Projected 53-Man Roster: Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos
LAST UPDATED: 2:31 PM September 4, 2014

Quarterback (2)- Peyton Manning, Brock Osweiler
Running Back (4)- Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman, C.J. Anderson, Juwan Thompson
Wide Receiver (6)- Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Andre Caldwell, Cody Latimer, Nathan Palmer, Isaiah Burse
Tight End (3)- Julius Thomas, Virgil Green, Jacob Tamme
Offensive Center/Guard (5)- Manny Ramirez, Orlando Franklin, Louis Vasquez, Will Montgomery, Ben Garland
Offensive Tackle (4)- Ryan Clady, Chris Clark, Michael Schofield, Paul Cornick
Defensive Tackle (4)- Terrance Knighton, Sylvester Williams, Marvin Austin, Mitch Unrein
Defensive End (4)- DeMarcus Ware, Derek Wolfe, Malik Jackson, Quanterus Smith
Linebacker (8)- Von Miller, Danny Trevathan, Brandon Marshall, Steven Johnson, Lamin Barrow, Nate Irving, Corey Nelson, Lerentee McCray
Defensive Back (10)- T.J. Ward, Rahim Moore, Aqib Talib, Chris Harris, Bradley Roby, Kayvon Webster, Quinton Carter, Tony Carter, Omar Bolden, David Bruton
Kicker (1)- Brandon McManus
Punter (1)- Britton Colquitt
Long Snapper (1)- Aaron Brewer

Suspended- Matt Prater (first four games of reg. season), Wes Welker (first four games of reg. season)
Injured Reserve- Jamar Chaney, Jordan Norwood

*Depth chart courtesy of Ourlads

Projected 53-Man Roster: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys
LAST UPDATED: 9:50 AM September 3, 2014

Quarterback (3)- Tony Romo, Brandon Weeden, Dustin Vaughan
Running Back (3)- DeMarco Murray, Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar
Fullback (1)- Tyler Clutts
Wide Receiver (5)- Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Devin Street, Dwayne Harris
Tight End (3)- Jason Witten, Gavin Escobar, James Hanna
Offensive Center/Guard (5)- Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, Ronald Leary, Mackenzy Bernadeau, Donald Hawkins
Offensive Tackle (4)- Tyron Smith, Doug Free, Jeremy Parnell, Darrion Weems
Defensive Tackle (5)- Henry Melton, Nick Hayden, Terrell McClain, Davon Coleman, Ken Bishop
Defensive End (6)- George Selvie, Jeremy Mincey, Demarcus Lawrence, Tyrone Crawford, Lavar Edward, Jack Crawford
Linebacker (7)- Justin Durant, Bruce Carter, Kyle Wilber, Anthony Hitchens, Rolando McClain, Korey Toomer, Cameron Lawrence
Defensive Back (8)- Barry Church, J.J. Wilcox, Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne, Sterling Moore, Jeff Heath, C.J. Spillman, Tyler Patmon
Kicker (1)- Dan Bailey
Punter (1)- Chris Jones
Long Snapper (1)- L.P. Ladouceur

Suspended- Orlando Scandrick (first four games of reg. season), Jakar Hamilton (first four games of reg. season)
Physically Unable to Perform- Anthony Spencer
Injured Reserve- Sean Lee, Ben Gardner, Matt Johnson, DeVonte Holloman, Justin Green

*Depth chart courtesy of Ourlads

Projected 53-Man Roster: Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns
LAST UPDATED: 2:02 PM September 4, 2014

Quarterback (2)- Brian Hoyer, Johnny Manziel
Running Back (4)- Ben Tate, Terrance West, Isaiah Crowell, Glenn Winston
Fullback (1)- Ray Agnew
Wide Receiver (5)- Andrew Hawkins, Miles Austin, Travis Benjamin, LaRon Byrd, Taylor Gabriel
Tight End (3)- Jordan Cameron, Gary Barnidge, Jim Dray
Offensive Center/Guard (5)- Alex Mack, Joel Bitonio, John Greco, Paul McQuistan, Ryan Seymour
Offensive Tackle (3)- Joe Thomas, Mitchell Schwartz, Vinston Painter
Nose Tackle (3)- Phil Taylor, Ahtyba Rubin, Ishmaa'ily Kitchen
Defensive End (4)- Desmond Bryant, Billy Winn, Armonty Bryant, John Hughes
Linebacker (8)- Karlos Dansby, Craig Robertson, Jabaal Sheard, Paul Kruger, Barkevious Mingo, Christian Kirksey, Tank Carder, Eric Martin
Defensive Back (12)- Donte Whitner, Tashaun Gipson, Joe Haden, Justin Gilbert, Buster Skrine, Jordan Poyer, Pierre Desir, Jim Leonhard, Johnson Bademosi, Aaron Berry, K'Waun Williams, Robert Nelson
Kicker (1)- Billy Cundiff
Punter (1)- Spencer Lanning
Long Snapper (1)- Christian Young

Suspended- Josh Gordon (entire 2014 season), Marlon Moore (first game of reg. season)
Injured Reserve- Darius Eubanks, Isaiah Trufant

*Depth chart courtesy of Ourlads

Projected 53-Man Roster: Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals
LAST UPDATED: 10:32 PM August 30, 2014

Quarterback (2)- Andy Dalton, Jason Campbell
Running Back (4)- Giovani Bernard, Jeremy Hill, Cedric Peerman, Rex Burkhead
Wide Receiver (6)- A.J. Green, Marvin Jones, Mohamed Sanu, Dane Sanzenbacher, Brandon Tate, James Wright
Tight End (4)- Jermaine Gresham, Tyler Eifert, Alex Smith, Ryan Hewitt
Offensive Center/Guard (5)- Russell Bodine, Kevin Zeitler, Clint Boling, Mike Pollack, T.J. Johnson
Offensive Tackle (4)- Andrew Whitworth, Andre Smith, Marshall Newhouse, Tanner Hawkinson
Defensive Tackle (3)- Geno Atkins, Domata Peko, Brandon Thompson
Defensive End (5)- Carlos Dunlap, Wallace Gilberry, Margus Hunt, Robert Geathers, Will Clarke
Linebacker (7)- Vontaze Burfict, Ray Maualuga, Emmanuel Lamur, Vincent Rey, Jason DiManche, Sean Porter, Marquis Flowers
Defensive Back (10)- Reggie Nelson, George Iloka, Leon Hall, Terence Newman, Adam Jones, Dre Kirkpatrick, Darqueze Dennard, Shawn Williams, Taylor Mays, Onterio McCalebb
Kicker (1)- Mike Nugent
Punter (1)- Kevin Huber
Long Snapper (1)- Clark Harris

Suspended- Chris Lewis-Harris (first two games of reg. season)
Physically Unable to Perform- A.J. McCarron
Injured Reserve- J.K. Schaffer


*Depth chart courtesy of Ourlads

Projected 53-Man Roster: Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears
LAST UPDATED: 6:12 PM August 30, 2014

Quarterback (3)- Jay Cutler, Jimmy Clausen, David Fales
Running Back (4)- Matt Forte, Ka'Deem Carey, Shaun Draughn, Senorise Perry
Fullback (1)- Tony Fiammetta
Wide Receiver (6)- Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Josh Morgan, Santonio Holmes, Marquess Wilson, Micheal Spurlock
Tight End (3)- Martellus Bennett, Dante Rosario, Matthew Mulligan
Offensive Center/Guard (5)- Roberto Garza, Matt Slauson, Kyle Long, Brian De La Puente, Michael Ola
Offensive Tackle (3)- Jermon Bushrod, Jordan Mills, Charles Leno
Defensive Tackle (4)- Jay Ratliff, Will Sutton, Ego Ferguson, Stephen Paea
Defensive End (6)- Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston, Willie Young, David Bass, Trevor Scott, Cornelius Washington
Linebacker (6)- D.J. Williams, Lance Briggs, Shea McClellin, Jon Bostic, Khaseem Greene, Christian Jones
Defensive Back (9)- Ryan Mundy, Brock Vereen, Charles Tillman, Tim Jennings, Kyle Fuller, Chris Conte, Sherrick McManis, Demontre Hurst, Danny McCray
Kicker (1)- Robbie Gould
Punter (1)- Pat O'Donnell
Long Snapper (1)- Brandon Hartson

Injured Reserve- Zach Miller

*Depth chart courtesy of Ourlads

Projected 53-Man Roster: Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers
LAST UPDATED: 2:39 PM September 2, 2014

Quarterback (3)- Cam Newton, Derek Anderson, Joe Webb
Running Back (3)- DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Fozzy Whittaker
Fullback (1)- Mike Tolbert
Wide Receiver (5)- Kelvin Benjamin, Jerricho Cotchery, Jason Avant, Brenton Bersin, Corey Brown
Tight End (4)- Greg Olsen, Ed Dickson, Brandon Williams, Richie Brockel
Offensive Center/Guard (6)- Ryan Kalil, Amini Silatolu, Trai Turner, Fernando Velasco, Andrew Norwell, Brian Folkerts
Offensive Tackle (4)- Byron Bell, Garry Williams, Nate Chandler, David Foucault
Defensive Tackle (4)- Star Lotulelei, Dwan Edwards, Kawann Short, Colin Cole
Defensive End (5)- Charles Johnson, Greg Hardy, Mario Addison, Kony Ealy, Wes Horton
Linebacker (6)- Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Chase Blackburn, A.J. Klein, Jason Williams, Ben Jacobs
Defensive Back (9)- Roman Harper, Thomas DeCoud, Antoine Cason, Melvin White, Josh Norman, Charles Godfrey, Bene' Benwikere, Tre Boston, Colin Jones
Kicker (1)- Graham Gano
Punter (1)- Brad Nortman
Long Snapper (1)- J.J. Jansen

Suspended- Frank Alexander (first four games of reg. season)
Physically Unable to Perform- DeAndre Presley
Injured Reserve- Edmund Kugbila, D.C. Jefferson, Kevin Hughes

*Depth charts courtesy of Ourlads

Projected 53-Man Roster: Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons
LAST UPDATED: 4:16 PM August 31, 2014

Quarterback (3)- Matt Ryan, T.J. Yates, Sean Renfree
Running Back (4)- Steven Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers, Devonta Freeman, Antone Smith
Fullback (1)- Patrick DiMarco
Wide Receiver (6)- Julio Jones, Roddy White, Harry Douglas, Devin Hester, Courtney Roby, Eric Weems
Tight End (2)- Levine Toilolo, Bear Pascoe
Offensive Center/Guard (5)- Joe Hawley, Jon Asamoah, Justin Blalock, Peter Konz, James Stone
Offensive Tackle (4)- Jake Matthews, Lamar Holmes, Ryan Schraeder
Defensive Tackle (5)- Paul Soliai, Jonathan Babineaux, Tyson Jackson, Ra'Shede Hageman, Corey Peters
Defensive End (6)- Osi Umenyoria, Kroy Biermann, Malliciah Goodman, Jonathan Massaquoi, Stansly Maponga, Cliff Matthews
Linebacker (5)- Paul Worrilow, Joplo Bartu, Prince Shembo, Nate Stupar, Tyler Starr
Defensive Back (9)- William Moore, Dwight Lowery, Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Dezmen Southward, Robert McClain, Josh Wilson, Javier Arenas, Kemal Ishmael
Kicker (1)- Matt Bryant
Punter (1)- Matt Bosher
Long Snapper (1)- Josh Harris

Physically Unable to Perform- Drew Davis, Zeke Motta
Injured Reserve- Sam Baker, Mike Johnson

*Depth chart courtesy of Ourlads

Projected 53-Man Roster: Arizona Cardinals

I seriously considered publishing my roster projections a few weeks ago, but with all the transactions that take place as teams find players to fill out their 90-player rosters before minicamp starts, I chose to wait until minicamps were underway. Without further ado, my final roster projections begin -- per the norm -- in alphabetical order, meaning a certain red bird is up first.

Arizona Cardinals
LAST UPDATED: 5:51 PM August 31, 2014

Quarterback (3)- Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton, Logan Thomas
Running Back (4)- Andre Ellington, Jonathan Dwyer, Stepfan Taylor, Robert Hughes
Wide Receiver (5)- Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, Ted Ginn Jr., John Brown, Jaron Brown
Tight End (4)- John Carlson, Troy Niklas, Rob Housler, Darren Fells
Offensive Center/Guard (5)- Lyle Sendlein, Jonathan Cooper, Paul Fanaika, Ted Larsen, Earl Watford
Offensive Tackle (3)- Jared Veldheer, Bradley Sowell, Bobby Massie
Nose Tackle (2)- Dan Williams, Alameda Ta'amu
Defensive End (5)- Calais Campbell, Frostee Rucker, Tommy Kelly, Kareem Martin, Ed Stinson
Linebacker (11)- Larry Foote, Kevin Minter, John Abraham, Matt Shaughnessy, Sam Acho, Desmond Bishop, Alex Okafor, Kenny Demens, Lorenzo Alexander, Thomas Keiser, Glenn Carson
Defensive Back (8)- Patrick Peterson, Antonio Cromartie, Deone Bucannon, Tyrann Mathieu, Tony Jefferson, Rashad Johnson, Jerraud Powers, Justin Bethel
Kicker (1)- Chandler Catanzaro
Punter (1)- Dave Zastudil
Long Snapper (1)- Mike Leach

Injured Reserve- Darnell Dockett
Suspended- Daryl Washington (entire 2014 season).

*Depth charts courtesy of Ourlads

The Seahawks shouldn't pay Marshawn Lynch

Seattle Seahawks' running back Marshawn Lynch recently said that he's considering retirement if the Seahawks don't give him a raise in pay. I understand where Lynch is coming from; Seattle wouldn't have won the Super Bowl without him. He's what makes their offense go. When Seattle acquired the man nicknamed "Beast Mode" in 2010, they got him on the cheap, giving up just two draft picks (a fourth- and fifth-rounder) to the Buffalo Bills. Since joining the Seahawks in Week 5 of the 2010 regular season, Lynch has rushed for 4,624 yards and 41 touchdowns, as well as 862 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He's been voted to each of the last three Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro in 2012. But, this isn't about past accolades, it's all about business.

The Seahawks have a lot of talent on their roster, and a lot of that talent is made up of guys who were late round draft picks or didn't even get drafted, which means they're yet to sign a big money contract. Quarterback Russell Wilson -- still playing under his rookie contract, which is worth a total just south of $3 million -- is certain to break the bank when the 'Hawks sign him to a contract extension. The Seahawks' front office is certainly thinking about the younger, more promising players that will be due some hefty pay raises in the coming years, which would be made difficult if they were to give in to Lynch's demands, so to speak.

The other aspect to understand is the way the running back position is valued in today's NFL. This is a pass-first league, where quarterbacks throwing for more than four thousand yards is the norm. With offenses taking the running back by committee approach, the days of the bell cow backs like Lynch and Adrian Peterson are becoming a thing of the past. The Seahawks have two young and talented running backs -- third-year man Robert Turbin and second-year back Christine Michael -- waiting in the wings, so why overpay for a 28-year-old running back? Granted, he's a phenomenal 28-year-old running back, but he's still a bit too old to be considered worthy of top-dollar.

The Seahawks would be wise not to pay their disgruntled veteran, unless they could do so in a way that wouldn't hurt their cap situation. This is something to keep an eye on, especially once the regular season nears, because that's when situations like this can turn into distractions.


*Statistical information and accolades courtesy of Pro Football Reference
*Player contract information courtesy of spotrac
*Depth chart information courtesy of Ourlads
*Trade details courtesy of  ESPN
 

Chiefs cut Pro Bowl cornerback Brandon Flowers

I was shocked when I came across an article on Bleacher Report that the Kansas City Chiefs cut one-time Pro Bowl selection Brandon Flowers. There had been plenty of speculation about Flowers' future with the club after coming off possibly the worst season of his career and earning a large annual salary. I figured he would have been traded, but teams must not have considered him to be worth the money he was due.

Sean Smith is a lock to start Week 1, leaving veterans Chris Owens and Ron parker, and youngsters Marcus Cooper and Philip Gaines to compete for the other starting cornerback spot. None of those guys have truly proven themselves, but the Chiefs' coaching staff must have a lot of confidence in them to release a player like Flowers.

Now that Flowers is a free agent, he's free to sign with any team. The teams that need the most help at cornerback are the Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, and San Diego Chargers. The Jets seem like a good fit, as they could use a proven cornerback to compete for a starting job. Whichever team he signs with, I think it'll be on a one-year deal.

Top 5 Players at Each Position Entering 2014 Season: Defense

Cornerback:
1. Richard Sherman, SEA
2. Joe Haden, CLE
3. Darrelle Revis, NE
4. Aqib Talib, DEN
5. Patrick Peterson, ARI

Strong Safety:
1. Eric Berry, KC
2. Kam Chancellor, SEA
3. Troy Polamalu, PIT
4. T.J. Ward, DEN
5. William Moore, ATL

Free Safety:
1. Earl Thomas, SEA
2. Jairus Byrd, NO
3. Eric Weddle, SD
4. Devin McCourty, NE
5. Harrison Smith, MIN

4-3 Outside Linebacker:
1. Lavonte David, TB
2. Von Miller, DEN
3. Vontaze Burfict, CIN
4. Kiko Alonso, BUF
5. DeAndre Levy, DET

3-4 Outside Linebacker:
1. Aldon Smith, SF
2. Justin Houston, KC
3. Ryan Kerrigan, WAS
4. Clay Matthews, GB
5. Tamba Hali, KC

4-3 Inside Linebacker:
1. Luke Kuechly, CAR
2. Bobby Wagner, SEA
3. Mason Foster, TB
4. Brandon Spikes, BUF
5. Stephen Tulloch, DET

3-4 Inside Linebacker:
1. NaVorro Bowman, SF
2. Patrick Willis, SF
3. Derrick Johnson, KC
4. Daryl Washington, ARI
5. Jerrell Freeman, IND

4-3 Defensive End:
1. Robert Quinn, STL
2. Greg Hardy, CAR
3. Chandler Jones, NE
4. Michael Bennett, SEA
5. Cameron Wake, MIA

3-4 Defensive End:
1. J.J. Watt, HOU
2. Muhammad Wilkerson, NYJ
3. Cameron Jordan, NO
4. Calais Campbell, ARI
5. Justin Smith, SF

4-3 Defensive Tackle:
1. Ndamukong Suh, DET
2. Gerald McCoy, TB
3. Geno Atkins, CIN
4. Brandon Mebane, SEA
5. Randy Starks, MIA

3-4 Nose Tackle:
1. Marcell Dareus, BUF
2. Dontari Poe, KC
3. Terrance Knighton, DEN
4. Haloti Ngata, BAL
5. Damon Harrison, NYJ

Punter:
1. Brandon Fields, MIA
2. Andy Lee, SF
3. Brett Kern, TEN
4. Brad Nortman, CAR
5. Shane Lechler, HOU

Top 5 Players at Each Position Entering 2014 Season- Offense

My Top 5 players at each offensive position heading into the 2014 season.

Quarterback:
1. Peyton Manning, DEN
2. Aaron Rodgers, GB
3. Tom Brady, NE
4. Drew Brees, NO
5. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT

Running Back:
1. LeSean McCoy, PHI
2. Adrian Peterson, MIN
3. Jamaal Charles, KC
4. Marshawn Lynch, SEA
5. Matt Forte, CHI

Fullback:
1. Mike Tolbert, CAR
2. Marcel Reece, OAK
3. Anthony Sherman, KC
4. John Conner, NYG
5. Bruce Miller, SF

Wide Receiver:
1. Calvin Johnson, DET
2. Brandon Marshall, CHI
3. A.J. Green, CIN
4. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI
5. Jordy Nelson, GB

Tight End:
1. Jimmy Graham, NO
2. Rob Gronkowski, NE
3. Vernon Davis, SF
4. Jordan Cameron, CLE
5. Jason Witten, DAL

Offensive Tackle:
1. Joe Thomas, CLE
2. Trent Williams, WAS
3. Joe Staley, SF
4. Jason Peters, PHI
5. Tyron Smith, DAL

Offensive Guard:
1. Marshal Yanda, BAL
2. Josh Sitton, GB
3. Evan Mathis, PHI
4. Louis Vasquez, DEN
5. Jon Asamoah, ATL

Center:
1. John Sullivan, MIN
2. Alex Mack, CLE
3. Jason Kelce, PHI
4. Mike Pouncey, MIA
5. Evan Dietrich-Smith, TB

Kicker:
1. Stephen Gostkowski, NE
2. Justin Tucker, BAL
3. Greg Zuerlein, STL
4. Matt Prater, DEN
5. Steve Hauschka, SEA

49ers Extend Colin Kaepernick for Big Bucks

It was reported yesterday that the San Francisco 49ers and starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick agreed to a 6-year contract extension worth $126 million with $61 million guaranteed, which sets a new record for the most guaranteed money. That's an awfully large amount of money to give to a quarterback who's not even among the best in the league. Of course, that is merely my own personal opinion. I think the 49ers' front office is paying him based on his potential, which can be risky.

Kaepernick has tremendous athletic ability and a rocket-arm, but he hasn't taken the next step in his game. He even admitted in an interview on NFL Total Access that he needs to "improve on getting through progressions, making the right reads and doing it every play is something that can take me to the next level as a player." With the offseason acquisitions on offense -- adding veteran wide receiver Stevie Johnson, drafting wide receiver Bruce Ellington and running back Carlos Hyde -- there will be no excuses for the offense. Last year Kaepernick didn't have enough weapons, well that sure won't be the case this time around. He plays behind one of the best offensive lines in the league and now has a group of receivers and a stable of running backs made to wear defenses out. As long as Kaepernick doesn't get complacent and continues to maintain a good work ethic, there's reason to believe this will work out well for both sides.

NFL Power Rankings

With the three biggest phases of the offseason complete (free agency, the draft, and post-draft free agency), now's the right time to list my first NFL Power Rankings of 2014. This list ranks the 32 teams in order of best to worst, of course it's opinion based and since teams have only just had rookie minicamps, the rankings are certainly not set in stone.

1. Seattle Seahawks- I still feel that they did a subpar job in the draft, but they only lost two key players to free agency and were able to replace them. They remain atop the list due to their vicious ground game and top notch defense, but San Fran is nipping at their heels.
2. San Francisco 49ers- This is a talent-laden team that made huge strides through this year's draft. Their goal of winning the Super Bowl will rely on whether or not quarterback Colin Kaepernick can take his game to the next level and become an elite passer.
3. New England Patriots- The Patriots boast arguably the league's best cornerback duo in Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. A healthy Jerod Mayo and Vince Wilfork will provide a big boost to this unit. The chemistry between Tom Brady and his young receivers should be much improved this season. The Patriots are neck and neck with Denver as the best teams in the AFC. The reason the Pats rank higher is because they boast the better defense.
4. Denver Broncos- John Elway and co. know that Peyton Manning might not have many years left in him -- he's one big blindside hit away from retirement -- which is why they splurged in free agency and added playmakers through the draft. We all expect Denver and New England to face off in the AFC Championship for second year in a row.
5. Cincinnati Bengals- Hue Jackson was promoted to offensive coordinator and I think that's going to pay dividends for an offense that seems to underachieve. The loss of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will hurt this defense significantly, but they have the talent to overcome it. On paper, they're easily the top team in their division, but Andy Dalton needs to take the next step if this team wants to win in the playoffs.
6. Arizona Cardinals- This club was very impressive last season, winning 10 games in the toughest division. Their best chance at a playoff berth is through one of the two wildcard spots because Seattle and San Fran are bound to be the top two teams in the division. Good free agent acquisitions and a solid draft have kept Bruce Arian's team in contention.
7. Green Bay Packers- I think Green Bay did the best job in this year's draft. Aaron Rodgers was given four new receivers to add to an already impressive arsenal and Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix is the rangy free safety they've lacked since Nick Collins' career-ending injury. Injuries always seem to be a problem for the Pack, but they're a team I expect to move up the rankings this year. 
8. Philadelphia Eagles- The surprising release of DeSean Jackson was just that- a surprise. But it didn't cause controversy within the locker room, proving just how much the players trust their head coach Chip Kelly. The offense will be one of the best in the league, and the additions on defense should result in better play on that side of the ball.
9. New Orleans Saints- Will Jimmy Graham hold out? According to Bleacher Reports' Matt Miller, a player who's assigned the franchise tag and signs his tender can still hold out until Week 12 of the regular season. Graham isn't happy about his current contract situation and I don't blame him, he's proven to be the best tight end in the league. The Saints' offense wouldn't be nearly as effective without him. The defense should continue to improve under Rob Ryan, and Jairus Byrd will join Kenny Vacarro to form a fierce safety duo.
10. Chicago Bears- A totally revamped defensive line headlines the Bears' offseason, adding Jared Allen and Lamarr Houston via free agency and drafting Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton. Personally, I don't think Jay Cutler is a good enough quarterback to lead this to team to the Super Bowl.
11. Baltimore Ravens- They retained a few very important players (Eugene Monroe, Dennis Pitta, Daryl Smith) and added serious talent to their defense through the draft. I'm still concerned about the lack of proven commodities at wide receiver.
12. Carolina Panthers- Cam Newton hasn't completed a regular season pass to any of the team's current wide receivers. However, that's not what concerns me. I'm concerned about the offensive line, particularly left tackle, where former defensive tackle Nate Chandler is currently listed as the starter and replacement for Jordan Gross. The defense is this team's strength, while the offense might go through some struggles early on.
13. San Diego Chargers- The secondary received a much needed boost when the team drafted Jason Verrett in the first-round. I still wonder why they didn't add a number two wide receiver to complement Keenan Allen. Quarterback Philip Rivers is coming off arguably his best season as a pro, but he wasn't provided any new weapons to throw to. It helps that they're the best team in the AFC West behind Denver at this point.
14. Atlanta Falcons- The Falcons had a tough go of things in 2013, but that's not who they really are. Why they didn't draft a wide receiver to provide depth should Julio Jones and/or Roddy White go down with an injury (like last season), is beyond me. They upgraded the offensive line signing free agent Jon Asamoah and drafting Jake Matthews and also added to their defensive line. They're not far behind their division foe, the Carolina Panthers. 
15. Pittsburgh Steelers- Ryan Shazier is a perfect fit for Dick LeBeau's defense and he's the kind of aggressive linebacker we've become accustomed to seeing in a Steelers' uniform. Big Ben has two new wide receivers to throw to. The team didn't draft a cornerback until the fifth-round, a decision that left me scratching my head.
16. Indianapolis Colts- Robert Mathis will miss the first four games of the season for using performance enhancing drugs. The offensive line needs to step up and do a better job of protecting Andrew Luck. And speaking of stepping up, Trent Richardson needs to take his game to another level and prove he's not a bust. Fortunately for the Colts, they play in the weakest division in the league.
17. New York Giants- While I've never considered Eli Manning to be an "elite" quarterback, he's definitely better than he played last season. He was atrocious, but so was the rest of the team. The Giants were very active in free agency signing more than thirteen players through the first month of free agency. They signed starters to come in and make an impact, and we'll see if it pays off.
18. Kansas City Chiefs- The Chiefs lost three of their starting offensive lineman, but they have good replacements. I'm still scratching my head, wondering why the Chiefs didn't draft a wide receiver. I'm sure they stuck to their board, selecting the best player according to their rankings, but this team seriously lacks talent at wide receiver.
19. St. Louis Rams- The Rams' first four picks in the draft are all set to make immediate impacts. They now boast the league's most talented defensive line and will continue to make life a living nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Jeff Fisher is banking on his young receivers to take the next step this season, choosing not to give his quarterback any new targets. The Rams would be ranked higher if they didn't play in the most competitive division.
20. Detroit Lions- Quarterback Matthew Stafford will be throwing to a few new faces in 2014, namely free agent signee Golden Tate and first-round pick Eric Ebron. Sure, that's great and all, but what about the defense? Specifically the secondary, which remains the team's primary weakness. They added safety James Ihedigbo and fourth round pick Nevin Lawson. For a team that plays the Bears and Packers at least twice a year, they certainly don't seem to be worried about it.
21. New York Jets- I like what the Jets did in both free agency and the draft. Second-year quarterback Geno Smith will have plenty of guys to throw the ball to this season after the team paid big money to Eric Decker, and drafted Jace Amaro, Shaq Evans, and Jalen Saunders. Rex Ryan's team is guaranteed to have a good defense, it's the offense that has hurt them in recent years.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Lovie Smith has been incredibly active since the Bucs hired him to be the team's head coach five months ago. By incredibly active, I mean signing more than thirteen free agents, five of which will be starting. Smith also realized that one of the league's worst offenses a year ago had to be improved, which is why all six of the team's 2014 draft picks were used on offensive players.
23. Miami Dolphins- Everybody and their grandmother knew the Dolphins were going to address their offensive line this offseason. They did just that, signing Branden Albert in free agency and drafting Ju'Wuan James and Billy Turner. Ryan Tannehill must be pleased, considering he was sacked more than any quarterback in 2013. This team has a lot of talented players, but I think a new coaching staff is in order.  
24. Dallas Cowboys- The spotlight is never off of the team formerly known as "America's Team." Injury prone linebacker Sean Lee suffered a torn ACL during voluntary OTAs last week, a huge blow to the defense. The team cut ties with DeMarcus Ware and didn't re-sign Jason Hatcher, but did sign Henry Melton in free agency and drafted Demarcus Lawrence to replace them. I have the 'Boys third in the NFC East, behind the Eagles and Giants, but I think Washington could potentially move ahead of them.
25. Tennessee Titans- It will be interesting to see if Jake Locker can shake the "bust" label under new head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who has had success turning quarterback's around-- look at Phillip Rivers last season. The defense is switching to a 3-4 scheme, meaning there are some guys -- defensive end Derrick Morgan -- who are out of place. This team isn't a threat just yet.  
26. Minnesota Vikings- The Vikings play in the competitive NFC North, which hurts their ranking, but this is a team on the rise. I think Mike Zimmer is going to be a very good head coach and he's added talent through free agency and the draft. The Vikings will be legitimate competition to their division rivals in the years to come, but I don't expect them to do much in 2014.
27. Washington- Can RGIII stay healthy? That's the million dollar question. The defense is still a liability, namely the cornerbacks. And why in the hell has the team name not been changed? The term "Redskin" is a considered a racial slur by many Native Americans -- which is why I omit it in my blog -- and therefore should not be permitted, plain and simple. The team could move ahead of the Cowboys in future rankings.
28. Buffalo Bills- This Bills team has a lot of talent, but this team is wet behind the ear. The AFC East goes through the Patriots, but the pieces are there for the Bills to make a push for second place, they just need to put it all together. This team is built for success in the years to come.
29. Cleveland Browns- The Browns are going to be in the news a lot during the offseason due to their second first-round draft pick, quarterback Johnny Manziel. The media loves to try and make a big deal of what he does with his personal time. Despite being a first-round pick, I think Brian Hoyer is going to be the starter come Week 1. The Browns will finish last place in their division, but at least they'll be in good position come time for the 2015 NFL Draft. 
30. Jacksonville Jaguars- Gus Bradley may be a former defensive coordinator, but he seriously revamped his offense through the draft. Selecting the Jaguars' quarterback of the future and providing him with receiving weapons. The defensive line features three new faces, including Bradley's former pupils Chris Clemons and Red Bryant.
31. Oakland Raiders- Like the Browns, the Raiders are the fourth best team in their division. I loved the first-round selection of linebacker/defensive end Khalil Mack, he should make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Oakland is years from being a legitimate contender in the division, but the organization has come a long way under General Manager Reggie McKenzie.
32. Houston Texans- The quarterback situation in Houston is an ugly one. Rookie head coach Bill O'Brien has his work cut out for him in 2014 as I expect this offense to struggle mightily. At least the defense will be improved, led by the fierce duo of J.J. Watt and number one overall pick Jadeveon Clowney.