Grading and Analyzing Each Non-Playoff NFL Team's Base to Build Around

The Detroit Lions will face the New Orleans Saints in the playoffs this weekend just three seasons since going winless throughout the whole regular season.

After cleaning house after said season, the Lions brought in cornerstones through the draft to build a playoff team around. Those pieces are now leading the way for the Lions, as Matthew Stafford, Ndamukong Suh and Louis Delmas have all come in to join Calvin Johnson.

Those players were brought in as part of a process, a process that every non-playoff team is now enduring at various points.

Here are the stages that each NFL roster, that is not in the playoffs, is looking at to build towards a championship side.

The percentages on each slide reflect what percentage of a playoff team the franchise currently is. A 100 percent rating is a playoff-caliber team, while a zero percent rating is the 0-16 Detroit Lions, or in other words, a team that needs to be totally rebuilt.

Indianapolis Colts

Key Cornerstones

Peyton Manning: A

Manning somewhat skews this slide straight from the off. It is hard to evaluate the whole roster because it is impossible to determine what on the team was simply missing Manning opposed to just being totally ineffective.

Antoine Bethea: A

Bethea is the one Indianapolis Colts player that played this whole season with passion. He is a hard-hitting safety that covers well on the back end. Bethea's biggest problem is the lack of talent around him.

Dwight Freeney B

It's difficult to grade Freeney. He is 31 years of age, and if Manning returns and allows the franchise to overcome the limitations they showed during this past season, then Freeney has huge value. However, if the Colts really do have to start a rebuilding stage, then Freeney is too old to be a factor in three-plus years.

2012 first round pick: A

With the talent at quarterback coming through, Robert Griffin III is now even challenging Andrew Luck as the best prospect, as well as the trade value for the first overall selection. The Colts' first pick this year is more valuable than any of the other players on the team's roster. Of course, that is without including Reggie Wayne and Robert Mathis, whose contracts are up.

Outlook

The Colts are unlike any other recent team with the No. 1 selection because of their reliance on Peyton Manning and porous backup options. The closest team to this Colts team's outlook is the Carolina Panthers, who had gone to the playoffs only a few years before falling to draft Cam Newton last year.

If Manning returns, the Colts could immediately become a playoff team. If Manning returns and he isn't fully healthy, they could be as far away from a playoff team as is seemingly possible. The flaws that the Colts have shown this year prove that their roster is limited in terms of talent.

35 percent

St. Louis Rams

Key Cornerstones

Sam Bradford: B+

Bradford's rookie season was outstanding, and while many people excuse his second season because of the lack of quality around him, there is some level of concern to be had with his uninspiring play last year. Still, a B+ is still a potential franchise quarterback.

Stephen Jackson: B

Jackson is not an A+ for one simple reason: his age. Jackson probably won't be a part of the team's rebuilding process. Jackson is only 28, but has absorbed a huge amount of abuse over the course of his NFL career. The likelihood is the Rams will take at least three years before being playoff worthy. By that time, Jackson could be elsewhere. His best value to this team is possibly as a trade chip.

Chris Long: B

Long is a quality player when he plays on the left side of the defensive line. He never managed to establish himself against the quality left tackles in the league, but is still a very impressive player for this team and could be a fearsome pairing with Robert Quinn in the future.

James Laurinitas: A

Laurinitas is one of the most unheralded players in the league simply because of the team he plays for. He is a dominant middle linebacker who could play for any contender. The Rams must look to build their defense around him.

Outlook

The Rams were somewhat unfortunate last year, as their defense was decimated by injuries, most notably in the secondary. The return of Ron Bartell, Bradley Fletcher and Jerome Murphy could return their defense to a respectable group.

Offensively, the Rams have some major issues. While they are presumably set at the most important position, quarterback, Rodger Saffold really struggled with performance and health during his sophomore season, while Jason Smith further added to his bust resúmé. With Jason Brown losing his spot at center and Harvey Dahl not making the desired impact coming from Atlanta, the Rams offensive line looks to be in trouble.

Undoubtedly, the Rams' biggest concerns are on offense. Brandon Lloyd could leave via free agency, while Lance Kendricks and Brandon Gibson need to continue to develop.

Depending on the team's offseason additions, most importantly whoever leads from the sidelines, this team definitely has enough talent to build a playoff team on. However, that is unlikely to happen next year.

20 percent

Minnesota Vikings

Key Cornerstones

Christian Ponder: B

Ponder had a decent rookie season with a below average offense. If Ponder can create a good rapport with Kyle Rudolph and Percy Harvin, while also adding another receiver, he could have a big second season in the NFL.

Adrian Peterson: B+

Peterson is an A+ talent in the NFL; however, the severity of his knee injury is very worrying. A torn ACL isn't the easiest thing to return from, and he will not be able to run with the same violent attitude in the future. It will be interesting to see how he returns from such a major problem.

Percy Harvin: A

I doubted that Harvin would be able to get it done this year with so few threats around him. Harvin established himself as a true No. 1 receiver, as well as a threat out of the backfield, this year despite the offense around him.

Jared Allen: A-

The knock on Allen is that he is 29 and playing for a three-win team that needs some major overhauls in certain areas. Allen is an outstanding player, my DPOY, but probably won't be at his best by the time this team can turn themselves towards the playoffs in a tough division.

Outlook

Offensively, the Vikings' outlook is dependent on the recovery of Adrian Peterson. The team's gameplan is based around the best running back in the league from week to week. Peterson hides some of the flaws in the team's offensive line and also takes the pressure off Ponder with his impact on the opposition's defense.

With Rudolph and Visanthe Shiancoe at tight end, and an addition at receiver, the offense could have a potent group for the coming season. With a healthy Adrian Peterson in the backfield, even if he can return to 80 percent of his previous level, then that would be a playoff level offense hinging on Christian Ponder.

Unfortunately for the Vikings offense, the defense is many pieces away from making a playoff run. Each of the team's starters in the secondary could be replaced, which has no easy solution. Teams that are looking for one cornerback often struggle; teams looking for three to four have no chance.

30 percent

Cleveland Browns

Key Cornerstones

Joe Thomas: A+

Joe Thomas is one of the best, if not the best, left tackles in the NFL. An elite left tackle is one of the most important parts of an offense in today's NFL. The Browns have that locked down.

Phil Taylor: B+

Taylor's rookie season was dominant before somewhat hitting a rookie wall in the second half of the season. At 23, he should be a vital piece for the Browns to build their defense around over the next five years or so.

Joe Haden: A

Very few teams in the NFL have a starting cornerback as good as Joe Haden. Add to that that he is still only 22 years of age, and the Browns have a vital advantage over most teams in the league.

Jabaal Sheard: B

Sheard and Taylor came in together as rookies on the Browns defensive line and were an instant hit. Sheard looks like a leader on the field with his relentless play. Pass rush is a must in the NFL today. Sheard's 8.5 sacks are only likely to grow as he does.

Outlook

The Browns have a lot of young talent to build upon on their defense. Taylor, Haden and Sheard are great young pieces to lead a playoff team. With TJ Ward also involved and D'Qwell Jackson still having a few years left before he has to hit the shelf, the Browns are only one or two role players away from having a playoff caliber defense.

Offensively, the Browns have the quality in the trenches to succeed, but they could do with an upgrade on the right hand side of their line. Colt McCoy may or may not be the answer at quarterback; that will be the team's biggest decision over the offseason, and even next year.

The Browns' biggest problem is the lack of offensive weapons surrounding McCoy. Peyton Hillis won't be missed, but Montario Hardesty hasn't shown himself as an emerging star at the running back position. Mohammed Massaquoi and Greg Little have a lot of potential and could prove to be a dynamic duo depending on how they develop.

50 percent

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Key Cornerstones

Josh Freeman: B-

Entering this past season, Freeman was at the very least an A-grade quarterback. The most worrying thing about him this past year wasn't the number of horrible interceptions he threw, it was more the fact that he allowed his team to mail in the second half of the season. Leadership is a vital part of the quarterback position.

Aqib Talib: B

Talib is a talented cornerback with some off-the-field concerns. Regardless, once he is on the field, he is a star. In that division, a stud cornerback is a vital need.

Mason Foster: C+

Foster's run-and-hit style of linebacking is exactly what the Buccaneers need to ignite their defense. The front seven in Tampa looked very passive this past season. Hopefully for them, once Foster is no longer a rookie, he will be able to establish himself as the heartbeat of the group.

Kellen Winslow: C-

The Buccaneers are a young roster that don't figure to rebound into a playoff team immediately. Winslow led the offense in receiving this year at 28 years of age. Having your tight end lead your team isn't a problem, provided that that tight end is a major impact player and one of the best in the league. Winslow isn't a star at his position across the league, however. 

Outlook

Regardless of who your head coach is, the Buccaneers' lack of passion is very worrying. Football isn't all about the Xs and Os or the amount of talent on each team's roster. Pride and passion is just as important as strength and speed.

The Buccaneers' greatest issue is turning around the attitude of the franchise; that is often more difficult than rebuilding an offense or defense from a talent perspective.

10 percent

Washington Redskins

Key Cornerstones

Trent Williams: A-

Trent Williams is a young physically dominant left tackle who Mike Shanahan is getting the best out of. Williams may not be on Joe Thomas or Jake Long's level, but he is definitely part of the group tailgating along with Andrew Whitworth.

London Fletcher: B

Fletcher may be 36, but he still has value to the Redskins because they are set to turn into a playoff-caliber team in the immediate future. The Redskins aren't missing much; just missing pivotal players in key positions.

Barry Cofield: B+

I had question marks over the Cofield signing when he moved over from New York. Cofield completely bought into the scheme change for Jim Haslett's side and became a force against the run. Another year in the system can only bring better days for Cofield.

Brian Orakpo: B

Orakpo only had nine sacks last year; however, his potential to explode and take over games is always there. With improving coverage on the back end and Ryan Kerrigan's excellent play across from him, Orakpo should be in for a big year next season.

Outlook

Once the Redskins bring in a starting-caliber quarterback to replace the John Beck/Rex Grossman carousel, their offense will immediately be playoff worthy. Kyle Shanahan has one of the nicest designed offenses in the league that is only being hindered by the poor quarterback play.

Santana Moss and JaBarr Gaffney are perfect fits as strong route runners, while Fred Davis continues to emerge. Terrence Austin could be a breakout potential player next year a la Victor Cruz, while Roy Helu looks to be an emerging star at running back.

The Redskins should bring in a quarterback this offseason capable of leading the offense. The defense is already playoff worthy and can only get better if they can get OJ Atogwe and LaRon Landry healthy and playing together.

This team just needs one player. Expect a call to the Colts, Packers or Rams fairly soon.

80 percent

Jacksonville Jaguars

Key Cornerstones

Maurice Jones-Drew: A+

The best running back in the league, after Adrian Peterson's injury, is the consumate professional with plenty of tread left in the tires.

Blaine Gabbert: D+

He undoubtedly has talent, but doesn't appear to have the heart to play in the NFL. He played scared as a rookie, sacrificing quality throws to protect himself physically.

Tyson Alualu: C+

Alualu is not a bad player, but neither is he worthy of the top 10 pick that was spent on him by Jaguars GM Gene Smith.

Marcedes Lewis: B-

On an offense severely lacking in talent, Lewis is one of the team's best options. However, last season, he did not even manage one touchdown while finishing third on the team in receiving. The talent is obviously there, but only one season of production is worrying for the franchise.

Outlook

Blaine Gabbert looks like a mistake, but the Jaguars have too many problems to go back-to-back quarterbacks in the first round. It is a mystery to me why GM Gene Smith kept his job while Jack Del Rio was fired. The Jaguars are one of the least ambitious franchises in the league, which is disappointing because of how passionate their fans are, even though there aren't many of them.

Defensively, they are solid if unspectacular, but offensively, they are in very bad shape. The team's biggest offensive line pieces struggle to stay healthy in Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton, while the receivers on the outside are simply not good enough. Mike Thomas would be a good role player for a playoff team, but in Jacksonville, he is seen as the team's best receiver.

The Jaguars right now have Maurice Jones-Drew and not much else.

15 percent

Carolina Panthers

Key Cornerstones

Cam Newton: A+

Nobody saw Newton coming this year. Those that predicted he would have success didn't dare dream of the heights that he actually reached. What is most impressive about Newton is that he is impressing scouts as well as fans, including the scouts that wrote him off prior to the season.

Jon Beason: A

Beason is one of the best linebackers in the league that missed most of this past season with an Achilles injury. He will be a huge addition to the roster next year.

Charles Johnson: A-

The defensive end did enough this year to remove any of my previous skepticism about him being a one-season wonder. Johnson's only limitations are the players around him on defense. 

Steve Smith: B+

Smith may not have the freshest of legs anymore, but Cam Newton has renewed some life in the old dog. Smith's experience will be crucial for this team if they are to try and instantly impact the playoffs next year.

Outlook

The Panthers are in a fortunate position in that they don't need pieces that are overly difficult to acquire. They do have their big stars and leaders in place to compete for a playoff spot next year. They just need to add a few better role players to both sides of the ball.

Defensively in particular, they need to add more NFL-level talent to fill some gaps. What will work against them is the huge cap number that they will be carrying into next season, having already committed over $120 million to their roster.

The return of Ron Edwards, Beason and Thomas Davis to the defense could put this team ahead of the curve.

65 percent

Miami Dolphins

Key Cornerstones

Jake Long: A+

This is simple. Best player in the league at a key position and only entering his prime.

Cameron Wake: A

Wake is relentless as a pass rusher. Without Jason Taylor next year, Wake could have to carry the load unless Koa Misi can step up.

Vonate Davis: A-

Early season struggles prevent Davis from being an A+ player right now. He does have the potential to be one pretty soon, however, and finished the season on a strong note. There are few corners in the league with his skill set in coverage.

Karlos Dansby: A-

Dansby's partnership with Kevin Burnett should only get better next year. The physical specimens together could dominate in the AFC East. At 30 years of age, Dansby is just entering his prime as a leader of the Dolphins.

Outlook

The Dolphins have a talented team that only missed out on the playoffs because of a poor start to the season. If this team had got hot early, they would have rode the whole way to challenge for the AFC East. Matt Moore was a major improvement over Chad Henne and should keep his place next season unless someone like Peyton Manning is available.

Moore showed me an awful lot last year. Unlike Ryan Fitzpatrick in Buffalo, who just found comfort in a system, Moore made throws that not every NFL quarterback can make. He deserves a full year to prove himself as a quality starter. The ability is there.

If Moore can continue his consistency, then the Dolphins will only need another pass rusher on defense, an improvement at right tackle as well as Edmund Gates to step up on the outside. As far as rebuilding goes, that's not asking for a lot.

Jeff FIsher has plenty of reasons to take his talents to South Beach.

65 percent

Buffalo Bills

Key Cornerstones

Ryan Fitzpatrick: C+

The Bills were foolish to commit so much money to Fitzpatrick before he faced off against the meat of the team's schedule this year.

Marcel Dareus: A

Dareus quickly became one of my favorite players during his rookie season. Dareus is dominant against the run and showed the versatility to make an impact from the inside and out.

Kyle Williams: A

Dareus and Williams are going to be probably the best duo of interior defensive linemen in the whole league next year. All they need is some help from the linebacking corp.

CJ Spiller: B

Fred Jackson likely won't be the factor he was previously in Buffalo from next season on. Spiller showed a lot towards the end of this past season and could become an A player should that continue.

Outlook

The Bills' fortunes all depend on how Ryan Fitzpatrick can carry the offense in the future. The Bills spread offense was found out as the season went on this year; adjustments will need to be made if they are to compete in a tough AFC East.

Defensively, the Bills just need to find better pass rushing from the second level. Their secondary is deep and strong, while the defensive line could potentially be dominant. One thing is for certain, the Bills wouldn't be picking in the top 10 of the draft if they hadn't suffered so many key injuries this past year.

However, they still have some ways to go to be a playoff team.

50 percent

Kansas City Chiefs

Key Cornerstones

Eric Berry: A

Berry shouldn't be as effected by his torn ACL as Adrian Peterson. The extra time for recovery should also allow him to be ready for the start of next season.

Jamaal Charles: A-

Charles should also be able to recover from his torn ACL in time for next year. Charles was never as violent a runner as Peterson, so shouldn't be as greatly effected provided his speed doesn't go down.

Tamba Hali: A+

Hali is a dominant player who is only limited by the lack of pass rushers around him. The emergence of Justin Houston should hugely benefit him over the coming years.

Matt Cassel: B

Cassel needs to step up his game and bring more explosion to the Chiefs offense so they can be balanced. To this point, he has still been an above average quarterback for the Chiefs who has already brought them to the playoffs once.

Outlook

The Chiefs only really didn't make the playoffs this year because of their injuries. With a better head coach installed next season, they should be the favorites to win the AFC West. Talent like Brandon Flowers, Kenrick Lewis, Eric Berry, Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson, along with the potential emergence of Justin Houston, give the team plenty of playmakers on defense.

Offensively, the return of Tony Moeaki, Charles and Cassel should give them a huge boost, as well as the emergence of Dexter McCluster. A fully healthy Chiefs roster is already basically a playoff caliber team.

90 percent

Seattle Seahawks

Key Cornerstones

Earl Thomas: A

Thomas is one of the most physical safeties in the league. He has great range and could probably play corner if asked to.

Kam Chancellor: B

Chancellor emerged in his second season as a very physical strong safety. He and Early Thomas are not just the best young safety pairing in the league, but probably the best pairing in the league altogether.

Marshawn Lynch: A

Lynch is still only 25 years of age and proved himself to be a dominant rusher this year. What makes his displays this past season even greater were the things working against him. The offensive line was in flux all season while his quarterback was injured also.

Chris Clemons: B

If Clemons was five years younger, he would have an A+ grade. Very few people outside of Seattle realize just how good a season Clemons had. He is one of the most versatile defensive ends in the NFL.

Outlook

Tarvaris Jackson had an impressive season this year in Seattle considering he played most of the season with an injured pectoral muscle. Whether Jackson is a quarterback capable of leading his team to a Super Bowl is still up in the air, but for now, it's safe to say that the Seahawks can be steered to the playoffs with Jackson at the helm.

If James Carpenter and Russell Okung can stay healthy, the Seahawks offense should improve drastically next year. Ben Obamanu and Doug Baldwin should improve the depth on the outside, and Sidney Rice's return can only help.

Defensively, KJ Wright, Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner all emerged last season to give the Seahawks a strong defense. With unbelievable home field advantage for half of the season guaranteed each year, the Seahawks have a good chance of whipping around into a playoff side next year.

55 percent

Arizona Cardinals

Key Cornerstones

Larry Fitzgerald: A+

There is nobody better.

Patrick Peterson: B-

Peterson had an All-Pro type of rookie season as a special teamer; however, his coverage remains to be proven as a cornerback. He has all the potential to be an A+ player, but needs to put it on tape.

Chris Wells: B-

If Wells could stay fully healthy for 16 games a season every season, he'd be an elite running back in the NFL. It's a pity that that will probably never happen.

Calais Campbell: A

A 3-4 defensive end with eight sacks in a season is like a 4-3 defensive end with 18. Calais Campbell is ahead of Darnell Dockett as a key cornerstone because he is five years younger than his teammate.

Outlook

Defensively, the Cardinals improved as the season went on last year. With Campbell and Dockett on the defensive line, as well as former first-round pick Dan Williams, and Sam Acho with Daryl Washington in the linebacking corp, the Cardinals front seven has more than enough talent to be a playoff defense.

When you pair Kerry Rhodes and Adrian Wilson behind, the Cardinals defense is just lacking good corner play from being a playoff-caliber group. With Ray Horton calling the shots, expect the Cardinals to make a bigger impact next year defensively.

There are more question marks on offense, however, as Early Doucet regressed last year, Levi Brown still hasn't been replaced at left tackle and the quarterback position is surrounded in uncertainty after Kevin Kolb didn't take command.

The Cardinals are the perfect example of a team that is behind where they should be in the transition stage of rebuilding.

40 percent

Dallas Cowboys

Key Cornerstones

Tony Romo: A-

There is no questioning Romo's ability as a quarterback. He can make every single throw in the playbook as well as overcome problems when the play breaks down.

DeMarcus Ware: A+

Ware is the best outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense in the whole league. His disruption of the opposing offense is relentless no matter how many players attempt to block him.

Sean Lee: A

Sean Lee is one of the best young inside linebackers in the league. He needs to continue to emerge and prove himself long-term to be an A+ player.

Jason Witten: A+

Rob Gronkowski may have had a huge year; Jason Witten has had a huge career. He's not retiring just yet.

Outlook

The Cowboys, with a young offensive line, just missed out on being a playoff team this year. Their problems early on in the season in protection really held them back on offense. With DeMarco Murray returning potentially as a franchise running back, the team's offense is set for the next few years as the offensive line comes together.

Defensively, Rob Ryan proved himself to be all talk and no action. Ryan gets a lot of publicity, but didn't really improve the Dallas defense this year. The team's secondary still needs retooling in order to allow the front seven to prosper.

The question marks over this team's coaching is also a mark against their chances of turning it around in one season.

75 percent

Philadelphia Eagles

Key Cornerstones

Michael Vick: B+

Vick's inability to stay healthy, as well as his poor decision making, was once again a problem this season that doesn't seem to be going away.

LeSean McCoy: A

McCoy is one of the best two-way threats in the NFL. He should be challenging for the rushing title on a routine basis over the coming years.

Trent Cole: A

Despite Jason Babin's sack numbers, Trent Cole remains the best all-around defensive end on the Eagles roster.

Nnamdi Asomugha: B+

Provided Asomugha can return to playing mostly man coverage, then he should be able to return to being a top cornerback in the NFL.

Outlook

Andy Reid is returning as the Eagles coach next season with great expectations. Eagles fans will be pointing to the fact that the team underwent so many changes without an offseason in order to excuse their non-playoff status this year.

More importantly for the Eagles, the team needs to sort out its defense with a run stuffing linebacker as well as more leadership on defense. If they are sticking with Juan Castillo at defensive coordinator, then an overhaul of the team's personnel at linebacker should be on the cards.

Offensively, better protection would allow the Eagles skill position players to prosper. There are only minor additions required for the Eagles to become a playoff team.

85 percent

New York Jets

Key Cornerstones

Mark Sanchez: C+

Sanchez was never asked to carry the team's offense before this past season. This season proved that he wasn't ready yet or that he isn't actually able to.

Darrelle Revis: A+

Revis is the best cornerback in the league.

Sione Pouha: A-

Pouha came in for Kris Jenkins at the beginning of last year for the second time as a starter. He has eclipsed Jenkins, which is saying something.

Jim Leonhard: A

The Jets defense really struggles without Leonhard. He is their signal caller and patrols the middle of the field. He is arguably more important to the team than Revis.

Outlook

Offensively, the Jets are in a lot of trouble. The offense around Sanchez last year was poorly designed without enough team speed. Ladanian Tomlinson is very far away from his prime, while Shonn Greene hasn't looked like the bell cow the team hoped he would be.

The offensive line has gone into rapid decline, with only Nick Mangold really coming out with credit from this year. The receiving corp was revamped from last year, and there is no potential for the future left there, as Plaxico Burress is old, Jeremy Kerley looks like being a slot corner at best and Santonio Holmes has been described as a team cancer.

The Jets are always a defensive team, and that should continue into the future. The front seven needs to replace Bart Scott inside, but outside of that, it should be fine over the coming years. However, without an offense to complement them, the defense will never reach the AFC Championship again.

It doesn't help that Rex Ryan appears to have lost the locker room.

45 percent

Oakland Raiders

Key Cornerstones

Darren McFadden: A-

McFadden is another player that needs to stay healthy. It is the only issue facing the dual-threat running back.

Carson Palmer: B

Palmer, with a full preseason, could be a major addition for the Raiders and their talented offense.

Richard Seymour: B+

Seymour may be old, 32, but his leadership and inspiration to those around him will have long-lasting effects. Not to mention that he is still performing at a high level on the defensive line.

Stanford Routt: B+

Routt took over from Nnamdi Asomugha as the team's No. 1 corner this year and continued his fine performances from last year.

Outlook

The Raiders offense has the potential to be one of the best in the league over the next five years. With Jared Veldheer and Stefen Wisniewski anchoring the offensive line and Darrius Heyward-Bey and Denarius Moore leading the way outside for Darren McFadden's hard running, the Raiders have talent and youth all over the field.

Defensively, the front seven should only get better with LaMarr Houston and Rolando McClain continuing to develop. An addition at cornerback could really aid the defense and help them become a force in the AFC West.

The West is up for grabs next year; the Raiders' biggest issue is not talent, but penalties. If they can sort out their discipline, then the Raiders are a viable playoff team next year.

90 percent

San Diego Chargers

Key Cornerstones

Philip Rivers: B+

Rivers was unquestionably an elite quarterback last year. This past season, he threw too many interceptions and made too many bad decisions to even be considered a good quarterback.

Antonio Gates: A

Gates is a future Hall-of-Fame receiver and a current elite receiving option. He hasn't looked like he's slowing down over the past few years. I wouldn't expect anything to change over the next few, either.

Eric Weddle: A

Weddle got a huge contract in the offseason and followed that with a seven-interception season. He is one of the best young free safeties in the league despite there being a lot of young talent at the position across the league.

Shaun Philips: B+

Philips is the epitome of the San Diego Chargers roster. He is an underperforming veteran who the Chargers will look to re-ignite ahead of next season.

Outlook:

The Chargers have playoff level talent on the field. Their biggest question comes on the sidelines, as Norv Turner is expected to return next year. If Jared Gaither can adjust to playing on the right hand side of the team's offensive line, the Chargers could become an offensive force once again this year. Rivers' biggest issue was protection last year.

Defensively, the Chargers need to get better production from their veterans. Antoine Cason spent time on the sidelines this season for his play, while Shaun Philips and Travis LaBoy needed to show more. The Chargers aren't a team that is looking to develop a new roster or identity in order to fix their problems.

Coaching is the only thing that is limiting this team.

70 percent

Chicago Bears

Key Cornerstones

Jay Cutler: A

Cutler is a gunslinger who can make any throw. It's a pity for him that Mike Martz resigned, as he had seemingly found a comfort level in the system.

Julius Peppers: A+

Peppers is a monster with the ability to take over any football game. He may be aging, but he should be able to still be a force while the Bears are in contention.

Brian Urlacher: B+

Urlacher's level of play dropped off somewhat last season, which could be a telling sign for next season.

Gabe Carimi: B-

Carimi is a key, as opposed to Lance Briggs or Devin Hester, because the Bears are going to need improved protection in a more conventional offense next year. Carimi was impressive before being injured in his rookie season.

Outlook

The Bears are a team that has one more year left in their defense before they break into a rebuilding process. Matt Forte's impending departure and Jay Cutler's ability to learn another offense within one season makes this team's chances of making the playoffs next year bleak.

50 percent

Tennessee Titans

Key Cornerstones

Chris Johnson: A-

Johnson's late season performances indicate that his poor play earlier was only a slump opposed to a reflection of his new contract.

Kenny Britt: A

Before going down last season, Britt was proving to be an impossible matchup for opposing cornerbacks. A young and talented receiver like Britt was the difference in this team making the playoffs last year.

Jake Locker: B

Jake Locker showed a lot to like during his short time on the field as a rookie. His strong arm will make him a perfect fit in the Titans vertical passing attack.

Cortland Finnegan: B+

Finnegan wasn't always the most consistent on the field for the Titans. However, last season, he exemplified a maturity that wasn't evident previously.

Outlook

The Titans are a playoff-caliber team already. With Kenny Britt in the offense, Mike Munchak has a very dynamic group whether Matt Hasselbeck or Jake Locker is under center. The team's eighth-ranked defense from last year has a lot of youth in the front seven that should only improve next year.

The Titans are in a great position to be in the playoffs next year and over the coming years.

95 percent

Tweeting @Cianaf