Spotlight #1: Utah State MLB Bobby Wagner

Spotlight #2: Fresno State DT Logan Harrell 

1^st quarter

14:47: Harrell pushed back and can’t disengage on a run play.

13:21: Harrell gets pressure up the middle.

13:14: Harrell run at, can’t disengage, pancaked.

12:20: Harrell overanxious on a screen, screener able to score on a big play against a blitz.

11:30: Wagner blitzes, nothing happening.

9:35: Wagner blitzing, shows good instincts to turn around quickly on a run and make a tackle, albeit after the first down is allowed.

7:42: Harrell creates a pile on a stop for a short gain.

6:42: Harrell gets into the backfield on a set up screen, good instincts to stay at home on a screen play.

6:11: Harrell pancaked.

5:52: Wagner with good sideline to sideline speed to get a tackle on the opposite side of the field.

4:08: Wagner gets pressure on a blitz.

3:58: Harrell gets in on a tackle.

0:57: Wagner fooled on a fake, tackles the running back instead.

0:12: Wagner takes a bad angle on a pretty big run allowed.

2^nd quarter

14:43: Wagner in on a tackle on a pretty big gain on an outside run.

14:13: Wagner in on a tackle up the middle on a run.

13:34: A run out an opposite gap, good speed by Wagner to chase him down from behind.

8:49: Harrell gives chase on a roll out. Nice speed for a defensive tackle.

8:42: Harrell with a powerful spin to beat one guy, but another blocker picks him up.

8:32: Harrell in on a short tackle.

7:14: Wagner on a tackle on an outside run, could have been a little stronger, back is able to drag him a little.

4:48: Harrell is able to get pressure and a hit on the quarterback.

2:07: Harrell unblocked into the backfield, can’t do anything with it, has to chase the back from behind for a short gain.

1:26: Harrell pushed off the snap big time on a run.

0:12: Wagner on a solo tackle for a short gain up the middle.

3^rd quarter

14:47: Wagner tripped up by a fallen guy in the backfield while trying to get pressure.

12:36: Robert Turbin with yet another huge run. He’s at 9 carries for 108 yards on the game. The junior running back does it all. He had 207 carries for 1296 yards and 13 touchdowns last year, along with 30 catches for 418 yards and 5 touchdowns. This year, coming into this game, he has 93 carries for 599 yards and 10 touchdowns with 5 catches for 43 yards and 2 touchdowns. He’s also reportedly a very good pass protector. He’s 5-10 215 with solid speed. Look for him to be playing on Sundays someday.

11:33: Harrell in on a tackle for little to no gain.

8:42: Wagner on a nice outside tackle.

7:53: Wagner throws off a running back block on a blitz and gets pressure,

6:16: Harrell disengages, but a broken tackle.

5:02: Harrell able to get a tackle in space after a gain of 6 yards.

3:20: Harrell into the backfield, but run is into the opposite gap.

2:48: Harrell creates a pile on the line, but it’s an outside run.

2:14: Harrell lets the quarterback run past him after he gets push on the line. Poor instincts.

4^th quarter

14:00: Wagner able to get pressure, isn’t tripped up by the back.

11:55: Wagner juked out on a ball carrier reversing field, can’t catch it.

11:27: Harrell in on a pressure on a play where Fresno State gets a strip sack.

9:12: Wagner taken down on a cut block on 4^th down, Fresno State converts.

7:54: Harrell run at, stopped for no gain.

6:32: Harrell with a tackle for little to no gain after shedding a block, stuffs back on a shovel pass, not fooled, 3^rd down stop.

3:36: Logan Harrell with a pass deflection at the line.

3:28: Harrell gets into the backfield, pressure, quarterback escapes, good chase, forces bad throw.

3:22: Harrell showing the nice spin move again into the backfield.

1:27: Harrell muscles his way up the middle and brings the quarterback down for a sack. Powerful play.

0:00: Bobby Wagner had a solid game as a 3-4 middle linebacker for Utah State with 8 tackles. He has 89 tackles, 5 for a loss, 3 sacks, and a pick on the season in 7 games. At 6-1 230, he’s too small to stay inside in a 3-4 at the next level and he really showed his lack of size in this game at times. That size will cut it in the WAC, but he’ll have to be an outside linebacker in a 4-3 in the pros.

He’s got solid sideline to sideline ability and is a good blitzer when he has space, but he doesn’t fight off bigger blocks very well. He struggles when offensive linemen get into the 2^nd level and block, but when he has space, he’s a good fundamental tackler with nice instincts and great technique. He looks like a mid to late round pick as a 4^th or 5^th linebacker in a 4-3 and a special teamer.

As for Logan Harrell, he had some nice flashy plays and he’s really shown himself to be a stat stuffer on the season. He has 49 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and 5 sacks in 8 games. However, at 6-2 275, it’s unclear what position he’ll play at the next level. He’s too small to be an every down defensive tackle or 3-4 defensive end, but he doesn’t have the height or the speed to be a left end. He might just be a nickel rusher at defensive tackle and a situational player.

He struggled against the run and didn’t get consistent pressure either in this game and overall he didn’t stand out as a dominant player against WAC competition. He needed to stand out to be anything more than a mid rounder and I think he’s in that mid to late round range as a situation 4-3 player. He really reminds me of Eric Foster, a 6-2 265 pound defensive tackle for Indianapolis.

 

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41. G Harvey Dahl (Atlanta)- signed in St. Louis 4 years

One of the best guards in the league and coming off arguably the best season of his career, but he’s 30 this offseason, so teams need to avoid paying him for things he’s already done and pay him for what they think he can do.

42. OLB/RLB Manny Lawson (San Francisco)- signed in Cincinnati 1 year 3 million

Not much of a pass rusher with only 14.5 sacks in 5 years as a rush linebacker for San Francisco, but he’s solid in pass coverage and good against the run. He’d be best off with a new team, a 4-3 one, as a strong side linebacker.

43. CB Antonio Cromartie (NY Jets)- resigned 4 years 32 million

Inconsistent, streaky, and a bit of a head case, but when he’s on he’s on and his type of size, speed, and ball skills are rare in this league. He’s best in a scheme where he can play deep, rather than in close in bump and run and it appears tackling and stopping the run are against his religion.

44. OT Tyson Clabo (Atlanta)- resigned 5 years 27 million 11.5 million guaranteed

An above average right tackle, who made the Pro Bowl this season. That could inflate his value.

45. WR Braylon Edwards (NY Jets)- signed in San Francisco 1 year 3.5 million 1 million guaranteed

Talented, but inconsistent, drop happy and somewhat of a head case. His 80 catches for 1281 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2007 are his upside, but 16 drops to 55 catches in 2008 and only 45 catches for 630 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2009 are his downside. He’s a former #3 overall pick, but his 53 catches for 904 yards and 7 touchdowns, and only two drops, this year might have been just an effort to get a longterm deal. With 4 other Jets on this list to deal with, in addition to Brad Smith, and Brodney Pool, Edwards might have to find a new team this offseason.

 

46. S Quentin Mikell (Philadelphia)- signed with St. Louis 4 years 28 million

A solid safety for the Eagles for years and turned in his 3 best years in the last 3 years, but he’s over 30 so a big, longterm deal might not be the best idea.

47. 3-4 DE/DT Cullen Jenkins (Green Bay)- signed with Philadelphia 5 years 25 million

One of the league’s best defensive linemen when healthy, but he’s missed 17 games in the last 3 seasons. He had a career high 7 sacks in 2010, despite missing 5 games. He has experience in both a 4-3 and a 3-4. The Packers recent comments make it seem like they are ready to move on without him with Johnny Jolly hopefully returning from his suspension and 2010 2nd round pick Mike Neal waiting in the wings.

48. CB Ike Taylor (Pittsburgh)- resigned with Pittsburgh 4 years 28 million 9 million guaranteed

Pittsburgh’s best cornerback had a much better 2010 than 2009, but he’s not the same when Troy Polamalu isn’t on the field and he’s had a ton of help from his front 7. He’s no more than a solid #2 cornerback.

49. CB Chris Carr (Baltimore)- resigned 4 years 14 million 3.8 million guaranteed

Carr broke out this season, just in time for a new contract. The Ravens front 7 play may have helped him out big time.

50. TE Mercedes Lewis (Jacksonville)- resigned 5 years 35 million 18 million guaranteed

The former 1^st round pick finally broke out in 2010, with 57 passes for 700 yards and 10 touchdowns in the last year of his rookie deal. He’s a mauling run blocker and a big target, but has a history of complacency and might have just played well this season because he smelled the money. 

 

 

 

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31. OT Doug Free (Dallas)- resigned 4 years 32 million 17 million guaranteed

Played surprisingly well in 2010, his first year as a starter. He’ll get a lot of money no matter where he goes.

32. TE Owen Daniels (Houston)- resigned with Houston 4 years, 22 million, 6 million guaranteed

When healthy he’s one of the best tight ends in the league, but he keeps tearing his ACL. One more could end his career.

33. FB Vonta Leach (Houston)- signed with Baltimore 3 years 11 million

The best fullback in the league and a huge part of Arian Foster’s success. The Texans can’t let him go. He also had 76 career catches.

34. 3-4 DE/DT Richard Seymour (Oakland)- resigned 2 years 30 million 22.5 guaranteed

He was once one of the best defensive linemen in the game but at 31, he’s not the same player anymore. He’s still an above average one and has experience in both a 3-4 and a 4-3.

35. DE Jason Babin (Tennessee)- signed with Philadelphia 5 years 28 million 6 million guaranteed

He had 12.5 sacks this season, but his previous career high was 5 and he’s 31 in May. Giving longterm deals to 30+ year old defensive ends after one year of success is normally a bad idea.

 

36. OT Matt Light (New England)- Resigned 2 years 12 million 7 million guaranteed

He’s not quite the player he was in his prime, but he was a big part of the reason behind the Patriots success this year as the line as a whole protected Tom Brady very well. He struggled with more athletic pass rushers against the Jets however and he’s over 30.

37. OLB James Anderson (Carolina)- Resigned 5 years 22 million

One of the bright spots on Carolina’s 2-14 team, Anderson stepped in with all the injuries at linebacker and had 130 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

38. WR Steve Smith (NY Giants)- signed with Philadelphia 1 year 4 million

He’s got injury problems, but he caught 100 passes in 2009 and he’s only 26 this offseason so he’s worth a good amount of money.

39. DE/RLB Mathias Kiwanuka (NY Giants)- resigned 2 years 8.6 million 4.6 million guaranteed

Injury prone, but extremely athletic. I think his potential would be best maximized in a 3-4, but he has 23.5 sacks in 5 years with the Giants, as a former first round pick.

40. MLB Kevin Burnett (San Diego)- signed in Buffalo 4 years 22 million 9 million guaranteed

A do everything linebacker, Burnett has settled into his role in the middle of San Diego’s 3-4 with 95 tackles, 6 sacks, and 2 picks last season.

Prediction: Buffalo

San Diego decided he was asking too much and signed Takeo Spikes instead. That doesn’t completely rule out a return to the Chargers as they play a 3-4 scheme that starts 2 middle linebackers, but right now it seems more likely he rejoins former teammate Shawne Merriman in Buffalo, another 3-4 team. 

 

 

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21. TE Zach Miller (Oakland)- signed in Seattle 5 years 34 million 17 million guaranteed

In 4 seasons, Zach Miller has caught 226 balls for 2712 yards and 12 scores. Not bad considering how terrible Oakland’s quarterbacks have been in those 4 years. He’s one of the best young tight ends in the game.

22. OLB/RLB Kamerion Wimbley (Oakland) resigned 5 years 48 million 29 million guaranteed

I was doubtful about how effective he’d be in a 4-3 in his first year in Oakland, but as a hybrid defensive end and outside linebacker, Wimbley led the team with 9.5 sacks and was a good strong side linebacker against the run to boot.

23. NT Paul Solial (Miami)- Franchised

With Jason Ferguson out of the picture, Solial proved to be one of the best young nose tackles in the game. He was the rock in the middle of their defense and that’s why their run defense was one of the best in the league. He’ll get his money.

24. MLB Paul Posluszky (Buffalo)- signed with Jacksonville 6 years 42 million

Posluszky had 155 tackles last year, 2^nd most in the league, and has 375 tackles in 3 years as a starter. He also has experience in a 3-4 and a 4-3.

25. DE Ray Edwards (Minnesota)- signed with Atlanta 5 years 30 million 11 million guaranteed

How will he do without Jared Allen and the Williams Wall? We may find out this offseason. The Vikings seem prepared to let Edwards, who has 16.5 sacks in the last 2 seasons and who dominated in their run to the NFC Championship game in 2009, walk this offseason. I have my doubts about him as a #1 pass rusher, but I have a feeling someone will overpay him.

 

26. DT Barry Cofield (NY Giants)- signed with Washington 6 years 36 million 12.5 million guaranteed

A dominating run stuffer, Cofield had a career sack 4 sacks this year as well. He’s only 27 this offseason and has a fine future ahead of him.

27. RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NY Giants)- Resigned 4 years 18 million 9 million guaranteed

Bradshaw had 1549 total yards and 8 total touchdowns this year, but there are major concerns about his ability to hold onto the football (7 fumbles this year) and about his ability to carry the load and stay healthy.

28. OT Jammal Brown (Washington)- Resigned 5 years 27.5 million 8 million guaranteed

Brown missed all of 2009 with an injury and struggled early in 2010 before settling down late in the season. He was one of the best left tackles in the league in 2008 before he got hurt.

29. DT/NT Brandon Mebane (Seattle)- Resigned 5 years 25 million 9 million guaranteed

One of the best run stuffers in the league as the Seahawks run defense was noticeably worse when he was out of the lineup. He also has 11 sacks in 4 seasons so he can do that a little as well.

30. S Eric Weddle (San Diego)- resigned 5 years 40 million 19 million guaranteed

A stat sheet stuffer with 358 tackles, 4 sacks, and 6 picks in 4 seasons with the Chargers.

 

 

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11. G Logan Mankins (New England)- resigned 6 years, 51 million, 30 million guaranteed

Mankins was thrown right into the action midseason after finally signing his tender and he still looked like one of the best interior linemen in the game. He’ll get paid somewhere eventually.

12. MLB David Harris (NY Jets)- resigned 4 years 36 million 29.5 million guaranteed

Harris is one of the better inside linebackers in the game. In 4 years with the Jets he has 428 tackles and 14.5 sacks.

13. CB Jonathan Joseph (Cincinnati)- signed with Houston 5 years 48.75 million 23.5 million guaranteed

Joseph is one of the most underrated shutdown corners in the league when healthy and could be a #1 guy in a lot of places, but he had trouble staying healthy last year. He also indicated he wanted a longterm extension in Cincinnati.

14. C Ryan Kalil (Carolina)- resigned 6 years 49 million 28 million guaranteed

This is the best center in the game. Hands down.

15. DE Charles Johnson (Carolina)- resigned 6 years 72 million 30 million guaranteed

Johnson, a 2007 3^rd round pick, finally lived up to his potential in 2010 after Julius Peppers left, with 11.5 sacks. Just in time to leave Carolina. That sound you just heard was a bunch of Panthers fans jumping off a bridge.

 

16. OLB Chad Greenway (Minnesota)- Franchised

Greenway was all over the place last year with 144 tackles, good for 4^th most in the league. He has 463 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 4 seasons.

17. OT/G Willie Colon (Pittsburgh)- resigned with Pittsburgh 5 years 29 million

He was hurt all season in 2010, but this is the best pure run blocking right tackle in the league when healthy.

18. 3-4 DE/DT Shaun Ellis (NY Jets)- signed with New England 1 year 4 million

Ellis turned in another fine season in 2010 and dominated New England’s line in their AFC Divisional win, but he’s 34 in June and the Jets have other free agent needs.

19. WR Vincent Jackson (San Diego)- Franchised

He has character and attitude issues, but he had 1000+ yard seasons in 2008 and 2009 and was dominant in short bursts this season, in between injuries and contract disputes.

20. MLB Stephen Tulloch (Tennessee)- Signed with Detroit 1 year 3.35 million 1.8 million guaranteed

Tulloch broke out in 2009 and has 280 tackles in the last 2 tackles. He was 2^nd in the league with 159 this year. He struggles in coverage occasionally, but I’m nitpicking.

 

 

What if free agency worked like the draft? 

Rules:

Only unrestricted free agents

Only players not under contract- players who have been franchised or recently extended don’t count

1. Indianapolis Colts- RLB Mario Williams (Houston)

Peyton Manning is my top rated free agent, but the Colts just cut him so it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for them to take him back. Mario Williams is my #2 free agent and he makes a lot of sense here. He’s one of the best pass rushers to hit the open market this decade and the Colts would be stealing him from a divisional rival. Robert Mathis is getting older and Dwight Freeney could be traded before the draft so Mario Williams fits a need as well and has experienced in whatever defensive scheme the Colts decide to run next season.

2. St. Louis Rams- G Carl Nicks (New Orleans)

Peyton Manning doesn’t make a whole lot of sense here either so they go to my #3 rated of the remaining free agents, Carl Nicks. Jacob Bell is as good as gone at left guard and Nicks would be a huge upgrade at the position for them. He’s arguably the best guard in the league and the Rams really need help on the offensive line.

3. Minnesota Vikings- WR Vincent Jackson (San Diego)

I thought about Peyton Manning here, but the Vikings haven’t really shown that much interest in him and probably for the same reason they haven’t shown a whole lot of interest in trading up to get Robert Griffin or even drafting him if he falls to them at #3. Christian Ponder is their guy. Given that, I’m sure they’d love to get their hands on Vincent Jackson, the top remaining wide receiver on the open market.

4. Cleveland Browns- QB Peyton Manning (Indianapolis)

Cleveland has interest in Peyton Manning, but it’s highly unlikely he goes there. Manning won’t want to go to such a desolate place when he has a choice between the money in Washington and the opportunity to throw to Brandon Marshall or Larry Fitzgerald in Miami and Arizona respectively. However, he doesn’t have a choice here and the Browns would love if he was in their uniform for next season.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- MLB Stephen Tulloch (Detroit)

The Buccaneers need major help in their back 7 and Stephen Tulloch is the top rated back 7 player in this draft class. He would provide an instant upgrade at middle linebacker and allow Mason Foster to move outside to his natural position.

6. Washington Redskins- WR Marques Colston (New Orleans)

The Redskins have money to play with and are known to be interested in signing one of the market’s top receivers. They’ve been linked to Vincent Jackson, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind settling for Marques Colston.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars- CB Cortland Finnegan (Tennessee)

They desperately need offensive help, but by my board, most of the best available are defensive players except Chris Myers, who doesn’t really fill a need at center. Cortland Finnegan is the best available and also fills a need. Rashean Mathis is a free agent and a declining player coming off a major injury. Cortland Finnegan would give them an upgrade opposite Derek Cox.

8. Miami Dolphins- MLB Curtis Lofton (Atlanta)

Best player available who makes any sense for them as Chris Myers again wouldn’t fill a need at center. The Dolphins have two of their linebackers for their 4-3 defense, Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett, and are expected to use Koa Misi as the 3^rd. However, I think Curtis Lofton would be a huge upgrade over Misi. Lofton can play in the middle with Burnett and Dansby on the outside.

9. Carolina Panthers- DT Sione Pouha (NY Jets)

The Panthers have huge needs at defensive tackle and cornerback. Brandon Carr would fill that need at cornerback, but Sione Pouha would also fill their need at defensive tackle and I have him higher on my free agency board. They drafted Sione Fua and Terrell McClain in the 3^rd round last year, but neither of them did anything. Pouha would be an instant upgrade.

10. Buffalo Bills- CB Brandon Carr (Kansas City)

Buddy Nix mentioned adding another cornerback as a draft need of theirs. It’s not their biggest need, but at the same time, Brandon Carr would be their best cornerback and he is the best available player who makes any sense.

11. Kansas City Chiefs- C Chris Myers (Houston)

Casey Wiegmann turns 39 in July so he won’t be around too much longer. The Chiefs drafted Rodney Hudson in the 2^nd round last year to be his successor, but this way they can keep him at guard long term. Chris Myers is best available and fills a need.

12. Seattle Seahawks- MLB London Fletcher (Washington)

The Seahawks could easily lose David Hawthorne this offseason. London Fletcher is rated higher on my free agency board than Hawthorne so the Redskins take him here instead.

13. Arizona Cardinals- QB Alex Smith (San Francisco)

The Cardinals gave up the farm for Kevin Kolb last offseason, but they still need a long term solution at quarterback. They want Peyton Manning, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind stealing Alex Smith from a division rival.

14. Dallas Cowboys- G Ben Grubbs (Baltimore)

The Cowboys have two good tackles in Doug Free and Tyron Smith, but the interior of their offensive line is a mess. They’re going to be one of the leading suitors for Carl Nicks. Here they get Ben Grubbs, the #2 guard on the market.

15. Philadelphia Eagles- MLB David Hawthorne (Seattle)

The Eagles have a desperate need for a middle linebacker and are expected to sign either Stephen Tulloch or Curtis Lofton. Here they have to “settle” for David Hawthorne, but I guess that’s not so bad.

16. New York Jets- WR Brandon Lloyd (St. Louis)

The Jets aren’t expected to resign Plaxico Burress so they sign Brandon Lloyd to play opposite Santonio Holmes. So they take Brandon Lloyd here and keep him away from division rival New England, who is expected to be his leading suitor.

 

17. Cincinnati Bengals- CB Carlos Rogers (San Francisco)

Leon Hall is no sure thing in 2012 after tearing his Achilles late in the 2011 season. Meanwhile, Nate Clements is a marginal player on the decline. Carlos Rogers gives them another cornerback in the mix and is the best player available who makes sense.

18. San Diego Chargers- RLB Mark Anderson (New England)

I have John Abraham and Jeremy Mincey rated higher on my board as pass rushers, but Mark Anderson is close behind them and I trust him more in a 3-4 scheme like the Chargers run because of his athleticism and quickness. The Chargers really need to find a pass rusher this offseason. They’ll go after Mario Williams and if they can’t get him, expect them to use an early pick in the 2012 NFL Draft on a rush linebacker.

19. Chicago Bears- DE John Abraham (Atlanta)

Abraham has been passed up by a few teams because of lack of need and questions about how he’d fit in a 3-4 scheme, but the Bears run a 4-3 and could use a pass rusher like Abraham. Isreal Idonije is a marginal free agent and opposing quarterbacks would shit their pants knowing that the Bears would have both Julius Peppers and John Abraham. Even at 34 in May, Abraham is still a talented pass rusher who had 9.5 sacks last season. He’s also the active leader in sacks and 16^th all-time, believe it or not.

20. Tennessee Titans- DE Jeremy Mincey (Jacksonville)

Jeremy Mincey is another player who has been passed on for lack of need and scheme fit, but the Titans were one of the worst pass rushing teams in the league last year and seeing as they run a 4-3, they’d love to steal Mincey away from division rival Jacksonville. Mincey had 8 sacks in a breakout season for the Jaguars in 2011.

21. Cincinnati Bengals- RB Michael Bush (Oakland)

The Bengals are likely to add Michael Bush in free agency. They can offer him the most money and the biggest share of the carries. They get him here too as he’s the best available player who makes sense.

22. Cleveland Browns- WR Pierre Garcon (Indianapolis)

The Browns already got Peyton Manning. Why not take one of his wide receivers as well? Reggie Wayne is a possibility here as well because of the fit with Peyton Manning, but Garcon is younger and higher on my board. In fact, he’s the best available player who makes any sense for the Browns, who are starved for offensive playmakers.

23. Detroit Lions- C Scott Wells (Green Bay)

Scott Wells is the best available and falls to Detroit because of his position. However, Dominic Raiola is on the decline in Detroit and I’m sure the Lions would love to steal one of the best centers in the league from division rival Detroit.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers- NT Paul Soliai (Miami)

The Steelers age is catching up with them on defense. They had to cut James Farrior, while Casey Hampton won’t be around any longer than a season. Hampton will be a 35 year old free agent next offseason and while middle linebacker is a more pressing need after Farrior was cut, nose tackle is a need as well and Soliai is higher on my board than any middle linebacker left. Soliai is still young and would be a nose tackle of the future for Pittsburgh. He won’t be back in Miami, but not for lack of talent. He just isn’t a good fit for their new 4-3 defense.

25. Denver Broncos- WR Mario Manningham (NY Giants)

I’m sure Tebow would love someone else to throw to other than Demaryius Thomas. Mario Manningham won’t be back in New York because they won’t pay Manningham #2 receiver money to be their #3 receiver, but the Broncos could certainly use him.

26. Houston Texans- C Nick Hardwick (San Diego)

The Texans lose Chris Myers in this one, but they sign Nick Hardwick to be his replacement, which makes the loss of Myers more bearable. Hardwick is the best available who makes any sense.

27. New England Patriots- 3-4 DE Red Bryant (Seattle)

I like the fit of Bryant in New England. He can play both defensive tackle and defensive end in a 4-3 and he can also play 3-4 defensive end. The Patriots could use a hybrid defensive scheme in 2012 and Bryant would be a great fit for it at a position of need.

28. Green Bay Packers- RLB Jarret Johnson (Baltimore)

Johnson falls because of questions about his position. He played both 4-3 and 3-4 outside linebacker for Baltimore last season, but he doesn’t have a true position. He’s a great run stopper, but not much of a pass rusher and the teams above Green Bay don’t need 3-4 or 4-3 outside linebackers. However, Green Bay won’t pass on him. He’s not a great pass rusher, but they have a huge need opposite Clay Matthews.

29. Baltimore Ravens- OT Jared Gaither (San Diego)

Gaither got his start in Baltimore as a left tackle, but was cut because of injury problems. He showed himself to be healthy in the tail end of last season as a left tackle in San Diego, but in a weak offensive tackle class, that makes him the best offensive tackle on the market. The Ravens have been searching for a new left tackle since he left and I’m sure they would welcome him back.

30. San Francisco 49ers- QB Matt Flynn (Green Bay)

The 49ers lose Alex Smith here so they have no choice but to reach for Matt Flynn. In reality, however, I say there’s a 99.9% percent chance Smith is back in San Francisco and he gets a deal in the range of Matt Cassel, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Kevin Kolb.

31. New England Patriots- WR Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis)

The Patriots are interested in Brandon Lloyd to be an upgrade as their #2 receiver over Deion Branch, a free agent. However, they miss out on him in this scenario. Why not add Reggie Wayne? The Patriots like signing wide receivers on the cheap after age 30, with mixed results. Wayne is probably a safer choice than Torry Holt, Joey Galloway, and Chad Ochocinco.

32. New York Giants- OT Demetrius Bell (Buffalo)

They may have won the Super Bowl, but don’t thank their offensive line. David Diehl struggled at both left guard and left tackle last season, after struggling at left tackle in 2010. He’s expected to play right tackle next year as the Giants part ways with Kareem McKenzie, who also struggled. I don’t see that ending well. Bell is really good when healthy and the Giants take a chance on him here in a weak offensive tackle class as a potential long term bookend tackle with William Beatty. 

 

 

Frank Gore is a similar player to DeAngelo Williams. They’re the same age. Neither can stay healthy. Gore averages 4.7 yards per carry for his career. Williams averages 5.0. Both are listed at 5-9 217. They have similar skill sets. Relatively, this 3 year deal worth 21 million with 13.5 million guaranteed looks a lot better than DeAngelo Williams’ 5 years 43 million with 21 million guaranteed. This deal is worth less guaranteed, less per year, and goes for less years than Williams’ deal. However, Williams’ deal was ridiculous so I think this is still a little rich. Gore is still an injury prone player who will be making 7 million per year at a position that just isn’t that valuable in this league anymore.

Grade: C

 

By Ryan Glab 

 

A look at four keys for the Bears to beat this week’s opponent.

1. Contain Adrian Peterson

At a quick glance, it seems as though Adrian Peterson has owned the Bears defense since entering the league in 2007. But after examining the statistics even further, the Bears have done a good job of containing Peterson for the majority of the games and instead have allowed him to break off a few big runs that have skewed the statistics. That’s basically how Peterson runs the football, though. Much like Barry Sanders did, Peterson picks up a lot of yards through a few carries. It’s important to stay disciplined when facing him because the Bears can take him out of the game by limiting him to short gains. Peterson has not yet fumbled this season — something he has done far more than any other running back the past few years — which could pave the way for the turnover-happy Bears to pry one away from him. It takes a special effort to stop a special player and that’s exactly what the Bears’ No. 3 run defense will need to do Sunday.

2. Rough up Brett Favre

The New Orleans Saints laid the foundation and the blueprint for how to defeat Brett Favre in last year’s NFC Championship game. That plan is to sack him as much as possible and if the sacks aren’t coming, at least rough him up simultaneously after the throw so that his tired, old body feels the effects later in the game. Defenses may not be able to knock the resilient 41-year-old out of games, but Favre is fighting a losing battle against Father Time. Sure, he still may be able to sling the football around, but his mobility has declined by the year and his consistency is becoming more erratic. If the Bears can register a few knockdowns early in the game, it could and should take its toll on Favre in crunch time — if their is a crunch time in this game.

3. Commit to the run game

The Bears had the winning formula against the Bills: commit to the run on offense, play stout defense, and play good special teams. Although the Bears couldn’t rack up huge gains on the ground, the fact that they stayed committed to the run game enabled them to run playaction effectively and kept the defense honest. It’s one thing for Mike Martz to alter his game plan for one week against the worst run defense in the league. It’ll be another thing if he does it in back-to-back weeks. If the Bears fail to make headway in the run game against Minnesota, will he fall back to a pass-first mentality? Or has Lovie Smith gotten into his head and emphasized the importance of sticking to the run?

4. Focus on protecting field position

Eliminating turnovers on their own end of the field, preventing long drives from the Vikings offense, and creating good special teams returns will help the Bears maintain field position. Against a team that possesses dangerous weapons on offense, the last thing the Bears can afford to do is give them a short field with which to work. With how much the Bears have struggled offensively to move the football, they can’t afford to be pinned deep in their own territory, either.

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By Ryan Glab 

A look at four keys for the Bears to beat this week’s opponent.

1. Make a commitment to the run game

It’s a fact we knew the moment that Mike Martz was hired as offensive coordinator and were prepared for before the season even began. It was evident that Martz historically ignored the run and focused more on the passing game. After witnessing last week’s dismantling of Jay Cutler, surely Lovie Smith has gotten into Martz’s face and let him know that he’d like to see more from the run game. We know Matt Forte and Chester Taylor haven’t had much success this season due to a lack of running room, but the Bears must make an effort to run the football this week. Even a running attack that doesn’t net a healthy yards-per-carry average can still play a factor in a game plan. I keep referencing the 2007 Bears-Packers game at Lambeau Field, three years ago tomorrow (Oct. 7). Cedric Benson rushed 27 times for 64 yards, a paltry 2.3 yards per carry. But because Benson rushed more times than Brian Griese threw the ball that game, it set up the game-winning touchdown. On third-and-two and with a little over two minutes to go, the Packers stacked the box as the Bears came out in a running formation. The Packers bit on the playaction fake and Griese hit a wide open Desmond Clark for a 34-yard touchdown. If the Bears had attempted to run the ball more against the Giants, how many less sacks would Cutler have taken? How much less punishment would he have endured? What’s to stop a defensive line from pinning its ears back and rushing the passer every play if they know the Bears won’t run the ball? If Culter plays this week, I hope Martz commits to running the ball more to lessen the beating he’ll take. If he doesn’t play, that’s all the more reason to run.

2. Get rid of the ball quickly on passing downs

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. That old adage rings true. While you may be able to introduce him to new concepts, he’s still going to do what he knows best. So, even if Smith has commanded Martz to call more run plays this week, that doesn’t mean Martz will stick to the game plan. In fact, Martz is notorious for changing the game plan on the fly based on what he sees in the game. Hopefully he’ll learn from last week and understand the importance of getting rid of the ball quickly. Martz certainly learned that during the Dallas game and Cutler and the offense adjusted and Cutler was able to get rid of the ball before the pressure could get to him. In a perfect world, Martz would be blessed with a solid offensive line featuring at least two Pro Bowlers that would allow Cutler to take seven-step drops and spread the field like the days of the Greatest Show on Turf. He can’t do that with one of the league’s worst lines. Here’s hoping that whoever is taking snaps from Olin Kreutz, he’ll have more three- and five-step drops and hit more receivers underneath the coverage.

3. Focus on defending the run

The Panthers have a rookie quarterback under center and will be missing at least one, and maybe two of their top receivers this week. Dwayne Jarrett, a talented underachiever, was released by the team on Tuesday after his second arrest in less than three years for driving while impaired. Their top target, Steve Smith, suffered a high ankle sprain and may not play this week. Panthers coach John Fox said Smith was day-to-day, but Smith was walking around on crutches Wednesday and doesn’t look ready to play anytime soon. Regardless of who is at wide receiver, the Panthers have always been a running team featuring a talented duo in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. The Panthers run game only ranks 17th, so they’re not without their problems. The Bears defense got its first real test of the season last week from Ahmad Bradshaw, who rushed for 129 yards on 23 carries, and Brandon Jacobs, who rushed for 62 yards on 6 carries, but a good chunk of those yards came late in the game when the contest was already getting out of hand. If the Bears can stop the Panthers’ run game, it’ll put that much more pressure on young Jimmy Clausen.

4. Put pressure on Clausen

After a modest starting debut in Week 3 against the Bengals, Clausen nearly led the Panthers to an upset over the Saints last week. Still, his numbers are far from flashy and the majority of rookie quarterbacks will buckle under pressure. Clausen has thrown two interceptions, has fumbled four times and lost two of them, and has been sacked four times in his two and a half games of action this season. I think back to last week’s triumphant return to Philadelphia for current Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb and I’m hoping for a similarly triumphant return for Julius Peppers. It’s unknown as of now if new defensive end Charles Grant will play on Sunday, but if he does I’m sure he’ll help upgrade the defensive line. Grant has had a successful career in the NFL and is flat-out a better player than Mark Anderson. Whichever three players are lining up next to Peppers, the onus is on the front four to generate a consistent pass rush that will rattle Clausen. Even if the Bears can’t sack him, they at least have to make him feel uncomfortable with the hopes that he’ll turn the ball over.

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