Breaking Down The NFC

In his continuing series, FC breaks down the NFC.  The NFC has been losing talent to the other conference all offseason, and features some deep divisions (the NFC East) and some weak ones (the NFC West).

Check out FC's full breakdown after the jump.

North

1. Minnesota Vikings

QB
With Favre B-
W/O Favre D+
RB-A
WR/TE-D
OL-B
DL-A
LB-B+
DB-B-
ST-C

Breakdown

The Vikings quarterback play will make or break the season. Favre is ancient...If he signs he will bring respectability to the position at least...Peterson is the best back in the game....Chester Taylor is a quality # 2 back. Matt Birk could be a huge loss...I don't expect early favorite John Sullivan to win the center job...I expect Ryan Cook to start at center and Phil Loadholt to start at RT. The Vikings receiving core is very raw and unproven...The Vikings Tight Ends are both excellent blockers...They are both limited in the passing game.

The Vikings defense is very good...Top 5 in the NFL IMO. The Williams boys are the best interior duo in the NFL...Jared Allen maybe the best rush end in the NFL....Ray Edwards is stout against the run and will clean up things rushing the passer. The Vikings linebackers are unheralded but very good...This front 7 works great as a unit. The Vikings defensive backs are iffy in my eyes...Winfield and Griffin are better on paper then they are on the field. Tyrell Johnson was decent as a 1st year starter...Madieu Williams maybe the most over rated safety in the NFL.

The Vikings had a nice draft....I like every pick...Percy Harvin will be a vertical threat as a rookie...Teams will be forced to play 8 in the Box. The Vikings should be able to handle the 4 game suspension of the Williams boys...They face the Browns Lions 49rs and Green Bay.

2.Green Bay Packers

QB-B
RB-B-
WR/TE-A-
OL-B-
DL-C+
LB-B+
DB-C+
ST-B-

Breakdown

I'm not an Aaron Rodgers fan...The Packers receiving core is very deep and very talented. Rodgers was decent as a first year starter...I expect him to improve in his second season. The Packers 3 and 4 Wr's could start for a ton of teams in the NFL. The Packers offensive line will return 4 starters...I expect Duke Preston to replace Mark Tauscher at RT. Donald Lee and Jermicheal Finley are both threats in the passing game...Finley really developed as a run blocker last season. Ryan Grant is solid at running back...He was over rated last year...He might be slightly under rated this year.

The Packers defense is switching to a 34...If things fall right...They could be a dominant defense. The Packers defense line should be interesting...Raji and Pickett could rotate at NT...Cullen Jenkins is a lock and solid at DE...Mike Montgomery and Justin Harrell should fight it out for the other defensive end...For a team transitioning to a new defensive front the Packers have quality fits for the system. AJ Hawk and Nick Barnett should be nice fits inside...Aaron Kampman a 300 pound defensive tackle in college who became a dominant 43 NFL end will transition to ROLB...Rookie Clay Mathews Jr should be the other starter at OLB...The Packers lack linebacker depth...The Packers will need some luck...They could have a quality front 7 on defense. I do not like the Packers defensive backs...Charles Woodson and Al Harris have played at a high level the past 3 years...Both players have lost a step...The depth behind them is non existent. Nick Collins is a decent safety...Atari Bigby is a blown coverage waiting to happen.

The Packers had a solid draft....The Packers will need some luck...If Chad Clifton decides to retire the Packers could be screwed .....I expect the Packers defense to surprise some teams and fans this year.

3. Chicago Bears

QB-B
RB-B
WR/TE-C
OL-B-
DL-B
LB-B
DB-C+
ST-B+

Breakdown

I admit I am not a Jay Cutler fan...The kid is not a winner...That simple. He has a cannon...He can throw the ball on the move...He is a fine athlete...He reminds me of Neil O'-...He will find a way to lose the big game. Kevin Forte is a very good back...He is not great....He is reliable and solid. The Bears offensive line is hard to figure...If Orlando Pace can stay healthy and still play...He is most likely a top 4 LT in the NFL...The interior of the offensive line is undersized with a ton of grit...RT should be a battle between Chris Williams and Kevin Schaffer. The Bears have 2 solid weapons at TE in Olson and Clark...The Wr core is also up in the air...Earl Bennett and Joaquin Iglesias could be under rated weapons for this offense; one must become a reliable possession receiver...Davis and Hester must produce vertically in the passing game....The Bears offense could be real good...Could be real bad.

I've been saying for years the Bears defense is all hype and zero substance. The Bears defense is soft. Tommie Harris is a great penetrator he wants no part of the run game...Dusty Dvorcek is not a quality NFL player...The Bears have 4 quality ends they rotate in...The Bears can't stop the run when it matters...It starts with Dline...The Linebackers are not much better. Both Urlacher and Briggs can make plays in space...They can chase...Both struggle at the point of attack...Both struggle to beat blockers...The Bears front seven is soft...They will get by in the awful NFC North. The Bears defensive backs were awful last year...I understand injuries ravished the team...Tillman and Vasher are slightly above average...The cupboard is bare outside of those two unless DJ Moore shows he can play...I hate both Bears safeties...Playing a Pure Tampa 2 System they are not asked to do much...That's a good thing...Because Jason Payne and Josh Bullocks both suck.

Detroit Lions

QB-C
RB-B
WR/TE-C
OL-D
DL-D
LB-B
DB-D
ST-B

Breakdown

Daunte Culpepper lost 35 pounds this off season...He will most likely start the year...I'm not sure he will finish the first month. Matthew Stafford has a power arm but a pea brained mind. He panics in critical situations ... he is not what I would call a clutch player... The Lions offensive line is awful. Jeff Backus could be a decent RT...He can't play LT...Damion Cook has upside...He better improve quickly...Dom Raiola and Stephen Peterman lack strength and hip flexibility to start in the NFL...I'm not a fan of Gosder Cherlius....He is a nasty SOB. I feel bad for Calvin Johnson...Kid is a phenom...Hopefully the Lions can find a compliment to Johnson in Ronald Curry Bryant Johnston and Derrick Williams...Williams is the best chance...He never impressed as a receiver at PSU. If the Lions offensive line can manage to block somebody Kevan Smith has ability as a running back...He reminds me of Dorsey Levens when he runs...He finishes every run hard....Maurice Morris is a nice compliment. If the Lions offensive line improves...They should win at least 2 games.

The Lions defensive line is not much better then the offensive line. Grady Jackson should be able to play against the run 35 plays a game...Chuck Darby is a nice 1 gap player at the other DT...The Lions pass rush is non existent...Cliff Avril has potential...Jared Devries does not. The Lions backers should be the strength of the defense...Larry Foote should be an upgrade in the middle...Julian Peterson has a knack for making plays against the pass...Ernie Sims is a mad man at the Will. I hate the Lions defensive backs...Anthony Henry can't run or tackle...He has great ball skills...He just can't cover...Phillip Buchanan can run like the wind...He is very soft and very dumb. Louis Delmas could be NFL rookie defensive player of the year...He could make a ton of tackles(that's not a good thing)

South

1.Carolina Panthers

QB-C
RB-A+
WR/TE-C+
OL-B+
DL-B+
LB-C+
DB-C+
ST-B

Breakdown

The Panthers plan on offense is fairly simple...Run the ball and hope Jake Delhomme doesn't turn it over. Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are the best backfield combo in the NFL. The Panthers offensive line is massive and built for run blocking. The Panthers really need a compliment for Steve Smith in the passing game...Jarret is a bust...Mushin Mohammad is ancient...I see no other options on the roster. The Panthers have a group of under rated tight ends on the roster...King and Rosario can make plays...Neither is a vertical threat who can press the deep seam of the defense I believe the Panthers offense will have success inside of the division...I don't believe the Panthers can be a threat in the playoffs until the questions in the passing game are solved.

The Panthers defense is a bit of an enigma. On paper the defensive backs look like the strength of the defense...In reality the Panthers pass defense was awful the last 6 weeks of the 08 season. Richard Marshall will replace Ken Lucas as one starter at corner...Marshall was a very good player at Fresno St...He also showed ability the past 2 years as the Panthers nickel back...He should be an improvement...Chris Gamble looks great 1 game...Awful the next game...He needs to find A level of consistency if the Panthers expect to make the playoffs. Free Safety Charles Godfrey improved as the season went on...Strong Safety is a question mark heading into camp. The Panthers linebackers are very athletic and cover a ton of ground...All 3 Struggle against the run...Jon Beason and Thomas Davis must find a way to make more plays. The Panthers defensive line is very deep...If Peppers returns in shape with a chip on his shoulder the Panthers defensive line should be the strength of this defense...The Panthers could roll 8 quality defensive linemen.

2.Atlanta Falcons

QB-B
RB-B+
WR/TE-B
OL-B-
DL-C-
LB-C-
DB-D
ST-B

Breakdown

The Falcons have a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball. Matt Ryan had a solid rookie season...Ryan must do a better job protecting the ball in critical situations...I expect Ryan to take the next step becoming an elite Qb. Running backs Micheal Turner and Jarrious Norwood are a great combo...Turner is a bruiser with enough speed to break a 60 yard run...Norwood is a smooth home run threat with elite talent in the passing game. Falcons fullback Ovie Mcghullie maybe the most under rated player at his position in the NFL. The Falcons offensive line is a nasty group of over achievers who win most battles with violence and treachery...The Falcons had some issues in pass pro last year...The sack numbers won't show it...Sam Baker and Justin Blalock really struggled at times last season. The Falcons have weapons in the passing game...I admit I am a fan of Roddy White...His numbers the past 2 seasons line up with the NFL elite...Micheal Jenkins is a big target who flashed play making ability...Harry Douglas is the ideal slot Wr...Tony Gonzales solidifies the Falcons tight end core. I believe the Falcons have the most "complete" offense in the NFC South.

I dont like the Falcons defense. DE Jamal Anderson looks like a bust to me...This season will make or break his career. The other Falcons DE John Abraham is very solid when healthy...The past few seasons Abraham has been nicked...The Falcons need to create pressure off the edge. The Falcons defensive tackles struggle against power running teams...The Panthers beat the - out of the Falcons front 7 last year....The Falcons drafted Peria Jerry in the 1st round of this year's draft...If Jerry can stay healthy he could be an impact player...I believe the Falcons will have major issues stopping the run this season. The Falcons linebackers are young and have a ton to prove. Curtis Lofton looked like the real deal in his rookie season...Steven Nichols could be an impact player at OLB...The other OLB looks to be Mike Peterson...Peterson was basically cut last year in Jacksonville...Peterson is the key to the Falcons linebacking core. I hate the Falcons defensive backs.

3.New Orleans

QB-B+
RB-D
WR/TE-C
OL-B
DL-D
LB-D
DB-D
ST-B

Breakdown

I admit I am not a fan of Drew Brees...Brees lacks arm strength to be an elite QB IMO. Brees does chuck the ball 500 times a season...He makes smart decisions with the ball...IMO Brees can't make enough vertical plays down the field to win games in critical situations...Brees has never won a big game in his career. Reggie Bush is the only option in the running game on the Saints roster...Bush has struggled to adjust to the NFL game...Broncos castoff Mike Bell showed promise as a rookie in Denver 2 years ago...He could be the answer as a compliment to Bush...I won't hold my breath. The Saints have a ton of Wr's on the roster...Marquess Colston is the only quality player...The Saints have to find 2 more Wrs off this roster...Paris Warren had talent coming out of Utah...Robert Meachum has been a bust since entering the NFL...Lance Moore flashed potential last year...The Saints may be forced to rely on Jeremy Shockey in the passing game...That's a bad sign...Shockey hasn't been healthy for the past 3 seasons

The Saints defense is ugly...Sedrick Ellis is a quality player...The other defensive tackles are not... Former Steelers castoff Kendrick Clancy is expected to start beside Ellis. The Saints at least have talent at defensive end...Will Smith and Charles Grant will be key to this defense...Both players have 3 down potential...Both have issues with effort and consistency. The Saints linebackers stink...Jonathan Vilma is very average...Scott Shanle somehow continues to start...The Saints linebacking core is the worst in the NFL. The Saints have 4 decent corners on paper...I expect Tracy Porter and Jabari Greer to start...I expect Malcom Jenkins to start at FS...Jenkins lacks the quickness to play corner in the NFL....A player to watch for is rookie Chip Vaughn...I expect Vaughn to win the SS job and to be one helluva of a player.

4.Tampa Bay

QB-D
RB-B+
WR/TE-C-
OL-B+
DL-D
LB-C+
DB-B-
ST-C-

Breakdown

I never liked Byron Leftwich as a starter...He is a great team guy...He just lacks "it". Leftwich is the only option on the Bucs roster...Griese and Mcnown suck...Josh Johnson and Josh Freeman are both very raw...The Bucs have a major hole at QB this season. Earnest Graham and Derrick Ward should be a very good combo at running back...Running back is the strength of this offense. The Bucs Oline has the potential to be very good...Sears and Joseph are excellent run blocking guards...Jeff Faine is a decent center...Youngblood and Penn are both very under rated tackles. The Bucs could ground and pound NFC South teams to death...I have zero faith in the Bucs passing game...If the Passing game develops the Bucs could win this division. The Bucs don't have a ton of weapons in the passing game...Kellen Winslow Jr was a nice addition...He adds the possession receiver dimension to move the chains....Antonio Bryant is a time bomb waiting to go off...He had a very solid 2008 season...I question if he can repeat it in 2009. The Bucs have zero options outside other then Bryant...My main issue with the Bucs offense is scoring points.

I expect the Bucs defense to plummet mightily this season. Ronde Barber was awful last year...He lost 2-3 steps...He is a liability in cover 2 coverage...He can't react to plays in front of him. Derrick Brooks is gone...This defense has a ton of holes. Gaines Adams is a quality defensive end...I would not be surprised if Rookie Kyle Moore wins the LDE job...That should say something about the Bucs depth at DE...Its non existent. The Bucs defensive tackles are not much better...I expect castoffs Ryan Sims and Chris Hovan to start at DT...Another rookie Roy Miller could push for a starting job...The Bucs defensive line looks awful to me. Quincy Black should take over for Derrick Brooks...He has some big shoes to fill. Angelo Crowell will start at strong side linebacker...I was a fan of Crowell when he played for the Bills...He should fit the system to a "T"...Barrett Rudd is the ideal cover 2 mike backer...Quincy Black will make or break this linebacking core. Like I posted earlier I think Barber is done...Aqib Talib looks like a quality young corner opposite of him...The Bucs have several young corners with potential on the bench..The Bucs safeties are very hard hitting and both have ball skills...Jermaine Phillips is a terminator at SS(He may move to weak side linebacker if Black doesn't pan out) and Tarnard Jackson maybe the best safety in the NFL no one has heard of.

The NFC South is the most wide open division in the NFL....Again.

East

1.Philadelphia Eagles

QB-B
RB-A-
WR/TE-C-
OL-B+
DL-B+
LB-B-
DB-B
ST-B

Breakdown

I don't like McNabb...I never felt McNabb was a winner. He has all the tools to lead a team to a championship...He just manages to - things up at the worst possible times. Brian Westbrook is this generation's Lenny Moore or Marshall Faulk...He maybe the best player who gets the least amount of recognition over the past 5 years...I'm on the fence with Shady McCoy...I believe his ability to slash and cut will be a major weapon in cold weather games...I question his toughness and ability to take a beating over 16 games. The Eagles have zero quality Wr's...Desean Jackson is a great athlete...He is a questionable route runner at best....Kevin Curtis is breaking down...When Wr's start having knee hamstring and groin injuries every year its the beginning of the end of his career...Jason Avant Reggie Brown and Hank Baskett all suck. Brent Celek showed promise as a pass catching Te...He can't run block to save his life...Cornelius Ingram a rookie from Florida could be a major weapon...He better be...Because the Eagles lack weapons in the passing game. I think the Eagles Oline will be excellent this year...Shawn and Stacy Andrews will man the right side of the offensive line...Both are mammoth players...Both have great ability in the run game...Both have potential in pass pro. Todd Hermanias and Jason Peters make up the left side of the offensive line. Peters was terrible in 08....He was pretty damn good his first 4 years in the league...Hermanias has improved every season to the point of being an elite NFL guard. Nick Cole and Jammal Jackson will fight it out for center...If Jackson wins the job...The Eagles Oline will average 6-5 330 pounds

The Eagles defense is very fast...They use non stop movement, stunting, and blitzing to wreck offensive blocking schemes...They can make Super Bowl champions look like dog -. The Eagles rotate 4 quality defensive tackles(Bunkley Patterson Laws and Gordon) with 5 quality defensive ends(Parker Cole Abirami and Clemons) and challenge teams to block them. I believe the Eagles backers are talented but over rated....Stewart Bradley is decent in coverage...He struggles to beat blockers in the run game...Chris Gocong has struggled in the NFL....IMO he doesn't have an NFL skill set...Akeem Jordan is fantastic in coverage...The speed and skill of the defensive line disguise his inability to play the run. The Eagles defensive backs lost a ton of experience when Dawkins and Sheppard left via free agency...The Eagles still lineup 2 shut down corners in Assante Samuel and Sheldon Brown...The Eagles have 3 decent corners(Hobbs Macho Harris and Jack the Thief from Wisconsin) who will fight it out for 2 jobs. The Eagles safeties can run(Mikell and Demps)...They are raw and lack experience

2. NY Giants

QB-B
RB-B+
WR/TE-D-
OL-B+
DL-A
LB-C
DB-C
ST-C

Breakdown

I don't know what to think of Eli Manning...He has a ring...So does Joe Theisman. Eli is athletic enough...He has a strong arm...Good feet...Decent accuracy...To quote Tomlin...He is what he is. The Giants backfield lost Ward....They still have Bradshaw and Jacobs...I really like Andre Brown a rookie draft pick...The Giants backfield could be the best in the NFL...Jacobs running style leads to injuries...Bradshaw has serious character issues...Brown has done nothing in the NFL..Wow the Giants Wr's look horrible on paper...Steve Smith(The other one) and Dominick Hixon(2 game wonder)...Ramses Barden a rookie 3rd round pick could win a job...The Giants Te's can really run block...Kevin Boss doesn't look pretty in the run game...He just wins battles...He is a decent option in the passing game...Mike Mathews is a violent run blocker at the point of attack...Travis Beckum could be used in a receiving role...The Giants Te core is very good...The Giants Wr core looks - to me...Mario Manningham and Sinorce Moss? The Giants oline is very similar to the mid 90's Steelers...5 tough guys beating players up...Left tackle David Diehl maybe best suited for LG...He has done a very good job at LT the past 3 seasons...He has improved every season...Guards Rich Sebeurt and Chris Snee are nasty wrecking balls who destroy the interior of defenses...Center Shaun O'Hara is very good...Right tackle Kareem McKenzie has battled injuries the past few seasons when healthy he is a top 10 RT in the NFL.

The Giants have ridiculous defensive line depth...IMO Cris Canty will bust inside at DT...Canty played an up field role in Phillips attacking style of 34 defense in Dallas...Canty can't make his living playing a nasty game...The interior of the trenches in the NFL is for men...Canty will be cut...down blocked...Chopped... and Held...And nothing will be called inside. The Giants still have Rocky Bernard Jay Alford and Fred Robbins on the bench inside the Giants other starting defensive tackle Barry Cofield is excellent against the run. The Giants have a ton of talent at defensive end Justin Tuck Mathias Kiwanuka Osi Umenyoria...The Giants defensive line is sick. I don't like the Giants backers...Mike Boley was benched in Atlanta last year...He couldn't beat a block to save his life...Danny Clark and Antonio Pierce are old and slow..I believe the Giants defensive line will keep the backers clean in the run game and cover up some deficiencies...Boley does have a ton of talent in coverage...I believe the Giants will struggle to defend the controlled passing game. The Giants defensive backfield should be interesting to watch...Both safeties(Johnson and Phillips) are young and raw...The corners(Ross Webster Terrell Thomas) lack consistency...The Giants pass rush better get there...I don't think the back 7 is a championship level core.

3.Dallas Cowgirls

QB-C+
RB-A
WR/TE-C-
OL-C
DL-A
LB-C+
DB-D
ST-C

Breakdown

The next time Tony Romo wins a big game it will be his first time(Yogi)...Romo looks great when games don't matter...When it's time to play the big games he disappears or gives the game away. The Cowboys running game is in very solid hands...Barber Jones and Choice maybe the best trio in the NFL...All 3 backs bring a different dimension to the game. Jason Whitten is a fantastic TE...He maybe the most complete TE in the NFL...The Cowboys Wr core is pretty bad...I never liked Roy Williams...He is a below average 2nd option...Patrick Crayton has flashed potential in games...He is a better 3rd option...The Cowboys don't have a quality 1st or 2nd Wr on the roster...The NFC east is the No - catchers division...The Wr cores really suck. The Cowboys offensive line is circling the drain IMO...Tackles Flozell Adams and Mark Colombo have serious health concerns...Leonard Davis is very good at right guard...Andre Gurode maybe the 2nd best center in the NFL...Left guard Kykle Kosier has serious foot issues...If the Cowboys Oline stays healthy they could be very good...That's a big "If".

The Cowboys defensive line is very good...They replaced Canty with Igor Olashansky who plays a different a game...I believe the Cowboys maybe tougher against the run with the addition of Igor...They will lose some pass rushing ability...Marcus Spears is big tough agile man at the other defensive end...Running the ball between the tackles could be very difficult against the Cowboys this season...NT Jay Ratliff is fun to watch...He is not the typical 34 NT...He is close to 6-4 and weighs 290 pounds...He beats blocks with quickness leverage and hand strength...The Cowboys defensive line lacks depth...One injury could devastate the unit. I have mixed feelings about the Cowboys backers...Demarucs Ware is a bad man...Bradie James is a perfect 34 buck linebacker...Both players are elite....I think Anthony Spencer is a joke and a bust...His stats look decent...His play on the field did not....Keith Brooking is a warrior...His body can't hold up...He's done.
The Cowboys corners are up in the air...Terrance Newman when healthy is a quality player...He can't stay healthy...Orlando Scandrick had a very solid rookie season...He is better suited as a returner and 3rd corner...Mike Jenkins was a major bust...The Cowboys safeties are iffy as well...Ken Hamlin is solid every 4 years...He should suck the next 2 seasons...Gerald Sensbaugh is terrible...If he starts the Cowboys are in big trouble

4. Washington Redskins

QB-C
RB-C+
WR/TE-C+
OL-D
DL-C+
LB-C+
DB-B+
ST-C

Breakdown

I feel bad for Jason Campbell...He has had zero luck in his career dating back to Auburn. Campbell will most likely never be great...He is pretty good...He has a strong arm...Decent mobility and accuracy...He has heart...He makes decent decisions with the ball...I do not like Clinton Portis...Their is no denying his success in this league...Ladell Betts needs to show he can still play the game...He was awful in 2008. The Redskins Wr core looks decent on paper...They failed to make plays and dropped a ton of balls last year. Moss and ARE both lack size...Both can make plays in space...They need to limit the drops...The Skins have 2 talented rookies(Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas) on the bench who could develop and make this the best Wr core in the division. The Skins offensive line is in shambles...Left tackle Chris Samuels sucks...Right Tackle Mike Williams ate himself out of the league once already...Derrick Dockery was awful the past 2 seasons for the Bills...Randy Thomas can't stay healthy...When healthy he is way over rated..Casey Rabach is Sean Mahan like. I hate the Skins Oline...Vinny Cerrato should be fired for fielding these oafs.

Albert Haynesworth is a very good player...For 35 plays a game...The Skins way overpaid for a limited player. Cornelius Griffin is old and injury prone...Andre Carter is a very slick rushing the passer...He sucks playing the run...Brian Orakpo is going to be exposed his first year in the NFl...Brandon Carter beat his - last year...There are a ton of mammoth RT's in the NFL. The Skins have a bunch of overpaid under skilled journeymen defensive linemen on the bench. The Skins backer core has the chance to be very good...Rocky Mcintosh and London Fletcher fly around killing everything on the field...Both players show the ability to overcome limited size to win battles...HB Blades will be the key to the backers...I think he will do a great job against the run...Can he cover? Deangelo Hall is a very good cover corner...He had his issues in Oakland...He was very good in Atlanta...He was solid in Washington last year...Carlos Rodgers is very good at the other corner...If he can stay healthy he should make a pro bowl or two in his career. Laron Landry is a nasty ball hawking missile at safety...Chris Horton was robbed of defensive rookie of the year last year IMO...I love the Skins starters...Hate the players off the bench.

West

1.Seattle Seahawks

QB-B
RB-C-
WR/TE-B
OL-B
DL-D
LB-A-
DB-B-
ST-B

Breakdown

I really don't like Hasselback that much..He has quality targets in the passing game...The Seahawks have a ton of speed and quickness at Wr...Burelson Branch Butler...Houshashoebomber is a quality possession receiver...A player I really like is Te John Carlson...He has the speed to split the safeties and outrun the middle linebacker against Cover 2. If Hasselback can stay healthy...The Seahawks passing game could be very good. I hate the Seahawks backs...I never was a fan of Julius Jones...He looks the part...He runs soft. I was a fan of TJ Duckett 4 years ago....He lost his burst...He is now a big target looking to go down....Justin Forsett is a nice scat back...He can't carry the ball more then 10 times in a game. The Seahawks Oline play will make or break them. Walter Jones and Mike Wahle are both ancient...When healthy both are still elite. Center Chris Spencer has been a disappointment to this point of his career...RG will most likely be won by Ray Willis who was very impressive last season starting at multiple positions...RT Shane Locklear has developed into a very solid player...The Seahawks have great interior depth...They have zero depth at tackle.

The Seahawks defensive line is the weakness of this team...Patrick Kearney is a warrior...He plays hard every down...He can't stay healthy...The one player I really like on the Seahawks defensive line is Lawrence Jackson...He was forced to play some defensive tackle last season...He was overwhelmed at times...He never quit...He learned to play with leverage...He could develop into a very solid strong side defensive end...The Seahawks signed Colin Cole to play 2 gap defensive tackle...He is limited...He can play 30-35 plays at a pretty high level...The other defensive tackle is rookie bust Brandon Mebane...He has the all tools to be a dominant one gap player...He just fails to make plays. I really like the Seahawks linebackers....Lofa Tatupu is a far better pro then I ever expected...He struggles when forced to take on blockers...He is very good against the pass...His tackling has improved...He is a very good player...Leroy Hill is up and down...Some games he looks like a future hall of famer...Other games like a piece of -...He can cover any TE in the NFL man for man all over the field....He is very good taking on blocks...His football IQ allows him to make plays you wouldn't expect...Weak side linebacker will be man'd by rookie Aaron Curry...Curry was the best college linebacker I watched in a long time...He will be tested in the NFL...I saw zero weakness in his game at Wake Forest...He can run cover and tackle...He doesn't stay blocked...He hits with every ounce of his body every play...I think he is a future pro bowl player. The Seahawks defensive backs have talent...They need to make plays...Ken Lucas and Marcus Trufant are the starting corners..Josh Wilson and Kelly Jennings are the nickel and dime corners...That's 4 solid players. Deon Grant is a very solid safety...He maybe best suited to play FS at this point of his career...Grant can read the ball and make plays all over the field...Brian Russell is awful...I would not be surprised if Jamar Adams won SS and Deon Grant moved to FS.

This was the toughest division to predict...The Seahawks are ancient...The Cards may have more talent...I just have a feeling the Seahawks stay healthy and win the division.

2. Arizona Cardinals

QB-B+
RB-D
WR/TE-A-
OL-B-
DL-C-
LB-B-
DB-B
ST-B

Breakdown

I - hate Kurt Warner...When Warner is surrounded with quality talent he is a Hall of Fame quarterback...The Cardinals receiving core is nasty..Larry Fitzgerald is sick...He wins anything near him...He is the best red zone target in the NFL...He really can't be legally covered. I am not the biggest Aquan Boldin fan in the world...I respect his toughness and ability...He is a tough nasty possession receiver...He is a nightmare for corners to tackle...His physicality is a level below Hines Ward..Woody High's Steve Breaston maybe the best 3rd option in the NFL...His vertical speed is sick...He gets fast in 2 steps...He can cut on a dime...He really became a quality route runner last season...I hate the Cardinals Tight Ends...The Receivers earned an A+ from me...The Cardinals should run a 3 Wr base offense...Anthony Becht is the Cardinals best option at Te...He can still run block...Ben Patrick is a piece of - wife beater....Leonard Pope sucks...And Steven Spach blew out 3 knee ligaments he is done for awhile. Beanie Wells could make me look like a fool...I think he will suck in the NFL...He reminds me of so many big backs...He takes to long to get to full speed...Holes open and close in a blink of the eye in the NFL...Tim Hightower was a nice story last season...He better learn to protect the ball...The Cards running back core will cost them the division title and possibly the playoffs this season. I actually like the Cards Oline...Tackles Mike Gandy and Levi Brown don't always look pretty in pass pro...Both got the job done last season...Both are above average in the run game...Guards Deuce Lutui and Reggie Wells are both solid starters...Lutui continues to improve...Wells play has leveled off the past few seasons...Lyle Sendlin did a very nice job his first year starting last season...He was very impressive in the playoffs.

I do not like the Cards defensive scheme players or direction...Clancy Pendergrast did a great job with limited talent for years...He was fired this off season...I believe Whisenhut made a serious blunder. Bert Berry is 116 years old...He is done. The other end Calias Campbell looked lost last year...He was far from impressive IMO...The Cards allowed their best defensive linemen Antonio Smith to walk...Another serious blunder ..The only reason the Cards didn't get a F from me is Darnell Dockett...He is a quality player...He maybe better then Smith...Dockett is strong at the point of attack with explosive up field ability...He really is a special player...Bryan Robinson the other starting defensive tackle is not...He's like 115 years old with zero left in the tank. I like the Cards linebackers more than most...Karlos Dansby has some James Farrior in him...Smart athletic dependable...Gerald Hayes is a bulldog in the run game...He competes hard every down...He makes up for a lack of size and speed with non stop hustle and a high football IQ. Chike Okeafor will be interesting as a 43 Will linebacker...I would not be surprised if rookie Cody Brown wins the job.
The Cards defensive backs should be the strength of the defense. Bryant Mcfadden and DRC are solid starting corners...Antrel Rolle and Adrian Wilson are excellent safeties...The depth behind them is suspect.

3. SF 49rs

QB-D
RB-B+
WR/TE-C-
OL-C-
DL-C
LB-B+
DB-D
ST-A

Breakdown

Shaun Hill is a very limited quarterback...He is alot like Trent Dilfer to me...Don't ask him to do much...He can manage games...He has decent arm strength...His accuracy comes and goes...He is limited athletically. I really like the Niners backs...Frank Gore maybe over rated...He is a very good player...Glen Coffee is a slasher...He finds the hole and attacks it...He was a quality 3rd round draft find and a nice compliment to Gore...Kory Sheets has elite speed...Thomas Clayton is a big back with a nice burst...2 players 1 postion. Michael Crabtree has to be the real deal for the Niners offense to have any chance of moving the ball...Crabtree was smaller and slower than advertised...He dominated college football...Crabtree has great hands...He wins 50-50 balls...He could be the next Larry Fitzgerald or the next Yatil Green...Issac Bruce will never retire...Bruce is one of my favorite receivers of the past decade...He never bitches or complains to the media...He just makes plays...Bruce is a nice role model for Crabtree...The Niners other Receivers are fringe players...Arnaz Battle and Brandon Jones..Or young and unproven Jason Hill Josh Morgan and Dom Ziegler...The Niners have bodies at Wr...I don't know how many players they have. The Niners offensive line is a mess...If Marvel Smith is healthy enough to play he should shore up one tackle...That's a big if...Joe Staley just signed a big deal...To be honest I am not a fan...David Baas and Chilo Rachal are both fringe starters at guard...Eric Heittman is a very under rated center....The Niners have some depth across the offensive line...Position battles could strengthen this line...I don't see a ton of talent.

The Niners defensive line is ugly...Kentwan Balmer and Mike Singletary had some issues last season...Balmer is not expected to start...Justin Smith actually played pretty well as a 34 defensive end...I have to admit...I was utterly - amazed how well he played. Issac Sopoago starts at the other defensive end...He is huge 6-3 330...He actually runs well for a man his size...He is a poor mans Haloti Ngata...Abuyaro Franklin is forced to play NT...He is not very good...He is the only option on the roster...Unless Balmer wins a defensive end job then Sopoago can slide into NT...Like I said it's ugly...The Niners linebackers are not ugly...Patrick Willis has developed into the premier inside linebacker in the NFL...Takeo Spikes found the fountain of youth for the Niners...He played at an extremely high level last season...Manny Lawson finally took steps to prove he is a football player not a track specimen...Lawson showed a great deal of improvement last season...He could be a pro bowl player this season...Parys Haralson is a very skilled pass rusher...He is built like James Harrison but plays a complete opposite game...He is all finesse and skill...He has made a ton of plays over the past 2 seasons. I hate the Niners defensive backs...Nate Clements is way over paid...He is a quality corner...He is nowhere near the best corner in the NFL. Walt Harris is ancient opposite of him...Shawnte Spencer (Woody High again) the Niners nickel corner can't stay healthy...The Niners safeties are real freaking slow...The Niners have a long way to go in there rebuild.

4.St Louis Rams

QB-C-
RB-B-
WR/TE-D
OL-B
DL-C
LB-D
DB-B-
ST-B

Breakdown

Marc Bulger is very fragile...Kyle Boller sucks. The Rams must protect Bulger if they expect to win 4 games. Steven Jackson is a good back...He can't be considered great until he learns to play through nagging injuries...The Rams have a bunch of talented young players behind Jackson on the depth chart...Kenneth Darby was a pleasant rookie surprise...Antonio Pittman showed flashes last season as well. The Rams receiving core is beyond decimated...I like Donnie Avery...He can run 3 routes at this point of his career...A fly, A hitch, and a corner route...He has elite talent and athleticism...He must become a receiver....Kennan Burton who I loved coming out of Kentucky is expected to start opposite of Avery...Burton has yet to complete an NFL season...The Rams have nothing behind them on the depth chart...Joe Klopfstein is a big target and a decent run blocking tight end...Randy McMichael the other tight end is a fringe NFL player with zero heart. The Rams offensive line could be the strength of this team...Jason Smith is a rookie starter at LT...I think he will have a fine NFL career...He may take some time to adjust...Alex Barron is a bum who will continue to steal a check...He is decent in the run game and very average in pass pro...I love the interior of the Rams offensive line...Center Jason Brown is the best in the business and it's not even close...Jacob Bell and Richie Incognito bring a nasty attitude to this team...Both players must stay healthy. The Rams maybe able to ground and pound there way through the NFC West...Cards Niners and Seahawks have questionable defensive lines...Keeping Bulger healthy and Avery's development will be keys to success for the Rams.

I called Adam Carricker and Chris Long both future NFL busts...Carricker is a bust...Chris Long is well on his way...Both players lack explosiveness and athletic ability...Both players struggle to beat blocks...Both players were far more hype then substance. The bad news for the Rams...Long and Carricker are the strength of the defensive line...Clifton Ryan is the other starter at defensive tackle for the Rams...He is a try hard guy...He is undersized and underskilled...Victor Adenjeau the Rams strong side defensive end is a high motor player who runs around the field like a gremlin on speed. Will Witherspoon is a decent player...He is nothing special...He is the king of the 10 yards down field tackle...James Laurenitas could be a quality NFL player..I don't think so...He is slow and stiff...Some how some way Chris Draft found another team to start for in the NFL...He is the Jason Vorhees of the NFL...No matter what you do...He just won't die...I think Draft is terrible. The Rams defensive backs have the potential to be great...Ronald Bartell is slowly developing into a very good coverage corner...Tye Hill the other corner is finally healthy...He was very good as a rookie...He struggled with injuries the past 2 seasons....Oshiomogho Atogwe maybe the best safety in the NFL you never heard of...I really like the addition of James Butler...He brings a Ryan Clark element to this defense...Very smart...Nasty hitter