The Top NFL Free Agents on the Scrap Heap and Where They Might Go, Pt. 5

In the series finale of my five-part analysis on the top remaining NFL free agents, we dive into the unglorified Special Teams unit. Although these players are primarily backups, or soccer players wearing big boy pads, they are critical to the success of teams. 

A broken-down special teams play can lead to an extra touchdown scored on you. The miss of a field goal can cripple your OT chances. A botched punt often puts the other team in great position to score. A bad snap can lead to an easy TD for the opposition. Any number of game-changing things can and do happen with Special Teams play.

Guys like Devin Hester are the reason you have to be weary with who you have on Special Teams. Here is a look at the top K’s, P’s and LS’s still on the market.

 

Kickers

 

Matt Stover

One of the most underrated kickers ever to play the game. He has a career field goal average of 83.1 percent and he posted his career best 93.3 percent average just three years ago. Age does not quite factor in as much as a position like RB so at 41 years young he can give a team a few more quality years.

Plausible Destination: Denver Broncos

Denver K Matt Prater posted the second worst field goal percentage (74) among prominent kickers. Throwing a proven veteran into the mix could either push Prater to do better, or give the Broncos a more stable presence at K.

 

John Carney

The long-time NFL Veteran posted the fifth best field goal percentage in the league last year and still has a top leg to offer teams.

Plausible Destination: Washington Redskins

The Redskins need someone to push the worst kicker in the league last season Shaun Suisham, who posted a 72 percent mark in made FGs. 

 

Punter

 

Mitch Berger

He is an established veteran who has enjoyed a successful career. He won his first and only title just last year with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his prime, he was known for his booming kickoffs that would consistently sail out of the endzone. 

In Superbowl XLIII he had three punts for an average of 43 yards, including a critical punt that pinned the Cardinals inside their 15. He still has some quality years left in his leg. 

Plausible Destination: Cincinnati Bengals

With rookie Kevin Huber the only P on the roster the Bengals should at least be bringing a veteran to camp to compete with him. Berger would be an upgrade and allow the Bengals to develop Huber more.

 

Dirk Johnson

A serviceable veteran who should find his way into an NFL training camp to compete for a job. In 2008 he had a net average of 35.2 yards per punt for the NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals. 

Plausible Destination: TBD

I have no clue honestly, and as training camp looms on I suppose teams whose P’s sustain an injury will give him a call.

 

Long Snappers

 

Tyler Schmitt

Having never snapped the ball in 2008, the Seahawks released Schmitt after they signed Bryan Pittman. At 23 he can still offer teams a stable future at the LS position if his back does not prove to be too much an issue. His youth and potential are what make him the most attractive LS available on the market. 

Plausible Destination: Kansas City Chiefs 

After letting LS JP Darche go, the Chiefs ahve a void to fill. Schmitt offers them a potential “franchise LS” who can man the position for years to come. If he can come in and compete with rookie free agent Tanner Purdum—two heads are better then one—they have nothing to lose.

 

JP Darche

Another LS with Seahawks-ties makes the list. He has been a reliable snapper for many years and at 34 has some years left in the tank. He was let go after the Kansas City Chiefs signed rookie free agent Tanner Purdum out of the 2009 NFL Draft Class. 

Plausible Destination: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers let go of Jason Kyle during the offseason and have not filled the void. Grabbing Darche gives them a solid fixture at LS for the next three to four seasons. 

 

That concludes my 2009 NFL Free Agency analysis. If you have not read the successful series already, begin with some more interesting subject matter with my first part to the series:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/189830-top-nfl-free-agents-on-the-scrap-heap-and-where-they-could-go-part-one

I will be continuing my analysis on some of the top NFL players that can become free agents in 2010. The second part of that series will be out shortly. If it interests you, check out the beginning of the series in progress.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/202295-looking-ahead-the-potential-nfl-free-agent-class-of-2010

 

 

 

Looking Ahead: The Potential NFL Free-Agent Class of 2010, Part One

I have recently been evaluating the top free agent talent to be had in latter stages of the signing period.

With training camp looming, there are sure to be a flurry of signings to fill rosters and replace sustained injuries. 

With roster turnover affecting 33 percent of the average NFL roster, wading into free agency cautiously is vital. A few mishaps, and a team can turn its salary cap into a three-headed monster that makes life unpleasant. 

Just ask the Jacksonville Jaguars. In 2007, they won a gritty playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Two six year, $30 million dollar deals with wide receiver Jerry Porter and cornerback Drayton Florence later, a 5-11 2008 record ensued. Both players, who were expected to be major contributors, flopped and were cut this offseason. 

Other teams strike gold, like when the Atlanta Falcons landed a franchise running back in Michael Turner, when the Seahawks landed their best wide receiver in 20 years in TJ Houshmandzadeh, or when or the Saints landed top quarterback Drew Brees on the open market a few years ago.

With things simmering down, it is never too early to begin speculating about next year. The day after the draft, ESPN already had a 2010 Mock Draft up, so why not begin to examine the top potential free agents that can hit the market in 2010?

First, lets dive into the top quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers that can be had. My subject material will definitely become more appealing. 

Signability does play a factor, which is the reason why a guy like Philip Rivers will be kindly left out of speculation.

 

Quarterback

 

Chad Pennington

He will be 34 when his contract is up. With young quarterbacks Pat White and Chad Henne waiting in the wings, the Dolphins may choose not to retain the veteran signal-caller beyond this season.

Since Pennington’s game is all about accuracy, he will be in high demand for teams who do not need a quarterback to heave the deep ball on every drive.

If the Vikings/Favre saga falls through, look for Minnesota to make a play for him in the 2010 offseason.

 

Kyle Orton

Next season is a tryout for Orton to see if he can be a franchise quarterback with all of the weapons that surround him in Denver. He was a great game manager for Chicago, but he never had a Brandon Marshall or an Eddie Royal to throw to.

Orton has a career 21-12 record, which is actually better then that Jay Cutler guy (17-20).

If Orton fails to perform, the Broncos will probably select a quarterback in the earlier rounds of next years draft. If he can throw for 3,500 yards and 25 TD’s, then Jay Cutler becomes a headache worth getting rid of. 

If he hits the market, teams that could be looking for a quarterback next season are San Francisco, St Louis, Washington, Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Seattle.

 

Jason Campbell

Perhaps the best quarterback that could be had next offseason.

Campbell has taken some heat from the Redskins’ front office, in addition to the team attempting to trade for Jay Cutler and then trying to move up to get Mark Sanchez in the draft.

Campbell is obviously not Washington’s first choice at quarterback, and I would not be surprised to see them cut him loose.

Despite all the negativity, he has put up decent numbers in his short career, tossing for 7,242 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions with an 80.4 quarterback rating. If we were to expand his stats out for three full 16-game seasons, he would have 9,532 yards, 50 TD’s. and 32 INT’s.

Not bad for the first three seasons, either way you look at it.

With a quarterback-loaded 2010 class, look for Campbell to hit the market and garner some serious interest.

A team like the Seahawks could take a serious look at him as the heir to Hasselbeck, depending on what they do in the draft with guys like Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow on the board. With Seattle stacked at the wide receiver position, Campbell would finally be able to break away from mediocrity.

A team like Jacksonville also would be a perfect fit with their run-first mentality, depending on what they do with the high-priced David Garrard.

 

Tarvaris Jackson

If Sage Rosenfels beats him out for the starting job, the Vikings may cut ties with the bi-polar Jackson. He seems to either play like a Pro Bowler or play terribly.

He has been a disappointment to the majority of Vikings fans, and he had a dreadful playoff showing against the Eagles this season.

A team like the 49ers could make a play for the unproven quarterback, depending on how Shaun Hill does as starter. 

If for some reason the Giants and Chargers cannot resign Eli Manning and Philip Rivers (the apocalypse would have to strike), they would easily garner the largest contracts in NFL history if they were to hit the free-agent market. 

 

Running Back

 

Ronnie Brown

He has not proved he is a true franchise-type running back, but he has posted a solid 4.4 yards per carry average in his first four seasons.

At 27, Brown should be entering his prime and is poised for some career years running the ball. He has had to split the load even since his college days, and if given the bulk of the carries, he could become the next Michael Turner. 

I predict San Diego could make a run at him, because the Chargers learned from their mistake of letting Turner go by putting the franchise tag on Darren Sproles.

With LaDainian Tomlinson getting up there in age, if Brown were to hit the market, they may view him as more of a feature back than the dynamic Sproles. A move like this would lead to the phasing out of Tomlinson

 

Leon Washington

With both Jets running backs demanding $5-6 million annual salaries, it is unlikely they will keep both running backs beyond 2010.

And with Thomas Jones leading the AFC in rushing, Washington will have to turn it up a notch to warrant his desired salary. 

If he were to hit the open market, he would be a highly sought-after player. He would likely get his desired salary even if he did not have a breakout season, and he would be able to land the bulk of the carries for another team. 

Look for a team like Cleveland to go after him if current running Jamal Lewis fails to up that 3.4 yards per carry average from last season. 

 

Darren Sproles

I love this guy. He is one of my favorite running backs because he can do everything for a team.

Even though he is small, he has some power and will bull right through you. 

My only knock on him is that his size is not capable of lasting through 16 games of constant pounding as a team’s feature back. But he would be an excellent change of pace back for a team using a power runner. 

He would mesh perfectly with a team like St Louis, the New York Giants, or Cincinnati. Putting Steven Jackson and Darren Sproles in the same backfield would be a matchup nightmare for any defense.

 

Chester Taylor

Poor Chester.

He had no idea when he signed with the Vikings that Adrian Peterson would soon become one of the NFL’s best players.

Even as a change of pace back the last two seasons with Minnesota, Taylor has averaged 4.8 yards per carry and 6 touchdowns per season. 

His path could lead one of two ways.

He could stay as a role player in one of the best rushing attacks in the league.

Or, he could test the market in search of one last big payday, and perhaps his last chance to be someones feature back.

He averages only 133 carries per season in his career, so even at the age of 29, he has plenty of production left in his legs.

If Laurence Maroney fails to stay healthy for New England, the Patriots could be in the market for a running back. Taylor could give them the steady presence they have lacked in the backfield (Brady to Moss makes up for that) for the last several seasons. 

 

Lendale White 

This guy is a touchdown machine, and he could be the next Brandon Jacobs if given a feature role.

Much like Ronnie Brown, White has had to split the carries and the glory since he and Reggie Bush were embarrassing opponents in college.

I think he is more suited for a complement role, but if someone is willing to take a shot on, him he would seek an expanded role. 

A team like Cleveland makes sense depending on whether or not Mangini wants a power running back. New Orleans also seems logical, with Reggie Bush and his dynamic speed a perfect complement. 

 

Wide Receiver

 

Brandon Marshall

Because of recent contract disputes and a 2010 exit ability, Marshall would be the top wide receiver in a market that could stocked with several No. 1 options.

He is due for a huge pay raise and will command top dollar on the open market.

He has not even hit his prime yet, and at 26, he has his best years in front of him. This is the kind of guy a team would cut someone it likes to be able to grab. 

This would be the chance for the Eagles to finally give McNabb his No. 1 option they have lacked since Terrell Owens was with the team. If even half the guys eligible hit the open market, the Eagles would have absolutely no excuse to not be able to obtain one. 

If the Eagles landed Marshall, they would become the NFC favorites, and McNabb would be one happy quarterback.

 

Braylon Edwards

Another game-changer could hit the market in a star-studded wide receiver class of 2010.

If Edwards could wipe the butter off of those hands, the Browns would not even risk losing him. He had one breakout season when he hauled in 80 catches for 1,289 yards and 16 TD’s in 2007.

Edwards has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason, mainly involving the Giants, so I would not be surprised to see him hit the open market.

Would any other teams besides the New York Giants be able to grab Edwards? If they were willing to maybe deal high draft picks to obtain him, why would the Giants hesitate if he hit the open market?

 

Greg Jennings

Jennings has emerged as a top wide receiver in the last two seasons, averaging 1,106 yards and 11 TD’s over the last two years.

I honestly do not see him hitting the open market, but with Green Bay’s conservative stance on free agency, they may let him walk if the situation got too pricey.

A team like Miami would be a perfect destination for Jennings to thrive as the hands down No. 1 option

 

Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers

It is unlikely the Chargers will keep both of their top wide receivers, both of their top running backs, and Rivers.

Something’s gotta give.

If they are able to retain 60 percent of those players, that should be considered a success. That likely means a wide receiver and running back will be packing their bags. 

Jackson is a terrific slot wide receiver who finally had a breakout year in 2008, compiling 58 catches for 1,098 yards and emerging as the No. 1 wideout for the Chargers.

His age (26) likely means if it were to come down to choosing one or the other, Chambers (30) would get the ax. 

Chambers is still a great No. 2 option, and he would generate serious attention on the open market. He could be a No. 1 wide receiver on a starved team like the St Louis Rams.

 

Roddy White

Absolutely no way the Falcons get rid of Matt Ryan’s best option.

 

Antonio Bryant

With $50-60 in cap space, I see absolutely no way he does not sign a long-term deal to be the Buccaneers No. 1 wide receiver for years to come.

 

In my next article, I will be looking ahead to the top available tight ends and offensive linemen who can hit the open market in 2010. 

If you have not already, check out the top free agents who are still on the market this offseason. 

The Top NFL Free Agents on the Scrap Heap and Where They Might Go: Pt. 4

In my last edition to my five part series we went through the top available Free Agents at the DT, DE, and OLB positions. 

Now we move to the MLB, and secondary positions as we wrap up the position players before glancing at the Special Teams performers. 

If you have not already check out the first three parts to the series, the links will be posted at the end of the article. 

The talent shrinks somewhat but their are still some hidden parts that could be the missing piece for a contender.

 

Middle Linebacker

 

Derek Smith 

He is a veteran who has held a significant starting role for 11 years of his productive 13 year NFL career. His moat successful stint came in seven seasons with the San Francisco 49ers where he averaged 101 tackles per season.

He was recently let go by the Miami Dolphins after he only suited up for one game. His size (240) does not mold well with Parcells’ preference for a larger defense. He has produced well in the past and at the age of 34 still has a little gas to offer a team as a backup LB/spot starter. 

Plausible Destination: New England Patriots

Why not? He is exactly the type of seasoned veteran whose best years are behind him that fits in perfectly to what they do. Having added guys like WR Joey Galloway and RB Fred Taylor, don’t throw them out, especially after losing veteran LB Mike Vrabel. 

Throwing him in a rotation along with Tedy Bruschi and Jerod Mayo would give the Patriots nice depth in the middle of the LB unit. 

 

Teddy Lehman

The former Detroit Lion has yet to find his niche so far in the NFL. In his one season as a starter he did post 102 tackles, so he has proven he can produce when given the opportunity.

Since the 2004 season he has been a productive Special Teams player. At the age of 27 he still has a long potential career ahead of him, one chance is all he needs to prove he can be someones starting LB.

Plausible Destination: Baltimore Ravens

With  Bart Scott and Nick Griesen departed the Ravens can use some depth behind All Pro LB Ray Lewis. Taking a flyer on Lehman poses no financial risk and gives them someone who can capably fill in for any injuries that may occur. With a worn down Lewis manning the starting spot it can’t hurt to have some additional insurance.

 

Nate Webster

He is probably the best option if a team is looking to add a potential starter to their roster. As a starter for the Denver Broncos the past two seasons he has averaged 82 tackles in 13 games per season.

He was a victim of a necessary breath of fresh air to a dreadful Denver defense that finished near rock bottom in every statistical category. A change in scenery and a better supporting cast should increase his production. 

Plausible Destination: St Louis Rams

After letting go of leading tackler Piso Tinoisamoa it is unfair to believe that rookie LB James Laurinitis can hold down the LB unit. This would be a good under the radar, low risk-high reward move that would improve a transitioning St Louis Rams team.

Webster still has some productive years ahead of him (31) and would step right into a starting spot. This would be one of his best places to go if he is looking for a starting job. 

 

Cornerback

 

Chris McAlister 

A steady three time Pro Bowl veteran who is a product of a tremendous Ravens defense. He was a key contributor to one of the greatest defenses in NFL history in 2000 as the Ravens won the Superbowl.

Over the past two seasons he has only started 13 games and was let go largely because of his inability to stay on the field. If he can stay healthy he could be someones No. 2 CB or could even convert to play a little FS.

Plausible Destination: Seattle Seahawks

They need a replacement for current FS Brian Russell and McAlister would fit well in the Tampa 2 Defense playing as a S. He is much faster and more athletic then Russell and would take care of Seattles only need on defense after a tremendously productive offseason.

Adding him to the mix gives Seattle a starting secondary of Marcus Trufant, Ken Lucas, and Deon Grant, hardly a 32nd ranked secondary. 

If they wanted to they could bump one of their other two CB’s, Josh Wilson, or Kelly Jennings’ to S and he could become a great nickel back option. 

 

Mike McKenzie

The 11 year veteran has a lot of tread on the tires but is still a terrific Zone Coverage CB. Going to Green Bay in the third round of the 1999 draft he walked right in and started as a rookie.

More recently he led all New Orleans CB’s in INT’s with 12 total in his five year stint with the team. He was cut after an injury plagued 2008 campaign in favor of younger CB’s such as first round pick Malcolm Jenkins.

Plausible Destination: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

An abundance of cap room and a need of some veteran savvy on defense has them fitting the bill perfectly. Adding McKenzie would give them a great option against the slot and he fits the Tampa 2 well.

After purging guys like Derrick Brooks, Cato June, Phillip Buchanon, among others the Buccaneers need to add to their defense if they want to be in the postseason conversation.

 

Fakhir Brown

I was torn between him and Brian Kelly but Brown ia younger and has more to offer the signing team. When given a starting role Brown has proven he can produce. In his four seasons as a starter he has averaged 51 tackles and 3 INT’s, not flashy, but solid No. 3 corner esque stats. He could be a weak No. 2 or solid No. 3 option at CB for somebody

Plausible Destination: Arizona Cardinals

As a division rival I have kept close tabs on their offseason activity. They let go of No. 2 CB Rod Hood and No. 3 CB Eric Green, filling only one void with import Bryant McFadden.

This defense got blown out multiple times in the offseason and after the type of season they had they should be doing more adding then subtracting. Bringing in Brown would give them a solid presence at the Nickel spot and would stabilize a then solid secondary. 

 

Safety

 

Mike Brown

Entering his 11th NFL season Brown put up solid stats in 2008 for the Chicago Bears compiling 73 tackles, eight pass deflections, and two INT’s. He is only 31 and could be a starter for some NFL teams if he can manage to stay healthy. 

Plausible Destination: Houston Texans

Houston is a young talented team that is ready to break through for a franchises first playoff appearance. Their weakest link on defense is S and Brown would be an upgrade over slated starter Nick Ferguson. He is a younger, superior player. Pairing him with Patriots import Eugene Wilson would give the Texans a solid duo at the S position.

 

Will Allen

Allen has enjoyed a productive NFL career starting since his rookie year averaging 58 tackles, 14 Pass Deflections, and 2 INT’s per season. He will likely be signed by training camp and can play the Nickel position for virtually any NFL team. He could fight his way to a No. 2 spot with a superb camp effort. 

Plausible Destination: New York Jets

After trading away Abram Elam in the blockbuster trade for Franchise QB Mark Sanchez bringing in someone to push Eric Smith would not be a bad idea. He has been more productive in his career and could walk in and take the job from Smith, giving star S Kerry Rhodes a proven counterpart.

 

Lawyer Milloy

He was a part of the resurgent Atlanta Falcons that improved by seven wins in one season and advanced to the playoffs with an 11-5 record. He was badly exposed by Larry Fitzgerald in the Wild Card Game, but that cannot completely diminish his solid stat line in the latter stages of his career.

In his three year tenure with the Falcons he averaged 94 tackles, one INT and five pass deflections while assuming a much needed leadership role in a young Atlanta secondary. Even at 35 I still believe he can start for some teams in the NFL.

He has expressed his desire to play for the Seattle Seahawks but they appear to be content with going forward with Brian Russell.

Plausible Destination: San Diego Chargers

The Chargers need some help in the secondary after finishing 31st in pass defense and Milloy would at least give them some solid veteran depth. Clinton Hart is not the answer and even on the downside of his career Milloy is putting up better numbers then he is. He would certainly push Hart for a starting job and could help stabilize the leaky unit.

 

In my next series I will examine the top three Kickers, Punters, and Special Teams performers available on the market.

Here are the links to the first three parts of my Free Agency series for additional insight. 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/189830-top-nfl-free-agents-on-the-scrap-heap-and-where-they-could-go-part-one

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/191348-top-nfl-free-agents-on-the-scrap-heap-and-where-they-might-go-part-two

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/194690-the-top-nfl-free-agents-on-the-scrap-heap-and-where-they-might-go-pt-3

Three Seattle Seahawks with Pro Bowl Aspirations: Defense

The saying goes in the NFL is defense wins championships, this is not an absolute formula, but it has become convincing. Just ask Pittsburgh Steelers fans, they averaged being the No. 2 ranked defense in their recent pair of Superbowl titles. In contrast the New England Patriots could not pull off a perfect season with their record setting offense in 2007. 

Bottom line, the better your defense, the more you shut down the opposition, and the more chances your offense has to score.

With the arrival of Jim Mora the Seahawks will become a defensive minded team. With all of the weapons on offense, concentrating on defense will ultimately balance this team out.

After some dismal finishes from the defense in 2008 (32nd in passing yards, 30th in yards, 25th in points allowed), a scheme change and peppered in off-season acquisitions to the unit look to contribute to a playoff turnaround in 2009. Here are three Seahawks on defense who are poised for a breakout season.

 

Cory Redding: Defensive End

He is not a Julian Peterson esque talent, but has flashed brilliance in the past. In 2006 he racked up eight sacks playing on the interior for the Detroit Lions.

Now he is playing with a better supporting cast surrounded by the likes of All Pro DE Patrick Kerney, and fellow newcomer 335 lb. run stuffer Colin Cole. With the quality, and depth across the Seahawk’s D he is poised for a breakout season.

Redding will benefit from having Colin Cole by his side as he will command consistent double teams, taking potential blockers off of Redding.

If Kerney can even be 75 percent of his 2007 form teams will have to focus additional blockers on him. Both players will virtually guarantee man to man blocking situations that will favor Redding. 

On third down he will be moved to shade the guard, this will give him opportunities to blow by the slower interior OL on passing downs. 

If he performs, he gets rewarded with new, sizable contract, if he flops the Seahawks cut their loss and resume with Lawrence Jackson. 

Expect 52 tackles and nine sacks from Redding as he shifts to being more aggressive in Seattle’s Tampa 2 defense. IF teams begin doubling Cole and Kerney early and often, his production will skyrocket, and he will shine.

 

Leroy Hill: Linebacker

Always having played in the shadow of former Seahawks Pro Bowler Julian Peterson. Hill will now become the yang to All Pro MLB Lofa Tatupu. He is slated to take over Petersons’ old pass rushing duties, where he tallied 7.5 sacks as a rookie in the same role.

Unlike Redding, Hill has been a consistent proven commodity who racked up 84 tackles in only 12 starts last season. Now he has inherited a goldmine of to-be-had production and will play a much larger role in a revamped defense.

With a fresh six year, $38 million dollar contract and the hype of being part of the leagues best LB unit, the expectations are high for Hill and the Seahawks LB crew. Their play will be a huge factor in how a turn-around from a 4-12 season will turn out.

If they fail to perform this defense will crumble, if they play like the leagues most vaunted unit, this defense will flourish and chance of sixth playoff trip in seven seasons will become greatly enhanced. 

Expect 102 tackles and 10 sacks as Hill flourishes in his pass rushing role and makes a well deserved first trip to Hawaii along with All Pro Lofa Tatupu.

 

Deon Grant: Strong Safety

His production rose from his first year with Seattle by two tackles (79) whilst playing the majority of 2008 with a torn hamstring. When healthy there is no reason why he cannot perform at a Pro Bowl level and with the welcome addition of veteran Ken Lucas the secondary should be more stabilized.

If the rest of the defense backfield can do their jobs it will open up Grant to deliver devastating hits, force turnovers, and become a ball-hawk. He is poised to have a career year if he can avoid those nagging injuries.

Expect 87 tackles and five-seven INT’s from Grant as the Seahawks secondary returns to 2007 form when the almost identical unit when healthy gave up the leagues fewest passing TD’s (15).

Three Seahawks with Pro Bowl Aspirations: Offense

Last season only two Seahawks made the Pro Bowl with future HOF T Walter Jones and perennial Pro Bowl LB Julian Peterson getting nods.

Seattle generally produces more Pro Bowl products than their anemic output, but that is what a 4-12 season will do to you. With a healthy roster upgraded by the signing of players like WR TJ Houshmandzadeh and CB Ken Lucas, the Seahawks are poised to cure their injury bug and take form of one of the NFC’s elite teams once again. 

Not always, but being chosen to the Pro Bowl generally recognizes a great season by a player. Sometimes a guy with consistent Pro Bowl pedigree, like Walter Jones, will get the nod over someone who may have performed better, but lacks the accolades. 

Here are three Seahawks on offense who are poised for Pro Bowl campaigns in 2009. 

 

TJ Houshmandzadeh—Wide Receiver 

The Seahawks prize Free Agent acquisition is the team’s shiny new offensive weapon who gives Pro Bowl QB Matt Hasselbeck the best target he has ever had.

In Cincinnati, while Chad Johnson was burning players downfield, Houshmandzadeh was doing the work inside the hash marks. Over the last three seasons, TJ has caught more passes then anyone, averaging 94 catches, 1,013 yards, and eight TDs in that span.

He deserved his big payday and the chance to be a true No. 1 WR for someone. He fits the West Coast offense perfectly and runs precise routes, which is vital with the short dink and dunk passes featured in the West Coast Offense.

While teams are busy doubling him, the Seahawks can go over the top with burner Deon Butler who gives them a dynamic speed option to spread the field. 

With teams worrying about covering Houhmandzadeh over the middle, TE John Carlson will benefit from some more open space. 

If TJ put up 92 catches and 904 yards catching balls from a backup QB, this number will climb, being the main weapon in an offense with a Pro Bowl QB throwing to him.

As a No. 1 WR expect his numbers to climb into the 1,200 yard range with roughly a 11-12 yard average per catch, while hauling in 10-12 TDs.

If Hasselbeck can stay healthy, I would not be surprised to see Houshmandzadeh make his second Pro Bowl in three seasons. His effectiveness will play a vital role in the Seahawk’s journey to a sixth playoff birth in seven seasons.

 

Matt Hasselbeck—Quarterback

His ranking on this list largely depends on whether we get the career best 2007 QB, or the bipolar career worst 2008 season he sputtered through.

If he can stay on his feet and not be bothered by any sort of disks, he should return to Pro Bowl form while passing to the best WR he has ever worked with.

In a run first scheme, it is unlikely he will repeat the 3,966 yard, 28 TDs, and 12 INT season from 2007, when the Seahawks dropped bombs on people the second half of the season. 

He has a deep pool of WRs that include No. 2 and No. 3 WRs Deion Branch and Nate Burleson. Along with Carlson, Houshmandzadeh, and Butler they are going to give opposing defenses headaches. 

A healthy Hasselbeck leads this team to the playoffs.

If he remains on the sidelines for any significant amount of time, a Seahawks turnaround becomes more unlikely.

Expect a 23-24 TD season from Hasselbeck for about 3,400 yards along with about 10-11 INTs.

A fourth Pro Bowl nod will be his if he can return to his former elite self.

 

Julius Jones—Running Back

The sleeper pick that everyone seems to doubt.

I know he has not been the most spectacular back ever, but he did average 4.4 YPC last season in a limited role after coming over from Dallas in Free Agent.

Now that he is the feature back and has a Zone Blocking Scheme that suits his one cut style, he is poised for a breakout campaign. Seattle’s new Offensive Coordinator Greg Knapp is a rushing guru who has never finished lower than 10th in the league in rushing, and Jones will only benefit from his run first mentality. 

I say don’t count something out that has not been fully test driven.

He showed he can produce for Seattle with his 4.4 YPC season last year, and now has a chance to increase his production being the main RB.

Complementing Jones with big bruiser TJ Duckett, who thrives in Knapps’ schemes, could give Seattle an effective under the radar rushing attack.

If the Seahawks can establish a productive running game, they will be able to shred the opposition with their great passing attack

As the No. 1 back for the Seahawks expect a 1,300 yard season and nine TDs from the doubted Jones.

Expect 10-12 TDs for short yardage back TJ Duckett who will see his role expanded under Knapp.

Thanks for checking out my article.

In the next article I will examine three Seahawks of defense who are poised for a trip to Hawaii.

If you have not already, check out my Free Agency series that chronicles the best remaining talent on the open market and where they might head.

Start the three part series here:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/189830-top-nfl-free-agents-on-the-scrap-heap-and-where-they-could-go-part-one

 

 

 

Brett Favre Has Surgery, Purple and Gold Approaches

Free agent QB legend Brett Favre has had surgery to repair a torn biceps tendon in his throwing arm. So far this offseason the news has gone back and forth but he finally decided to have the procedure done. Favre would likely not have committed to doing the surgery if he did not have some serious intentions about playing QB next season.

The Top NFL Free Agents on the Scrap Heap and Where They Might Go: Pt. Three

If you have trudged on long enough you have now come to the third part of my Free Agency series.

The last article on TE’s and OL was not the greatest subject matter on the planet; luckily the crop gets fresher.

In this article, we begin to move to the defensive side as we take a look at the top three DTs, DEs, and OLBs available on the scrap heap. 

If you have not yet already, check out the first two parts to this series for more free agent insight: 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/189830-top-nfl-free-agents-on-the-scrap-heap-and-where-they-could-go-part-one

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/191348-top-nfl-free-agents-on-the-scrap-heap-and-where-they-might-go-part-two

 

Defensive Tackle

Dewayne Robertson

He was once a highly touted prospect who came out after his junior season and got selected at No. 4 overall by the New York Jets.

He came in with high expectations his first year and got a mediocre 43 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He averaged 51 tackles per season in his Jets’ tenure, but failed to generate much pass rush never eclipsing four sacks in a season.

He was traded in April, 2008 to the Denver Broncos for a conditional 2009 pick that turned out to be a fourth rounder. After the Denver stint did not turn out positive, the team cut him loose and he is currently playing football for the AF2 Oklahoma Yard Dogs Franchise. 

As it stands with what’s available on the scrap heap, Robertson has the most potential to be able to land a starters job on an NFL team. 

Now that the high expectations have been failed and are in the past, he can attempt a redemption run. He could be someone’s missing rotational guy that could push their pass-rush over the edge. He could be the guy who comes in to mesh with a run stuffing DT like Jaguars’ Pro Bowler, John Henderson.

He has shown enough to warrant someone taking a flyer on him by averaging decent 51 tackles per season as a starter. 

Plausible Destination: Houston Texans

The Texans are a great young talented team that is poised for a playoff berth this season. They upgraded at DE by adding big ticket FA Antonio Smith with a five year, $35 million dollar contract.

Not retaining Jeff Zgonina or Anthony Weaver was not devastating, but creates some depth concern. 

Adding Robertson would give them a good rotational guy who could edge projected No. 2 DT Shaun Cody. Pairing him alongside Amobi Akoye and Cody would give the Texans an interior on defense with a good blend of size, speed, and athleticism.

With Antonio Smith on the outside, the Texans have a good thing going with the front four. 

 

John Thornton

He has been a reliable starter for many years, including the last six years with the Cincinnati Bengals. With all of the roster turnover teams experience, you have to be decent to nail down the same starting job for six years. 

His play has dropped off as of late; the dismal Bengals’ defense he was playing in likely had a role.

With a better supporting cast, Thornton could be an effective starter again. 

Plausible Destination: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons drafted Peria Jerry in the first round and already possess a young talented DT in Jonathan Babinueax. Subtracting reliable veteran DT Grady Jackson leaves the need for a veteran presence in the interior, and Thornton fits the bill.

Adding Thornton would give them a veteran starter to plug in if Jerry struggles during his rookie season. 

At worst, Jerry thrives and Thornton becomes an excellent rotational tackle. 

With all of the veteran subtractions on defense this offseason for the Falcons, adding some proven depth would not hurt.

 

Darwin Walker

Plain and simple, he has been a mediocre player his entire career.

In the six seasons he has held a significant starting role, averaging 4.6 sacks and 31 tackles per season.

After he left Philadelphia, he hit rock bottom in terms of production. His average production in the past means he will probably find his way onto an NFL roster by the time training camp rolls around. 

Plausible Destination: Minnesota Vikings

With the Williams brothers facing four game suspensions, the Minnesota Vikings are likely going to turn to the FA market for some short term depth.

They could go after any of the aforementioned players, but Darwin could fill their short term need. His ability to create pressure in the pocket will lead plays to their All Pro DE Jared Allen. When the Williams brothers return, he could be an effective rotational tackle along with DT Jimmy Kennedy.

 

Defensive Ends

Vonnie Holliday

I’m surprised no one has picked up this guy. He has been a quality DT and effective starter for many seasons. Holliday has averaged seven sacks in the nine seasons he has held a starting job.

He was a highly sought after FA coming from Green Bay, averaging eight sacks per season and ended up signing with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was recently a contributor to the Dolphins 2008 turnaround, stepping up his play, tallying 46 tackles, and 3.5 sacks.

He was cut after failed contract negotiations. 

Someone is going to sign him and he could land a starting job on several teams. He is getting up there in age, (33) but still has enough in the tank to be a solid starter.

Plausible Destination: Seattle Seahawks

With the seven million dollars in cap room the Seahawks have not been counting the rookie pool, I would love to see them go after a guy like Holliday.

Adding him would give the DL tremendous depth and would shadow what the New York Giants are doing with making their DL rotation so deep.

Holliday would give the Seahawks additional insurance in case Pro Bowl DE Patrick Kerney’s shoulder begins to ail him again.

They would not have to resort to putting in rookie DE Lawrence Jackson or the bipolar Darryl Tapp.

 

Josh Thomas

In a limited backup capacity, Thomas managed to scrap together a 26 tackle average the last three seasons for the Colts.

Given an expanded role he could be gold in a rotational role for someone. He’s only 27, so he has plenty of potential upside and could blossom into a quality starter if given the right opportunity.

Plausible Destination: Denver Broncos

They need all the help they can get on the front seven—it is a mess.

He has enough size to be a 3-4 DE (280 lbs.) and could step in and be a starter for the Broncos.

He would go along side the projected starter NT Ronald Fields. A starting three of Thomas, Fields, and Dumervil is not spectacular, but should help raise their near dead last rankings in every statistical defensive category.

 

Kalimba Edwards

Recently a cap causality of the Oakland Raiders, Edwards is a serviceable starter who is a proven commodity. Just last season he racked up 48 tackles and five sacks in only ten starts.

He is only 29 years old and still has some quality years ahead of him before the tires take on too much tread.

Plausible Destination: Washington Redskins

After cutting veteran DE Jason Taylor, their options to fill his void are 13 and 12 year veterans Phillip Daniels and Renaldo Wynn.

At the very least, Edwards gives them some depth and the potential upside to upend one of these over the hill veterans. After adding the $100 million dollar man Albert Haynesworth, surrounding him with some more pieces would help stabilize the front line. 

 

Outside Linebackers

Derrick Brook

The future Hall of Famer has gotten up there in age, (35), but still has around three years that someone can squeeze out of him.

His veteran savvy, poise, leadership, and knowledge of the game are great qualities to bring to a team. He could walk on and start for almost any team in the NFL. His age puts some red flags up in a league where youth is premium.

Brooks is most likely going to be signed when a starting LB from a team is injured. 

Plausible Destination: New England Patriots

The Patriots have not found a replacement for veteran LB Mike Vrabel whom they traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. Brooks would fit the bill of Belichick preference of employing veteran players nicely.

He would be able to tutor Defensive Rookie of the Year, Jerod Mayo and would go along nicely with veteran LB Tedy Bruschi.

Nabbing him would fill the only need on the New England roster; that team is looking great.

 

Freddy Keiaho

He is the best free agent Linebacker left on the market in terms of playing ability and upside.

In his first two seasons as a starter, he has averaged 93 tackles and has nowhere to go but up. He would be a starter for the majority of NFL teams, and I am surprised he has not been picked up yet. 

Plausible Destination: Denver Broncos

They have nowhere to go but up on defense, and grabbing Keiaho would give them a quality starter and additional flexibility to shift things around on the front seven.

He would represent an upgrade over current starter Boss Bailey and would round out the LB unit nicely.

 

Morlon Greenwood

He is a proven starter who saw his production drop as his role was diminished with the Houston Texans. Before they began phasing him out of a starting role, he posted four consecutive 100+ tackle seasons.

He is only 30 and still has plenty of gas left in the tank. He will be in the battle for a starting role for whichever team picks him up.

Plausible Destination: Philadelphia Eagles

They don’t have the most overwhelming group of LBs, and putting Greenwood alongside Stewart Bradley would make this group formidable. Upgrading a defensive unit that was part of an NFC Championship team would only be for the better.

The Eagles two weakest links are the LB unit and their failure to provide Pro Bowl QB Donovan McNabb a true No. 1 WR. 

In the series finale, I will examine the top remaining MLBs, CBs, and Ss that can be had on the scrap heap.

Michael Vick to the Seahawks?

Because I am fed up with Lars’ antics and his child’s play I decided to re-post my Michael Vick article. If you read his comments in regards to the things I “wrote” you will find those things strangely missing; this story has also been published by many external sources so the original contents of the article were untouched by my editing.

Please feel free to contrast his outrageous accusations to what is actually true and real:

A recent report came out from ESPN’s John Clayton that has the Seattle Seahawks as the second most-likely destination for dog-hating QB Michael Vick.

Curiously, three of four NFC West teams make the list, with St. Louis the No. 1 destination and San Francisco at No. 3.

I am not one to say never, but let’s put this thing in plain perspective.

It will never happen. 

Yes, we know Seahawks’ Jim Mora was the head coach of Atlanta when Michael Vick was weaving his way in and out of defenders like Jell-O.

I’m almost positive that the topic will be brought up more than once in the coming weeks at Seahawks HQ. 

Mora supported Vick during his tenure in Atlanta, and there is little doubt in my mind he will still support his former dynamic QB when he returns to the NFL. 

But if it takes GM Tim Ruskell facing seven injured WRs to bring back substance abusing “menace” WR Koren Robinson. How on earth could anyone fathom him considering a dog murderer? 

Regardless what case Mora potentially brings forth for the possibility of obtaining Vick, it simply will not happen.

Think of the drama someone like WR Terrell “Headache” Owens causes on a daily basis.

Vick will turn Seattle into a media circus, and will cause an uproar among the fan base. Owens’ media impact will look minuscule compared to the type of scrutiny that will bog down Seattle the rest of the year.

Vick is just a welcome mat to all types of coverage the Seahawks would be wise to avoid.

The majority of the fans would be calling for Ruskell’s head, and his contract is up after this year: not the best combination.

He would be wise to simply stick with his fantastic off-season the way it has progressed. 

The irony of this whole thing is that the Seahawks currently employ half of the heralded three time No. 1 rushing monster that was the 2003-2005 Atlanta Falcons. 

The two pieces the Seahawks possess from that productive backfield are RB T.J. Duckett and FB Justin Griffith. 

If the team added Vick (99.9 percent unlikely), they could potentially re-create that quad by adding FA RB Warrick Dunn. That would never happen, but the possibility remains intriguing.

That would be something, maybe they would be older, but putting all those pieces back together could yield something special. 

I don’t despise Vick as a player, in fact, he was one of my favorite players before this whole incident played out.

From a football standpoint, he would make Matt Hasselbeck’s eventual departure very easy to deal with.

He would be without a doubt the top QB available in free agency when he officially hits the market. He would transform the Seahawks offense into a true rushing juggernaut with a deep WR corps to boot. 

He was good enough to warrant a contract that eclipsed any other top QB during his time, 10 years, $130 million, and that was a few years ago. 

The dog issue aside, no doubt almost every team would call just to check his availability.

On the free agency market, he would have most likely garnered the top contract in football history. He would have made Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth’s recent $100 million deal look like a rip off. 

The Seahawks are sure to be a prominent figure in Vick rumors until he is finally picked up. Regardless of what the lucky fan base thinks about him, he is a talent and does bring a lot to the table. 

Putting the dog issue away for a second, Michael Vick has served his punishment, and should get his chance to redeem his horrible mistake. 

Anyone who does not believe that, well, just remember this: Everyone deserves a second chance, and everyone has gotten a second chance at least once in their lives.

Nowhere in this article do I even suggest in absolute that the Seahawks should sign Michael Vick. Lars, please leave me alone, and do not put words on my mouth or take me out of context.

 

Michael Vick to the Seahawks?

A recent report came out from ESPN’s John Clayton that has the Seattle Seahawks as the second most-likely destination for dog-hating QB Michael Vick.

Curiously, three of four NFC West teams make the list, with St Louis the No. 1 destination, and San Francisco at No. 3

I am not one to say never, but let’s put this thing in plain perspective.

It will NEVER happen. 

Yes, we know Seahawks’ Jim Mora was the head coach of Atlanta when Michael Vick was weaving his way in and out of defenders like Jell-O.

I’m almost positive that the topic will be brought up more than once in the coming weeks at Seahawks HQ. 

Mora supported Vick during his tenure in Atlanta, and there is little doubt in my mind he will still support his former dynamic QB when he returns to the NFL. 

But if it takes GM Tim Ruskell facing seven injured WR’s to bring back substance abusing “menace” WR Koren Robinson. How on earth could anyone fathom him considering a dog murderer? 

Regardless what case Mora potentially brings forth for the possibility of obtaining Vick, it simply will not happen.

Think of the drama someone like WR Terrell “Headache” Owens causes on a daily basis.

Vick will turn Seattle into a media circus, and will cause an uproar among the fan base. Owens’ media impact will look minuscule compared to the type of scrutiny that will bog down Seattle the rest of the year.

Vick is just a welcome mat to all types of coverage the Seahawks would be wise to avoid.

The majority of the fans would be calling for Ruskell’s head, and his contract is up after this year: not the best combination.

He would be wise to simply stick with his fantastic off-season the way it has progressed. 

The irony of this whole thing is that the Seahawks currently employ 1/2 of the heralded three time No. 1 rushing monster that was the 2003-2005 Atlanta Falcons. 

The two pieces the Seahawks possess from that productive backfield are RB TJ Duckett and FB Justin Griffith. 

If the team added Vick (99.9 percent unlikely) they could potentially re-create that quad by adding FA RB Warrick Dunn. That would never happen, but the possibility remains intriguing.

That would be something, maybe they would be older, but putting all those pieces back together could yield something special. 

I don’t despise Vick as a player, in fact, he was one of my favorite players before this whole incident played out.

From a football standpoint, he would make Matt Hasselbeck’s eventual departure very easy to deal with.

He would be without a doubt the top QB available in free agency when he officially hits the market. He would transform the Seahawks offense into a true rushing juggernaut with a deep WR corps to boot. 

He was good enough to warrant a contract that eclipsed any other top QB during his time, 10 years, $130 million, and that was a few years ago. 

The dog issue aside, no doubt almost every team would call just to check his availability.

On the free agency market, he would have most likely garnered the top contract in football history. He would have made Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth’s recent $100 million deal look like a rip off. 

The Seahawks are sure to be a prominent figure in Vick rumors until he is finally picked up. Regardless of what the lucky fan base thinks about him, he is a talent and does bring a lot to the table. 

Putting the dog issue away for a second, Michael Vick has served his punishment, and should get his chance to redeem his horrible mistake. 

Anyone who does not believe that, well, just remember this: Everyone deserves a second chance, and everyone has gotten a second chance at least once in their lives.

The Zone Blocking Scheme

The Seahawks have been anything but spectacular in the blocking spectrum since the 2005 Super Bowl season. They lost G Steve “Poison Pill” Hutchinson to the Minnesota Vikings in the 2005 off-season.

This was followed by the subsequent retirement of Pro Bowl C Robbie Tobeck in 2006. Former starting G Chris Gray has not officially retired, but age and injuries have taken their toll, and retirement seems inevitable.

The Seahawks are making the switch to the Zone Blocking Scheme. The Denver Broncos are considered the gold standard of Zone Blocking.

That offense literally runs anyone (Selvin Young, Peyton Hillis?) behind their OL and produces consistently successful results.

Since 1995, the Broncos have not finished below 12th in the league in rushing.

Last season, the Broncos attained that 12th ranked rushing status while they had seven total RB’s placed on IR.

The Seahawks can relate to that type of injury plague (3 WR, 5 OL on IR in 2008, 7 total WR injuries).

With the absence of a feature RB like the great Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks are wise to be pulling some pages from the Broncos’ book of knowledge.

The Zone Blocking scheme does not require a feature back, but something more of a RB by committee approach.

The Seahawks appear to be doing that with RB Julius Jones, RB TJ Duckett, and RB Justin Forsett. Jones is expected to be the main RB, but Duckett’s role will be expanded with the arrival of his former Atlanta OC.

Duckett enjoyed tremendous success under Knapp. In the three seasons the Falcons led the league in rushing from 2003-2005, Duckett tallied 28 TD’s and had a 4.0 TPC average as a role player.

The new Zone Blocking scheme being implemented by Knapp and OL Coach Mike Solari will be critical to rebuilding the underwhelming Seahawks ground game.

Since the 2006 season, the Seahawks have finished on average a mediocre 17th in the league in rushing. The Zone Blocking scheme replaces the strategy of blocking a certain player or gap all day long.

The idea is to block a certain area on any given play, and utilize double teams to push players back into the second level. The TE’s and T’s work together, the T’s and G’s work together, and the G’s and C’s work together.

As a former OL, I loved this strategy because in laymen’s terms, it allows you to blow people off the ball at the line of scrimmage, and get to the second level extremely fast.

 

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