NFL Offseason: Patriots, 49ers Best at Getting Better

With the first round of minicamps in the books and official training camp looming on the horizon, it's time to start gearing up for the 2007 NFL season.

Here, the Bleacher Report's Kenny MacDonald sizes up the the winter and spring, and tells you which five teams have done the most to get better since Super Bowl XLI.

1. New England Patriots

Key Additions: Randy Moss WR (Trade), Adalius Thomas LB (FA), Brandon Meriweather DB (Draft), Donte Stallworth WR (FA)

Key Subtractions: Daniel Graham TE (FA)

The Patriots have made a number of moves that will make them heavy Super Bowl favorites heading into September. A bolstered defense and a revamped aerial attack should make the difference for a team that fell just short in last season's playoffs.

2. San Francisco 49ers

Key Additions: Nate Clements DB (FA), Michael Lewis DB (FA), Darrell Jackson WR (Trade), Joe Staley OL (Draft), Patrick Willis LB (Draft)

Key Subtractions: Norv Turner (Asst. Coach)

The up-and-coming 49ers finally decided to spend some money...and in so doing made themselves the favorites in the NFC West. With improvements on both sides of the ball, in fact, San Francisco could develop into a legitimate NFC contender in 2007. The loss of Norv Turner will hurt, but it's possible that he's already taught the young offense what they need to know. The team also locked up franchise running back Frank Gore with a lengthy contract.

3. Denver Broncos

Key Additions: Daniel Graham TE (FA), Dre' Bly DB (Trade), Travis Henry RB (FA)

Key Subtractions: Tatum Bell RB (Trade), Darrent Williams DB (tragic death)

The Broncos have managed to make do this offseason after ending the 2006 campaign on a tragic note. Former Pro Bowl corner Dre' Bly will look to fill the void created by the the untimely loss of Darrent Williams. The Bly trade cost the Broncos Tatum Bell, whom they promptly replaced with Travis Henry. Don't expect Denver to miss the playoffs for the second year in a row.

4. Detroit Lions

Key Additions: Calvin Johnson WR (Draft), Tatum Bell RB (Trade), Drew Stanton QB (Draft)

Key Subtractions: Dre' Bly DB (Trade)

The Lions made a statement by not allowing past draft mistakes to force them to pass on Calvin Johnson's amazing talent. Johnson was the right pick, and I believe Detroit snagged an excellent quarterback in Drew Stanton in the second round. They also traded for Tatum Bell, who should be a boon to what was one of the NFL's worst rushing attacks in 2006. For the first time in recent memory, Lions fans have something to be excited about.

5. Cleveland Browns

Key Additions: Brady Quinn QB (Draft), Jamal Lewis RB (FA), Joe Thomas OL (Draft)

Key Subtractions: Reuben Droughns RB (Trade)

They may not improve much on their record from last year, but the Browns have at least made it clear to their fans that they're committed to winning. Cleveland got tougher over the offseason, and drafted a badly-needed "face of the franchise" in Brady Quinn. They also signed Jamal Lewis, who will be eager to get down to business in a familiar division. As in Detroit, football in Cleveland seems to on the rebound.

Honorable Mention: St. Louis Rams, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans