sign law, woodson or arrington. if they didnt do it already to try and please favre, they most likely wont pursue it any further. at this point there is no reason to overpay for 1 or 2 free agents, as they should scrap any ideas of winning this year, and start rebuilding for the future. that means getting rid of favre, and getting rodgers some experience to find out if he can play in this league. with or without favre, 5 wins is probably a pipe-dream for this season. might just as well take the full hit, possibly get another high draft pick next year, and go from there.
Cuz, i agree with you about the Packers going full scale rebuilding this year. Give the kid Rogers the keys to the offense and try and build a good D for the future to make advantage of that temperate climate of yours.
MrNFL, the Rams tossed archuleta as they wouldn't match the huge contract the Skins threw at him. 5mil a year for a safety who is constantly abused in pass coverage is way too much. I don't understand the love for Archuleta...
Norcal, i agree that Walker could change the Eagles outlook instantly, but Thompson will sit on him on year to make a point unless a huge deal is thrown his way.
Cowboys are overated they have a good chance of winning the NFC east but they will go no where in the playoffs. They will either lose to the Panthers or the Seahawks.
i've been saying all along thompson wont do a thing to help out walker. if he sits the entire season, he remains the property of the packers. teddy boy is banking on 1 of 2 things. walker will eat crow again like last year and show up to camp, OR someone will make an offer thats just too good to resist. the key for walker is how badly he wants to play again in the NFL. if he doesnt play in 6 games this year, he cannot become an unrestricted free agent. unless someone throws something big at us in return for walker, i dont see him going anywhere.
TT - I think the 49ers have the draft pick ammunition to get a deal done. It might be a combination of picks and/or include the Packers throwing a later selection back, but that is a deal I could see getting done.
The Eagles drafted a TON of guys last year and I think would be smart to throw the picks necessary to interest Green Bay.
I don't see the value in having him sit out a season. Also, if they don't get it done before the draft there is going to be a big drop in what teams will offer because the buyers dwindle due to some of them taking a WR early.
TT - I *promise* that no one peeked because I got a "new" blogger (check out his blog, he's obviously way into the Texans) to make a pick he nabbed Joseph. I will go with Abdul Hodge so feel free to post a comment on the logic behind that pick on my blog.
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