Rebuilding the Jets - Milkman41's Jets dynasty, starting in 2012

[cloudedskate]

Quote: Originally Posted by milkman41

On defense, last year's #5 overall pick DT Marcus Mangum, possibly distraught with his lack of playing time, has apparently decided to take at least 1 year off, but the rest of the defense is fairly stout.

Mangum went #5 in yours? I remember that he fell all the way to the 3rd round and I picked him up. That's gotta be the biggest fall I've ever seen.

[milkman41]

Quote: Originally Posted by cloudedskate

Mangum went #5 in yours? I remember that he fell all the way to the 3rd round and I picked him up. That's gotta be the biggest fall I've ever seen.

Yeah, the Cards traded up to get him at #5. That is one hell of a fall though, damn.

[milkman41]

NFC South Season Preview

Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons again finished 2nd in the NFC South with a 7 - 9, and had a decent offseason, strengthening the offensive line and drafting to fill defensive needs. The Falcons selected SS James Casey at #16 overall, and hope to have found the solution to their DT problems with DT Jason Erickson, selected at 2 - 50. QB Troy Smith had a poor year, with a 66.4 QB rating, and HB Darren MacFadden continues to be all of the Falcons' offense, as he racked up another 1000-yard season (albeit with another sub-4.0 YPC season - he has never had more than 4.0 YPC). Look for the Falcons to finish 2nd in the division again.

Starters:
QB: Troy Smith
HB: Darren MacFadden
FB: Rodney Branch
WR: Roddy White (1182 yards, 8 TDs), Bernard Berrian
TE: Ben Troupe
OL: Tony Ugoh, Justin Blalock, Nick Hardwick, Chris Kemoeatu, Jeremy Trueblood

DL: Jamaal Anderson, Kyle Sawyer (Jason Erickson #3), Quentin Groves
LB: Sylven Bass, Keith Brooking, Akin Ayodele, DeMorrio Williams (2011 1st rounder Jeremiah Hutch #2)
CB: Jonathan Joseph, Eric Green
S: Corey Welch, James Casey (R)

K: Alexis Serna
P: Ben Graham
KR/PR: Edwin Coffee (R HB)

Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have become the laughingstock of the league, as they, for the 3rd straight year, finished last in the division with a 2 - 14 record. The Panthers, seeking a QB of the future, traded the #34 overall pick for QB Troy Lamerson - a good pick in a vacuum, but they have 2009 4th overall pick QB Darrick Conroy, who, despite prodigious potential, has never seen any playing time, on the team already! The Panthers still don't have a running game, and they opted to use their #2 overall pick on CB Jameel Parker, who (a) doesn't address a dire need, and (b) did not at all deserve to picked that high. This move is very similar to when they picked CB Allen Saine #2 overall in 2010 - and cut him the next season! 2011 #2 overall pick FS Antonio Boxx is still inexplicably stuck behind some mediocre veteran, and, despite a very, very strong offensive line, the Panthers have no offense to speak of. Look for them to finish at the bottom of the standings again...and again, and again, and again, until they learn to draft properly and to properly utilize their young talent.

Starters:
QB: Troy Lamerson (2009 #4 overall pick Darrick Conroy #2)
HB: Darren Sproles
FB: Deon Anderson
WR: Wes Welker, Dexter Jackson
TE: Dante Rosario
OL: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Branden Albert, Jamaal Jackson, Deron Hamilton, Jordan Gross

DL: Julius Peppers, Xavier Pressley, Vondrae Jackson Ken Wells (R, 3rd round)
LB: Thomas Davis, Jon Beason, Terrell Bryan
CB: Ty Law, Richard Marshall (Jameel Parker #5)
S: Erik Coleman (2011 #2 overall Antonio Boxx #2), Mase Johnson

K: Jayson Hoke
P: Jason Baker
KR/PR: Darren Sproles

New Orleans Saints
The Saints made some progress, ascending to 6 - 10, and have made some strong offseason moves. The Saints solidified their QB position for the future, picking up free agent QB Andre Woodson, who will have an elite group of wide receivers to throw to. The Bucs also solidified their RT position for the future, trading down to select RT Trevard Bolston at #24, and he will be a stud for years to come. The Saints defense still has some weaknesses, particularly at OLB, but this is a team that has gobs of potential, and that cast of WRs, combined with Sean Payton's pass-first offense, can be very scary.

Starters:
QB: Andrew Woodson
HB: Michael Turner
FB: Casey Fitzsimmons
WR: Teddarius Knox, TJ Nunn (2010 1st rounder Markieff McKinnie #4)
TE: Donald Lee
OL: Jammal Brown, Derek Legion, Neal Collison, Hunter Washington, Jonathan Scott (Trevard Bolston #3)

DL: Travis Greenwood, Hank Smithers, Bryan McNamara, Will Smith (7 sacks in 2010, 2011)
LB: Kerry Zeller (R), Jonathan Vilma, Dion Dutton (R)
CB: Asante Samuel, Justin Miller (2011 2nd rounder Keith Lawson #4)
S: Eugene Wilson, Antonio Holton (2nd rounder J'Covan Dawson #2)

K: Roger Barksdale
P: Derrick Frost
KR/PR: Eddie Royal

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Having lost Head Coach Steve Caruzzo, the man who shaped the team that led them to 3 consecutive Super Bowl victories, to the New York Jets, new head coach Alex Gibbs and management decided to take a sledgehammer to the roster he created. Despite finishing 14 - 2 and winning their 3rd consecutive Super Bowl, management went out and signed an overrated WR in Donte Stallworth, and then traded up to draft a mediocre WR in Roderick Porter (1 - 29). In the process, they dumped promising young WRs Mike Fitzgerald and Jordan Crosby. Next, instead of actually drafting a future QB, they went out and signed Daunte Culpepper, who has had several fine seasons recently, but is 34 and bound to break down soon (on the other hand, they signed former 1st rounder QB Clarence Bowman, a nice move that may pay off). They buried 2010 1st rounder DT William Doxey, who finished with 5 sacks in 2011, and they went out and signed LOLB Jerry Porter, a terrible fit in the 4 - 3. Finally, despite the fact that the secondary is a strong point, they went out and signed an overrated veteran CB in Randall Gay (just like with the WRs...), ******ing the development of fine young talents like CBs Royce Battle and Rod Bruce. They also traded up to draft FS Kelin Contu (1 - 25), who has gobs of potential, but who most likely won't play for the next couple years due to the presence of stud FS Tanard Jackson! Despite the fact that management did its best to destroy a strong roster, the Bucs should finished atop the NFC South again.

Starters:
QB: Daunte Culpepper (2009 #18 overall Clarence Bowman #2)
HB: Perry Montgomery
FB: Jacob Hester
WR: Donte Stallworth, Jerry Higgins (Roderick Porter #4)
TE: Heath Miller
OL: Rashanti Hicks, Davin Joseph, Cliff Kennedy, Samson Satele, Corey Albright

DL: Calais Campbell, Thaddeus Cheeks, Rashaud Johnson (2010 1st rounder William Doxey #4), Gaines Adams
LB: Jerry Porter, Barrett Ruud, Bret Cotton
CB: Randall Gay, Royce Battle
S: Tanard Jackson (Kelin Contu #2), Jay Holiday

K: Josh Reed
P: Shane Lechler
KR/PR: DeSean Jackson

[milkman41]

AFC South Season Preview

Houston Texans
The Texans made progress, making it to 8 - 8 and crawling out of the division cellar, but they lost franchise RE Mario Williams, a tough blow for an intriguing young team. QB Matt Schaub had a decent season, with 21 TDs, 18 INTs, 3132 yards, and an 86.6 QB rating, and HB Jamel Keddington again racked up 1300+ yards with a poor YPC average (though it increased from 3.3 to 3.8). WR Andre Johnson's production slipped a bit, and last year's #6 overall pick, despite solid play in limited time, has been inexplicably buried in the depth chart. The Texans have a pretty good defense, and they added a fine ROLB in Kordell Sosa at 1 - 17. They also found a starting FS in Jerrod Stewart at 2 - 49. The loss of Mario Williams hurts, but it is partially offset by the addition of LE Patrick Kerney, who is on his last legs but still efficient, and the Texans have the potential to be great if they can put everything together.

Starters:
QB: Matt Schaub
HB: Jamel Keddington
FB: Dwight Carson (R)
WR: Andre Johnson, Chris Henry (2010 1st rounder Myron Hartline #5)
TE: Benjamin Watson
OL: Patrick Fox, Logan Mankins, Rocky Tatum, Ben Noll, Ryan Diem

DL: Patrick Kerney, Athya Rubin, Pat Sims, Maurice Walls (R)
LB: Michael Boley, DeMeco Ryans, Kordell Sosa (R)
CB: Dunta Robinson, Deondre Hayden
S: Jerrod Stewart (R), Marcel Rayford

K: Torrin Greer
P: Harry Cass (R)
KR/PR: Mitch Sparks

Tennessee Titans
The Titans stumbled to 4 - 12 and the division cellar, as QB Vince Young had a rough year passing, finishing with 22 TDs, 22 INTs, 2998 yards, and a 73.7 QB rating. Young did not get much help on the ground, but the Titans added HB Reggie Bush via free agency and HB Ahmad Bradshaw via trade. The Titans traded away their 2011 1st round pick (#4 overall) to the Jets in exchange for a 2012 1st and more, and their first pick was 3rd rounder WR Durant McCane, although WR was not really a need. The Titans have lost some key players, and appear to weaker than they were last season. Look for them to finish 4th in the division again despite some intriguing talent, especially in the secondary.

Starters:
QB: Vince Young
HB: Reggie Bush
FB: Emmanuel Carson
WR: Steve Smith, Malcolm Kelly (2010 #26 overall Chris Jeffcoats #4, 2011 3rd rounder WR Durant McCane #6)
TE: Cooper Hooper
OL: Max Jeffers, Brian Waters, Chris White, Jahri Evans, Mark Wilson

DL: Steve Whitman (5 sacks in 2011), Albert Haynesworth, Donnell Haywood, Kyle Vanden Bosch
LB: David Thornton, Derek Smith, Tommy Polley
CB: Cortland Finnegan, Tim Wyrick (Dominique Rogers-Cromartie #3)
S: Michael Griffin, Donte Whitner

K: Rob Bironas
P: David Vanderhoff
KR/PR: Dominique Rogers-Cromartie

Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars again finished 10 - 6, but it was not enough to get the into the playoffs. Sensing that QB David Garrard's time may soon be up (he is 34 after all), the Jaguars selected strong-armed QB Jay McCormick with the 20th overall pick. They also added WR Anquan Boldin to an already solid offense, although the offensive line isn't quite where it needs to be. The defensive line is a bit weak, and free agent signee LOLB LaMarr Woodley may not be a good fit in the 4 - 3, but this is a solid team that will finish at least 3rd in the division.

Starters:
QB: David Garrard (Jay McCormick #3)
HB: Maurice Jones-Drew
FB: Covaughn Kessler
WR: Donald Driver, Anquan Boldin (2009 1st rounder Jamario Baston #3)
TE: Daniel Graham
OL: Jason Fulmer, Scott Mruczkowski, Scott Wells, Mark Lineberger, Tony Pashos

DL: Tom McKenzie, Tyler Krogstad, Frank Gore (R) (2nd rounder Chris Baldwin #4), Terry Koch
LB: LaMarr Woodley, Mike Lumburgh, Daryl Smith
CB: Rashean Mathis, Corey Webster
S: Reggie Nelson, Jarvis Streeter

K: Josh Scobee
P: Ray Nalen (R)
KR/PR: Maurice Jones-Drew

Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have time and again been among the league's elite, and this year was no different, as they finished 14 - 2. QB Peyton Manning had another fantastic year, and the Colts made it to Super Bowl, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For the second straight year, the Colts selected a high-round HB, this time selecting HB Tim Mustard, a powerful complement to 2011 2nd rounder HB Kelvin Kashmount. The offensive line needs help, but the offense as a whole should be fine. The defensive line is good, though the weak interior drags that score down, and the linebackers are elite. The cornerback depth is a bit lacking, but this is again an elite team, and they will make the playoffs and threaten to go deep yet again.

Starters:
QB: Peyton Manning
HB: Kalvin Kashmount (Tim Mustard #2)
FB: Jarred Moore
WR: Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne
TE: Max Johnstone
OL: Jeremy Murtha, Ryan Lilja, Gerald Dixon, Durrand Grant, Jiovanny Matthews

DL: Robert Mathis (7 sacks in 2010), Raheem Brock, Rocky Bernard, Dwight Freeney (8 sacks in 2010)
LB: Jayshaun Ralls, Gary Brackett (2011 2nd rounder Lawrence Maxey #2), Corey McCants
CB: Marlin Jackson, Kelvin Hayden
S: Antoine Bethea, Bob Sanders

K: Tracy Sacre (R)
P: Hunter Smith
KR/PR: Dimitrius Crist

[milkman41]

AFC West Season Preview

Oakland Raiders
The AFC West all of a sudden became a powerhouse division, as the Raiders, despite finishing 10 - 6, were tied for last in the division with the Chiefs. Head Coach Gary Hammermill managed to coach career years from QB Andrew Walter and stud HB Maceo Sweetney, as Walter threw for 5645 yards, 43 TDs, 32 INTs, and an 84.1 rating, and Sweetney caught 95 passes for 2021 yards and 14 TDs. He continues to be underutilized on the ground, however, rushing for only 399 yards (albeit with 10 TDs) on 101 rushes (3.9 YPC, also a career-high). The Raiders finally focused on the offensive line, adding LT Justin Shoemaker with the 19th overall pick and finding a steal with C Rasheed Camby in the 4th round. The Raiders also added WR Donnie Avery, a speed demon, to a position that is still a bit thin. Defensively, the Raiders have a fantastic line, as they added RE Mario Williams to a line consisting of former 1st rounders in LE Greg Brewer and DTs Rashaad Carter and Glenn Dorsey. The rest of the defense is stout, and, although the offensive line still needs a bit of work, and it would be nice to establish more of a running game, the Raiders looked poised to make a run at the playoffs.

Starters:
QB: Andrew Walter (2010 2nd rounder Chase Saturday #2)
HB: Maceo Sweetney
FB: Emmanuel Carson
TE: Zach Miller
WR: Donnie Avery Jonnie Lee Higgins
OL: John Tait (Justin Shoemaker #2), Max Jean-Gilles, Rasheed Camby (R), Dan Buenning, Scott Mickelson

DL: Greg Brewer, Glenn Dorsey, Rashaad Carter, Mario Williams
LB: Kepa Tonga, James Farrior, Freddie Keiaho
CB: Nnamdi Asomugha, DeAngelo Hall
S: Michael Huff, Dontrell McAurthur

K: Neil Rackers
P: Donnie Jones
KR/PR: Donnie Avery

San Diego Chargers
The Chargers rebounded, finishing tied for first in the division with a 12 - 4 record, but were subsequently upended in the opening round of the playoffs by the Bengals. QB Phillip Rivers actually had a poor season by his standards, throwing for 20 TDs and INTs apiece to go with 2660 yards and a 73.5 QB rating, his lowest since becoming a full-time starter. HB LaDanian Tomlinson continues to motor along, as he surpassed 15,000 career yards when he rushing for 1255 yards but only 2 touchdowns on 305 carries (4.1 YPC). HB Earnest Graham helped shoulder the load, with 753 yards and 12 TDs. The Chargers again address their defensive needs, this time drafting secondary help, as they traded up to select CB Aaron Swank at #9 and selected SS Sam Crayton at #56. Look for the Chargers to contend again despite some concerns at WR.

Starters:
QB: Philip Rivers
HB: LaDanian Tomlinson
FB: Willie Goode (R)
TE: Antonio Gates (97 catches, 1471 yards, 11 TDs in 2011)
WR: Marques Colston, Dave Browning (R, 3rd round) (2010 1st rounder Brandon Fields #3)
OL: Marcus McNeill, Kris Dielman, DeJaun Joseph, Stephen Neal, John Greco

DL: Scott Jenkins, Cliff Ryan, Luis Castillo (2010 2nd rounder Landry Moore #2)
LB: Shaun Phillips, Philip Wheeler, Julian Rice, Shawne Merriman (9 sacks in 2010)
CB: Quentin Jammer, William Gay (Aaron Swank #3)
S: Eric Weddle, Kelin Johnson (Sam Crayton #2)

K: Eric Ackley
P: Mike Scifres
KR/PR: Earnest Graham

Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs improved to 10 - 6, but they plummeted from 1st to last (or tied for last) as the AFC West, as a whole, grew incredibly strong. QB Matt Ryan, who watched the team select 2 1st round QBs after him, did decently well, finishing a 73.2 rating with 12 TDs, 16 INTs, and 2661 yards. Look for him to make a big leap forward this year, however, as he finally has the backing of the team. HB Larry Johnson was a big part of the team's improvement, as he bounced back by rushing for 1184 yards and 12 TDs on 248 carries (4.7 YPC). The Chiefs added veteran HB Edgerrin James, himself coming off a 1000+ yard, 12 TD season, to the backfield, making it a team strength. The defense is fairly strong, and the Chiefs added 1st rounder RE Joel Neysmith (1 - 26) and CB Justin Gathright (2 - 58) to the group. Although the Chiefs played well last season, and the maturation of QB Matt Ryan will help, the team has a few holes, and it seems that, although they have a winning record, they will not win the division.

Starters:
QB: Matt Ryan (2011 1st rounder Brad Walters #2)
HB: Larry Johnson
FB: Dion Gordon
TE: Ben Patrick (2011 2nd rounder Kevin Gardocki #3, 2012 2nd rounder Joel Jones #3)
WR: Dwayne Bowe, Justin Gage
OL: Chris Williams, Alan Faneca, Rob Smith, Jeff James, David Stewart

DL: Antoine McKenzie, Chris Morsey, Daryl Wynn, Jason Jefferson (R) (Joel Neysmith #2)
LB: Derrick Johnson, Omar Gaither, Channing Crowder
CB: Renaldo Moon, Patrick Surtain (Justin Gathright #5)
S: Jarrad Page, Adrian Wilson

K: Matt Prater
S: Dustin Colquitt
KR/PR: Justin Gathright (R)

Denver Broncos
WR Brandon Marshall had his 2nd consecutive 2000+ yard season, as he finished with 2010 yards and 17 TDs on 104 catches, propelling the Broncos to a first place tie with the Chargers. Although the Bengals proved to be AFC West killers as they defeated the Broncos (as well as the Chargers), the Broncos' future looks solid, as they added LE Ryne Douglas in the 1st round (1 - 28). Defensively, the Broncos need to see more out of last year's high draft picks, but the addition of FS Ryan Spradlin should pay dividends. Look for the Broncos to contend again.

Starters:
QB: Jay Cutler
HB: Shaun Alexander (2008 1st rounder Jonathan Stewart #3)
FB: Ari Ross (R)
TE: Todd Heap
WR: Brandon Marshall, Reggie Williams (2009 1st rounder Montario Tartt III #3)
OL: Ryan Clady, DeAndre Figgins, Steven Justice, Jake Scott, Nick Kazcur

DL: Tim Crowder (7 sacks in 2011) (Ryne Douglas #2), Antonio Polynice, Jessie Beets, Justin Smith
LB: Jarret Johnson (2011 2nd rounder Ryan DeGroot #2), D.J. Williams, Donny Butler
CB: Champ Bailey, Chris Gamble (2011 1st rounder Emil Watson #5)
S: Ryan Spradlin, Donta Simms

K: William Miles
P: Matt McBriar
KR/PR: Chris Gamble

[milkman41]

AFC North Season Preview

Cleveland Browns
The Browns slipped a bit, finishing 3rd in the division with a 7 - 9 record, earning them the 13th overall pick, which they then used on HB Earl Woodyard, a big (270 pounds), slow back who projects as more of a short-yardage back than anything else. Remember, this is the same team that drafted HB Tashard McDuffie in the 1st round last season. Additionally, they still have many needs on defense, as they added only CB Ben Summers in the 2nd round to the defense. In fact, this is a team that has only 2 DTs - Corey Williams, on IR, and the injury-prone Shaun Rogers. QB Derek Anderson had a great season, throwing for 3726 yards, 30 TDs, and 8 INTs, good for a 103.6 rating. If the Browns want to enjoy any type of success, they are going to have to draft more intelligently, see more from their young players, and occasionally actually play their young players to help them develop. Look for them to finish 3rd again, or maybe slide to 4th.

Starters:
QB: Derek Anderson
HB: Tashard McDuffie (Earl Woodyard #2)
FB: Mike Karney
WR: Braylon Edwards, Legedu Naanee (2010 #3 overall Lynell Rice #4, 2009 1st rounder Thomas Dwyer #5)
TE: Dallas Clark
OL: Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, LaMarr Bentley, Justin Smiley, James Kaufman

DL: Victor Abiamiri, Shaun Rogers (Corey Williams on IR), Jeff Cave
LB: Clark Haggans, D'Qwell Jackson, E.J. Henderson, Kamerion Wimbley
CB: Zack Bowman, Marcus McCauley (2011 2nd rounder Justin Cobb #3, Ben Summers #5)
S: Brodney Pool, Sean Jones

K: Billy Cundiff
P: Dave Zastudil
KR/PR: Thomas Dwyer

Cincinnati Bengals
I predicted the Bengals would rebound from their 2 - 14 season in 2010, and rebound they did, finishing atop the division with a 10 - 6 record and almost upending the Colts in the championship round. Had they won that game, they would have gone on to play their 2 Super Bowl in 3 years, both times against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. QB Carson Palmer had a resurgent year, passing for 2605 yards, 23 TDs, 15 INTs, and an 88.6 rating, but 2011 #3 overall pick is breathing down his neck. The Bengals added some help at HB by selecting Renaldo Simms in the 1st round (1 - 32), and he should give a more explosive look at the position. Though the Bengals are a bit weak at LB, and NT Jamal Williams is gone, the defense is still stout, and this is a team that should again make the playoffs.

Starters:
QB: Carson Palmer (2011 #3 overall Jake Denali #2)
HB: Rudi Johnson (Renaldo Simms #3)
FB: Damon Norton (R)
WR: Chad Johnson, TJ Houshmandzadeh
TE: Jason Witten
OL: Travian Davis, Stacy Andrews, Ivan Dockett, Brad Butler (2012 2nd rounder RG Michael Gwynn #2), Brady Coleman

DL: Darren Howard, Sedrick Ellis, Lester Berg, Chris McCall
LB: Noel Dunbar, Odell Thurman, Maurice Ghoggins
CB: Antonio Cromartie, Leon Hall
S: Brady Widenhofer (2010 2nd rounder Anthony Purvis #2), Chris Hope

K: Shayne Graham
P: Michael Koenen
KR/PR: Antonio Cromartie

Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens stayed the same, going 5 - 11 again, but suffered a serious blow when they learnt that LT Jonathan Ogden, one of the best to ever suit, decided to retire over the offseason. The Ravens have finally found their franchise QB, selecting QB Chad Gunn with the 7th overall pick, but now have no LT to protect him. The Ravens have a poor history of drafting, as their last two 1st rounders didn't make it past 1 year with the team, so they pray that this time they've got it right with Gunn. The defensive, and the defensive line in particular, is stout, and the offense is decent, but without Jonathan Odgen protecting him, the going might be tough for Gunn, who will be the starter in Baltimore from day one.

Starters:
QB: Chad Gunn (R) (3rd rounder Ramzee White #3)
HB: Willis McGahee
FB: Colby Colberson
WR: Jamaal Kidd (116 catche,s 1622 yards, 9 TDs in 2011, all career-highs), Raymond Conley (2010 2nd rounder Devonta Brandon #3)
TE: R.B. Sanders
OL: Cory Olson, Cory Lekkerkerker, Brad Meester, Ben Grubbs, Gosder Cherilus

DL: Tamba Hali (2010 2nd rounder Kedrick Bassett #3), Dre Moore, Kentwan Balmer, Haloti Ngata
LB: Calvin Pace, Martin McPeek, Kawika Mitchell
CB: Chris McAlister, Leodis McKelvin
S: Ed Reed, Stuart Schweigert

K: Tyron Stills (R)
P: Chad Stanley
KR/PR: Leodis McKelvin

Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers did decently in 2011, finishing 9 - 7, but there are several glaring holes, such as the defensive and offensive lines, that they chose not to address, instead adding 1st round CB Martin Benton (#18 overall) to an already-solid CB group. Especially with switch to a 4 - 3, the Steelers need more defensive line help, although they've done well in transforming their linebacking corps. HB C.C. Beachum is finally atop the depth chart, and he should terrorize opposing defenses with his speed. The Steelers have some good talent, but too many holes to finished above 2nd or 3rd in the division.

Starters:
QB: Ben Roethlisberger
HB: C.C. Beachum #2
FB: Derek Wilson
WR: Hines Ward, Noel Robertson
TE: Shannon Crist
OL: Marvel Smith, Cory McFarland, Shaun O'Hara, Deveo Fisher, Jeff Otah

DL: Sylven Tisdale, Donny Bower, Jay Alford, Philip Merling
LB: Shaun Brickley, Josh Baskin, Kel Summers
CB: Brandon Flowers, Ike Taylor (Martin Benton #4)
S: Antoine Jefferson, Troy Polamalu

K: Jerrell Mingo
P: Omarius Palmer (R)
KR/PR: C.C. Beachum

[milkman41]

AFC East Season Preview

Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins again finished 1 - 15, good for the 1st overall pick, this time selecting stud DT Rondell Lee, who should help immediately. QB Luke Rambis, the future of the franchise, made progress, finishing with an 81.7 QB rating with 13 TDs, 9 INTs, and 2424 yards, but Rambis and the Dolphins are going to have to better use his arsenal of receiving weapons, to which they added WR Craig Eastwood (2 - 33), to really air it out. What makes the Dolphins struggles so puzzling is that they're done everything right - they found their franchise LT, then their franchise QB, built a borderline-elite offensive line, surrounded their QB with weapons, but just haven't found a way to win. The Dolphins focused on defense this draft, overhauling their front 7 as they switched to a 4 - 3 defense. They added Lee, 2nd rounder ROLB Armond Abernathy (2 - 36), traded up to select LE Edell Edwards (39), and plucked LOLB Cashmere Jennings with the 1st selection of the 3rd round. Hopefully these additions will be enough to pull the Dolphins out of the basement.

Starters:
QB: Luke Rambis
HB: Ronnie Brown
FB: Luke McLaughlin
WR: Mario Manningham, Craig Eastwood (R) (Boomer Birdsong, #5 overall in 2010, still #5)
TE: Martellus Bennett
OL: Jake Long, Sam Cumberland, Dan Koppen, Elton Garnett, Mason Baskin

DL: Edell Edwards (R), Rondell Lee (R), Jovan Haye, John Abraham
LB: Cashmere Jennings (R), Kevin Burnett, Armond Abernathy (R)
CB: Erick Crosby, Drayton Florence
S: Michael Johnson, Clyde Peterson

K: J.T. Bishop
P: Chris Kluwe
KR/PR: Boomer Birdsong

Buffalo Bills
After a 9 - 7 2010, the Bills faltered, finishing 7 - 9 as the entire division sagged. The Bills replaced MLB Ray Lewis with their 11th overall selection, MLB Adam Dade, and found a solid CB in Terrel Lewis at 2 - 43. The team lost DT Marcus Stroud and SS Donte Whitner, a pair of key cogs, and, interestingly enough, replaced Stroud with his old running-mate in Jacksonville DT John Henderson. The Bills look like a 2nd or 3rd place team.

Starters:
QB: Trent Edwards
HB: Marshawn Lynch (1385 yards, 13 TDs in 2011)
FB: Ben Utecht
WR: Lee Evans, Harry Douglas
TE: Alge Crumpler
OL: David Webb (2011 1st rounder Andre Gore #2), Derrick Dockery, Carl Randolph, Duke Preston, Karron Thomas

DL: Rico Martin (R UDFA)(2011 2nd rounder Dantrell Madison #2), John Henderson, Gabe Holliday, Aaron Schobel
LB: Angelo Crowell, Adam Dade (R), Roy Manning
CB: Mike Jenkins, Terrence McGee (Terrell Lewis #3)
S: Ken Hamlin, Joel Taylor

K: Rian Lindell
P: Brian Moorman
KR/PR: Roscoe Parrish

New England Patriots
The Patriots finished first in the division with a 10 - 6 record, which was a bit of a disappointment following their 15 - 1 record in 2010, and were even more disappointed when they lost in the first round to the Chiefs. The Patriots then lost the right side of their line to the Chargers, as well as stud ROLB Keith Rivers to the Jets, but added fearsome ROLB James Harrison to an already-strong defense. The Pats didn't really address their needs in the draft, instead adding TE Jaff Gabbert at 1 - 21 and MLB Langston Jones, Jr. at 2 - 53. Age continues to be a concern for this team, as is the weakened offensive line, but I don't know if it is enough to dethrone them quite yet.

Starters:
QB: Tom Brady
HB: Laurence Maroney
FB: Corey Wilford
WR: Randy Moss, Javon Walker
TE: Ivan Hendricks (Jeff Gabbert #2)
OL: Matt Light, Jake Lane (R), Mike Sandberg, Grant Culberson, Eric Winston

DL: Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Richard Seymour
LB: LaTroy Jackson, Jeremiah Trotter, Kevin Taylor (Langston Jones, Jr. #4), James Harrison
CB: Ellis Hobbs, Antoine Cason
S: Darryl Branch, Cody Rawlinson

K: Stephen Gostkowski
P: Josh Bidwell
KR/PR: Wes Welker

[milkman41]

New York Jets Season Preview

53-Man Roster

QB           Overall Potential Age Experience Contract Years Left Role
Anquan Taylor	80	93	25	1	9.4M	4	Starter
Brodie Croyle	72	72	28	6	600k	1	Backup

HB							
Marquis Shakur	74	88	21	R	740k	4	Starter
Antonio Usher	69	76	24	3	610k	1	Backup
Beau Wilder	72	75	25	3	510k	1	Depth/#2 KR
Bryan Peterson	22	64	73	R	390k	1	Scat Back

FB							
Carl Stewart	82	82	26	4	600k	1	#1 FB
Ray Hamilton	78	79	25	3	510k	1	#2 FB

WR							
Early Doucet	86	87	26	4	4.4M	4	#1 WR
Lavernues Coles	85	86	32	12	4.9M	2	#2 WR
Jehuu Bacon	75	93	25	R	6.3M	5	#3 WR
Vincent Jackson	72	73	28	7	720k	1	#4 WR
Devin Thomas	73	73	26	4	600k	1	#5 WR
Warrick Hugo	64	81	22	1	440k	2	Detph WR/#1 KR

TE							
Marcedes Lewis	73	77	28	6	1.1M	1	#1 TE
Tony Scheffler	70	76	29	6	500k	1	#2 TE
Jerome Pittman	62	81	22	1	360k	1	#3 TE

LT							
Sam Baker	85	86	26	4	2.7M	4	Starting LT
Matt Beckum	88	91	23	R	7.3M	5	Starting RT

LG							
Shane Rosenthal	84	90	25	1	480k	2	Starting LG
Sugar Randolph	81	84	23	R	480k	3	Backup G
Armond Burt	80	81	26	3	1.9M	3	Depth OL

C							
Nick Mangold	93	94	27	6	5.9M	3	Starting C
Joel Switzer	75	79	25	R	290k	1	Backup C

RG							
Tony Kabongo	74	80	24	R	530k	3	Starting RG

RT							
Mike Stowers	87	88	28	3	1.0M	1	Backup OT

LE							
Andre Dalembert	90	92	25	3	9.1M	3	Starting 4 - 3, 3 - 4 LE
Aaron Henry	68	69	24	1	300k	2	Depth DE

RE							
Vernon Gholston	84	84	26	4	7.9M	1	Starting 4 - 3 RE, 3 - 4 ROLB
Eric Baker	72	78	26	4	600k	1	Backup/Pass Rushing DE

DT							
Adam Carriker	89	91	28	5	2.0M	1	Starting 4 - 3 DT, 3 - 4 RE
Kory Holt	76	78	25	4	1.6M	1	Backup 4 - 3 DT
Kosta Snider	69	70	26	3	510k	1	3 - 4 NT
LeTroy Guion	73	73	26	4	600k	1	Starting 4 - 3 DT

LOLB							
Kieth Rivers	94	94	26	4	5.7M	7	Starting LOLB
Travis Myles	69	71	23	R	200M	3	Depth OLB
Brian Kehl	77	77	26	4	900k	1	Backup 4 - 3/Coverage OLB

ROLB							
Keith Ellison	78	79	27	6	900k	1	Starting ROLB
Prescott Burgess	73	77	28	5	600k	1	Backup 3 - 4 OLB

MLB							
David Harris	86	87	27	5	2.9M	4	Starting MLB
Dan Connor	78	79	26	4	740k	5	Backup MLB
Renardo Wiley	76	79	27	4	570k	3	Depth LB

CB							
Darelle Revis	92	94	27	5	7.1M	1	Starting CB
Tyrod Darlin	90	94	25	2	9.3M	4	Starting CB
Tyson Felton	78	87	22	R	840k	4	Nickel CB
Allen Saine	75	86	26	2	900k	1	Dime CB
Patrick McDonald	72		23	R	290k	1	Depth CB

FS							
Brandon Bellamy	77	83	24	2	1.0M	5	Starting FS
Abram Elam	76	79	28	6	830k	2	Backup S

SS							
Kerry Rhodes	89	90	30	7	4.9M	2	Starting DD
Trey Blair	65	70	23	R	290k	1	Depth S

K							
Tarik Millard	74	91	23	R	290k	1	Starting K

P							
Mark Simpkins	67	89	23	R	290k	1	Starting P

Interesting Notes: The Jets have new starters at QB, HB, FB, WR, LT, RG, RT, LE (RE Andre Dalembert switched to LE), DT, RE (3 – 4 ROLB Vernon Gholston moved to RE), LOLB, ROLB, FS, P, and K.

Although there was much talk of Head Coach Steve Caruzzo bring in players who have played for him in the past, the only such players are HB Beau Wilder (brief stint on the team in 2011) and LT Sam Baker (1st round pick by Caruzzo in 2008).

The players drafted by Head Coach Steve Caruzzo, both here and in Tampa Bay, are HB Marquis Shaker, WR Jehuu Bacon, LT Matt Beckum, LT Sam Baker, LG Sugar Randolph, RG Tony Kabongo, DT Kosta Snider, LOLB Tyler Miles, and CB Tyson Felton.

Of the recent Jets draftees (pre-Caruzzo), only QB Anquan Taylor (#4 overall, 2011), WR Warrick Hugo (3rd round, 2011), LG Shane Rosenthal (4th round, 2011), RT Mike Stowers (2nd round, 2009), RE Andre Dalembert (#3 overall, 2009) and RE/ROLB Vernon Gholston (#6 overall, 2008) remain on the team. The only players picked up in the 2012 draft not to make the team are WR Jamil Webster, WR Sammy Webster, and TE Jon Riggs. Webster made it to the final round of cuts before being replaced by WR Devin Thomas, a player Caruzzo was interesting in drafting in 2008.