The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12)

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Season Recap:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers started off strong, and as far into the season as week 6, were on pace to be a playoff team.  However, the Buccaneers ended the season in complete turmoil.  Not only did the Buccaneers lose their final ten games, but in most of the games, they showed no interest in winning.

After a week six home victory over the Saints, I thought the Buccaneers had finally hit their stride with Raheem Morris. However, the bye week really hurt them.  The team didn’t look the same after their break.

The Buccaneers really struggled to run the ball.  In one forth of all of their games, a quarterback led their team in rushing.  LaGarette Blount was a one-hit wonder that no one game planed for.  It’s easy to rack up the yards when there’s no tape on you; it’s hard to do so after being in the league for a year.  (Rudy Johnson)

However, I’m not really sure what the cause of the Buccaneers running woes were.  Perhaps it’s the offensive line’s fault?  Maybe LaGarrette isn’t very good?  Maybe it’s the scheme?  Surely, multiple explanations will be explored, and many changes will be made.

This team still has huge holes on defense to go with their lack of a running game.  They’re at least a year away.  This could be the worst team in football next season.

 

 Key Free Agent(s):

 K – Connor Barth

Connor Barth is one of the league’s best kickers, but I hate giving kickers big money unless they’ve made big kicks.  Barth is good when nothing is on the line, but how will he do when the team needs a field goal to go to the playoffs?  As long as he’s reasonable, they should resign him.

Other Free Agents:

CB – Ronde Barber
DE – Michael Bennett
RB – LeGarrette Blount
RB – Earnest Graham
LB – Geno Hayes
QB – Josh Johnson
CB – Domonique Johnson
S – Sean Jones
RB – Kregg Lumpkin
CB – Corey Lynch
CB – Elbert Mack
WR – Preston Parker
G – Jeremy Zuttah
(2/15) DT – Albert Haynesworth

 

Positional Evaluation: 

(For this portion, I will write a small blurb about the position and address whether a new starter is needed, depth is needed, or nothing is needed.)

QB: Josh Freeman is the quarterback and he’s been pretty healthy. There’s no need here.
No Need.

RB: Neither LaGarette Blount nor Kregg Lumpkin is the solution at running back.  They’re also both free agency.
1 Starter Needed / Depth Needed

FB: Eric Long has played well in his roll as the H-Back.
No Need.

TE: Kellen Winslow is still a starting caliber tight end in this league.  Luke Stocker is a promising back-up.
No Need.

WR: Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn are both under contract for next season, but neither is the play maker Josh Freeman needs. This is a need, but one that can wait.
No (immediate) Need.

OT: Donald Penn is above average, but Jeremy Trueblood is awful.
1 Starter Needed.

OG: Davin Joseph is fantastic, but his teammate, Jeremy Zuttah, is a free agent.  If he isn’t retained, they’ll need a new starter.
1 Starter Needed.

C: Jeff Faine is passable.
No (immediate) Need.

DE: Between Da’Quan Bowers, Adrian Clayborn, and Michael Bennett, the Buccaneers are set at Defensive End.  However, Bennett is a free agent.
Depth Needed.

DT: The Buccaneers have Jovan Haye, Brian Price, Michael Haynesworth, and Gerald McCoy on contract.
No Need.

OLB: Dakoda Watson has a lot of potential.  Quincy Black is horrible. Geno Hayes is a free agent.
2 Starters Needed.

ILB: Mason Foster has played poorly, but he’s too young to give up on.  They could use a veteran back-up.
Depth Needed.

CB: Ronde Barber is going to retire, Aqib Talib is going to prison, and none of the rest of the corners have stepped up.
2 Starters Needed.

S: Tanard Jackson is a quality starter in this league.  Sean Jones is passable, but he’s a free agent.
1 Starter Needed. 

K/P: Michael Koenen is one of the league’s best punters.  Connor Barth is also one of the league’s best, but he’s a free agent.
Kicker Needed.

 

2012 Offseason Moves:

The Buccaneers fired head coach Raheem Morris.

 The Buccaneers hired Greg Schiano to be it’s new Head Coach.

Ron Turner and Bill Lazor are both candidates to be the new OC.

 

2012 Roster Moves: 

Albert Haynesworth was released.

33.  The St. Louis Rams (2-14) select:
Vontaze Burfict | OLB | Arizona State | 88

Although Zach Brown is a more natural fit, I find it hard to believe Jeff Fisher would pass on the superior player.  Burfict is one of the best players in this draft class, but ruined his stock with an incredibly poor Junior season.

 ____

34.  The Indianapolis Colts (2-14) select:
Jerel Worthy | DT | Michigan State | 86

The Indianapolis Colt’s are moving to Chuck Pagano’s 3-4 Defense. They already have a lot of the personell for their Linebacker corp, but have none of the players needed for their front three.  Worthy is a nice first pick-up and will play Haloti Ngata’s roll.

   ____

35.  The Minnesota Vikings (3-13) select:
Peter Konz | C/G | Wisconsin | 85

The Vikings don’t have an immediate need at Center, but could probably use Konz at Right Guard to replace Anthony Herrera if they’re not comfortable with his ability.  He could also just replace John Sullivan.

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36.  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) select:
Zach Brown | OLB | North Carolina | 88

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a considerable need at Linebacker. Mason Foster was terrible last season, but he’ll be given another chance to start.  Dekota Watson is raw, but has a lot of upside. Outside of those two players, there is no one at Linebacker in Tampa Bay.

  ____

37.  The Cleveland Browns (4-12) select:
Chandler Jones | DE | Syracuse | 87

The Cleveland Browns still have a lot of needs, but none bigger than acquiring a Defensive End to pair with Jabaal Sheard.  Sheard is more of a physical, complete player, while Jones thrives in the pass-rush.  They complement each other well.

  ____

38.  The Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11) select:
Vinny Curry | DE | Marshall | 85

In this mock draft, the Jaguars chose to take Wide Receiver Justin Blackmon over a Defensive End.  If they do that, they’ll look for the best Defensive End on the board in Round two.  Vinny Curry is a good player, but doesn’t have 12+ sack potential.

 ____

39.  The St. Louis Rams (2-14) select:
Alfonzo Dennard | CB | Nebraska | 87

TRADE: I don’t like projecting trades, because if it doesn’t happen, your whole mock is effected.  However, after diving into two solid hours of film on RG3 on February 12th, I know for a fact he’ll be selected #2 overall.

Alfonzo Dennard is a good player that hurt his stock at the Senior Bowl because he was suffering from a hip injury.

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40.  The Carolina Panthers (6-10) select:
Harrison Smith | S | Notre Dame | 87

The Panther’s second-biggest need is at Safety.  Harrison Smith is my favorite Safety in this draft class, so he’s a no-brainer selection here.  He has the best ball skills of any Safety in this class and is an immediate upgrade over Sherrod Martin.

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41.  The Buffalo Bills (6-10) select:
Andre Branch | DE | Clemson | 83

If the Bills take Michael Floyd in the first round, they’ll be looking to add to their Defense early on in round two.  If a starting-caliber Defensive End isn’t on the board, look for Buffalo to look for an Outside Linebacker.

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42.  The Miami Dolphins (6-10) select:
Orson Charles | TE | Georgia | 84

The Miami Dolphins have a huge need for a Right Tackle, but you don’t need to draft a Right Tackle.  There are plenty of Day 2 options that will be available in the third round – and there are plenty of passable options in Free Agency.  There isn’t another Tight End at Orson Charles’ level available.

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43.  The Seattle Seahawks (7-9) select:
Nick Foles | QB | Arizona | 81

I’ve had Brock Osweiler here because of the hype I’ve heard from sources around the league, but I just can’t continue.  He’s just not as good, nor does he possess the same kind of upside as Nick Foles. Foles isn’t ready right now, but he has a plus arm with decent anticipation and decision making.

____

44.  The Kansas City Chiefs (7-9) select:
Chase Minnifield | CB | Virginia | 85

The Chiefs will need to acquire a Cornerback if Brandon Carr leaves in Free Agency.  Coincidently, the team picking behind Kansas City is one of the teams most likely to bid for Carr on the open market. Chase Minnifield is a starting-caliber corner right now, and if Carr’s retained, he could start at Safety as well.

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45.  The Dallas Cowboys (8-8) select:
Stephon Gilmore | CB | South Carolina | 83 

I gave Trumaine Johnson a better grade, but Stephon Gilmore is a better fit for the Dallas Cowboy’s scheme.  Gilmore is good (but not great) in man-to-man coverage, and that is something Dallas will need him to do a lot.

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46. The Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) select:
Amini Silatolu | G | Midwestern State | 83

With the news surfacing that the Eagles are planning to Franchise Tag DeSean Jackson, I feel their need at Wide Receiver can be delayed for another season.  If Free Agent Evan Mathis leaves, the Eagles will need to acquire a new starting guard.

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47.  The New York Jets (8-8) select:
David Wilson | RB | Virginia Tech | 86

This seems to be a popular pick, and for good reason.  The Jets have a huge need at Running Back, Shonn Greene has been inconsistent at best.  Adding Wilson could help bring the Jet’s offense back to prominence.

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48.   The New England Patriots (From OAK – 8-8) select:
Juron Criner | WR | Arizona | 83

Juron Criner seems like a Patriot-type.  He doesn’t complain about poorly thrown balls (and he’s had to deal with a lot.)  He doesn’t have sure hands, but can make extremely difficult plays.  I think he’s more likely to succeed in the complex Patriots system than Reuben Randle.

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49.  The San Diego Chargers (8-8) select:
Trumaine Johnson | CB/S | Montana | 84

The San Diego Chargers need to acquire help in their Secondary. They could use a player at Corner and a player at Safety, so they’ll be thrilled to acquire Tru Johnson who could realistically play either. This will offer flexibility later on.

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50.  The Chicago Bears (8-8) select:
Reuben Randle | WR | LSU | 85

The Chicago Bears couldn’t pass up this opportunity to double-dip early on at Wide Receiver.  Jay Cutler has been devoid of weapons his tenure in Chicago, but they’re going to look to acquire play makers this off season.  Randle and Wright are perfect complements to each other, and both will help Jay Cutler’s success.

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51.  The Philadelphia Eagles (From ARZ – 8-8) select:
Ronnell Lewis | OLB | Oklahoma | 84

The Philadelphia Eagles need help at multiple Linebacker positions. I’m told that Brian Rolle will be asked to start again next season, but that’s not a ringing endorsement. Regardless, no one has much positive to say about his fellow linebackers Jamarr Chaney and Casey Matthews. Adding Ronnell Lewis, who is graded as the second best Outside Linebacker in the draft class, would be best.

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52.  The Tennessee Titans (9-7) select:
Markelle Martin | S | Oklahoma State | 82

The Titans have an immediate need at Safety.  Michael Griffin, Jordan Babineaux, and Chris Hope are all hitting Free Agency. Markelle Martin is in the mold of Michael Griffin, but I think he’s more likely to improve with coaching.

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53.  The Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) select:
Kevin Zeitler | G | Wisconsin | 81

The Bengals don’t have anything at guard right now, and they passed up an opportunity to take one in the first round. Fortunately, there are many options in round two.  Kevin Zeitler is ready to start right away, but he’s never going to incite All Pro votes.

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54.  The Detroit Lions (10-6) select:
Doug Martin | RB | Boise State | 87

This would be a dream scenario for the Detroit Lions.  Doug Martin is the 34th best player on my board but falls to this point because of a lack of positional value and logical fits.  He’s a perfect fit in Detroit, as his pass blocking ability and his ability to carry the load between the tackles is something they’re sorely missing.

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55.  The Atlanta Falcons (10-6) select:
Kelechi Osemele | G | Iowa State | 80

The Falcons lost Harvey Dahl in Free Agency last season and replaced him with Joe Hawley.  They had no option but to let Dahl walk last season, but they have to replace Hawley this year. Osemele is s larger-built guard that is already more polished in the passing game and the running game.

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56.  The Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) select:
Ryan Steed | CB | Furman | 78

The Pittsburgh Steelers need to acquire someone to replace Randall Gay.  For years, the Steelers have coasted on the range of Troy Polamalu.  Last season, I began seeing the evidence that his range is decreasing.  To help him succeed, the Steelers should add a better #2 Corner.

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57.  The Denver Broncos (8-8) select:
Brandon Thompson | DT | Clemson | 85

Brandon Thompson doesn’t fill a huge need, but John Elway has stated that he plans to draft the best players available regardless of positional value.  That may have been a clever way of warning fans of an impending Quarterback selection, but I’ll take his word for it.

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58.  The Houston Texans (10-6) select:
Kendall Reyes | DT | Connecticut | 80

Kendall Reyes has a tremendous amount of upside at the Five-Technique End position and he fits into Houston’s system incredibly well.  JJ Watt looks to be a future Pro Bowler at the position, but Reyes has the size and speed to play the other End position well.

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59.  The New Orleans Saints (13-3) select:
Lavonte David | OLB | Nebraska | 82

Just like Atlanta, the Saints aren’t in a position to be cute and try to find value.  The Saints have an immediate need at Outside Linebacker, so they need to acquire the best player while they can. Lavonte David is an ideal solution.

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60.  The Green Bay Packers (15-1) select:
Alameda Te’amu | DT | Washington | 81

Nearly everyone has Te’amu ranked as a Nose Tackle, but I think he has the skill-set to play the Five-Technique End.  He can’t anchor like a Nose Tackle should, but he can penetrate like a Defensive Tackle in the 3-4 system should.

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61.  The Baltimore Ravens (12-4) select:
Joe Looney | G | Wake Forrest | 79

The Baltimore Ravens are losing four interior Offensive Lineman to Free Agency.  If they elect to take Ray Lewis’ successor in the first round, they’ll need to use multiple selections later on in the draft on solidifying their line.

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62.  The San Fransisco 49ers (13-3) select:
Dwight “Bill” Bentley | CB | Louisiana-Lafayette | 81

The 49ers have a need at the Corner position.  Tarrell Brown will be back and his teammate Carlos Rogers probably will be as well. However, Rogers isn’t a long-term solution.  Dwight “Bill” Bentley can play a season in the slot while waiting to take over for Rogers.

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63.  The New England Patriots (13-3) select:
Bobby Wagner | OLB | Utah State | 80

Although Brandon Spikes and Rob Ninkovich are both passable players, being satisfied with their play this season would be a mistake.  Wagner could push either for their starting position.  He’s also very willing to help out on Special Teams.

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64.  The New York Giants (9-7) select:
Audie Cole | LB | NC State | 79

Although Inside Linabacker may not be their biggest need, it’s certainly not filled magically.  The Giants will need to acquire an Inside Linebacker on day two of the NFL Draft.  Although there are others that are more athletically gifted, no one on the board is more likely to contribute right away than Audie Cole.

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3rd Round

1st Round (Part 1)
1st Round (Part 2)
Big Board

 

Player Name: Ryan Tannehill
School: Texas A&M
Position: QB
Height: 6’4
Weight: 222

 

Positives:

Good arm strength
Can be accurate
Shows good anticipation and timing
Ideal frame
High upside
Incredibly athletic
Solid WR option if he doesn’t make it as a QB.
Great frame, can take hits.

 

Negatives:

Footwork is atrocious
Does not show a combination of strength and accuracy
Very easy throws in college
Makes a lot of bad decisions
Struggles with deep-ball accuracy
He is behind the learning-curve
He locks into his #1 option a lot
Did not meet expectations for winning in college

 

Conclusion:

Any team that takes Ryan Tannehill should be prepared to wait. He’s not the kind of guy that will benefit from being thrown to the wolves.  He needs a lot of time in the film room to learn the position at the next level.  He’s really raw, so it’s hard to read upside, but I don’t think he’s a top-half of the league guy regardless.

 

Grade:

2nd Round

Player Name: Robert Griffin III
School: Baylor
Position: QB
Height: 6’2 ^5/8
Weight: 225

 

Positives:

Adequate arm strength
Good footwork
Very easy to coach
Hard worker
Desire to win and get better
Good decision maker
Shows excellent timing
Very athletic
Shows good vision when running

 

Negatives:

Has to play in shotgun-spread
Can get into funks where he likes to run too much.
Occasionally losses focus
Struggles when pocket collapses
Bad tendencies (Runs too early.).
Release looks ugly.
Size

 

Conclusion:

I wholeheartedly believe Robert Griffin III, with the right coaching, will be the best player in this draft class.  It will take time – and you’ll have to scheme to his strengths.

 

Grade:

1st Round

Player Name: Andrew Luck
School: Stanford
Position: QB
Height: 6’4
Weight: 235

 

Positives:

Above-average arm
Excellent Accuracy
Decision making is generally great
Superb pocket presence
Athletic for the position
Anticipation is good.
Excellent frame
Shows leadership
Beyond his years in maturity
Hard worker
Understands offenses and defenses better than any rookie should

 

Negatives:

Does not have an elite arm
Doesn’t trust his instincts and occasionally thinks about throws
Can get into accuracy funks
Does not show the timing he’ll need at the next level

 

Conclusion:

Andrew Luck has very few flaws in his game and is probably the best player on the board.

 

Grade:

1st Round

Another section I’m going to open soon is a collection of articles that examines draft trends.  For this article, I’m going to look through the previous decade of drafts and attempt to discover why players fall in the draft.

 

Players most apt to fall

 

QBs:  Quarterbacks that appear to be finished products.

Quinn, Brohm, Clausen, and Leinart all had very little upside.  Players that fit that mold but were drafted high anyway include Matt Ryan, Eli Manning, and Christian Ponder.

2012 QB that fit this mold – Brandon Weeden.

 

RBs:  Running backs without major play-making ability.

Mark Ingram, Rashard Mendenhall, and Chris Wells are all RBs that won’t hit a lot of home runs.  Those Running Backs traditionally fall in the draft.

2012 RBs that fit this mold - Trent Richardson, Doug Martin

 

DTs:  DTs/NTs that are only run stuffers.

In the past few seasons, the Defensive Tackles that have fallen are players that are run-stuffers first and offer very little in the passing game.  Stephen Paea and Alan Branch are players that fell from first round status that fit this mold.  On top of those two, there are several high-draft pick busts that fit this mold.

2012 DTs/NTs that fit this mold - Michael Brockers, Dontari Poe

 

CBs: Cornerbacks under 5’10

Despite there being a large number of high-profile Cornerbacks under 5’10 in recent years, those players are rarely, if ever, taken in the first round.  Two examples of this are Alphonso Smith and Brandon Harris.  To cement this draft trend, there are very few productive Cornerbacks in the NFL that are under 5’10.

2012 CBs that fit this mold - Janoris Jenkins

 

The other players that have fell in the draft don’t appear to fit any draft trend, but rather are a result of a lack of need at a particular position in a particular draft.

 

A look at players that have fell 

Work Ethic (1)
(lack of) Positional Value (6)
Injury Concerns (2)
Non Traditional value (size, type of play) (4)
Off the field (2)
Overhyped (9)
??? (2) 

Players that fell (2011)

Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn (13) Work Ethic
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama (28) Positional Value
Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson (51) Injury Concerns
Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State (57) Positional Value
Brandon Harris, CB, Miami (FL) (60) Size
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas (74) Off the field

Players that fell (2010)

Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State (24) Off the field
Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas (43) Over-hyped
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame (48) Over-hyped
Taylor Mays, S, USC (49) Over-hyped
Cam Thomas, NT, North Carolina (146) Positional Value

Players that fell (2009)

Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State (31) Positional Value
Rey Maualuga, LB, USC (38) Over-hyped
Everette Brown, DE, Florida State (43) Size

Players that fell (2008)

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois (23) Positional Value
Philip Merling, DE, Clemson (32) Over-hyped
Desean Jackson, WR, California (49) Size
Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville (56) Over-hyped

Players that fell (2007)

Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma (7) Injury
Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame (22) Over-hyped
Alan Branch, DT, Michigan (33) Positional Value

Players that fell (2006)

Matt Leinart, QB, USC (10) Over-hyped
Chad Jackson, WR, Florida (36) Over-hyped
Eric Winston, OT, Miami (66) No clue
Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia (72)  Positional Value

Players that fell (2005)

Mike Williams, WR, USC (10) Over-hyped
Aaron Rodgers, QB, California (24) ???
Justin Miller, CB, Clemson (57) Size
Frank Gore, RB, Miami (FL) (65) Injury

I’m going through Corners and Quarterbacks right now. I’m going to add a section on the site for scouting reports soon.

*I’ve watched some film on Stephon Gilmore, but I felt compelled to watch more when I seen some smatterings on Twitter about his talent.

 

Player Name: Stephon Gilmore
Height: 6’0
Weight: 185

 

Positives:

Limits separation against above-average WRs
Willing tackler.
Good closing speed.
Stays inside the defense well.
Makes good jumps on the ball when his read is right.
Excellent field awareness

 

Negatives:

Struggles actually making tackles.
Lets bigger receivers get extra yardage.
Isn’t aggressive in the running game.
Very little ball skills; has the tendency to play the man.
Gets burned on double moves.

 

Conclusion:

There is a lot of potential there, but the lack of ball skills worry me. In this day in the NFL, you have to find the ball.  He is a little better than I originally thought, but I wouldn’t take him in the first round.

 

Grade:

Early-Mid 2nd Round

 

  The Tennessee Titans (9-7)

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Season Recap:

The Tennessee season started off with a loss to Jacksonville.  Had they won that game, the only team to secure a winning record but not make the playoffs probably would have changed it’s fate.  Chris Johnson looked horrible in his first game post-holdout.

Matt Hasselback would lead the Titans to three consecutive victories; including wins over Baltimore, Denver, and Cleveland.  In the three games combined, Johnson, the highest paid back in the league, only ran for 98 yards.  Meanwhile, the fill-in starter Matt Hasselback was putting on a Pro Bowl performance.

The Titans were beaten in both of their next two games, first by the Steelers, and then a 30+ point loss to their division rival Houston Texans.  Even Hasselback’s impressive season was no match for the Houston defense.  Wade Philips and company held Hasselback to 104 yards passing.

The Titans would split their next four. picking up wins against Indianapolis and Carolina; but losing to Atlanta and Cincinnati (Two playoff teams.)  After that group of four, the Titans would split the next group of four as well.  Consecutive wins over Tampa Bay and Buffalo had the Titans thinking playoffs, but a loss to New Orleans the next week should have leveled their heads.

In week 15, the Titans would be beaten by the Indianapolis Colts, allowing them their first victory of the season.  The Titans would win their next two games, but two key loses to very beatable teams kept the Titans out of the playoffs.

 

 Key Free Agent(s):

CB – Cortland Finnegan

Cortland Finnegan will be a wanted man.  For the second year in a row, I think Tennessee’s top free agent is (unfortunately for the Titans) favoring a move to Detroit.  The Titans should exhaust all of their option to keep Finnegan, but a franchise tag trade to Detroit for a second round pick seems like a best-case scenario for Tennessee.

 

G – Jake Scott

Jake Scott signed a four-year deal four seasons ago and rewarded the Titans will good production.  He’s consistently been a leader on an incredibly talented offensive line.  He’s not going to demand a lot of money, so resigning him is a realistic goal.

 

DE – Jason Jones 

This is Jason Jones’ first chance to cash in on his tremendous play on the field.  His versatility will help him if the Titans let him get to an open market.  He could play any scheme and in the 4-3 has the ability to play multiple positions.  Allowing him to hit the the open market would be a mistake.

 Other Free Agents:

FB – Ahmard Hall
WR – Lavelle HawkinsRESIGNED.
OT – Michael Otto
C – Fernando Velasco
LS – Ken Amato
DE – Dave Ball
DE – William Hayes
DE – Marques Douglas
DT – Malcomb Sheppard (ERFA)
LB – Patrick Bailey
LB – Tim Shaw
LB – Barrett Ruud
S – Michael Griffin
S – Jordan Babineaux
S – Chris Hope

 

Positional Evaluation: 

(For this portion, I will write a small blurb about the position and address whether a new starter is needed, depth is needed, or nothing is needed.)

QB: Matt Hasselback and Jake Locker are both under contract for next season.  Hasselback will likely start the season, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Locker takes over during the season.  He was the #2 QB on my Big Board last season and the best by my grade (Although, if I could regrade, he’d be below Cam.)
No Need.

RB: Chris Johnson, Jamie Harper, and Javon Ringer are all under contract for next season.
No Need.

FB: Ahmard Hall is a free agent.
1 Starter Needed.

TE: Between Jared Cook and Craig Stevens, the Titans appear to have the position covered.
No Need.

WR: Damian Williams looked promising, but Nate Washington isn’t getting any younger, and Kenny Britt is either hurt or arrested.  A new starter would be a good idea.
1 Starter Needed.

OT: David Stewart and Michael Roos will be both be back.  There is no apparent back up.
Depth Needed.

OG: Jake Scott is a free agent.  Leroy Harris will be back.  Eugene Amano struggled at center, but could be moved back inside.
1 Starter Needed.

C: Eugene Amano struggled at center.  He would be a nice depth player for the interior line, but a new starter should be found.
1 Starter Needed.

DE: Derrick Morgan has done nothing since being drafted, but it’s not a fiscally responsible move to draft a replacement, but a free agent could be signed. Jason Jones is a free agent.
2 Starters Needed.

DT: The Titans will likely ask two of Jurrell Casey, Sen’Derrick Marks, Shaun Smith, and Karl Klug to start.  A new addition to this group is unlikely.
No Need.

OLB: Akeem Ayers and Will Witherspoon are under contract and are likely to start next season.  There are no key back-ups.
Depth Needed.

ILB: Rookie Colin McCarthy played reasonably this season. Tim Shaw and Barrett Ruud are free agents.  Shaw needs to be retained.
Depth Needed.

CB: Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner will be back, but a veteran to pair with them would be ideal if Cortland Finnegan leaves via free agency.
1 Starter Needed.

S: The Titans don’t have a safety worth starting under contract for next season.  Babineaux will likely be back.
2 Starters Needed.

K/P: Rob Bironas is one of the league’s best kickers.  Punter Brett Kern is under contract for next season as well.
No Need.

 

2012 Front Office Moves:

Rouston Webster is named the new GM.

Steve Brown was named an assistant secondary coach.

 

2012 Roster Moves:

Free Agent WR Lavelle Hawkins signs a contract extension.

 

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  The Seattle Seahawks (7-9)

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Season Recap:

The Seattle Seahawks played poorly to begin their season.  The season started with a double-digit loss to the San Francisco 49ers. A week later, the Seahawks would be shut out in Pittsburgh in a 24 point loss.  Their first win would happen in the third week of the season against the rival Cardinals in the Seahawk’s home opener.

In week four, the Seahawks would lose to the Atlanta Falcon’s by two points at home.  Marshawn Lynch was never able to gain momentum on the ground, and the Seahawk’s offense struggled down the stretch.  In week five, the Seahawks upset the New York Giants by a considerable nine-point margin in New York.

After their bye week, the Seahawks went to Cleveland and played one of the ugliest games I’ve ever seen.  Colt McCoy would lead the Browns over the ‘Hawks in a 6-3 victory.  Tavarris Jackson would struggle his next two games, throwing a total of four interceptions against the Bengals and the Cowboys.  Despite Tavarris’ continuing struggles-the Seahawks would ride Marshawn Lynch to two straight victories over the Ravens and the Rams.

After losing their next game to the Redskins, they would go on a three game winning streak, beating the Eagles, Rams, and Bears. Tavarris Jackson didn’t throw an interception during that stretch. At that point, the Seahawks still had an outside chance at the playoffs. After a week sixteen loss to the 49ers, the Seahawks were eliminated.  They would go on to lose to the Cardinals in the final game of the season.

One of the bright spots to the season was that, despite playing through more injuries than anyone, they still managed to win 7 games.  The emergence of wide receivers Ben Obomanu and Doug Baldwin had to be nice as well.  Combined with Sidney Rice, the Seahawks seem set at Wide Receiver.

 Key Free Agent(s):

ILB – David Hawthorne

David Hawthorne is a 27 year old inside linebacker with experience and leadership.  Hawthorne needs to be resigned to maintain the continuity of this defense.

RB – Marshawn Lynch 

I always say this:  Buy low on runningbacks.   There is no reason to ever lock up a runningback to a long-term, high investment contract. Marshawn Lynch is the most popular player in Seattle, and resigning him is a good idea, but overspending on a runningback can kill the long-term viability of a franchise. Make sure the price is right.

OLB – Leroy Hill 

Leroy Hill is a veteran linebacker who until this season showed tendencies to disappear for long stretches of time.   Giving him a contract shouldn’t be a big deal, but a long-term contract could take away his motivation.

DL -  Red Bryant

I hate Pete Carroll’s scheme.  Red Bryant can not supply a pass-rush from the edge, but he does set a clear strong-and-weak side to the defense.  Running in his direction is careless.  I’d feel more comfortable with him on the inside, but resigning him is a good idea.

Verdict: Resign

Other Free Agents:

QB – Charlie Whitehurst
RB – Justin Forsett
RB/FB – Michael Robinson
TE – John Carlson
OT – Breno Giacomini
DE – Jimmy Wilkerson
DE – Raheem Brock
DT – Tony Hargrove
LB – Lofa Tatupu
LB – Matt McCoy
LB – David Vobora
CB – Marcus Trufant
CB – Roy Lewis
S – Atari Bigby
K – Steven Hauschka
DT – Clinton McDonald (ERFA)
S – Jeron Johnson

Positional Evaluation: 

(For this portion, I will write a small blurb about the position and address whether a new starter is needed, depth is needed, or nothing is needed.)

QB: Tavarris Jackson is not good enough to get it done.  Josh Portis is a nice third-stringer.
1 Starter Needed.

RB: Marshawn Lynch is fantastic.  Leon Washington is a good backup.  Getting a third back to replace Justin Forsett is ideal.
Depth Needed.

FB: Michael Robinson is a free agent.
1 Starter Needed.

TE: Zach Miller is a nice piece, but there isn’t much behind him.
Depth Needed.

WR: The Seahawks are set at Wide Receiver.  Ben Obomanu, Sidney Rice, Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin, and Mike Williams are all under contract for next season.
No Need.

OT: Paul McQuistan will be the key back-up as Russell Okung and James Carpenter are expected to start.
No Need.

OG: Lemuel Jeanpierre, John Moffitt, and Robert Gallery are all going to be back next season.
No Need.

C: Max Unger will be back as a starter.  Jeanpierre and Mike Gibson can both back him up.
No Need.

DE: Chris Clemons is one of the league’s best defensive ends, but there isn’t another defensive end under contract.
1 Starter Needed/Depth Needed.

DT: Brandon Mebane and Alan Branch are passable, but there is only Lazarius Levingston behind them.  A veteran back-up is needed.
Depth Needed.

OLB: KJ Wright came on strong as a rookie.  Leroy Hill is a free agent.  Unless he’s retained, a new starter is needed.
1 Starter Needed.

ILB: David Hawthorne is a free agent.  If he’s not retained, a new starter is needed.
1 Starter Needed.

CB: Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner played alright last season.  Browner led the league in pass interference calls.  Unless Marcus Trufant is resigned, a new starter would be ideal.
1 Starter Needed.

S: Earl Thomas is one of the best safeties in the league.  Kam Chancellor played pretty well.  Atari Bigby is a nice back-up, but he’s a free agent.  Unless he’s resigned, a new back-up is needed.
Depth Needed.

K/P: Jon Ryan is a league-average punter.  Steven Hauschka is a free agent.
Kicker Needed.
 

2012 Front Office Moves:

The Seahawks have not made an offseason move yet.

 

2012 Roster Moves

 The Seahawks signed WR Charly Martin and DL Adrien Taylor to futures contracts.

Breno Giacomini signs a two year contract extension.