NFL Rankings: Top Ten NFL QB's

This is a ranking of the thirty two best quarterbacks.
1) Peyton Manning- Most people are surprised by this however, I believe when healthy Peyton is the top of the quarterback who can make the most difference. Look at the Colts they suffered an 8 loss difference and they didn't even look competitive in most of their games. My only question about Peyton is his health.
2) Tom Brady- Brady had one of the most underrated and not talked about season in NFL history. He passed for over 5,200 yards, 39 touchdowns and interceptions. Considering his supporting cast and with it being arguably the worst in the NFL. Tom Brady was under the most pressure last year he had another all-pro season.
3) Aaron Rodgers- Aaron Rodgers have without question the best season for a quarterback since Dan Marino's 1984 season. Without question he is the most complete quarterback. His mobility and accuracy makes is so that if you don't have an elite pass rush he will have great success. Also Rodgers is only 28 so he can play like this for another seven to ten years.
4) Drew Brees- Drew Brees had a year you do not season often. He passed for a little under 5,500 yards and destroyed Dan Marino's previous record. When you look at Drew Brees that you have to be critical is the amount of attempts he had. Drew Brees had 46 touchdowns, while Aaron Rodgers had 45, Drew Brees had 155 more attempts. Outside of that without question he is one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL and should be paid like one.
5) Eli Manning- Eli said before the season that he was an elite quarterback and he proved that he was by going another improbable run and winning his second super bowl. Eli by far had his best season as a pro by passing for a little under 5,000 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. But what has made his season even more impressive was how clutch he was and how he carried his team. Without Eli the Giants are a four to six win team.
6) Ben Rothlisberger- Big Ben had a very solid year, but towards the end he got hit by injuries and wasn't the same. Even though he usually plays well through injuries, the ankle injury greatly affected his mobility, and hurt his entire level of play. He should come back to form next year and healthy.
7) Philip Rivers- Before this year Philip Rivers stat wise was without question an elite quarterback. However last year was a down year for him as he threw a career high 20 interceptions. However he threw only 6 in the second half of the season, looking more like the old Philip Rivers. Expect to see the Philip Rivers from 2008-2010, and not the one from last year.
8) Tony Romo- Tony Romo has been one of the more unappreciated quarterbacks in the NFL. People will call him a choker and overrated, but last year he had the best year of his career. He passed for over 4,000 yards with 31 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and had a 102.5 quarterback rating. If the Cowboys secondary was even decent they would have been in the playoffs. Romo is not a problem in Dallas.
9) Matthew Stafford- Before this season he was labeled as an injury prone quarterback in his first two years. However in 2011 he broke for an all time great season passing for over 5,000 yards. As long as he is healthy he will be the face of the Lions for many and many years to come.
10) Jay Cutler- Jay Cutler is a quarterback that can some of the best plays you have ever seen. However then make one of the dumbest plays that you couldn't. However when he went out with injury his value was very undervalued.

Giants Offseason Preview

This is a preview of the Giants Offseason.
QB- Eli Manning said before the season that he was an elite quarterback and he backed that statement with having a great year and winning another super bowl by beating Tom Brady. Eli will most likely end up being the greatest Giants quarterback ever. The problem is what is backing up Eli. They will probably bring a young quarterback in the late rounds or an undrafted one to compete with Carr for the backup job.
RB- When you think the Giants you think of a team they can run the ball with the best of them. Stats however told you that they were the worst in the NFL. Once the playoffs came along they were able to have a successful running game, but not the level when the made there first super bowl run four years ago. They will probably draft a running back in the late rounds to add depth.
WR- The Giants have built the last two years one of the youngest and best receiving cores in the NFL. Victor Cruz came out of nowhere and broke out to break the receiving yards record of the Giants. However you can't double Cruz mainly because of Hakeem Nicks. You have to double him and if you don't he will do what he showed in the playoffs. Hakeem Nicks can approach top five level if he becomes more consistent in the regular season. Mario Manningham and Domenik Hixon are free agents. Manningham is pretty much gone, as he will take the money and run. Hixon can comeback and the only issue is his knee. Look for them to draft a receiver in the mid rounds to try to replace Manningham.
TE- This is a position the Giants haven't payed much attention to since trade Jeremy Shockey three years ago. The big issue is that Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum are coming off of serious knee injuries. Expect the Giants to target a veteran tight end in free agency and draft a tight end in the mid to late rounds.
OL- This group wasn't as good as it was when the Giants they won their first super bowl, but it was very solid moving players like Kevin Boothe and David Diehl around the line. Losing veteran players like Shaun O'Hara and Rich Seubert showed up as the unit had a lot more mental mistakes. One of the biggest disappointments was the play of Kareem McKenzie. He played as one of the elite O-Tackles in 2010, but in 2011 he played very average. He is a free agent, but he may come back as the Giants don't have a Tackle that can replace him. Expect the Giants to target an Offensive Tackle early in the draft.
DL- The Giants have one of the best, if not the best defensive lines in the NFL. One of the biggest key though is having three defensive ends. This makes the Osi Umenyoria contract very interesting. The relationship is much better then it was before the season so it is possible. A key player could be Marvin Austin who will be back from injury who was suspended in 2010. If Osi does get traded expect the Giants to take a Defensive End early in the draft.
LB- A unit that isn't the best, but gets the job done. The biggest key was Michael Boley. He had a very good season and proved to be worth the contract he signed two years ago. Mathis Kiwanuka made the switch to Outside Linebacker and because of the depth he may stay there. They look to resign Jonathan Goff to a prove it contract. Will all the young linebackers they added in the draft it isn't as pressing as a need. Expect them to take a linebacker in the mid rounds.
DB- This is a position that has underperformed for the Giants especially the corners. Corey Webster has been good, but the other ones haven't played up to their talents. One guy you can expect a break out year to become an elite is Kenny Philips. His knee looks to finally be one hundred percent and he has all the qualities you look for in an all-pro safety. Three big keys to their secondary are free agents in Deon Grant, Terrell Thomas, and Aaron Ross. Ross may get more money then he is worth because of him playing better in their super bowl run. Grant won't get any big offers as he will be available if the Giants want him back. Terrell Thomas will be back simply because he is coming off a serious knee injury, and the Giants will give him a one year deal to prove he is back from his injury. Look for the Giants to take a corner in the early to mid rounds to help out their depth and the future.

Patriots Offseason Preview

This is a preview of the Patriots Offseason
QB- Tom Brady is a top four quarterback in the NFL and anyone can make the argument that he is the best. However one concern is as Brady ages will there be a decline soon, and when should the Patriots aggressively look for his successor? Brady probably has 2 or 3 more elite years left, although he may play in his 40's. The bigger concern is who is behind him as Ryan Mallet is not ready and Brian Hoyer is unproven. They will keep on developing these guys right now.
RB- Through all of the Patriots success they never had a running back that carried the team, although when you have a quarterback like Brady you don't need it. As a team the running game wasn't much different, but individual seasons like BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead weren't matched. Two free agents are Kevin Faulk and Green-Ellis. Faulk may very well just retire and he is bigger name then he really is. As far as Green Ellis as solid as he as been the Patriots don't overpay for their players. So unless he lowers his demands he isn't expected to be back. Steven Ridley then is expected to take a bigger load in the running game. They would then add depth in the draft.
WR- The receivers for the Pats has transitioned from using mainly big receivers to now Smaller and quicker ones. They did a very good job, although they have there limitations. If you can successful press these guys, like the Giants and Steelers did last year you would be able to limit what the Patriots could do in the Passing game. Chad Johnson was supposed to be the deep threat but that idea failed miserably. Other free agents are Deion Branch and Wes Welker. Welker won't be going anywhere and expect them to hit him with the franchise tag. However the Patriots need to find more young receivers and because of this expect the Pats to not resign Deion Branch. Although in training camp if the young receivers are meeting expectations, they could be giving him a call to resign him cheaply. Look for them early in the draft to target a big receiver.
TE- The New England Patriots have the dream scenario at the tight end position. In which having two all-pro tight ends. First have you have Rob Gronkowski who may be the best tight end in the NFL. Among the new young tight ends he is really the only one who is a good blocker. But with that he is a great receiver. In Aaron Hernandez who may be one of the most athletically gifted tight ends. He allows the Patriots to go in their no huddle more effectively because he can lineup as a tight end, running back, or wide receiver.
OL- The Patriots may never have one of the elite lines in the NFL, but they are one of the best in terms of protecting Tom Brady. They have in more recent years solidified the Tackles with picking Nate Solder in the 1st round last year. They have filled the guard position opposite Logan Mankins with Brian Waters, who had a great year. But as he ages you need to find a replacement. Look for them to target a guard in the mid to late rounds of the draft.
DL- Couple of years ago the Patriots had one of the best 3-4 d-lines, however with being unable to replace Richard Seymour and Ty Warren, the Patriots were forced to switch into some more 4-3 fronts. They worked pretty good in the first half with Andre Carter having a pro bowl year, but with him being out for the year they had to find other ways to create pass rushers. The Patriots don't have an interior pass rusher. Look for to look for one in the early to mid rounds.
LB- Like the d-line the linebacker core was in transition switching to some 4-3 fronts. They have done a great job at finding two future pro bowlers in Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes. However they had no one to rush the passer in their 3-4 fronts. Look them to look for an outside pass rusher early in the draft.
DB- Outside of Patrick Chung the rest of the secondary played horrible consistently most of the year before the playoffs where they showed improvement. One thing that does have to concern the Patriots is the play of Devin McCourty he showed great promise in 2010, but last year took a huge step back. Outside of one of the safety spots expect the Patriots to draft aggressively early in the draft.

49ers Offseason Preview

This is a preview of the 49ers offseason.
QB- The 49ers surprised many people and one of their biggest surprises was the play of Alex Smith. He wasn't great by any means, but he was very efficient at not turning the ball over and keeping the 49ers in every game. Alex Smith future isn't one hundred percent certain. He should be back with the 49ers, but only at their price. If he doesn't come back you can probably expect Colin Kaepernick to get a good shot at becoming the starter.
RB- The 49ers have one of the most deep depth at the running back position. Frank Gore is one of the elite running backs in the NFL and his only issues is his injury history. To make that less of a risk they will give Kendall Hunter the ball more.
WR- One of the more underachieving wide receiving cores in the NFL. Michael Crabtree has not lived up as a top ten pick and he may not be the receiver that can make Alex Smith or who ever starts for the 49ers better. With the release of Braylon Edwards, Ted Ginn becomes more valuable for them to keep. He is expecting to be back. Look for them to look in the early to mid rounds for a receiver.
TE- Vernon Davis is one of the new elite tight ends in the NFL. One guy who gets over shadowed is Delanie Walker and he is a big asset to this team. Without both of these guys the 49ers would be much less explosive.
OL- They have a build a solid young o-line. There is no elite talent, but they play well as a unit. The free agents along this unit are Adam Synder and Chilo Rachel and one of these guys will be back more then likely it will be Rachel. They struggled in interior pass protection against the best defensive line, so expect them target offensive guards in the mid to late rounds.
DL- In the 3-4 system this may be the best d-lines in the NFL. Led by Justin Smith who was the most dominant interior d-lineman last year and was the best player on the 49ers defense. They have no depth behind Smith, McDonald, and Sopoaga, so expect them to add depth through the draft.
LB- The 49ers too young rookies in Aldon Smith and Navarro Bowman exceed anyone's expectations of them. Both of them had arguably all-pro season. However you can't forget about Patrick Willis and when healthy is without a question the best MLB in the game. The only question about this unit is the pass rusher outside of Aldon Smith. Look for them to look for them in the mid rounds.
DB- One of the most improved parts of this 49ers defense was the play of the secondary more specifically Carlos Rodgers and Dashon Goldston. However those two are upcoming free agents. Look for them to keep Goldston over Rodgers because of the depth at corner compared to free safety. Look for them to look for a corner in the early to mid rounds.

Ravens Offseason Preview

This is a preview of the Ravens offseason.
QB- Joe Flacco had a very inconsistent year, but he got better as the season progressed and into the playoffs. Part of the problem was that they were asking Joe to do too much. Pretty much all of their losses was when they abandoned the run unnecessarily. Joe is not even close to elite, but he is still their franchise quarterback and need to lock him up long term.
RB- Ray Rice might be the most complete running back in the NFL. He is one of the best in terms of running and catches, and his blocking is solid. However Ray Rice is a free agent and he is the Ravens number one priority and is expected to be back long term. One question is the depth behind Rice especially with Ricky Williams retiring. Look for them to draft a running back in the mid rounds.
WR- This unit was solid with its share of over and under achievers. Torey Smith surprised everybody and had a very good rookie season. While Lee Evans brought in to be the deep threat was a huge disappointment and was injury prone all year. The only consistent receiver was Anquan Boldin. They will likely look for a possession receiver in the mid rounds.
TE- Two young tight ends in Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson. Dickson has had his moments, but so far Pitta has been more of a disappointment. They will look for a veteran blocking tight end in free agency to compliment those tight ends.
OL- They might be the best o-line in the NFL. Without question the main reason why the running game was so successful. Coming into a year there were questions about the o-tackles especially following the really disappointment year that Michael Oher had in 2010. They moved Oher back to right tackle and signed Bryant McKinnie. A big concern is that Ben Grubbs is a free agent and is expected to be back long term. Also Matt Birk and Andre Gurode are free agents. Look for one of them to be back. As good as McKinnie was last year his weight concern will force the Ravens to draft an o-tackle early. Also in the mid to late rounds for them to take a center.
DL- They are not the best in the NFL, but are very solid led by Haloti Ngata. They are very versatile as Cory Redding and Ngata can be run stuffers and rush the quarterback. There only true concern is depth at nose tackle. If they lost Terrence Cody to an injury they would be forced to move Ngata to the nose. Look for them in the mid rounds to draft a nose tackle.
LB- Ray Lewis is arguably the greatest Middle Linebacker in NFL history. But what makes him so remarkable is that he is still playing at an all pro level still. They are still looking for his successor, although Jameel McClain did a solid job especially when Ray was injured. Outside of Terrell Suggs the Ravens had no outside pass rush. A big concern is Jarrett Johnson is a free agency. As long as he doesn't get a crazy offer he should be back. Look for them early to draft an outside pass rusher.
DB- One of the biggest improvements on this Ravens team was the cornerback position. Ladarius Webb had a great all pro year and maybe only Revis had a better season. Because of this they were able to give more help to the other corners. Safety is still is a small concern. Outside of Ed Reed they don't have any coverage safeties. Webb is a restricted free agent and might not get his long term deal now, but by training camp he should have that deal signed. Look for the Ravens to look in the mid to late rounds for a safety that may be able to replace Reed.

Packers Offseason Preview

This is a preview of the Packers offseason.
QB- Aaron Rodgers had a year for the ages. 45 tds and 6 ints with a 122 passer rating is just ridiculous. However he would tell you he was disappointed in his year mainly because he went one and done in the playoffs. In week 17 with everything locked up they decided to rest Aaron Rodgers and other key starters and start Matt Flynn. Matt Flynn played a tremendous game and broke multiple passing records. Now lots of teams are interested in Flynn to be their own franchise quarterback. He is a free agent and the Packers would love to franchise him and then trade him, but with Jermichael Finley a free agent he is more important to keep then Flynn.
RB- Inconsistent and disappointing is the best way to describe the Packers running game. Ryan Grant is not a top back and he may not even be a starter next year especially with James Starks hoping to take the next step. Ryan Grant is a free agent and he is not expected to be back. Look for the Packers to look for a 3rd down running back in the mid rounds.
WR- Might be the most deep and best receiving core in the NFL highlighted by Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson. With also James Jones and Donald Driver as their 3rd and 4th receiver. An interesting question is what to make of Randall Cobb because potential he can pass Driver and become the 4th receiver.
TE- Jermichael Finley for the last two years has been proclaimed as an elite tight end without having the production. He must improve his consistency to take the next step. Finley is a free agent and will be given the franchise tag. However they don't really have a second tight end and they would look mid to the late rounds for them.
OL- Ever since the 2009 unit that couldn't pass protected to save their lives. Chad Clifton when healthy has been one of better o-tackles in the NFL. The only real problem was their depth and because of that when they lost to the Cheifs and Giants it was because of that. A free agent no one is talking about that is vital is their center Scott Wells. They should be able to resign him and keep Aaron Rodgers up right. Their only need is at the guard position and they will look in the mid rounds to fill that need.
DL- Compared to the rest of the defense the d-line didn't take as big a fall. B.J. Raji went from an all pro season last year to an average year this year. They will look for a 3-4 defensive end in the mid to early rounds to provide an interior pass rush.
LB- The biggest fall on this unit was the pass rush. Clay Matthews wasn't as dominant as last year and nobody stepped up outside of him. However both A.J. Hawk and Desmond Bishop had very good years. They will need to find an outside pass rush outside of Clay Matthews. Expect early in the draft for them to draft an outside linebacker who can rush the passer.
DB- The Packers gave up the most passing yards in NFL history. When you have that record you have a lot to improve. One of the main reason why they were ranked like that is because they take more chances on the ball then most teams and that is why they were one of the leaders in interceptions. Charles Woodson is slowing down and might become a liability playing the cornerback position and eventually he will have to move to safety. So they will look to target a corner in the mid rounds to eventually replace him.

Saints Offseason Preview

This is a preview of the Saints offseason.
QB- Drew Brees is without a doubt one of the elite quarterback and you can make a case for him being the best in the NFL. The big concern should be no concern with Drew Brees being a free agent. They will franchise him extending the time they can to sign him long term.
RB- There might not be a better trio of running backs on one team then Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles, and Mark Ingram. U could most likely see that Ingram and Sproles going the major load of the carries. Although people have doubted Pierre Thomas and he has continued to prove them wrong. They won't be able to resign all of these guys in the long run. In the mid to late rounds they will be looking for a running back.
WR- This might be one of the most complete wide receiver cores in the NFL. They have the consistent and reliable receivers in Marques Colston and Lance Moore. They also have the speedy deep threats in Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson. However Meachem and Colston are set to become free agents. Meachem should be back as there won't be much of a market for him. Colston however is a different case as the market may be more then he is worth, so he will be more then likely signing with a new team. They will look for a big receiver in the mid rounds to replace him if he leaves. If the opposite were to happen and Meachem were to leave instead of Colston they would look for a speedy receiver in those mid rounds.
TE- Jimmy Graham just had the season for the ages. Being the only true elite receiver that the Saints had. What makes it more impressive is that he can still improve even more in terms of his blocking. They get Daniel Thomas off of IR which will help them with their depth. Although in free agency they will probably be looking for a blocking tight end.
OL- One of the most underrated o-lines in the NFL. They do such a great a job with protecting Drew Brees and provide a good enough rushing attack. This unit is highlighted by their two all pro guards in Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks. However they payed Evans big money last offseason and they won't be able to pay Nicks the type of money he is looking for. So look for the Saints in the mid to early rounds to look for a LG and a center.
DL- Might be the biggest disappointing unit of this team. As the only time they got consistent pressure was bringing the blitz. The additions of Franklin and Rodgers did not improve the run D as they had hoped as the struggled a lot at times against the run. They are hoping Cameron Jordan can take the next step and that Will Smith can have a bounce back year. They will be looking for a run stopping d-tackle in the mid rounds when Shaun Rodgers leaves.
LB- Outside of Johnathan Vilma there isn't much talent on this unit. Although since Greg Williams came to the Saints in 2009 this unit has overachieved pretty much. There weak side linebacker. They will look early to the mid rounds of the draft for an outside linebacker to compliment Vilma.
DB- Ever since being one of the elite teams in 2009 in getting turnovers, the last two years the Saints have been one of the worst. The only real change in the secondary was Darren Sharper, but one player (who's name isn't Ed Reed) shouldn't have that big of an impact on a team. Since they aren't getting those turnovers they can be exploited for big plays especially Jabari Greer who had a rough year. A big free agent for them is Tracy Porter, the super bowl hero. With drafting Patrick Robinson they don't have to break the bank for Porter especially since they have to figure out the Brees contract first. With the loss of Porter expect the Saints to target a corner early in the draft.

Texans Offseason Preview

This is a preview of the Texans offseason.
QB- Matt Schaub before the season was the undeniable franchise quarterback. However once he got hurt and T.J. Yates came in and the Texans won a playoff game for the first time in history. Even with that though expect Schaub to come back into form from last year, however T.J. Yates proved he can be a viable backup for this team.
RB- Two years ago the Texans had arguably the worst rushing attack in the NFL. And now they have arguably the best in the NFL. Arian Foster is making a case to be the best back in the NFL. As he can do it in terms of run, catch, and block. However when Foster injured himself in training camp and they didn't know if they could survive through it. Their backup Ben Tate looked just as good as foster. It makes you wonder is it more the o-line? Arian Foster is a free agent, but he is restricted. Meaning he is a lock to come back.
WR- Before the year if you told someone that Andre Johnson would miss most of the regular season and the core wouldn't be negatively affected that much. They wouldn't believed. The Texans were able to get past his injuries with guys like Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones stepping up their game and helping the young quarterback last year. They will probably look to spend a mid round pick on a wide receiver that can compliment Andre.
TE- A unit that does a solid job highlighted by Owen Daniels. And before his knee injury he was emerging as a pro bowl tight ends. Joel Dreessen is a free agent and is their only true blocking tight end. If they don't resign him they will look to add a blocking tight end in either the draft or free agency.
OL- One of the most consistent and best units in the NFL. That is how you describe the production of the Houston Texans last year. There success offensively has been due to this unit as they were dealing key injuries to their skill players. The big free agent for this team is Chris Myers. He is their number one player to resign right now and he should return to this team on a short term deal. They are set long term at the tackle positions and as long as they resign Myers they will look to upgrade more specifically the guard positions. They will most likely look for a guard in the mid rounds to develop.
DL- The change to the 3-4 was a success for this unit. Shaun Cody was reliable for double teams and J.J. Watt and Antonio Smith did a good job stuffing the run and rushing the passer. There isn't much to add to this unit. All they need to do is add depth.
LB- This unit also was a success for switching to the 3-4. Brian Cushing and DeMeco Ryans are a great tandem of inside linebackers. As far as their pass rush when Mario Williams got hurt there were some real concerns about their pass rush. However Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed stepped up and elevate this defensive's production. This however has made Mario Williams expendable and they don't have to break the bank. They won't be breaking the bank and because of that he is likely gone. In the draft they will look for pass rushers late in the draft.
DB- Just a year ago this may have been the worst secondary in the NFL and they cost the Texans a chance at the playoffs. The signing of Daniel Manning and Johnathan Joseph were huge additions. Manning added a veteran presence in the secondary. Johnathan Joseph had an all pro year and that allowed them to move Glover Quinn from cornerback to safety. The only real concern is their number two corner. They will most likely look in the early to mid rounds for a number two corner.

Broncos Offseason Preview

This is a preview of the Broncos season.
QB- All a fan can say is wow and unbelievable. Considering going into the year with Kyle Orton. Then when Tim Tebow takes over as the starter then he goes 7-4 and beating Pittsburgh in the playoffs. Right now they have declared that Tebow will be there starter, however they need to decide if they want to adapt a conventional offense or keep with the option offense. With that they need to find the right backup quarterback to the system.
RB- The Denver Broncos despite there passing talent they are one of the best running games. Willis McGahee broke out with a great comeback and rebirth year to rush for over 1000 yards. However even before his injury Knowshon Moreno has been a big disappointment and should be a bigger factor then he had in his career. With Moreno coming off a serious knee injury they will probably look for a change in pace back in the mid rounds.
WR- Without a doubt one of the worst wide receiver cores in the NFL. It makes you wonder why they traded Brandon Lloyd. Demaryius Thomas broke out in the playoff game against Pittsburgh and hopefully he can build on it. Eddie Royal is a free agent and they must bring him back because not only he is there top three receivers, but he is there great returner. They will likely early on the draft to look for a receiver to help Tim Tebow and his flaws.
TE- No names is all you can say because on most teams these tight ends would be third string. They will look for a athletic tight end in the mid rounds of the draft.
OL- One of the big surprises and strengths of this Broncos team. Zanne Beadles and Orlando Franklin broke 0ut for great years. However they don't really have a center. So they would looking for a viable center whether it is the draft or free agency.
DL- After going back to to the 4-3 this d-line improved especially with the return of Elvis Dumervil. However they need more help in the interior of the d-line at the defensive tackle position. Since they have the outside pass rush look for them to draft a defensive tackle in the early rounds.
LB- Just like the d-line with the change to the 4-3 made this unit improved. The biggest improvement was drafting Von Miller became a force and being the defensive rookie of the year. Wesley Woodyard is expected to be back because he is their nickel linebacker. Right now they don't have a true middle linebacker. Look for them to draft a MLB in the mid rounds.
DB- One of the more talented secondaries headlined by Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins. One concern is that Brian Dawkins may retire as all these neck injuries are taking a toll on him. They don't have a SS on the roster that can replace him. They will look for a box safety in the mid rounds.

Steelers Offseason Preview

This is a preview of the Steelers offseason.
QB- Big Ben is a franchise quarterback and there isn't much to worry about. All 3 of their backup quarterbacks are free agents most likely Charlie Batch is the one who will stay as he has been their the longest and would be most likely to take the pay cut.
RB- The Steeler's running game took a hit with them becoming more of a passing team. One big concern is Rashard Mendenhall is coming off of a serious knee injury during the season finale. They have a young promising running back in Issac Redman and he will get a share of the carries as Mendenhall slowly comes back.
WR- One of the most talented and young wide receiver cores in the NFL. If Hines Ward ends up retiring the speedy trio of Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown, and Emmanuel Sanders. However they lack a possession receiver so they will try to resign Cotchery, but they will look for a big receiver in the mid to late rounds. With Mike Wallace a restricted free agent it is pretty much a gurantee he comes back and hopefully a long term deal.
TE- Heath Miller may be one of the more underrated tight ends in the NFL. One thing he and all the Steeler's tight ends lack is speed. Look for them to look to add a speed tight end.
OL- Ever since Mike Tomlin has been the head coach this unit has been poor, but has improved in recent years with the drafting of Maurkice Pouncey it has improved. There is still a lot improvement needed. Look for them to spend multiple draft picks at the tackle and guard position.
DL- One of the most consistent units of the Pittsburgh Steelers may be seeing some youth and change. Casey Hampton has been rumored to be cut and with Aaron Smith most likely retiring Ziggy Hood and Cameron Hayward will get a huge increase in playing time. Overall expect them to add just depth.
LB- This core while older may still one of the best in the NFL lead by James Harrison and James Farrior. James Farrior may be retiring if he does expect Larry Foote to replace him in the starting lineup. With the Steelers drafting depth the last couple of years they will continue to do that this offseason.
DB- As great of a defense the Steelers always have the achilles heal has been their secondary. They have a couple of key free agents for the secondary including William Gay and Ryan Mundy and with the way the season ended it would be hard to see that they would get more money else where. Look for them early in the draft to add another corner back to help take the pressure off of Ike Taylor.

Detroit Lions Offseason Preview

This is a preview of the Lions Offseason.
QB- Everyone said that if the Lions can keep Matthew Stafford healthy they have a chance to improve. No one thought he would throw for 30+ tds and over 5000 yards. As long as he stays away from the injury bug he will be maybe an elite qb the next ten year. Both their backups are free agents. So expect Shaun Hill to resign and also the Lions will most likely sign an undrafted free agent or draft a late round qb.
RB- Over the last couple of years they added a lot of talent here. The big question is will Jahvid Best be because of rumors swirling around of a forced retirement because of his concussion issues. If he comes back him and Leshoure can be a great tandem. However if Best does not come back they will probably look to resign Kevin Smith and draft a running back in the mid rounds.
WR- Calvin Johnson was a guy that people thought was a player who put up great numbers on a bad team. This year he proved he can put up those same numbers on a very good team. But it isn't all Megatron as they have the veteran in Nate Burleson and the promising Titus Young. They will fill their depth needs with free agency and the draft.
OL- This is a unit that had been none known as an embarrassment. However they played well as a unit this past year. A big name that is a free agent is Jeff Backus. However he should be only resigned at their price as he isn't a world beater. Expect them early in the draft though to look at offensive lineman more specifically an offensive tackle.
DL- Arguably one of the best and feared units led by Kyle Vanden Bosch and Ndamukong Suh. As great as this unit is they may have played a little bit too chippy. As they were one of the leaders for roughing the passers called against them. That problem however got better after Suh's suspension and heading to the playoffs. A big key this offseason is resigning Cliff Avril. They must do what ever it takes to resign him as he arguably their best outside pass rusher.
LB- One of the most improved units because of acquisitions of Justin Durant and Stephen Tulloch. However Tulloch only signed a one year deal and isn't expected to be back. So expect them to draft a linebacker in the early to mid rounds and if isn't a middle linebacker expect Deandre Levy to move back to the middle.
DB- Without question the most disappointing unit on this team as the year ended with loses to the Packers and Saints in the playoffs. They have rebuild their safeties more specifically with a future star in Louis Delmas. They have a lot to do with their corner backs. Expect them to add a couple corner backs in the first 4 rounds.

Atlanta Falcons Offseason Preview

This is a preview of the Falcons offseason.
QB- Matt Ryan is finally feeling a little bit of pressure for frankly the first time in his NFL career. As he has gone one and done every year that he has been in the playoffs. If that happens again or worse they miss the playoffs there may be thoughts in the Falcon's front office asking themselves, can Matt Ryan lead the Falcons to a super bowl. He has been a good to great quarterback in the regular season he must show that in the playoffs.
RB- Michael Turner is one of the elite runners in the NFL but not one of the elite running backs as he is a liability on third down. They don't have a great complimentary back to him and eith Jason Snelling being a free agent I expect them to add a speedy running back whether late in the draft or free agency.
WR- It is starting to look like the Falcons have one of the best wide receiver cores in the NFL. After a year where Roddy White was the most targeted receiver in the league by far. They have two key free agents and most likely they would be only to keep one in Harry Douglas and Eric Weems. It is more likely Weems gets resigned as he has made himself quietly one of the more dangerous receivers in the NFL. Expect the Falcons in the mid to late rounds add a reciever for depth.
TE- Right now the Falcons have one of the best tight ends right now and all time in Tony Gonzalez. However we don't know if last year was or next year is his final year in the NFL. So they have to prepare life after Gonzalez. Expect them to target a tight end in the draft.
OL- This o-line has declined from previous years but still was very solid. More so in the interior of the line. Todd McClure is a free agent and you expect him back.
DL- They have added talent to this unit more recently. John Abraham will be a free agent and the Falcons will face a tough decision. They will more then likely let him go as he is getting there in age. They will add depth in the mid rounds of the draft.
LB- The unit has been known as a very underrated group who are very athletic. With Curtis Lofton being a free agent there number one priority is to resign him as he is the quarterback of the defense.
DB- This is a rebuilt unit that had gotten better with experience. Brent Grimes and Kelvin Hayden are free agents. Hayden was signed for the minimum so don't expect him back. With Dunta Robinson's big contract don't expect the Falcons to give that type of money again to a CB. They will be looking for a corner early in the draft to replace those two guys.