Don’t believe the hype of NFL Offseason Rankings (article)
 

[B]Don’t believe the hype[/B]

By [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/expertsarchive;_ylt=Ajznjwr7qoKG_JSHhLJIo1_hMMQF?author=Charles+Robinson"]Charles Robinson[/URL], Yahoo! Sports [I]Mar 24, 5:58 pm EDT[/I]


A quarter billion in potential contract dollars hasn’t bought the [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/oak/;_ylt=AiLmzAQs7YZueEnXEKUxjJ7hMMQF"]Oakland Raiders[/URL] respect.


Despite an astronomical potential payout of more than $250 million in offseason deals, the Raiders are still bogged down in the bottom third of the league rankings. This despite adding a quartet of key players via trade and free agency – [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6767/;_ylt=AgSCH2w9xzWQLDjfXxULu6fhMMQF"]DeAngelo Hall[/URL] (at a potential $70 million), [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5906/;_ylt=AsDGmCbo7oLbeAf1ypn3uYvhMMQF"]Javon Walker[/URL] ($55 million), [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6895/;_ylt=Av0Qk9g3_Cq2oC6cUzaJsOHhMMQF"]Gibril Wilson[/URL] ($39 million) and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6362/;_ylt=AhH22RPZGHfEnF5oaddcb4_hMMQF"]Kwame Harris[/URL] ($14 million) – and retaining their own talent in [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7046/;_ylt=Anyk96SoEZ22K4ZD7WKwtcPhMMQF"]Tommy Kelly[/URL] ($50.5 million), [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6432/;_ylt=AuHX6xgaH5tVCGnvC7wDdqrhMMQF"]Justin Fargas[/URL] ($12 million) and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6367/;_ylt=Amhr9W3zw.90xw1Y2ZrM3qfhMMQF"]Nnamdi Asomugha[/URL] ($9.8 million via exclusive franchise tag).
In reality, those seven players won’t collect anything near that quarter billion in possible earnings (a sum that rivals the Gross Domestic Product of Micronesia). The lack of guaranteed dollars at the back end of NFL contracts will translate into a number maybe half that size. But at the very least, the mythical money bought the Raiders headlines.



But hype doesn’t translate when it comes to the offseason power rankings. With that in mind, this is where the league’s 32 teams stand going into the NFL draft.




[B]1. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/ind/;_ylt=AjWrmJjcEY17cZ5_XUkCTajhMMQF"]Indianapolis Colts[/URL] (13-3) –[/B] No major defections. Forget [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4256/;_ylt=AgIMcXFclqb0gr7r7a53hSzhMMQF"]Peyton Manning[/URL] and company for a moment. If healthy next year, this should be a very, very good young defensive team.
[B]2. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/nwe/;_ylt=AsS1tcpaq3pX7ksIIpZPbKDhMMQF"]New England Patriots[/URL] (16-0) –[/B] [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4675/;_ylt=AkioGSrmUBc1Dk8A_cZi95HhMMQF"]Fernando Bryant[/URL] should be a nice little reclamation project. But losing talent in that secondary year after year is going to hurt this defense (haven’t we heard that before?).
[B]3. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/dal/;_ylt=AoauRU1K0DGf8v.bbPRQyYrhMMQF"]Dallas Cowboys[/URL] (13-3) –[/B] [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/3569/;_ylt=AkADKzKTgcS3Wv3alZM0vSjhMMQF"]Zach Thomas[/URL] still has something left in the tank and will help this defense in the middle of the field. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6624/;_ylt=AiycTypspp9.V9m_bd7py17hMMQF"]Tony Romo[/URL] needs to get this team over the hump, because [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/3664/;_ylt=AgRxkBczgs5d6cuOmZX5kunhMMQF"]Terrell Owens[/URL] isn’t getting any younger (he turns 35 this season).
[B]4. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/sdg/;_ylt=AlKvb.AWdgWU0L26ZzqDw3_hMMQF"]San Diego Chargers[/URL] (11-5) –[/B] Other than [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6913/;_ylt=AmGYONdPM.3PDKVmaijRMevhMMQF"]Michael Turner[/URL], all of the free agent losses will be replaced with better talent internally. And quietly, linebacker [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/3986/;_ylt=AsgntJIR3u4W466ef..9V73hMMQF"]Derek Smith[/URL] could turn out to be one of the steals of the offseason.
[B]5. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/jac/;_ylt=AtsJan68r_q47Ry5bzDs2IfhMMQF"]Jacksonville Jaguars[/URL] (11-5) –[/B] It remains to be seen whether [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5076/;_ylt=AjB8foSSCPo74idSBxJi947hMMQF"]Jerry Porter[/URL] can be the No. 1 wideout that the Jaguars seem to think he is. And Jacksonville better hope that parting ways with [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5460/;_ylt=AmeU.f39y5tJGhRT0d_a7EfhMMQF"]Marcus Stroud[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7008/;_ylt=As_Ik6v_mca0edlFhQwL7g7hMMQF"]Bobby McCray[/URL] doesn’t come back to haunt the franchise.
[B]6. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/cle/;_ylt=AhK12xIH9_42X.Bb_ZuGF7PhMMQF"]Cleveland Browns[/URL] (10-6) –[/B] The additions of [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5508/;_ylt=Anvvecd5tjdSiXZtXH52TD_hMMQF"]Shaun Rogers[/URL], [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6938/;_ylt=AkVBtrIP7tlLFT0O1gcJt0_hMMQF"]Corey Williams[/URL], Donte Stallworth and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6933/;_ylt=Anhxa5mhOzLxI60kHLQtryLhMMQF"]Rex Hadnot[/URL] should make the Browns far better. Anything less than competing at the top of the AFC is a disappointment.
[B]7. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/nyg/;_ylt=At6ehhWPoNdwFTIsDYbvl5nhMMQF"]New York Giants[/URL] (10-6) –[/B] Giants fans seem to think last season’s Super Bowl win translates into automatic success in 2008. But the division is still brutal, and some players tend to slack off the year after getting a ring. Don’t be surprised if turmoil returns again with a slow start.
[B]8. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/pit/;_ylt=At6wQZifjhg4.L8gjMmR4xvhMMQF"]Pittsburgh Steelers[/URL] (10-6) –[/B] [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6878/;_ylt=AmiH12Z1vwLonhrUjM2AdD3hMMQF"]Mewelde Moore[/URL] was an underrated pickup and should do very well in this offense. But until some of the young linebackers blossom, this defense won’t be consistent.
[B]9. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/sea/;_ylt=AvsnZadzMbjjYhVTECcE8y3hMMQF"]Seattle Seahawks[/URL] (10-6) –[/B] [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6802/;_ylt=AsV1z4jf0Q1aNORigSKU4rPhMMQF"]Julius Jones[/URL]’ star will rise again with Seattle. But make no mistake, time is running short for building blocks like [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4416/;_ylt=AvulVEjB7XoGQ8exmoHr2r3hMMQF"]Matt Hasselbeck[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/3949/;_ylt=Ao9QMr9m4GE31w76nk7npFPhMMQF"]Walter Jones[/URL]. If Seattle can’t get it done this year, a period of transition looms.
[B]10. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/gnb/;_ylt=ArCSPUjlxKOezG3iGvj3wI_hMMQF"]Green Bay Packers[/URL] (13-3) –[/B] The pressure is on [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7200/;_ylt=AqchO2IvYKj48Hy8wtVHNp3hMMQF"]Aaron Rodgers[/URL] to show he can keep the offense at an elite level, and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8270/;_ylt=AqKruYWIEfd2RKmpkHbXYWPhMMQF"]Justin Harrell[/URL] has some shoes to fill, too. And how long before [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4609/;_ylt=AvIQw7py5tpGl3PhphNYy4PhMMQF"]Al Harris[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4271/;_ylt=AgsjpqHwXZEqYYHFgPwh5uDhMMQF"]Charles Woodson[/URL] hit the cornerback wall that arrives in the early to mid 30s?
[B]11. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/ten/;_ylt=Au2BOkZpYOckhiQ_aUe0fvnhMMQF"]Tennessee Titans[/URL] (10-6) –[/B] Other than adding Algae Crumpler, this offense doesn’t look any better than last season. And it was worrisome to see so many serviceable players depart in the offseason ([URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6816/;_ylt=ArifdnUvQBNkU7Qn_fbHdPXhMMQF"]Antwan Odom[/URL], [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6801/;_ylt=Aqx4g9rkS9uLxptv_V_ZFz_hMMQF"]Travis LaBoy[/URL], [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6429/;_ylt=AnxkBrIM3.T_R8kp73V60OvhMMQF"]Chris Brown[/URL], [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6897/;_ylt=AvPf9oX2CXzL3gfyLLJhRtLhMMQF"]Jacob Bell[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6830/;_ylt=AmXa4zCXx6ay32_vg0JABMLhMMQF"]Randy Starks[/URL]).
[B]12. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/nor/;_ylt=AgUIJY_dRHRH7OjdpsGIZXHhMMQF"]New Orleans Saints[/URL] (7-9) –[/B] It’s time for [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7751/;_ylt=AgAHjTNGy5vuDLGytd_TxgXhMMQF"]Reggie Bush[/URL] to show he’s more than an over-hyped third-down back. And if that defense can get the most out of some good offseason additions ([URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6771/;_ylt=AtVQTtlDO_3.KYC0U0RoXpThMMQF"]Jonathan Vilma[/URL], [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5458/;_ylt=ApQNiOMUvnS3AX0jzwYn1ODhMMQF"]Dan Morgan[/URL], Bobby McCray and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7028/;_ylt=AujWUoM79w01yNJldVnbWozhMMQF"]Randall Gay[/URL]), that unit could be vastly improved.
[B]13. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/hou/;_ylt=AlXacOPlhWV0LWhtzgr.oGfhMMQF"]Houston Texans[/URL] (8-8) –[/B] There wasn’t much noise in the offseason, so improvement will have to come from a lot of the talented younger players who made strides down the stretch. But free agent pickup Chris Brown could be a very, very good player in this zone blocking scheme.
[B]14. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/was/;_ylt=Arn.vmpxMDWwdCixmz4EsBLhMMQF"]Washington Redskins[/URL] (9-7) –[/B] This was undoubtedly the most underwhelming offseason ever under Dan Snyder. But maybe that’s a good thing. Where this team goes hinges on what Jim Zorn can do with [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7201/;_ylt=AlyVe5Eow1U0jkJF_2..olDhMMQF"]Jason Campbell[/URL], plain and simple.
[B]15. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/tam/;_ylt=ApxNGpXQVDcDCTsAdzbShxzhMMQF"]Tampa Bay Buccaneers[/URL] (9-7) –[/B] A lot of money was spent in the offseason on a lot of aging veterans who appear to be on the downside of their careers. But does anyone really expect guys like [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/3893/;_ylt=AjVEZj0BzRpCRGLfZCS4HM7hMMQF"]Warrick Dunn[/URL], [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5018/;_ylt=AlvA2gnqYMDxhNS_n7hggr_hMMQF"]Marques Douglas[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6357/;_ylt=ApAeVc2Y4k_oZVBR510x2AvhMMQF"]Jeff Faine[/URL] to turn this into an NFC powerhouse?
[B]16. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/phi/;_ylt=AkxvrBpiUpl92Y4HNks.Y6DhMMQF"]Philadelphia Eagles[/URL] (8-8) –[/B] The [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6456/;_ylt=Aqa7Sf4PWWVXfvzicE74OqbhMMQF"]Asante Samuel[/URL] pickup was a splash, but it’s going to take the development of the young guys in the front seven ([URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7763/;_ylt=AmtH6xRi60769alAU2BtEaThMMQF"]Brodrick Bunkley[/URL], [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7820/;_ylt=AlK6cGSmgcKGrDRLnikXHnPhMMQF"]Chris Gocong[/URL], [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7917/;_ylt=Amq9IjWmqJrvgsZL5iPUQG_hMMQF"]Omar Gaither[/URL], etc.) to move this franchise back into the NFC elite.
[B]17. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/min/;_ylt=AsxW9BwaVH8DONhBj6tNwerhMMQF"]Minnesota Vikings[/URL] (8-8) –[/B] [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6815/;_ylt=AryNKk7.KmW1w5d1.9RZ2SThMMQF"]Madieu Williams[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6837/;_ylt=AnHEP6R.EdAWzUfy7i2t7i3hMMQF"]Bernard Berrian[/URL] were quality pickups, even if they were overpriced. But [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5893/;_ylt=Avws9RUoDWbXCSS60_I5QLLhMMQF"]Bryant McKinnie[/URL] is in trouble again, and there still isn’t an answer at quarterback, so this still looks like a middling team.
[B]18. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/ari/;_ylt=AqNiRGM.DiInQ_w2LW81_4bhMMQF"]Arizona Cardinals[/URL] (8-8) –[/B] [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6762/;_ylt=Ak48CKiD21.wXxtwelXYJarhMMQF"]Larry Fitzgerald[/URL]’s jacked up contract translated into a pretty mundane offseason. The losses of [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6353/;_ylt=Avu2AQkuSy7bm7uWTIMtw_zhMMQF"]Bryant Johnson[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6354/;_ylt=ApHhVvqqR.2.mLYQvLsE1QfhMMQF"]Calvin Pace[/URL] outweigh the addition of Travis LaBoy. And [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7759/;_ylt=Ar2.fXggRcokltvnWcHRMzLhMMQF"]Matt Leinart[/URL] is going to feel a lot of pressure to perform this season.
[B]19. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/buf/;_ylt=Aq_xwiy1Rzm6zwzp3Miiu1PhMMQF"]Buffalo Bills[/URL] (7-9) –[/B] The Bills could be a playoff team with the return of [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8288/;_ylt=ApUwWlF8lv7vm7Sf75E2PMfhMMQF"]Paul Posluszny[/URL] and the additions of Marcus Stroud and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6383/;_ylt=AilEEUnJ9xGhWIW3s6V07_3hMMQF"]Kawika Mitchell[/URL]. But you have to be able to score to advance in the AFC, and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8346/;_ylt=An86JvKhdqJA1L5fR_1hAmvhMMQF"]Trent Edwards[/URL] has a lot of development ahead.
[B]20. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/den/;_ylt=Al0H18AKT849RPI76yJxKEHhMMQF"]Denver Broncos[/URL] (7-9) –[/B] The additions of [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6370/;_ylt=ArDCuUneGG6QKk6RO2PnhyThMMQF"]Boss Bailey[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5681/;_ylt=Al4zb6A.dfspQBB90F6d95fhMMQF"]Marlon McCree[/URL] didn’t blow anyone away. What Mike Shanahan needs is some significant pass rushing contributions from 2007 draft picks [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8271/;_ylt=Ap1krg67L8kA6gYtiN1D.cbhMMQF"]Jarvis Moss[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8310/;_ylt=Aj59.jqZ43gI2xSsDflLDwPhMMQF"]Tim Crowder[/URL].
[B]21. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/stl/;_ylt=AvctaqgE9sEabAeFkQMlUzbhMMQF"]St. Louis Rams[/URL] (3-13) –[/B] Just getting through training camp healthy would be big step forward for this team. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6558/;_ylt=AmIETQMs6yu4oI8285Z.2U_hMMQF"]Josh Brown[/URL] gives some consistency in the kicking game, and the defense has some nice young talent on the line. But a healthy offense is pivotal.
[B]22. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/nyj/;_ylt=AglxZnKlHYUhlw.EZDWWPCXhMMQF"]New York Jets[/URL] (4-12) –[/B] [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4288/;_ylt=AosAEiZjEFVnkEyqPSi0MTnhMMQF"]Alan Faneca[/URL], [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6189/;_ylt=Al4TYCN9tESZIpE5UhVfwQ_hMMQF"]Jesse Chatman[/URL] and Calvin Pace are all respectable additions. The jury is still out on [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4665/;_ylt=AnsQtmx0zb8phenc52TM_0_hMMQF"]Damien Woody[/URL], [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5491/;_ylt=AqHDlzuMjYhc4ojz1.Wj7mHhMMQF"]Kris Jenkins[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5043/;_ylt=Aod2updf8dwHZxlCbq30uY_hMMQF"]Bubba Franks[/URL]. But if [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7798/;_ylt=AqBr7sA***kzw8bZoweugFLhMMQF"]Kellen Clemens[/URL] can’t turn the corner, the Jets are in for another long season.
[B]23. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/chi/;_ylt=AgOITteqo5mTbQk82dPBnGXhMMQF"]Chicago Bears[/URL] (8-8) –[/B] [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6358/;_ylt=AhYV.cwjZKpW0_sXmUkroCfhMMQF"]Rex Grossman[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7180/;_ylt=AjFPTFnd7KTYo78BGtjl3w3hMMQF"]Cedric Benson[/URL] are still huge weaknesses on offense, not to mention the line. And [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4728/;_ylt=AgeSicegpD1vKKfAda8.2P_hMMQF"]Marty Booker[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6460/;_ylt=AhfQBL75vHIVE5uk2Q19TlHhMMQF"]Brandon Lloyd[/URL] aren’t going to scare any of the contenders in the NFC. At least the defense retained [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6404/;_ylt=AgAbEf2h4HFbwHfgXrgq28HhMMQF"]Lance Briggs[/URL] and should be healthy in 2008.
[B]24. Oakland Raiders (4-12) –[/B] DeAngelo Hall and Nnamdi Asomugha give the Raiders a nice veteran tandem at cornerback, and Gibril Wilson should be a serviceable safety. But all eyes are on [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8255/;_ylt=ApRr7sTA3J0IOKLfHXgr.fHhMMQF"]JaMarcus Russell[/URL], who should like [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6922/;_ylt=AqVYNiJ9R0h_1SF5nZWT_NDhMMQF"]Drew Carter[/URL] as a deep threat.
[B]25. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/cin/;_ylt=Ai0mxFieE6ZTsZf9pnxBC.rhMMQF"]Cincinnati Bengals[/URL] (7-9) –[/B] Antwan Odom was a nice little addition, but there wasn’t much else that moved the needle in free agency. The failure to land Shaun Rogers or [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6340/;_ylt=AhT2G9Wk1QOaQYIVn16CuGrhMMQF"]Dewayne Robertson[/URL] hurt. Growing headache [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players;_ylt=AjBQ_6hdJAFMojAUjaPzFjnhMMQF?type=lastname&first=1&query=Chad+Johnson&q=Chad+Johnson"]Chad Johnson[/URL] should be dangled for more defensive line help.
[B]26. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/car/;_ylt=AtV68UVn8.vcA0r7Eukua9vhMMQF"]Carolina Panthers[/URL] (7-9) –[/B] [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6916/;_ylt=Ap8HCoxQ_Ym5_EvGbL7CzXPhMMQF"]D.J. Hackett[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6855/;_ylt=ApMSkNzrz7MMU_xqEveuCCfhMMQF"]Landon Johnson[/URL] should be two very solid veteran additions. But the offseason departures (Kris Jenkins, Dan Morgan, Drew Carter, [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6107/;_ylt=AlrQU.q6v1oWCgxtzH1m2bfhMMQF"]Justin Hartwig[/URL], [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5920/;_ylt=AsP_RN47BAYzH64jXhWB0brhMMQF"]DeShaun Foster[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4498/;_ylt=Ag7eox6Jk2sMlDICwXhOxSHhMMQF"]Mike Wahle[/URL]) make this feel like a team in transition.
[B]27. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/det/;_ylt=Auvb_HPV56AxULr2ca43PubhMMQF"]Detroit Lions[/URL] (7-9) –[/B] A handful of aging players on the decline ([URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5734/;_ylt=ArW.qf98c3DI3q32WjxHOMrhMMQF"]Chuck Darby[/URL], [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/4304/;_ylt=Apjd22_DD_in6XNlLBcE8ZHhMMQF"]Brian Kelly[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5531/;_ylt=AqMM_f3uWbggWgM32c0QsrfhMMQF"]Dwight Smith[/URL]) aren’t going to transform a bad defense. The Lions should still be able to score some points, but there are no signs of pulling out of mediocrity.
[B]28. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/sfo/;_ylt=AugpWxxk1S0n8PcUTvi9oJDhMMQF"]San Francisco 49ers[/URL] (5-11) –[/B] If [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players;_ylt=Ar3rizHPzAT73kgbp6dAZRbhMMQF?type=lastname&first=1&query=Alex+Smith&q=Alex+Smith"]Alex Smith[/URL] is healthy (and that’s a titanic “if”), Mike Martz should be able to get some mileage out of this offense. Particularly with the additions of Bryant Johnson and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/2914/;_ylt=AtbXHG7xsxa6l2olVBlQG6nhMMQF"]Isaac Bruce[/URL]. But when is Mike Nolan’s defense going to turn a corner?
[B]29. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/bal/;_ylt=Aqlr6HbtS38VOymhjjutHrrhMMQF"]Baltimore Ravens[/URL] (5-11) –[/B] [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/3114/;_ylt=AqxfEhWz6qZYEXHhmwWhR6PhMMQF"]Steve McNair[/URL] looked like he was done last season, and drafting a quarterback in the first round isn’t going to help this franchise in the short term. Elements of the defense are getting old. It looks like time for a multiyear rebuild.
[B]30. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/kan/;_ylt=AkkzrYuNApPDgsIDJp3nsc_hMMQF"]Kansas City Chiefs[/URL] (4-12) –[/B] With a free agency period that netted some serviceable veterans ([URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6841/;_ylt=AtGFThOYC1HNmTCuq6YijA_hMMQF"]Devard Darling[/URL] and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6860/;_ylt=AqDvl7xCtjiXh.BuvIWQMdvhMMQF"]Demorrio Williams[/URL]), the draft is going to be important. Could Herm Edwards be angling for Matt Ryan to buy himself some more time to rebuild?
[B]31. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/mia/;_ylt=AtSznSQiT8HaTEJpZUlYe1PhMMQF"]Miami Dolphins[/URL] (1-15) –[/B] I’d rather have Bill Parcells coaching my team than sitting in the front office and tinkering with the roster. Too bad he has the No. 1 pick in a flat draft. Don’t count out Vernon Gholston in that spot.
[B]32. [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/atl/;_ylt=AljRV00XmOxgSCZwTCrLFoPhMMQF"]Atlanta Falcons[/URL] (4-12) –[/B] Michael Turner and [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6902/;_ylt=AqtfigLQzfjGbKMe0GF3P.rhMMQF"]Erik Coleman[/URL] were both nice pickups, but this franchise is in total rebuilding mode. You get the feeling the whole [URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5448/;_ylt=At0hObJCFyCG6KrmZM.rbp_hMMQF"]Michael Vick[/URL] debacle is going to hang over this franchise far, far beyond this decade.

[B]DISCUSS. :)[/B]




[url=http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=cr-rankings032408&prov=yhoo&type=lgns]Don't believe the hype - NFL - Yahoo! Sports[/url]

Re: Don’t believe the hype of NFL Offseason Rankings (article)
 

Way Too high: Cleveland, Seattle, Tennessee, New Orleans

Way Too Low: San Francisco, Cincinnati, Arizona, Carolina, Houston

Overall, his rankings are pretty good. He's spot on with us, and a bunch of other teams.

Re: Don’t believe the hype of NFL Offseason Rankings (article)
 

It's surprising to see the defending SB champs so low, but he's right with his assessment...that team remains a potential mess with Coughlin in charge. If Eli doesn't continue his out-of-nowhere success from late last season, the ticking time bomb may go off AGAIN.

Then you have sickos like Strahan and Umenura on that team... :D

Re: Don’t believe the hype of NFL Offseason Rankings (article)
 

Browns 6# stands out like a sore thumb

Re: Don’t believe the hype of NFL Offseason Rankings (article)
 

[quote=Buster;434803]It's surprising to see the defending SB champs so low, but he's right with his assessment...that team remains a potential mess with Coughlin in charge. If Eli doesn't continue his out-of-nowhere success from late last season, the ticking time bomb may go off AGAIN.

Then you have sickos like Strahan and Umenura on that team... :D[/quote]I have them at #1 right now, but I'm not beefing those who don't because without a elite defense, they are not a top 5 team.

The team that beat the Pats in the Super Bowl was the best team in the NFL. The team that played the first 15 weeks of last season isn't even top half.

Re: Don’t believe the hype of NFL Offseason Rankings (article)
 

Even though I have them about 6 or 7 I definately don't have a problem with Robinson putting the Colts at No. 1. Defensive projections are a messy thing and how good their D will perform is what separates them from No. 1, or No. 7 in the NFL.

Re: Don’t believe the hype of NFL Offseason Rankings (article)
 

This list seems pretty reasonable. I'd actually put the giants where we are. I know he didn't because they won the super bowl, but I can see a tough year for them, 7-9 maybe. I think the toughest teams to make calls on are Philly, Tampa, Cleveland and Tenn. Philly, e.g., could be really good.

Re: Don’t believe the hype of NFL Offseason Rankings (article)
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;434801]Way Too high: Cleveland, Seattle, Tennessee, New Orleans

Way Too Low: San Francisco, Cincinnati, Arizona, Carolina, Houston

Overall, his rankings are pretty good. He's spot on with us, and a bunch of other teams.[/QUOTE]

I agree with you on Seattle, Tennessee and New Orleans and would add Green Bay in as well.. You think Houston is way too low? I want to see more from Schaub as well as determine who their RB and complimentary WR to Andre Johnson are before deeming them a playoff team..

Re: Don’t believe the hype of NFL Offseason Rankings (article)
 

[quote=Paintrain;434824]I agree with you on Seattle, Tennessee and New Orleans and would add Green Bay in as well.. You think Houston is way too low? I want to see more from Schaub as well as determine who their RB and complimentary WR to Andre Johnson are before deeming them a playoff team..[/quote]Schaub will get better with age. He's proven exactly what JC has thus far, that he's very promising in his youth. Schaub though is actually a year ahead of Campbell, and should hit his prime this season.

The problem with Houston is even if everything fires on all cylinders and they become a top 5 team in the NFL this year (a bit optimistic, but possible), they are still only the 3rd best team in their own division.

While I believe they are easily a playoff caliber team in skill, the Steelers/Bengals/even Raiders likely have the inside track because those teams don't have to play 4 games against the Colts and Jaguars. (The Raiders don't have to play any, but the Steelers and Bengals [and Browns] do have to play the Jags and Colts and Texans).

No doubt about it though, the Texans will be above average in both offense and defense this year, and that does warrant a much better rank than 13, IMO.

Re: Don’t believe the hype of NFL Offseason Rankings (article)
 

I really like where he has us, and I think he's accurate with his comments. Our season really does come down to how well Zorn and Campbell gel.

Re: Don’t believe the hype of NFL Offseason Rankings (article)
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;434840]Schaub will get better with age. He's proven exactly what JC has thus far, that he's very promising in his youth. Schaub though is actually a year ahead of Campbell, and should hit his prime this season.

The problem with Houston is even if everything fires on all cylinders and they become a top 5 team in the NFL this year (a bit optimistic, but possible), they are still only the 3rd best team in their own division.

While I believe they are easily a playoff caliber team in skill, the Steelers/Bengals/even Raiders likely have the inside track because those teams don't have to play 4 games against the Colts and Jaguars. (The Raiders don't have to play any, but the Steelers and Bengals [and Browns] do have to play the Jags and Colts and Texans).

No doubt about it though, the Texans will be above average in both offense and defense this year, and that does warrant a much better rank than 13, IMO.[/QUOTE]

John Clayton says the Texans are a team to watch in the AFC, if that means anything to you.

Re: Don’t believe the hype of NFL Offseason Rankings (article)
 

Houston was a fun team to watch last year. I could see them being this year's Cleveland.

Re: Don’t believe the hype of NFL Offseason Rankings (article)
 

[quote=Buster;434803]It's surprising to see the defending SB champs so low, but he's right with his assessment...that team remains a potential mess with Coughlin in charge. If Eli doesn't continue his out-of-nowhere success from late last season, the ticking time bomb may go off AGAIN.

Then you have sickos like Strahan and Umenura on that team... :D[/quote]


LOL........Look at the player hater:hater:!!!That's what you were hoping for last year and look where it got you.Giants proved an awful lot of people wrong last year so I expect the hating....it's fun to be hated when you're #1!:woot:

Re: Don’t believe the hype of NFL Offseason Rankings (article)
 

Giants should be #1 they earned it like it of not.

Re: Don’t believe the hype of NFL Offseason Rankings (article)
 

[QUOTE=Giantone;434881]Giants should be #1 they earned it like it of not.[/QUOTE]Why? Because you have the best offense? The best quarterback?The best defense? You added key free agents who will only make you better next year?
Yes, the giants won the super bowl this past season, congrats, but that doesn't mean a thing for the upcoming season.