RB rankings: Teams 1-10

[The President]

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With training camps approaching, Scouts Inc. ranks the NFL teams 1-32 at nine positions. Today's position: running back.


1. San Diego Chargers
It is hard to not be ranked No. 1 when you have the reigning league MVP and best running back in the NFL on your roster. LaDainian Tomlinson was unstoppable last season. He is the most versatile running back in the NFL because he can beat you in so many ways. He can beat you as a runner and as a receiver. The 2006 coaching staff did an excellent job of creating mismatches with him in the passing game. With his vision, run instincts and play-making ability, we expect him to pick up right where he left off in 2007. The other thing that makes this unit special is the depth. In addition to Tomlinson, they have Michael Turner, who is the best backup in the NFL. Turner provides an excellent change of pace to Tomlinson. When both are in the lineup at the same time they give opposing defenses fits.



2. Kansas City Chiefs
We put the Chiefs second not because of their depth, but because of the star power they have in No. 1 RB Larry Johnson. Johnson is the No. 1 workhorse back in the NFL and set a league record last season with 416 carries. Throw in 41 receptions, and Johnson averaged nearly 29 touches per game. With veteran quarterback Trent Green gone to Miami, Johnson will be counted on for similar production in 2007. The Chiefs will need to avoid overworking him though and to do that, they are going to need to get better production out of their backups. Often injured and seldom-used backup Michael Bennett has excellent speed, but he can't stay healthy. He could be a solid change-of-pace runner if he can shake the injury bug. Veteran Priest Holmes is still on the roster, but his neck injury remains a concern. Don't look for him to play anywhere in 2007.



3. Washington Redskins
If San Diego has the best one-two punch in the NFL, Washington isn't far behind. Starting RB Clinton Portis was limited to eight games last season because of a shoulder injury. That injury really opened the door for backup Ladell Betts. Betts finished the 2006 season with 1,154 yards on 245 carries. Betts, scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent after the 2006 season, re-signed with Washington. His return should make for a very good training camp battle with Portis. In terms of overall depth, the Redskins are excellent. They also signed former Chiefs and Jets RB Derrick Blaylock, have a scat back in Rock Cartwright. Fullback Mike Sellers is a very good special teams player, blocker and pass catcher. With young Jason Campbell at the controls this season, the Redskins will rely on this deep backfield to carry the offense.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars feature multiple runners who can attack the line of scrimmage and make plays consistently. They finished the 2006 season with the No. 3-ranked run offense in the NFL. The leader of this group once again will be veteran Fred Taylor. He led the team in rushing last season with 1,146 yards on 231 carries. Second-year RB Maurice Jones-Drew will dip even deeper into Taylor's carries this season. As a rookie last year, Jones-Drew had 941 yards on 166 carries. Taylor is not the player he once was, but when healthy, he still can make defenders miss and shows very good explosiveness through the hole. Look for the two backs to be closer to a 50-50 split in carries this season, which will put a ton of pressure on opposing defenses.

5. Minnesota Vikings
When new head coach Brad Childress came to Minnesota last season, you could see there would be a major emphasis on running. The Vikings' offensive line underachieved a little last season, but with a year to gel, it should be one of the best units in the NFL in 2007. With barely tested Tarvaris Jackson at quarterback, the Vikings once again will focus on the ground game behind starting RB Chester Taylor. Taylor came to Minnesota as an unrestricted free agent after the 2005 season and in his first season as a starter showed he could carry the load as the No. 1 runner. This season he will get some help in that area from rookie first-round pick Adrian Peterson, who dropped right into the Vikings' lap on draft day. These two have a chance to be one of the top duos in the NFL in 2007. Taylor is exceptional out of the backfield catching the ball and Peterson is an excellent inside runner who can get the tough yards. Throw in Mewelde Moore, Ciatrick Fason and Artose Pinner, who played well late in the season, and the Vikings have the deepest running back unit in the NFL.


6. New Orleans Saints
You could say the rich got richer this offseason when you talk about the Saints' running backs. The team will once again have Deuce McAllister as its featured back. One year removed from a knee (ACL) injury, he rushed for 1,057 rushing yards in 2006. While that number is not great, it is very good for a player coming off a serious knee injury and we expect that he will be healthier and more explosive in 2007. Even though McAllister will be the starter, former USC star Reggie Bush will continue to get more involved in the offense in his second season. Bush had 155 carries in 2006 but more importantly, he had 88 receptions. Look for Bush's carries to go up some while still being heavily involved in the passing game. The team also got a steal in the draft, Antonio Pittman, in the fourth round. He might struggle to get touches early, but should have a bright future. The Saints won't put up huge rushing numbers because they love to throw, but this unit is deep and talented.


7. Seattle Seahawks
While the depth is not great, the team still features 2005 MVP Shaun Alexander. Alexander only rushed for 896 yards last season, but he missed five games and played the first three games of the season with a broken bone in his foot. He never really got healthy, but still bounced back to have a solid second half of the season. If Alexander is healthy in 2007, look for him to be closer to the MVP of 2005. Backup Maurice Morris proved his worth when Alexander was out. Morris finished the season with 604 rushing yards and averaged 3.8 yards per carry last season. Overall, this is a team with a great back in Alexander and solid backup in Morris.


8. Denver Broncos
Despite finishing the 2006 season ranked in the top 10 (No. 8) in rushing, the Broncos shook up their backfield this offseason. They traded starter Tatum Bell to the Detroit Lions. Despite being productive at times, Bell had durability issues, is not a physical runner, and fumbles too often. The team got a solid upgrade when it added former Titans RB Travis Henry. Henry is more experienced, has better vision and is a tougher runner than Bell. Backing up Henry will be Mike Bell, who put together a solid rookie season in 2006 as an undrafted free agent. There is no legitimate star power here, but Henry and Bell will provide a solid 1-2 punch for an offense that loves to work their play-action passing game off the run game.


9. San Francisco 49ers
It is hard to place the 49ers when you talk about the running back unit as a whole. This is a team that doesn't have great running back depth. But they have one of the best young runners in the game in Frank Gore. Behind Gore's 1,695 yards, the 49ers featured the NFL's No. 6 rushing offense in 2006. Gore, who has had a history of knee issues prior to coming to the NFL, should continue to get stronger. The depth is not very good here though, and if Gore gets hurt, the 49ers would have serious issues. Former college quarterback and backup RB Michael Robinson has primarily been used in short-yardage situations, and Maurice Hicks only averaged 2.8 yards per carry. Gore is a stud in this offense, but the depth is marginal at best.


10. Dallas Cowboys
With a new head coach in Wade Phillips, a lot of jobs will be up for grabs. One of those jobs will be the running back position that has been manned by starter Julius Jones over the past few seasons. However, Jones has been pushed by backup Marion Barber III and Barber will get his opportunity in the preseason to win the starting job. Both backs bring a little something different to the table. Jones is a better outside runner, and Barber is a more physical runner between the tackles. Neither back is really a feature guy, but used properly, they form a very good 1-2 punch.

[The President]

BOOM

bout time we got some love!

CP and LB gonna run all over people this year!

[salavea]

I need to get myself a Mike Sellers jersey

[The President]

Yea Sellers has bee HUGE for us for a long time now.

[skinsfan44]

ESPN said something positive about our Redskins???

QUICK!!!

Everyone dive for cover from the falling fire and brimstone. ;D

[The President]

LOL yea take cover ;D

Well ESPN has been going this for all the positions, and I had planned on posting the ones that the Redskins were on. I understand that Campbell is not a top ten QB YET! And I can understand that we are not in the top ten in WR cores, but Tight End??!?!?! Cooley has got to be in the top ten right? Nope! Here is there list...fucking bastards ;D

1. San Diego Chargers
Antonio Gates has been one of the most productive tight ends in the league over the past four seasons. Gates is an excellent combination of size, athleticism and hand dexterity. He has been one of the most impressive college free-agent acquisitions in recent memory. Gates is an excellent route runner who shows natural receiving skills and versatility to pressure defensive coordinators to game plan the tight end position. He's also an above-average blocker. The depth at the position comes with great size and effective blocking with Brandon Manumaleuna and a huge rookie in Scott Chandler.


2. Kansas City Chiefs
Tony Gonzalez is an excellent combination of size and athleticism. He has been the most productive tight end over the past 10 seasons. His red-zone numbers have been down the past two seasons, but his ability to stretch deep zones and align in several different positions within an offensive scheme make defenses have to game plan for him. He is a solid blocker and uses his length and athleticism to tie up defenders at the point of attack. His size and leaping ability make him a tough matchup for the shorter safeties and linebackers in the league. Behind Gonzalez, the Chiefs have Jason Dunn, primarily a blocker who can set the edge, and Kris Wilson, an H-back who brings versatility to the offense.


3. Atlanta Falcons
Alge Crumpler is a short, thick player with long arms and big hands. He is light on his feet and an excellent route runner, using his foot quickness, agility and wide body to gain leverage on defenders. Alge makes tough receptions away from his body and shows speed and power after the catch. He generates great hip explosion as a run-blocker and is a physical player when setting the edge. Alge puts up impressive numbers despite inconsistent quarterback play and had his most productive season in 2006, with 56 receptions, a 13.9-yard average and eight touchdowns. The Falcons' depth will come from fourth-round choice Martrez Milner and journeyman Dwayne Blakley. Crumpler has led the Falcons in receptions in each of the past three seasons, but may not get as many opportunities in the new Bobby Petrino offensive scheme.


4. Cleveland Browns
Kellen Winslow was plagued by injuries in his first two seasons, but had a breakout year in 2006, leading all tight ends with 89 receptions. Winslow has great athleticism and can be used in a variety of positions in different formations. He can flex or split out to create mismatches versus safeties and corners using his size to separate in short and intermediate routes. He has excellent hands to adjust and make the tough catch away from his body. He has courage and concentration in traffic with speed and quickness to run well after the catch. Winslow is a feisty blocker who wins more with effort and foot agility than power. Steve Heiden is a reliable backup who brings eight years of experience, strength and solid hands to the Browns.


5. Baltimore Ravens
Todd Heap, who is entering his seventh year, has had two outstanding seasons in a row. He has a great combination of size and athleticism and is used to stretching zones deep down the middle of the field. Heap is an excellent route runner with soft hands and speed to move the chains after the catch. He has been a solid red-zone receiver and can go up for the ball well in the end zone. He has above-average strength and solid run-blocking techniques. The Ravens also have a big blocker to set the edge in Quinn Sypniewski and an H-back-type of player in Daniel Wilcox, who has soft hands and can be used flexed out or on the line of scrimmage as a receiving threat.


6. New England Patriots
The Patriots had arguably the best tight end tandem in the league before the departure of Daniel Graham to Denver. Ben Watson, the talented starter for New England, may have the best pure speed for the tight end position in the league. Watson has average size but can be an explosive receiver who can stretch deep zones. He has good hands, but has been too inconsistent with his focus to be a reliable big-play target under pressure. Watson is tough to cover with a linebacker and draws nickel and dime backs in passing situations. He is a steady-effort blocker who works his feet well to gain leverage. The addition of 13-year veteran Kyle Brady gives New England a solid edge blocker, but the Pats' multiple-tight-end formations won't be as effective without Graham.


7. N.Y. Giants
Jeremy Shockey has been one of the most productive tight ends in the league since his rookie season in 2002. He has averaged 64 receptions, over 11 yards per catch and seven touchdowns over the past three seasons. Shockey has been a main target for Giants quarterback Eli Manning and makes the big catch in pressure situations. He draws many double teams in coverage and can outmaneuver most linebackers. He has been a solid blocker, setting the edge with toughness and athleticism. Shockey has been one of the emotional leaders for the Giants and his leadership on the field is hard to measure. New York drafted Kevin Boss this year to give depth to what has been a one-man show for the Giants' tight end position over the past five seasons.


8. Chicago Bears
The first-round selection of the talented Greg Olsen, along with nine-year veteran Desmond Clark, gives the Bears a formidable tandem at tight end. Clark has natural receiving skills and is an excellent route runner. He uses his foot quickness and agility to get separation in short and intermediate zones. He has very soft hands and can make tough receptions in traffic. Clark is not a physical blocker, but can wall off well enough to make room to run on the edge. Olsen is an unproven NFL commodity who has the potential to be an impact player as a rookie. If he can gain strength and learn the Bears' system quickly, he will give Chicago the flexibility of having two excellent receiving tight ends on the field simultaneously. John Gilmore is Chicago's third tight end. He is primarily used in goal-line and short-yardage situations.


9. Philadelphia Eagles
The combination of veterans L.J. Smith and Matt Schobel, along with midround draft choice Brent Celek, gives the Eagles a very formidable tight end corps. Smith has good size and athleticism to be an effective run-blocker and receiver. Smith generates effective power as a run-blocker with quickness, hand use and leg strength. He has soft hands and has developed into an excellent route runner since entering the league in 2003. Smith displays power and agility after the catch and had his best season moving the chains in 2006. Schobel was a solid acquisition for the Eagles in the offseason, giving the offense another good receiver who can be used as an H-back or on the line of scrimmage. Philadelphia's air attack spreads the ball well to several positions and this group of athletic tight ends should add to the already-versatile Eagles offense.


10. Dallas Cowboys
Jason Witten is one of the best tight ends in the NFL. He has averaged 73 receptions at 11.5 yards per catch over the past three seasons. Witten is not an explosive receiver off the line of scrimmage, but he has excellent foot agility, quickness and balance to find voids in short and intermediate zones. Witten is an effective blocker, locking on defenders and gaining leverage with agility and hand use. Second-year player Anthony Fasano provides effective depth to the position but needs to become more involved in the Cowboys' offensive scheme to be a factor. Look for new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett to use more multiple-tight-end formations in 2007.

[The President]

1. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers would rank No. 2 pretty much by default thanks to an impressive running game that posted nearly 5 yards a carry last season, but they were also able to hold opposing defenses to just 28 sacks in 2006. Left tackle Marcus McNeill was the gem of last year's draft class and does a great job of protecting the blindside of quarterback Philip Rivers from what is arguably the most crucial position on the line. San Diego also has a good blend of youth and experience with seasoned right guard Mike Goff holding down a starting spot in his 10th season in the league. This is a unit that can come right at opponents and create running lanes with drive blocking, or use finesse in pass blocking to give Rivers time to locate open receivers. Overall, they rely on athleticism more than bulk and pure power.



2. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts don't have the best individuals at any one offensive line position, but they work together well, make few mistakes and are probably the best-coached unit in the league. Howard Mudd has them prepared well for every game and each player knows what the man next to him is doing. The Colts allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL last season (15) and managed to gain a respectable 4.0 yards per carry. They have an excellent left tackle in Tarik Glenn and four or five other smart, athletic linemen who are interchangeable and can play multiple positions. Everyone knows what the other players along the line are supposed to be doing, making it much easier to cover up mistakes.


3. Denver Broncos
With one of the smallest lines in the league, the Broncos rely on quickness and agility to get the job done, registering 4.4 yards per carry and giving up just 31 sacks in 2006. They don't have a single returning starter on the line who weighs over 300 pounds, and former backup Chris Kuper (302 pounds) is the only projected starter who breaks that threshold. Denver's unit plays with an attitude and can cause opposing defensive lines to become a little timid, because they have a reputation for blocking around the knees. This causes defensive linemen to hold back a little to make sure they protect their legs. The Broncos also have one of the oldest offensive line units with only two players with less than 10 years of experience (Kuper and Adam Meadows are eight-year veterans).


4. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles gained 4.8 yards per carry while holding opponents to just 28 sacks on the year. They are massive as a unit and have a wealth of experience at tackle with William Thomas on the left side and Jon Runyan on the right. Neither would be considered an elite athlete for the position, but both are more than adequate. What they lack in athleticism they make up for with reach (arm length) and technique. Guards Todd Herremans and Shawn Andrews are massive, powerful blockers, while center Jamaal Jackson appears to have a bright future. With the vertical passing game quarterback Donovan McNabb likes to employ, the line needs to give him time to let his receivers run their deep routes, and it does just that.


5. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have a combination of experience and youth with right tackle Willie Anderson entering his 12th season and the other four players following his lead. They have a quality left tackle in Levi Jones, who is more of a finesse-type blocker than a smashmouth drive blocker, and massive guards Bobby Williams and Andrew Whitworth, both of whom are in the 340-pound range. The center position is adequately handled by third-year man Eric Ghiaciuc, though he is still learning the nuances of the position at the NFL level. Cincinnati was in the middle of the pack last year with 36 sacks allowed and just 3.7 yards per carry, and having pretty much stayed put with the same group, it will be difficult to show much improvement.


6. New England Patriots
Like the Colts, the Patriots have no stars but rather five quality linemen. They rely more on athleticism and intelligence than size and raw strength. Veteran offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia does a great job of molding a unit together that works in unison and avoids making mistakes. With an average of less than five years of experience across the board, they should do nothing but improve over the next few years after giving up just 29 sacks and rushing for almost 4 yards per carry last season. They lack the size and bulk to get much push, especially in and around the red zone, but can do a quality job of occupying opponents long enough to give running backs a seam to run through.


7. Washington Redskins
The Redskins have one of the best tackle combinations in the league in Jon Jansen on the right side and Chris Samuels on the left. They are big parts of a unit that was one of only three in the NFL to give up fewer than 20 sacks (19) in 2006. At the same time, they were able to gain over 4.5 yards per carry and pile up the fourth-best overall rushing total (2,216 yards) in the league. With the highly respected Joe Bugel coaching the line, the players are starting to live up to expectations. They are not the heaviest line in the league, but they are athletic and do a great job of eliminating mistakes that can cause turnovers and losses. Center Casey Rabach has become the glue that holds the unit together and is just coming into his prime in his sixth season. Guard Randy Thomas is also in his prime.


8. New Orleans Saints
The Saints had the best passing offense in the NFL at better than 281 yards per game, thanks in large part to the fact that they gave up just 23 sacks in 2006. However, they are well below average in the rushing department at just 3.7 yards per carry. Left tackle Jammal Brown is becoming a quality tackle entering his third year, and fifth-year right tackle Jon Stinchcomb gives the Saints a very good pair of bookends. Guards Jahri Evans and Jamar Nesbit and center Jeff Faine are more than adequate but hardly Pro Bowl-caliber, though as a group they do a respectable job of combining strength and athleticism to protect quarterback Drew Brees, who is not the most mobile quarterback in the league. They could stand to add some more power up front to give them stronger run blocking.


9. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have one of the most physical offensive lines in the league. They are stout and powerful in the middle with center Brad Meester and guards Vince Manuwai and Chris Naeole anchoring things. Left tackle Khalif Barnes and right tackle Tony Pashos do a very good job of protecting the edges against the speed rushers. With the league's third-best rushing offense (5.0 yards per carry), the Jaguars also managed to give up just 30 sacks. They are definitely better blockers when able to drive off the line and get some push at the point of attack in the running game. Line coach Andy Heck has done a very good job of utilizing the strength and power of his interior to attack opposing defenses, though the Jaguars struggle when defenses are able to stretch running plays laterally.

10. Chicago Bears
The Bears are a good mixture of size and athleticism, youth and seasoned veterans. They have a good set of bookend tackles with left tackle John Tait being a fluid, easy mover and right tackle Fred Miller bringing a lot of experience and skills to the table. They did a good job of protecting quarterback Rex Grossman from outside pressure coming off the edges, and along with guards Ruben Brown and Roberto Garza and center Olin Kreutz, they held opposing defenses to just 23 sacks in 2006. The coaching staff would like to improve on the 3.8 yards per carry they gained last season, and that will likely have to happen from the middle of the line because neither tackle is a great drive-blocker. Kreutz, Brown and Garza are aggressive blockers with quick feet, but they lack the raw power to create big running lanes.

[The President]

BOOM! There some O-line love

[tasteslikechicken]

ESPN gave props to the Skins RB's?

Hell just froze over.

[The President]

LOL, yea we are all shocked!

welcome to the board.

[The President]

Skins made the top ten again, this time for DBs


With training camps approaching, Scouts Inc. ranks the NFL teams 1-32 at nine positions. Today's position: Defensive back.


1. Baltimore Ravens
Under coordinator Rex Ryan, the Baltimore Ravens have one of the most aggressive defensive schemes in the NFL, which places a lot of pressure on the secondary. FS Ed Reed is one of the best safeties in the NFL, while CB Chris McAlister continues to play at a Pro Bowl level. Reed is a versatile player who can play a lot of different roles in the Ravens' coverage schemes. McAlister is a big, physical player who gives the Ravens a premier shutdown corner. He has the responsibility of matching up on a week-to-week basis with the opponent's No.1 receiver. Second-year SS Dawan Landry was a pleasant surprise last season, finishing the season tied for second on the team with five interceptions. CB Samari Rolle is an experienced player whose overall performance has fallen off the past few seasons.



2. Chicago Bears
The Bears were very effective last season stopping opposing offenses on third down. They have three very solid corners who can matchup on the outside versus multiple spread offenses. Starting CB Charles Tillman is a physical corner who plays with good awareness and instincts in the Bears' Tampa-2 system. Right cornerback Nathan Vasher lacks Tillman's size, but is very effective in playing the ball downfield. No. 3 Ricky Manning Jr. also plays bigger than his size and was very effective in the Bears' sub defensive packages. When healthy, SS Mike Brown is a very underrated player. Also, the Bears added Adam Archuleta due to the health concerns surrounding Brown. Archuleta is a favorite of Lovie Smith and will compete for the starting SS position. FS Danieal Manning has very good speed and extended range in deep zones.



3. Denver Broncos
Simply put, Champ Bailey is the best corner in the NFL. He is a shutdown corner with the ability to take the opposing team's No. 1 receiver out of the game. And he is a willing insert player and an effective tackler in run support. Dre' Bly, who the Broncos acquired in an offseason trade with the Lions, will replace the late Darrent Williams. Bly is a good No. 2 corner with outstanding ball skills. There is solid depth at the corner position in Domonique Foxworth and Karl Paymah. Veteran John Lynch continues to be effective as the starting free safety. He is the leader of the secondary, with outstanding instincts and intangibles to play the position. Nick Ferguson is expected to start at SS. Ferguson is an adequate starter who finished last season on injured reserve.


4. Oakland Raiders
One of the few bright spots for the Raiders last season was the performance of their defense. The Raiders do a great job of mixing loaded-zone concepts with pressure. Nnamdi Asomugha is a big, physical corner with a tremendous upside to develop into a frontline No. 1 in the NFL. He is an athletic player with very good transition skills when matching up in coverage. CB Fabian Washington is a young developing player who lacks the size of Asomugha. However, he is a solid No. 2 corner with the upside to develop into a top-notch player. SS Michael Huff is a tough, physical player with good positional versatility on the backend in coverage. Look for Huff's responsibilities within the schemes to increase in 2007. FS Stuart Schweigert is a young, smart, instinctive player who handles the calls and adjustments within the secondary.


5. Philadelphia Eagles
Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson loves to attack with multiple pressure packages that allow his secondary to make game-changing plays. The Eagles' secondary is led by SS Brian Dawkins. Dawkins is still a very versatile player in the Eagles' defensive schemes. He is a physical player who can still be very productive in both regular and sub defensive packages. SS Sean Considine is a definite upgrade over Michael Lewis in coverage, but needs to continue to develop his total body strength. Corners Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown are very effective on the outside. Sheppard is a good starting left corner with instincts and the ability to matchup with premier receivers in the NFL. Brown is a tough, physical player who plays bigger than his listed size. Backups William James and Joselio Hanson provide good depth at the corner position.


6. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars released starting strong safety Donovin Darius this past offseason. Darius had durability issues the past few seasons, but is still a very productive player against the run and an outstanding leader in the secondary. With that said, the Jaguars still possess a very good secondary, starting with corners Rashean Mathis and Brian Williams. Mathis has all the tools to develop into a solid No. 1 corner in the NFL, while Williams is a versatile player who has the experience to match up either on the inside or outside versus multiple spread offenses. First-round pick Reggie Nelson is expected to replace last year's starting FS, Deon Grant. Nelson is an instinctive playmaker who should excel on the backend in coverage due to his speed and range. SS Gerald Sensabaugh is expected to replace Darius, and handle the adjustments and calls within the secondary.


7. Dallas Cowboys
New defensive coordinator Brian Stewart will rely on more pressure schemes, which should improve the performance in the Cowboys' secondary. CB Terence Newman is one of the top players at his position in the NFL. He is a very good athlete with outstanding coverage ability and ball skills. Anthony Henry is a physical corner who is more natural from a press than off position. However, he must play with more consistency this season. Backup Aaron Glenn is an experienced player who is best suited in the slot in sub situations. SS Roy Williams is best suited up near the line of scrimmage where he can factor in as the eighth defender in the box. He has outstanding physical traits but is a liability in deep zones against the pass. FS Ken Hamlin was signed this offseason and should improve a pass defense that finished 14th in the NFL last season.


8. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers were one of the most aggressive teams in free agency this past offseason. The focus was on addressing their defense due to the explosive offenses they face in the NFC West. Newly-signed corner Nate Clements should improve a pass defense that finished 26th in the NFL. Clement has very good size, speed, quickness and playmaking skills. He will allow the 49ers to match up out on the outside versus multiple groupings. Walt Harris is a solid No. 2 corner who played well in 2006, while backup corner Shawntae Spencer is a solid No. 3. SS Michael Lewis was another solid addition this offseason and should be a strong factor against the run. Lewis is a physical, downhill player in run support, but he can be a liability on the backend in coverage. FS Mark Roman is a smart, instinctive player who has good position versatility.


9. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are one of the most talented teams in the NFL. CB Quentin Jammer played at a very high level last season. He has all the intangibles to develop into a solid frontline player in the NFL and is the Chargers' No. 1 corner. Drayton Florence will have his hands full fighting Antonio Cromartie -- last year's first-round pick -- for the starting CB position opposite Jammer. Cromartie is a big, physical player with a tremendous amount of talent, but he lacks experience as a starter. With that said, the Chargers have three talented corners to match up in the AFC West. FS Marlon McCree is a consistent player who has good recognition skills and instincts. He has good ball skills and handles the calls in the secondary. Clinton Hart and rookie second-round pick Eric Weddle will battle for the starting SS position.


10. Washington Redskins
The Redskins have a very talented secondary that struggled with consistency and durability last season under defensive coordinator Greg Williams. The duo of FS Sean Taylor and SS LaRon Landry gives the Redskins a tremendous amount of versatility in the backend of their secondary. Taylor is a big, playmaking safety with good athletic skills, while Landry has the upside to develop into a Pro Bowl player. However, Taylor needs to play with more consistency in 2007. CB Shawn Springs is the team's most consistent player in the secondary when healthy. Springs has good cover skills and can match up with the opponent's No. 1 receiver. CB Carlos Rogers is a physical player who can be a liability in coverage due to his inconsistent play. The Redskins have a lot of depth at corner in David Macklin, Fred Smoot and Jerametrius Butler.