32 Teams In 32 Days: Philadelphia Eagles

There is no doubt that Philadelphia is one of the most successful franchises in the league. They have had five NFC Championship games in eight years and seven playoff appearances in the past nine years, but they have yet to win the biggest thing a franchise can get, a Super Bowl trophy.

Philadelphia knows how close they are to getting one.

After losing to Arizona in the NFC Championship game, they new exactly what they had to do during the offseason to fill the gaps.

They were very aggresive this offseason, acquiring many players that made quarterback Donovan McNabb very happy.

While failing to acquire a star receiver (Anquan Boldin, Chad Ochocinco, Brandon Marshall) they were still able to acquire many great players. There first three draft picks, Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy and Cornelius Ingrim, should help this offense tremendously.

With receivers DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Kevin Curtis, Reggie Brown and Hank Baskett, McNabb shouldn’t have any problems returning to the Pro Bowl. But, that’s not his goal right now. He wants a Super Bowl ring, and I don’t see any reason why he can’t get one.

Philadelphia’s defense could struggle some this offseason after losing safety Brian Dawkins to free agency and losing Stewart Brandley for the season with a torn ACL. Bradley and Dawkins were Philadelphia’s best defensive players last season.

Offseason Acquisitions:

Added:

Stacy Andrews, OT.

Jason Babin, DE.

Rashad Baker, FS.

Ellis Hobbs, CB.

Sean Jones, S.

Jason Peters, OT.

Leonard Weaver, FB.

Matt Wilhelm, LB.

Lost:

Correll Buckhalter, RB.

Sean Considine, S.

Brian Dawkins, S.

Greg Lewis, WR.

Jon Runyan, OT.

Lito Sheppard, CB.

LJ Smith, TE.

Tra Thomas, OT.

Brian Dawkins will be missed on and off the field. His skill was beyond amazing, but his leadership was even better. Sean Jones will replace him. 

Philadelphia got younger and swapt out tackles Thomas and Runyan for Peters and Andrews. Ellis Hobbs will replace Lito Sheppard and nickle-back.

Philadelphia has also finally found a good fullback in Weaver.

Draft Picks:

1(19). Jeremy Maclin, WR. Draft Grade: A

2(53). LeSean McCoy, RB. Draft Grade: A

5(153). Cornelius Ingrim, TE. Draft Grade: B+

5(157). Victor Harris, CB. Draft Grade: B-

5(159). Fenuki Tupou, OT. Draft Grade: B-

6(194). Brandon Gibson, WR. Draft Grade: B-

7(213). Paul Fanaika, OG. Draft Grade: C+

7(230). Moise Fokou, LB. Draft Grade: B

• After Philadelphia failed to acquire a star receiver, they settled on drafting Maclin in the first round, which was an excellent move. He might not become a star right away, but in a couple years, watch out.
• LeSean McCoy was a first round pick in my opinion. He has everything you want in a running back. He uses his 200 pounds to move the pile, plus he has a lot of speed. He has great hands, which Andy Reid loves. He gives Philadelphia a good one-two punch at running back.
• Cornelius Ingrim was another steal for Philadelphia. He plays like Antonio Gates, but has a hard time blocking. He’s coming off a knee injury, that’s why he fell to the fifth round. But his knee is OK, and could become a star.
• Victor Harris didn’t have a great senior season, but it wasn’t a bad one. A good pick in the fifth round.
• Offensive tackle Tupou is an experienced offensive tackle, that will provide depth behind new starters Peters and Andrews.
• Brandon Gibson is a pure possesion receiver. He is a good blocker for a receiver, and has good hands.
• Offensive guard Fanaika is a very hard worker, and if coached right could become a starter.
• Linebacker Moise Fokou is a great tackler, hardly ever missing. He has great versatility to play inside or out. Good steal here. Will produce on special teams.
• Philadelphia also sent a pair of fifth-round picks to New England for cornerback Ellis Hobbs. He will replace Litto Sheppard at nickle-back.

Draft Grade: A

Breakout Player: Victor Abiamiri, DE.

 Abiamiri is a Justin Tuck type player, and may get his chance to start at defensive end this season. I look for him to have a big year, but must beat out Juqua Parker and Chris Clemons in the preseason.

Philadelphia’s aggresive offseason could lead to big things. They had many key additions that will improve this offense greatly. But the loss of Brian Dawkins hurt their defense, and leadership in the locker room. He will be replaced by Sean Jones, who isn’t a bad player though, he played very well for Cleveland.

The running backs also improved with the addition of LeSean Mccoy during the NFL Draft. Brian Westbrook is often injured, and looks to be slowing down even when healthy. McCoy gives this team a good one-two punch.

Philadelphia has another loss that I have yet mention. Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson retired because of cancer, and later past away. His loss will have an affect over this whole franchise.

Philadelphia came close to Super, before losing to Arizona in the NFC Championship. If they can stay healthy, I see this team going a long way.

Philadelphia is my pick for the NFC Champions.

Projected Record: 13-3

 

 

Patriots Acquire Defensive End Burgess From Raiders

Derrick Burgess was granted his wish, being shipped to New England for undisclosed draft pick considerations.

Burgess, a two time Pro-Bowler, has been plauged by injuries the past two seasons and finished last season with only 3.5 sacks in 10 games. He was selected to the Pro Bowl during the 2005 and 2006 seasons, totaling an Oakland franchise record with 16 sacks in 2005.

The 6’2″, 260-pound defensive end has had 47 sacks in 85 games during his seven seasons with Philadelphia and Oakland.

He sat out the 2003 season with a torn achilles’ tendon.

I’m not too sure how Burgess will fit in with this New England defense, as they have Richard Seymour and Ty Warren as their starting defensive ends. Seymour has missed a lot of time with nagging injuries, so Burgess could come in for him if he is injured again this season.

Another option for Burgess is linebacker. He’s short for a defensive end, but has speed as a linebacker. New England is looking for someone to replace Mike Vrabel, who was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs along with Matt Cassell for a second round pick.

 

32 Teams In 32 Days: San Diego Chargers

After a slow start, San Diego fell just short of the AFC Championship game last season. After ending the regular season 8-8, the Chargers made a strong push in the postseason defeating Indianapolis in overtime, lead by running back Darren Sproles, and coming close to defeating Pittsburgh in the divisional round.

San Diego had costly injuries including running back Ladainian Tomlinson, linebacker Shawne Merriman and tackle Marcus McNeil.

But if Ladainian Tomlinson can rebound from an off year last season, Phillip Rivers keeps his 08 form and Shawn Merriman can stay healthy, sky’s the limit for this San Diego team.

Offseason Acquisitions:

Added:

Kevin Burnett, ILB.

Lost:

Mike Goff, OG.

Jeremy Newberry, C.

Marques Harris, LB.

Igor Olshansky, DE.

Anthony Waters, LB.

Kevin Burnett was the only pick up during free agency, but he could make an impact at linebacker. Mike Goff was a key offensive linemen through the years, and will be replaced by Kenan Forney. Igor Olshansky was another key loss on this defense.

Draft Picks:

1(16). Larry English, DE/OLB. Draft Grade: B

3(78). Louis Vasquez, OG. Draft Grade: B

4(113). Vaughn Martin, DT. Draft Grade: C-

4(133). Tyronne Green, OG. Draft Grade: C

4(134). Gartrell Johnson, RB. Draft Grade: C+

5(148). Brandon Hughes, CB. Draft Grade: C+

6(189). Kevin Ellison, S. Draft Grade: B+

7(224). Demetrius Byrd, WR. Draft Grade: A

• San Diego selecting Larry English surprised some, but he does fit well here. He will be in a rotation with starters Shawn Merriman and Shaun Phillips.
• Louis Vasquez  is an aggresive offensive line who will backup starter Forney.
• Vaughn Martin is an inexperienced defensive linemen from Canada, only playing two years of college, but if they’re patient with him, he could impress.
• Gartrell Johnson is a former fullback who can block well for a running back, could work well as third-down back.
• Brandon Hughes is a quick cornerback who will provide depth on the defensive back core.
• Kevin Ellison is a nice steal here. He was overshadowed by all the skill on the USC defense. Could surprise.
• Demetrius Byrd got in a car accident days before the draft, so that affected his value. But he is expected to fully recover. He’s got great speed but doesn’t always run routes well. But he could also surprise. Much like Legedu Naane.

Draft Grade: C+

Breakout Player: Ryon Bingham, DE.

 Bingham has been a back-up all his career, now has a chance to replace Igor Olshansky as the starter at defensive end. 

San Diego never lives up to expectations. People predict them to be in the super bowl every year. Looking at them on paper, they look like a 13-3 team that could easily go all the way to the super bowl. But, San Diego’s key players always get nagging injuries, and I don’t expect that to change.

If they keep their players healthy, I see this team going deep into the playoffs. But no one can predict if they will stay healthy or not.

Projected Record: 10-6

 

32 Teams in 32 Days: Washington Redskins

 

Washington is probably the best last-place team in the NFL. They finished last in the NFC East, but that’s not saying much. Put them into the NFC West and I’m sure they’d finish at least second.

Washington is only a few steps away from being a winning franchise. They needed to fill some holes, and they tried to do  that this offseason by giving star defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth $100 million dollars to knock this defensive line up a notch.

They also resigned corner back Deangelo Hall to a long-term deal.

Jason Campbell is in for a big year after he was almost traded many times this offseason.

He didn’t have a bad year in 2008-09, but he surely didn’t have a great one, and that’s what the Redskins want out of their quarterback. If he doesn’t produce at the level the Redskins organization want him to, he could be sent packing after the season.

 

Offseason Acquisitions

Added

Jeremy Bridges, OG.

Derrick Dockery, OG.

Albert Haynesworth, DT.

Hunter Smith, P.

Robert Thomas, OLB.

Mike Williams, OT.

Roydell Williams, WR.

Renaldo Wynn, DE.

 

Lost

Ryan Boschetti, DT.

Khary Campbell, OLB.

Demetric Evans, DE.

Jason Fabini, OL.

Justin Geisinger, C.

Mike Green, S.

Pete Kendall, G.

Ryan Plackmeier, P.

Jason Taylor, DE.

Marcus Washington, OLB.

 

The addition of Albert Haynesworth cancels out everyone on the lost list, but they did lose some key starters from last year.

Jason Taylor was one-and-done after being acquired from Miami.

Longtime starter Marcus Washington was cut after becoming injury-prone.

But Washington upgraded their offensive line by adding Dockery, Williams and Bridges.

 

Draft Picks: Round (Pick No.)

1(13). Brian Orakpo, DE. Draft Grade: A

3(80). Kevin Barnes, CB. Draft Grade: B

5(158). Cody Glenn, LB. Draft Grade: C-

6(186). Robert Henson, LB. Draft Grade: C-

7(221). Eddie Williams, TE. Draft Grade: D

7(243). Marko Mitchell, WR. Draft Grade: B

• Brian Orakpo will likely play defensive end, but could switch to outside linebacker. Great pass rusher, a lot of strength. A good steal at No. 12.
• Kevin Barnes is very aggressive, so he sometimes gets injured. But a good pick here, could surprise.
• Cody Glenn was a bit of a reach. He’s a former running back and doesn’t have the right skills for linebacker. Might be better on practice squad.
• Robert Henson will provide depth at linebacker.
• Eddie Williams will play either tight end or fullback.
• Marko Mitchell is a tall, thin receiver but will be a good kick returner. Could be a steal.

Draft Grade: B-

 

Breakout Player: Devin Thomas, WR.

 

I thought that Devin Thomas was going to be the next Anquan Boldin, and come out and produce at receiver right from the start. But he struggled to get on the field and often looked lost. He needs to really break out this season. And if he does, he could be one dangerous receiver to cover.

Washington made some moves this offseason that could benefit them, but every year they always look better on paper then they do on the field. The additions of Brian Orakpo and Albert Haynesworth will provide good pass rush and improve the defense, but the offense is steal inconsistent and young.

Second-year receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly need to step up and get on the field.

If Washington can play at the level they do when they’re consistent, they could impress. But i’m not sure if Jason Campbell will be able to lead this team anywhere.

I see them staying about where they did last year.

 

Projected Record: 9-7

Taking a Look at Michael Vick’s NFL Options Now That He Is Reinstated

Michael Vick has been reinstated, and is free to sign with any team. But, until he is fully reinstated, he can’t play in a game—but can take part in all of the teams activities.

As we know, two teams have an interest in him. The Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots, both of which have their franchise quarterback.

He says he is “close” to signing a contract with an NFL Team. So if Michael Vick isn’t starting at quarterback, how could he be used?

I could see Bill Belichick using Michael Vick as a Quarterback, Receiver and Running Back. That is, if he still has the same speed. The Ravens could use him in a similar way, but maybe more of a receiver. Maybe that’s why they have interest?

Everyone always criticized Vick for not being a real Quarterback and that he would be a better running back or receiver. Now could be his chance to prove that statement right or wrong.

Another option for Vick would be Washington. They have been looking for a new quarterback all offseason, and Vick could improve Washington’s offense.

Those are just a few options for Vick. I will keep you updated on any news.

32 Teams In 32 Days: Buffalo Bills

Enter Owens.

The Buffalo Bills took a chance by signing Terrell Owens to a one year deal. It’s not a risk of skill, but a risk of distraction. We all know Owens has got the skill of any receiver in the league(38 touchdowns in the past 3 years), but he always has the biggest mouth of any player in the league. But if he can shut his mouth, and just go out there and play, the Bills could have one of the most dangerous offenses in the league.

After a 7-9 record, we could see the Bills are just a step away from the playoffs. They brought in some good players during free agency, but also lost some key players. While the Bills have one of the strongest passing attack’s in the league, they also have some questions on their offensive line with the losses of starters Jason Peters and Derrick Dockery.

Offseason Acquisitions:

Added:

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB.

Drayton Florence, CB.

Geoff Hangartner, OL.

Seth McKinney, OL.

Terrell Owens, WR.

Dominic Rhodes, RB.

Pat Thomas, OLB.

Losses:

Angelo Crowell, OLB.

Derrick Dockery, OG.

Melvin Fowler, C.

Jabari Greer, CB.

Teddy Lehmen, LB.

JP Losman, QB.

Duke Preston, C.

Robert Royal, TE.

Jason Whittle, OG.

The Bills lost one of the best tackles in the league by trading Jason Peters to Philadelphia. Jabari Greer, Angelo Crowell and Derrick Dockery were also key losses, but were replaced via free agency or the draft.

Draft Picks:

1(11). Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Draft Grade: B

1(28). Eric Wood, OL. Draft Grade: C

2(42). Jairus Byrd, CB. Draft Grade: B

2(51). Andy Levitre, OL. Draft Grade: C+

4(121). Shawn Nelson, TE. Draft Grade: B+

5(147). Nic Harris, LB. Draft Grade: B

6(183). Cary Harris, CB. Draft Grade: B

7(220). Ellis Lankster, CB. Draft Grade: C+

• Aaron Maybin and Eric Wood will replace last years starters that moved on and should be early starters and their position.
• Jairus Byrd will help replace Jabari Greer at nickle-back.
• Andy Levitre will add depth to the Bills offensive line that took a blow this offseason.
• Shawn Nelson could start as a rookie after the loss of Robert Royal. Could be a big steal here. Better pass-catcher then blocker.
• Nic Harris will provide depth at linebacker.
• Cary Harris and Ellis Lankster will provide depth at cornerback.

Draft Grade: B-

Breakout Player:Trent Edwards, QB.

 

• It’s time for Trent Edward to step up. If he can’t be more productive with all the weapons he has, Edwards could be looking for a new job next year.

The Buffalo Bills added Owens, but lost a lot of key players during free agency. They could have a lot of rookie starters, especially on the offensive line. They started off the year strong last year, but finished pretty weak. If they can get the form the had at the beggining of last 2009, they could be a dangerous team this year.

Projected Record: 10-6

 

 

 

 

32 Teams In 32 Days: San Fransisco 49ers

When I think of the 2008 San Fransisco 49ers, I think of when Mike Singletary sent Vernon Davis to the locker room. It was Singletary’s first game as the head coach, and at that very moment the team got closer. When Singletary came in as the head coach after Mike Nolan was fired, the whole attitude of the team changed. They were ready to win, and they did finishing 7-9.

Offseason Acquisitions:

Players Added:

Dre Bly, CB.

Demetric Evans, DE.

Marques Harris, OLB.

Damon Huard, QB.

Brandon Jones, WR.

Moran Morris, FB.

Marvel Smith, OT.

Players Lost:

Tully Banta-Cain, OLB.

Ronald Fields, DT.

DeShaun Foster, RB.

Bryant Johnson, WR.

Jonas Jennings, OT.

Kieth Lewis, S.

JT O’Sullivan, QB.

Sean Ryan, TE.

Donald Strickland, CB.

When looking at this list of players added and lost during Free Agency, nobody really sticks out to me. Dre Bly was their best acquisition, and he adds depth to this defensive back core. Marvel Smith was another good acquisition, as he will start opposite Joe Staley. Brandon Jones will add depth to the receiving core. The only loss who sticks out is tackle Jonas Jennings, but he was replaced by Marvel Smith.

Draft Picks:

1(10). Michael Crabtree, WR. Draft Grade: A+

3(10). Glenn Coffee, RB. Draft Grade: B+

5(10). Scott McKillop, LB. Draft Grade: B+

5(35). Nate Davis, QB. Draft Grade: B

6(11). Bear Pascoe, TE. Draft Grade: C

7(10). Curtis Taylor, S. Draft Grade: C+

7(35). Ricky Jean Francois, DT. Draft Grade: B+

• The 49ers got the best offensive player in the draft by selecting Michael Crabtree. A projected top-5 pick, Crabtree brings in a go-to-guy for whoever the starting quarterback will be.
• Running back Glenn Coffee gives the 49ers a good 1-2 punch, as he will split carries with Frank Gore. Coffee brings in power for this offense.
• Linebacker Scott McKilliop was another good steal and will add depth to this linebacker core.
• Quarterback Nate Davis is a good prospect, but questions surround him as he transitions to the NFL.
• Bear Pascoe will add depth behind Vernon Davis at tight end.
• Curtis Taylor will add depth to this defensive backs core.
• Ricky Jean-Francois is a very good value in the 7th round. But he only started nine games in college, so that brings in questions surrounding his experience. But if he comes out at plays well, this will be a good steal for San Fransisco.

Draft Grade: B+

Breakout Player:Josh Morgan, WR.

San Fransisco has a very good team. They have a very good coach in Mike Singletary. They have many players that play at a high level including Patrick Willis, Frank Gore, Nate Clements, Joe Staley and Michael Crabtree. But the 49ers need a starting quarterback. They have former first overall pick Alex Smith who has failed to produce at the level to be a full time starter, Sean Hill, and offseason acquisitions Damon Huard and rookie Nate Davis. Any one of those quarterbacks could be the starter this year. But until they find a consistent quarterback to lead this team, San Fransisco will continue to struggle.

Projected Record: 7-9.

 

 

 

32 Teams In 32 Days: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars had an inconsistent season last year. Injuries and disappointment from the players lead to a 5-11 record. They brought in a lot of guys from free agency last year, including Jerry Porter and Drayton Florence, that ended up being bust. But head coach Jack Del Rio brought in more players this year to improve this teams record to what it should have been.

Offseason Acquisitions:

Players Added:

Todd Bouman, QB.
Sean Considine, S.
Torry Holt, WR.
Marlon McCree, S.
Tra Thomas, T.

Players Lost:

Khalif Barnes, T.
Anthony Cotrone, RB.
Drayton Florence, CB.
Matt Jones, WR.
Tony McDaniel, DT. (Trade W/Dolphins)
Mike Peterson, MLB.
Jerry Porter, WR.
Pierson Prioleau, S.
Gerald Sensabaugh, S.
Paul Spicer, DE.
Fred Taylor, RB.
Mike Williams, OT.
Reggie Williams, WR.

On paper, it looks as if Jacksonville lost a lot more then they gained. But think about this. Former first round picks Reggie Williams and Matt Jones couldn’t stay out of trouble to get on the field long enough to prove themselves. Drayton Florence and Jerry Porter were both big bust. Mike Peterson caused a lot of drama. Fred Taylor is getting old, and Maurice Jones-Drew is now the full time starter. The only loss I think would affect this team is Khalif Barnes, but they brought in three very good tackles to replace him. Torry Holt gives this team a sure-thing number one wide-out. Tackle Tra Thomas will help protect David Garrard and open holes for Jones-Drew. Look for Jacksonville to improve.

Draft Picks:

1(8). Eugene Monroe, OT. Draft Grade: A
2(7). Eben Britton, OT. Draft Grade: B
3(8). Terrance Knighton, DT. Draft Grade: C
3(9). Derek Cox, CB. Draft Grade: C+
4(7). Mike Thomas, WR. Draft Grade: B
5(8). Jarrett Dilliard, WR. Draft Grade: B+
6(7). Zach Miller, TE. Draft Grade: C
7(41). Rashad Jennings, RB. Draft Grade: A+
7(44). Tiquan Underwood, WR. Draft Grade: C

• The Jaguars got the most NFL-ready tackle in Monroe. His size will give him a good advantage against the D-Linemen, and will help improve the offensive line opposite veteran Tra Thomas.
• The Jaguars weren’t done there, they went out and drafted another tackle in Eben Britton, which gives the Jaguars two good starting tackles for years to come.
• The Jaguars filled their biggest need by drafted defensive tackle Terrance Knighton who could start during his rookie year.
• Cornerback Derek Cox is another small school guy drafted by Jacksonville and will fight for the nickle-back spot.
• Wide Receivers Mike Thomas, Jarrett Dilliard and Tiquan Underwood are all good receivers who will bring depth to thisnew Jacksonville receiving core.
• Tight End Zach Miller is a project guy who will most likely spend this year on the practice squad.
• Running back Rashad Jennings was such a good pick for Jacksonville. I’m so high on this guy. He brings in power to compliment the small, quick Maurice Jones-Drew. I projected him to be picked in the late 2nd or early 3rd round, but he fell because he played at Liberty. Don’t be surprised if Jennings is this years break out rookie.

Draft Grade: B+.

Breakout Player: Rashad Jennings, RB.

Jacksonville had a very good team last year, that’s why their 5-11 record surprised me. I feel like they improved this year, specifically by the draft. An offensive line can get you a long way, and they improved greatly at that position. With Fred Taylor out, Maurice Jones-Drew becomes the full time starter and running back, and that could improve this team because of how well they did when Jones-Drew was in the game. He bring in a more fast paced type of game. Torry Holt gives David Garrard a number one receiver to go to, and that’s what he has been missing is whole career. I think this team has potential to me a top-10 team, i’m just not sure if this is that year. They still have a little work to do on this defense, but do look for this team to improve.
Projected Record: 8-8.

32 Teams In 32 Days- Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders finished 5-11 last year, a record they honestly shouldn’t have had.

They have good skilled players at every position and a pretty good coaching staff. What is it about Oakland then? No one really knows.

But with Russell in his third year, the year most players start to break out, and having Javon Walker and Darius Hayward-Bey as his receivers, this offense could do something this year.

It’s just a matter of getting Walker back on the field, and getting running back Darren McFadden to play to his potential.

Can the Raiders do that this year? The answer is yes.

 

Offseason Acquisitions

Khalif Barnes, OT

Ryan Boschetti, DT

Jeff Garcia, QB

Marcus Johnson, OT

Lorenzo Neal, FB

Erik Pears, OT

Gary Russell, RB

Samson Satele, C (Trade from Dolphins)

 

Players Lost

Rashad Baker, DB

Ronald Curry, WR

Justin Griffith, FB

Jake Grove, C

Kwame Harris, OT

Ashley Lelie, WR

 

The Raiders definitely got more then they lost.

I love the addition of Lorenzo Neal, because he will open lanes for Darren McFadden and Justin Fargaas in that running game. Jeff Garcia will provide a good backup for oft-injured Jamarcus Russell. They also added tackle Khalif Barnes and center Samson Satele who will help this offensive line greatly.

Players Drafted

1(7). Darius Hayward-Bey, WR, Draft Grade: C+

2(15). Mike Mitchell, S, Draft Grade: D

3(7). Matt Shaughnessy, DE, Draft Grade: C

4(24). Louis Murphy, WR, Draft Grade: B

4(26). Slade Norris, DE, Draft Grade: C

6(26). Stryker Sulak, DE, Draft Grade: C

6(29). Brandon Myers, TE, Draft Grade: B

 

The Raiders chose speed over production in this draft.

Michael Crabtree was still on the board, but they chose speedy receiver Darius Howard-Bey instead. Howard-Bey isn’t a bad pick, but they could have gotten him at a later time and they could have gotten a better receiver in Crabtree. S

afety Mike Mitchell is another speedy guy that was chosen too early. He will provide depth behind Michael Huff.

Receiver Louis Murphy was a very good pick in the fourth. I always felt like he was very underrated, and will provide another deep weapon for Jamarcus Russell.

Defensive Ends Schaughnessy, Norris, and Sulak will provide depth on the defensive line. Brandon Myers is more of a blocking tight end, something the Raiders don’t have.

Draft Grade: C-

Breakout Player:Jamarcus Russell, QB.

I believe the Raiders could be the surprise team this year. Players tend to break out in their third season, and Jamarcus Russell could do that. He didn’t play almost at all in his rookie season, so he got his first season behind him last year. Now he knows how everything works, and with the weapons he has, this could be a big year for Russell.

The Raiders got better after they hired Tom Cable as their head coach mid-season. Now that he is their full time head coach, we could see a big improvement. Don’t be surprised if the Raiders turn out to be a playoff team this year.

Projected Record: 9-7.

32 Teams in 32 Days- Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals had a tough year last year. They lost starting quarterback Carson Palmer for most of the season and failed to play at the level they could’ve.

Ryan Fitzpatrick tried to be the hero, but he couldn’t do it, as he struggled most of the season.

But now, Carson Palmer is healthy and back on the field. So all that could change.

They also struggled to get their running game going until later in the season, when Cedric Benson became the starter. He did a pretty god job of it by rushing for 747 yards on 214 attempts.

But, after a 4-11 season, the Bengals knew they needed to upgrade.

 

Off-season Acquisitions

Players Added:

Laveranues Coles, WR.

Tank Johnson, DT.

Brian Leonard, RB. (Trade with Rams)

JT O’Sullivan, QB.

Roy Williams, S.

Players Lost:

Stacy Andrews, OT.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB.

Eric Ghiaciuc, C.

Orien Harris, DT. (Trade with Rams)

Glenn Holt, WR.

TJ Houshmandzadeh, WR.

Dexter Jackson, S.

Corey Mays, LB.

Levi Jones, OT.

Chris Perry, RB.

David Rayner, K.

The Bengals didn’t make too much noise in Free Agency. They mostly re-signed the players they had. But they did pick up some valuable players.

Laveranues Coles is a good receiver who will replace Houshmandzadeh at wide out. The loss of Houshmandzadeh could help out Chad Ochocinco, who will be the No. 1 receiver again.

2008 starting tackles Levi Jones and Stacy Andrews were both big losses, and I think the Bengals hould have kept one of them.

Roy Williams was a nice pickup and will be a big factor on this defense.

 

2009 Draft Picks

1(6). Andre Smith, OT. Draft Grade: A

2(6). Rey Maulaluga, LB. Draft Grade: A+

3(6). Michael Johnson, DE. Draft Grade: A

3(34) Chase Coffman, TE. Draft Grade: B

4(6). Jonathan Luigs, C. Draft Grade: C+

5(6). Kevin Huber, P. Draft Grade: B

6(6). Bernard Scott, RB. Draft Grade: B+

7(6). Fui Vakapuna, RB. Draft Grade: D+

7(40). Clinton McDonald, DE. Grade Grade: B

7(43). Freddie Brown, WR.  Draft Grade: C

• The Bengals no doubt had one of the top drafts this year. They were able to grab OT Andre Smith to replace Stacy Andrews at tackle who was listed as the top offensive tackle before the combine.
• Linebacker Rey Maulaluga was a projected first-round pick, and nobody knows why he slid as far as he did, but the Bengals are glad that he did. He’ll be a major force on this defense.
• The Bengals got another steal in the third round by selecting defensive end Michael Johnson out of Georgia Tech. He had a bit of an inconsistent senior year, but he will still be a nice player out on this defense.
• Chase Coffman was another good pick in the third. Carson Palmer will like having a tight end with receiving skills like Coffman.
• Kevin Huber was the first punter taken, and will help out this special teams unit.
• Running backs Bernard Scott and Fui Vakapuna were selecting to provide depth behind Cedric Benson. Don’t be surprised if Scott ends up being a late-round steal.
• Seventh rounders McDonald and Brown will provide depth at their respected positions.

Draft Grade: A+.

Breakout Player: Jerome Simpson, WR.

The Bengals didn’t do anything huge in free agency. They had a great draft, but that’s not what is going to make this team improve. They have Carson Palmer back, and they have grown as a team.

If Chad Ochocinco can go back to playing the way he used to, these Bengals could really be dangerous. But if he doesn’t, another star will have to arise for Carson Palmer’s go to guy. But overall, I think this team will improve.

Projected Record: 8-8.

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