Free Agency Grades (1 Viewer)

[LionsFan78]

Plenty of obvious winners and losers this offseason, I'll just list my for my Lions:

The good: I was impressed with some early initiative. Last year, without KJ, their running game was embarrassing. Tatum Bell is certainly a good addition, but as good insurance, nothing more. George Foster, eh, maybe. Nothing wrong with adding some depth, but he likely won't be a difference maker. They also squeezed in a couple extra draft picks, which is always a plus.

The bad: T.J. Duckett, who knows. Could have some good use in a goaline/short yardage role, but I'm not sure how he'll fit in here in DET. Whether or not he fits into the system, I was sad to see a talented guy like Dre' Bly go. Also, with Dan Campbell and Casey Fitzsimmons remaining, I really would've liked to see them attempt to sign one of the handful of TE's available this offseason. McMichael, Graham, Johnson, even Shiancoe would've been an upgrade. Cory Schlesinger has quietly been a solid FB for many years, I really can't remember not having him. He'll be missed, but hopefully they can find a suitable replacement either through FA or the draft. And finally, whatever the situation was, I don't know, but Kevin Curtis came and left town without a deal. He could've been a difference maker, more than any other signing IMO.

Grade: C+. Can't realistically go much higher than that. What they did doesn't even hold a candle to what the likes of NE and DEN have done. Like I said earlier though, the initiative is there. They addressed some key needs. An above average effort, but sadly, they're still a sub- 8-8 team.

Post your team if you like.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Chargers:

Major move getting Diehlman to re-sign. A+

Keeping Floyd, Polk and Harris. A

Norv Turner - C

Ted Cotrell - B

Ron Riveria - A -

I love the bolts offseason as far as getting their owns players signed, no big moves to bring in help, but in areas of need - WR,CB,S there wasnt a whole lot out there.

Waiting to see if they move Turner on draft day and try to get into the top 12 and get Landry/Nelson

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Steelers

edit to add:

Sean Mahan signing - nice spare part.

Joey Porter being let go - prudent, with James Harrison waiting in the wings

Poopy re-signing - not bad, but there are better backs out there

Andy Lee signing attempt - a punter? good thing SF matched, or we would have lost a pick for punter (a 6th i think)

Aaron Smith extension - ladies and gentleman your highest paid player in the history of the Steelers... for now.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Eagles Moves:

Re-signed: Correll Buckhalter, Will James, Juqua Thomas, Quinten Mikell

FA signed: Kevin Curtis, Monte Reagor, Bethel Johnson

THE GOOD: The Eagles locked up all their young talent during last season by signing Todd Herremans, Reggie Brown, Trent Cole and Mike Patterson to long-term extensions. Bringing back Quinten Mikell who was the special teams MVP and also a good back-up safety was probably their best move. And the signing of Kevin Curtis was necessary after the departure of Donte Stallworth. Will James will be an adequate 3rd CB behind Brown and Sheppard. And Juqua Thomas showed a lot of promise last year.

THE BAD: While I think Kevin Curtis was a good signing I would prefer to have Donte Stallworth especially for what NE is going to give him this year. But other than that there really wasn't any player on the market that fit what the Eagles do that I really wanted them to go get.

GRADE: B

The Eagles have 21 of 22 starters returning next season and have everyone except LJ Smith signed through 2008.

 

[CheeseHead]

Packers

 

[silvergold]

49ers:

The good: Nate Clements is Nate Clements. He was the prize of FA and the 49ers landed him. He's overpaid but should improve the defence as a hole. I like the Lewis signing, only because the safeties on the 49ers were terrible last year. Aubrayo Franklin should make a good addition rotation, although he's probably not a starter and the 49ers are weak at NT.

The bad: The 49ers are such a terrible team talent wise, it's actually harder to rate them. Ashlie Lelie sucks and doesn't deserve to be a number 1 wr on any team, yet here he is on the 49ers as the #1 reciever. I feel the same way for banta-cain. He's probably going to start, get pushed around in the run game and get us 6 sacks. I suppose in the end it's an improvement from what we had but at the same time it's still terrible.

Grade: B. This is still a pretty bad team top to bottom.

 

[Snotbubbles]

I like the Lewis signing, only because the safeties on the 49ers were terrible last year.

I guess compared to what the 9ers have Lewis is an upgrade, but he really got exposed last year as a terrible cover guy. He is a good tackler and a hard hitter, but he would make a better LB than a safety.

 

[silvergold]

I like the Lewis signing, only because the safeties on the 49ers were terrible last year.

I guess compared to what the 9ers have Lewis is an upgrade, but he really got exposed last year as a terrible cover guy. He is a good tackler and a hard hitter, but he would make a better LB than a safety.

That's what makes grading the 49ers difficult...you could bring in the stay puff marshmallow man at most positions and he would be an upgrade.

 

[saintfool]

Saints..

Good: Re-signing guys like Thomans, Stinchcomb, and Shanle. Adding Simmons/LB and Kaesviharn/S give depth or outright upgrades over the exisiting talent. Johnson/TE can be a great addition if he can stay healthy.

Bad: Losing Horn/WR hurts a lot. The other guys lost in FA have been role players and weren't expected to return anyway.

Grade: B-/C+; We haven't added an undisputed playmaker on either side of the ball yet. I expect that to change with the draft. However, an experienced WR is not going to found there. That badly needs to be addressed in FA.

 

[pantherclub]

Panthers - F minus

They have not added any depth anywhere and let one of their best LB's go to St Louis. They are giving out all indications that they will try to go with Dan Morgan again at LB. The same Dan Morgan who has never made it through a whole season and probably doesnt really know his own name at this point.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Cincinnati Bengals D

Before you beat me up for giving a passing grade to a team who has only signed one guy from outside the system (Alex Stepanovich -- who may not make the team) while letting four starters leave, realize that I'm giving some credit to the team for locking up most of their offensive line cheaply before the end of 2006 and for keeping Reggie Kelly around.

I'd give the team a higher grade if I wasn't so concerned that...

1. Choosing to re-sign Willie Anderson and Bobbie Williams over Eric Steinbach may prove short-sighted over the next two seasons if the durability of either becomes an ongoing problem. Steinbach is a guy entering the prime of his career who can play all three positions. Not wanting to pay tackle money for a guy you've slotted as guard is a nice rationalization, but one that may come back to bite you.

2. Releasing Brian Simmons from an already questionable LB corps and locker room leaves the defense short a leader and body.

3. Franchising Justin Smith with the intent of signing him long term will put enough of a dent in the cap to make it difficult to sign/hold another player in the future.

Would've been nice to sign a defensive player to provide some kind of identity and swagger, but that guy just wasn't out there at an affordable price. Not convinced that aging guys like Adalius Thomas or Joey Porter are the best investments anyway.

 

[zadok]

I would like to throw out an A+ for the Denver Broncos. I'm including the trades made also...

 

[Kirby]

Cincinnati Bengals D

Before you beat me up for giving a passing grade to a team who has only signed one guy from outside the system (Alex Stepanovich -- who may not make the team) while letting four starters leave, realize that I'm giving some credit to the team for locking up most of their offensive line cheaply before the end of 2006 and for keeping Reggie Kelly around.

I'd give the team a higher grade if I wasn't so concerned that...

1. Choosing to re-sign Willie Anderson and Bobbie Williams over Eric Steinbach may prove short-sighted over the next two seasons if the durability of either becomes an ongoing problem. Steinbach is a guy entering the prime of his career who can play all three positions. Not wanting to pay tackle money for a guy you've slotted as guard is a nice rationalization, but one that may come back to bite you.

2. Releasing Brian Simmons from an already questionable LB corps and locker room leaves the defense short a leader and body.

3. Franchising Justin Smith with the intent of signing him long term will put enough of a dent in the cap to make it difficult to sign/hold another player in the future.

Would've been nice to sign a defensive player to provide some kind of identity and swagger, but that guy just wasn't out there at an affordable price. Not convinced that aging guys like Adalius Thomas or Joey Porter are the best investments anyway.

I think letting Steinbach walk was a good idea... Whitworth will fill in just fine. Steinbach is making twice as much as Bobby is making this year, so that might not be a good comparison. They need to spend the money on the other side of the ball.. I think it's a good move.Letting Simmons go was dumb... I have no clue what they were doing there.

Maybe they tagged Justin so they could wait and see if Pollack can come back and play end in 08? Probably a better position for him since the injury.

I'm glad they didn't waste money on FA's and signed a couple of thier own guys like Watson and Kelly.

Draft some impact defensive players in the 1st and 2nd and hopefully Pollack comes back. Cap should be looking good next offseason. They'll also probably get a 3rd rounder for Steinbach in 08. I think 08 is the year.

 

[redman]

I'd give the 'Skins a solid B+, as much because of the restraint they've shown as for any signings they've made.

Signings: London Fletcher; Fred Smoot; Ross Tucker

Resignings: Todd Wade, Omar Stoutmire, Vernon Fox, Todd Yoder, Derrick Frost

Departures: Derrick Dockery

London Fletcher: great signing who has been healthy throughout a long career and is a great leader in addition to being a solid MLB who is already familiar with the defense. He both fills a talent/leadership void at a critical spot on defense and allows Lemar Marshall to provide depth all along the line, a classic two birds with one stone scenario.

Fred Smoot: Another excellent signing. He wasn't even the second best CB available (Samuel & Clements) but the 'Skins know him and aren't worried about the Love Boat episode in Minny. He provides a capable nickel CB and CB2 if needed. Again, they saved money by going with a "lesser" talent at CB.

Todd Wade: He's a bargain resigning because the 'Skins know better than anyone that he's healthy and talented. He's already practiced at LG, and they're paying roughly 25% to him of what was paid out to the top four OG's signed in free agency, including Derrick Dockery who he replaced. This represented some excellent restraint in avoiding getting into a bidding war over a guard and still coming out of it with talent. Wade can also slide over to tackle if Samuels or Jansen are injured.

Vernon Fox: A good resigning from a capable role player who was signed late last year and played well at strong safety. This defense needs competence far more than it needs stardom at that position, and he provides that, and for a very reasonable price.

Omar Stoutmire: After leaving the team for New Orleans last year, they've brought him back to play backup S and a dime DB. He's solid in those roles and on special teams.

Ross Tucker: adds much needed depth to the interior o-line.

Todd Yoder: An unsexy resigning but he was a good blocking TE and special teamer, a good guy to have in the battle line.

Derrick Frost: retaining him as a RFA is a good move given that he's developed well with the team and has the talent to be one of the best punters in the league if he gets a bit more consistent.

 

[J-Rock]

49ers:The good: Nate Clements is Nate Clements. He was the prize of FA and the 49ers landed him. He's overpaid but should improve the defence as a hole. I like the Lewis signing, only because the safeties on the 49ers were terrible last year. Aubrayo Franklin should make a good addition rotation, although he's probably not a starter and the 49ers are weak at NT. The bad: The 49ers are such a terrible team talent wise, it's actually harder to rate them. Ashlie Lelie sucks and doesn't deserve to be a number 1 wr on any team, yet here he is on the 49ers as the #1 reciever. I feel the same way for banta-cain. He's probably going to start, get pushed around in the run game and get us 6 sacks. I suppose in the end it's an improvement from what we had but at the same time it's still terrible.Grade: B. This is still a pretty bad team top to bottom.

I've got to disagree with some of this. I'll give the 9ers a A. Nate was one of the top 2 players in this crop of FA's. Some will argue that A. Thomas would have been a better fit especially in a 34 D and I can see that argument but I'm just as happy landing a CB who can man up against almost any WR in the league. The addition of a franchise CB allows so much more flexibility in the overall D. We will be a lot more capable in the secondary now which should allow us to bring an extra safety into the box and mix up our blitz packages.I like the addition of M. Lewis too. I'm not sure he'll have a huge impact but he will add solid depth and contribute. K. Lewis was great for us last season leading our secondary in tackles. The Lewis & Lewis combo could be a decent pairing. I partially agree with the Lelie comments. I wouldn't say he sucks. But he shouldn't be a #1 WR. Banta Cain made some big plays for the Pats down the stretch and in the playoffs. I like his potential and I think he could really surprise some people nest year.Where I really disagree with silvergold is the comment that "This is still a pretty bad team top to bottom."We won 7 games last season! The Giants made the playoffs with 8. I don't think we are a bad team. Were not a great team and we probably won't challenge for a championship this season but I really like our chances of making the playoffs this season.

 

[Paprika]

Cincinnati Bengals D

Before you beat me up for giving a passing grade to a team who has only signed one guy from outside the system (Alex Stepanovich -- who may not make the team) while letting four starters leave, realize that I'm giving some credit to the team for locking up most of their offensive line cheaply before the end of 2006 and for keeping Reggie Kelly around.

I'd give the team a higher grade if I wasn't so concerned that...

1. Choosing to re-sign Willie Anderson and Bobbie Williams over Eric Steinbach may prove short-sighted over the next two seasons if the durability of either becomes an ongoing problem. Steinbach is a guy entering the prime of his career who can play all three positions. Not wanting to pay tackle money for a guy you've slotted as guard is a nice rationalization, but one that may come back to bite you.

2. Releasing Brian Simmons from an already questionable LB corps and locker room leaves the defense short a leader and body.

3. Franchising Justin Smith with the intent of signing him long term will put enough of a dent in the cap to make it difficult to sign/hold another player in the future.

Would've been nice to sign a defensive player to provide some kind of identity and swagger, but that guy just wasn't out there at an affordable price. Not convinced that aging guys like Adalius Thomas or Joey Porter are the best investments anyway.

I think letting Steinbach walk was a good idea... Whitworth will fill in just fine. Steinbach is making twice as much as Bobby is making this year, so that might not be a good comparison. They need to spend the money on the other side of the ball.. I think it's a good move.Letting Simmons go was dumb... I have no clue what they were doing there.

Maybe they tagged Justin so they could wait and see if Pollack can come back and play end in 08? Probably a better position for him since the injury.

I'm glad they didn't waste money on FA's and signed a couple of thier own guys like Watson and Kelly.

Draft some impact defensive players in the 1st and 2nd and hopefully Pollack comes back. Cap should be looking good next offseason. They'll also probably get a 3rd rounder for Steinbach in 08. I think 08 is the year.

The Patriots A+

Thus far I don't think the Patriots could have done much better than they have. They have gone against their prior history and gone after top flight/big money free agents. They have clearly improved at their weakest positions which are LB + WR.

- Adalius Thomas - Was the perfect fit for an a ageing LB core. His flexability is really going to strengthen the defense. If the Pat's pick up another LB in the draft (2 first round picks) they will have rebuilt their LB'S overnight.

- Assante Samuel - Buy putting the franchise tag on Samuel the Patriots bought themselves at least a year at cornerback. Plus, local media claims both sides are faily close to a new contract.

- Donte Stallworth- I love this pickup. The man has serious talent and with Tom Brady throwing to him could develop into a very solid #1 wr. Just look what Brady/Bellichick have done for lesser talents like Jabbar Gaffney + David Pattern.

- Wes Welker - The perfect Patriots player. This is Troy Brown only ten years younger. The Pat's were able to steal him from Miami because they had stockpiled picks for this years draft. Mark my words people are going to ask how the hell did Miami let this guy get away.

- Kelley Washington - A taleneted player who was buried on the Cinci depth chart. He could add depth to a suddenly talented wr core. A nice sleeper.

- Sammy Morris + Kyle Brady - Very solid role players

- While C.Dillon and D.Graham will be missed. They are not irreplaceable. As a matter of fact I think Denver vastly overpaid for Graham. He is a great blocker, but he is not a top 3 te as his contract would indicate. Dillon at this point is a good short yardage back, but his days as a #1 rb are over. He is always hurt and no longer has the burst that made him a great rb. He will no doubt help some team, but is not the #1 he thinks he should be.

With two #1 picks and money under the cap the Patrios still have room to address their few remaining needs (LB,CB,S) I look for the Pat's to use to picks to bring youth to their defense

Thus far I don't think the Patriots could have done much better. In my mind they are the early favorites to win the Superbowl.

 

[zadok]

The Patriots A+

That's true too.

 

[Mr. Peterson]

The Patriots A+

That's true too.

Typical Patriots cockyness.

 

[LHUCKS]

If the Cards don't get a left tackle

F

 

[Snotbubbles]

Typical Patriots cockyness.

How can't you give them an A.They signed the #1 LB FA and the #1 WR FA on a team that went to the AFC Championship game.I'm an Eagles fan and I think they should get an A.

 

[Blackjacks]

Gained Mike Rumph, Chris Draft, J. Hall, T. Minor, Bennett and McMichael

Lost Timmerman, Curtis, Travis Fisher and McDonald

B+ overall

Added another very good LB again this year and an upgrade on the outside with Hall, I hope he is healthy.

We also added an upgrade at the TE position and at out #3 WR spot. The Rams have more than anything upgraded their redzone offense to be much more effective which is something Bulger hasn't had in his time with the Rams. The Rams have tightened up alot of spots and basically points to Amobi Okoye with their first pick.

They have definetly addressed some need and pointed themselves in a good direction. They do need to add a backup RB (Minor is nice but he is more of a #3)

I really thought M. Rumph had alot of talent coming out of college. To this point he has been a huge disappointment but I'm really hoping he can turn it around and contribute to our defense.

 

[spOOfy]

Eagles Moves:Re-signed: Correll Buckhalter, Will James, Juqua Thomas, Quinten MikellFA signed: Kevin Curtis, Monte Reagor, Bethel JohnsonTHE GOOD: The Eagles locked up all their young talent during last season by signing Todd Herremans, Reggie Brown, Trent Cole and Mike Patterson to long-term extensions. Bringing back Quinten Mikell who was the special teams MVP and also a good back-up safety was probably their best move. And the signing of Kevin Curtis was necessary after the departure of Donte Stallworth. Will James will be an adequate 3rd CB behind Brown and Sheppard. And Juqua Thomas showed a lot of promise last year. THE BAD: While I think Kevin Curtis was a good signing I would prefer to have Donte Stallworth especially for what NE is going to give him this year. But other than that there really wasn't any player on the market that fit what the Eagles do that I really wanted them to go get.GRADE: BThe Eagles have 21 of 22 starters returning next season and have everyone except LJ Smith signed through 2008.

This is an excellent review of the Eagles free agency. I'd probably give them a B+ for their effort, as only losing Stallworth was their negative. And they got the 2nd best free agent WR out there to replace him. I'd rather have Stallworth, but Curtis is still a pretty good option.EDIT: Forgot about another possible negative: the loss of Garcia

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Chargers:Major move getting Diehlman to re-sign. A+Keeping Floyd, Polk and Harris. ANorv Turner - CTed Cotrell - BRon Riveria - A -I love the bolts offseason as far as getting their owns players signed, no big moves to bring in help, but in areas of need - WR,CB,S there wasnt a whole lot out there. Waiting to see if they move Turner on draft day and try to get into the top 12 and get Landry/Nelson

Ignoring the coaching mess and just grading the offseason strictly on personnel issues, the Chargers get an A from me.Some might regret the loss of Donnie Edwards, but I think it was for the best (based on reports that he was unpopular in the locker room).Signing Dielman was huge.Avoiding the generally overpriced FA market (other than signing Dielman, who was not overpriced IMO) is also a good thing.

 

[Vikes Fan]

Vikings moves...well...uhm...

I will give them a D- just so they won't be back in my classroom again next year.

 

[Snotbubbles]

This is an excellent review of the Eagles free agency. I'd probably give them a B+ for their effort, as only losing Stallworth was their negative. And they got the 2nd best free agent WR out there to replace him. I'd rather have Stallworth, but Curtis is still a pretty good option.EDIT: Forgot about another possible negative: the loss of Garcia

Yeah I should've added something about Garcia. It is a slight downgrade to go from Garcia to Feely. While Feely has Garcia in some of the physical aspects, I think Garcia brought intangibles to the team that Feely just doesn't have (or at least hasn't shown yet).

 

[QUEZILLA]

Tampa - A

Improved the team without overspending on the big names. Also, made some coaching changes that should make a big impact. Most importantly, they haven't cornered themselves into needing to select a certain position.

Petiguot = don't need JT, but still could select him.

Garcia = don't need to draft QB

Carter = we still need a good pass rush, but he provides depth.

June & Chukwara= should help fill the LB void since Quarles isn't returning.

David Boston- the next best thing to CJ, a one time pro bowler... just kidding

Buchanon- good signing, showed improvement

June, Chukwara, Carter are all sort of tweeners, that I am interested to see how Monte utilizes. Get ready to see som crazy blitz packages.

 

[simmonjm]

Dallas Cowboys A-

Dallas was able to resign Marc Colombo and Andre Gurode. They also brought in Leonard Davis to fill in for Marco Rivera who was the weakest link on the offensive line. Dallas now has something they havent had since the mid 90's, continuity on the offensive line. While many are quick to criticize the Davis signing I feel that it will payoff. Davis is much better suited to play guard and should be able to create some nice lanes for Julius and Marion to run through. Jerry Jones also paid a signing bonus to Terry Glenn and has already said he will pay TO's in June. Dallas will return 10/11 starters on the offense (this is assuming Leonard Davis starts over Rivera) and 11/11 players on the defensive side of the ball if Ellis is able to come back from an achilles injury which he says he is ahead of schedule.

Dallas is currently talking with Ken Hamlin who would provide some competition with the second year player Pat Watkins. Dallas has really positioned themselves to draft on a BPA basis. Dallas has no glaring needs and realistically the only position a rookie could start in would be free safety. With 9 draft picks this year im really hoping Dallas trades up and gets an impact player.

 

[rascal]

Broncos:

New Coaches: A

Players: A-

A-...that's right. They still have a glaring problem along the d-line and their safeties are very old and slow.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Tampa - A Improved the team without overspending on the big names. Also, made some coaching changes that should make a big impact. Most importantly, they haven't cornered themselves into needing to select a certain position.Petiguot = don't need JT, but still could select him.Garcia = don't need to draft QBCarter = we still need a good pass rush, but he provides depth.June & Chukwara= should help fill the LB void since Quarles isn't returning.David Boston- the next best thing to CJ, a one time pro bowler... just kidding Buchanon- good signing, showed improvementJune, Chukwara, Carter are all sort of tweeners, that I am interested to see how Monte utilizes. Get ready to see som crazy blitz packages.

I'm also interested in seeing how they deploy Chukwurah and Carter.Chukwurah is a pretty good fit as a Tampa-2 defensive end. He's better at anchoring the edge in run support than his size would suggest and he really came into his own in pass rush last year in Denver. I thought he might sneak into an every down role until they signed Carter to that ridiculous contract. I agree with you, Carter and Spires aren't scaring anyone if they're the ends on first and second down, but moving Carter inside full time at NT isn't a good fit and inserting him at UT leaves Ellis Wyms hanging.I'm not sure whether to agree or disagree about the increase in blitzes. Ordinarily I'd disagree because it goes against the philosophy of Kiffin's scheme. You have to wonder if the June signing was to improve the coverage because they fear the lack of a pass rush might hurt them. They didn't make a move on him until after the DL situation shook out (Carter in, White out). June doesn't have much talent in pass rush; he's probably not going to be as effective as Nece was on those infrequent strong side blitzes.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I'll give the Bears a "C".

They haven't signed any free agents - but then again, they haven't wasted tons of money on them either.

Lance Briggs needs to be paid.

Starting CBs Charles Tillman and Nate Vasher are free agents after the '07 season, as are WR Bernard Berrian and QB Rex Grossman.

Jerry Angelo is biding his time waiting for some 'value' free agent(s). I wouldn't mind them re-signing DT Ian Scott (especially with Tank Johnson's ongoing soap opera and looming suspension) or OG Ruben Brown - now that they're not finding any takers....

 

[Routilla]

Dallas Cowboys A-Dallas was able to resign Marc Colombo and Andre Gurode. They also brought in Leonard Davis to fill in for Marco Rivera who was the weakest link on the offensive line. Dallas now has something they havent had since the mid 90's, continuity on the offensive line. While many are quick to criticize the Davis signing I feel that it will payoff. Davis is much better suited to play guard and should be able to create some nice lanes for Julius and Marion to run through. Jerry Jones also paid a signing bonus to Terry Glenn and has already said he will pay TO's in June. Dallas will return 10/11 starters on the offense (this is assuming Leonard Davis starts over Rivera) and 11/11 players on the defensive side of the ball if Ellis is able to come back from an achilles injury which he says he is ahead of schedule. Dallas is currently talking with Ken Hamlin who would provide some competition with the second year player Pat Watkins. Dallas has really positioned themselves to draft on a BPA basis. Dallas has no glaring needs and realistically the only position a rookie could start in would be free safety. With 9 draft picks this year im really hoping Dallas trades up and gets an impact player.

Nice analysis. I would love to see a Jimmy Johnson draft where we get about 5-6 real contributors. Who would you want to them move up for? I like Reggie Nelson but he may be too high to get without overpaying.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Eagles Moves:Re-signed: Correll Buckhalter, Will James, Juqua Thomas, Quinten MikellFA signed: Kevin Curtis, Monte Reagor, Bethel JohnsonTHE GOOD: The Eagles locked up all their young talent during last season by signing Todd Herremans, Reggie Brown, Trent Cole and Mike Patterson to long-term extensions. Bringing back Quinten Mikell who was the special teams MVP and also a good back-up safety was probably their best move. And the signing of Kevin Curtis was necessary after the departure of Donte Stallworth. Will James will be an adequate 3rd CB behind Brown and Sheppard. And Juqua Thomas showed a lot of promise last year. THE BAD: While I think Kevin Curtis was a good signing I would prefer to have Donte Stallworth especially for what NE is going to give him this year. But other than that there really wasn't any player on the market that fit what the Eagles do that I really wanted them to go get.GRADE: BThe Eagles have 21 of 22 starters returning next season and have everyone except LJ Smith signed through 2008.

Very good analysis. The only thing I would take issue with is the Joe Banner company line "21 of 22 starters returning". The Eagles have a very good offense but some of those starters on defense outright stink. The LB's and DT's are terrible and need replacing. Having them back should never be stated as a positive.

 

[shredhead]

I would like to throw out an A+ for the Denver Broncos. I'm including the trades made also...

Take off the orange goggles dude. I'm one of the biggest Broncos fans out there, and I don't give them more than a B. See below.

- While C.Dillon and D.Graham will be missed. They are not irreplaceable. As a matter of fact I think Denver vastly overpaid for Graham. He is a great blocker, but he is not a top 3 te as his contract would indicate.

This still remains to be seen. There is talk around these parts about trying to give him more opportunities in the receiving game than NE ever gave him. He was a good receiver in college at Colorado, so maybe he can help in that area. With all the promise surrounding Scheffler though, I have to agree that they over paid for Graham.

Broncos:

New Coaches: A

Players: A-

A-...that's right. They still have a glaring problem along the d-line and their safeties are very old and slow.

See, this guy gets it. They have no pass rush. They need one. They have done nothing to address this issue. They would have made the playoffs last year if they had one. They probably wouldn't have lost in the AFC Championship game against the Steelers if they had one. The Broncos very well could have been the ones to steal Asterisk Bowl XL if they had a pass rush. You say A- Alright I can see that. I won't give them higher than a B until they address the D-line.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Very good analysis. The only thing I would take issue with is the Joe Banner company line "21 of 22 starters returning". The Eagles have a very good offense but some of those starters on defense outright stink. The LB's and DT's are terrible and need replacing. Having them back should never be stated as a positive.

Pat,I agree with you on the fact that having 21 of 22 starters isn't necessarily a positive. I also agree that our LBs are terrible. Especially with Trotter slowing down. I do however really like Omar Gaither, and I hope they use him more at the MLB spot this year and transistion Trotter to retirement next off-season. Gocoong (sp?) hopefully will contribute, but the Birds simply can't give Dhani Jones a major role on this defense. As long as he is out there the LB corp (and defense) won't be as effective as it could be.I don't think that our DT positions are terrible. They aren't the greatest, but their not terrible. I think Patterson is a good player, not an All-Pro or Pro-Bowler, but good. He's definitely NFL starting material. And the jury is still out on Bunkley, missing training camp last year was like the beginning of the end for him. If he can't get on the field this year then there is something wrong with the guy. I really wish the Eagles would go get a big run stuffer to play along with Patterson. The teams run defense wasn't the seive it was at times when we had Hollis Thomas clogging up the middle, they weren't great with him, but they were a lot better.But overall with what was available in Free Agency, you really can't fault them for their moves (with the exception of Stallworth as I noted above).

 

[zadok]

I would like to throw out an A+ for the Denver Broncos. I'm including the trades made also...

Take off the orange goggles dude.

I have no loyalty to the Broncos whatsoever.

 

[QUEZILLA]

Tampa - A Improved the team without overspending on the big names. Also, made some coaching changes that should make a big impact. Most importantly, they haven't cornered themselves into needing to select a certain position.Petiguot = don't need JT, but still could select him.Garcia = don't need to draft QBCarter = we still need a good pass rush, but he provides depth.June & Chukwara= should help fill the LB void since Quarles isn't returning.David Boston- the next best thing to CJ, a one time pro bowler... just kidding Buchanon- good signing, showed improvementJune, Chukwara, Carter are all sort of tweeners, that I am interested to see how Monte utilizes. Get ready to see som crazy blitz packages.

I'm also interested in seeing how they deploy Chukwurah and Carter.Chukwurah is a pretty good fit as a Tampa-2 defensive end. He's better at anchoring the edge in run support than his size would suggest and he really came into his own in pass rush last year in Denver. I thought he might sneak into an every down role until they signed Carter to that ridiculous contract. I agree with you, Carter and Spires aren't scaring anyone if they're the ends on first and second down, but moving Carter inside full time at NT isn't a good fit and inserting him at UT leaves Ellis Wyms hanging.I'm not sure whether to agree or disagree about the increase in blitzes. Ordinarily I'd disagree because it goes against the philosophy of Kiffin's scheme. You have to wonder if the June signing was to improve the coverage because they fear the lack of a pass rush might hurt them. They didn't make a move on him until after the DL situation shook out (Carter in, White out). June doesn't have much talent in pass rush; he's probably not going to be as effective as Nece was on those infrequent strong side blitzes.

If Buchanon can continue to improve he has the potential to be one of the best cover corners on the team with BK. This, along with June, could really make for some tight coverage. Ronde could potentially be moved to safety in certain situations, though he has said he would rather not. Dwight Smith left Tampa because he wanted to play corner, but he still ends up playing safety no matter where he goes. So the CB and S positions are pretty interchangeable in the system.I really expect Monte to give a ton of different looks, and tailor schemes depending on what type of O they play.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Titans:

Total Haul so Far:

Justin Gage: Hard to get excited about Gage, especially when Curtis or Stallworth would have been a better addition. That said, getting a veteran 3rd/4th WR on board was well-advised.

Bryan Scott: Still relatively young, but being on his third team in 5 years is hardly reassuring. That said, Lamont Thompson was the worst safety in the NFL, AFL, and CFL last year so Scott's addition is bound to be an improvement. Also, if the team takes a safety to work in to the mix, Scott can likely play a little corner as well.

Nick Harper: Excellent signing. While Harper may not be a top corner in the league, he'd be an excellent CB2 if PacMan is welcomed back. If not, then corner is still going to be a big need in the draft. Just imagine if Harper hadn't signed though...

Ryan Fowler: Juries still out, although he plays with a lot of "grit", so I guess that's good. THe team needs help at LB, so I'll call this a safe addition.

So far, I'm giving them a B minus. Missing out on some of the better guys like Stallworth and Curtis stings. If they can sign a DE like Grant Wistrom, that will help.

More problematic, while I'm glad they didn't overpay for a running back, the team goes in to the draft with some needs they absolutely have to address. They need at least one RB. They need another receiver. They need another corner. They need another Defensive End.

 

[redman]

Dallas Cowboys A-Dallas was able to resign Marc Colombo and Andre Gurode. They also brought in Leonard Davis to fill in for Marco Rivera who was the weakest link on the offensive line. Dallas now has something they havent had since the mid 90's, continuity on the offensive line. While many are quick to criticize the Davis signing I feel that it will payoff. Davis is much better suited to play guard and should be able to create some nice lanes for Julius and Marion to run through. Jerry Jones also paid a signing bonus to Terry Glenn and has already said he will pay TO's in June. Dallas will return 10/11 starters on the offense (this is assuming Leonard Davis starts over Rivera) and 11/11 players on the defensive side of the ball if Ellis is able to come back from an achilles injury which he says he is ahead of schedule. Dallas is currently talking with Ken Hamlin who would provide some competition with the second year player Pat Watkins. Dallas has really positioned themselves to draft on a BPA basis. Dallas has no glaring needs and realistically the only position a rookie could start in would be free safety. With 9 draft picks this year im really hoping Dallas trades up and gets an impact player.

Nice analysis. I would love to see a Jimmy Johnson draft where we get about 5-6 real contributors. Who would you want to them move up for? I like Reggie Nelson but he may be too high to get without overpaying.

Bill Parcells' greatest contribution to the Dallas teams he coached occurred on draft day, when he was able to minimize Jerry Jones' influence and draft actual players. Take a look at the drafts from 1994-2004 to see what a Jerry Jones-run draft looks like. I'm betting the under on "impact players" drafted.

2002 1 1 8 8 Roy Williams DB Oklahoma   2 2 5 37 Andre Gurode G Colorado   3 2 31 63 Antonio Bryant WR Pittsburgh   4 3 10 75 Derek Ross DB Ohio State   5 4 31 129 Jamar Martin RB Ohio State   6 5 33 168 Ralph Hunter DB Virginia Union   7 6 7 179 Tyson Walter T Ohio State   8 6 36 208 Deveren Johnson WR Sacred Heart   9 6 39 211 Bob Slowikowski TE Virginia Tech 2001 1 2 22 53 Quincy Carter QB Georgia   2 2 25 56 Tony Dixon DB Alabama   3 3 31 93 Willie Blade DT Mississippi State   4 4 27 122 Markus Steele LB USC   5 5 6 137 Matt Lehr G Virginia Tech   6 6 8 171 Daleroy Stewart DT Southern Mississippi   7 7 7 207 Colston Weatherington DE Central Missouri State   8 7 40 240 John Nix DT Southern Mississippi   9 7 42 242 Char-ron Dorsey T Florida State 2000 1 2 18 49 Dwayne Goodrich DB Tennessee   2 4 15 109 Kareem Larrimore DB West Texas A&M   3 5 15 144 Michael Wiley RB Ohio State   4 6 14 180 Mario Edwards DB Florida State   5 7 13 219 Orantes Grant LB Georgia 1999 1 1 20 20 Ebenezer Ekuban DE North Carolina   2 2 24 55 Solomon Page T West Virginia   3 3 24 85 Dat Nguyen LB Texas A&M   4 4 23 118 Wane McGarity WR Texas   5 4 37 132 Hundens Zellner DE Fort Valley State   6 6 24 193 MarTay Jenkins WR Nebraska-Omaha   7 7 23 229 Mike Lucky TE Arizona   8 7 37 243 Kelvin Garmon G Baylor 1998 1 1 8 8 Greg Ellis DE North Carolina   2 2 8 38 Flozell Adams T Michigan State   3 4 8 100 Michael Myers DT Alabama   4 5 7 130 Darren Hambrick LB South Carolina   5 5 15 138 Oliver Ross T Iowa State   6 6 35 188 Izell Reese DB Alabama-Birmingham   7 7 34 223 Tarik Smith RB California   8 7 38 227 Antonio Fleming G Georgia   9 7 48 237 Rodrick Monroe TE Cincinnati 1997 1 1 22 22 David LaFleur TE Louisiana State   2 3 5 65 Dexter Coakley DB Appalachian State   3 3 23 83 Steve Scifres G Wyoming   4 3 34 94 Kenny Wheaton DB Oregon   5 4 5 101 Antonio Anderson DT Syracuse   6 4 31 127 Macey Brooks WR James Madison   7 4 33 129 Nicky Sualua RB Ohio State   8 6 24 187 Lee Vaughn DB Wyoming   9 7 23 224 Omar Stoutmire DB Fresno State 1996 1 2 7 37 Kavika Pittman DE McNeese State   2 2 19 49 Randall Godfrey LB Georgia   3 3 6 67 Clay Shiver C Florida State   4 3 33 94 Stepfret Williams WR N.E. Louisiana   5 3 34 95 Mike Ulufale DT Brigham Young   6 5 25 157 Kenneth McDaniel G Norfolk State   7 5 35 167 Alan Campos LB Louisville   8 6 40 207 Wendell Davis DB Oklahoma   9 7 34 243 Ryan Wood RB Arizona State 1995s 1 3 0 0 Darren Benson DT Arkansas State 1995 1 2 14 46 Sherman Williams RB Alabama   2 2 27 59 Kendell Watkins TE Mississippi State   3 2 31 63 Shane Hannah G Michigan State   4 3 28 92 Charlie Williams DB Bowling Green   5 4 12 110 Eric Bjornson WR Washington   6 4 31 129 Alundis Brice DB Mississippi   7 4 32 130 Linc Harden LB Oklahoma State   8 5 32 166 Edward Hervey WR USC   9 5 34 168 Dana Howard LB Illinois   10 7 28 236 Oscar Sturgis DE North Carolina 1994s 1 5 0 0 John Davis TE Emporia State 1994 1 1 23 23 Shante Carver DE Arizona State   2 2 17 46 Larry Allen G Sonoma State   3 3 37 102 George Hegamin T North Carolina State   4 4 6 109 Willie Jackson WR Florida   5 4 28 131 DeWayne Dotson LB Mississippi   6 6 30 191 Darren Studstill DB West Virginia   7 7 22 216 Toddrick McIntosh DT Florida State

Oh, and put me on record as the Davis signing being an embarrassing amount of money to pay an OG, particularly one who was drafted as a tackle and allowed to walk in FA by the Cardinals who are about as needy for good linemen as any team in the NFL. This is Dallas' version of the 'Skins signing Adam Archuleta last year. If his enormous salary doesn't impact Dallas' ability to fill other needs, then that's great, but I can't imagine that being the case over time.

 

[twistd]

I'll give the Bears a "C".They haven't signed any free agents - but then again, they haven't wasted tons of money on them either.Lance Briggs needs to be paid.Starting CBs Charles Tillman and Nate Vasher are free agents after the '07 season, as are WR Bernard Berrian and QB Rex Grossman.Jerry Angelo is biding his time waiting for some 'value' free agent(s). I wouldn't mind them re-signing DT Ian Scott (especially with Tank Johnson's ongoing soap opera and looming suspension) or OG Ruben Brown - now that they're not finding any takers....

I would about agree. They gave TJones away for a six pack and a bag of peanuts. I do think teams overpaid for many of the free agents signed, $16 million guaranteed for Leonard Davis, please. But there were good values out there, one being McMichael. The Bears need help at the TE position and McMichael signed for $11 over three years. I'm not sure about the signing of Archuleta. If he is the player he was with the Rams it is very good, if he is the player that was with the Redskins you might as well have signed Gary Fencik.

 

[redman]

I'll give the Bears a "C".They haven't signed any free agents - but then again, they haven't wasted tons of money on them either.Lance Briggs needs to be paid.Starting CBs Charles Tillman and Nate Vasher are free agents after the '07 season, as are WR Bernard Berrian and QB Rex Grossman.Jerry Angelo is biding his time waiting for some 'value' free agent(s). I wouldn't mind them re-signing DT Ian Scott (especially with Tank Johnson's ongoing soap opera and looming suspension) or OG Ruben Brown - now that they're not finding any takers....

I would about agree. They gave TJones away for a six pack and a bag of peanuts. I do think teams overpaid for many of the free agents signed, $16 million guaranteed for Leonard Davis, please. But there were good values out there, one being McMichael. The Bears need help at the TE position and McMichael signed for $11 over three years. I'm not sure about the signing of Archuleta. If he is the player he was with the Rams it is very good, if he is the player that was with the Redskins you might as well have signed Gary Fencik.

Bears fans are overly critical of the Jones trade IMHO. According to the pick value chart, the move from the bottom to the top of the 2nd round is worth a 3rd rounder. That's not a bad return at all for a guy at a position that seems to become more of a commodity by the day.

 

[twistd]

I'll give the Bears a "C".They haven't signed any free agents - but then again, they haven't wasted tons of money on them either.Lance Briggs needs to be paid.Starting CBs Charles Tillman and Nate Vasher are free agents after the '07 season, as are WR Bernard Berrian and QB Rex Grossman.Jerry Angelo is biding his time waiting for some 'value' free agent(s). I wouldn't mind them re-signing DT Ian Scott (especially with Tank Johnson's ongoing soap opera and looming suspension) or OG Ruben Brown - now that they're not finding any takers....

I would about agree. They gave TJones away for a six pack and a bag of peanuts. I do think teams overpaid for many of the free agents signed, $16 million guaranteed for Leonard Davis, please. But there were good values out there, one being McMichael. The Bears need help at the TE position and McMichael signed for $11 over three years. I'm not sure about the signing of Archuleta. If he is the player he was with the Rams it is very good, if he is the player that was with the Redskins you might as well have signed Gary Fencik.

Bears fans are overly critical of the Jones trade IMHO. According to the pick value chart, the move from the bottom to the top of the 2nd round is worth a 3rd rounder. That's not a bad return at all for a guy at a position that seems to become more of a commodity by the day.

The problem is that the Bears let Jones go and now we are counting on Benson. Yes, that would be the same Benson who wouldn't go back in to the Super Bowl because he tweaked his knee. This is the same player who has managed to alienate almost all of his teammates. I would feel better if the Bears had actually gotten a third. But I would feel even better if the Bears had kept Jones. I don't trust Benson at all. The team is in the hands of Benson and Grossman. I don't feel good about that at all.

 

[redman]

I'll give the Bears a "C".They haven't signed any free agents - but then again, they haven't wasted tons of money on them either.Lance Briggs needs to be paid.Starting CBs Charles Tillman and Nate Vasher are free agents after the '07 season, as are WR Bernard Berrian and QB Rex Grossman.Jerry Angelo is biding his time waiting for some 'value' free agent(s). I wouldn't mind them re-signing DT Ian Scott (especially with Tank Johnson's ongoing soap opera and looming suspension) or OG Ruben Brown - now that they're not finding any takers....

I would about agree. They gave TJones away for a six pack and a bag of peanuts. I do think teams overpaid for many of the free agents signed, $16 million guaranteed for Leonard Davis, please. But there were good values out there, one being McMichael. The Bears need help at the TE position and McMichael signed for $11 over three years. I'm not sure about the signing of Archuleta. If he is the player he was with the Rams it is very good, if he is the player that was with the Redskins you might as well have signed Gary Fencik.

Bears fans are overly critical of the Jones trade IMHO. According to the pick value chart, the move from the bottom to the top of the 2nd round is worth a 3rd rounder. That's not a bad return at all for a guy at a position that seems to become more of a commodity by the day.

The problem is that the Bears let Jones go and now we are counting on Benson. Yes, that would be the same Benson who wouldn't go back in to the Super Bowl because he tweaked his knee. This is the same player who has managed to alienate almost all of his teammates. I would feel better if the Bears had actually gotten a third. But I would feel even better if the Bears had kept Jones. I don't trust Benson at all. The team is in the hands of Benson and Grossman. I don't feel good about that at all.

I disagree. The team is in the hands of the defense and special teams, just like it was last year and the year before.

 

[trollmonger]

Dallas Cowboys A-Dallas was able to resign Marc Colombo and Andre Gurode. They also brought in Leonard Davis to fill in for Marco Rivera who was the weakest link on the offensive line. Dallas now has something they havent had since the mid 90's, continuity on the offensive line. While many are quick to criticize the Davis signing I feel that it will payoff. Davis is much better suited to play guard and should be able to create some nice lanes for Julius and Marion to run through. Jerry Jones also paid a signing bonus to Terry Glenn and has already said he will pay TO's in June. Dallas will return 10/11 starters on the offense (this is assuming Leonard Davis starts over Rivera) and 11/11 players on the defensive side of the ball if Ellis is able to come back from an achilles injury which he says he is ahead of schedule. Dallas is currently talking with Ken Hamlin who would provide some competition with the second year player Pat Watkins. Dallas has really positioned themselves to draft on a BPA basis. Dallas has no glaring needs and realistically the only position a rookie could start in would be free safety. With 9 draft picks this year im really hoping Dallas trades up and gets an impact player.

I generally agree.Colombo and Gurode were very important signings. Davis is the signing that causes the biggest debate. He fills a big hole. From what I've read, he has played very well as a G but average at best at LT. If he was a 2nd round pick rather than the 2nd overall pick, most would say he's been a solid NFL player. Still he is probably overpaid. He was given LT money to play RG. I just hope he wasn't signed to be a Adams' replacement a year from now.The one signing I didn't like was B. Johnson. I wanted a QB with previous starting experience but BJ may have had too many starts. I just don't think he's the answer at this stage of his career.It looks like Hamlin is a possibility to compete with Watkins at FS. I hope he's brought in more as a mentor/backup. Watkins should start but I want a safety net in case he fails.And what was lost? Bledsoe, Fowler, A. Johnson. None were big losses although now we need a backup C.Overall, I might give them a B. No signings of players that are difference makers like TO last year that would warrant an A but rather just filling the few holes the team had.We still have needs going into the draft but they're mostly getting younger and/or backups at several positions (WR, NT, CB, OL, backup QB). And possibly a passrusher if Ellis doesn't return to his previous form.

 

[Despyzer]

Ignoring the coaching mess and just grading the offseason strictly on personnel issues, the Chargers get an A from me.Some might regret the loss of Donnie Edwards, but I think it was for the best (based on reports that he was unpopular in the locker room).Signing Dielman was huge.Avoiding the generally overpriced FA market (other than signing Dielman, who was not overpriced IMO) is also a good thing.

I agree as well. I said back in February that best FA available for the Chargers was probably Dielman. There really wasn't anyone else (other than maybe Adalius Thomas) that I thought would be much of an upgrade. When you consider the coin that was necessary to sign most of those FA, staying out of that market was the best decision possible.I'll miss Donnie, but I think his time in SD was up anyway.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Bills - C

Mostly as in, wait and see.

If their signings on the OL pan out than that could move up to a B. The Bills have needed to upgrade their O-line for about a decade now. I like bringing in Dockery but believe that they overpaid. Even if he ends up being worth the money they gave him I think that they could have gotten him quite a bit cheaper. The Langston Walker deal is even worse. But if they manage to create a decent line out of those guys it will be worth it.

Their focus on the O-line has left some serious questions on the defensive side of the ball. Right now, either Jabari Greer or Ashton Youboty is their #2 starting CB. I know the Bills are high on Youboty, but that's putting a lot of eggs in one basket with no safety net. I do think that they were right to not pay Clements as much as he wanted though. IMO, Champ Bailey could actually be worth that much money. Clements is no Champ Bailey. Edit: I forgot the Bills resigned Kiwaukee Thomas. He's not going to replace Clements, but he is serviceable. He at least creates a little more depth at the CB position.

The departure of Fletcher leaves a big question mark at the LB spot. Right now it looks like Angelo Crowell would fill that spot and he's proven to be a pretty good LBer. He's going to have to be the one to make all of the defensive calls now though and that could be a big adjustment. And Spikes is obviously a big question mark as well. Two serious leg injuries in two years including the dreaded Achilles injury. Rumors are that he's not all that thrilled to be in Buffalo anymore as well. If nothing else, they definitely need some more depth.

And the defensive line still couldn't stop the run last year. McCargo got hurt about halfway through the season but wasn't making a huge impact anyway. The Bills should have just let Tim Anderson go. The guy is a bum. They need another big DT that they can put in there to stop the run.

And last, but not least, the Bills now have no top quality RB on their roster after trading McGahee. They absolutely have to add someone in the draft. Anthony Thomas, Fred Jackson and Shaud Williams just won't get the job done. They obviously elected to pass on Chris Brown in FA.

The Bills are putting a LOT of eggs in their draft basket. I think that they actually like what they have a DT and DB enough that they'll wait until later in the draft to go in that direction. In rounds 1-3 I think they'll look at LBer and RB. The only way that I see them going outside that is if Amobi Okoye is there at 12 and the Bills decide that they really like him. But Marv and Co. are putting a LOT of stock in their drafting abilities.

I don't necessarily think that their focus has been bad, I just wish that they hadn't give quite as much to Dockery and Walker and spread that somewhere else. If nothing else, it would be nice to see them try to workout extensions with Losman and Evans.

So right now I give the Bills a C. If Dockery and Walker can help the Bills have a decent offensive line, it will pay huge dividends for the Bills. That could upgrade that grade to a B. If Dockery and Walker end up just being overpaid stiffs, then that grade could drop all the way to an F.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

Chiefs - A Solid B

Donnie Edwards - Still has a couple good seasons left and comes back home...he never should have been let go.

Napoleon Harris - IMO, an upgrade over K. Mitchell. More mobile and seems more intelligent from what I have seen.

Damien McIntosh - an upgrade over Black, Turley, etc who is an average to above-average NFL OT

J.P. Darche - We get younger and cheaper @ Long Snapper.

Damon Huard - Re-Signing Huard was IMO the best avenue to take @ QB.

Jimmy Wilkerson - re-signed him be a #4 type DT who is versatile enough to play DE. I was glad to see him come to his senses and come back.

Alphonso Boone - a very under-rated signing, as I dont think he has had the best of opportunities in CHI to reach his potential.

Ron Edwards - another solid re-signing. He is best used in stints as a backup-rotation guy.

Losses

Jordan Black

Kyle Turley

Sammy Knight

None of those hurt....Black is a fine NFL OL, if he is a backup G and not the starting LT.

I would have like to see them make a play for a WR, but all indications are that WR is the target on Draft Day.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

Vikings moves...well...uhm... I will give them a D- just so they won't be back in my classroom again next year.

I would give them a B- or C+. They are more than one free agent away from being a Super Bowl contender, so signing the top of a weak FA class wasn't going to help them all that much. They are planning to build the team through the draft, so I don't think they had big aspirations going into free agency. Shiancoe is an up and comer at the position and maybe they overpaid, but after seeing some other contracts, I'm not so sure - there were other teams (up to 5) that were interested in him.Wade is a good slot guy and they signed Vinny - the special teams ace....all in all not so bad for a team that needs more than one or two free agents to make them special.

 

[zadok]

I would have like to see them make a play for a WR, but all indications are that WR is the target on Draft Day.

Riddle me this:Considering the dearth of WRs on the roster, why not sign a veteran FA AND draft 1 or more to protect against another CRAPhonso Thorpe?

 

[zadok]

Shiancoe is an up and comer at the position

Be honest, before they signed him, did you still think he was an "up and comer"?

 

[DocNiner52]

49ers:The good: Nate Clements is Nate Clements. He was the prize of FA and the 49ers landed him. He's overpaid but should improve the defence as a hole. I like the Lewis signing, only because the safeties on the 49ers were terrible last year. Aubrayo Franklin should make a good addition rotation, although he's probably not a starter and the 49ers are weak at NT. The bad: The 49ers are such a terrible team talent wise, it's actually harder to rate them. Ashlie Lelie sucks and doesn't deserve to be a number 1 wr on any team, yet here he is on the 49ers as the #1 reciever. I feel the same way for banta-cain. He's probably going to start, get pushed around in the run game and get us 6 sacks. I suppose in the end it's an improvement from what we had but at the same time it's still terrible.Grade: B. This is still a pretty bad team top to bottom.

As much as I hate to I pretty much have to agree with you. Lelie was thought to have some talent coming outta college but so have some other recent wr's that have'nt met expectations. I think he'll fair better than he did in Atlanta. He's only 27 so it's possible he could improve(can't get much worse than he's been,LOL, I hope) but I don't think he's capable of being a #1 wr. Vernon Davis will be like Gates to the Niners and probably be their best producing receiver for now. I'm sure the Niners will pick up a receiver in the first 3 rounds of the draft. I don't think they should take one with their first pick but they might take Jarrett at #11. No doubt they're gonna have to find someone who'll be better than Lelie or Battle, but no matter who they draft it'll be a couple of years before we know if they got someone capable of being a #1 wr. There's good depth at the receiver position in this years draft. They surely overpaid for Clements but the defense sorely needed improvement so Nate is a big help to the secondary and is a good acquistion regardless. Yes, we're not a good team right now but we're headed in the right direction. I'd have to also agree a grade of B in FA so far and with some intelligent picks in the draft we'll be back on top of the division in a few years.