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.