NFL Power Rankings for 2009

PREDICTION: 3-13

DRAFT CLASS: B-
(1) OT / Jason Smith / Baylor
(2) ILB / James Laurinaitas / Ohio State
(3) DB / Bradley Fletcher / Iowa
(4) DT / Dorell Scott / Clemson
(5) WR / Brooks Foster / North Carolina
(6) QB / Keith Null / West Texas A&M
(7) RB / Chris Ogbonnaya / Texas

Key Losses:
Corey Chavous, SS
Drew Bennett, WR
Tory Holt, WR
Orlando Pace, OT

Key Addtions
Jason Brown, C
Mike Karney, FB
James Butler, S

The Rams have had seven major coaching changes affecting the offense in the past five years. This year Steve Spagnuolo is taking over and is already making changes.

It would seem he is trying to rebuild the team by making it younger. He has started by creating a young firm offensive line to protect Mark Bulger.

The oldest of the line is Jacob Bell who only has six years experience. Jason Brown will really help the line this year and even though they lost big time veteran Orlando Pace, Jason Smith will hopefully be a great starter for years to come.

The released both Torry Holt and Drew Bennett. They still have Donnie Avery but behind him is not a firm number two receiver, leaving Bulger with very few targets. Randy McMichael will have to step it up this year.

James Butler is going to make the defense better along with second round pick James Laurinaitis.

With all of these changes headed in the right direction it will take a couple of years for the Rams to get back up into a playoff contending team.

PREDICTION: 3-13

DRAFT CLASS: C-
(1) RB / Knowshawn Moreno Georgia
(1) 18 Ayers, R. LB Tennessee
(2) 37 Smith, A. CB Wake Forest
(2) 48 McBath, D. FS Texas Tech
(2) 64 Quinn, R. TE North Carolina
(4) 114 Bruton, D. FS Notre Dame
(4) 132 Olsen, S. OG Iowa
(5) 141 McKinley, K. WR South Carolina
(6) 174 Brandstater, T. QB Fresno State
(7) 225 Schlueter, B. C TCU

Key Losses
Jay Cutler, QB
Dre' Bly, CB
22 Total Losses

Key Additions
Andra Davis, LB
Brian Dawkins, S
Andre' Goodman, CB
Kyle Orton, QB
Chris Simms, QB
Correll Buckhalter, RB
J.J. Arrington, RB
Darrell Reid, DT
20 Total Additions

Yes, the Broncos had a pretty good draft, but drafting three defensive rookies in which one or two of them may not play the same position they played in college does not save this terrible defense from last year.

And Knowshon Moreno is not going to make up for the loss of Jay Cutler.

One thing is for sure, the Broncos have showed that they are committed to change. Instead of the unstoppable passing game with no defense to back them up team from last year, they are moving over to a smash mouth running and defensive team.

Buckhalter, Arrington, and Moreno will battle it out for the running back position. With the dual back system most teams have in the league I would expect the power running back Buckhalter will be one of the two backs.

The Broncos may also try and create a three-headed monster similar to the Giants' running game last year.

Brian Dawkins is a fantastic safety and will try and lead this defense to become one of the league's best. We may even see glimpses of the great defense to come about halfway through the season.

I have not agreed with anything Josh McDaniels has done this off season as many have not, so for his jobs sake he better know what he is doing.

With 42 changes this offseason I don't expect the Broncos to play well as a team. However, in two or three years I think the Broncos may be the team to beat in the AFC West.

PREDICTION: 4-12

DRAFT CLASS: C
(1) DE / Tyson Jackson / LSU
(3) DT / Alex Magee / Purdue
(4) CB / Donald Washington / Ohio State
(5) OL / Colin Brown / Missouri
(6) WR / Quinten Lawrence / McNeese State
(7) RB / Javarris Williams / Tennessee State
(7) WR / Jake O'Connell / Miami (Ohio)
(7) P / Ryan Succop / South Carolina

Key Losses
Tony Gonzalez, TE
Patrick Surtain, CB
Donnie Edwards, LB

Key Additions
Matt Cassel, QB
Bobby Engram, WR
Zach Thomas, LB
Mike Vrabel, LB

Two words keep this team from being any better this year: Tony Gonzalez. The pro bowl tight end would have been a fantastic target for new quarterback Matt Cassel.

Instead Cassel is going to have to stick with Chiefs star receiver, Dwayne Bowe. Bobby Engram will provide another solid target, but in OTAs the Chiefs have unproven receiver Mark Bradley at number two.

The Chiefs defense will be much improved this year. Tyson Jackson is going to work with former teammate Glenn Dorsey on the defensive line.

The new additions of Zach Thomas and Mike Vrabel at the linebacker spots will add a new spark to this defense. The Chiefs' secondary is pretty stout with Brandon Flowers, Brandon Carr, Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard. Each one of these men can hold their own.

The weak spots of this defense come from the nose tackle and the outside linebackers.

The Chiefs will not have enough firepower on offense to be a playoff contending team this year, although they are a young team and in a few years they may make a run.

PREDICTION: 5-11

DRAFT CLASS: D
(1) WR / Darrius Heyward-Bey / Maryland
(2) SS / Michael Mitchell / Ohio
(3) DE / Matt Shaughnessy / Wisconsin
(4) WR / Louis Murphy / Florida
(4) DE / Slade Norris / Oregon State
(6) DE / Stryker Sulak / Missouri
(6) TE / Brandon Myers / Iowa

Key Losses:
Jake Grove, C

Key Additions:
Jeff Garcia, QB
Samson Satele, C
Lorenzo Neal, FB

Darrius Heyward-Bey... There were so many better options at wide receiver and DHB is not going to change things around for this team. I've never been a big fan of him and I still don't think he will do anything.

Oakland's only hope is that McFadden has a breakout year and takes over this offense, or that I'm wrong about DHB and he becomes an outstanding receiver.

The biggest problem they have is that there was not much change in the offseason. A bad team does not get better by not changing anything. The biggest question is whether or not Jeff Garcia will take over for JaMarcus Russell

Overall this team did not improve much over the offseason...so I expect them to have the fourth overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

PREDICTION: 5-11

DRAFT CLASS: C+
(1) QB / Josh Freeman / Kansas State
(3) DT / Roy Miller / Texas
(4) DE / Kyle Moore / Southern California
(5) OT / Xavier Fulton / Illinois
(7) CB / E.J. Biggers / Western Michigan
(7) WR / Samie Stroughter / Oregon State

Key Losses
Jovan Haye, DT
Phillip Buccanon, CB
Derrick Brooks, LB
Warrick Dunn, RB
Joey Galloway, WR
Jeff Garcia, QB
Cato June, LB
Ike Hilliard, WR

Key Additions:
Kellen Winslow, TE
Mike Nugent, K
Derrick Ward, RB
Byron Leftwich, QB

As John Gruden starts his new job on Monday Night Football, new Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris starts his job rebuilding this team.

He got rid of some big-time names on the Tampa Bay defense who have been there since they won their Superbowl a few years back.

Josh Freeman, Byron Leftwich, and Luke McCown will all fight for the starting job. Leftwich or McCown will probably start at the beginning of the season, but when Tampa starts losing games, it wouldn't surprise me to see Freeman thrown into the game.

The Bucs did not get anyone else in the draft besides Freeman, so he better turn out to be something, otherwise this year will be completely for nothing. Tampa Bay has a long way to go before it will be a contending team again.

PREDICTION: 5-11

(1) QB / Matthew Stafford / Georgia
(1) TE / Brandon Pettigrew / Oklahoma State
(2) CB / Louis Delmas / Western Michigan
(3) OLB / DeAndre Levy / Wisconsin
(3) WR / Derrick Williams / Penn State
(4) DT / Sammie Lee Hill / Stillman College
(6) RB / Aaron Brown / TCU
(7) OT / Lydon Murtha / Nebraska
(7) OLB / Zack Follett / California
(7) TE / Dan Gronkowski / Maryland

Key Losses
Shaun Cody, DT
Leigh Bodden, CB

Key Additions
Phillip Buchanon, CB
Larry Foote, LB
Julian Peterson, LB
Anthony Henry, CB
Bryant Johnson, WR
Eric King, CB
Maurice Morris, RB
Grady Jackson, DT

A new era has started with the Lions. A new head coach in former Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and a new franchise quarterback in Matthew Stafford.

With what Schwartz has done in Tennessee expect the Lions to become a better team, but not this year.

They had a fantastic draft class and as long as these players turn out to be as good as they were hyped to be, the lions could make a run for the playoffs in a couple of years.

Dante Culpepper will get the start at the beginning of the season, but don't be surprised if you see Stafford half way through the season. I wouldn't be surprised if Brian Pettigrew got a lot of snaps as well.

The Lions also brought in a lot of Free Agents on defense this year, including Larry Foote, Phillip Buchanon, Anthony Henry, Grady Jackson, former Titan's CB Eric King, and Julian Peterson.

The Lions have some young CBs who will be playing under the guidance of Buchanon. They now have one of the better linebacking corps in the league with Foote and Peterson joining Ernie Sims.

Their offense will continue to get better with Kevin Smith and Maurice Morris in the backfield. Bryant Johnson will add another threat on the field as well as Pettigrew.

If Stafford turns out to be anything like Matt Ryan was last year, this team could be much better than 5-11.

PREDICTION: 5-11

DRAFT CLASS: B+
(1) OT / Andre Smith / Alabama
(2) LB / Ray Maualuga / Southern California
(3) DE / Michael Johnson / Georgia Tech
(3) TE / Chase Coffman / Missouri
(4) C / Jonathan Luigs / Arkansas
(5) P / Kevin Huber / Cincinnati
(6) CB / Morgan Trent / Michigan
(6) RB / Bernard Scott / Abilene Christian
(7) RB / Fui Vakapuna / Brigham Young
(7) DE / Clinton McDonald / Memphis
(7) WR / Freddie Brown / Utah

Key Losses:
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR
Stacy Andrews, OT

Key Additions
Laveranues Coles, WR
Roy Williams, S

To be honest the Bengals could be a great team, but I just don't think they will until their defense steps up. The addition of Keith Rivers helped last year and Ray Maualuga this year will be a great addition. Michael Johnson is a toss up and probably won't make a huge impact this year.

If Roy Williams is healthy, he can add a lot to the Bengals weak secondary, but last year he only played in three games.

Even though this team with Carson Palmer can put a lot of numbers up they won't be able to win unless they hold other teams under 20 points. Not to mention the big loss of T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Laveranues Coles will try and fill this void.

PREDICTION: 6-10

DRAFT CLASS: B-
(1) ILB / Aaron Curry / Wake Forest
(2) C / Max Unger / Oregon
(3) WR / Deon Butler / Penn State
(6) QB / Mike Teel / Rutgers
(7) KR / Courtney Greene / Rutgers
(7) DE / Nick Reed / Oregon
(7) TE / Cameron Morrah / California

Key Losses:
Rocky Bernerd, DT
Bobby Engram, WR
Julian Peterson, LB
Maurice Morris, RB

Key Additions:
T.J. Houshmenzadeh, WR
Colin Cole, DT
Ken Lucas, CB
Cory Redding, DT

They picked up T.J. Houshmanzadeh and Aaron Curry. Two factors that could put them in contention for the NFC West which isn't saying much considering the teams in the NFC West.

However, I think this year won't be their year, the team is getting old and they need some younger all-stars.

There is some talk about Michael Vick possibly going to the Seahawks if reinstated, however even if he does there is no promise that Vick has anything left in him.

Seattle is one of those teams this year that could surprise everyone and make the playoffs, but I wouldn't put money on it.

PREDICTION: 6-10

DRAFT CLASS: C
(1) C / Alex Mack / California
(2) WR / Brian Robiskie / Ohio State
(2) WR / Mohamed Massaquoi / Georgia
(2) DE / David Veikune / Hawaii
(4) ILB / Kaluka Maiava / Southern California
(6) CB / Don Carey / Norfolk State
(6) CB / Coye Francies / San Jose State
(6) RB / James Davis / Clemson

Key Losses:
Kellen Winslow, TE
Andra Davis, LB
Sean Jones, S

Key Additions:
Eric Barton, LB
David Bowens, LB
Kenyon Coleman, DE
Abram Elam, S
Robert Royal, TE
John St. Clair, OT
Floyd Womack, OG

Eric Mangini has pretty much transfered the Jets defense over to the Browns. If the Jets defense was amazing last year that would be a good thing, but it wasn't. Barton, Bowens, Coleman, and Elam all came from the Jets.

The loss of Kellen Winslow is a big one, but the Browns are taking it in stride. Robert Royal and Steve Heidan will try and fill the spot left by Winslow.

The all around man Josh Cribbs is looking like he might holdout until he gets a new contract, which isn't unreasonable for a guy who is being asked to play four positions (WR, Wildcat QB, KR, and potentially SS). Although with the trade for Elam the browns probably won't put him on defense.

The biggest question for the Browns is who will play QB. IN OTAs Brady Quinn has the starting position, but that could change any day. Its also interesting that Mangini traded for Brett Ratliff. He must see something in the young man and if the season doesn't go well for the Browns, he may be thrown into the mix.

The Browns have too many questions and too many holes right now, especially in a division against the defending champs and the AFC runner-ups.

PREDICTION: 6-10

DRAFT CLASS: B+
(1) QB / Mark Sanchez / Southern California
(3) RB / Shonn Greene / Iowa
(6) OG / Matt Slauson / Nebraska

Key Losses:
Eric Barton, LB
David Bowens, LB
Kenyon Coleman, DE
Laveranues Coles, WR
Abram Elam, S
Brett Favre, QB
Mike Nugent, K

Key Additions:
Bart Scott, LB
Lito Shepherd, CB
Jim Leonhard, S
Marques Douglas, DE

The Jets lost 16 players in this years offseason, however made great moves by grabbing Lito Sheppard and Bart Scott. Defensive minded Rex Ryan will make the defense of the Jets much better and it all starts with strong veterans to lead the team.

The team is getting a young franchise quarterback in GQ model, Mark Sanchez. However his targets are very limited as Jericho Cotchery is not going to be as productive as a No. 1 receiver. In one of the best divisions in football, the Jets will not make their mark this year.

PREDICTION: 6-10

DRAFT CLASS: B
(1) OT / Eugene Monroe / Virginia
(2) OT / Eben Britton / Arizona
(3) DT / Terrance Knighton / Temple
(3) CB / Derek Cox / William & Mary
(4) WR / Mike Thomas / Arizona
(5) WR / Jarrett Dillard / Rice
(6) TE / Zach Miller / Nebraska-Omaha
(7) RB / Rashad Jennings / Liberty
(7) WR / Tiquan Underwood / Rutgers

Key Losses
Matt Jones, WR
Mike Peterson, LB
Gerald Sensabaugh, S
Fred Taylor, RB
Paul Spicer, DE

Key Additions
Torry Holt, WR
Tra Thomas, OT
Sean Considine, S

David Garrard threw 13 picks last year. He is going to have to do a lot better than that for the Jags to win in the AFC South. They are really trying to do something to fix their passing game.

Two tackles picked up in the draft and the signing of Tra Thomas will make their offensive line better immediately. Torry Holt will add a solid go to guy to the group of receivers, but he's old and theirs questions about how much he can really do.

All of the Jags receivers are getting old and have lost some speed. They dropped Fred Taylor which will give Maurice Jones-Drew more carries, but that is not really a good thing.

With Rashean Mathis healthy they could make a run, but it won't be easy at all. The Jags have a deep defensive line, but lost their best linebacker in Mike Peterson.

Overall not a bad job for Gene Smith's first off-season, but the AFC South is too good for the Jaguars right now, but they may still make a run for a wild-card spot.

PREDICTION: 7-9

DRAFT CLASS: A
(1) DT / B.J. Raji / Boston College
(1) ILB / Clay Matthews / Southern California
(4) OT / T.J. Lang / Eastern Michigan
(5) FB / Quinn Johnson / LSU
(5) OT / Jamon Meredith / South Carolina
(6) DL / Jarius Wynn / Georgia
(6) CB / Brandon Underwood / Cincinnati
(7) OLB / Brad Jones / Colorado

Key Losses:
Collin Cole, DT

Key Additions:
Duke Preston, C

The Packers made very few offseason transactions this year, which is very surprising for a team that is coming off a 6-10 season.

Their biggest change is their defense switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4. This is being done with the help of rookies B.J. Raji, who will play the nose tackle, and Clay Matthews who will come in as the fourth linebacker to complete the defense.

Though the defense has gotten a little better the only thing that really changed for the offense is a little competition at center. Aaron Rogers played great in his first year as a starter and Ryan Grant rushed for over 1200 yards, but the packers were still unable to get it done.

The Packers could very well make the playoffs this season, but I see them falling short once again this year.

Not a lot of changes with the Packers this season; however they did upgrade their defense with B.J. Raji and Clay Mathews. Aaron Rodgers played poorly towards the end of the year last year and hopefully for Green Bay fans Rodgers has a much better finish to his season this year.

PREDICTION: 7-9

DRAFT CLASS: B-
(1) CB / Vontae Davis / Illinois
(2) QB / Pat White / West Virginia
(2) CB / Sean Smith / Utah
(3) WR / Patrick Turner / Southern California
(4) WR / Brian Hartline / Ohio State
(5) TE / Jonathan Nalbone / Monmouth (NJ)
(5) FS / Chris Clemons / Clemson
(6) OT / Andrew Gardner / Georgia Tech
(7) OLB / J.D. Folsom / Weber State

Key Losses:
Andre' Goodman, CB
Renaldo HIll, S
Vonnie Holliday, DE

Key Additions
Jake Grove, C
Gibril Wilson, S
Jason Taylor, DE

I actually really like the Dolphins this year. They picked up two cornerbacks in the first two rounds and picked up Pat White to help with the wildcat. Chad Pennington had a great year last year and Ted Ginn Jr. is only getting better.

Tony Sparano summed it up, "We are not where we are; we are not where we want to be; but thank God we are not where we used to be."

I would have picked them to be in the top half of the league if they didn't have the toughest schedule this year. I think it will be too much for them to handle especially know that there is a whole season's worth of Dolphin wildcat film.

PREDICTION: 7-9

DRAFT CLASS: D+
(3) OLB / Jason Williams / Western Illinois
(3) OT / Robert Brewster / Ball State
(4) QB / Stephen McGee / Texas A&M
(4) DE / Victor Butler / Oregon State
(4) DE / Brandon Williams / Texas Tech
(5) CB / Deangelo Smith / Cincinnati
(5) FS / Mike Hamlin / Clemson
(5) K / David Buehler / Southern California
(6) SS / Stephen Hodge / TCU
(6) TE / John Phillips / Virginia
(7) CB / Mike Mickens / Cincinnati
(7) WR / Manuel Johnson / Oklahoma

Key Losses:
Kevin Burnett, LB
Chris Canty, DT
Anthony Henry, CB
Zach Thomas, LB
Roy Williams, SS
Terrell Owens, WR

Key Additions:
Keith Brooking, LB
Igor Olshanky, DT
Greg Sensabaugh, S

Last season Tony Romo and Terrell Owens did not get along, which divided the locker room and lowered on the field production. Some say this is why Jerry Jones got rid of Owens.

Regardless of the drama you can't discount Owens productivity on the field, and it will be missed by the Cowboys.

Romo and new number one receiver Roy Williams have been working together since early March to develop Chemistry. Whether or not Williams will be able to fill Owens shoes is yet to be seen, but regardless 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns will always be missed.

The defense lost some key players this offseason. Though the Cowboys did not have a draft pick until the second day, they picked up some playmakers in free agency.

The Cowboys are in a tough division and the 11th hardest schedule in the league. They won't make the playoffs this year.

PREDICTION: 8-8

DRAFT CLASS: B-
(1) WR / Michael Crabtree / Texas Tech
(3) RB / Glen Coffee / Alabama
(5) ILB / Scott McKillop / Pittsburgh
(5) QB / Nate Davis / Ball State
(6) TE / Bear Pascoe / Fresno State
(7) DB / Curtis Taylor / LSU
(7) DE / Ricky Jean-Francois / LSU

Key Losses:
Bryant Johnson, WR

Key Additions:
Dre' Bly, CB
Demetric Evans, DE
Brandon Jones, WR
Marvel Smith, OT

San Francisco is unsure of a couple of things. Who will be there starting QB? Who will replace veteran cornerback, Walt Harris, who tore his ACL this offseason?

When will Frank Gore have another 100 yard rushing game? Will Michael Crabtree come back from his injury 100 percent?

The answer to these questions could very well determine whether the 49ers or Cardinals compete in the playoffs next season.

Shaun Hill and Alex Smith are battling it out for the quarterback spot, although Hill seems to have a slight advantage coming off a season with a quarterback rating of 87.5.

Thirteen year veteran, Walt Harris, tore his ACL in organized team activities and will most likely be out for the year and maybe his career. The team quickly picked up free agent Dre' Bly to battle with Tarell Brown for the starting position.

Frank Gore hasn't had a 100 yard rushing game or rushed for a touchdown since Week 11 last season. His season high last year was 130 and that was against the 0-16 Lions.

Michael Crabtree has gone from No. 1 receiver in the draft class to potential draft bust in just a few months. He is classified as a "diva" by many and his injury will slow his progress down a little.

It's really going to be a hit or miss with this guy, and if its a hit the 49ers may be in the playoffs.

PREDICTION: 8-8

DRAFT CLASS: B+
(1) RB / Donald Brown / Connecticut
(2) DT / Fili Moala / Southern California
(3) CB / Jerraud Powers / Auburn
(4) WR / Austin Collie / Brigham Young
(4) DT / Terrance Taylor / Michigan
(6) QB / Curtis Painter / Purdue
(7) K / Pat McAfee / West Virginia
(7) OT / Jaimie Thomas / Maryland

Key Losses:
Marvin Harrison, WR
Darrell Reid, DT

Key Additions:
None

The Colts have been a powerhouse for a while now. Unfortunately, they have lost four of the five pieces of their powerhouse puzzle. Tony Dungy, Tom Moore, Howard Mudd, and Marvin Harrison are all gone.

If just one of the coaches had left I would say they would be fine, but with the head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator all gone, the colts are going to have a rough season ahead of them.

But, don't tell an Indianapolis Colt that.

"I like (first-year head coach) Jim Caldwell, too, and his leadership and what he's bringing. Tony isn't around, because it's Jim's team now" Colts owner, Jim Irsay said.

Tom Moore and Howard Mudd are coming back to the team as strictly consultants, however there is a debate on whether they will be allowed back by NFL regulations on August 1st or mid November.

No team is completely hopeless with Peyton Manning behind center. With the addition of explosive back, Donald Brown, the offense could very well not even miss Marvin Harrison.

Anthony Gonzalez is set to be the No. 2 receiver, but the slot receiver is a very unstable place right now. But if anyone's watched Manning, they know that's not a problem.

With all the coaching changes, this very well could be the first year in a long time the Colts don't make the playoffs.

PREDICTION: 8-8

DRAFT CLASS: C
(1) DE / Brian Orakpo / Texas
(3) CB / Kevin Barnes / Maryland
(5) OLB / Cody Glenn / Nebraska
(6) OLB / Robert Henson / TCU
(7) FB / Eddie Williams / Idaho
(7) WR / Marko Mitchell / Nevada

Key Losses:
Jason Taylor, DE
Demetric Evans, DE
Shawn Springs, CB
Marcus Washington, LB

Key Additions:
Albert Haynesworth, DT
Derrick Dockery, OG

The Redskins made Haynesworth the most paid defensive lineman in the game. Which is a lot for someone who was injured half of last season. However if he stays healthy he can be a wrecking ball on defense.

This signing was not all good though, as they had to let go of two of their defensive ends to make up for it. They also lost long time cornerback Shawn Springs.

Though the defense took some shots this offseason the offense only continues to get better. Jason Campbell is getting more comfortable in this league and Antwan Randel El and Santana Moss are only getting better. Clinton Portis continues to dominate the running game.

Though the team looks good, Haynesworth isn't going to be enough to push the Redskins past the Eagles and Giants this year.

PREDICTION: 8-8

DRAFT CLASS: B
(1) OG / Michael Oher / Mississippi
(2) DE / Paul Kruger / Utah
(3) CB / Lardarius Webb / Nicholls State
(5) ILB / Lason Phillips / TCU
(5) TE / Davon Drew / East Carolina
(6) RB / Cedric Peerman / Virginia

Key Losses:
Willie Anderson, OT
Jason Brown, C
Corey Ivy, CB
Bart Scott, LB
Jim Leonhard, S
Lorenzo Neal, FB
Chris McCalister, CB
Marques Douglas, DE

Key Additions:
Matt Birk, C
Chris Carr, KR
Domonique Foxworth, CB

With two holes left on the offensive line of the Ravens, they did a great job filling them with a draft pick and a free agency signing. However their defense was not so lucky.

Foxworth will try and fill the hole of Chris McCalister, but those are some big shoes to fill. Bart Scott, and Jim Leonhard were some great football players who are no longer with the team.

Taveres Gooden is supposed to fill Bart Scott's spot and Dawan Landry had the starting position before being injured and replaced by Jim Leonhard.

Chris Carr will add a new dimension to the the team on kick and punt returns. But the offense pretty much stays the same. With L.J. Smith from the eagles joining the team, two tight end sets will be more popular. This should help Willis McGahee and Ray Rice.

Its Joe Flacco's second year and how the Ravens season ends up is going to be on his shoulders. I don't think he will have enough and the Ravens will fall just short of the playoffs.

PREDICTION: 9-7

DRAFT CLASS: C
(1) CB / Malcolm Jenkins / Ohio State
(4) S / Chip Vaughn / Wake Forest
(4) LB / Stanley Arnoux / Wake Forest
(5) P / Thomas Morstead / Southern Methodist

Key Losses
Josh Bullocks, FS
Deuce McAllister, RB
Mike, McKenzie, CB

Key Additions:
Jabari Greer, CB
Darren Sharper, FS
Paul Spicer, DE

The offense of the Saints continues to get better under the leadership of Drew Brees.

"I think with (Robert) Meachem, he senses that he's the number one guy here right now. I think that's great for his confidence to step in there and have a little bit of a swagger about him," Brees said.

Meachem, Devery Henderson, and Marques Colston make up a very good receiving corps. When you add Jeremy Shockey and Reggie Bush to that mix, Brees has a lot of targets.

The biggest problem for the Saints is their between the tackles running back was released. Pierre Thomas will try and step up and fill those shoes while Bush continues to be an all purpose back.

Last year Thomas rushed for 625 rushing yards and he only had more than 10 attempts in less than half the games last season. For a player who was undrafted, that's pretty good.

The Saints will try and make the wild card at the end of the year, battling with the Falcons, Eagles and the Vikings.

PREDICTION: 9-7

DRAFT CLASS: A+
(1) WR / Jeremy Maclin / Missouri
(2) RB / LeSean McCoy / Pittsburgh
(5) TE / Cornelius Ingram / Florida
(5) CB / Victor Harris / Virginia Tech
(5) OT / Fenuki Tupou / Oregon
(6) WR / Brandon Gibson / Washington State
(7) OG / Paul Fanaika / Arizona State
(7) OLB / Moses Fokou / Maryland

Key Losses:
Correll Buckhalter, RB
Brian Dawkins, S
Lito Sheppard, CB
L.J. Smith, TE
Tra Thomas, OT

Key Additions:
Stacy Andrews, OT
Jason Peters, OT
Ellis Hobbs, CB
Sean Jones, S

According to the draft experts, the Eagles had the best overall draft. It started with their first pick and the "steal" of Jeremy Maclin. LeSean McCoy is a young player, and is still a risky choice.

However Cornelius Ingram is a great tight end and the Eagles got him in the fifth round.

This draft will definitely help them down the road, however this year it may not be good enough to get them in the playoffs.

Brian Dawkins is a huge loss to a team as not only do you lose a pro bowl caliber safety, but you also lose a leader on defense. Lito Sheppard is a very good corner who was traded away.

The Eagles clean up their offensive line with Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews. This should help the Eagles offense out immediately.

The defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is taking a leave of absence as he battles with cancer. This will probably have an effect on the defense, but only time will tell.

The Eagles will probably be in the running for a wild card, but I think they will come up just short.

PREDICTION: 9-7

DRAFT CLASS: B-
(1) RB / Chris Wells / Ohio State
(2) DE / Cody Brown / Connecticut
(3) S / Rashad Johnson / Alabama
(4) CB / Gregory Toler / St. Pauls Coll
(5) OT / Herman Johnson / LSU
(6) DE / Will Davis / Illinois
(7) RB / LaRod Stephens-Howling / Pittsburgh
(7) OG / Trevor Canfield / Cincinnati

Key Losses:
Eric Green, CB
Edgerrin James, RB
Travis LaBoy, DE
Antonio Smith, DE

Key Additions:
Bryant McFadden, CB

Edgerrin James started gaining some steam on the road to the Cardinals NFC Championship. He was finally making a difference for the team and is part of the reason they made it so far.

However, the favor wasn't repaid as the Cardinals dropped him and replaced him with first round pick Chris "Beanie" Wells.

This was the biggest change for the Cardinals. They decided to resign Kurt Warner and are trying their hardest to keep Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett. Both players are wanting more pay or off the team.

If the Cardinals play like they did in the playoffs, they could be a force to be reckoned with, however I don't think they are that good. But who in the NFC West is legitimately going to stop them from making the playoffs?

PREDICTION: 9-7

DRAFT CLASS: B
(1) ILB / Brian Cushing / Southern California
(2) DE / Connor Barwin / Cincinnati
(3) OG / Antoine Caldwell / Alabama
(4) CB / Glover Quin / New Mexico
(4) TE / Anthony Hill / North Carolina State
(5) TE / James Casey / Rice
(6) CB / Brice McCain / Utah
(7) FS / Troy Nolan / Arizona State

Key Losses:
Will Demps, FS
DeMarcus Faggins, CB
Anthony Weaver, DE

Key Additions:
Cato June, LB
Antonio Smith, DE
Shaun Cody, DT

The Texans continue to make there defense better every year. First round Brian Cushing will be a staple to the defense for years to come. Cato June, Antonio Smith, and Shaun Cody all make the team better overall.

Mario Williams is becoming one of the best defensive ends in the league and DeMeco Ryans is coming off an amazing year with 112 tackles. This defense just continues to look better and better.

On offense the Texans are set with Matt Schaub as their quarterback. Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter teamed up for over 2400 yards receiver last year. Steve Slaton just had a fantastic rookie season rushing for over 1200 yards.

Could this be the year? Yes, I believe it will be the year the Texans finally make the playoffs.

PREDICTION: 10-6

DRAFT CLASS: C-
(1) DE / Larry English / Northern Illinois
(3) OG / Louis Vasquez / Texas Tech
(4) DL / Vaughn Martin / Western Ontario
(4) C / Tyronne Green / Auburn
(4) RB / Gartrell Johnson / Colorado State
(5) WR / Brandon Hughes / Oregon State
(6) ILB / Kevin Ellison / Southern California
(7) WR / Demetrius Byrd / LSU

Key Losses:
Igor Olshanky, DE
Mike Goff, OG

Key Additions:
Kevin Burnett, LB

Apparently the Chargers think they have the team they want. They've got a Franchise quarterback, an outstanding running back, a premier wide receiver, and a stout defense. So not many changes were made in the off-season.

Phillip Rivers is turning into an outstanding quarterback. Its only taken five years, but a 105.5 quarterback rating says he's now among the top quarterbacks in the league.

LaDainian Tomlinson is finally slowing down as he hits the age of 30. However, he's not done and Darren Sproles is just speeding up.

Vincent Jackson has got to be one of the most under the radar receivers in the league right now. He was the 11th overall receiver in yards, 12th in touchdowns, and of the receivers who had over 1,000 yards he had the highest average.

The defense of the Chargers will only get better this year with the addition of Larry English and the return of Shawn Merriman. The Chargers also have one of the most underrated safeties in the game in Eric Weddle who had the highest solo tackles of any safety and the third highest of any player.

The Chargers don't have a lot of competition this year in their division so they will definitely make the playoffs.

PREDICTION: 10-6

DRAFT CLASS: B-
(1) DE / Aaron Maybin / Penn State
(1) C / Eric Wood / Louisville
(2) CB / Jairus Byrd / Oregon
(2) OL / Andy Levitre / Oregon State
(4) TE / Shawn Nelson / Southern Mississippi
(5) S / Nic Harris / Oklahoma
(6) CB / Cary Harris / Southern California
(7) DB / Ellis Lankster / West Virginia

Key Losses:
Jabari Greer, CB
Anthony Hargrove, DE
Jason Peters, OT
Duke Preston, C

Key Additions:
Terrell Owens, WR
Geof Hangartner, OG
Seth McKinney, G/C
Dominic Rhodes, RB
Drayton Florence, CB

Did anyone else see the Bills at the beginning of last Season? If they can play even close to as hard as they were in the first half of the 2008 campaign, they will be a playoff team this year.

One of their biggest questions falls at running back. Marshawn Lynch has been injured recently and is getting into some trouble with the league. Enough trouble that he won't be on the field until Week Four of the season.

To counter this, they picked up former Colt Dominic Rhodes. Rhodes was a thousand yard back in 2001 when Edgerrin James got hurt. Last year he shared carries with Joseph Addai and racked up over 500 yards. Rhodes could very well contend for this position against Lynch.

Terrell Owens will immediately make this team better. The Bills offense averaged over 300 yards a game, but was only able to get into the end zone on average twice a game. There were three games last year in which Buffalo didn't even score a touchdown.

Owens is going to add a red zone threat that cannot be ignored. Even if the ball doesn't go to him he will open up the run. He's playing opposite of another 1000-yard receiver in Lee Evans.

The defense for the Bills isn't bad either. Aaron Maybin and the return of Aaron Schobel will make them even better. Donte Whitner could be a hit or miss this year. He's coming into his fourth season, but last year was terrible compared to his first two.

The Bills are a playoff caliber team this year. Whether they are the team from the first seven weeks of last year or the last ten will decide whether or not they make it. I put them as a wild card.

PREDICTION: 10-6

DRAFT CLASS: B-
(1) WR / Percy Harvin / Florida
(2) OL / Phil Loadholt / Oklahoma
(3) CB / Asher Allen / Georgia
(5) ILB / Jasper Brinkley / South Carolina
(7) FS / Jamarca Sanford / Mississippi

Key Losses:
Matt Birk, C
Darren Sharper, S

Key Additions:
Sage Rosenfels, QB

Last year the Vikings got off to a slow start at 1-3. However they went 7-2 in their last 7 games to earn them a spot in the playoffs atop the NFC North.

Minnesota allowed a lot of points last season, but this was not due to a poor defense. During the regular season opponents scored 11 times on special teams or by defensive touchdowns. That's one-third of the touchdowns given up by the Vikings.

The defense grabbed 12 picks and recovered 13 fumbles but still had a -6 turnover ratio. This was largely due to Gus Frerrotte who gave up 15 interceptions. Tarvaris Jackson did a pretty good job protecting the ball, throwing less interceptions than his three lost fumbles.

Sage Rosenfels is a great addition to this team, not to be the starter, but to make Jackson feel uncomfortable and play harder to keep his spot. Brad Childress likes Jackson so don't expect Rosenfels to win the spot, but rather Jackson to only get better.

Adrian Peterson led the league in rushing last season and you can only expect another amazing season out of him. The only problem is he's getting over 100 more carries over the season than the average back.

If they don't take some of the load off him, their is a good chance he could get injured or at the very least shorten his career. Maybe Percy Harvin will be able to jump in the backfield like he did for Florida, we'll see.

The defense is going to be good again this year with Jared Allen leading the line. Their biggest loss was Darren Sharper and its going to leave a small hole in their secondary.

Overall I think the Vikings finished strong last year and will carry that into this season. I see them making the playoffs and if they can choose and stick with a QB maybe make a run for the Super Bowl.

PREDICTION: 10-6

DRAFT CLASS: B-
(1) Hakeem Nicks / North Carolina
(2) Clint Sintim / Virginia
(2) William Beatty / Connecticut
(3) Ramses Barden / Cal Poly
(3) Travis Beckum / Wisconsin
(4) Andre Brown / North Carolina State
(5) Rhett Bomar / Sam Houston State
(6) DeAndre Wright / New Mexico
(7) Stoney Woodson / South Carolina

Key Losses:
James Butler, S
Derrick Ward, RB
Amani Toomer, WR
Plaxico Burress, WR

Key Additions:
Michael Boley, LB
Chris Canty, DT
Rocky Bernard, DT

The Giants' defensive line was really good last year. This was without Osi Umenyiora who was injured before the season started last year. Not only that but the additions of Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard make the line even better and add a lot of depth.

The linebackers get help from Michael Boley who will most likely play the weak side. The secondary of the Giants isn't the best, but they are not terrible. The defense of the Giants will likely be one of the best in the league this year.

There are some questions on offense with both Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer leaving the team. Domenik Hixon has the most experience of the front runners at receiver followed by Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, and first round draft choice, Hakeem Nicks.

This leaves the wide receiver position up for grabs and its going to be whoever can show they want it. Regardless all four receivers should see significant playing time this season.

Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw will get more carries this season with the departure of Derrick Ward. Eli Manning is coming off another great season with over 3000 yards.

The Giants had one of the best turnover ratios in the league last year and I expect them to carry it over to this year and take the NFC East once again.

PREDICTION: 11-5

DRAFT CLASS: B+
(1) DT / Peria Jerry / Mississippi
(2) DB / William Moore / Missouri
(3) CB / Chris Owens / San Jose State
(4) DE / Lawrence Sidbury / Richmond
(5) CB / William Middleton / Furman
(5) OT / Garrett Reynolds / North Carolina
(6) LB / Spencer Adkins / Miami (Fla.)
(7) DT / Vance Walker / Georgia Tech

Key Losses:
Michael Boley, LB
Keith Brooking, LB
Domonique Foxworth, DB
Grady Jackson, DT
Lawyer Milloy, S

Key Additions:
Tony Gonzalez, TE
Mike Peterson, LB

This teams success is going to depend mostly on how Matt Ryan's second season goes. With the addition of Tony Gonzalez, most people would expect it to go very well.

The entire offense is very stable right now. Michael Turner rushed for 1600 yards last season and was second in the league in touchdowns to only DeAngelo Williams of the Carolina Panthers.

Roddy White and Michael Jenkins were not well known last year, but were able to combine for 2000 yards receiving. Gonzalez will only open up routes for them.

The question with the falcons come on defense. They lost franchise linebacker Keith Brooking and starter Michael Boley, but gained a fantastic player in Mike Peterson. Head coach Mike Smith was the defensive coordinator at Jacksonville, so expect Peterson's transition to be very smooth.

They also lost Lawyer Milloy who was a huge impact player on their team, however second round draft choice William Moore is going to try and fill the hole.

Peria Jerry will make an immediate impact on this defense and overall this team will play better than last year. Expect them to make a strong playoff run now that Matt Ryan has a taste of the postseason.

PREDICTION: 11-5

DRAFT CLASS: B+
(2) SS / Patrick Chung / Oregon
(2) DT / Ron Brace / Boston College
(2) CB / Darius Butler / Connecticut
(2) OL / Sebastian Vollmer / Houston
(3) WR / Brandon Tate / North Carolina
(3) OLB / Tyrone McKenzie / South Florida
(4) OG / Rich Ohrnberger / Penn State
(5) OT / George Bussey / Louisville
(6) DT / Jake Ingram / Hawaii
(6) DT / Myron Pryor / Kentucky
(7) QB / Julian Edelman / Kent State
(7) DT / Darryl Richard / Georgia Tech

Key Losses:
Matt Cassel, QB
Jabar Gaffney, WR
Ellis Hobbs, CB
Mike Vrabel, WR
Rodney Harrison, S
Junior Seau, LB

Key Additions:
Joey Galloway, WR
Shawn Springs, CB
Fred Taylor, RB

Would you ever really bet against Bill Belichick and a healthy Tom Brady? I know i wouldn't. As long as Brady stays healthy I expect him to have another great year and lead the team to the playoffs.

Fred Taylor is going to be a great addition to this team. He will add the power on short yardage situation that will make this team even better.

Their defense took a few shots this off season, losing team leader Rodney Harrison. Junior Seau, Ellis Hobbs, and Mike Vrabel also got the boot. Don't expect too much of a dropoff as Brandon Meriweather has a lot of experience filling in for injured Harrison.

Jarod Mayo is already one of the top linebackers in the league playing next to Tedy Bruschi and Adalius Thomas. However, their fourth linebacker position is shaky.

None of their draft picks will have an immediate impact on the team but their draft was still successful because it added depth.

Brady has his way with defenses and will lead the team to another playoff run.

PREDICTION: 11-5

DRAFT CLASS: C+
(2) DE / Everette Brown / Florida State
(2) FS / Sherrod Martin / Troy
(3) DL / Corvey Irvin / Georgia
(4) RB / Mike Goodson / Texas A&M
(4) FB / Tony Fiammetta / Syracuse
(5) OG / Duke Robinson / Oklahoma
(7) CB / Captain Munnerlyn / South Carolina

Key Losses:
Geoff Hangartner, OG
Mark Jones, KR
Ken Lucas, CB
Frank Omiyale, OT

Key Additions:
None

DeAngelo Williams ran his heart out last year crossing the 1500 mark and led the league in touchdowns with 18. That success should carry over to this season.

The Panthers didn't do much in the off-season, but they did keep the same team and only built their team chemistry. The linemen they lost were good, but not starters. If their line can stay healthy this year it could be a good season.

The defense will be good again this year, with the only questions coming in the secondary. Oh and the question of when and where Everette Brown will play.

Look for the Panthers to play well again this year and it will be a fight between the Falcons and the Panthers for the NFC South, who I believe is the best division in football this year.

PREDICTION: 12-4

DRAFT CLASS: B
(1) WR / Kenny Britt / Rutgers
(2) DT / Sen'Derrick Marks / Auburn
(3) TE / Jared Cook / South Carolina
(3) DB / Ryan Mouton / Hawaii
(4) OLB / Gerald McRath / Southern Mississippi
(4) OT / Troy Kropog / Tulane
(5) RB / Javon Ringer / Michigan State
(6) CB / Jason McCourty / Rutgers
(6) WR / Dominique Edison / Stephen F. Austin
(7) OG / Ryan Durand / Syracuse
(7) FS / Nicholas Schommer / North Dakota State

Key Losses:
Albert Haynesworth, DT
Chris Carr, CB/KR
Brandon Jones, WR
Eric King, CB

Key Additions:
Jovan Haye, DT
Nate Washington, WR
Mark Jones, KR
DeMarcus Faggins, CB

The Titans had two goals going into the offseason: Get depth, and get some wide receivers. They did a great job of getting both.

Nate Washington and first round draft choice Kenny Britt will add to the wide receiver group immediately. Lavelle Hawkins is having a great off-season and could also emerge as one of the top receivers for the Titans.

That's not even counting Jared Cook, who could emerge as an elite tight end.

The Titans lost Albert Haynesworth, but made up for it by grabbing depth at the defensive tackle spot. The Titans use a rotating line which requires more than just your typical two defensive tackles.

The signing of Jovan Haye and draft choice Sen'Derrick Marks will add great depth behind Tony Brown and second year man Jason Jones.

Overall the Titans are returning 20 of their 22 starters in a 13-3 season. Not to mention a healthy Nick Harper and Kyle Vanden Bosch. As long as the Titans stay pretty much injury free, they should have a great year.

PREDICTION: 12-4

Bears
DRAFT CLASS: A
(3) DE / Jarron Gilbert / San Jose State
(3) WR / Juaquin Iglesias / Oklahoma
(4) DE / Henry Melton / Texas
(4) CB / D.J. Moore / Vanderbilt
(5) WR / Johnny Knox / Abilene Christian
(5) LB / Marcus Freeman / Ohio State
(6) FS / Al Afalava / Oregon State
(7) TE / Lance Louis / San Diego State
(7) WR / Derek Kinder / Pittsburgh

Key Losses:
Mike Brown, S
Fred Miller, OT
Brandon Lloyd, WR
John St. Clair. OT

Key Additions:
Josh Bullocks, FS
Jay Cutler, QB
Frank Omiyale, OT
Orlando Pace, OT
Kevin Schaffer, OT

The Chicago Bears are my surprise pick of the year. They have an amazing defense as they do every year and their offense only gets better with the addition of Jay Cutler. The biggest knock critics have on the Bears is their lack of wide receivers.

I beg to differ with the media. Jay Cutler is one of those quarterbacks that can turn average receivers into stars.

For example, the first year Cutler had the starting job, it was also Brandon Marshals first year as a starter in which he hit 1300 yards. Eddie Royal last year was not supposed to be good, but with the help of Cutler, Royal turned out to be a great receiver.

The same is going to happen in Chicago. First off, Cutler was teammates with Earl Bennett at Vanderbilt and you can expect them to be on the same page. Devin Hester hasn't had a chance to make plays because he hasn't had a great quarterback throwing to him.

There were glimpses of Hester being a good receiver last year. Rashied Davis is a pretty good receiver and will continue to improve.

Matt Forte is set to have another great year and with all of this I think the Bears may be the NFC representatives for the Super Bowl next year.

PREDICTION: 13-3

DRAFT CLASS: B
(1) DT / Evander Hood / Missouri
(3) OT / Kraig Urbik / Wisconsin
(3) WR / Mike Wallace / Mississippi
(3) CB / Keenan Lewis / Oregon State
(5) CB / Joe Burnett / UCF
(5) RB / Frank Summers / UNLV
(6) DT / Ra'Shon Harris / Oregon
(7) C / A.Q. Shipley / Penn State
(7) TE / David Johnson / Arkansas State

Key Losses:
Larry Foote, LB
Bryant McFadden, CB
Nate Washington, WR

Key Additions:
None

The defending champions will make a run at another Super Bowl this year. Not much has changed for the team that just won everything... oh except for the addition of Evander Hood who will only make this defense even better.

Nate Washington was only the slot receiver and Limas Sweed will fill in that gap with hardly any hitches. Willie Parker will be back with the help of Rashard Mendenhall, who was injured last season.

Now I don't think the Steelers are the best team right now, but I do think they are in the top five, and considering they have the weakest strength of schedule from last year (aside from the three teams in the NFC North), they should have a very good season.

So I've made my selections and I'm sure not everyone agrees with me. For those who didn't want to read through all the hooplah (not really a word), here is a recap:

Surprises:
Chicago Bears go 12-4
Houston Texans make the playoffs
Indianapolis Colts miss the playoffs
Ravens miss the playoffs
Broncos are second worst team in the NFL
Eagles get pushed out of the playoffs by the Vikings

If I am right on all of this here is how the playoffs would look:
AFC:
1. North: Pittsburgh Steelers (13-3)
2. South: Tennessee Titans (12-4)
3. East: New England Patriots (11-5)
4. West: San Diego Chargers (10-6)
5. Wildcard: Buffalo Bills (10-6)
6. Wildcard: Houston Texans (9-7)

NFC
1. North: Chicago Bears (12-4)
2. South: Carolina Panthers (11-5)
3. East: New York Giants (10-6)
4. West: Arizona Cardinals (9-7)
5. Wildcard: Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
6. Wildcard: Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

I know its really early to predict a Super Bowl but I'm gonna try for the fun of it.
WIldcard Weekend

(5)Falcons defeat (4)Cardinals
(6)Vikings defeat (3)Giants
(3)Patriots defeat (6)Texans
(5)Bills defeat (4)Chargers

Division
(1)Bears defeat (6)Vikings
(2)Panthers defeat (5)Falcons
(5)Bills defeat (1)Steelers
(2)Titans defeat (3)Patriots

Conference
(1)Bears defeat (2)Panthers
(2)Titans defeat (1)Steelers

Super Bowl
Titans defeat Bears

Ok in all honesty I'm a Titans fan, but you gotta root for your team right? And it's not like it's a ridiculous pick.