NFL Power Rankings (Week 2)

1. Green Bay Packers (2-0) LW 1

2. New England Patriots (2-0) LW 2

3. New York Jets (2-0) LW 5

4. Baltimore Ravens (1-1) LW 3

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) LW 6

6. New Orleans Saints (1-1) LW 7

7. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) LW 4

8. Houston Texans (2-0) LW 9

9. Chicago Bears (1-1) LW 8

10. Atlanta Falcons (1-1) LW 10

11. Detroit Lions (2-0) LW 12

12. Buffalo Bills (2-0) LW 13

13. San Diego Chargers (1-1) LW 11

14. Washington Redskins (2-0) LW 26

15. New York Giants (1-1) LW 15

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) LW 17

17. Arizona Cardinals (1-1) LW 14

18. St. Louis Rams (0-2) LW 16

19. Oakland Raiders (1-1) LW 18

20. Tennessee Titans (1-1) LW 23

21. Dallas Cowboys (1-1) LW 24

22. San Francisco 49ers (1-1) LW 20

23. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) LW 21

24. Cincinnati Bengals (1-1) LW 27

25. Denver Broncos (1-1) LW 32

26. Cleveland Browns (1-1) LW 30

27. Carolina Panthers (0-2) LW 31

28. Minnesota Vikings (0-2) LW 25

29. Miami Dolphins (0-2) LW 22

30. Seattle Seahawks (0-2) LW 28

31. Indianapolis Colts (0-2) LW 29

32. Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) LW 19

NFL Power Rankings (Preseason)

1. Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia was already a Super Bowl contender before they went out and brought in key free agents to make them even more dangerous. Nnamdi Asomugha, Jason Babin, and Cullen Jenkins give them three impact defenders that add depth to an already talented defense. An adding Steve Smith (Former Giant) is a very very underrated move.

2. New England Patriots

New England was one of the best teams in the NFL last year and after another typical Patriots off season they reloaded and got even better. Trading for Albert Haynesworth and Chad Johnson makes both sides of the ball a lot better. But signing Shaun Ellis away from the Jets could be their best move.

3. Green Bay Packers

Normally I'd put the defending Super Bowl Champions at the #1 spot, but when Philly has the off season of the century its hard to not have them there. Now the Packers didn't go out and make any big moves, but getting back all the players that got injured last year is practically the same as adding a bunch of top level free agents.

4. New Orleans Saints

Another one of the rich gets richer. Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram makes their RB core a lot better. Aubrayou Franklin was a steal and will do wonders for their run defense. But their biggest moves where resigning Bushrod and Nicks.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

Aside from James Harrison going crazy in an interview the Steelers have been pretty quite. They went out and resigned Ike Taylor which isn't a big time move, but Taylor fits well into their defense and him leaving would have hurt.

6. Atlanta Falcons

A lot of people forget that Atlanta finished 13-3 and the #1 seed in the NFC. But that huge loss to Green Bay skews a lot of people's perception. Adding Julio Jones opposite of Roddy White will help the offense out a ton. DE Ray Edwards gives them the pass rusher they weren't able to get since they traded away so much to get Jones.

7. Houston Texans

If it wasn't for Philly's FA bonanza, Houston would have had the best off season in my opinion. They needed to upgrade their defense and through the draft and free agency they did that. JJ Watt will start at DE day 1. Brooks Reed gives them another rush linebacker while Jonathan Joseph is a top tier CB and Daniel Manning is a very underrated SS. Look for Houston to win their first division and make the playoffs.

8. Indianapolis Colts

Bill Polian finally saw the need to upgrade the offensive line and went out and drafted Anthony Castanzo and Ben Ijalana who could both start as rookies. Ernie Sims could flourish now that he is back in a Cover 2 scheme.

9. Baltimore Ravens

The Raven's weren't the players in free agency that a lot of people thought they would be. Instead of adding key parts they ended up cutting a lot of their offensive fixtures. But Torrey Smith will give Flacco his deep threat he hasn't had in a long time. This will allow Anquan Boldin to do what he does best and work the middle of the field. And we all know the Ravens will only go as far as Flacco takes them.

10. Kansas City Chiefs

After coming out of nowhere the Chiefs were looking to add some pieces to stay atop the AFC West. Steve Breaston reunites with Haley and gives the offense another speedy threat. Kelly Gregg gives them a run stuffer up the middle that they lacked last year. But signing Tamba Hali to an extension was their best move.

12. Chicago Bears

If the Bears would have signed somebody to play guard they would be much higher, but they didn't and outside of drafting Gabe Carimi and that could really come back to bit them in the ass. But adding Roy Williams who had his best year under OC Mike Martz could give Jay Cutler the big threat he has really lacked since coming to Chicago. Vernon Gholston and Amobi Okoye could be under the radar moves that could really help if they bounce back.

13. St. Louis Rams

The Rams didn't make any huge moves, but they made a bunch of small moves that makes them a lot better. Mike Sims-Walker gives Bradford a WR with #1 skills and Ben Leber gives them an upgrade at OLB. Add in that the NFC West is flat out awful and that could lead the Rams to the playoffs.

14. New York Jets

After going to two straight AFC Title Games the Jets are due for a fall off in my opinion. They traded in Braylon Edwards and Jericho Cotchrey for Plaxico. Shaun Ellis was their best defensive lineman last year and he is now a Patriot. Now they have to rely on rookie Muhammad Wilkerson making the jump from the MAC. The Jets talk a big game, but they might not be able to back it up this year.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I was really disappointed with the Buccanners this off season. The Bucs went out and upgraded their defensive end by drafting Adrian Clayborn and DaQuan Bowers, but with a ton of money they had to spend in free agency they whiffed big time. With a huge hole at CB they whiffed on note getting Nnamdi Asomugha or Antonio Cromartie. But don't worry, they did spend a bunch of money on a FA....a punter!

16. New York Giants

Here is another big time loser this free agency. The Giants lost TE Kevin Boss and suposive replacement Ben Patrick up and retired. Then injuried but talented WR Steve Smith was poised to return to the team. But instead the Giants slow played him and he ended up leaving to the Eagles. Now Eli Manning is out two of his most reliable targets. Not looking too good.

17. Detroit Lions

The Lions took a big hit losing Mikel LeShoure to injury which would have given the offense a power runner that they lacked last year. But they won't make the jump they are expected to if Matt Stafford can't stay healthy. But a lack of addressing their offensive line might not allow Stafford to make it the entire year.

18. Arizona Cardinals

No matter how good you think Kevin Kolb is, you have to give the Cardinals credit for getting a franchise quarterback. He is a much better outlook than Derek Anderson, Max Hall, and John Skelton. If Kolb can play like he did last year the Cards could be closer to the team they used to be and not the bad team that they were last year.

19. Oakland Raiders

You would think that a team that goes undefeated against the division would actually win the division. However that wasn't the case for the Raiders. If they can get some consistent QB play out of Jason Campbell they could make a run at Kansas City and the division title.

20. Miami Dolphins

If the Dolphins would have worked out the deal for Kyle Orton they might be higher up, but just Chad Henne with no competition isn't good for the Dolphins. But adding Reggie Bush to Daniel Thomas gives them two sets of fresh legs to a team that loves to run the ball. Add in Bush's return abilities and that could help the offense put up more points.

21. Seattle Seahawks

Nobody would have thought the Seahawks would have won the division last year let alone beat the Saints in the playoffs. Add in that they made some big time additions in free agency in Robert Gallary and Sidney Rice you would think that they would be the favorites to repeat as NFC West Champs. However Tavarrius Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst as your projected QBs doesn't spell much success. But hey, maybe they are trying to win the Andrew Luck sweepstakes?

22. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo wasn't too active in free agency, but I absolutely loved their draft. Buffalo's biggest weakness was stopping the run. So they drafted Marcel Dareus who was the best player in the draft, ILB Kelvin Sheppard who is a physical down hill run stuffer, and CB Aaron Williams who will probably be moved to FS where he is better suited. Buffalo might not set the world of fire this season, but they'll be a much improved team.

23. Jacksonville Jaguars

Paul Posluszny and Dwan Landry will do a lot to help out their poor defense last year. But their lack of WR talent will really hurt their offense and allow teams to load up the box on MJD. If Garrard doesn't play well or the Jags start the season off slow we could see the start of the Blaine Gabbert era.

24. San Francisco 49ers

A lot of people didn't like what the Niner's have done in this off season, but I do. Aldon Smith was the best pass rusher in the 2011 draft in my opinion and he'll be a perfect fit for the 3-4 outside linebacker. Braylon Edwards was a good signing who will play motivated and give Alex Smith another receiver besides Michael Crabtree. They may struggle, but don't expect them to finish with the worst record in the league.

25. Dallas Cowboys

I'll never get all the hype the Cowboys continue to get. All the national media especially ESPN. Despite their poor season and lack of moves I still hear people say that Dallas is a Super Bowl caliber team. REALLY? Their offensive line is not very good, Tony Romo is vastly overrated. Their secondary sucks. And you have Jerry Jones making the personal decisions which doesn't lead to good moves. Look for another bad year in Big D.

26. Cleveland Browns

Cleveland made a big jump last year and actually were competitive. Peyton Hillis emerged as one of the top RBs in the NFL and Colt McCoy surprised practically everybody in his strong play. A lot of people don't think McCoy is the answer, but I'd like to see him play a full season as a starting QB before I give up or praise him. If Greg Little can shake off the rust the offense could be even better than they were last year.

27. Tennessee Titans

If Chris Johnson's contract holdout lasts into the season it could be a long season for the Titans. Outside of Johnson there really isn't much talent. Unless Kenny Britt decides to stop getting in trouble with the law. I really like the signing of Matt Hasselbeck. He'll be able to teach Jake Locker how to be a pro and do wonders for his development.

28. Minnesota Vikings

Its hard to imagine that the Vikings were the best team in the NFC a couple of years ago. But injuries and poor play by Brett Farve really exposed a lot of their weaknesses. Their offensive line has a bunch of holes, they lost all their top free agents, and the secondary still isn't any good. But Donovan McNabb should come in motivated and if he has one more good season left in him he could elevate the Vikings to respectable, but don't hold your breathe.

29. Denver Broncos

Denver made some solid moves in free agency adding some depth at DT and not trading away Kyle Orton. But they are in for a long road. Josh McDaniels really left this team in shambles. Add in that they have a mess on their hands in the whole Orton/Tebow controversy it could be a really long season in the mile high city. Plus I believe Von Miller will be a tremendous bust and they left Marcel Dareus on the board.

30. Cincinnati Bengals

Andy Dalton and AJ Green are in and Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson are out. I really really like AJ Green and think that he is going to be a good receiver in this league, but if they have to start Andy Dalton its going to be a long season.

31. Carolina Panthers

Carolina did a great job of keeping all their young talent and making the moves to get talented receiving tight ends in Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen. Those two an a happy Steve Smith could give Cam Newton some pieces to help him in his development. But it will still be a tough season and Carolina will probably be picking in the top 3 again.

32. Washington Redskins

I'm not going to pull any punches here. With Rex Grossman or John Beck as their starting quarterback, the Redskins will be competing for the worst record in the NFL and hopefully win the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. But its too bad because I like a lot of the moves that they made.

Winners and Losers (NFL Free Agency Period)

As training camps begin to open up, the free agency period is basically over. Lets take a look at who is going into the season looking good and who could have done better.

Winners

1. Philadelphia Eagles

The signing of Nnamdi Asomugha alone could net the Eagles the top winner of free agency. Asomugha is the top cornerback in the league and fits in perfectly with their scheme. Him, Astante Samuel, and another new face Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie gives the Eagles the best secondary in the NFL and maybe the top cornerback group in NFL history. Add in that they added two stellar defensive lineman in Jason Babin and Cullen Jenkins. And the Eagles defense which was already good, entered the elite category.

2. Houston Texans

Now the Texans additions weren't as flashy as the Eagles but their additions will greatly improve their biggest weakness. Last year the Texans finished 32nd in the league in pass defense. The Texans went out and got Jonathan Joseph who doesn't get the recognition of Nnamdi Asomugha but is one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the NFL. This move allows the Texans to move Glover Quinn to free safety where his skills are better suited. Then the Texans signed Daniel Manning who has been the Chicago Bears starting strong safety the past couple of years. It may only be two players but the Texans secondary will improve at three positions and won't be the liability they were last year.

3. Arizona Cardinals

I was very adamant leading up to the draft that the Cardinals wouldn't draft a quarterback and would go after a veteran. Sure enough the Cardinals passed on Blaine Gabbert and instead went ahead and traded for their new franchise quarterback in Kevin Kolb. Sure they gave up a 2nd round pick and a Pro Bowl cornerback in DRC, but if Kevin Kolb turns out to be a franchise quarterback its all worth it. You can always get a high caliber cornerback in the 2nd or 3rd round. But its not that easy to get a high caliber quarterback. Now the Cardinals didn't stop there. They also added Todd Heap who is still one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Now instead of having John Skelton, Max Hall, or Derek Anderson as their QB they'll have Kevin Kolb and he'll be throwing the ball to Larry Fitzgerrald and Todd Heap. Throw in Stewart Bradley as new inside linebacker and you have a much improve Cardinals team.

4. New England Patriots

I don't know why everybody gets so surprised when the Patriots are able to get these high profile players. They do it every year. Whether its Randy Moss, Corey Dillion, Adalius Thomas, or anybody else. They always are able to "rob" teams for these players. They got both Chad Johnson and Albert Haynesworth for late round picks. Haynesworth will be rejuvenated playing for the Patriots and Johnson will give the Patriots the deep threat that they lacked last year.

5. Carolina Panthers

Carolina didn't really go out and sign anybody new but the best thing they did was not let their young players get away. DE Charles Johnson, LB James Anderson, LB Thomas Davis, and RB DeAngelo Williams. Add in that they signed Jeremy Shockey before the lockout began and only gave up a 3rd round pick for TE Greg Olsen and its a pretty good couple of days for the Panthers. Although the Panthers had the worse record in the NFL last year they aren't too far off from being competitive. Olsen and Shockey give the Panthers another couple of weapons to take the pressure off of Steve Smith and give whoever is their quarterback a safety blanket.

Losers

1. Chicago Bears

The Bears were able to sign some players but not the ones that would address any of their biggest needs. Roy Williams gives them a big bodied receiver who had his best year under Mike Martz. Vernon Gholston and Amobi Okoye have the talent but haven't shown it yet. But the Bears are on the losers list because they failed to improve the offensive line which was their biggest weakness last year. How they didn't get a guard baffles me. They invested so much in Jay Cutler but to allow him to take the beating he does and not doing anything about it is ridiculous. I guess they are hoping Chris Williams improves from last year or Frank Omiyale can slide into guard and play better than he did two years ago there.

2. Dallas Cowboys

When the lockout ended the Cowboys were the most active. But it was cutting talent and not bringing it in. They cut Marion Barber, Roy Williams, and Leonard Davis in an effort to free up money to go after premier free agents like Nnamdi Asomugha. However all that they did was give Doug Free a bigger contract that he deserves. Now Free is a quality left tackle, but isn't worth the money that he got. Kinda a disappoint for a team that was so active at the beginning.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Many people expect big things from the Bucs. They have a really talented young team that really surprised people with their strong play last year. And they have a ton of money that they had to spend to get over the salary floor that was agreed upon during the lockout. So with the need for cornerback you would think they would make a big run for Asomugha or Joseph and throw a ton of money their way. But they didn't. They could have also used a running back like Reggie Bush to complement LeGarrett Blount but they missed on him too. Their biggest expenditure was on a punter. Way to go Tampa, give the punter all the money.

4. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins looked to be the team that was going to go after one of the top free agent quarterbacks in an effort to give Chad Henne some competition and hopefully win the job. They looked to have a deal worked out for Kyle Orton, but that fell through. But instead they got Matt Moore. Yes from Orton to Moore. That's going to be one heck of a QB battle. They did trade for Reggie Bush so at least they improved their offense a little bit. But other than that, it wasn't good for the Dolphins.

5. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings were probably the biggest loser of the whole free agency period. They lost their top receiver and a starting defensive end but their top player they brought in was an aging Donovan McNabb. Now McNabb would have been a great pickup a couple of years ago, but he just suffered through a season where he just looked lost. The Vikings have a ton of talent and if they could have kept their guys and brought in some secondary help they could have been right back in the playoff hunt, but now they are looking to be picking in the top 10 next year.

NFL East Draft Grades

Dallas Cowboys

There was talk that the Cowboys could move down and get a better value in a tackle there. Tyron Smith isn't a bad prospect, but no tackle in this class is worth a top 10 selection and there were better options than Smith in my opinion. If Smith isn't a LT in college, why would he be one now? Smith is being drafted on his potential but he is a boom or bust pick in my eyes. Bruce Carter is a player that I think was over hyped. He is a good athlete, but he relies too much on his athletic ability. Add in that he won't be ready when the season starts and its overdrafting in my opinion. Plus I don't really see him fitting in a 3-4. He's a 4-3 WLB all the way. DeMarco Murry is a good player when healthy, but when he's healthy. Plus they already have Felix Jones who is basically the same player. Josh Thomas is a cornerback out of Buffalo that I think is underrated. Now he isn't going to make the all rookie team, but they got him at a good value and he'll be a good developmental player at a position of need. Dewayne Harris is a nice player that could develop into that Alvin Harper type of deep threat to open the field for Dez Bryant.

Best Pick: Josh Thomas CB Buffalo
Worst Pick: Tyron Smith OT USC

Overall Grade: F

New York Giants

I'm a big fan of the Giants and it isn't because they took my man crush Prince Amukamara. The Giants got good value at each pick and still were able to address most of their needs. It would have been nice to get a eventual replacement at center, but this class was soo weak at that posit on that they could get just as good of value in taking a UDFA. In the first round they took Prince Amukamara who was falling because of the depth at the defensive line. Cornerback isn't a huge need, but now the Giants have three guys who can be lock down corners and that is needed in a division with Philly and the Cowboys. Marvin Austin would have been a top 15 pick if he wasn't suspended the entire year and they got him in the middle of the 2nd round. If he's motivated he can wreck havoc on the interior for a team that loves to rush just the front four. James Brewer gives them a future right tackle, Jerell Jernigan gives them a dynamic slot receiver to pair up with Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks, and Greg Jones gives them some much needed linebacker depth. Great draft for the Giants.



Best Pick: Marvin Austin DT North Carolina

Worst Pick: None



Overall Grade: A+



Philadelphia Eagles


Overall I really like what the Eagles did in this draft but I think they took some players higher than they should have gone. I think Danny Watkins was a good pick and a good fit, but with Gabe Carimi on the board, they must have thought that Watkins wasn't going to be around if they moved down. Jaiquawn Jarrett is very similar. Solid player and good fit, but could have been taken in the 3rd round. Curtis Marsh is a raw cornerback and is going to need to take some time, but with a team that needs a starter opposite of Asante Samuel, you have to wonder if they should have taken Jimmy Smith. The Alex Henery pick got a lot of people wondering, but if you look at the history of kickers taken he's right in there with comparable guys. Henery has a big leg and is very very accurate. People will forget where he is drafted in a couple of years when he is doing very well. Dion Lewis will get an opprotunity to give LeSean McCoy some breaks, but I wonder if his size will catch up to him. I'm not a big fan of the Casey Matthews pick. I think he went higher than he should have because of his name. He isn't Clay. He never really dominated games, but I guess Clay didn't either. He'll be a solid fit, but he'll be more of a special teamer than a star in this league. However the pick that I really like is the Stanley Havili pick in the 7th round. Havili isn't your typical road grader fullback. He is more of a poor man's Tom Rathman who is more of a weapon. Look for Andy Reid to draw up some plays where Havili will be catching passes out of the backfield and being an inside runner. Not a spectacular draft, but a solid one.


Best Pick: Stanley Havili FB USC

Worst Pick: Brian Rolle LB Ohio State



Overall Grade: B

Washington Redskins

I'll make this pretty clear right off the bat. I'm not a big fan of Blaine Gabbert. I think he has a shot to be a solid QB in this league, but won't be elite by any means. But with him sitting there at 10 and the Redskins passing and not taking a QB the entire draft is not good. Right now they are going into next year with John Beck as their stater. You remember, the guy the Dolphins took in the 2nd round a couple years back. But I guess maybe they are holding out hope for Andrew Luck next year. When the Redskins moved down the rumor was they were looking to target Robert Quinn to be an OLB in their 3-4. But with him going the pick before what did they do, take Ryan Kerrigan. Now I like Kerrigan, but as a 4-3 DE. I don't see Kerrigan having the athletic ability to play standing up. Plus with Pass Rushing ace Brian Orakpo on the other side they are going to ask Kerrigan to drop into coverage more? Jarvis Jenkins is a solid player but not a top 50 guy. Where Washington did very well was in the middle rounds. Getting Leonard Hankerson is the 3rd was a GREAT pick. Hankerson I thought might have been the 3rd best receiver in the draft. Roy Helu isn't a flashy back, but he has the one cut and speed to thrive in Shanahan's offense. And a sleeper that nobody was really talking about is DeJon Gomes. A hybrid player in college Gomes played linebacker, cornerback, and safety. Look for Gomes to make an impact on special teams and don't be surprised if he is their nickle back mid way through the season.

Best Pick: Leonard Hankerson WR Miami

Worst Pick: Jarvis Jenkins DT Clemson

Overall Grade: D+