2011 NFL Offseason Report Cards for Every NFL Team
With the NFL draft in the books and at least some free agency moves made before the NFL lockout was instituted we have a picture of how each NFL team's offseason has gone.
Many teams addressed needs in the small free agency window before the draft, while others chose to fill needs using the annual NFL college player lottery.
Which team has had the best offseason when you factor in free agency and the draft?
Take a look inside to find out.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
Additions: None
Losses: G Alan Faneca (retired)
Draft Class: CB Patrick Peterson, RB Ryan Williams, TE Robert Housler, LB Sam Acho, RB Anthony Sherman, LB Quan Sturdivant, DT David Carter, WR Demarco Sampson
Offseason Grade: B
The Cardinals grade would be higher had they drafted or signed a quarterback. Once the Cardinals add a quarterback, whether it is via trade or free agency, their grade will go up.
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: T Will Svitek, P Kenneth Parrish, DT Trey Lewis, TE Robbie Agnone, LB Bear Woods, S Rafael Priest, LB Coy Wire
Losses: S Erik Coleman (cut)
Draft Class: WR Julio Jones, LB Akeem Dent, RB Jacquizz Rodgers, K Matt Bosher, G Andrew Jackson, DE Cliff Matthews
Offseason Grade: B
The Falcons made a brave move in giving up four draft picks to move up and select wide receiver Julio Jones. For Atlanta's grade to be higher, they need to add a defensive end and re-sign cornerback Brent Grimes.
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: T Eric Vandenheuvel, DT Lamar Divens, DT Haloti Ngata (franchise tag), CB Marcus Paschal, WR Brandon Jones, RB Jason McKie
Losses: None
Draft Class: CB Jimmy Smith, WR Torrey Smith, T Jah Reid, WR Tandon Doss, CB Chykie Brown, DE Pernell McPhee, QB Tyrod Taylor, RB Anthony Allen
Offseason Grade: B+
Locking up Ngata long-term and adding potential stars at cornerback and wide receiver were smart moves for the Ravens. Next up is signing quarterback Joe Flacco to a new deal.
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Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: S George Wilson, G Mansfield Wrotto, S Jon Corto
Losses: DE Marcus Stroud, LB Pierre Woods, LB Mike Balogun (cut)
Draft Class: DE Marcell Dareus, CB Aaron Williams, LB Kelvin Sheppard, FS Da'Norris Searcy, T Chris Hairston, RB Johnny White, CB Justin Rogers, DT Michael Jasper
Offseason Grade: B
A solid offseason by Buffalo was finalized with a very thorough draft class that addressed many needs on the roster.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: TE Jeremy Shockey, C Ryan Kalil (franchise tag)
Losses: None
Draft Class: QB Cam Newton, DT Terrell McClain, DT Sione Fua, CB Brandon Hogan, WR Kealoha Pilares, LB Lawrence Wilson, C Zach Williams, T Lee Ziemba
Offseason Grade: D
Sorry Panthers fans, the offseason in Charlotte has been bad and will likely get worse.
Cam Newton did not deserve to be drafted No. 1 overall, and without a second-round pick due to a terrible trade in the 2010 draft, the Panthers were not able to add a second high-talent player early in the draft.
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: P Richmond McGee, WR Andy Fantuz, DE Nick Reed
Losses: DT Tommie Harris, T Kevin Shaffer, LB Hunter Hillenmeyer (cut)
Draft Class: OT Gabe Carimi, DT Stephen Paea, S Chris Conte, QB Nathan Enderle, LB James Thomas
Offseason Grade: A
Chicago has not made many moves this offseason, but the one we love was the drafting of Gabe Carimi to anchor the offensive line. This is a championship roster, and Carimi plus Stephen Paea make it much better.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: None
Losses: None
Draft Class: WR A.J. Green, QB Andy Dalton, LB Dontay Moch, G Clint Boling, FS Robert Sands, WR Ryan Whalen, CB Korey Lindsey, RB Jay Finlay
Offseason Grade: A-
It has been a quiet offseason in Cincinnati, and that's okay. The team brought in a haul of good players through the 2011 NFL draft, including top receiver A.J. Green and sleeper quarterback Andy Dalton.
The pieces for the future are in place for the Bengals.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: TE Alex Smith, QB Seneca Wallace, LB D'Qwell Jackson, Phil Dawson (franchise tag)
Losses: T John St. Clair, LB David Bowens, LB Eric Barton, TE Robert Royal, DE Kenyon Coleman, DT Shaun Rogers (cut)
Draft Class: DT Phil Taylor, DE Jabaal Sheard, WR Greg Little, TE Jordan Cameron, FB Owen Marecic, CB Buster Skrine, T Jason Pinkston, SS Eric Hagg
Offseason Grade: A-
The Browns were masterful in creating a draft class that not only filled needs but also brought in talent, value and a future first-round pick from New Orleans in a draft-day trade.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: LB Isaiah Greenhouse, LB Mike Halogun, WR Titus Ryan
Losses: None
Draft Class: T Tyron Smith, LB Bruce Carter, RB DeMarco Murray, G David Arkin, CB Josh Thomas, WR Dwayne Harris, RB Shaun Chapas, C Bill Nagy
Offseason Grade: B
Dallas added a key piece to the offensive line with Tyron Smith, and we do love the potential of Bruce Carter at linebacker. Otherwise, the offseason has lacked any exciting or shrewd moves.
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: DT Kevin Vickerson, CB Champ Bailey
Losses: DT Jamal Williams, DT Justin Bannan, TE Daniel Thomas (cut)
Draft Class: LB Von Miller, FS Rahim Moore, T Orlando Franklin, LB Nate Irving, FS Quinton Carter, TE julius Thomas, LB Mike Mohamed, TE Virgil Green, DE Jeremy Beal
Offseason Grade: A
The Broncos had a very, very good draft, but they failed to address their biggest need at defensive tackle through the draft.
Denver is building a nice young roster under John Fox and John Elway, but they need to add at least two defensive tackles through the draft.
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: CB Nathan Vasher, S Erik Coleman, RB Matt Clapp
Losses: LB Julian Peterson, CB Eric King
Draft Class: DT Nick Fairley, WR Titus Young, RB Mikel Leshoure, LB Douglas Hogue, T Johnny Culbreath
Offseason Grade: A-
With limited draft picks due to trades, the Lions were limited to five selections—and they nailed all five.
Nick Fairley will give the Lions the best one-two punch at defensive tackle in the NFL. Titus Young and Mikel Leshoure will add much-needed weapons on offense.
Now the Lions must add an outside linebacker and cornerback.
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: S Charlie Peprah, LB A.J. Hawk
Losses: TE Donald Lee, S Derrick Martin (cut)
Draft Class: T Derek Sherrod, WR Randall Cobb, RB Alex Green, CB Davon House, TE D.J. Williams, G Caleb Schlauderaff, LB D.J. Smith, DE Ricky Elmore, TE Ryan Taylor, DT Lawrence Guy
Offseason Grade: B+
The defending Super Bowl champions have had a good offseason to date, anchored by a strong draft class that saw Green Bay add three new offensive stars with their first three picks.
We would still like to see a defensive end added, but that could happen through free agency.
Houston Texans
13 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: RB Derrick Ward, TE Owen Daniels, DT Shaun Cody
Losses: DT DeMario Pressley, WR Andre' Davis, LB Isaiah Greenhouse, LB Darnell Bing, S Eugene Wilson (cut)
Draft Class: DE J.J. Watt, LB Brooks Reed, CB Brandon Harris, CB Rashad Carmichael, SS Shiloh Keo, QB Taylor Yates, T Derek Newton, LB Cheta Ozougwu
Offseason Grade: B+
The Texans went about addressing needs for their new 3-4 defense in almost reverse fashion from what most had anticipated, but they were still able to fill many needs on a new defense through the draft.
If Houston can lure Nnamdi Asomugha to town, this grade will become an A+
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: QB Peyton Manning (franchise tag), DT DeMario Pressley
Losses: K Matt Stover (retired), S Bob Sanders (cut)
Draft Class: T Anthony Castonzo, G Ben Ijalana, DT Drake Nevis, RB Delone Carter, CB Chris Rucker
Offseason Grade: B-
The Colts had a solid draft despite only having five picks to use. Where they failed this offseason was in re-signing Peyton Manning to a long-term deal.
Yes, Manning is the franchise player, but he can still be acquired for the right deal and draft pick compensation.
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: CB Davis Jones, CB Tyron Brackenridge, WR Jason Hill, TE Marcedes Lewis (franchise tag), QB Luke McCown
Losses: WR Mike Sims-Walker (cut)
Draft Class: QB Blaine Gabbert, G William Rackley, WR Cecil Shorts, CB Chris Proskinski, CB Rod Isaac
Offseason Grade: B-
The Jaguars had one of the NFL's worst secondaries in 2010 and did little to address the need through the draft. Instead, the team traded up to select a quarterback who will not play in 2011.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: LB Cory Greenwood, LB Tamba Hali (franchise tag)
Losses: None
Draft Class: WR Jonathan Baldwin, C Rodney Hudson, OLB Justin Houston, DE Allen Bailey, CB Jalil Brown, QB Ricky Stanzi, LB Gabe Miller, NT Jerrell Powe, RB Shane Bannon
Offseason Grade: A
The Chiefs may have reached for Jonathan Baldwin, but their need at wide receiver was enormous. We would still like to see a right tackle added, but this draft class was superb. Make that two awesome drafts in a row for Scott Pioli and the Chiefs.
Miami Dolphins
17 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: G Richie Incognito, DE Paul Soliai (franchise tag)
Losses: RB Deon Anderson (cut)
Draft Class: C Mike Pouncey, RB Daniel Thomas, WR Edmond Gates, TE Charles Clay, DT Frank Kearse, S Jimmy Wilson
Offseason Grade: B
The Dolphins did a nice job addressing needs through the draft but failed to do much in free agency to improve the team. Their indecision regarding running backs Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown is hurting their overall progress. Otherwise, this has been a nice offseason.
Minnesota Vikings
18 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: DE Brian Robison, LB Chad Greenway (franchise tag)
Losses: None
Draft Class: QB Christian Ponder, TE Kyle Rudolph, DT Christian Ballard, CB Brandon Burton, G Demarcus Love, S Mistral Raymond, C Brandon Fusco, LB Ross Homan, DE D'Aundre Reed, WR Stephen Burton
Offseason Grade: A-
The Vikings will need to make decisions regarding free agents Ray Edwards and Sidney Rice, both starters and key to the team, before a true grade can be given.
Based on the re-signing of Robison and locking up Greenway—plus a killer draft class—the offseason has been successful in Minnesota.
New England Patriots
19 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: DE Marcus Stroud, G Logan Mankins (franchise tag)
Losses: G Stephen Neal (retired)
Draft Class: T Nate Solder, CB Ras-I Dowling, RB Shane Vereen, RB Stevan Ridley, QB Ryan Mallett, T Marcus Cannon, TE Lee Smith, LB Markell Carter, S Malcolm Williams
Offseason Grade: B-
It's hard to go against anything Bill Belichick does, but I'm a doubter as of now.
The Patriots have done nothing to improve a pass rush that was anemic in 2010—nor have they added a premier wide receiver for Tom Brady.
The draft class was very solid and should produce well in year one, but where's the outside receiver and pass-rusher?
New Orleans Saints
20 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: RB Pierre Thomas, DT Shaun Rogers, K Garrett Hartley
Losses: TE Jeremy Shockey, RB Marcus Mailei, RB P.J. Hill
Draft Class: DE Cameron Jordan, RB Mark Ingram, LB Martez Wilson, CB Johnny Patrick, DE Greg Romeus, LB Nate Bussey, CB Patrick Robinson
Offseason Grade: B+
The Saints' 2011 draft class should produce early and often. The Saints did a good job filling needs through their draft picks. There were not many holes here to begin with, so any additions would have been a positive.
Here's the deal though, Cameron Jordan is not a great fit in a 4-3 defense as a pass-rushing end. We also think the Saints already had a Mark Ingram clone in Pierre Thomas. Both picks seem rather redundant.
New Orleans is loaded for a run in 2011, but it will not be because of their first-round draft picks.
New York Giants
21 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: WR Domenik Hixon, WR Darius Reynaud, RB D.J. Ware
Losses: None
Draft Class: CB Prince Amukamara, DT Marvin Austin, WR Jerrel Jernigan, T James Brewer, LB Greg Jones, S Tyler Sash, LB Jacquian Williams, RB Da'Rel Scott
Offseason Grade: B+
The Giants played the draft true to their value board and made smart selections in each round. No one expected they would bring in Amukamara and Austin with picks one and two. Both players should make huge impacts as rookies.
Re-signing Ahmad Bradshaw is all that remains on the Giants' offseason to-do list.
New York Jets
22 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: LB David Harris (franchise tag), K Nick Novak
Losses: TE Ben Harstock, LB Vernon Gholston, LB Jason Taylor, NT Kris Jenkins, T Damien Woody
Draft Class: DE Muhammad Wilkerson, DT Kenrick Ellis, RB Bilal Powell, WR Jeremy Kerley, QB Greg McElroy, WR Scotty McKnight
Offseason Grade: B-
The Jets failed to add a wide receiver in the draft who can contribute as a rookie—even though they have three free-agent wide receivers leaving the team this summer. The Jets also failed to add a premier pass-rusher, something they need badly to win the AFC.
The draft was not a bad group of players, the Jets just failed to address their needs or potential losses.
Oakland Raiders
23 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: S Hiram Eugene, G Daniel Loper, QB Kyle Boller, RB Michael Bennett, LB Kamerion Wimbley (franchise tag), S Jerome Boyd, DT John Henderson, CB Stanford Routt, DE Richard Seymour
Losses: CB Nnamdi Asomugha
Draft Class: C Stefan Wisniewski, CB Demarcus Van Dyke, T Joseph Barksdale, CB Chimdi Chekwa, RB Taiwan Jones, WR Denarius Moore, WR Dion Lewis, TE Richard Gordon, WR David Ausberry
Offseason Grade: F
The Raiders are officially the laughingstock of the NFL when it comes to the offseason.
The best cornerback in the NFL had his contract voided after a huge oversight in terms of incentives met. They then fired a coach that had them at 8-8 and sweeping the AFC West in 2010.
Oh, and to add to that, Al Davis took control of the draft and used the team's picks on speed players and a former Raider's nephew.
Philadelphia Eagles
24 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: QB Michael Vick (franchise tag), LB Rashad Jeanty, LB Phillip Hunt
Losses: None
Draft Class: G Danny Watkins, S Jaiquawn Jarrett, CB Curtis Marsh, LB Casey Matthews, K Alex Henery, G Julian Vandervele, C Jason Kelce, LB Brian Rolle, LB Greg Lloyd, FB Stanley Havili
Offseason Grade: B+
The Eagles grade will largely be determined by the team's ability to move Kevin Kolb and what value they get in return for the backup quarterback.
The draft class was solid, with many value picks coming in at positions of need. Tagging Michael Vick with the franchise designation was also very important.
Pittsburgh Steelers
25 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: LB LaMarr Woodley (franchise tag), DE Ra'Shon Harris, S Da'Mon Cromartie-Smith, WR Wes Lyons
Losses: None
Draft Class: DE Cameron Heyward, T Marcus Gilbert, CB Curtis Brown, CB Cortez Allen, LB Chris Carter, G Keith Williams, RB Baron Batch
Offseason Grade: B+
A very quiet draft in Pittsburgh will produce huge dividends for the club in the future.
Every choice was made with the future in mind. In fact, we do not expect any of the draft picks to start in 2011. The player with the best chance to see playing time is Curtis Brown as a nickel cornerback.
The most important move in Pittsburgh this offseason was tagging LaMarr Woodley as the franchise player. Keeping Woodley is key to the future of the Steelers.
San Diego Chargers
26 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: LB James Holt, DT Ogemdi Nwagbuo, RB Frank Summer, WR Vincent Jackson (franchise tag)
Losses: None
Draft Class: DT Corey Liuget, S Marcus Gilchrist, LB Jonas Mouton, WR Vincent Brown, CB Shareece Wright, RB Jordan Todman, G Stephen Schilling, LB Andrew Gachkar
Offseason Grade: B
If the Chargers can lock up wide receivers Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd this offseason, their grade will definitely go up.
We do love the pick of running back Jordan Todman. When teamed with Ryan Mathews, he could have a big impact as a rookie.
San Francisco 49ers
27 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: None
Losses: None
Draft Class: LB Aldon Smith, QB Colin Kaepernick, CB Chris Culliver, RB Kendall Hunter, G Daniel Kilgore, WR Ronald Johnson, LB Bruce Miller, G Michael Person
Offseason Grade: C
This is a very average draft class. Most are warning to not expect much from Smith or Kaepernick in year one, something 49er fans do not want to hear. The team's first three picks are all considered project players.
Expect another top 10 pick in 2012.
Seattle Seahawks
28 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: RB Leon Washington, CB Kennard Cox, RB Chris Henry
Losses: QB Nate Davis, TE Chris Baker
Draft Class: T James Carpenter, G John Moffitt, LB K.J. Wright, WR Kris Dunham, CB Richard Sherman, S Mark Legree, S Byron Maxwell, DE Lazarius Levingston, LB Malcolm Smith
Offseason Grade: C-
There's not much here to like or hate. The Seahawks have been very timid throughout the offseason. Their draft class was unremarkable and featured two reaches with the team's first and second-round picks.
Seattle can salvage the offseason by signing a good long-term option at quarterback.
St. Louis Rams
29 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: CB Justin King
Losses: S O.J. Atogwe, FB Mike Karney
Draft Class: DE Robert Quinn, TE Lance Kendricks, WR Austin Pettis, WR Greg Salas, S Jermale Hines, S Mikail Baker, LB Jabara Williams, CB Jonathan Nelson
Offseason Grade: B+
The Rams had a very good offseason—something not enough in the national media are talking about.
If rookies Robert Quinn, Lance Kendricks and Austin Pettis contribute as expected, this is a playoff team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: CB Ronde Barber
Losses: LB Jon Alston
Draft Class: DE Adrian Clayborn, DE Da'Quan Bowers, LB Mason Foster, TE Luke Stocker, S Ahmad Black, RB Allen Bradford, S Anthony Gaitor, TE Daniel Herd
Offseason Grade: A+
The Buccaneers will have hit the jackpot if their first five picks play up to their potential. Bowers could have been the No. 1 overall selection if healthy. This was a very good draft class with the talent to really set things up for the future in Tampa.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: P Brett Kern
Losses: None
Draft Class: QB Jake Locker, LB Akeem Ayers, DT Jurrell Casey, LB Colin McCarthy, RB Jamie Harper, DT Karl Klug, T Bryon Stingily, DT Zach Clayton, S Tommie Campbell
Offseason Grade: B+
The Titans will have four starters from this class if Jake Locker makes the starting lineup at any time during his rookie season.
We believe Ayers, Casey and McCarthy will be fixtures on the Titans' defense for years to come.
How the team handles quarterback Vince Young will change future grades.
Washington Redskins
32 of 32
Additions and Re-signings: S O.J. Atogwe
Losses: LB Andre Carter, G Derrick Dockery, RB Clinton Portis
Draft Class: LB Ryan Kerrigan, DT Jarvis Jenkins, WR Leonard Hankerson, RB Roy Helu, CB Dejon Gomes, WR Niles Paul, RB Evan Royster, WR Aldrick Robinson, CB Brandyn Thompson, G Maurice Hurt, DE Markus White, DT Chris Neild
Offseason Grade: D
Washington badly needs a quarterback with the news that they will cut or trade Donovan McNabb. Instead, they drafted an outside linebacker—which wasn't much of a need.
Mike Shanahan knows his stuff, but until the team adds a real quarterback, we will place serious doubts on their 2011 success.
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