Erasmus James is back on the field again following a long battle back from a 2006 knee injury.  His return to the starting lineup won’t be easy with the development of Ray Edwards.  Edwards flashed natural pass rush ability and athleticism coming off the perimeter last season and has built upon this during the spring and into training camp.  Edwards has continued to develop as a pass rusher and has added bulk to become respectable against the run.  Edwards has a good opportunity to post double digit sacks. 

In other news with the Vikings, not many people are talking about the addition of former Dolphin defensive tackle Fred Evans.  Keep an eye on this move.  Evans was let go by Miami after a series of off-field incidents, but has tremendous potential.  His blend of size and power makes him an ideal fit to significantly upgrade their interior rotation behind Pat Williams and Kevin Williams.  Evans plays with a lot of intensity and shows good on-field smarts for a young veteran.  He’ll learn a lot from Pat Williams over the next several months and could step in the starting lineup in 2008 if they failed to re-sign Williams. 

Bengals: Losing rookie Kenny Irons to a knee injury was a blow for the Bengals’ at running back.  Rudi Johnson is expected to have another solid year pounding away at opposing defenses, but the Bengals wanted a versatile back who could push Johnson and enhance their depth – especially with the uncertain future of Chris Perry.  Unheralded Kenny Watson will again be called upon to fill a key role in the backfield.  Watson lacks the speed to bring diversity to the backfield, but is a tough inside runner who is also very efficient in the passing game.  Quincy Wilson will also have an opportunity to establish himself in a backup role.  Wilson is a very tough runner between the tackles, but lacks speed and needs a lot of polish in the passing game. 

Jaguars: The addition of veteran Sammy Knight was a very smart move by the Jacksonville front office.  The Jaguars decided to go with youth at safety with Reggie Nelson and Gerald Sensabaugh.  Both bring good athleticism and the ability to make plays on the ball, but lack experience.  Josh Gattis and Nick Sorensen have failed to distinguish themselves as backups and also lack experience.  Knight has very limited athletic skills, but is a savvy veteran who is like another coach on the field.  Expect Knight to provide strong support and insurance in the secondary for the Jaguars.

Jets: Sione Pouha has been a washout prior to this season for the Jets and missed last season with a knee injury.  But keep an eye on Pouha throughout the preseason.  Pouha was envisioned as a future nose tackle a few years ago with his blend of size and natural strength at the point of attack, but he played more too passively on the field.  Coming off the knee injury, Pouha has finally awaken after reporting to camp in tremendous shape and an improved mindset.  Pouha still enough bulk to develop at the nose tackle position, where the Jets have struggled to clog gaps against the run.  Dewayne Robertson has worked hard enough to be decent, but is more of a one-gap defender than a nose tackle type, which has created some problems for the Jets in establishing a strong run defense.  

Cardinals: I believe Arizona will have a tough time replacing Chike Okeafor, who is out for the season following a torn biceps tendon.  Okeafor was a proven veteran pass rusher, but also brought a solid level of professionalism to the defense.  Darryl Blackstock and Calvin Pace will attempt at replacing Okeafor.  Blackstock has natural quickness off the edge and has added bulk during the off-season, but has a lot to prove in developing into a bonafide pass rusher and making adjustments when taking on blockers.  Pace is a former defensive end who runs well and has upfield quickness, but lacks intensity and has struggled at the point of attack in the past.  The Cardinals head into the season with a lot of questions about their pass rush.  Their only established pass rusher at this point – Bert Berry – has experienced tough luck with injuries the past couple years and now has reached age 32.  On a positive note, Berry has shed some weight with the switch to rush linebacker and has been moving around very well during training camp, but must prove he can still play a 16-game season. 

Not many people are talking about the St. Louis Rams.  They ended the 2006 season strong under first-year coach Scott Linehan.  The biggest question again will be on the defensive side of the ball.  Rookie Adam Carriker should make a difference in helping the Rams improve against the run.  He brings a strong temperament to the defense and will do a better job of controlling the line of scrimmage than Jimmy Kennedy ever did.  His presence should help create more opportunities for Will Witherspoon to make more plays on the move from the middle linebacker position.  If Pisa Tinoisamoa returns healthy, he helps create an identity in Jim Haslett’s defense.  On the other side of the ball, the Rams will score points.  Marc Bulger is coming off a very productive season.  Torry Holt will be healthy after being slowed by knee problems.  Drew Bennett and Randy McMichael bring added versatility to an already strong passing game.  Bennett’s size on third downs and inside the red zone excites Linehan.  Steven Jackson is joining the elite group of running backs in the league.  The offensive line was in transition last season –especially with an injection of youth along the interior.  They should blend themselves into a solid unit this season.

If the Seattle Seahawks can get healthy after an injury-ravaged season, they have the ability to make a run for the NFC Title.  Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander missed a lot of games last season.  Alexander will be 30 years old heading into the season opener and is coming off an injury.  That leaves some questions to be answered.  Deion Branch should be more comfortable in the passing game this season, but needs time to build chemistry with Hasselbeck.  D.J. Hackett is being given an opportunity for a starting role.  I’ve always liked Hackett, but must answer some durability questions as a starter.  Does Marcus Pollard have anything left in the tank?  That’s a big question mark for the tight end position within the passing game.  Several scouts remain concerned about their offensive line – especially on the right side.  And there are some questions about Chris Spencer’s shoulder in the pivot.  There will be a lot to look for on defense.  If they can stay healthy, Marcus Tubbs and Patrick Kerney will make a major impact across the front seven.  This is a defense that must show significant improvement against the run.  Tubbs could be strong an anchor to improve the run defense if his knee is sound.  Kerney is a very productive pass rusher off the perimeter.  Brian Russell and Deon Grant should bring more stability and direction to the secondary from both safety spots.  I’d like to see Marcus Trufant evolve into a playmaker under Jim Mora. 

I believe the San Francisco 49ers are moving in a positive direction, but they still have a lot of questions to answer.  They’ll miss the presence of Norv Turner as offensive coordinator, but need to build off his philosophy.  Turner helped the offense gain credibility and confidence last season.  Frank Gore is a very strong presence on the ground, but the 49ers need to run the ball even more.  Unfortunately, they don’t have another back to give them a strong 10 carries behind Gore.  I am just not sure Michael Robinson is more than a utility player out of the backfield.   Alex Smith made a lot of strides last season at quarterback, but he needs help in the passing game.  Darrell Jackson adds a steady veteran presence.  Arnaz Battle could be an adequate target.  I don’t expect Ashley Lelie to be the consistent playmaker the 49ers think they are getting.  They do have a young tight end in Vernon Davis that has the ability to create matchup problems, but he must become more consistent with his hands.  The offensive line has a lot of moving parts, but needs to find a consistent starting five.  Rookie Joe Staley could get pushed into a prominent role sooner than later at one of the tackle spots.  Mike Nolan has made a commitment to the 3-4 on defense.  They’ve added a few building blocks, but need a couple years for this defense to have all its parts.  The 49ers need a true pass rusher.  Manny Lawson struggled adapting as a pass rusher during his rookie season. 

Ken Whisenhunt is going to build a winner with the Arizona Cardinals.  He already inherits a team that has been building an intriguing core of young players.  They finally have a young quarterback to build the franchise around with Matt Leinart.  Leinart is mentally tough for a young quarterback and has a group of solid targets to grow with in the passing game.  The biggest question is whether Edgerrin James returns to form and fits within Whisenhunt’s culture.  Obviously, the offensive line will be a major question, but there is some promise here.  They have a core to build around with Reggie Wells, Deuce Lutui, and rookie Levi Brown.  They also have one of the best line coaches in the league with Russ Grimm.  Defense is always a question in Arizona and now they must make an adjustment to the 3-4.  But I am not sure if they have the pass rushers to help lift this defense.  Bert Berry is capable, but he’s had durability questions the past couple seasons.  Chike Okeafor is a nice part, but not someone opponents fear.  I believe the secondary should display more consistency this season under better coaching.  Antrel Rolle lacks ideal matchup speed, but should be a very solid corner with better technique. 

Arizona Cardinals: Ken Whisenhunt took over a roster that has included the addition of a solid nucleus of skill players.  So the objective for Whisenhunt was becoming a stronger team at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball while improving the run defense. 

Levi Brown addresses the desperate need to add blue-chip talent at offensive tackle.  Brown’s not as polished as Joe Thomas, but Russ Grimm feels strongly about his upside.  Brown possesses solid physical skills and has quick feet, but must refine his footwork and have more consistent focus.  You can guarantee Grimm will be on top of Brown’s development.  Alan Branch has tremendous size and power to control the line of scrimmage, especially on the nose as the Cardinals begin implementing the 3-4 defense.  But Branch will have to learn not to let blockers get into his chest so easily at this level. 

Buster Davis should be a nice addition at inside linebacker in the 3-4.  He’s short, but is very tough and active against the run.  Davis has an instinctive feel to find the football against the run. 

St. Louis Rams: A blue-collar mentality is needed on the defensive side of the football here – especially under Jim Haslett.  Adam Carriker should help the Rams create that new identity on defense – especially against the run.  Carriker has excellent strength and toughness to convert into a solid defender on the nose.  Carriker will bring the intangibles that Jimmy Kennedy failed to display in the trenches. 

Another priority that was address by Scott Linehan was finding depth behind Steven Jackson at running back.  Brian Leonard brings a lot of versatility to the backfield.  He’s tough and has underrated run skills, but displays a tremendous feel for the passing game. 

San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Willis will be a major component in the evolving new culture on the defensive side of the ball with his competitive nature.  He’s an underrated athlete with excellent physical tools.  The 49ers have gotten along with overachievers at inside linebacker, but Willis will bring better natural tools once he adjusts to the defense.  Joe Staley was a nice bonus pick in the first round.  Mike Nolan loves to create competition along the offensive line.  Jonas Jennings can’t stay healthy and Kwame Harris has been a bust, so Staley will solidify concerns moving forward regarding the offensive line. 

Jason Hill should provide solid depth at wide receiver.  I question whether he’ll play to his timed speed on a track, but has good physical tools to strengthen their depth.  Ray McDonald was a nice pickup despite past knee problems.  He’ll provide quickness to complement the size they are building upfront. 

Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks won’t have any star talent coming out of this draft, but they added solid depth at a number of spots.  Josh Wilson is a small, but feisty cornerback who adds depth.  Despite his speed, he’s not fluid in coverage and will have trouble making plays on the ball. He’ll need some work at this level.  But Wilson could become an explosive kickoff returner immediately. 

Courtney Taylor could be a solid backup at wide receiver.  He’s not very fast, but has good size and toughness.  Taylor also has a good feel for getting open.  Jordan Kent will likely be a practice squad member.  He’s on the raw side, but has intriguing athletic tools from his basketball background.  Mansfield Wrotto is a raw developmental guard with excellent size and physical tools.   Brandon Mebane could develop into a backup inside.  He’s limited, but is pesky and has enough quickness to disrupt gaps.   

There’s very little question that the Tennessee Titans aren’t comfortable with handing LenDale White the keys to the backfield.

White has natural power and good burst for his size, but the Titans remain concerned about his soft frame and conditioning.  There are just too many red-flags to trust White with the mental responsibilities of being a starting running back in the National Football League. 

In the past week, the Titans have expressed strong interest in Chargers’ restricted free agent Michael Turner and veteran Corey Dillon.

Turner would be an ideal fit with Tennessee.  He displays good balance and power inside to keep the chains moving consistently.  He does a great job finding the open hole and has enough speed to reach the perimeter.  Turner would give the Titans a physical presence to build their ground game around quarterback Vince Young.

If they fail to land Turner, the Titans could look at Dillon as experienced insurance for one year.  Dillon has lost a step, but would be dependable enough to not to become a liability in the backfield.

Arizona has questions at left tackle:  The Cardinals added some experience with Mike Gandy at left tackle in case they fail to land Joe Thomas on draft day.  Gandy is best suited as a swing player at guard and tackle, but has experience at left tackle.  Gandy’s tools are adequate across the board to be effective at guard, but he gets exposed in space at left tackle.  Arizona will give Oliver Ross a look at left tackle, but he’s always struggled with speed rushers and has terrible technique in pass protection.  Opponents often attack him with blitz packages.  Ross will get a long look after being reunited with Russ Grimm, his line coach from Pittsburgh.

Macklin to the Redskins:  Gregg Williams likes depth at cornerback, prompting the addition of veteran David Macklin.  Macklin lacks the speed and ball skills that would fit within Williams’ scheme, but he’s tough and experienced.  Unfortunately, Macklin struggles to matchup downfield against bigger receivers and lacks speed to stay with pass catchers in pure man coverage.  Hopefully, he’ll just be relied upon as a backup because he gets exposed as a starter on the outside.  Overall, the key for the Redskins will be the health of veteran Shawn Springs for one more year at cornerback.  Carlos Rogers must rebound after a sophomore slump in 2006 to become a young matchup guy to build around.  Rogers played very soft last season and seemed to lack confidence on the field.  Fred Smoot will push Rogers and provide the Redskins with a solid cover guy after a couple subpar seasons in Minnesota.  

Former 49ers’ defensive tackle Anthony Adams found the right fit by signing with the Bears.  Adams has been a misfit in Mike Nolan’s 3-4 system in San Francisco the past couple years. 

Adams has underrated strength and relies on good gap quickness to make some plays against the run.  Adams is also smart enough to read plays quickly and is active in pursuit within his range.  Since Adams has a small frame and lacks ideal top end quickness, he won’t contribute much as a pass rusher. 

This is a good move by the Bears as they adjust their depth to better fit Lovie Smith’s defensive philosophy.    

More Notes:

Cowboys Bolster Secondary: Ken Hamlin draws a lot of mixed reviews from scouts, but I believe he’ll be a solid fit in Wade Phillips’ defense with his range over the top.  Hamlin has the ability to step in front of plays and create turnovers, but is also very erratic.  He gave up a lot of plays last season with his tendency to gamble too often.  He also can hit in run support, but is very inconsistent in breaking down as a tackler.  Despite this inconsistency, Hamlin does stabilize the secondary at free safety and allows Roy Williams to concentrate at playing in the box. 

Wiggins Lands in Jacksonville: A lot of people talk about how the addition of Jermaine Wiggins replaces Kyle Brady at tight end.  Perhaps in terms of a roster spot, but not in skill set.  Brady was one of the league’s top in-line blockers in the run game and will be tough to replace in that aspect.  Wiggins is a non-factor in the run game.  His value will lie in the passing game, where Dirk Koetter will run a lot of multi tight end sets.  Wiggins will not create favorable matchups against opposing defenses, but knows how to set up over the middle and make tough grabs in traffic with his excellent hands.   His reliable presence as a check down option adds a degree of certainty in a passing game that is anything but certain with erratic play from their receivers.

Cardinals add leadership: Veteran fullback Terrelle Smith is an excellent fit for Ken Whisenhunt’s offense.  Smith is a tremendous lead blocker who knows how to finish plays and displays a lot of toughness.  He’s also very sound in pass protection, which will be a major asset behind a shaky line. 

Changing of the guard in Detroit: The Lions hope to reverse their fortunes at the guard spots with veterans Zach Piller and Edwin Mulitalo.  This probably means Damien Woody’s days are numbered in Detroit, where his lax mentality doesn’t fit Rod Marinelli’s aggressive direction.  With Piller and Mulitalo, the Lions now have two experienced guards who play with a lot of toughness and fit Marinelli’s desire to have strong run blockers upfront.  Unfortunately, both are aging and grade as backups.  Piller is tough and relies a lot on smarts to get the proper angles, but is stiff and can be exposed in space.  Mulitalo is a similar player with more size and massive strength, but wears down often and becomes vulnerable in pass protection.  Durability is often a concern since both ended last season on injured reserved.  The Lions must hope they could squeeze a season of these guys.