Listed in order they should be picked up

WR Brandon Lloyd- Denver

Percent owned (ESPN):  12.8%

Not sure why no one’s picking him up, but for the 3^rd straight game Lloyd has had a strong game, catching 6 balls for 169 yards and a score, and he’s actually now 2^nd in the league in receiving behind (of all people) Austin Collie. He has 339 yards and a score this season and appears to be the Broncos #1 receiver, even with the emergence of rookie Demaryius Thomas.

TE Aaron Hernandez- New England

Percent owned (ESPN): 18.3%

For the 2^nd straight game, Hernandez led the Patriots in receiving yards. Brady loves to spread it around so his production won’t be consistent, but with Kevin Faulk out, the Patriots are going to be looking to their tight ends over the middle of the field more often. Hernandez has proven over the last 2 weeks that he’s a better pass catcher than Rob Gronkowski.

WR Josh Cribbs- Cleveland

Percent owned (ESPN): 12.2%

With Brian Robiskie out with an injury, kick returning extraordinaire Cribbs got the start at wide receiver and caught 5 balls for 58 yards, in addition to his two carries for 20 yards. The Browns are struggling for offense so they would be smart to keep putting the ball in this guy’s hands, whether it be as a receiver, or on an end around, or as a wildcat, in addition to his normally kick returning duties. This means that Cribbs could finally start putting up legitimate fantasy points in league others than ones that count kick returns.

RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis- New England

Percent owned (ESPN): 1.9%

In the wake of Maroney’s trade to Denver, the man with 4 names (Ben, Jarvus, Green, Ellis) is getting a large increase in carries. BJGE will, of course, give carries to all of New England’s other backs and the Patriots love to mix it up in their backfield so he won’t be consistent, but after running for 98 yards on 16 carries week 3, and getting 10 carries before that week 2, BJGE looks like a solid fantasy option, especially if Fred Taylor’s injury is serious.

 

RB Kenneth Darby- St. Louis

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.2%

With Steven Jackson going down early with a groin injury, Darby had 57 yards on 15 touches and a score against Washington. If Jackson’s injury is serious, as speculation suggests it is, Darby would be the lead back in St. Louis.

RB Ryan Torain- Washington

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.2%

With Larry Johnson and Willie Parker gone, Torain is the favorite to get carries behind Clinton Portis/steal Portis’ job when the Broncos realize Portis is ancient. Torain was drafted by Mike Shanahan in Denver and then brought to Washington with him so it’s obvious that Shanahan likes this kid. Torain actually led the team in rushing with 46 yards against the Rams week 3. He could be their lead back soon. He’s worth a pickup in deep leagues and he’s someone to keep your eye on in normal leagues.

RB LeGarrette Blount- Tampa Bay

Percent owned (ESPN): 0.2%

Blount led the Bucs in rushing yards with 27 and in rushing attempts with 6 against Pittsburgh. He also scored a touchdown and got the goal line looks at 6-0 247. Stash him in deep leagues as he could become the new lead man in Tampa soon.

RB John Kuhn- Green Bay

Percent owned (ESPN): 3.8%

Kuhn has led the Packers in rushing yards in each of the last two weeks, with Ryan Grant and James Starks out and Brandon Jackson stinking up the joint. The only problem, his rushing totals over the past two weeks, 36 and 31. The Packers simply don’t run the ball much. They didn’t with Ryan Grant and they certainly don’t when they don’t trust the running game. One of these weeks they may run the ball a lot and Kuhn would be the one to benefit from that most, and Kuhn also gets the goal line carries, which is huge in an offense like Green Bay’s.

 

 

What is this? Well, in addition to our own Power Rankings, we are going to post this top 15 called the Ultimate Football Rankings (UFB Rankings). It’s compiled of a bunch of rankings of a bunch of good sites, including ours (see bottom) and adds a contrast to our regular Power Rankings. More sites will be added as the weeks go on.

(1)  1. Green Bay Packers (6)  –  7 – 0   next bye

What a game this was. At the start of the game, we thought it would be a blowout but Vikings were more than ready to battle their NFC North rival. But once again, Packers proved why they are the favorite to win. They stayed resilient and ended the game with a win.

(5)  2. New Orleans Saints  5 – 2   next at St. Louis Rams

These Saints are not merciful. The Saints can score on anybody. They have another cupcake this week against the Rams.  This can give them an opportunity to seperate themselves from the rest of the division.

(2)  3. New England Patriots (1)  5 – 1   next at Pittsburgh Steelers

This game against the Steelers might decide how this season plays out. If the defense can stop the Steelers offense, it will gain necessary confidence to go against any other team in the league. Offense will do enough to win the game; it is up to the defense to step up.

(4)  4. San Fransisco 49ers  5 – 1   next vs Cleveland Browns

Bye week helped a lot of players heal up.  Cleveland, Washington, Arizona, and New York Giants are the next four……They could be 9-1 a month from now…. 

(10)  5. Pittsburgh Steelers  5 – 2   next vs New England Patriots

Patriots vs. Steelers are just a great match up. Sure Steelers are not what they used to be but this is still an elite team that is capable of winning against any team in the league. Atmosphere in the Heinz field will be amazing since Pittsburgh fans are as passionate as any other fans in the nation. After games against Patriots and Ravens, Steelers have very easy schedule until the end of the season.

(3)  6. Baltimore Ravens  4 – 2   next vs Arizona Cardinals

That was a dreadful game, absolutely dreadful, we cannot describe how dreadful….Better get your act together against Arizona this week before your match up next week against Pittsburgh.  A team that is looking to return the favor and embarrass you.

(6)  7. Detroit Lions  5 – 2   next at Denver Broncos

 2 losses in a row now, and Suh is really starting to look the the dirty player a select few people were calling him.  If Stafford is healthy enough to play, it is a good chance for Detroit to bounce back and get a win and some confidence.  If Stafford sits out, it will be a long and tough Sunday afternoon.

 

(7)  8. San Diego Chargers  4 – 2   next at Kansas City Chiefs

We thought the Chargers had finally become an elite team but they were just pretenders. Sure Jets have talent to be considered as an elite team but they have been struggling badly. Chargers should not have any problem winning the AFC West but they will fall short once again. Perhaps Chargers would have won two Super Bowls had they hired Rex Ryan as the head coach.

(11)  9. New York Giants  4 – 2   next vs Miami Dolphins

Giants have suffered a lot thanks to injuries but this team has overcame somewhat. With NFC east all but settled, Giants have a chance to win the division. Also they still have a great pass-rush, which is becoming ever more important thanks to the transformation of NFL to passing league.

(14)  10. New York Jets  4 – 3   next bye

Comeback win vs Chargers was huge, but 2 gigantor division match ups await. Next week versus the Bills, and the following week…..Against some guy named Tom Brady.  This will give Rex Ryan a chance to evaluate whether or not they truly are Super Bowl ready.

(NR)  11. Atlanta Falcons  4 – 3   next bye

Miracle that Matt Ryan isn’t out for the season.  Winning in Detroit is a pretty big deal.  Atlanta gets a well needed week off, gives Matt Ryan a chance to ice his ankle and stay off it for an extra week.  Come out of the bye and play Indianapolis, couldn’t ask for an easier two weeks.

(NR)  12. Houston Texans  4 – 3   next vs Jacksonville Jaguars

Huge measuring stick game against the Titans and they whipped Tennessee.  The Texans did this without Andre Johnson and Mario Williams, and with two easy match ups then one more til the bye, this schedule sets up nicely for Kubiak, who finally might have a shot at the playoffs this year.

(8)  13. Buffalo Bills  4 – 2   next vs Washington Redskins

Should get the W this week coming off a bye and hosting the falling Redskins. Buffalo needs to pick up as many Ws as they can to ensure that there is not a New England and New York take over again in that division.  Fat chance of them stopping that though!!!

(13)  14. Dallas Cowboys  3 – 3   next at Philadelphia Eagles

 Felix Jones who?  DeMarco Murray is in town, and nobody is happier then Tony Romo…  It’s all you, DeMarco Murray.  With Murray helping to take some pressure off Romo, will Romo calm down, throw smarter passes, and not blow leads???  Don’t count on it!

(15)  15.  Cincinnati Bengals  4 – 2   next at Seattle Seahawks

Will Cincy cool off after the bye?  They play Seattle this week, if the Browns can beat them, the Bengals should roll into town, get the W, and build some more confidence in their young team.  Lets see how long they can keep pace with the Steelers.

( ) left of rankings indicates previous weeks rankings

( ) next to teams indicates first place votes

UFB Power Rankers are:

Frank Hyun of Patriots Review

Ronnie Kohrt of Ronnie K’s Blog

Mr. Kangaroo of CJ Sports NFL Talk

Brandon Clark of Titan Sized

Steven Lourie of Football Fan Spot

Mr. C.J. Sports of CJ Sports NFL Talk

Adam Hughes of Naptown’s Finest

Walter Cherepinsky of Walter Football.com

Nolan Vasan of NFL Draft Geek

Ryan Mc Crystal of Draft Ace

Brian Goldsmith of Hair of the Dog Sports Blog

 Clayton Terry of The Fan Experience

David Gallagis of CJ Sports NFL Talk

Each week we will be contacting more bloggers to ensure the most accurate and biggest power ranking system available.   Check out all these great blog sites, they are the best in the NFL.

 

 

QB RB WR TE OT G C NT DT 3-4 DE DE RLB OLB MLB CB S K P

Updated 4/17/10 

100 Once in a decade prospect 

95-99 Elite talent 

90-95 Solid top 10 pick 

85-90 Solid first round pick 

80-85 Late 1st-early 2nd 

75-80 Solid 2nd round pick 

70-75 Solid 3rd round pick 

65-70 3rd-4th round pick 

60-65 4th-5th round pick 

55-60 5th round pick 

50-55 6th round pick 

45-50 7th round pick 

40-45 Undrafted, invite to training camp 

30-40 Career practice squader 

20-30 No NFL future 

0-20 No football future 

1. Terrence Cody (Alabama) 87

2/27/10: Cody weighed in at 370 at his Senior Bowl weigh in after promising he’d be at 355 and his stock lowered. Cody weighed in at 354 today at the combine. He still needs to lose some weight, but I think I can move him back up a little after dropping him following the Senior Bowl. If you’ve ever seen this guy play, he might be the most agile 354 pound man you’ve ever seen. 

1/26/10: He is a large man. One can only hope he keeps his shirt on when he runs the 40 at the combine.

He may only be a two down nose tackle in the NFL, but so are Kris Jenkins and Jamal Williams and most are hugely important to their teams success. With so many teams switching to the 3-4 defense and so few of them having true 3-4 nose tackles, Cody could be a hot commodity this year going as high as 5 to the Chiefs and I think no lower than #29 to the Chargers.

2. Dan Williams (Tennessee) 86

1/30/10: Williams was a big disruptive force all game and really pushed the defensive line back in a big way. However, what really impressed me is, at 325 pounds, how mobile he is. He moved around great and actually covered a running back and prevented him from catching the ball out of the backfield. He also had a pass deflection. He can play any scheme, unlike Terrence Cody. He’s big enough to play 3-4, but also fast and agile enough to play defensive tackle in a 4-3, and he actually has experience in a cover 2 scheme at Tennessee so, despite his size, he can play that scheme at the next level. I can’t see him falling past Tennessee at 16, who needs a big defensive tackle to play in their cover 2 defense. I currently have him ranked as the top nose tackle ahead of Terrence Cody because of his scheme versatility, even though Cody is a better natural run stopper. Cody also weighed in at 15 pounds higher than expected at his weigh in which is not good.

Williams is the more versatile of the two elite nose tackle prospects this year as he can also play 4-3 defensive tackle and is a true 3 down nose tackle. He moves extremely well for his size and gets a great push up front, but he is nowhere near as physically dominant as Cody.

3. Cam Thomas (North Carolina) 70

1/30/10: Thomas cemented himself as the 3rd best nose tackle in this class, by pushing the offensive line forward with great strength, controlling two blockers, and even having a sack of his own. He’s not a pass rushing defensive lineman, but he has a role for himself as a run stopping shield type nose tackle at the next level and with the high number of NFL teams that now use 3-4 systems that need big nose tackles like him, he could ultimately go in the 2nd round, which is why I’d say he made himself the most money this week. NFL Network’s Mike Mayock went as far to say as he guarantees that Thomas will be a 2nd round pick. I will conservatively give him a 3rd round grade for now, but I was impressed nonetheless.

1/27/10: With the 3^rd nose tackle slot up for grabs, Thomas has really made his case to be that 3^rd nose tackle. With excellent size at 6-3 325, Thomas has showed that he can also move as well and in his weigh in, he looked much more muscular than fat.

Already has some experience in a 3-4 defense so at 6-3 325 he’ll get some looks late by desperate teams as a depth guy in a 3-4 scheme.

4. Linval Joseph (East Carolina) 68

4/2/10: Joseph was smart enough not to lose very much weight, dropping only to a very fit 319. He still has the size to play nose tackle. However, he was still able to drpp his already impressive 5.09 to 4.93. He proved himself to be one of the most agile big men in the country last year and is now clearly my #4 nose tackle. That could sneak him into round 2.               

3/1/10: 40s don’t mean a ton to nose tackles, but a 5.09 at 328 with 39 reps on the bench will get you noticed as a very strong athlete.

Showed very good mobility for a 320 pound tackle with 60 tackles and 2 sacks last year and also showed this speed at the combine. He is your standard mid round nose tackle and he could go as early as the 3^rd because of the need for nose tackles in the NFL and his size. 

5. Ekom Udofia (Stanford) 61

Injuries have plagued him at Stanford, but he’s been a hot commodity since he stepped on campus making the Freshman All-American team in 2006 despite not playing full time. He has a great combination of size and moves and would fit a 3-4 defense perfectly at 320 pounds, but unless he can capitalize on his upside and beat the injuries, he’s nothing more than a reserve nose tackle at the next level. However, with so many teams desperate for nose tackles, but could get drafted a lot earlier than he should.

 

6. Kade Weston (Georgia) 58

Part of a defensive tackle rotation with Geno Atkins and Jeff Owens, Weston often gets lost among the hype of those two freakish athletes, but Weston, at 325 pounds, has actually been a much more consistent statistical performer for the Bulldogs. In addition to his ability to get into the backfield, which is rare for someone of his size, he also is able to take on two blockers which is a key for a 3-4 nose tackle. He is a tough matchup and someone I am a lot higher on than most places. It’ll be interesting to see if he gets drafted.

7. Trey Bryant (Baylor) 52

Undersized for a nose tackle at 315 pounds, but this is a very thin nose tackle class and with all of the teams switching to 3-4, he could get drafted in the 5^th round. His size and speed combination are good, but his production was lackluster at Baylor. The only thing that really stands out are how he had a knack for breaking up passes, despite his position. He could be a decent 3-4 defensive end or 4-3 defensive tackle at the next level in addition to a nose tackle, but he’s a reserve in my eyes at this point, no matter the position.

8. Torrell Troup (Central Florida) 48

Probably only a depth guy at the nose tackle position at 315 pounds, but he can also play other positions as a depth guy as well and his instincts are very good for someone of his age and size.

9. Travis Ivey (Maryland) 47

A bigger nose tackle at 6-4 325 pounds so he could be a depth guy at nose tackle with the potential to play as a 4-3 run stopping defensive tackle in the right scheme. As football is a game of inches, it can’t hurt to add someone as big as Ivey to your defensive line depth, but he’s not the most mobile guy either.

10. Al Woods (LSU) 41

Showing how weak this nose tackle class is, Woods could get drafted despite his history of injuries. He was decent this year, but never lived up to his upside as Glenn Dorsey’s successor. 

By Packrphan 

Yes, folks, this is the pre-preview of the showdown in ChiTiown between our beloved Green Bay Packers and Da Bearz. So, it’s a bit general yet, sorry. 

What we do know right now is that whichever team wins this game (and, really, is there any doubt as to which that will be…c’mon!) will be sitting atop the NFC North. That will be a great place to be. It will open up some space between the top dog and, espcially, the ViQueens. We have to anticipate that at some point Ol’ #4’s in-season training camp will click in and the ‘Queens will start to win a few…beginning, most likely, today in the Humpty Dump versus the Lions.

But back to the game of most importance…

This will be the 180th meeting between the Pack and Da Bearz, the oldest rivalry in the NFL. Somehow, Da Bearz lead the overall series 90-82 with 6 ties. The battles through the years have been furious. There have been cheap shots delivered by players on both teams. The story is told by some Glory Years’ Packers that the rivalry between Vince Lombardi and Papa Bear George Hallas was so intense that one game, 5 minutes before kickoff, Hallas marched into the Packers’ locker room, went up to Lombardi, and reportedly said, “You better have your team ready to play,” or something along those lines. Can you imagine that happening today between two coaches? These days, they’re just more likely not to shake hands after a game. It’s all gotten way too civil, hasn’t it?

Most of the players on both sides today just don’t have a sense for the nature and intensity of the rivalry. Players who are asked about the rivalrly by the media generally say it’s more a rivalry for the fans than the players who see it as another game. Even Bears TE Greg Olsen was saying nice things about the Packers’ defense this week. As St. Vince might say about stuff like that, “What the hell’s goin’ on out there!”. Indeed.

That’s why, at least in Green Bay, head coach Mike McCarthy makes it a point to talk to the players, especially the new arrivals, about the history between these two teams, what the rivalry has meant down through the years, the players who have played on both sides of the ball, and especially what it means to the fans. As fans — and apparently at least some players — are well aware, the mantra is always this: no matter whether or not you win any other games during the season, beat Da Bearz.

Yes, perhaps over the past decade or two the intensity of rivalry has picked up between the Pack and the ‘Queens. For some fans, this has even surpassed the Packers-Bearz rivalry. And that’s especially true now with Ol’ #4 betraying all things Green ‘n’ Gold by wearing that funky purple. (It still boggles the mind, doesn’t it???)

But given that tomorrow evening, both the Packers and Da Bearz meet at 2-0 with the division lead at stake you just know this will be one of those old fashioned smash-mouth football games.

http://packerfansunited.com/ 

 

 

WR Justin Blackmon (Oklahoma State)

DT Michael Brockers (LSU)

CB Morris Claiborne (LSU)

DE Quinton Coples (North Carolina)

DT Fletcher Cox (Mississippi State)

WR Michael Floyd (Notre Dame)

CB Stephon Gilmore (South Carolina)

WR Stephen Hill (Georgia Tech)

S George Iloka (Boise State)

OLB Bruce Irvin (West Virginia)

WR A.J. Jenkins (Illinois)

MLB James-Michael Johnson (Nevada)

S Trumaine Johnson (Nevada)

DE Chandler Jones (Syracuse)

MLB Luke Kuechly (Boston College)

G Ronald Leary (Memphis)

S Kelcie McCray (Arkansas State)

DT Dontari Poe (Memphis)

WR Rueben Randle (LSU)

OLB Keenan Robinson (Texas)

G Amini Silatolu (Midwestern State)

DT tackle Jerel Worthy (Michigan State)

WR Kendall Wright (Baylor)

G Kevin Zeitler (Wisconsin)

 

 

Nose Tackle/Defensive Tackle

Baylor

6-3 334

Draft board overall prospect rank: #58

Draft board overall nose tackle rank: #2

Overall rating: 76 (late 2^nd)

40 time: 5.18

4/19/11: Reports have surfaced that Taylor has an inoperable foot condition that could limit his career length.

Inoperable foot condition + 330+ pound body = not a good combination. 

3/22/11: Phil Taylor is a classic “kid turning around his life” story. At Penn State, he was kicked off the football team, after an on campus fight, and at some points had ballooned up to 390 pounds. He transferred to Baylor, spent two years there, and now weighs in at 6-3 334, at his Pro Day. He moves like 334 pound men should not be able to move. He’s a very good pass rusher for his size and is getting a few looks as a 4-3 tackle, in addition to as a 3-4 nose tackle.

The character reasons are not completely a thing of the past and he never really dominated at the collegiate level, but a strong draft preseason has him in late first round consideration. He dominated the Senior Bowl and showed his athleticism at the Combine. He’s the top nose tackle in this class and with so many teams moving to a 3-4, he won’t be on the board much past the early 2^nd round. Again, as I mentioned, he can play a 4-3. Both the Broncos and the Saints have expressed interest in him as a 4-3 tackle.

He’s explosive and takes on double teams well. He can shed and stack defenders and constantly drew double teams even as a 4-3 tackle at Baylor. He moves and pass rushes well for his size and has decent chase speed. Durability is still going to be an issue for him. Even after slimming down for the Senior Bowl, he had trouble going all out every play. He might be just a situational player in the NFL at first, but he can dominate when he does play and he’s more agile and durable, not to mention versatile, than Terrence Cody.

NFL Comparison: Shaun Rogers

 

 

 

Safety

Northern Iowa

6-4 224

40 time: 4.40

Draft board overall prospect rank: #181

Draft board safety rank: #16

Overall rating: 56*

                4/14/10: Let’s take a journey through time, it’s 2009 (big stretch) April of 2009 in fact, April 25^th 2009. It’s the 2^nd round of the NFL round and the Raiders are on the board. Which fast 40 time player will Al Davis take? It turns out it was Michael Mitchell, who I had never heard of before that day, and I did several 7 round mock drafts last year. It turns out that Mitchell, a safety from Ohio, was viewed as a 2^nd round prospect by at least one other team, and a 3^rd round prospect by several others. That same thing, on a slightly smaller level, could happen this year with Quentin Scott. Scott is a hard hitter from a tiny school with linebacker size and good speed and fluidity. His teammates have nicknamed him Taylor Mays and he had some hits last year that were on that level. Unlike Mays, he can actually hold his own in pass coverage so he could legitimately play both safety positions at the next level, or at least he has the potential too. The only thing is his weak level of competition so we have to take what we saw of him in pass coverage with a grain of salt, but I love his upside and I think he has the potential to be a surprise 4^th round pick. Or I could be wrong. I am kind of just going out on a whim thinking he’ll be drafted that early based on his uncanny comparisons to Michael Mitchell, but I have a good feeling about his draft position and an even better feeling about his potential.

NFL Comparison: Michael Mitchell

*For a breakdown of what this means, click here

Free Agency Priorities

Outside Linebacker

They didn’t draft a linebacker until the 7th round so this position will have to be addressed in free agency. David Vobora and James Laurinaitis look like longterm keepers, but they have a huge hole at the 3rd linebacker spot.

Defensive Tackle

Other than Fred Robbins, they have nothing at the position. They need a complementary player inside. Corey Liuget was frequently mocked to them at 14, but with Robert Quinn falling to them there, they couldn’t pass. They then spent 3 straight picks trying to help Sam Bradford’s receiving corps so this position was ignored. 

Guard

Adam Goldberg can definitely be upgraded inside at right guard. Guards are tough to find in free agency so they may have to give Goldberg another year as the starter because they didn’t address this position through the draft. 

Running Back 

Steven Jackson has averaged 291 carries per year over the past 6 years and turns 28 in July. He is an amazing football player and one of the toughest players in the league, but they really should consider getting him a capable backup to help take some of the load off of him.

 

Draft Needs 

Wide Receiver

What makes Sam Bradford’s strong rookie year more impressive is that he was working with almost nothing in the receiving corps. Donnie Avery got hurt in Training Camp, Mark Clayton soon followed, rookie Danario Alexander also missed a few games, and this team didn’t have a strong receiving corps to begin with. Bradford’s receivers couldn’t catch a pass or get open at all in their loss to the Seahawks week 17. Even when Avery and Clayton are healthy (which in Avery’s case is not that often), they’re not true #1s. Wide Receiver has to be their biggest need by far going into this offseason if they want Bradford to continue to improve.

Drafted Austin Pettis (#78), Drafted Greg Salas (#112) 

Defensive Tackle

They ranked 24^th against the run. Fred Robbins will be 34 in March and they don’t have much after him on the depth chart. Steve Spagnuolo loves pass rushing interior linemen so he could pick up one early in this draft. In fact, if no receivers are worth the spot at 14, I expect them to go defensive tackle. 

Outside Linebacker

When the Rams traded Alex Barron for Bobby Carpenter in the offseason (somehow expecting Carpenter to win the starting weakside linebacker job) it broke the record for worst two players ever traded for each other. In fact, I would argue the Rams won that trade. They were smart enough to cut Carpenter in training camp. Barron lost at least one game for the Cowboys with an absolutely unnecessary and flagrant hold to nullify a game winning touchdown. It’s safe to say this is one of the few times a Bill Parcells drafted linebacker busted. The Rams will look for a true starter at the position this offseason.

Drafted Jabara Williams (#228) 

Defensive End

Yeah they had 43 sacks, but James Hall turns 34 in February, plus it’s kind of suspicious that Hall goes over 6.5 sacks for only the 2^nd time in his career at age 33. Something tells me, he can’t keep this up. Plus, Steve Spagnuolo comes from the school of “you can never have enough pass rushers.” He worked the three rotating defensive end strategy better than anyone had ever done before in 2007, en route to a title with the Giants. He might try the same thing with the Rams.

Drafted Robert Quinn (#14) 

Running Back

If I gave out a toughest man in the league award, I’d have given it to Steven Jackson at least 3 times in the last 5 years (with Brett Favre getting it the other 2). He is my favorite player in the league (not including anyone on the Patriots because I’m biased). He has battled chronic back problems, as well as every other injury you can imagine, yet still has 1744 carries in the last 6 years, and, despite never making the playoffs once in that stretch, he hasn’t said a word. However, sadly, some day he just won’t be able to do it anymore. Running backs have too short a shelf life, especially for someone with as many injuries as he has. Hopefully, before he isn’t able to do it anymore, his team wins a Super Bowl or at least a playoff series. The Rams should look at future successors/guys who can give him a rest next season in the offseason.

Tight End

The Rams need to get Sam Bradford a real pass catching tight end. No Michael Hoomanawanui doesn’t count, however cool and difficult to spell his name is.

Drafted Lance Kendricks (#47) 

Cornerback

Depth is needed at the position if they want to match up well with 3 and 4 receiver sets. 

Drafted Mikhael Baker (#216), Drafted Jonathan Nelson (#229) 

 

 

Offensive Tackle

The Ravens signed Bryant McKinnie right before the season and he did a solid job at left tackle this year, though he declined down the stretch. However, McKinnie will be 33 this offseason and has a history of weight problems, hence why he was available right before the season. Michael Oher has proven to be so much better on the right side in his career (ironically for the star of the Blindside novel), so the Ravens should start looking for a new left tackle. Unfortunately, this is a weak class for left tackles and they don’t pick until 29, so they may have to settle for a developmental prospect. They drafted Jah Reid in the 3^rd round last year, but his long term future may be guard.

Middle Linebacker

Ray Lewis will return for the 2012 season, but there are no guarantees about 2013 for him. Remember, he’ll be 38 heading into that season. Even if he can stay play at a high level (wouldn’t doubt it), he just might not want to. Meanwhile, they lack a solid starter inside next to him when they go to a 3-4. Expect them to target a young linebacker, groom him next to Lewis and have him eventually take over in 2013 or 2014. Dont’a Hightower makes a lot of sense if he’s available at 29.

Rush Linebacker

It may sound weird because their 48 sacks was one of the highest totals in the league, but only Terrell Suggs had more than 5.5 sacks this season. When Suggs struggled in the playoffs, they couldn’t get to the quarterback. They need to find someone else capable for doing so. Jarrett Johnson is great in coverage and against the run, but isn’t much of a threat rushing the passer. He might not even be back anyway as he’s a free agent and may leave to join Chuck Pagano in Indianapolis. They need a capable pass rusher opposite Suggs.

 

Safety

It might sound unbelievable, but Ed Reed turns 34 in September. He’s had some injuries in his past so he might not be someone you can count on for 3-4 more years. They should look for a successor for him. In the meantime, they could use someone to play next to him. They missed Dawan Landry this season. Bernard Pollard was only good for injuring Rob Gronkowski and he’s a free agent anyway.

Center

Matt Birk is another aging player the Ravens have. The NFL’s Man of the Year, Birk turns 36 this offseason and, always a class act, has offered to train his eventual successor. They should try to find one through the draft.

Running Back

Ricky Williams is retired. However, they need someone to spell Ray Rice for a few carries per game, assuming Rice is resigned, but it sounds like he’ll be franchised so he should be back next season.

Guard

Ben Grubbs is another prominent free agent of the Ravens. They shelled out big bucks to Marshal Yanda opposite him last year and they might not be able to give Grubbs what he wants. If he leaves, 2011 3^rd round pick Jah Reid could be an internal replacement. If not, they may have to go external.

 

 

Richard Marshall actually had a great season in 2011. Among cornerbacks who played at least 60% of their team’s snaps, he was 12^th in QB rating allowed, allowing a 51.9% completion percentage, 7.3 YPA, 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. He’s had a pretty up and down career. He was ProFootballFocus’ 98th ranked cornerback out of 100 in 2010 and only got a one year deal as a free agent.

However, he’s only 27 and he was named his team’s defensive MVP by Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton this season with his ability to play outside at cornerback, line up inside on the slot, and also play safety. The Dolphins have a major need at slot cornerback and safety and they’re getting him at a pretty good deal, 3 years, 16 million, with 6 million guaranteed.

Grade: B