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CLEVELAND BROWNS​

Roster:

Spoiler

HC Dick LeBeau
DC Keith Butler
OC Tom Moore


FINAL ROSTER

QUARTERBACKS
Kerry Collins ($300,000)
Colt McCoy ($405,000)
Christian Ponder ($750,000)

TAILBACKS
Justin Forsett ($555,000)
Willis McGahee ($350,000)
Ovie Mughelli ($300,000)
Pierre Thomas ($2,300,000)
Keiland Williams ($480,000)

WIDE RECEIVERS
Jason Avant ($1,250,000)
Michael Clayton ($300,000)
Santonio Holmes ($7,898,000)
Niles Paul ($450,000)
Austin Pettis ($400,000)
Michael Spurlock ($300,000)

TIGHT ENDS
Brent Celek ($1,250,000)
Ben Hartsock ($300,000)
Justin Peelle ($300,000)

OFFENSIVE LINE
Shawn Lauvao ($405,000)
Mike McGlynn ($405,000)
Tony Pashos ($300,000)
Ryan Pontbriand ($300,000)
Lyle Sendlein ($850,000)
Eric Steinbach ($6,250,000)
Byron Stingily ($400,000)
Joe Thomas ($8,000,000)
Marshal Yanda ($4,700,000)

DEFENSIVE LINE
Stephen Bowen ($500,000)
Shaun Cody ($300,000)
Anthony Hargrove ($300,000)
Travis Ivey ($330,000)
Ahtyba Rubin ($555,000)
Randy Starks ($3,625,000)
Gerard Warren ($300,000)

LINEBACKERS
Marcus “Spell Check” Benard ($700,000)
Michael Boley ($3,500,000)
Dan Connor ($555,000)
A.J. Edds ($405,000)
Chris Gocong ($1,700,000)
Parys Haralson ($1,850,000)
Micah Johnson ($480,000)
Von Miller ($850,000)
Brandon Siler ($1,000,000)

SECONDARY
Fred Bennett ($300,000)
Bryant McFadden ($530,000)
Leodis McKelvin ($1,007,500)
William Middleton ($300,000)
Quintin Mikell ($5,371,000)
Charlie Peprah ($300,000)
Gerald Sensabaugh ($300,000)
T.J. Ward ($405,000)
Josh Wilson ($7,500,000)

SPECIAL TEAMS
Brett Kern ($300,000)
Lawrence Tynes ($300,000)

TOTAL SALARY: $73,176,500

Depth chart:

Spoiler

OFFENSE
QB: Colt McCoy / Christian Ponder / Kerry Collins

RB: Pierre Thomas / Willis McGahee / Keiland Williams / Justin Forsett
FB: Ovie Mughelli

TE: Brent Celek / Justin Peelle / Ben Hartsock
WR1: Santonio Holmes / Michael Clayton
WR2: Niles Paul / Austin Pettis / Michael Clayton
WR3: Jason Avant / Michael Spurlock

LT: Joe Thomas / Byron Stingily
LG: Eric Steinbach / Byron Stingily
OC: Lyle Sendlein / Mike McGlynn / Ryan Pontbriand
RG: Mike McGlynn / Marshal Yanda / Shawn Lauvao
RT: Marshal Yanda / Tony Pashos


DEFENSE
LDE: Stephen Bowen / Gerard Warren
NT: Ahtyba Rubin / Shaun Cody / Travis Ivey
RDE: Randy Starks / Anthony Hargrove

SOLB: Michael Boley / Marcus “Spell Check” Benard
SILB: Dan Connor / Brandon Siler / Micah Johnson
WILB: Chris Gocong / A.J. Edds
WOLB: Von Miller / Parys Haralson

LCB: Leodis McKelvin / Bryant McFadden / William Middleton
SS: Quintin Mikell / Charlie Peprah
FS: T.J. Ward / Gerald Sensabaugh
RCB: Josh Wilson / Bryant McFadden / Fred Bennett


SPECIALISTS
K: Lawrence Tynes
LS: Ryan Pontbriand
P: Brett Kern

KR: Michael Spurlock / Leodis McKelvin
PR: Michael Spurlock / Justin Forsett

Acquisitions:

Spoiler

TRADES

TE Ben Watson, WR Joshua Cribbs to New York Giants
LB Michael Boley to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: At this point, my priority was to shed salary and players who didn’t fit my vision of a tough, Steelers-like team. Ben Watson had a good year in 2010, but primarily due to Cleveland’s deficiencies out wide. Cribbs was among those deficiencies: he’s a superb athlete, but the fact that they couldn’t get him touches as a receiver and instead had to adopt the Wildcat just to get Cribbs on the field didn’t sit well with me. When the Giants approached about trading for these two, I leapt at the chance to convert Cribbs’ and Watson’s salaries into a top notch linebacker. Acquiring Boley also gave me free agency flexibility, meaning I wouldn’t be forced into a bidding war for Matt Roth ($2,000,000 in free agency).

DT Shaun Rogers to Kansas City Chiefs
4.117, 6.182 to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: Rogers at the time was making $5,500,000 and worth less than half of that. Ahtyba Rubin had succeeded him at the nose, and an experimental move to DE was a failure. I had no room for a $5.5m backup, and was about to cut him when the Chiefs called. Their offer was fair, and I didn’t feel like pushing my good luck in negotiations.

RB Montario Hardesty to San Francisco 49ers
S Reggie Smith to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: I’ve never been a fan of Hardesty. Getting a season-ending injury in training camp was the first and last straw. Needing safety depth, I eventually wore down and cajoled the 49ers into a straight swap for the talented Smith.

CB Joe Haden, OC Alex Mack to Philadelphia Eagles
CB Asante Samuel, TE Brent Celek, OC Mike McGlynn, WR Jason Avant to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: Huge, blockbuster deal for both sides. Haden and Mack can both play, but I felt that Haden was out of place in LeBeau’s defense, thus for me the question was whether to give up Alex Mack. I felt that swapping a good young center for three starters and a top slot WR was well worth it, and moving Shaun Rogers allowed me to take on Asante Samuel’s salary. This trade had a huge effect on my final roster, and helped keep me out of a very thin and competitive TE/WR free agent market.

LB Scott Fujita to San Francisco 49ers
4.98, 7.200 to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: I resisted this trade for a while, but eventually the 49ers and I reached an agreement. Fujita can play both in the 3-4 and 4-3, but concerns about his age and durability led me to finally pull the trigger. This turned out to be a hugely critical trade, since 4.98 later was traded for Quintin Mikell.

WR Brian Robiskie to Arizona Cardinals
QB Max Hall to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: Robiskie wouldn’t have made my final roster, and at the time, I needed quarterback depth. I basically traded nothing (since Robiskie would have been cut) for a third string QB with starting experience, a true rarity.

WR Mohamed Massaquoi to New England Patriots
5.138 to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: Same as above, Massaquoi would not have made my final roster. Trading nothing for something is always a win, in my book.

6.163 to Kansas City Chiefs
LB Micah Johnson to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: At this point, I had some excessive late round picks, and decided to do a little shopping. My primary concern in the pre-free agency period was the linebacker group, particularly after trading Scott Fujita. A look at some of the defensive players likely available late didn’t fill me with confidence, and I decided to flip a late pick for a depth linebacker who’s proven he can fill in during emergencies.

4.101 to Carolina Panthers
LB Dan Connor to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: And this is where I truly replace Scott Fujita. Connor is a great talent who only gets better. Carolina displaced him by moving Jon Beason inside, thus his price was blue lighted at a 4th round pick. Connor does get injured, but I felt I could balance that risk with free agency depth, which is why my initial bid for Brandon Siler was $1,000,000. Siler is worth three times that, so I feel like I stole two excellent linebackers for the price of one.

RB Peyton Hillis to Miami Dolphins
3.79, 3.95, LB A.J. Edds to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: I resisted moving Hillis for a long time, but eventually I realized I had enough cap space to address the position in free agency. Snagging two 3s and a cover linebacker to back up Chris Gocong is nothing short of highway robbery. 3.95 was later traded back for Randy Starks, making this trade even more lopsided.

5.138 to San Francisco 49ers
LB Parys Haralson to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: At this point, I had locked in to Von Miller as my must-have player in the draft, and needed a decent veteran backup behind him. I still had a surplus of late picks, so just as with Micah Johnson, I went shopping. Haralson is a steady player and an efficient pass rusher. For a 5th round pick and a backup, that’s plenty.

CB Asante Samuel to San Francisco 49ers
2.51 to Cleveland Browns
2.51, 6.182 to New York Jets
WR Santonio Holmes to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: I’m listing these two trades as one, because they were all part of the same deal. I wanted to avoid the free agent receiver market at all costs, and I had growing doubts about Samuel’s fit in a physical defense like LeBeau’s. His Deion Sanders-like reluctance to tackle and increasing age left me increasingly uncomfortable, so when the 49ers asked about his availability, I seized the situation. Eventually working out a trade deal with the Jets for the franchised Holmes, I flipped the compensation from San Fran to New York, basically swapping Samuel for Holmes. My quarterback got another weapon, my salary cap only rose $2m thanks to moving Samuel’s salary, and I saved a few bucks by moving the late 6th round pick. Win/win for everyone, but especially me.

4.98 to Philadelphia Eagles
DB Quintin Mikell to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: IMO, one of the biggest trades of the year. Mikell is one of the best safeties in the NFL, and I was lucky to get him from an Eagles owner that was looking to shed cap space and had already acquired other quality safeties to supplant Mikell. This was a perfect storm of timing, convenience, and compensation.

3.95 to Miami Dolphins
DL Randy Starks to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: Another big deal, though not quite as big. Operating under the belief that Cameron Heyward would not have lasted to my 2.37, I went shopping for another defender. Starks is among the best, and I don’t need to convince fellow Dolfans of his qualities. Starks basically became an add-on to the Peyton Hillis trade, which by now looks like a massive steal for me.

3.70 to Buffalo Bills
DB Leodis McKelvin to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: Fair value for a talented but still developing #2 CB. My original plan was to get both Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden in free agency, but Taylor’s price eventually went beyond the range I was willing to pay. Not satisfied with McFadden as the #2, when Buffalo’s new owner opened shop, I approached him about McKelvin. Done deal, fairly painless. McKelvin is better than any corner that would have been available at that #70 pick.

2.37, 3.79 to San Francisco 49ers
1.28, 4.114 to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: A draft-day trade that netted me QB Christian Ponder. I wasn’t satisfied with my QB situation of McCoy, Collins, and Hall, and felt that another team would have traded up for Ponder if I hadn’t. Despite criticism from BSPN, I love this move for my roster, particularly since Ponder was the last player available on my board at 37.

4.114, 4.117, 5.134 to Buffalo Bills
WR Niles Paul (3.69), 6.167 to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: Another draft-day trade that landed me a legitimate #2 WR. I think Paul is hugely underrated, mainly since he comes from an offense that doesn’t feature the passing game very often. I had been looking for a big play complement to Santonio Holmes’ deep threat, and was very happy to get Paul.

6.167, 7.198 to Buffalo Bills
RB Keiland Williams to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: One of my draft objectives was to get a good, young outside runner to complement my inside runners (Thomas, McGahee). My previous trades left me out of range of the RBs who fit that description, leading me to ship some now-worthless (to me) picks off for Keiland Williams, another IMO underrated player.

DB Reggie Smith, 7.200 to Seattle Seahawks
RB Justin Forsett, 6.169 to Cleveland Browns
Rationale: My final trade, a deal that put me in position to draft Byron Stingily at 169 to fill out my offensive left side depth. I hated to give up Reggie Smith, but free agency at the safety position had been kind to me, and I could afford to move him. Justin Forsett replaced Ladell Betts, and gave me a second outside rusher with elusiveness to fill out my RB rotation.

FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
DL Stephen Bowen ($500,000)
DB Bryant McFadden ($530,000)
RB Willis McGahee ($350,000)
OC Lyle Sendlein ($850,000)
LB Brandon Siler ($1,000,000)
OL Marshal Yanda ($4,700,000)
FB Ovie Mughelli ($300,000)
OL Tony Pashos ($300,000)
K Lawrence Tynes ($300,000)
DB Gerald Sensabaugh ($300,000)
DB Josh Wilson ($7,500,000)
WR Michael Clayton ($300,000)
DL Anthony Hargrove ($300,000)
WR/KR/PR Michael Spurlock ($300,000)
RB Pierre Thomas ($2,300,000)
DL Shaun Cody ($300,000)
P Brett Kern ($300,000)
TE Justin Peelle ($300,000)
DL Gerard Warren ($300,000)
DB Fred Bennett ($300,000)
RB Ladell Betts ($300,000) (released)
DB Charlie Peprah ($300,000)
OL/LS Ryan Pontbriand ($300,000)
TE Ben Hartsock ($300,000)
DB William Middleton ($300,000)

Writeup:

Spoiler

How does a cellar dweller compete in the same division with the conference Super Bowl representative and two playoff contenders? Take their coaches and their players, force them to patch holes rather than build up. Get better as they stand still, or get worse. In other words, bridge the gap at both ends.

At the coaching level, the Browns raided the Steelers, promoting renowned defensive mind Dick LeBeau and his heir apparent Keith Butler to head coach and defensive coordinator respectively. Tom Moore was imported from outside the AFC North, but will be no less a headache for division rivals. After assembling the chefs, a list of ingredients was compiled. The organization made an effort to sign talented players away from division rivals where it made sense, and also to strongly compete for the players those franchises targeted.

The Browns are proud to present the results of their subterfuge campaign against the AFC North.

OFFENSE

Longtime Indianapolis Colts OC Tom Moore institutes his offense in Cleveland. Moore is the anti-Dan Henning, an OC who can make the game easier for a young quarterback while still producing results on the scoreboard. The offensive roster was constructed to build on the successes of the Colts offense without mindlessly mimicking what currently exists in Indy. The Browns feature strong receiving options at every offensive skill position, particularly at #1 WR (Santonio Holmes) and #1 TE (Brent Celek). Moore’s schematic tendency to throw to the tailback is also taken care of: Pierre Thomas and Willis McGahee are excellent receivers out of the backfield.

Due to a distinct lack of Peyton Manning, however, Moore’s playbook changes to adapt to the Browns roster. In 2010, the Colts rushed the ball 393 times, ranking near the bottom of the league: the Browns will rush the ball roughly 80-100 times more. The Colts did not regularly utilize a fullback, and often did not devote a roster spot specifically to a full-time FB: the Browns will use a fullback often and have devoted a roster spot to one of the best blocking fullbacks in the league, Ovie Mughelli.

Quarterbacks
Colt McCoy — Slayer of the defending champion New Orleans Saints and the 14-2 New England Patriots; NCAA all-time leader in wins and single season completion percentage; making plans to hit the AFC North like a drunken co-ed.
Christian Ponder — A highly-touted quarterback prospect with the intelligence, accuracy, and physical ability needed to excel in the NFL. Despite high faith in and respect for Colt McCoy, the Browns couldn’t pass on such a tantalizing prospect at the most important position in pro sports. The competition between Ponder and McCoy will make both better players, and the Browns need better quarterback play immediately.
Kerry Collins — Strictly a backup at this point in his career, but a great backup. Came off the bench in 2008 to lead the Titans to the 1 Seed and a 13-3 record. The Browns are amazed at the lack of competition for his services.
Overall — Cleveland finally has a legitimate, deep group of signal callers. McCoy and Ponder can both grow into top players. The future is bright.

Tailbacks
Pierre Thomas — A versatile rusher who helped fuel the Saints’ high powered offense at 4.7 yards per clip. He excels as a backfield receiver and is capable in pass protection. Thomas fits the mold of a featured—or close to featured—running back in Moore’s offense.
Willis McGahee — Another versatile rusher with a set of skills similar to Thomas, with possibly a better nose for the end zone. McGahee is a tough runner who can punch through a defensive line and can stay on the field for third down. The Browns will use him more often than the Ravens, and consider his paltry $350,000 salary to be an utter steal relative to his talent.
Keiland Williams — A complementary player to Thomas and McGahee, Williams is more of an outside rusher with good speed and a punishing build. He has a bright future as a change of pace back, and can be a featured player in the event of injury.
Justin Forsett — Another complementary player. Forsett is more quick than fast, but his elusiveness is a great asset. Forsett’s high YPC (4.9 career) and great hands (74 career receptions) earn him a roster spot and guaranteed carries.
Ovie Mughelli — One of the best lead blockers in the NFL, Mughelli paved the way for Michael Turner since 2008. His ability to open lanes and keep them open stand out. With a career 3.0 YPC, he will also be used as a short yardage back.
Overall — A talented, versatile group that can attack a defense from every angle.

Tight Ends
Brent Celek — A prolific receiver, Celek fills the role of Dallas Clark. His route running and ability to exploit the middle of a defense are invaluable to this offense. Celek immediately becomes the best receiving tight end in the division.
Justin Peelle — An understated veteran, Peelle will primarily be used as a blocker, as he was in Atlanta. He can also serve as a chain mover, picking up a first down with a short pass.
Ben Hartsock — Purely a blocker, but a damn good one. Hartsock had a hand in the Jets’ running game in 2009 and 2010, and will find his way on the field in Cleveland.
Overall — A well-rounded group and an effective mix of talent. Colt McCoy will appreciate the contributions of all three.

Wide Receivers
Santonio Holmes — A true deep threat with sure hands, Holmes is one of the best receivers in the NFL. The MVP of Super Bowl XLIII returns to the AFC North to antagonize the division again.
Niles Paul — A quality all-around player, the Browns appreciate Paul’s ability to make plays after the catch. He can make an immediate contribution as a rookie.
Jason Avant — One of the best slot receivers in the NFL. Avant is a perfect fit in Moore’s scheme.
Michael Clayton — Provides veteran depth and a big body for jump ball targets.
Austin Pettis — A touchdown magnet at Boise State, catching 229 balls for 39 scores over three years. Pettis immediately becomes a legitimate red zone target and can develop into a reliable possession receiver.
Michael Spurlock — The primary kick and punt returner, and a somewhat underrated receiver. He’ll see some playing time in the base offense, particularly in the slot.
Overall — A great mix of talented veterans and rookie youth that can harass secondaries at will. Legitimate targets abound.

Offensive Linemen
Joe Thomas — One of the best left tackles in the NFL, if not the best. Continues to embarrass every pass rusher he plays against.
Eric Steinbach — Thomas’ trusty sidekick, he and Steinbach anchor the left side of the line together for another year. Despite being on the wrong side of 30, Steinbach is still capable of playing at a high level, and deserves the starting spot for at least one more season.
Lyle Sendlein — Chronically underrated center from Arizona, where he received zero legitimate guard help. Cleveland corrects that oversight, pairing Sendlein between Steinbach and...
Mike McGlynn — A breakout lineman who blocked for the mobile Michael Vick in Philadelphia. McGlynn fits nicely at right guard, and also is the immediate backup at center.
Marshal Yanda — Another loss for Baltimore is another gain for Cleveland. Yanda is emerging as an elite right side lineman, capable of playing both tackle and guard. He’ll start at right tackle and will take over at right guard if McGlynn fills in at center. He also laughs at your silly attempts at tasing him.
Tony Pashos — Yanda’s backup at right tackle. Pashos is a road grader capable of starting as proven during his time in Jacksonville. He provides quality depth at an important position.
Shawn Lauvao — A 2010 3rd round selection, Lauvao can also play right guard or right tackle. He’s a powerful player who can stand his ground and can grow into a starter.
Ryan Pontbriand — The last-ditch center. Pontbriand likely will only see the field as a long snapper, barring catastrophic injuries.
Byron Stingily — An athletic left tackle from Louisville. He becomes a swing backup at both left tackle and left guard. The durability of both Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach gives Stingily time to refine his technique.
Overall — A varied cast of top talent. The left side is a rock; the right side should gel quickly. Capable depth rounds out the unit.

DEFENSE

The forte of head coach Dick LeBeau is handed off to his protégé, former Steelers LB coach Keith Butler. Butler oversees the same scheme as LeBeau, a 1-gap 3-4 system with an emphasis on blitzing from the ILB positions and entire secondary. Unlike the offensive, the defensive playbook remains fairly intact, perhaps with some new pages to fit the unique skills of the Browns defensive roster. This defense was assembled with depth in mind: players who are legitimate starters end up being high quality backups, allowing the Browns to throw wave after wave of talent at opposing offenses.

Defensive Ends
Randy Starks — A former 4-3 DT who successfully converted to 3-4 RDE in Miami before landing in the same role in Cleveland. Starks has 13 sacks over the last three seasons, establishing himself as a premier pass-rushing 3-4 DE. He can place pressure on his assigned blocker and stop the run effectively. Starks is possibly the best player in the entire defensive front seven, quite the feat given the talent around him.
Stephen Bowen — The starting LDE for the Browns, and a “Secret Superstar” for the Cowboys, Bowen was used as a third down rush end in Dallas before taking over for the injured Marcus Spears. He immediately made an impact, and is arguably the most complete end on the Cowboys’ defensive line. His experience as a third down rush end will be invaluable in his quest to pick his teeth with the corpses of Matt Ryan, Carson Palmer, and Joe Flacco.
Anthony Hargrove — A pass-rushing DT for the Saints, Hargrove kicks out to RDE in the 3-4. His ability to take on blockers signals an exciting transition to the outside.
Gerard Warren — A former Brown who returns to the team. Warren started at left end in New England, and provides steady veteran play behind Stephen Bowen.
Overall — Potentially elite starters paired with starting-caliber backups. This is a ridiculously cost-effective rotation.

Defensive Tackles
Ahtyba Rubin — Rubin returns to anchor the middle, having established himself as one of the best nose tackles in the NFL in 2010. Rubin is more disruptive than Steelers NT Casey Hampton, providing Keith Butler with more varied options in the middle.
Shaun Cody — Former Texan Shaun Cody serves as Rubin’s primary backup. In the real NFL, Cody is the presumptive starting 3-4 nose tackle in Houston under Wade Phillips. More of a space-eater than a disrupter, Cody can clog his gap and direct the play elsewhere. His play at the nose should more resemble Casey Hampton’s. For the minimum salary, we’ll take that deal.
Travis Ivey — A cheap developmental prospect who, like Cody, can also eat space. Nose tackles are made, not born, and Ivey will have every chance to make himself into a better player.
Overall — The Browns have great depth at the most important position in the 3-4 defense. The thought of Ahtyba Rubin getting even better under Keith Butler’s coaching should keep the rest of the AFC North up at night.

Outside Linebackers
Von Miller — Future NFL star as a pass rusher in the mold of Cam Wake and Clay Matthews. An elite linebacker prospect who will have an immediate impact, and racked up 27 sacks in 26 games over two years at Texas A&M. Won the 2010 Butkus Award for the best linebacker in the country. Elite speed and athleticism allows him to breeze past linemen and attack the offensive backfield. Fluid and natural in pass coverage. The AFC North’s next nightmare. FootballOutsiders’ SackSEER loves him, by the way.
Parys Haralson — Miller’s backup, a capable veteran who can contribute off the bench. Efficient as a pass rusher, able to stop the run, and decent in coverage. Does everything acceptably well.
Michael Boley — The man who broke Tony Romo is the new starter at SOLB. A playmaker for years as a 4-3 SOLB, his 3-4 SOLB conversion should be fluid. He can blitz, generates QB pressure, stuffs the run, and excels in pass coverage. Boley does it all and has the t-shirt to prove it.
Marcus Benard — Boley’s backup. Benard, a two year veteran, already has 11 sacks on minimal rushes (7.5 sacks in 2010), making him one of the NFL’s most efficient, albeit underused, pass rushers. Benard will rotate on obvious passing downs, and should make a lethal rusher paired with Von Miller.
Overall — Playmakers abound on the outside of this defense. The Browns will leave a long trail of sacks and broken clavicles in their wake.

Inside Linebackers
Chris Gocong — “Secret Superstar” Chris Gocong returns to his starting WILB spot, having developed into a quality 3-4 linebacker who can stuff the run and blitz past offensive linemen to pressure the quarterback. He can also cover acceptably, and can only improve as he continues his adjustment to the 3-4.
A.J. Edds — 2011 will be Edds’ true rookie season, but his coverage skills are impressive, and the Browns trust him in the short passing lanes. A true asset on obvious passing downs.
Dan Connor — The starting SILB. Connor’s skill set is well suited for the 3-4, and his tough play further reminds spectators that this is the “Steelers defense”. Should be considered the favorite to wear the green dot.
Brandon Siler — Connor’s backup, a versatile starting caliber ILB formerly of the Chargers. The poster child for the Browns’ defensive depth, Siler would start on any other 3-4 team, and may very well steal the job from Connor in training camp.
Micah Johnson — The 9th linebacker. A run-stuffer who can serve as a last-ditch body in the event of catastrophic and numerous injuries.

Cornerbacks
Josh Wilson — “Secret Superstar” Josh Wilson headlines this group of corners, an underrated player stolen from Seattle for a conditional 5th round pick by Ozzie Newsome. The Browns thank Newsome for featuring Wilson in 2010 and are glad to take him off Baltimore’s hands. He immediately locks down the right side of the field and is worth every penny of his salary.
Leodis McKelvin — Opposite Wilson is Leodis McKelvin, an emerging corner acquired from Buffalo. McKelvin was an integral part of one of the NFL’s best pass defenses, and has the speed and skill to blanket his receiver.
Bryant McFadden — Operating in the slot and as utility backup is system veteran Bryant McFadden, formerly of the Steelers. Having played for coach LeBeau for years, his familiarity with the defensive scheme and AFC North makes him a valuable addition to the defensive backfield.
William Middleton — A backup with the Jaguars, Middleton provides quality depth as a dime corner. A strong blitzer, Middleton can be creatively employed in the classic LeBeau mold.
Fred Bennett — The 5th and final corner. Bennett will primarily contribute on special teams, but may also see time as a slot corner if McFadden moves.
Overall — The Steelers have devalued corners in recent years as their pass rush increased in ferocity. The Browns are confident in their pass rush, but saw no reason to not improve their defensive flanks. Between the cornerback and safety positions, opposing quarterbacks will find it nearly impossible to throw against the Browns secondary.

Safeties
Quintin Mikell — A longtime Eagles veteran, Mikell assumes the keystone position of this defense. Troy Polamalu struck fear into opposing quarterbacks while in Pittsburgh, and now Mikell assumes that same role in Cleveland. Mikell is an elite safety who can cover, tackle, hit, blitz, and generally harass the offense. His skill set makes him a perfect fit and “successor” to Polamalu.
Charlie Peprah — Provides reliable depth, having revived his career as the starting SS in Dom Capers’ similar scheme in Green Bay. Peprah is more than capable, and his Super Bowl ring will be a valuable motivational tool in the locker room.
T.J. Ward — Second year player T.J. Ward moves from SS to FS to stay on the field with Quintin Mikell. Ward is quickly growing into an elite safety in his own right, racking up 123 combined tackles and 2 INTs in his rookie season. Playing in a defense that suits his strengths and surrounded by elite talent, Ward has the opportunity to become dominant.
Gerald Sensabaugh — A former Cowboy who also makes the move to FS. Sensabaugh is a quality cover safety who can move up and make the tackle. He also shows great ballhawking skills, reeling in 5 INTs in 2010. Despite being a backup, he will see plenty of playing time as the third coverage safety.
Overall — Ward and Mikell form the best safety tandem in the league, and Ward is Mikell’s clear successor when the latter retires after a few more years. Sensabaugh and Peprah can both legitimately start and make big plays. One hell of a group, likely the best collection of safeties in the GML.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Placekicker
Lawrence Tynes — Arriving in Cleveland from the Meadowlands, Tynes has demonstrated throughout his career an ability to deliver accurate kicks in critical cold weather games. His overtime field goal in the 2007 NFC Championship Game, one of the coldest games ever at Lambeau Field, sent the Giants to Super Bowl XLII. Another Tynes field goal proved the margin of difference against the Patriots. The Browns are ecstatic to have a reliable cold weather kicker with big game experience.

Punter
Brett Kern — Formerly of the Titans, Kern had a noteworthy 2010, posting 42.9 average yards per punt, frequently pinning opponents inside their 20. He immediately upgrades the Browns’ coverage units, providing more time to get down the field, and more space to pin the opponent deep.

Long Snapper
Ryan Pontbriand — Pontbriand continues his long snapping duties. He’s not a screwup and that’s all we ask.

CONCLUSION

Many times, top-heavy teams have failed to meet lofty expectations set by the media. Fully aware of these teams’ fates, the Browns have constructed a balanced roster. Top talent is available at every position; quality depth is found just behind. This roster a collection of talented players who can fit immediately into the schemes of Tom Moore and Keith Butler. But let’s examine what this roster is not.

This is not a team that lives in someone else’s shadow. No longer are the Browns the cellar dwellers of the AFC in general or AFC North in specific. This team attacks opponents from all angles: field position on special teams, versatility in offensive playcalling and gameplanning, creative versatility and cutthroat pressure on defense. The coaches can gameplan and playcall with the best: the players can do everything asked of them and more. This team can take on the Steelers, the Ravens, the Bengals—and win.

This is not a team that will schedule vacations in January. Not only can this team challenge for the division title, it can challenge for the AFC title. An efficient offense and a stifling defense of this caliber can go as far as they desire. And there’s an overwhelming amount of Super Bowl lust on this team. Former Ravens players, former Cowboys players, former Eagles players, all are tired of falling short in January, and all come together in Cleveland to fix that problem.

This is not a team that will give up. This is a team that will win, and win big.

This team is your 2011 GML Cleveland Browns.

 

Bills roster:

Spoiler

Quarter Backs
Ryan Fitzpatrick $2,800,000
Brady Quinn $1,000,000


Running Backs
Fred Jackson $1,625,000
Mewelde Moore $550,000
Isaac Redman $350,000

Full Backs
Corey McIntyre $950,000

Wide Receivers
Roscoe Parrish $2,000,000
David Nelson $405,000
Donald Jones $405,000
Marcus Easley $405,000
Naaman Roosevelt $480,000

Tight Ends
Owen Daniels $8,000,000
Jordan Cameron $400,000
Charlie Gantt $400,000

Offencive Linemen
Sean Locklear $1,100,000
Tyson Clabo $6,750,000
Troy Kropog $800,000
Demetrius Bell $350,000
Langston Walker $300,000
Wade Smith $1,750,000
Evan Mathis $300,000
Ed Wang $1,000,000
Andy Levitre $480,000
Kraig Urbik $850,000
Eric Wood $600,000
Chad Rinehart $480,000

Defencive Ends
Alex Carrington $405,000
Jabaal Sheard $500,000
Greg Romeus $400,000
Trevor Scott $555,000
Arthur Moats $450,000

Defencive Tackles
Kyle Williams $1,750,000
Marcell Dareus $900,000
Shaun Smith $2,950,000
Torrell Troup $405,000
Desmond Bryant $300,000

Linebackers
Danny Clark $300,000
Brian Rolle $400,000
K. J. Wright $400,000
Karlos Dansby $2,700,000
Lawrence Wilson $400,000
Brian Iwuh $300,000

Corner Backs
Terrence McGee $3,200,000
Nate Clements $10,250,000
Joselio Hanson $3,100,000
Michael Adams $300,000
Chris Johnson $300,000

Safties
Michael Huff $2,900,000
Yeremiah Bell $3,700,000
Rashad Johnson $480,000
Stevie Brown $300,000

Kickers
Billy Cundiff $300,000

Punters
Shane Lechler $1,800,000

Depth chart:

Spoiler

QB: Fitzpatrick, Quinn

RB: Jackson, Moore, Redman

FB: McIntyre

WR: Parrish, Nelson, Jones, Easley, Roosevelt

TE: Daniels, Cameron, Gantt

LT: Locklear, Bell, Kropog

LG: Smith, Levitre

C: Wood, Rinehart

RG: Mathis, Urbik

RT: Clabo, Walker, Wang

SDE 5 tech: Carrington, Sheard, Romeus

3 tech DT: Dareus, Bryant, Carrington

1 tech DT: Williams, Troup, Smith

WDE 5 tech: Sheard, Scott, Moats

SLB: Clark, Wright, Rolle

MLB: Dansby, Clark

WLB: Wilson, Iwuh

CB: McGee, Clements, Hanson, Adams, Johnson

FS: Huff, Johnson

SS: Bell, Brown

K: Cundiff

P: Lechler

Writeup:

Well, I took over this team with about a week in FA, PFF loves a lot of my players who either made big leaps, made their all-division teams, made their all-pro teams or are sleeper players who need more snaps. A lot of the FA signings I made, once again, late in the game, were also ranked favourably by PFF's Free Agents by position.

 

2011 Miami Dolphins Roster

QB
Kyle Orton, $6,890,000
Blaine Gabbert, $900,000
Brian Brohm, $300,000

RB
LeSean McCoy, $480,000
Mike Tolbert, $700,000
Kenneth Darby, $300,000
Lousaka Polite, $1,250,000

TE
Marcedes Lewis, $5,703,400
Martellus Bennett, $555,000
Mickey Shuler, $405,000

OL
J'Marcus Webb, $405,000
Jacob Bell, $1,500,000
Chris Meyers, $2,700,000
Andre Gurode, $5,750,000
Ryan Diem, $2,250,000
Joe Berger, $800,000
Travelle Wharton, $300,000
Mike Tepper, $300,000
Rob Petit, $300,000
Jah Reid, $400,000
David Mims, $400,000

WR
Steve Johnson, $550,000
Danny Amendola, $650,000
Laurent Robinson, $550,000
Leonard Hankerson,$500,000
Dane Sanzenbacher, $400,000

DL
Paul Solia, $5,530,000
Kendall Langford, $555,000
Phillip Merling, $700,000
Jared Odrick, $405,000
Alan Branch, $800,000
Isaac Sopoaga, $300,000
Chris Kelsay, $2,000,000

LB
Cameron Wake, $480,000
Brandon Graham, $405,000
Koa Misi, $405,000
Andra Davis, $1,100,000
Tully Banta-Cain $300,000
Austin Spitler, $480,000
Larry grant, $300,000
Kevin Bentley, $300,000
Chase Blackburn, $300,00
Robert Quinn, $800,000

DB
Mike Jenkins, $920,500
Eric Wright, $2,000,000
Philip Buchanon, $400,000
Antrel Rolle, $5,250,000
Nolan Carroll, $405,000
Troy Polamlu, $6,400,000
Brandon Harris, $750,000
DeAndre McDaniel, $400,000

K
Dan Carpenter, $1,005,000

P
Brandon Fields, $726,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------




2011 NFL Draft
Round 1 Pick 2 QB Blaine Gabbert
Round 1 Pick 15 OLB Robert Quinn
Round 1 Pick 26 CB Brandon Harris
Round 2 Pick 34 WR Leonard Hankerson
Round 4 Pick 103 S DeAndre McDaniel
Round 4 Pick 108 OT Jah Reid
Round 5 Pick 144 OT David Mims
Round 5 Pick 156 WR Dane Sanzenbacher
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2011 Miami Dolphins Depth Chart

OFFENSE

QB- Kyle Orton, Blaine Gabbert, Brian Brohm

RB- LeSean McCoy, Mike Tolbert, Kenneth Darby

WR- Stevie Johnson, Roberto Wallace(pending)
WR- Leonard Hankerson, Laurent Robinson
SLOT- Danny Amendola, Dane Sanzenbacher

LT- J'Marcus Webb, David Mims, Rob Petit
LG- Jacob Bell, Joe Berger, Travelle Wharton
C- Chris Meyers, Andre Gurode
RG- Andre Gurode, Travelle Wharton, Mike Tepper
RT- Ryan Diem, Jah Reid, David Mims

TE- Mercedes Lewis, Martellus Bennett
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defense Base 3-4

RDE- Jared Odrick, Chris Kelsay, Issac Sopoaga
NT- Paul Solia, Alan Branch
LDE- Kendal Langford, Philip Merling, Issac Sopoaga

SOLB- Brandon Graham, Robert Quinn, Kevin Bentley
SILB- Koa Misi, Larry Grant, Austin Spitler
WILB- Andra Davis, Chase Blackburn, Larry Grant
WOLB- Cameron Wake, Robert Quinn, Tully Banta-Cain

CB- Mike Jenkins, Philip Buchanon, Brandon Harris
CB- Eric Wright, Brandon Harris, Nolan Carroll

SS- Antrel Rolle, DeAndre Mcdaniel
FS- Troy Polomalu, DeAndre Mcdaniel

P- Brandon Fields

K- Dan Carpenter
------------------------------------------------------------------


KEY TRAINING CAMP BATTLES

Blaine Gabbert vs. Kyle Orton for QB
Leonard Hankerson vs Laurent Robinson for #2 WR
Andre Gurode vs Travelle Wharton for RG
Larry Grant vs Andra Davis for WILB
Brandon Graham vs. Robert Quinn for SOLB
Eric Wright vs. Brandon Harris for #2 CB
Ryan Deim vs. Jah Reid for RT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
DEFENSIVE SETS

4-3

LE Brandon Graham
DT Alan Branch
DT Paul Solia
RE Cam Wake

LOLB Larry Grant
MLB Chase Blackburn
ROLB Koa Misi

CB Mike Jenkins
CB Eric Wright

FS Antrel Rolle
SS Troy Plomalu


3-3-5

RE Jared Odrick
NT Paul Solia
LE Kendal Langford

WLB Cam Wake
MLB Koa Misi
SLB Robert Quinn

CB Mike Jenkins
CB Eric Wright

S (playing near LOS) Troy Polomalu
FS Antrel Rolle
SS DeAndre McDaniel
-------------------------------------------------------------
OFFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY

We know what this offense was before I took it over, it was a great balance of mediocrity in the running and passing game. My hopes were to find a versatile RB, a Franchise QB, a mixture of speed and possesion WR's, and a pass catching TE. I feel like I hit a homerun at RB and TE, The QB position is upgraded although the development of Blaine Gabbert will be the key. I HAD to get Danny Amendola he is a player I like personally because he can give teams fits in the slot, I also really like Stevie Johnson he is a budding star imo, the #2 WR will have to settle for a TC battle between Hankerson and the talented but oft-injured Laurent Robinson. But I feel like this offense compliments eachother well.


We will be running a mixture of your basic Single Back Set, and a variation of the Pistol Offense. Having LeSean McCoy as my RB really opens up options for our team, his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield (80 rec last yr) keeps the LB off balance allowing Danny Amendola to work through some of those areas where the LB will be vacant. Having Mercedes Lewis is also a huge luxury because the SS doesnt want to leave the LB on him without help. Stevie Johnson and his speed will demand extra attention wich again gives Amendola more avenues to work out of.

QB Kyle Orton
Kyle was brought in with the mentality that we will win NOW, his accuracy has improved every year and I believe he was just in an impossible situation in Chicago and has matured into a fine player. He was well on his way to his 2nd 4,000 yard season passing and is a perfect mentor to Blaine Gabbert.

RB LeSean McCoy
LeSean is a great all around RB. Only 22 years old he can break the long run, catch the ball out of the backfield and averaged over 5 YPC last seaon with over 1,000 yards. LeSean is the type of player that gives coordinators headaches because you need to keep an eye on him at all times.

RB Mike Tolbert
I was very suprised I got Mike so easily, he is only 25 years old and did a good job as the Chargers starting RB fending off top 15 pick Ryan Matthews all season. Mike had 11 TD's and averaged 4 YPC. He will spell McCoy from time to time and be inserted in 3rd and short and goalline situations. Im loving my thunder and lightining.

WR Stevie Johnson
Why so serious Stevie burst onto the scene last year, the 24 year old from Kentucky had over 1,000 yards recieving and 10 TD's while only starting 13 games. He TORCHED Jonathon Joseph and Leon Hall for 3 TD's in a game @ Cinncy. Im sold on this kid, he runs good routes can make catches over the middle and gets behind Safteys.

WR Laurent Robinson/Leonard Hankerson
Robinson is still only 25 and has had his career hampered by injury, a physical WR with tons of potential just needs to get over the injury bug to be effective. The Rams know this wich is why they tendered him, they dont want to see him leave. Hankerson fell in the draft further than I think ANY of us thought, personally I love his upside. He was a 1,000 yard WR with Jacory Harris as his QB at the U wich means to me he will be just fine with Orton/Gabbert geting him the ball.

WR Danny Amendola
I have hyped this kid 3 years in a row now and this past season I think people are seeing why. A Dynamic slot and return guy who caught 85 balls last season and racked up over 2,000 All Purpose yards! Danny(also 25) will continue to get better and in my opinion is the 2nd or 3rd best slot WR in the NFL.

TE Mercedes Lewis
Lewis is a big young athletic TD machine, what I like about him is he blocks well to boot. Lewis provides an instant upgrade from Fasano and caught 10 TD's last season. I think he gets another 10 in this system.

LT J'Marcus Webb
Webb basically came out of nowhere from a 7th Rd draft pick to a starting RT for the Bears. While he had some growing pains he showed enough to Mike Tice to be moved over to LT in 2011. A beasty run blocker who didnt go from the 7th round to a starting LT in a year for nothing.

LG Jacob Bell
Bell has had some tough breaks in St Louis after being one of the most sought after FA's 3 years ago, a knee surgery slowed him down a bit last year but he started to look like himself. I expect Bell to beat out Gurode for the LG spot and become the player he was in Tennessee.

C Chris Meyers
Chris Meyers has given up one sack in 3 years! He is a blue collar mauling Center who helped pave the way for Arian Foster last season. 29 years old from the U Meyers brings his talents back to South Florida.

RG Andre Gurode
This is tough because I feel Travelle Wharton is good enough to beat out Bell or Gurode...but it never hurts to have depth so Ill guess Andre holds off Wharton and plays RG. Andre was the staring Center for the NFC pro bowl this season a TANK he pushes DL backwards for a living.

RT Ryan Diem
Diem will warm up the RT spot for rookie Jah Reid, Diem declined a bit in 2010 due to some nagging injuries, still a quality starter in this league but will have to play well with Reid waiting in the wings.

DEFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY

Coming in I knew I wanted to acquire an OLB to allow to move Misi inside, I also knew the Secondary was DYING for playmakers to reward this front seven for their hard work. I knew my DL was basically not changing very much. Solia was going to be franchised and Langford nor Odrick was going anywhere. The single biggest thing i regret about this GML was trading Vontae Davis...I know i got good value getting Pouncey and I couldnt tell you what that parlayed into in the long run. But I do know Iam a huge fan of #21 and I scrambled to find a replacment for him. Infact I tightened up on Sean Smith who I personally dont like a ton but eventually offed him aswell in a deal that included a 1st Rd pick. As far as Saftey goes Iam VERY VERY happy with Antrel Rolle and Troy Polomalu, like I said this secondary needed playmakers.

As with my other defenses in GML history I want to attack, attack, attack. I will run an aggressive 3-4 and ALL of my LB's are threats to blitz at anytime. I want to put pressure on offenses 80% of the time so the other 20% you rush into mistakes because you expect it. Ive said before that IMO an average CB can look really good when his front 7 brings the heat. I will also run a 3-3-5 on most passing downs playing Troy Polomalu near the LOS where he is a threat to hit the QB at anytime, DeAndre McDaniel is a rookie Im very high on who will be asked to play SS in this set, he is a playmaker and catches the football.

DE Jared Odrick
I was very excited about the kid after watching him in the preseason, he has a high motor that goes along with his rare athleticism...Odrick is healthy and will wreak havoc at this position.

NT Paul Solia
Solia FINALLY got his *** in gear after a few years of laziness and his talent showed. He was a dominant run stuffer and put some serious pressure on the QB. Solia became a dominant player and was rewarded with a contract that will be north of 10M dollars. He is a force.

DE Kendall Langford
All Kendall does is show up every Sunday and play solid football. A very underrated player has gotten the job done for the Dolphins and will continue to do so. He constantly is overlooked but is the most consistent DL on our team.

OLB Brandon Graham/ Robert Quinn
This will be an awesome battle imo, Graham is a much better 3-4 LB than a 4-3 DE and IMO will realize that potential here in Miami. But here we have a player many felt would have been the #1 overall pick if he played in 2010...he is a physical freak who looks like Tarzan and plays like Tarzan. A natural pass rusher who explodes to the QB. A knock was he played well against poor competition...then I saw him handling OT Anthony Costanzo. Who ever wins this battle will earn it.

ILB Koa Misi
Misi is moving inside wich is somewhere I really like him..a good tackler who is underrated in coverage Misi also is a threat to blitz your 'A' gaps. Misi provides the versatility needed from an ILB in this attacking system.

ILB Andra Davis
A sure tackler who can cover the RB or a TE out of the backfield when needed. Reunited with Mike Nolan and healthy Davis is a perfect fit for our football team.

OLB Cameron Wake
I dont need to tell you much, if your a Dolphins fan you saw it for yourself. The 4th Quarter sack machine was the key to the Miami Dolphins resurgant defense. When he wasnt sacking the QB he was pressuring him and when we needed it the most it seems like Wake was thier disrupting the opposition.

CB Mike Jenkins
Mike Jenkins digressed in a big way in 2010, after being a Pro Bowler in 09 Jenkins didnt handle being the teams #1 CB very well. In his defense he fought through injurys most of the year. But I think its obvious the Cowboys are still very confident he can rebound and so am I.

CB Eric Wright/Brandon Harris
Wright is in the same position as Jenkins imo, a talented CB who just had a bad year, but he didnt have much of a pass rush to help him in Cleveland. He can press well wich is something I like in this scheme. Harris will enter the NFL this year with a huge chip on his shoulder he has a load of talent and makes plays on the football. He may just steal one of the staring CB spots?

FS Antrel Rolle
I picked up Rolle again because he is a playmaking centerfielder who has closing speed and reacts quickly to the ball. Rolle likens to this team very well who NEEDED defenders who can change games with big plays.

SS Troy Polomalu
The best Saftey in football? Well it a 2 man race no matter how you see it, he is a freelancing machine who always finds himself making big plays in big moments. Troy can net the GW interception or blast your QB and create a fumble. Troy will play near the LOS in the 3-3-5 sets with Rookie DeAndre McDaniel playing the SS spot. Troy and Antrel are just what we needed as the last line of defense.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


SUMMARY

It has been a pleasure building the team we all root for, basically I tried to correct all my personal gripes with the team, mainly QB, OG, S...I know I broke some eggs to make my omelet but truthfully all in all im happy with where this team is and will be in the future.

 

PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Keenan Lewis DB $480,000.00
Trevard Lindley DB $405,000.00
Dawan Landry DB $3,500,000.00
Ryan Clark DB $2,500,000.00
Kurt Coleman DB $405,000.00
Dunta Robinson DB $5,500,000.00
Vontae Davis DB $676,250.00
Marcus Glichrist DB $400,000.00
Shareece Wright DB $400,000.00
Steve McLendon DL $480,000.00
Cameron Heyward DL $500,000.00
Ziggy Hood DL $600,000.00
Brett Keisel DL $3,025,000.00
Casey Hampton DL $3,910,000.00
Jeff Owens DL $480,000.00
Adrian Taylor DL $400,000.00
Jason Worilds LB $405,000.00
Stevenson Sylvester LB $405,000.00
Larry Foote LB $2,400,000.00
James Farrior LB $2,825,000.00
James Harrison LB $3,660,000.00
Kelvin Sheppard LB $450,000.00
David Vobora LB $1,500,000.00
HB Blades LB $300,000.00
Sam Baker OL $1,012,500.00
Jim Cordle OL $300,000.00
Chris Scott OL $405,000.00
Richie Incognito OL $1,750,000.00
Doug Legursky OL $480,000.00
Tom Pestock OL $300,000.00
Ramon Foster OL $480,000.00
Chris Kemoeatu OL $2,973,000.00
Max Starks OL $5,140,000.00
Matt Ryan QB $4,900,000.00
Dennis Dixon QB $1,500,000.00
Levi Brown QB $300,000.00
Josh Portis QB $400,000.00
Jonathan Dwyer RB $405,000.00
Rashard Mendenhall RB $612,500.00
Vonta Leach FB $400,000.00
Jason Snelling RB $500,000.00
Jamie Harper RB $400,000.00
Heath Miller TE $3,386,000.00
Evan Moore TE $300,000.00
Andre Smith TE $400,000.00
Devin Aromashadu WR $300,000.00
Steve Breaston WR $2,750,000.00
Antonio Brown WR $405,000.00
Michael Jenkins WR $300,000.00
Emmanuel Sanders WR $405,000.00
Hines Ward WR $3,000,000.00
Mason Crosby K $500,000.00
Adam Podlesh P $300,000.00
$69,910,250.00


$75,000,000.00 Cap
$69,910,250.00 Signed
$5,089,750.00 Cap room


Depth Chart
Offense
QB
Matt Ryan
Dennis Dixon
Levi Brown
Josh Portis

RB
Rashard Mendenhall
Jason Snelling
Jonathan Dwyer
Jamie Harper

FB
Vonta Leach

WR
Hines Ward
Steve Breaston
Emmanuel Sanders
Michael Jenkins
Antonio Brown
Devin Aromashadu

TE
Heath Miller
Evan Moore
Andre Smith

LT
Max Starks
Marcus Gilbert

LG
Chris Kemoeatu
Tom Pestock

C
Richie Incognito
Doug Legursky

RG
Marcus Gilbert
Ramon Foster
Jim Cordle

RT
Sam Baker
Chris Scott

K
Mason Crosby


Defense
RDE
Brett Kiesal/Cameron Heyward
Cameron Heyward/Brett Kiesal

NT
Casey Hampton
Jeff Owens
Adrian Taylor

LDE
Ziggy Hood
Steve McLendon

LOLB
David Vobora/Chris Carter
Chris Carter/David Vobora

LILB
James Farrior
Stevenson Slvester

RILB
Larry Foote
Kelvin Sheppard
HB Blades

ROLB
James Harrison
Jason Worilds

LCB
Vontae Davis
Keenan Lewis
Shareece Wright

SS
Dawan Landry
Kurt Coleman

FS
Ryan Clark
Marcus Gilchrist

RCB
Dunta Robinson
Trevard Lindley

P
Adam Podlesh

Starters in Bold


Draft Picks

2.43 - Cameron Heyward DE OSU
2.63 - Chris Carter OLB Fresno State
3.79 - Marcus Gilbert, OT Florida
3.CA - Kelvin Sheppard, ILB LSU
4.119 - Marcus Gilchrist, FS Clemson
4.127 - Shareece Wright, CB USC
6.164 - Josh Portis, QB Cal Pa.
6.191 - Jamie Harper, RB Clemson
7.203 - Adrian Taylor, DT, Oklahoma
7.215 - Andre Smith, TE Va Tech


Trades

Steelers and falcons pull off blockbuster

Steelers trade
Ben Roethlisberger QB 11,600,000
Troy Polamalu SS 6,400,000
Mike Wallace WR 480,000

Atlanta Trades
Matt Ryan QB 4,900,000
Sam Baker OT 1,012,500
Dunta Robinson CB 5,500,000
draft pick 4.123


Steelers and Lions agree to trade

Steelers trade
picks
1.31
7.223

Lions trade
picks
2.44
4.106


Steelers and Dolphins agree to trade

steelers trade
M Pouncey, ol $405,000
3.95

Dolphins trade
V Davis, cb 676,250
4.110


Steelers and Eagles agree to Trade

Pittsburg Steelers get:
DT Jeff Owens - $480,000
CB Trevard Lindley - $405,000
S Kurt Coleman - $405,000
4th round draft pick (119th)

Philadelphia Eagles get:
LB Lawrence Timmons - $650,000


pitt and atl reworked trade

pitt sends
2.44
4.106
4.110
5.159

Atl sends
2.43
3.85


Steelers Send:

3, 85
4. 123

49ers Send:

3. 79
6. 164
7.203
7. 215


FA Signings

Tom Pestock OG 300,000
Devin Aromashodu Wr 300,000
Michael Jenkins Wr 300,000
Richie Incognito OG/C 1,750,000
Evan Moore Te 300,000.00
Steve Breaston Wr 2,750,000.00
Vonta Leach FB 400,000.00
Jason Snelling Rb 500,000.00
Mason Crosby K 500,000.00
Adam Podlesh P 300,000.00
Dawan Landry SS 3,500,000.00
David Vobora OLB 1,500,000.00
HB Blades ILB 300,000
Levi Brown QB 300,000
Jim Cordle OL 300,000



Team Philosophy (write up)

Well it is real simple, the philosophy was why kill the goose. While I believe some noticeable changes were made, the core philosophy remained the same. Physical smash smouth football. Yes some pieces were moved and other teams made more big splash wow moves than the Steelers did. The Steelers decidedly had a plan and that plan was to fix the def backfield and oline, while adding to the TE position. The object was to get younger on d-line while maintaining the integrity of the front 7 which has been and will always be a strength of this team. We feel that while a couple players moved may be suprising (aka Polomalu) it was necessary for the unit as a whole. We also got younger at qb while saving money. All of which will be discussed below.

The first big move was moving Ben and Polomalu and getting Matt Ryan and Dunta Robinson (full trade can be read above, Baker was also an important piece as well) in return was essential plus added pieces but they were flexible and worked out we had to let Wallace go which hurt but was a means to an end. Now this move was predicated on a belief of getting a SS that while not Troy, was a MAN in his own right and we targeted Dawan Landry early on in the process. We let the bidding begin and even entertained the possibility of adding Eric Weddle as a new FS but alas bidding became such that we would have been out of the Landry sweepstakes at the time as we let his market define itself before we made our move. So while we liked the idea of adding both weddle and Landry, Ryan Clark is a very good FS and the cost of weddle would have precluded other moves from happening and we went all in on just Landry. We had also added Kurt Coleman in a trade so we feel like SS is once again a strength, while not Troy, is better than solid, we say top 5 to 10 for sure. We drafted Marcus Gilchrist and feel he provides solid FS depth as well as at cb if needed as he was a cb in college.

Now Big Ben is a SB qb, but we love Matt Ryan and he has a great future in his own right and provided us MUCH needed cap space as we saved 6 mil at qb position while we feel losing nothing in ability. felt like a win-win for us.

We then made another trade that was hard as o-line was a unit of concern as well and this trade had us giving up our young stud in Pouncey, but we got back Vontae Davis in return who we feel in well on his way to becoming one of the leagues premier corner and instantly becomes our #1 guy. We are excited to add Vontae and feel he takes our defense over the hump. We also added Trevard Lindley is is a young very quick corner that adds a solid nickel corner to our team. So with Dunta, Vontae and Trevard we feel very solid. Keenan Lewis remains from last year and we like him and we drafted Shareece Wright who we feel has potential and with our roster he can learn w/o pressure.

We absolutely were set on Brooks Reed at 44 to replace Woodley who was stolen away like a thief in the night by the #@#!@#% Vikings, anyway I digress, but Cameron Heyward was just too good to pass up and contributes immediately in a rotaion that will keep both he and Brett Keisal healthy and fresh.

After taking Heyward, we looked to fill that pass rushing specialist and believe we tapped some raw potential in Chris Carter from Fresno State and since we had signed David Vobora in FA felt he was just a nice fit who doesnt have to play every down while he refines his skills and develops but can contribute right away.

From there in both FA and the draft we felt we put pieces to puzzle that added depth to our team and allowed to rotate some guys and keep them fresh.

At WR we didnt go flash but we went with solid, we love Sanders and believe he can do for us what we lose in Wallace, while adding Steve Breaston wh battled injury in 10 but has talent and when healthy is dangerous and fearless. Michael jenkins we feel can be a help now that he isnt a focal point and expectaions are off and he can just play. He is a real value at #4.


Overall I feel really good about this team and what I was able to do. This was my second year and felt I was much more prepared for when something didnt go as expected. I think that this team is not weak anywhere and is set up to win.

I think it was a great time and cant wait til the simulations to see how it plays out.

I want to end with a HUGE THANK YOU to GridironKing and everyone else who volunteered to run FA positions, monitor draft etc. I can tell you that doing 1 team is alot of work, so to do what you guys do cant tell you how much I appreciate it, Thank You Very Much.

 

Your 2011 Atlanta Falcons….

The 2010 Atlanta Falcons finished 16th in offense with 341ypg. The Falcons offense suffered from the same problems that our Miami Dolphins suffered from, they lacked big plays and required long mistake free drives in order to put points on the board. I set out to change this offense into an explosive down field offensive juggernaut. We have added playmakers (Ben Roethlisberger, Miles Austin, DeSean Jackson, Mike Wallace, Nate Burleson, Brad Smith, Greg Olsen, Anthony Fasano, Mike Goodson, and Jerome Harrison) everywhere on offense.

In 2010 the Atlanta Falcons defense finished 16th giving up 322 ypg. The defense, along with the offense, lacked playmakers and explosiveness. We infused the defense with a great mix of veterans (John Henderson, Dwan Edwards, Clint Sessions, Charles Tillman, Fabian Washington), young players (Charles Johnson, Zac Diles, Gerald McRath, Derek Cox, Chris Clemons), and rookies (Stephen Paea, Marvin Austin, Justin Houston, Bruce Carter).

DEPTH CHART Red = Rookie
QB – Ben Roethlisberger/Marc Buler/Scott Tolzien
RB-Michael Turner/Mike Goodson/Jerome Harrison
FB- Leonard Weaver
WR- Miles Austin/Nate Burleson
WR- Mike Wallace/Brad Smith
WR- DeSean Jackson/Nate Burleson
TE- Greg Olsen/Anthony Fasano/Michael Palmer
LT- Jeff Backus/Barry Sims
LG – Chris Spencer/Nate Garner
C- Todd McClure/Joe Hawley
RG- Mike Johnson/Nate Garner
RT- Ebon Britton/Garrett Reynolds

DE – John Abraham/Justin Houston
DE – Charles Johnson/Kroy Biermann/Derrick Harvey
DT – John Henderson/Marvin Austin/Dwan Edwards
DT – Stephen Paea/Corey Peters
OLB – Clint Sessions/Gerald McRath/Spencer Adkins
MLB – Curtis Lofton/Omar Gaither
OLB – Sean Weatherspoon/Bruce Carter/Zac Diles
CB – Brent Grimes/Fabian Washington/Sheldon Brown
CB – Charles Tillman/Derek Cox
FS – Chris Clemons/Madieu Williams
SS – William Moore/Tyler Sash
K – Shayne Graham
P – Michael Konean


QB
Ben Roethilsberger $11,600,000
Scott Tolzien $300,000
Marc Bulger $300,000
$12,200,000

RB
Michael Turner $5,000,000
Mike Goodson $480,000
Jerome Harrison $300,000
Leonard Weaver $350,000
$6,130,000

WR
Miles Austin $8,540,000
Mike Wallace $480,000
Brad Smith $300,000
Nate Burleson $400,000
Desean Jackson $565,000
$10,285,000

TE
Michael Palmer $300,000
Anthony Fasano $1,900,000
Greg Olsen $650,000
$2,850,000

OL
Garrett Reynolds $480,000
Todd McClure $1,700,000
Jeff Backus $500,000
Chris Spencer $1,000,000
Nate Garner $300,000
Ebon Britton $544,600
Mike Johnson $405,000
Joe Hawley $405,000
Barry Sims $300,000
$5,634,600

DE
John Abraham $8,000,000
Derrick Harvey $500,000
Charles Johnson $7,500,000
Kroy Biermann $555,000
Justin Houston $500,000
$17,055,000

DT
John Henderson $6,000,000
Marvin Austin $500,000
Stephen Paea $500,000
Corey Peters $405,000
Dwan Edwards $550,000
$7,955,000

LB
Sean Weatherspoon $405,000
Zach Diles $300,000
Bruce Carter $500,000
Gerald McRath $480,000
Omar Gaither $300,000
Clint Sessions $300,000
Curtis Lofton $602,000
Spencer Adkins $300,000
$3,187,000

CB
Brent Grimes $2,100,000
Derek Cox $480,000
Fabian Washington $700,000
Charles Tillman $3,400,000
Sheldon Brown $400,000
$7,080,000

S
William Moore $480,000
Chris Clemons $480,000
Madieu Williams $300,000
Tyler Sash $400,000
$1,660,000

K
Shayne Graham $300,000

P
Michael Konean $300,000


DRAFT PICKS
2(39) - DE Justin Houston
2(44) - DT Stephen Paea
2(53) - OLB Bruce Carter
3(71) - DT Marvin Austin
4(106) - SS Tyler Sash
6(C6C) - QB Scott Tolzien

 

2011 Kansas City Chiefs

A Vengeful Taco Production ...


Head Coach: Todd Haley / Offensive Coordinator: Russ Grimm / Defensive Coordinator: Romeo Crennel​

Team Overview
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Unlike past stops as a General Manager, my main goal with the Chiefs was to leave as much of the current team in place as was possible. I’ve done the whole “blow the team up and start over” method, both with the Bengals as well as with the Bucs. Because Kansas City won the AFC West last year, and because of the general talent already on their roster, I instead wanted to augment that – rather than completely starting over.

This meant that I would have to use resources other than players – i.e. draft picks and Free Agency – to plug the holes on the roster. Because of this philosophy, I was relatively difficult to trade with. I simply didn’t want to part with guys whom I considered the “face” of the team – meaning I was very prickly when it came to fielding offers for the likes of Bowe, Charles, Flowers, and Hali.

On offense, I was generally happy with what the Chiefs had in terms of weapons, though I wanted to find a solid #2 WR and find an upgrade to the aging Thomas Jones at power back. I also wanted to improve the Chiefs offensive line. On defense, my goal was to improve the quality of the line by fully embracing the 3-4, which would require a near full retooling of the defensive front seven. In the secondary, I felt that keeping Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr, one of the NFL’s best young tandems, was a key. Eric Berry is also a rising playmaker, and I felt if I could find a dynamic FS to pair with him I’d have the makings of a very good secondary.

Coaching Staff
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I wanted to continue the theme of continuity with the coaching staff. Keeping Todd Haley was a no-brainer, as was keeping defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel. With Charlie Weiss leaving for Florida, I had a hole at offensive coordinator. Local KC sports radio has suggested that one of the reasons for Weiss’s departure was his apparent power struggle with Head Coach Todd Haley. This meant that I would have to look for a different replacement. Russ Grimm is a natural fit for Kansas City, having coached with Haley in Arizona. His title is that of offensive coordinator, but in reality Grimm will spend a lot of his time focused on the offensive line, where we expect him to help Anthony Davis hit the next level. We’re going to utilize the old Cowboys split, which means that as offensive coordinator Grimm will be focused primarily on the running game, while Haley will focus more on the passing game and specialty packages.

Offensive Philosophy
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Our plan is to split the offense into two parts, passing and running. Head Coach Todd Haley will maintain control of the passing game and develop the offensive game plans weekly. We will continue to use spread concepts, though with our weapons at TE we’re also going to borrow heavily from the Patriots offense of a year ago and run some two tight end sets. In reality we don’t expect to see much of a change from what the Chiefs did last season. That means you can expect to see a lot of quick slants, screens, and deep passes out of the passing game. With Dwayne Bowe on the roster it allows us to open up a lot of things that would otherwise be off limits. Haley will surely use one of my personal favorites, the deep cross, with Bowe creating all sorts of problems for the secondary.

New Offensive Coordinator Russ Grimm will be focused on the running game, particularly the offensive line, which sports 3 fresh faces from last season. We’ve given him plenty of weapons, with Jamaal Charles, Mikel LeShoure, and Daniel Thomas all capable of breaking off long runs. We’ve also given him a straightforward mauler in Owen Marecic. However Grimm’s greatest challenge will be with the offensive line, where we have high hopes for youngsters Barry Richardson, Kristofer O’Dowd, and Anthony Davis. We anticipate that Grimm will continue to employ a zone-blocking scheme, which will take advantage of Jamaal Charles’s lateral quickness. In addition, we will be running some straightforward power concepts behind our very solid interior offensive line, as Marecic opens lanes for LeShoure up the middle.

One thing we’ve been working on this season is our version of the Wildcat package, which we’ve dubbed “Mjolnir”. In this version, the Wildcat QB will actually be flanked by a HB and a FB. This is where the name comes from – when you diagram it out it looks a little bit like a hammer.

​

The primary reason we pursued James Casey was because he played in a similar formation while at Rice. In this instance he’ll be playing the FB role, though not necessarily all the time (Casey also played in the “Thor” package as a Wildcat QB while in college). Most of the time Daniel Thomas will take snaps as QB, which is something he did while at Junior College and at Kansas State. He’ll be flanked by Jamaal Charles or Mike LeShoure – really that depends on the situation at hand. Dexter McCluster or Tony Moeaki will play the slot – again, which one it is really depends on the game situation. Mjolnir will be used primarily as a power formation, as it takes advantage of Daniel Thomas’s short yardage ability in that area. In addition we’ll be using it to run some spread concepts, including things like a read-triple-option, where Thomas will be asked to read and react to the defense. Another possibility is some veer-power plays, with Casey leading the way as a power blocker. One note - We had considered leaving Matt Cassell on the field of play, but because this package has such a unique personnel grouping we felt that it wasn’t worth wasting a spot with a guy who won’t get involved in the play.

Defensive Philosophy
​

The defense will remain largely unchanged from last season to this season, though we’ve made major upgrades to the defense as a whole. Our base defense will be the 3-4. The defensive line of veterans Marcus Stroud, Shaun Rogers, and Justin Bannan will help occupy blockers, allowing the revamped linebacking crew, led by Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson, to make plays on defense. Where Kansas City really shines is in the secondary, which boasts a pair of stud cornerbacks in Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr and a pair of star safeties in Eric Berry and Eric Weddle. With studs across the board, we feel that Kansas City now boasts the NFL’s most fearsome secondary. From a scheme standpoint the Chiefs will look more like the Patriots than the Steelers, as Romeo Crennel, which means that while the Chiefs will be willing to blitz, they’re likely to be more standard and not of the zone variety.

That’s not to say that the defense is going to be boring. We’ve got a wrinkle designed to combat the high-flying offenses of the AFC. We believe that the Spread Offense is here to stay. Thus far regular defenses like the 3-4 and 4-3 have been unable to defend it, because linebackers are typically too slow to be able to cover in space. The nickel (4-2-5) is imperfect as well, as the nickel defensive back is usually too small to be able to engage in the run game. For years we’ve seen teams like the Patriots kill teams with spread concepts, either by using a wide receiver out of the slot (Wes Welker), or by using screens and dump offs (every running back since Corey Dillon). It’s a copy cat league, so it’s not surprising that this offseason we’ve seen a lot of teams going bonkers on offense. The Chiefs are taking a different approach. Rather than chasing the latest trend, instead we’ve been working on how we plan to defend it, and we’re implementing what we call the “Ragnarok” package. Up front, it’s a 4 man front with two linebackers, similar to most nickel packages. The wrinkle is that we plan to play Eric Berry as Strong Safety, Eric Lewis at Weak Safety, and also bring in Kendrick Lewis to play Free Safety.

​

You can see that this actually looks a lot like the old 4-4 Defense, which is I actually played in while in High School. The benefits to this formation is that it will allow us to play Cover 3 against pretty much any variation of the spread, unless the offense audibles and decides to go 5-wide. It also places Weddle and Berry closer to the line of scrimmage. The benefit to this is twofold. They can diagnose and react to running plays (or short, dump off routes in the flats) quickly and effectively. They can also wreak havoc should we decide to blitz one or both of them. The Ragnarok formation will also allow us to get our 6 best blitzers on the field at the same time. Tamba Hali will drop back down to DE, with Marcus Stroud going to his old spot at DT and Shaun Rogers staying at nose. In addition we plan to substitute Sam Acho out at the other DE spot and play Stephen Tulloch and Derrick Johnson at the ILB spots, though Kirk Morrison will get some opportunities as well. We anticipate that this formation will give opposing offensive coordinators preparation nightmares.

Trading Summary
​

As I mention at the outset, the Chiefs weren’t all that active in the trading market because we wanted to keep the team together. I’m not going to get into every trade that was made, but I did want to highlight a couple of the deals that we felt were keys to the Chiefs offseason.

• 117 and 182 for Shawn Rogers, NT: Nose tackle was probably the Chiefs biggest need starting the offseason, and they don’t come much bigger than Shawn Rogers. This was another attempt to create continuity, as Rogers has openly praised Defensive Coordinator and had arguably his best season as a pro with Romeo in Cleveland in 2008.
• 86 for Earl Bennett and 190: A third round choice was a steep price to pay for a WR, but considering Bennett’s age, production, and salary it was a move we felt we had to make. After NT, WR help was next on our list of offseason priorities. Bennett should mesh perfectly with what we’re trying to do on offense.
• Glenn Dorsey and 213 for Justin Bannan and 155: I actually really like Glenn Dorsey, but he’s been consistently miscast in Kansas City and simply isn’t a fit for the 3-4. I briefly considered going to a 4-3, which would fit him a lot better, but I decided against it because Crennel has never ran it before. I was happy to get an underrated DE in Justin Bannan back in the deal and pick up 155, which turned into Owen Marecic.
• Brandon Albert for David Diehl, 92, and 179: While I didn’t really want to part with Albert, packaging Albert in a 3-for-1 deal just made too much sense to pass up. Former Pro Bowler Diehl is an adequate LT, and can help man the position for at least another year. 92 was eventually moved as part of a package for Anthony Davis, meaning that, in effect, I traded Brandon Albert for David Diehl AND Anthony Davis. Not bad.
• 92 and Wallace Gillberry for Anthony Davis: Another guy that I didn’t really want to part with, Wallace Gillbery simply didn’t fit what I wanted to do defensively. I wanted to keep him as a nickel rusher, but a starting RT is more valuable than someone who is only on the field part of the time. This trade was a reaction to the Free Agency Tackle prices, which were just beginning to skyrocket. I simply didn’t want to pay someone 5+ million a year for average play, at best. Instead I’ll take the former first rounder Anthony Davis, whom should be a natural on the right side. We may even experiment with him on the left, depending on how Russ Grimm helps him develop.

Free Agency Summary
​

Heading into Free Agency, we felt like there were a number of areas that we wanted to address, even though we had filled quite a few of our most pressing needs through our trading activity. Specifically, we were looking for the following players:

• Center: We really wanted to add a top-flight center to the roster. Casey Weigmann, at 38, probably won’t be coming back for another season, and even if he does we wanted to get younger. We initially targeted Ryan Kalil but were more than happy to get Kyle Cook at a much reduced price.
• “Bridge” SOLB: Andy Studebaker remains an unproven commodity. Our intention was always to draft a SOLB early, but we wanted someone who was more proven than Studebaker for the time being. Kirk Morrison will be more than an adequate option for the short term.
• “Banger” ILB: Derrick Johnson is very solid in coverage, but between him and Jovan Belcher we felt like we had two coverage LBs manning the inside. Adding Stephen Tulloch to the mix should allow us to be very physical at the point of attack.
• Impact FS: Kendrick Lewis is very serviceable at Free Safety, and last year’s starter John McGraw will always be a personal favorite of mine, but if you have a chance to add an impact Free Safety, you have to do it. In today’s NFL it’s evolved into one of the game’s most important positions. Eric Weddle would be the best safety in the AFC if Ed Reed and Troy Polomalu didn’t grab all the headlines.
• Defensive Line Depth: Tyson Jackson remains a work in progress. We decided to go with the Patriots model in terms of what they are doing with their defensive linemen. Specifically we wanted tall players who can clog lanes, like veteran Marcus Stroud, who we were excited to land late in the process. Antonio Johnson also offers a little bit of versatility as well.

Draft Summary
​

Our plan in the draft was pretty straightforward. First and foremost we wanted to maximize our value for our draft selections. Secondly we had some positions that we wanted some help at (RB, OLB, C, etc.), but we didn’t want to limit ourselves to those positions when drafting. This meant that we could possibly end up doubling up on a position that was already strong (something that actually happened when drafting Daniel Thomas). Overall we feel like we got very good value across the board with our picks, and got ourselves some very good developmental players in the process.

​

• Round 2 Pick 38 (from Indianapolis via Tennessee via Denver via Arizona): Mikel LeShoure
• Round 3 Pick 76 (from Minnesota via San Francisco): Sam Acho
• Round 3 Pick 80 (from Indianapolis via Jacksonville): Luke Stocker
• Round 4 Pick 105 (from Minnesota): Daniel Thomas
• Round 4 Pick 113 (from Denver via Buffalo via Miami via Carolina via San Francisco via Jacksonville): Greg McElroy
• Round 4 Pick 120 (from Minnesota via Jacksonville): Kristofer O'Dowd
• Round 5 Pick 133 (from Arizona): Jaiquawn Jarrett
• Round 5 Pick 155 (from Denver via Tennessee via Atlanta): Owen Marecic
• Round 6 Pick 163 (from Cleveland): Denarius Moore
• Round 6 Pick 182 (from New York Jets via Cleveland via Kansas City): Frank Kearse

​

Official Roster
​

Quarterback

• Matt Cassel ($4,750,000) (Team Captain): After struggling in 2009, Cassel bounced back with a fantastic 2010 campaign. His play was a big reason that the Chiefs won the AFC West last year. With the new weapons on offensive, we expect Cassel to continue his solid play in 2011.
• Matt Leinart ($300,000): Sometimes it’s about the devil you know. Leinart brings experience, having started 17 games in the NFL. He’s strictly a backup at this stage in his career, and would only see action if Cassel went down with injury, ironic considering Cassel was his backup at USC.
• Greg McElroy ($400,000): Probably my favorite QB prospect in the draft. He exemplifies what we are looking for at the QB position – tough, gutsy, leadership. Will start the season as the #3 QB and we will groom him for the #2 spot down the road.

Running Back

• Jammal Charles ($2,750,000): Gish’s favorite player who has put up back to back 1000 yard seasons. One of the NFL’s most dynamic players, we’re going to do everything we can to limit his carries – while Charles has shown that he can handle the load we’re building a dynasty here – and we want him around for the long run.
• Mikel LeShoure ($500,000): Big time power back who will be a terrific compliment to Jammal Charles, and a clear upgrade over Thomas Jones at RB. He might be my personal favorite running back in the draft.
• Daniel Thomas ($400,000): Thomas will start the year as our #3 back, which isn’t a bad problem to have. We like him in certain goal line situations, as well as in our Mjolnir package, where he’ll likely be the trigger man.
• Owen Marecic ($400,000): I’m mystified by the trend of the disappearing fullback in the NFL. To me, there’s just times where you want to be able to jam the ball down the other team’s throat. That’s what Marecic will allow us to do. His experience at linebacker will also allow him to be a solid contributor on special teams.

Wide Receiver

• Dwayne Bowe ($690,000): One of the NFL’s most physical receivers, Bowe has averaged over 1000 yards per 16 games since entering the NFL. Bowe should be in the conversation as one of the NFL’s top receivers, and we anticipate him taking another step forward this season.
• Earl Bennett ($550,000): If you were designing a template for a #2 NFL receiver, you might end up with Earl Bennett. Bennett will help stretch the field and open things up for Bowe on the other side of the field. We felt like we had to make a move for a #2 WR, and were happy to land Bennett in Kansas City.
• Dexter McCluster ($405,000): McCluster moves into the #3 WR role to begin this season. His speed makes him a difficult guy to match up with. We’re going to maximize his value this season, which means he’s going to see duty as a KR, PR, WR, and RB.
• Verran Tucker ($480,000): An undrafted free agent, Tucker surprised folks by sticking with the Chiefs out of training camp. He’s an intriguing prospect, still a work in progress. He’ll be our #4 WR and be a key player for us on special team coverage units.
• Carlton Mitchell ($300,000): Mitchell’s size (6’4) means that he’ll be Dwayne Bowe’s understudy. Like Tucker, he’ll see time on special teams. In addition, we plan on getting him into the game in certain goal line situations, where he can use his height to box out smaller defensive backs.
• Denarius Moore ($400,000): Moore will also see action in certain situations, particularly when we go 4 wide on 3rd and Long. His speed should allow him to get behind defenses. We’re going to work with him in the slot role as well. Moore should also see time as a special teamer.

Tight End

• Tony Moeaki ($405,000): We’re going to continue to use Moeaki to create mismatches in the secondary. He’s too fast for linebackers and too physical for defensive backs. Replacing Tony Gonzales was always going to be difficult, but Moeaki has done admirably in filling those very large shoes.
• James Casey ($475,000): Come on, the dude’s nickname is Thor. Did you really think he wouldn’t be a part of my team? In all seriousness, Casey is a tough physical player who will pair well with Moeaki in certain two TE situations. He will also be asked to contribute on special teams, where he made 5 tackles for the Texans last season.
• Luke Stocker ($450,000): Third round draft choice will compete with James Casey for the #2 TE spot. Replaced Brad Cottam in Tennessee, and is doing the same in Kansas City. Developmental TE prospect that has drawn some comparisons to former Vol Jason Witten.

Offensive Line

• David Diehl ($3,500,000): Diehl will step in to replace Brandon Albert at LT. Veteran player who plays with a bit of a mean streak. Made the Pro Bowl in 2009, and was an All Pro in 2008.
• Brian Waters ($3,900,000) (Team Captain): The heart and soul of the Kansas City offensive line, Waters has been one of the most consistently great guards in the NFL. Though he is entering the twilight of his career, he still has several good years ahead of him. One of the NFL’s ambassadors, both on and off the field.
• Kyle Cook ($1,500,000): Underrated by Bengals fans, the durable Kyle Cook has started 32 consecutive games in Cincinnati. He’s not the long term solution at Center in Kansas City, but he should be a solid player for us for the next several years while we groom someone to take over.
• Ryan Lilja ($2,000,000): Lilja resigned with the Chiefs last fall and played in 15 games. Most folks in the area, me included, felt that he outplayed Pro Bowler Brian Waters last season. Lilja gives us one of the best interior tandems in the AFC.
• Anthony Davis ($487,500): Davis struggled a bit as a rookie, but we were willing to make a move to get a player who just last year was a Top 12 draft choice. New Offensive Coordinator Russ Grimm will be spending a lot of time working with Davis to improve the nuances of his game. Davis showed flashes last year – take a look at how he handled Clay Matthews – but we’re hoping that he puts it all together this year. Depending on his development, we may eventually flip him to LT down the line.
• Barry Richardson ($300,000): Richardson was brought back on a minimum deal, mainly on the strength of his run blocking. He’s certainly capable of being a mauler in the run game, but is still working on the nuances of the passing game. He’ll start the season as a backup to Anthony Davis at RT.
• Jon Asamoah ($405,000): Asamoah didn’t get a lot of playing time last season, but he did make an impression in limited time. The plan for now is to have him back up both G spots. That said, he’s surprisingly agile, which means he could also possibly move to C. We plan to give him the opportunity to compete against Kyle Cook for the starting spot, though Cook is the favorite.
• Kristofer O’Dowd ($400,000): You can never have too many good linemen, and while we feel we have the C position covered for the conceivable future, we went ahead and draft O’Dowd out of USC. A bit of a finesse player, which is something we actually prefer out of our Cs, as we ask them to get to the second level and get out in space.
• Kyle Kosier ($300,000): Like Kyle Cook, Koshier is another guy who seemingly went unappreciated by local fans. We’re happy to have him join the Chiefs. Koshier has started over 100 games in 9 seasons, and in addition has experience making the all-important offensive line calls during his time in Dallas.
• Ryan O’Callaghan ($300,000): O’Callaghan would probably go into the season as the starter, if not for his penchant to be nicked up. In a lot of respects, O’Callaghan is the exact opposite of Barry Richardson – solid in pass protection but not that great in run support. He’ll be a backup T whom we can put at either spot if the need arises.

Defensive Line

• Shaun Rogers ($2,000,000): As I mentioned earlier, the NT spot was probably the top offseason priority. They don’t come much bigger than Shaun Rogers. Not everyone is sold on Rogers, as his motor runs hot-and-cold from time to time. We’re confident that reuniting him with Romeo Crennel will result in consistent play from him on the field.
• Justin Bannan ($1,000,000): Classic example of a high-motor guy who just gets the job done as a 3-4 DE. Willing to do the dirty work and take on multiple blockers if that’s what the situation calls for. Can also drop down inside in an under technique if we go to 4-3 looks.
• Marcus Stroud ($750,000): At 6’6, Stroud has the length that we like to see in our Defensive Ends. He will split snaps with Tyson Jackson, who has not quite lived up to expectations in Kansas City, and mentor him in the process. He’s also technically our backup NT, though if we suffered an injury to Rogers we’d more than likely go to a 4 man front and line Stroud up in the 3 or 2 technique.
• Tyson Jackson ($1,790,000): Jackson remains a project at 3-4 DE, as he hasn’t been physical enough at the point of attack nor disruptive enough to get after the quarterback. As mentioned above, he’ll begin the season as a backup. Ideally Jackson will show enough progress throughout the season to eventually take over the position going into December and January, giving Stroud a break for the playoff push.
• Frank Kearse ($400,000): A late round draft choice from tiny Alabama A&M, Kearse joins the Chiefs as a developmental prospect. We’re going to focus on getting him used to the speed of the NFL game, and we are grooming him for a shot at taking over the NT spot whenever we part ways with Shaun Rogers. In the meantime we’ll also coach him to play the other spots along the line, as his smarts and versatility will serve him well.
• Anthony Toribio ($480,000): Another player whom we are looking at as a potential NT down the line is Anthony Toribio. For now he’ll primarily be a backup DE/DT that may see some action in certain 4-man fronts.
• Antonio Johnson ($300,000): Johnson comes over from Indianapolis, where he started a total of 21 games in 3 years. We’re going to move him to the DE spot in most packages, though his familiarity with 4-man fronts means that he can play inside should the need arise.

Linebacker

• Kirk Morrison ($750,000): We’re still not quite sure how we got Kirk Morrison so cheaply. We had initially planned on using him for depth purposes only, but he’s simply too talented to leave on the bench. We are going to play him at SOLB, a position he played as a rookie in Oakland. He’s solid in both run and pass coverage, so he will see some time in special packages.
• Derrick Johnson ($3,000,000): No one really expected Derrick Johnson to excel as an ILB in the Chiefs 3-4 scheme, but much like Miami’s Channing Crowder, he surprised everyone. The difference is that DJ actually makes plays in the opponent’s backfield. A year after being considered on the outs, Johnson bounced back with a monster 2010 campaign that saw him rack up over 120 tackles.
• Stephen Tulloch ($4,000,000): One of our marquee free agent signings, Tulloch should make the Pro Bowl this season. It was criminal that he didn’t last year, after he racked up the second most tackles in the NFL. Tulloch is a little undersized for the 3-4 but we’re confident that he has the physicality to overcome it.
• Tamba Hali ($9,345,000) (Team Captain): Expensive, but worth it. Another guy who should have been in the Pro Bowl last season, Hali is a versatile player capable of playing in either the 3-4 or the 4-3 at an extremely high level. Has blossomed into one of the league’s top pass rushers.
• Sam Acho ($450,000): In some ways he reminds us of Koa Misi from last season. Acho is still a very raw prospect, and will start the season in a backup role. He’ll start by seeing action in pass rushing situations, but we’re hoping to eventually move him to SOLB in our 3-4.
• Stephen Nicholas ($1,100,000): Nicholas comes over to the Chiefs from the Falcons, where he averaged just under 80 tackles each of the last two seasons. Solid in run support, we’ll use Nicholas as a situational player and short-term starter should someone go down with injury.
• Jovan Belcher ($480,000): It’s tough to make the jump to the NFL, and it’s even tougher when you’re coming from Division III. Still, Belcher has done an admirable job working his way up. It’s nice to have starting-caliber players on your roster, and Belcher’s pass rushing prowess will come into play periodically, even if he’s not in the starting lineup.
• Brandon Johnson ($750,000): We like Brandon Johnson because he’s got great size (6’5, 240 lbs) and can play pretty much any linebacker spot. Versatility is always a plus when constructing a roster, and Johnson offers plenty of that. He’s got some upside as a pass rusher, and also should be a special teams player as well.
• Andy Studebaker ($950,000): Another guy from Division III, Studebaker surprised while spot starting for an injured Mike Vrabel in 2009. We really like Studebaker, and feel like he rounds out one of the NFL’s deepest linebacker units.

Defensive Back

• Brandon Flowers ($555,000): In the span of three short seasons Brandon Flowers has blossomed into one of the NFL’s best young cornerbacks. Flowers has broken up a ridiculous 50 passes since coming into the NFL. Last season he was rated as Pro Football Focus’s second best cornerback in coverage.
• Brandon Carr ($2,100,000): The yang to Brandon Flowers’s ying, Brandon Carr has developed into a very respectable cornerback in his own right. Carr has a little bit more height and in some cases actually matches up better against the bigger NFL receivers.
• Eric Weddle ($5,500,000): As the NFL continues to evolve into a passing league, defenses are redefining what it means to be a Free Safety. Today’s Free Safties have to be physical enough to match up with the atletic TEs of the NFL, and fast enough to help cover speedy WRs out of the slot. Weddle is also very physical against the run, which is an added bonus.
• Eric Berry ($3,250,000) (Team Captain): My personal favorite prospect from the 2010 draft, Eric Berry did not disappoint, as a stellar rookie campaign led to a Pro Bowl selection. Like Weddle, Berry is capable of playing either safety spot, but we prefer to play him at SS, where his tenacious tackling and hard hitting is put to best use.
• Javier Arenas ($405,000): Arenas returns kicks and punts in addition to handling nickel CB duties for the Chiefs. Arenas ranked third among rookies last season in punt return yardage. We also like him as a cornerback, as his shiftiness allows him to recover when covering receivers out of the slot.
• Kendrick Lewis ($405,000): Lewis surprised everyone last season by stepping into the FS role and playing quite well for the Chiefs. While we won’t be asking him to start this season he should provide us very nice depth. We do plan to utlize him as part of our Ragnarok package, which from time to time will feature three safeties on the field at the same time.
• Jaiquawn Jarrett ($400,000): Jarrett is capable of playing either safety spot, but we plan to have him act primarily as Eric Berry’s immediate backup. He is very physical and likes contact. Because of this we anticipate that he will be a terror on special teams.
• Donald Washington ($480,000): Primarily Brandon Carr’s backup, Donald Washington will fill our dime cornerback role, though his size makes him a viable option at FS, should the need arise. In addition he’ll be asked to play on special teams, and help round out an overhauled unit that should be much improved.

Special Teams

• Ryan Succop ($550,000): Succop will continue to handle kicking duties for the Chiefs. A seventh round draft choice just two years ago, Succop has been consistent and reliable for Kansas City, even when kicking in less-than-stellar weather conditions.
• Dustin Colquitt ($350,000): One of the NFL’s most underrated punters, Colquitt was again stellar at pinning opponents deep beyond the 20 yard line last season, as his 33 punts inside the 20 was good for 4th best in the NFL. His raw average of 44.4 yards per punt was also good enough for 12th in the NFL.
• Zak DeOssie ($300,000) (Team Captain): DeOssie comes over to Kansas City to take over long snapping duties, a position in which he went to the Pro Bowl for in 2008 and 2010. In addition he will serve as a key special teamer and offer linebacker depth as well.

Starting Lineups & Depth Chart
​

​

Offense

• QB: Matt Cassel / Matt Leinart / Greg McElroy
• RB: Jamaal Charles / Mikel LeShoure / Daniel Thomas
• FB/HB: Owen Marecic / Kris Wilson
• WR 1 (Split): Dwayne Bowe / Carlton Mitchell
• WR 2 (Flanker): Earl Bennett / Denarius Moore / Verran Tucker
• WR 3 (Slot): Dexter McCluster / Verran Tucker
• TE: Tony Moeaki / Luke Stocker / James Casey / Kris Wilson
• LT: David Diehl / Anthony Davis
• LG: Brian Waters / Kyle Koshier
• C: Kyle Cook / Kristofer O'Dowd
• RG: Ryan Lilja / Jon Asamoah
• RT: Anthony Davis / Barry Richardson / Ryan O'Callaghan

Offense (Wildcat - "Mjolnir")

• QB: Daniel Thomas/ James Casey
• FB: James Casey / Mikel LeShoure
• RB: Jamaal Charles / Mikel LeShoure
• WR 1: Dwayne Bowe / Carlton Mitchell
• WR 2: Earl Bennett / Dexter McCluster / Denarius Moore
• TE: Tony Moeaki / Luke Stocker
• LT: David Diehl / Anthony Davis
• LG: Brian Waters / Kyle Koshier
• C: Kyle Cook / Kristofer O'Dowd
• RG: Ryan Lilja / Jon Asamoah
• RT: Anthony Davis / Barry Richardson / Ryan O'Callaghan

Defense (3-4 Base)

• LDE: Marcus Stroud / Tyson Jackson / Anthony Toribio
• NT: Shaun Rogers / Frank Kearse
• RDE: Justin Bannan / Antonio Johnson
• SOLB: Kirk Morrison / Stephen Nicholas / Andy Studebaker
• LILB: Derrick Johnson / Kirk Morrison
• RILB: Stephen Tulloch / Jovan Belcher
• ROLB: Tamba Hali / Sam Acho / Brandon Johnson
• CB: Brandon Flowers / Javier Arenas
• CB: Brandon Carr / Donald Washington
• FS: Eric Weddle / Kendrick Lewis
• SS: Eric Berry / Jaiquawn Jarrett

Defense (4-2-5 - "Ragnarok")

• LDE: Tamba Hali / Tyson Jackson
• DT: Marcus Stroud / Justin Bannan
• NT: Shaun Rogers / Frank Kearse
• RDE: Sam Acho / Anthony Toribio
• LILB: Derrick Johnson / Kirk Morrison
• RILB: Stephen Tulloch / Jovan Belcher
• SS: Eric Berry / Jaiquawn Jarrett
• CB: Brandon Flowers / Javier Arenas
• CB: Brandon Carr/ Donald Washington
• DB: Kendrick Lewis / Javier Arenas
• FS: Eric Weddle / Kendrick Lewis

Special Teams

• K: Ryan Succop
  
• P: Dustin Colquitt
• H: Dustin Colquitt / Greg McElroy / Matt Leinart
• LS: Zak DeOssie / Owen Marecic / Andy Studebaker
• KR: Javier Arenas / Dexter McCluster
• PR: Javier Arenas / Dexter McCluster

Closing Thoughts
​

On Offense, the Chiefs look to be much improved from 2010, which saw them finish 12th overall in Yards per Game but middle of the road (14th overall) in Points per Game. The offensive line has been overhauled, with new starters David Diehl and Anthony Davis manning the tackle spots. While it was difficult to let center Casey Weigmann walk away we felt like we had to get younger at the position. Kyle Cook serves as a nice bridge. In the future we will likely turn the duties over to Jon Asamoah or Kris O’Dowd. With Ryan Lilja, and Brian Waters we feel like we have a Pro Bowl caliber guard and Kyle Koshier brings experience should one of them go down. At the skill positions, our primary goals were to acquire more weapons and improve the running game. We traded for Earl Bennett, who will give us a qualified number two option opposite of Dwayne Bowe. In addition we’re expecting big things from Dexter McCluster and the continued development of Verran Tucker and Carlton Mitchell. Our TE group has been completely overhauled and is now among the youngest and most athletic in the league. Tony Moaeki drew Rookie of the Year votes and both James Casey and Luke Stocker should add depth. The area we are the most excited about is our stable of running backs. Jamaal Charles has proven to be electric. Mikel LeShoure is a perfect “thunder” style complement to Charles and Daniel Thomas offers us versatility in specialty packages. New Fullback Owen Marecic is a throwback but we imagine that he could find his way to Hawaii in the near future. Matt Cassel made the Pro Bowl a season ago and we expect him to continue to play at a high level. Matt Leinart is getting a second chance in the NFL while we will allow Greg McElroy the chance to develop into a starting caliber quarterback somewhere down the line. Overall we expect that the offense will be much more consistent next year, which should translate into more points and yards per game.

Like the offense, last season saw the Chiefs finish in the middle of the pack defensively. One of the things we felt was holding the Chiefs back last season was the fact that there were a number of players who seemed better suited for the 4-3 as opposed to the 3-4 defense. And while we did have some internal discussions about moving back to the 4-3 full-time, we ultimately decided to fully embrace the 3-4. With that in mind we knew that we wanted to revamp the front seven, finding ourselves a mammoth Nose Tackle and another solid pass rusher to complement Tamba Hali. We started with trading for Shaun Rogers, who has underperformed the last few seasons in Cleveland. However we’re confident that he can play a serious role for us. We traded away former first rounder Glenn Dorsey, importing the criminally underrated Justin Bannan in his place. Tyson Jackson moves to the bench, while veteran Marcus Stroud will be asked to take over the other DE spot. We’re very excited about our linebackers. Aside from Hali and the returning Derrick Johnson, we also signed Stephen Tulloch and Kirk Morrison to man the other spots. Tulloch is undersized for a 3-4 defense but we believe that he has the tenacity to overcome those physical limitations. Morrison will be asked to hold down the SOLB spot, though he will face competition from Stephen Nicholas, Sam Acho and Andy Studebaker. Our secondary should be regarded as one of the NFL’s best. Brandon Flowers and a returning Brandon Carr anchor the CB spots, while Eric Berry and Eric Weddle patrol the middle. Kendrick Lewis and Javier Arenas offer valuable depth and both will see the field in some capacity throughout the season, more than likely as part of our 4-2-5 “Ragnarok” package. Overall we anticipate that the defense will be stout against the run, and very good against the pass, a lethal combination that should lead to defense pressure and turnovers.

I’ve been a General Manager several times in the past, but I feel like this Chiefs team is the most talented. For the first time in my three years of doing this, there isn’t a rookie starter anywhere on offense, defense, or special teams. At every position there are quality starters, with most positions offering tremendous depth that could start for other teams. The offenses and defenses are littered with young and talented players capable of multiple Pro Bowls. Several positions (RB, TE, LB, CB/S) should be considered among the NFL’s best. It all starts with the Quarterback and we feel like Matt Cassel has taken the next steps to becoming one of the NFL’s best. We’ve kept the coaching staff mostly intact, bringing in Russ Grimm, who is already very familiar with Todd Haley, having worked beside him in Arizona. We expect that familiarity will translate into results on the field. Because of this, our expectations are high. We fully expect to be back in the playoffs next season, and we are cautiously optimistic that we could be hosting a game in Arrowhead Stadium with the Super Bowl at stake.

 

First off, you guys better read this ****ing wall of text.

ROSTER​

Quarterback ($2,277,000)
Kevin Kolb $1,392,000
Jimmy Clausen $405,000
Tony Pike $480,000

Runningback ($12,274,800)
DeAngelo Williams $8,794,800 (franchise tag)
Darren Sproles $3,000,000
Tyrell Sutton $480,000
Nic Grigsby $300,000

Fullback ($480,000)
Tony Fiammetta $480,000

Wide Receiver ($7,640,000)
Anquan Boldin $6,000,000
Brandon LaFell $405,000
Nate Washington $500,000
David Gettis $405,000
Mardy Gilyard $405,000

Tight End ($1,440,000)
Ed Dickson $405,000
Cornelius Ingram $480,000
Gary Barnidge $555,000

Tackle ($8,815,000)
Jordan Gross $6,000,000
Jeff Otah $1,855,000
Garry Williams $480,000
Jacob Bender $480,000

Guard ($1,515,000)
Geoff Schwartz $480,000
Mackenzy Bernadeau $555,000
Duke Robinson $480,000
Justin Boren $300,000

Center ($0)
Jason Spitz $400,000
Jake Kirkpatrick $400,000

---------------
Defense (3-4)

Defensive End ($2,260,000)
Marcus Spears $750,000
Lawrence Guy $400,000
Cedric Thornton $400,000
Marques Douglas $700,000

Nose Tackle ($980,000)
Remi Ayodele $500,000
Anthony Gray $400,000
Louis Ellis $480,000

Outside Linebacker ($5,960,000)
James Anderson $4,300,000
Aldon Smith $850,000
Eric Norwood $405,000
Quentin Groves $555,000
Moise Fokou $300,000

Inside Linebacker ($12,785,002)
Jon Beason $1,380,000
David Harris $10,700,002
Jamar Chaney $405,000
Corey Mays $300,000

Cornerback ($8,569,117) -- ($14,274,017)
Chris Gamble $6,244,117
Richard Marshall $6,664,900 -- Transition Tag
Jason McCourty $480,000
Jeremy Ware $405,000
DeMarcus Van Dyke $400,000

Free Safety ($885,000)
Sherrod Martin $480,000
Jordan Pugh $405,000

Strong Safety ($855,000)
Charles Godfrey $555,000
Robert Sands $400,000

Punter ($300,000)
Jason Baker $300,000

Kicker ($300,000)
Robbie Gould $300,000

Total players: 53
Total salary: $73,936,819 (1,063,181 under)

==============

DEPTH CHART​

QB- Kevin Kolb, Jimmy Clausen, Tony Pike
RB- DeAngelo Williams, Darren Sproles, Tyrell Sutton, Nic Grigsby
FB- Tony Fiammetta
WR1- Anquan Boldin, David Gettis (#4)
WR2- Brandon LaFell, Mardy Gillyard (#5)
WR3 (slot)- Nate Washington
TE- Ed Dickson, Cornelius Ingram, Gary Barnidge
LT- Jordan Gross, Jacob Bender
LG- Mackenzy Bernadeau, Justin Boren
C- Jason Spitz, Jake Kirkpatrick
RG- Geoff Schwartz, Duke Robinson
RT- Jeff Otah, Garry Williams

---------------------
Defense (3-4)

LDE- Marcus Spears, Cedric Thornton
NT- Remi Ayodele, Anthony Gray, Louis Ellis
RDE- Lawrence Guy, Marqes Douglas
LOLB- James Anderson, Eric Norwood, Moise Fokou
ILB- Jon Beason, Jamar Chaney
ILB- David Harris, Corey Mays
ROLB- Aldon Smith, Quentin Groves
CB1- Chris Gamble, Jason McCourty, DeMarcus Van Dyke
CB2- Richard Marshall, Jeremy Ware
FS- Sherrod Martin, Jordan Pugh, Robert Sands
SS- Charles Godfrey, Robert Sands

---------------------
Special Teams:

K- Robbie Gould
P- Jason Baker
KR- Darren Sproles, Mardy Gilyard, Tyrell Sutton
PR- Darren Sproles, Jeremy Ware, Mardy Gilyard

==============

WRITE UP​

Read this ****.

I was dealt an incredible hand when I was chosen to GM the Panthers. A 2-7 off suit. Not only was my team a mess, but I found out that every player that was actually worthy of being on the field happened to be an UFA. Convenient. So, I realized that I had zero shot at turning this team into a playoff team right away (even with my stunning GM skills), so I figured I would build this team for the future.

Offense:

I envisioned bringing an exciting, spread/west coast offense to Carolina for one reason: The offense would be exciting to watch, so the fans could enjoy at least one aspect of the team. Even if the rest of the team sucks. This offense would consist of many 3-5WR sets, with an outside running game like none other. Lots of quick routes on the outside and underneath crossing routes to help spread the defense out. I figured that I needed a QB that could handle this, so I went out and snagged Kevin Kolb (who I think highly of).

The next thing on my to-do list was to bring back DeAngelo Williams and upgrade my receiving corps. I worked out some trades and eventually brought in Anquan Boldin along with Mardy Gilyard, and Nate Washington through Free Agency as well. That brought many different looks to my offense. After that, I was looking at how weak my TE position was. Gary Barnidge was my most productive TE and I had to do something about that. Hello Ed Dickson, hello Cornelius Ingram. Both guys, being speedy TEs with good size (Dickson was clocked at a 4.54 and Ingram a 4.53). Having two TEs of their caliber brought more excitement to this spread offense.

I have always been a believer in chemistry when it comes to offensive lines, so I did my best to keep them all together. I couldn't keep Kalil, because his bid price became too high, but I managed to bring in Jason Spitz through Free Agency, who I like, because he played in a similar offense in Green Bay.

Oh, and I added Darren Sproles to my offense. Damn, this offense has some speed (no Al Davis).

Defense:

I focused on my offense heavily through trades, so I wanted to focus on defense heavily through the draft and free agency. Especially because I was converting from a 4-3 to a 3-4, which usually takes a few years to do so.

I started off by hiring Dean Peas (Former NE Patriots DC) to become our DC and team up with Ron Rivera to implement a new 3-4 defense to Carolina. Not a bad tandem to do so, given that they both had success with their former teams in the 3-4 defense.

I damn near cut or traded my entire front 7 because of the lack of talent and group of misfits I was dealt with. So, it created a challenge.

Started off by assuring my secondary was still solid. Transition tagged Richard Marshall, brought in Jason McCourty through a trade, and Jeremy Ware as well. Kept everything else the same. After that, I didn't really have to focus on my secondary too much in FA or the draft.

Then, I moved on to my **** hole. I mean, my front 7. When I found out that David Harris was an UFA, I had it in my mind that he will be a Panther. IDGAF what the Jets had in mind...he was going to be in Carolina. When I bid/overpaid him with a $10.7mil contract, it instantly upgrade my defense. Him and Jon Beason on the inside is frightening. But, I didn't stop there. I wanted pass rushers. There were 2 guys I targeted in the draft and I traded for Quentin Groves. I then brought back James Anderson, to create a group of 3 guys that totaled 350 tackles in 2010 (Anderson, Beason, Harris). Traded for Jamar Chaney for some depth, then added Moise Fokou and Corey Mays through FA for some more added depth to my nasty LB corps.

Oh btw, I missed out on Lamarr Woodley also by a few hundred thousand. Imagine that LB corps: Woodley-Harris-Beason-Anderson. Oh lawd.

For my defensive line, I wanted to get proven veterans. Started by bringing in Remi Ayodele to play NT and Marcus Spears to play the LDE position. Marques Douglas was also given a contract to help come in and add experience to that D-Line. Then, I turned to the draft to fill out my other defensive needs.

Draft:

Like I said before, I wanted to focus my draft with a defense heavy mindset. Kind of like the 2010 Dolphins draft.

1st round, #10- OLB, Aldon Smith
This was my guy from day 1. I worked on getting a deal done to move up and grab Von Miller, but since it was going to cost too much, I decided to move up for Aldon to ensure I didn't lose him at 15. I had too much on the line, since I didn't have a true starting OLB that could provide a decent pass rush. I gave up a lot for him, even if I didn't have to. Oh well, this guy is nasty.

3rd round, #81- DE, Lawrence Guy
Another guy I wanted from day 1. I like ASU, so I had a chance to watch him a few games throughout the season and he was clearly the leader of that defense along with Vontaze Burfict. He has a mean attitude on the field and I felt that he was one of the few standout true 3-4 DEs in the draft. Reminds me of Kendall Langford.

4th round, #101- S, Robert Sands
IMO, this was the steal of the draft. I had him rated as my number 1 safety and I see nothing but positives with this guy. Hell, I didn't even need a safety, since I had Godfrey, Martin, and Pugh...but I still took him anyways because of his upside, versatility, and athletic ability.

4th round, C4A- DE, Cedric Thornton
I didn't want to reach for Thornton, because there are a lot of questions with him. But, I felt I needed to make sure I grabbed another pure 3-4 DE before they were all gone, since I had very few needs at this point in the draft. He was one of my favorite DEs in the draft, so I reached for him, even though some people didn't even think he would get drafted in our league. Oh well.

5th round, #154- C, Jake Kirkpatrick
This is my John Jerry pick of the draft. 1 offensive player and it is an offensive lineman. I like Kirkpatrick. He came from an exciting offense at TCU and was apart of one of the best o-lines in the nation in 2009. He could compete for Spitz to fill in Ryan Kalil's place.

5th round, C5C- CB, DeMarcus Van Dyke
My Al Davis pick. I'll be honest. I only picked him cause of the speed. Plus, I had room to screw around with a pick. Didn't have anymore needs at this point and I already had 4 CBs that I liked (Gamble, Marshall, McCourty, Ware). He could be a nasty STer though.

7th round, #183- NT, Anthony Gray
At around the 5th round, I about **** myself. I forgot that Louis Ellis was my only backup NT, so I rushed to find the best available NT in the draft. I decided to target Ian Williams, but he was autopicked, so I then went towards Gray for the 7th round. I believe I traded up for him, but it was worth it. I ended up liking the pick a lot after I made it. I think he could be a solid backup NT in the league.

==============

The end. Long wall of text, but that basically explains my mindset going into this thing. I cut my awful players (1/3 of my team), traded for a couple of solid players, hit free agency hard, and focused my draft on defense. I felt like I really turned this team around and they could easily be on the rise. I also felt like I put together a top 5 defense, even after the **** hole I was handed.

 

New York Jets Final Roster:

Joseph Addai RB $2,400,000.00
Derek Anderson QB $300,000.00
Will Beatty OT $480,000.00
Deon Butler WR $300,000.00
Jason Campbell QB $450,000.00
Nick Cole OL $300,000.00
Kenyon Coleman DE $850,000.00
Daryn Colledge OL $950,000.00
John Conner RB $405,000.00
Mike DeVito DL $2,125,000.00
Vladimir Ducasse OL $405,000.00
D'Brickashaw Ferguson OL $5,615,000.00
Vernon Gholston LB $555,000.00
Jarron Gilbert DL $480,000.00
Shonn Greene RB $480,000.00
Jason Hanson K $300,000.00
Kris Jenkins DL $3,750,000.00
Jeremy Kapinos P $300,000.00
Dustin Keller TE $795,000.00
Jeff King TE $300,000.00
Jim Leonhard DB $1,950,000.00
Dwight Lowery DB $555,000.00
Nick Mangold OL $2,260,000.00
Joe McKnight RB $405,000.00
Brandon Moore OL $2,750,000.00
Chinedum Ndukwe SS $300,000.00
Calvin Pace LB $3,855,000.00
Ropati Pitoitua DL $480,000.00
Sione Pouha DL $1,030,000.00
Tanner Purdum OL $480,000.00
Darrelle Revis DB $7,000,000.00
Aaron Ross CB $1,099,000.00
Mark Sanchez QB $13,500,000.00
Bart Scott LB $5,000,000.00
Jonathan Scott OL $300,000.00
Rich Seubert OL $300,000.00
Bryan Thomas LB $3,200,000.00
LaDainian Tomlinson RB $2,425,000.00
Mike Williams WR $300,000.00
Gibril Wilson FS $300,000.00
Kyle Wilson DB $405,000.00
Muhammed Wilkerson DE $750,000.00
Titus Young WR $500,000.00
Dontay Moch OLB $450,000.00
Mark Herzlich LB $400,000.00
Virgil Green TE $400,000.00
Derrick Locke WR/RB $400,000.00
Josh Bynes ILB $400,000.00
Derek Newton OT $400,000.00
Deunta Williams FS $400,000.00
Chris Neild NT $400,000.00
Zach Taylor C $400,000.00
$74,334,000.00


Starting Lineup:
QB: Mark Sanchez
RB: Shonn Greene
FB: John Conner
WR: Mike Williams
WR: Titus Young
TE: Dustin Keller
LT: D'Brickashaw Ferguson
LG: Brandon Moore
C: Nick Mangold
RG: Daryn Colledge
RT: Vladamir Ducasse

DE: Mike Devito
NT: Kris Jenkins
DE: Muhammed Wilkerson
OLB: Calvin Pace
ILB: Bart Scott
ILB: Mark Herzlich
OLB: Bryan Thomas
CB: Darelle Revis
FS: Aaron Ross
SS: Jim Leonhard
CB: Kyle Wilson

Depth Chart:

QB: Mark Sanchez – Jason Campbell – Derek Anderson
RB: Shonn Greene – Joseph Addai – LaDanian Tomlinson – Joe McKnight
FB: John Conner
WR: Mike Williams – Deon Butler
WR: Titus Young – Derrick Locke (3WR)
TE: Dustin Keller – Jeff King – Virgil Green
LT: D'Brickashaw Ferguson – Jon Scott
LG: Brandon Moore – Will Beatty
C: Nick Mangold – Nick Cole – Zach Taylor
RG: Daryn Colledge – Rich Seubert
RT: Vladimir Ducasse – Derek Newton

DE: Mike Devito – Ropati Pitoitua
NT: Kris Jenkins – Sione Pouha – Chris Neild
DE: Muhammed Wilkerson – Kenyon Coleman – Jarron Gilbert
OLB: Calvin Pace – Vernon Gholston
ILB: Bart Scott – Josh Bynes
ILB: Mark Herzlich – Josh Bynes
OLB: Bryan Thomas – Dontay Moch
CB: Darelle Revis – Dwight Lowery
FS: Aaron Ross – Gibril Wilson – Deunta Williams
SS: Jim Leonhard - Chinedum Ndukwe
CB: Kyle Wilson

KR: Derrick Locke – Joe McKnight
PR: Joe McKnight
K: Jason Hanson
P: Jason Kapinos
LS: Tanner Purdum

Draft Picks:
1 (30): Muhammed Wilkerson, DE, Temple
2 (51): Titus Young, WR, Boise State
3 (94): Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada
3 (98): Mark Herzlich, LB, Boston College
4 (125): Virgil Green, TE, Nevada
5 (158): Derrick Locke, RB/WR, Kentucky
6 (182): Josh Bynes, ILB, Auburn
6 (189): Derek Newton, OT, Arkansas State
6 (193): Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina
7 (197): Chris Neild, NT, West Virginia
7 (211): Zach Taylor, C, Utah

Analysis Coming Soon.

 

​

2011 Arizona Cardinals​

HC Bob Stoops
OC Pat Shurmer
DC Todd Bowles

ROSTER
Quarterbacks $1,975,000
John Skelton, QB, $405,000
Matthew Stafford, QB, $1,170,000
T.J. Yates, QB, $400,000 (Draft)

Runningbacks $7,925,000
Ahmad Bradshaw, HB, $5,000,000
Tim Hightower, RB, $1,500,000
Owen Schmitt, FB, $480,000
CJ Spiller, RB, $545,000
Jordan Todman, HB, $400,000 (Draft)

Wide Receivers $12,245,000
Riley Cooper, WR, $405,000
Early Doucet, WR, $900,000
Mario Manningham, WR, $555,000
Sidney Rice, WR, $9,500,000
Andre Roberts, WR, $405,000
Brian Robiskie, WR, $480,000

Tight Ends $805,000
Aaron Hernandez, TE, $405,000
Weslye Saunders, TE, $400,000 (Draft)

Offensive Linemen $11,400,000
Anthony Collins, OT, $300,000
Willie Colon, OT, $2,500,000
Brandon Fusco, OC, $400,000 (Draft)
Todd Herremans, OL, $1,900,000
Charlie Johnson, LT, 300k
Davin Josepth, OG, $4,000,000
Brandon Kieth, OL, $900,000
Tyron Smith, OT, $800,000 (Draft)
Bobbie Williams, OG, $300,000

Defensive Linemen $8,875,000
Everette Brown DE $480,000
Brodrick Bunkley, DT, $635,000
Trent Cole, DE, $2,900,000
Darnell Dockett, DL, $2,350,000
Mike Patterson, DT, $1,400,000
Ricky Sapp, DE, $405,000
Cameron Sheffield, DE, $405,000
Matt Toeaina, DT, $300,000

Linebackers $10,895,000
Keith Bulluck, LB, $300,000
Will Davis, LB, $480,000
Thaddeus Gibson, LB $405,000
Paul Posluszny, LB, $4,000,000
O'Brien Schofield, LB, $405,000
Daryl Washington, LB, $405,000
D.J. Williams, LB, $4,900,000

Defensive Backs $20,260,000
Hussain Abdullah, S, $1,500,000
Melvin Bullitt, S, $300,000
Brandon Burton, CB, $450,000 (Draft)
Kelvin Hayden, CB, $6,105,000
Ryan Hill, CB, $300,000 (UDFA)
Nate Ness, CB, $400,000
Kerry Rhodes, S, $2,425,000
Jamarca Sanford, S, $300,000
Greg Toler, CB, $480,000
Corey Webster, CB, $8,000,000

Kicker/Punter $300,000
Matt Bosher, K/P, $300,000 (UDFA)

Total Team Salary: $74,680,000


Pre-Camp Depth Chart
QB: Matt Stafford; John Skelton; TJ Yates
HB: Ahmad Bradshaw; CJ Spiller; Tim Hightower; Jordan Todman
FB: Owen Schmitt
WR: Sidney Rice; Andre Roberts; Brian Robiskie
WR: Mario Manningham; Early Doucet; Riley Cooper
TE: Aaron Hernandez; Weslye Saunders
LT: Tyron Smith; Charlie Johnson; Anthony Collins
LG: Todd Herrimans; Bobbie Williams
OC: Brandon Fusco; Bobbie Williams
RG: Davin Joseph; Bobbie Williams
RT: Willie Colon; Brandon Keith

Offensive Writeup: It's no secret once Kurt Warner left, the Cardinals record went down the tubes. Because of this, priority #1 was to bring in a franchise QB. We felt getting Matt Stafford (a former #1 overall pick) for the price we payed was a steal. He is a true franchise QB with enormous upside and toughness. He has had some injury woes, but we feel with a much better line than the one he had in Detroit he will be able to stay healthy and do big things for our offense. He has everything you want in a QB and has just started to scratch the surface of his ability. The afformentioned line will be consisted of some very solid to excellent players. We feel Tyron Smith is a true LT in the NFL with his athleticism and feet and was only playing RT in college because of circumstance with Kalil there. Herrimans is a very good LG and on the right side we feel we got one of the best guards in football in Davin Joseph and one of the best RTs in football (PFF ranked him #1 overall in his last healthy season in '09) in Willie Colon. Fusco is a guy who we think very highly of and despite coming from a small program, we feel he can start right away at OC. If he's not up to the challenge we feel Bobbie Williams can move over from guard to play center in our scheme. Charlie Johnson can be a swing tackle for us and has experience protecting Peyton Manning's blind side as the starter there last season. In the backfield we are very excited about our four-headed monster we've built at runningback as well as at fullback where Owen Schmitt was very good last year when called into action for the Eagles. Ahmad Bradshaw is coming off of a breakout year where he proved he can carry the load and make big plays. We feel with an improved line and other weapons around him CJ Spiller has the ability to be very special as a compliment to Bradshaw. We see Spiller in the same mold as Darren McFadden who took a year to get his feet under him before breaking out last season as one of the better backs in the league. We also have bruising tailback Tim Hightower back who can come in and push the pile in short yardage situations as well as the versitile Jordan Todman who's a threat to take it to the house on every touch. At WR we have a stable of young, talented players starting with our #1 in Sidney Rice. Rice broke out two seasons ago for the Vikings before getting injured last season. We feel he has everything you want though in a go to WR. On the other side of him will be Mario Manningham, who most people probably don't realize had almost 1800 yards and 14 TDs in the previous two seasons combined playing mainly behind Nicks and Smith in New York. In the slot we have promising Andre Roberts who had a very solid rookie year last season and has speed to burn. Also in our WR corps are 3 more players with upside in Early Doucet, Brian Robiskie, and Riley Cooper. At TE, we added one of the best seam threats in the NFL last season in Aaron Hernandez who will make an already explosive offense even more dangerous. We also added promising rookie Weslye Saunders to come in for two TE sets. Overall we feel that if this group can stay healthy, there are very few offenses in the league who are more explosive with the ability to beat you in a number of ways and can score at any moment whether it's on the ground or in the air. This group will also be headed up by one of the brightest young offensive minds in the NFL in Pat Shurmer who did wonders with very little talent (and the talent he did have was very young) last season in St. Louis.

LE: Everette Brown; Ricky Sapp
DT: Darnell Dockett; Mike Patterson
DT: Broderick Bunkley; Matt Toeaina
RE: Trent Cole; Cameron Sheffield
SAM: Daryl Washington; Thaddeus Gibson; Will Davis
MIKE: Paul Posluszny; Keith Bullock;
WILL: DJ Williams; O'Brien Schofield
CB: Corey Webster; Greg Toler; Nate Ness
CB: Kelvin Hayden; Brandon Burton; Ryan Hill
FS: Kerry Rhodes; Jamarca Sanford
SS: Hussain Abdullah; Melvin Bullitt

Defensive Writeup: First and foremost we are extremely excited about who we have leading this unit this season in Todd Bowles. We feel he was worthy of a DC position years ago and is one of the true up and comers in the NFL. We don't expect to keep him very long as he will be ready to take over a HC job very soon, but we're going to get the most out of him while we have him here. Our philosophy on defense is you win with a strong front 7 and in a 4-3, a strong line in particular. With that in mind we have built one of the better lines the NFL has seen in some time starting in the middle with our stud DTs Darnell Dockett and Broderick Bunkley. The push those guys are going to get up the middle would make it easy on any set of defensive ends, but we didn't settle for just any set of defensive ends either. We went out and got an All-Pro in Trent Cole and someone who we feel can be a future Pro Bowler in Everette Brown. But knowing any great line is as weak or strong as it's rotational players allow we made sure our backups were some of the best in the NFL as well. Our backup DTs are probably as good a pair as many starting units in Mike Patterson and Matt Toeaina and at backup DE we have two promising second-year pass rushers in Cameron Sheffield and Ricky Sapp. Both will be able to come in situationally and pressure the QB. To round out the front 7 we have an amost equally as good linebacking corps. We return Daryl Washington who is coming off an outstanding rookie season and will only get better. Via trade we added one of the most consistanty good, physical lilnebackers in the NFL in DJ Williams, and in free agency we landed one of the best up and coming linebackers in the NFL in Paul Posluzsny. To bring a veteran presence to the unit we brought in Kieth Bullock as a backup as well as adding a nice developmental player in Thad Gibson. A guy who we loved coming out of the draft last season, but was essentially red-shirted because of an ACL injury will now be fully healthy and ready to contribute is O'Brien Schofield also. At cornerback we have two very good players in Kelvin Hayden and Corey Webster who may not be Pro Bowlers, but are probably just below that level with the talent to get there at some point. Fighting it out for the nickle and dime positions will be 3 talented youngsters in Greg Toler, Brandon Burton, and Nate Ness. Ryan Hill was also added as a UDFA and while he may not have impressed all that much at "the U" neither did Sam Shields before he went on to have a break out year on the way to a Super Bowl title in Green Bay last season. Hill, like Shields was converted to CB from WR and has pretty good size and athleticism. And with the lack of coaching these players got at Miami, we feel they all have elevated upside with proper coaching. At safety Kerry Rhodes leads the way as my ballhawking center fielder backed up by Jamarca Sanford and at SS there will be a stiff competition between Hussain Abdullah and Melvin Bullitt, both whom have starting experience. This is a defense that's going to get after the QB, be aggressive, and force turnovers. They'll be an attacking defense that flies around and scares the hell out of opposing offenses.

K: Matt Bosher
P: Matt Bosher
KR: CJ Spiller; Andre Roberts
PR: CJ Spiller

Special Teams Writeup: Matt Bosher may have had a bit of a down year, but so did most of the Miami Hurricanes. I have seen him make big kicks and outstanding punts in his career there and was the MVP of the team in '09. We feel confident he can handle both PK and P duties for us and while his kickoffs may not be elite, he will benefit from the new rules moving the kickoff up. CJ Spiller is obviously a very dangerous return man with lethal speed and should be one of the better return men in the league. Andre Roberts also has speed to burn and can handle return duties if needed.

Trades
49ers Send:
LB Thaddeus Gibson - $405,000.00

Cardinals Send:
FS Rashad Johnson - $480,000.00
__________________________________________________ __________________

Kansas City sends:
Cameron Sheffield, DE, $405,000

Arizona sends:
5th round pick (133)
__________________________________________________ __________________
San Diego sends:
6th Round - 178 Overall

Arizona sends:
Stephen Williams, WR, $405,000
__________________________________________________ __________________
New England Sends
1.28
TE Aaron Hernandez $405,000
WR Brandon Tate $480,000

Arizona sends
WR Larry Fitzgerald $7,000,000
__________________________________________________ __________________
Eagles send:
Brodrick Bunkley, DT, $635,000
Todd Herremans, OL, $1,900,000

Cardinals send:
Adrian Wilson, DB, $3,000,000
6th round draft pick (179)
__________________________________________________ __________________
Broncos send:
D.J. Williams, LB, $4,900,000
2nd round pick (46)

Cardinals send:
2nd round pick (38)
3rd round pick (69)
__________________________________________________ ___________________
Panthers send:
-Everette Brown DE/OLB $480,000

Cardinals send:
4th round pick #102
6th round pick #178
__________________________________________________ ___________________
Lions send:
Matthew Stafford, QB, $1,170,000.00

Cardinals Send:
1sr round pick (28)
6th round pick (166)
__________________________________________________ ___________________
Arizona Cardinals send:
Max Hall, QB, $405,000

Cleveland Browns send:
Brian Robiskie, WR, $480,000
__________________________________________________ ___________________
Giants send Arizona:
Mario Manningham 555,000
Corey Webster 8,000,000

Arizona sends NYG
Dominique Rogers-Cromartie 950,000
Beanie Wells 622,500
__________________________________________________ ___________________
Eagles send:
CB Kelvin Hayden ($6,105,000)
WR Riley Cooper ($405,000)
DE Ricky Sapp ($405,000)

Cardinals send:
DT/NT Dan Williams ($405,000)
__________________________________________________ ___________________
Eagles send:
DE Trent Cole - $2,900,000
FB Owen Schmitt - $480,000
DT Mike Patterson - $1,400,000

Cardinals send:
DE Calais Campbell - $555,000
2nd round pick (#46)
__________________________________________________ ___________________
Cards sent:
WR Brandon Tate $480k

49ers send:
Round 3 (81)
Round 6 (184)
__________________________________________________ ___________________
Bills send:
1.25
2.59
5.130
6. 167
CJ Spiller, RB, $545,000
Hussain Abdullah $1,500,000

Cardinals send:
1.5
__________________________________________________ ____________________
Cardinals send:
1.25
2.59
6.167

Broncos send:
1.16
4.122
__________________________________________________ _____________________
Panthers send:
-3rd round, #91
-5th round, #145

Cardinals send:
-3rd round, #81

I think I have built up a reputation as someone who likes to make some trades and this offseason was no different. I had some clear targets and feel like I accomplished pretty much what I was looking to do before free agency and the draft. I felt my biggest need was to get a franchise QB and went out and got one. My next biggest need was getting a line to protect him and I feel I made some moves to improve in that department as well. I am also a big believer in having a strong defensive line in a 4-3 defense and I built what I consider to be the best and deepest defensive line in football. The other moves made were supplementary moves to improve my team in my opinion.

Free Agent Signings
Davin Josepth, OG, $4,000,000
Ahmad Bradshaw, HB, $5,000,000
Bobbie Williams, OG, $300,000
Melvin Bullitt, S, $300,000
Anthony Collins, OT, $300,000
Matt Toeaina, DT, $300,000
Sidney Rice, WR, $9,500,000
Paul Posluszny, LB, $4,000,000
Charlie Johnson, LT, $300,000
Willie Colon, OT, $2,500,000
Keith Bulluck, LB, $300,000
Nate Ness, CB, $300,000
Jamarca Sanford, S, $300,000
Nick Folk, K, $300,000
Matt Bosher, K/P, $300,000 (UDFA)
Ryan Hill, CB, $300,000 (UDFA)

My goal was to use free agency to fill out my remaining needs and improve my depth and personally, I feel I the Arizona Cardinals had one of the best, if not the best free agency of any team in football. My four biggest needs were finishing up my offensive line reconstruction, filling out my linebacking corps, getting a #1 WR, and getting a #1 RB. I feel I got some of the best players at those positions landing what I felt was the best guard in free agency in Davin Joseph, the best RT in Willie Colon, the best WR in free agency in Sidney Rice, the best running back in Ahmad Bradshaw, and one of the best linebackers in free agency in Paul Posluszny. The other depth players I got in Kieth Bullock, Matt Toeina, Charlie Johnson, Bobbie Williams, Melvin Bullitt, Anthony Collins, Nate Ness, and Jamarca Sanford are also nothing to sneeze at, especially at the price I got them at.

Draft Picks
1. 16-Tyron Smith, OT, USC
3. 91-Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
4. 122-Jordan Todman, HB, UConn
5. 130-Brandon Fusco, OC, Slippery Rock
5. 145-TJ Yates, QB, UNC
6. 184-Weslye Saunders, TE, South Carolina

Going into the draft I felt I had no real positional needs. I could use an upgrade at LT and OC as well as a two-way TE, but I felt I was in position where I didn't have to reach for any one position. I was however short on picks, so after a couple moves down at different spots I was able to pick up some extra picks. As Tyron Smith started to fall I decided I would move back up after trading down in the 1st because I felt he was too good to fall that far and could really upgrade my line. I felt he had more upside than any OT in the draft and at the very least would be an excellent RT although I feel he will be a fine LT. I liked Burton's size and upside and feel he has a chance to contribute early as a sub package player with the potential to be a starter eventually. Todman is a guy I liked a lot and see a lot of LeSean McCoy in him so even though I didn't have any kind of need at HB I still took him. Fusco is a guy who's upside I love and feel even though he comes from a smaller school has a chance to start at OC from day one. Yates was one of my sleepers at the QB position and even though I have two good young QBs already on my roster I liked his value and upside in the 5th round. Saunders is another upside player that I feel is a good compliment to Hernandez with his ability to block as well as catch the football.

 

GM - Alen1
Team: San Francisco 49ers

Offensive Philosophy:

Basically what we wanted to offensively was blend the WCO and the Erhardt-Perkins offense. Tons of horizontal and vertical stretches, which is why we got the guys we did. Good route runners, solid hands.

Defensive Philosophy:

This defense is going to be a 4-3 Under post-snap but lined up 3-4. Post snap, the SAM backer would be a primarily coverage linebacker, which is why we got Scott Fujita there. The weak side pass rusher would be in a 2 point stance and primarily rushing the passer, which is why we got the guys we did. In this defense, the WILL is protected by the front which allows him to be able to run around in space, utilize his range and make tackles. Our front 3 (or 4) goal was to get guys who were damn good against the run and could rush teh passer. We felt that we got that. Last, our coverage is going to be Cover 2 Read. CB's read #1 until there's a threat in teh flats, then they drop down. Safeties read #2 to #1 while the OLB's carry the flats and then release it into the cornerbacks. Otherwise, they play Hook to Curl while the MIKE drops down the pipe.


QUARTERBACKS

1. QB David Garrard
2. QB Brian Hoyer
3. QB John Parker Wilson
4. QB Ricky Stanzi




RUNNING BACKS

1. RB Anthony Dixon
2. RB Montario Hardesty
3. RB Michael Robinson


WIDE RECEIVERS

X. WR Josh Morgan
Z / X / S . WR Deion Branch
X / S / ZWR Brandon Tate
X WR Malcolm Floyd
WR Taylor Price

TIGHT ENDS

1. TE Vernon Davis
2. TE Craig Stevens
3. TE Julius Thomas

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

1. LT Joe Staley
1. RT Danny Watkins
2.LT/RT Vernon Carey

OFFENSIVE GUARDS

1. LG Mike Iupati
2. RG Chilo Rachal
2. LG Quinn Ojinnaka
2. RG Daniel Loper
3. RG Stephen Peterman

OFFENSIVE CENTER

1. OC Casey Weigmann
2. OC Ryan Pugh

DEFENSIVE ENDS

4/4i/5. LE Ty Warren
3/4/4i/5 RE Lamarr Houston
3. RE Wallace Gilberry
LE Arthur Jones

NOSE TACKLES / UNDER TACKLES

0/1. NT Aubrayo Franklin
0/1/3NT/UT Ricky Jean-Francois

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS

1. SOLB Scott Fujita
2. WLB/MLB Akeem Jordan
1. WDE/WOLB Jason Babin
2. WDE/OLB Jacob Ford
3. WDE/WOLB Jerry Hughes
2. SDE/SOLB Greg Hardy



INSIDE LINEBACKERS

1. WLB/ILB Navarro Bowman
1. MLB/ILB Patrick Willis
2. MLB/ILB/WOLB Brandon Spikes
3. MLB Will Herring

CORNERBACKS

1. BCB Asante Samuel
1. FCB Alterraun Verner
2. SB Mike Adams
3. DB Davon House
4. DB Frank Walker




FREE SAFETY

1. FS Jarrad Page
2. FS Gerald Alexnader


STRONG SAFETY

1. SS James Sanders
2. SS James Butler


KICKER

1. K Joe Nedney

PUNTER

2. P Andy Lee

$69,348,000.00

Free Agents


Daniel Loper OG $300,000.00
Quinn Ojinnaka OG $300,000.00
Malcolm Floyd WR 8.25M
Frank Walker CB $300,000.00
Gerald Alexander S $300,000.00
Jarrad Page S $300,000.00
Ty Warren DE $3,400,000.00
Jason Babin OLB $6,750,000.00
Deion Branch WR $300,000.00
Vernon Carey OT $1,100,000.00
Akeem Jordan OLB $300,000.00
John Parker Wilson QB $300,000.00
Casey Weigmann OC $900,000.00
Will Herring LB $300,000.00
Mike Adams 300k CB/FS $300,000.00
Jacob Ford DE/OLB 300k.

Draft Picks

1.23 - Danny Watkins, RT, Baylor
2.37 - Davon House, CB, New Mexico State
3.85 - Julius Thomas, TE, Portland State
4.117 - Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa
7.213 - Ryan Pugh, OC, Auburn

Trades

49ers Send:

123
195

Bills Send:

117

----------

Steelers Send:

3, 85
4. 123

49ers Send:

3. 79
6. 164
7.203
7. 215

--------------

jags send jerry hughes

49ers send 92

-------------


The Seattle Seahawks send:
LB Brandon Spikes $405,000

The San Francisco 49ers send:
5 (129)
6 (169)

-------------

NE sends WR Taylor Price, $405,000

SF sends 4.107

--------------

49ers send:

28, 114.

Browns send:

37, 79.

--------------

49ers send DE/LB Lorenzo Alexander $650,000

Bills send:

7.195
7.203
7.213

--------------

49ers Send:

5.141

Ravens send:


Arthur Jones, NT, $405,000

--------------

Bill Send:

5.141
6.164

49ers Send:

Trevor Scott LB $555,000.00

--------------

49ers Send:

2.39
Rashad Johnson DB $480,000.00

Eagles Send:


Alterraun Verner - $405,000

------------------

Ravens Send:

1st round 28
5th round 129

49ers Send:

Trent Williams OT $1,350,000.00

----------------

49ers

Taylor Mays DB $405,000.00
1.19

Skins send:

OT Trent Williams OL $1,350,000

-------------------------

Cards sent:

WR Brandon Tate $480k

49ers send:

Round 3 (81)

Round 6 (184)

-----------------


Vikings send:
Round 1: #23

49ers send:
Round 2: #45
Round 3: #76

-----------------

Panthers get:
-4th round pick #113

49ers get:
-DE Greg Hardy $405,000

-----------------

Cleveland Sends:

Asante Samuel ($5,900,000)

San Francisco Sends:

2.51.

------------------

49ers Send:

OLB Parys Haralson $1,850,000

Browns Send:

5. 138

------------------

49ers Receive:
Trevor Scott DL $555,000.00

Raiders Receive:
5th round- 138

------------------

49ers Send:

WR Michael Crabtree - $3,875,000
Round 6, pick 185

Jaguars Send:

QB David Garrard QB $7,975,000.00
Round 2, pick 39
Round 4, pick 113

----------------

Patriots Send:

QB Brian Hoyer $480k
6.184

49ers Send:

TE Delanie Walker $750k
7.199

----------------------

49ers Send -

4.98
7.200

Browns Send -

LB Scott Fujita $2,400.00

--------------------

49ers Send:

LB Thaddeus Gibson - $405,000.00

Cardinals Send:

FS Rashad Johnson - $480,000.00

-------------------

Cleveland Browns send:
RB Montario Hardesty $405,000.00

San Francisco 49ers send:
S Reggie Smith $555,000.00

-----------------

49ers Send:

RB Frank Gore $2,900.00

Buccaneers Send:

2nd round pick - Pick 51

----------------

Patriots send S James Sanders ($2,800,000)

49ers send 5th round pick, number 138 overall

-----------------

Seahawks send:

4th round pick - Pick 98

49ers Send:

WR Ted Ginn Jr. $1,393,750.

-----------------

Redskins send:

LB Lorenzo Alexander $650,000

49ers send:

LB Scott McKillop $480,000

 

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES​

​

FINAL ROSTER
Quarterbacks
Michael Vick - $10,720,000
Brett Favre - $300,000
Mike Kafka - $405,000
QB Salary: ($11,425,000)

Halfbacks
Chris Johnson - $800,000
Ricky Williams - $400,000
Cadillac Williams $300,000
HB Salary: ($1,500,000)

Fullbacks
Lawrence Vickers $300,000
FB Salary: ($300,000)

Wide Receivers
Andre Johnson - $6,000,000
Roddy White - $4,000,000
Davone Bess - $1,013,333
TJ Houshmandzadeh $600,000
Brandon Stokley $300,000
Chad Hall - $405,000
WR Salary: ($12,318,333)

Tight Ends
Fred Davis - $1,700,000
Alge Crumpler - $300,000
Clay Harbor - $405,000
TE Salary: ($2,405,000)

Offensive Tackles
Russell Okung $705,000
Brandon Albert - $841,250
Kevin Shaffer - $300,000
Brandyn Dombrowski - $300,000
Austin Howard - $405,000
OT Salary: ($2,551,250)

Offensive Guards
Maurkice Pouncey - $405,000
James Carpenter - $450,000
Floyd Womack - $300,000
Mike Williams - $300,000
OG Salary: ($1,455,000)

Centers
Alex Mack - $774,000
Fenuki Tupou - $480,000
C Salary: ($1,254,000)

Defensive Ends
Richard Seymour - $7,500,000
Tommy Kelly - $3,000,000
Calais Campbell - $555,000
Jay Richardson - $300,000
DE Salary: ($11,355,000)

Defensive Tackles
Jamal Williams - $2,000,000
Dan Williams - $405,000
Junior Siavii - $300,000
DT Salary: ($2,705,000)

Outside Linebackers
Kamerion Wimbley - $6,500,000
Brian Cushing - $774,000
Bobby Carpenter - $300,000
Eric Barton - $300,000
OLB Salary: ($7,874,000)

Inside Linebackers
AJ Hawk $8,000,000
Lawrence Timmons - $650,000
Reggie Torbor - $300,000
ILB Salary: ($8,950,000)

Cornerbacks
Tramon Williams - $1,000,000
Joe Haden - $405,000
Brian Williams - $300,000
Ryan Mouton - $300,000
Jorrick Calvin - $405,000
CB Salary: ($2,410,000)

Strong Safeties
Adrian Wilson - $3,000,000
Roy Williams - $300,000
Chris Horton - $555,000
SS Salary: ($3,855,000)

Free Safeties
Aaron Williams - $500,000
Kareem Moore - $555,000
FS Salary: ($1,055,000)

Kicker
Alex Henery - $400,000
K Salary: ($400,000)

Punter
Sam Koch - $300,000
P Salary: ($300,000)

Players: 53/53
Total Salary: $71,792,583


FINAL DEPTH CHART
Quarterback
Michael Vick 4× Pro Bowl selection (2002, 2004, 2005, 2010)

Brett Favre 11× Pro Bowl selection (1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009)

Mike Kafka

Halfback
Chris Johnson 3× Pro Bowl selection (2008, 2009, 2010)

Ricky Williams Pro Bowl selection (2002)

Cadillac Williams

Fullback
Lawrence Vickers

Wide Receivers
Andre Johnson (Split End)5× Pro Bowl selection (2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010)

Roddy White (Flanker) 3× Pro Bowl selection (2008, 2009, 2010)

Davone Bess (Slot)

TJ Houshmandzadeh 1× Pro Bowl selection (2007)

Brandon Stokley

Chad Hall

Tight End
Fred Davis

Clay Harbor

Alge Crumpler

Left Tackle
Russell Okung

Brandyn Dombrowski

Austin Howard

Left Guard
Brandon Albert

Floyd Womack

Mike Williams

Center
Alex Mack 1× Pro Bowl selection (2010)

Fenuki Tupou

Right Guard
Maurkice Pouncey Pro Bowl selection (2010)

Floyd Womack

Mike Williams

Right Tackle
James Carpenter (Rookie)

Kevin Shaffer

Austin Howard

Left Defensive End
Calais Campbell

Tommy Kelly Pro Bowl Alternate (2010)

Jay Richardson

Nose Tackle/Defensive Tackle
Dan Williams

Jamal Williams 3× Pro Bowl selection (2005, 2006, 2007)

Junior Siavii

Right Defensive End
Richard Seymour 6× Pro Bowl selection (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010)

Tommy Kelly Pro Bowl Alternate (2010)

Jay Richardson

Left Outside Linebacker
Kamerion Wimbley

Eric Barton

Inside Linebackers
Lawrence Timmons

AJ Hawk

Reggie Torbor

Right Outside Linebacker
Brian Cushing 1× Pro Bowl selection (2009)

Bobby Carpenter

Cornerbacks
Tramon Williams 1× Pro Bowl selection (2010)

Joe Haden

Brian Williams

Ryan Mouton

Jorrick Calvin

Strong Safety
Adrian Wilson 4× Pro Bowl selection (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010)

Chris Horton

Roy Williams 5× Pro Bowl selection (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)

Free Safety
Aaron Williams (Rookie)

Kareem Moore

Kicker
Alex Henery (Rookie)

Punter
Sam Koch

OFFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY
On offense I feel that my team has the personnel to run whatever offensive philosophy we want. We have the dominate offensive line a Pro Bowl HB and 2 solid back-up and a nice blocking FB to power run the ball all day. We have the Pro Bowl QB, Pro Bowl WRs, top slot WR, seem stretching TE, and offensive line to spread the defense out and pass the ball all day. This versatility will allow our offense to attack any given defense at its weakness. If the defense has a weak run defense we will run for over 200 yards, a weak passing defense and we will throw the ball for over 300 yards.

Our main formation on offense will be three wide receivers (Andre Johnson, Roddy White, and Davone Bess), a single tight end (Fred Davis), and a single halfback (Chris Johnson). Most snaps will be taken from shotgun, however snaps from center will also be taken. We will have some zone read plays allowing Vick to decide whether he should hand the ball off to Johnson or if he should tuck it and run. Vick's speed and elusiveness will also be a factor during our passing game; instead of wasting Chris Johnson's talents by keeping him in to pass protect on most passing plays he will go out into the flat or up the middle and look to catch the ball and make a play. Our wide receivers, especially Roddy White and Andre Johnson will run the entire route tree. Additionally, we will run a lot of deep routes and a couple crossing routes with them. Bess will primarily work the underneath area. I expect defenses to try to double team either White or Andre Johnson so who ever is not being double teamed will get the most looks.

Our team will also have a package where Vick goes undercenter, Lawrence Vickers stands behind him at FB and Chris Johnson lines up behind him at HB. The unique thing about this package is that we will either take Fred Davis off the field or Davone Bess. If Davis comes off the field, our 3 dominate WRs would only really allow the defense to put 6 or 7 (which is unlikely) guys in the box, give us a numbers advantage with 5 OL, 1 FB, 1 HB and 1 QB with speed and the threat to take off. If we take Bess out during this package, Fred Davis will be split out like a wide receiver. If the team guards him with a LB he should be able to burn the LB for a huge gain, if there is a CB on him he will be able to out muscle to CB on underneath routes to pick up good chunks of yards.

Our basic offensive strategy will be to have the best skill guys out there at a time and then to attack the defense at their weakest point. I feel that I built the personnel to wreck havoc on all types of defenses in the NFL. Our Offense scheme for the most part will look like a blend between the Packers, Patriots and Ravens. We will run a lot of spread like the Packers and our receivers will run routes similar to the Patriots. We will power run the ball like the Ravens occasionally though if that is the defenses weakness. Then like the Ravens we will lull the defense to sleep by running the ball behind Chris Johnson until the defense starts to creep more guys into the box and then hit a deep passing route for a huge gain. The offensive line is my baby and my pride and joy; I love what I did there and they are all efficent running and pass blocking allowing my offense to do whatever I want. The skill positions M. Vick, C. Johnson, A. Johnson, R.White, F. Davis and even Bess to a limited extent are all explosive players that possess the ability to score any time they touch the football.


DEFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY
On the Defensive side of the ball I plan to be very, very aggressive from the 3-4. My biggest goal on the defensive side was to get two of the top CBs in the NFL so that I could give QB's headaches by blitzing the hell out of them while having top notch CBs back there shutting down their WRs. If you shutdown the opponents WRs and blitz a lot you are going to create a lot of sacks, interceptions, just big plays in general. By being so aggressive could it potentially hurt us? Yes, but overall I believe that our defense has the talent to run this philosophy and make our defense create a ton of turnovers and be one of the best ranked defenses.

I want opponent's QBs and HBs to FEAR playing us. I want them to get a sick feeling in their stomach when they see us on their schedules. I want QBs to write a Will before they play us and HBs to accept the fact that getting 80 yards on us will be an accomplishment. Speed, strength, aggressiveness, smothering, vicious and relentless will be keywords for the defense. Our defensive coaches will coach each players to be terrors on the field in the model of the Pittsburg Steelers. The biggest difference will be the fact that our defensive ends will be able to get pressure on the QB, something the real Steelers DEs have struggled to do. The DEs will also play a key role in developing our blitz strategies. We will run a lot of delay blitz up the center, which will be effective because the Guards will think we are only rushing 3 defenders and slide out to help block Seymour, Kelly, or Campbell; the second they take that outside step Timmons, Wimbley, or Cushing can head up field untouched and wreck the QB. I purposely left Hawk's name out because we won't be blitzing nearly as much as any other LB.

As far as the secondary we will run a lot of man to man and occasionally will work in some pattern matching (a technique used by the Patriots). Adrian Wilson will line up slightly closer to the line than Aaron Williams. Williams will be allowed to free lance because of his great instincts. I also plan to try to hide our secondary schemes until the ball is hiked. All in all, I believe I am going to have one hell of a defense.

THANK YOU!
I just want to thank everyone that spent time making this League as fun as it always is, especially GIK and anyone that helped him out whether it was by helping with FA, the Draft Committee or anything else. I had a great time with you all this year and the GM League helped a lot of the offseason (and lockout) pass by a lot faster. This will most likely be my last year participating in the GM League as I continue my journey to become a Dentist. It was hard playing this year because I am a perfectionist and spent numerous hours a day thinking about ways to improve my team, sometimes in my Organic Chemistry II lecture or as I was making 4-methylcyclohexene in my Organic Lab lol. I had a great time this year and thank you everyone that made it special. YOU GUYS ALL ROCK!

 

Final Roster
QB
Byron Leftwich QB $300,000.00
Eli Manning QB $8,500,000.00
QB Total: 8,800,000

RB/FB
Michael Bush RB $1,500,000
Derrick Ward RB $300,000
Beanie Wells RB $622,500
Ryan Williams RB $500,000
RB/FB Total: $2,922,500

WR/TE
Travis Beckum TE $480,000.00
Jericho Cotchery WR $1,800,000
Joshua Cribbs WR $832,000.00
Jarrett Dilliard, WR, $300,000
Tony Gonzalez TE $6,000,000
Randy Moss WR $2,700,000
Hakeem Nicks WR $575,000.00
Alex Smith TE $300,000
Ben Watson TE $2,420,000.00
Reggie Wayne WR 5,950,000
WR/TE Total: 21,057,000

OL
Anthony Castonzo LT $800,000
Harvey Dahl RG $2,500,000
Shaun O' Hara C $3.45M
Mario Henderson OT $700,000
Stephen Heyer T $300,000
Kareem McKenzie RT $4,300,000.00
Matt Slauson G $480,000
Chris Snee LG $2,950,000.00
Stefan Wisniewski C $450,000
OL Total: 15,930,000

DL
Mark Anderson DL $300,000
Tony Brown DL $700,000
Linval Joseph DL $405,000.00
Trevor Laws DL $555,000.00
Jason Pierre-Paul DL $475,000.00
Justin Tuck DL $3,450,000.00
Osi Umenyiora DL $3,125,000.00
Pat Williams DL $1,400,000
DL Total: 10,410,000

LB
Thomas Davis LB $1,000,000
Phillip Dillard LB $405,000.00
Tavares Gooden LB $400,000
Thomas Howard LB $800,000
D'Qwell Jackson LB $2,500,000
Pisa Tinoisamoa LB $300,000
Phillip Wheeler LB $555,000
LB Total: $5,960,000

DB
Nate Allen DB $405,000.00
Will Allen CB $300,000
Dominique Foxworth CB $400,000
Chad Jones DB $405,000.00
Nate Jones, CB, $800,000
Kenny Phillips DB $722,500.00
Dominique Rogers-Cromartie 950,000
Stanford Routt $4,700,000
Tom Zibowski $600,000
DB Total: $9,282,500

Special Teams
Matt Dodge P $300,000
Stephen Gostkowski K $300,000
Special Teams Total: $600,000

Total:$74,962,000 (cap room available: 80,000)

Free Agent Signings
Thomas Davis $1,000,000 LB
Thomas Howard $800,000 LB
Harvey Dahl $2,500,000 RG
Stanford Routt $4,700,000 CB
Tony Brown $700,000 DT
Will Allen $300,000 CB
Tom Zibowski $600,000 S
Dominique Fowworth $400,000 CB
Stephen Gostkowski $300,000 K
Randy Moss $2,700,000 WR
D’Qwell Jackson $2,500,000 MLB
Tavares Gooden $400,000 MLB
Pat Williams $1,400,000 DT
Tony Gonzalez $6,000,000 TE
Stephen Heyer $300,000 T
Derrick Ward $300,000 RB
Pisa Tinoisamoa $300,000 LB
Mario Henderson $700,000 OT
Matt Dodge $300,000 P
Alex Smith $300,000 TE
Mark Anderson $300,000 DE
Byron Leftwich - $300,000 QB

Draft Picks
Draft Picks:
Round 1/Pick 12 - Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College $800,000
Round 2/Pick 52 - Ryan Williams RB Virginia Tech $500,000
Round 3/Pick 66 - Stefan Wisniewski C Penn State $450,000

Trades:
1) To start things off, the Giants made a relatively minor deal by taking a flier on a former high pick, Fred Davis. Davis has been an underachiever at the NFL level but has shown signs of being a good receiver when being given the opportunity and looked primed for a breakout 2010 season after finishing 2009 strong. But the return of Chris Cooley cut in to his playing time and his 2010 season never really got on track. The Giants also added a 5th round pick in this deal while shedding the salary and decrepit back of Shawn Andrews. While Andrews is a good player when healthy, he is rarely healthy. We wish him the best and better health.
Redskins Trade:
Fifth Round Pick (24 in round, 152 overall)
TE Fred Davis $555k

Giants Trade:
OL Shawn Andrews $3M

2) Young Cleveland GM Desides did well and the Giants hated to give up Michael Boley but we wanted to give Eli some more options. With Kevin Boss and Steve Smith free agents, receiver and tight end were needs. Cribbs also fills a need on special teams that the Giants havent filled since the days of Dave Meggett, a playmaker in the return game. Watson had an overlooked year in Cleveland last year and while his run blocking leaves room to be worked on, he was actually no worse then Kevin Boss was in that regard last year. Additionally, Watson provides the ability to threaten the seams which Boss did not provide. Watson is a gifted talent and has the ability to improve.

Cleveland Trades:
Ben Watson 2,420,000
Josh Cribbs 832,000

Giants Trade:
Michael Boley 3,500,000

3) The Giants are not an organization that likes to trade draft picks without getting any back but we correctly felt the bidding for Steve Smith in free agency would likely approach 5-6M. We figured for that price we may as well bring in a better player and with the addition of Reggie Wayne, we feel we did. While Wayne is older, he also has a good habit of finding the end zone and having caught passes from one Manning for years, he will now catch passes from the other Manning. While Eli is not Peyton, hes still a darn good QB who will look to Wayne to finish drives and pick up needed first downs. Wayne is a premier intermediate receiver who can make plays in the open field. The loss of Terrell Thomas hurts. Even though Thomas had a middle of the pack rating, he provided solid run support. He also found his way to the ball with 4 forced fumbles and a handful of interceptions. Still, you have to give something to get something and if Thomas, a 3rd and a 5th lands me Reggie Wayne, count me in every time.

Giants Trade:
Terrell Thomas $555,000
Round 3/Pick 83
Round 5/Pick 152 (From Washington)

Colts Trade:
Reggie Wayne 5,950,000

4) David Diehl looked very out of place at Left Tackle last year and it was time for a replacement. The Giants did not feel he was worth the 3.5M salary he was due but felt they could get a decent return for him and they did. While the move does create a hole at Left Tackle, its a position that needed to be upgraded anyway. In this deal the Giants also moved safety Antrel Rolle and his high salary for sorely needed help at defensive tackle and an upgrade at safety with second year player Nate Allen. Allen was in the middle of a very good rookie year and showed he could be a playmaker before having his season interrupted by injury. Allen shows good instincts in coverage, decent hands and did well in run support. The other piece to the trade was Trevor Laws. Laws was a former second round pick by Philadelphia in 2008 and when Broderick Bunkley went down in mid-season Laws not only filled in but played better then Bunkley had been playing. The Giants believe they can further develop this young kid and that he can provide solid play against the run.

The Eagles get:
Antrel Rolle, FS, $5,250,000.00
David Diehl, OT, $3,500,000.00

The Giants get:
Nate Allen, FS, $405,000
Trevor Laws, DT, $555,000
5th round pick (150th overall)

5) The chief player we wanted was Nate Jones. He was a cheap but capable 4th/5th Cb that the Giants anticipated needing. With passing being such a huge part of the game these days, your DB's need to go 4-5 deep at least with capable cover men. Jones is one of the better slot CB's around as well.
Denver trades:
Nate Jones, CB, $800,000
Brady Quinn, QB, $700,000

New York trades:
6th round pick (180)
7th round pick (211)

6) Corey Webster is a fine Corner but the Giants needed speed on the outside as they plan to play more press cover 2 for Perry Fewell and less zone. Webster struggled quite a bit vs receivers with speed and elusiveness, particularly the Eagles and Cowboys WR's. The Giants felt it was prudent to get a premier cover corner. They searched out good players coming off down years and found Dominique Rogers Cromartie available. Cromartie was terrible last year as the Arizona defense generated less pressure then any other team in the league. But a player doesnt just go from being the 4th best corner in the league to awful in one year without injury if there isnt a good reason. Cromartie has been a good press corner before and he will be again with Tuck, Umenyiora and Jason Pierre Paul generating pressure and not having to cover players for 10 seconds at a time. The Giants were among the leaders in sacks last year and will be again this year with such a dynamic young trio.

While they hated to move Manningham who is a solid young WR, they were in desperate straits to get a good young cover corner. Getting young running back Beanie Wells just made it that much easier. Wells has run behind a below average run blocking line in his two years in Arizona. Now he will run behind pro bowl LG, Chris Snee, pro bowl center, Shaun O Hara, and the games best RT, Kareem McKenzie. While the other pieces on the Giants offensive line are going to be filled in later, Wells was excited about his new start in New York. The additional cap space certainly played a role in the deal.

New York trades:
Mario Manningham $555,000
Corey Webster $8,000,000

Arizona trades:
Dominique Rogers-Cromartie $950,000
Beanie Wells $622,500

7) The Giants are in the process of reforming their defensive tackle rotation and linebacking corps. Bernard was never part of that. Phillip Wheeler will get competition for the starting WOLB position but he is young, cheap and has shown himself to be a good player in the early stages of his career.

New York Trades:
Rocky Bernard $2,950,000

Colts Trade:
Phillip Wheeler $555,000

8) In a no brainer move the Giants were offered Pick 12 and E.J. Henderson for Canty, Goff and pick 19. Canty played well after a terrible 2009 season but the Giants wanted a more physical run defense going forward. Goff played very well last year but the Giants felt that Henderson was a proven upgrade despite his salary.

NY sends:
Chris Canty DL $5,250,000.00
Jonathan Goff LB $555,000.00
Round 1 - #19

Vikings send:
E.J. Henderson $4,700,000.00
Round 1 - #12

9) As an organization, it is prudent to know when a player fits your scheme and when he doesnt. The new regime has rectified a mistake by the previous regime drafting a 3-4 player like Sintim for a 4-3 scheme. GM Boik14 doesnt believe in fitting square pegs in to round holes. Better to get something in return for your investment then nothing at all.

Giants Receive:
6th round- 161
7th round- 209

Raiders Receive:
Clint Sintim LB $480,000.00

10) After previously trading their #3 WR Mario Manningham and cutting last years starting right guard, Rich Seubert who missed the final few games with a gruesome knee injury, the Giants were focused on filling those two slots. Jerricho Cotchery is a proven #3 Wr who can work out of the slot or on the outside. He is a big target with reliable hands; something Eli Manning really wanted to see in any new WR the team brought in. Last years WR's dropped 17 passes that turned in to interceptions. Matt Slauson showed himself to be a power run blocker who can play LG or RG. The Giants wanted to improve their team strength along the line, a plan William Beatty never fit in to, and have done so with this trade.

Giants Receive:
Jerricho Cotchery $1,800,000
Matt Slauson $480,000

Jets Receive:
Aaron Ross $1,099,000
William Beatty $480,000

11) On the eve of free agency the Giants finished their flurry of moves with a move that continued to cut cost while filling needs. The team knew they may lose Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs in free agency so they continued to prepare by adding a bruising runner who has speed to get to the corner in the form of Michael Bush. Adding more picks in the deal never hurts either.

Giants agree to trade
EJ Henderson 4.7M

Oakland Agrees to trade:
Mike Bush 1.5M
5.138
5.143

12) Simply to condense picks as cap space was limited. Also wanted to move up for another higher quality player.

Jacksonville trades 3rd round #96
New York Giants trade 4th round #116
5th round #150
6th round #161

13) Simply put, the Giants wanted Stefan Wisniewski badly. The Giants tried for over 20 picks to move up for Wisniewski who they had as the top rated center prospect this draft. Since the Giants didnt have the cap space to sign all their picks anyway, we figured why not give them to someone who wanted them and could afford to sign them.

Cincinatti Bengals :
pick 3.66

NY Giants sends:
picks 3.96, 5.138, 5.143, 7.209
OL Mitch Petrus

Hmm only 13 trades this year. Im slippin up.

Depth Chart

Offense

Base Offense: 2 TE, 2 WR, 1 RB (Ace formation)
Philosophy: There's no two ways about it, just look at my OL. I'm going to use my receivers vertically to keep your defense honest and beat the snot out of your DL and LB's. I have more thunder then lightning in my backfield but that'll do just fine. I have TE's that can block and work the seems. I have receivers that can work short and use RAC to make plays and they can all play vertical. And I am at least two deep at every spot except franchise QB. Good luck.

QB: Eli Manning, Byron Leftwich
HB: Michael Bush, Ryan Williams, Beanie Wells, Derrick Ward
LT: Anthony Castonzo, Mario Henderson, Stephen Heyer (swing tackle)
LG: Chris Snee, Matt Slauson
C: Shaun O'Hara, Stefan Wisniewski
RG: Harvey Dahl, Matt Slauson
RT: Kareem McKenzie, Mario Henderson, Stephen Heyer
Flanker: Reggie Wayne, Jericho Cotchery, Josh Cribbs
Split End: Hakeem Nicks, Randy Moss, Jarrett Dilliard
Slot: Cotchery, Moss, Cribbs
TE: Tony Gonzalez, Ben Watson, Travis Beckum, Alex Smith

Defense

Scheme: 4-3 Cover 2 man-press. Coverages obviously change with flow of game but that is base defense. On passing downs 4 DL becomes Umenyoria-Brown-Tuck-JPP.
Philosophy: Pressure, pressure, pressure! I want my front 4 attacking and being aggressive getting upfield with their rush. I have an experienced group at DL and I expect they can rush in their lanes with responsibility for playing the run. Tuck, Umenyiora, and Brown have proven they can do and JPP and Laws showed glimpses of it. The back 7 is deep and good in coverage and they show a willingness to play the run. The safeties are both good two way safeties and an integral part of what will make this defense successful. And should their be a brawl Tommy Zibowski has shown he will knock you the heck out both in a boxing ring and on the field!

DE: Osi Umenyoria, Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul, Mark Anderson
Over DT: Pat Williams, Linval Joseph
Under DT: Tony Brown, Trevor Laws
SOLB: Phillip Wheeler, Thomas Howard
MLB: D'Qwell Jackson, Phillip Dilliard, Tavares Gooden
WOLB: Thomas Davis, Pisa Tinoisamoa
CB: DRC, Stanford Routt, Will Allen, Dominique Foxworth, Nate Jones
FS: Nate Allen, Chad Jones
SS: Kenny Phillips, Tom Zibowski

K: Stephen Gostkowski
P: Matt Dodge
KR: Josh Cribbs
PR: Josh Cribbs

Final write up:

When I took over this team I knew there were a few primary areas of concern as the Giants had a lot of talent last year but not enough substance to them to be a playoff team. There had to be an overhaul at the skill positions. Eli set an NFL record for interceptions off of deflections, the hands of the unit were the first and foremost concern and a primary reason the Giants lead the NFL in turnovers last season. That had to change for receivers who were more responsible catching the ball. Kevin Boss, Steve Smith, and Mario Manningham were guilty of quite a few of those. Out with the old, in with Randy Moss, Reggie Wayne, Tony Gonzalez, Ben Watson, and Jericho Cotchery.

Second on the offensive agenda was to find some younger players on the offensive line. The Giants had 4 players over the age of 30 on the OL last year and a 5th that is 29 in Snee. David Diehl was a turnstyle last year and had to go at 3.5M. Mario Henderson will be the starter if Anthony Castonzo needs time to adjust which we dont anticipate happening. Harvey Dahl comes in as a free agent and we expect Stefan Wisniewski to challenge Shaun O' Hara for the starting gig despite O'Hara's play last year.

And last on offense we needed some new blood in the backfield, blood that is not so easily nicked up as Bradshaw and Jacobs were. We did wish to retain those players at more reasonable cost and I was originally planning to bring in a 3rd back to share the carries and create a situation like the Giants had in 2008 all over again when they have 2-1000 yard rushers and a 3rd (Bradshaw) who really came on at the end of that year. Welcome in Michael Bush (Thunder), Ryan Williams (Lightning), Beanie Wells (Hail), and Derrick Ward (Monsoon).

Defensively the front 4 was good at the end spots but a little too soft in the middle for my liking. Originally Barry Cofield was in the plans to be resigned but when the opportunity to get Trevor Laws via trade and then Tony Brown and Pat Williams in UFA presented itself the upgrade is quite evident. Brown also provides an interesting interior presence next to Tuck as both can get upfield from the DT spot.

The back 7 needed more skill as a unit and to become more physical. Thomas Davis is a pro bowl player when hes healthy and we anticipate full health in 2011. D'Qwell Jackson is a physical player with good instincts Thomas Howard, Pisa Tinoisamoa, and Tavares Gooden were other free agent linebacker signings that we feel will help in addition to Phillip Wheeler being brought in via trade. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie can now go back to being the physical press corner that he is since he will have one of the leagues best pass rushes in front of him now. Coming off a down year, the suspicion here is that DRC's year was a product of his previous environment. Stanford Routt will be our other starting corner and he will replace Corey Webster as the #2 corner. Routt comes off an excellent year and we believe the light went on instead of just flickering as in the past. Nate Jones, Dominique Foxworth, Will Allen and Tom Zibowski were brought in via trades and free agency to provide valuable depth and experience.

 

BALTIMORE RAVENS​

QUARTERBACKS ($3,535,000)
Joe Flacco, QB, $2,785,000
Tarvaris Jackson, QB, $300,000
Andy Dalton, QB, $450,000

RUNNING BACKS ($1,755,000)
Ray Rice, RB, $555,000
Le'Ron McClain, FB, $300,000
Laurence Maroney, RB, $300,000
Roy Helu, RB, $300,000
Shaun Chapas, FB, $300,000

WIDE RECEIVERS ($17,408,000)
Vincent Brown, WR, $300,000
Louis Murphy, WR, $480,000
James Hardy, WR, $480,000
Eric Weems, WR, $550,000
Derrick Mason, WR, $450,000
Vincent Jackson, WR, $7,898,000
Braylon Edwards, WR, $7,250,000

TIGHT ENDS ($5,670,500)
Matt Spaeth, TE, $450,000
Todd Heap, TE, $4,600,000
John Carlson, TE, $620,500

OFFENSE LINE ($14,105,000)
Tim Barnes, C, $300,000
Rodney Hudson, OG/C $500,000
Benjamin Ijalana, OT/OG $500,000
Trent Williams, OT, $1,350,000.00
Chris Chester, OG, $300,000
Matt Birk, OC, $3,000,000
Ben Grubbs, OG, $795,000
Jason Peters, OT, $5,900,000
Jeremy Trueblood, OT, $500,000

DEFENSE LINE ($11,505,000)
Brandon McKinney, DE, 300,000
Terrence Cody, DT, $405,000
Kelly Gregg, NT, $3,500,000
Cory Redding, DE, $2,500,000
Brandon Mebane, DT/DE, $3,100,000
Ray McDonald, DT/DE, $300,000
Shaun Ellis, DE, $1,100,000

LINEBACKERS ($ 11,305,000)
Brooks Reed, OLB, $500,000
Prescott Burgess, OLB, $300,000
Jarrett Johnson, OLB, $300,000
Rolando McClain, ILB, $1,050,000
Brendon Ayanbadejo, ILB, $775,000
Ray Lewis, ILB, $4,500,000
Jason Phillips, ILB, $480,000
Terrell Suggs, OLB, $3,400,000

DEFENSE BACKS ($5,815,000)
Brandon Hogan, CB, $300,000
Chris Conte, FS, $300,000
Dashon Goldson, FS, $300,000
Captain Munnerlynn, CB, $480,000
Tyvon Branch, SS, $555,000
Lardarius Webb, CB, $480,000
George Wilson, SS, $300,000
Ike Taylor, CB, $2,100,000
Drayton Florence, CB, $1,000,000

KICKER/PUNTER ($600,000)
Matt Bryant, K, $300,000
Ryan Donahue, P, $300,000

TOTAL SALARY:$71,698,500
TOTAL PLAYERS: 53

-------------

Draft Picks
2nd round 48 - OLB Brooks Reed
2nd round 57 - OT/OG Benjamin Ijalana
2nd round 58 - OG/C Rodney Hudson
3rd round 92 - QB Andy Dalton
5th round 141 - RB Roy Helu
5th round 150 - FS Chris Conte
5th round 159 - C Tim Barnes
5th round comp - WR Vincent Brown
6th round 161 - CB Brandon Hogan
6th round 176 - P Ryan Donahue
7th round Comp - FB Shaun Chapas

Depth Chart​

QB
1. Joe Flacco
2. Tavaris Jackson
3. Andy Dalton

These Rankings should not surprise anyone except for Dalton being 3rd. I really like Dalton and what he brings to the table but to start the year its better for him to sit back and learn the offense. Jackson is a guy who is still young and has proved he can win games however not consistently. Flacco has improved every year since being drafted and we upgraded the WR position a lot. We gave him a lot more speed and youth.

RB
1. Ray Rice
2. Laurence Maroney
3. Roy Helu

Ray Rice will continue to be the work horse for the Ravens has he has proven that he has been one of the best backs in the NFL. Roy Helu will come in and give us that rare speed that few people have. We are hoping Maroney can bounce back after a disappointing year last year. He will be the main guy to get carries while Rice is out.

FB
1. Le'Ron McClain
2. Shaun Chapas

McClain is a dangerous player and as such his work load may increase. He is a good fullback and proved he can run with the ball well. Having him in there never hurts because of how much he does well, But we just don't wanna over work him. Chapas can come in and give him a break or even block for him in a goal line/short yard situation. Chapas knows how to block and will be asked to do so in some situations he probably won't receive any carries tho.

WR
1. Vincent Jackson
2. Braylon Edwards
3. Derrick Mason
4. Louis Murphy
5. Vincent Brown
6. James Hardy / Eric Weems

This was the one position that we had to upgrade with youth and speed. Vincent Jackson is one of the top WR's in the league and we expect no different here with the Ravens. Edwards is our 2 and he brings a lot to the table. He is one of the better #2 guys in the league and is only 28. Derrick Mason is as old as dirt and we know that but year after year he produces and that's all that matters. Last year he had over 800 yards and 7 TD's and while we don't expect that this year because he will not be playing as much we still expect him to be an asset to the team. Murphy is a young guy with a ton of speed and loves the deep ball. Well our QB loves the deep ball too and Murphy will play a lot of 3 to give mason a break. Brown comes in and will be asked to back up and play his role the team. James Hardy is still developing while Weems will mainly play a Special teams role

OL

LT
1. Jason Peters
2. Trent Williams

LG
1. Ben Grubbs
2. Rodney Hudson

C
1. Matt Birk
2. Rodney Hudson
3. Tim Barnes

RG
1. Chris Chester
2. Benjamin Ijalana / Rodney Hudson

RT
1. Trent Williams
2. Jeremy Trueblood
3. Benjamin Ijalana

Offensive Line has changed so much since last year. We didn't have a bad line but now I think we have a great one. We have 2 amazing tackles that are going to have there way with a lot of defenses. Grubbs has been great and Birk is an aging Vet hat still plays at a high level. RG with Chester is our weakest spot, But don't think he is bad just not as good as the rest of our other starters. We drafted some young guys who will get a chance to learn from veterans and not have to worry about being thrown right in there. We do think that they could play very well if needed tho due to an injury.

DL

NT
1. Kelly Gregg
2. Brandon Mebane
3. Terrence Cody
4. Ray Mcdonald

LDE
1. Cory Redding
2. Brandon McKinney/Shaun Ellis

RDE
1. Brandon Mebane
2. Shaun Ellis/Ray McDonald


Traded Ngata away which we do expect to hurt our defense but not as much as some might expect. We brought in some very good guys and will play depending on situations. A lot of Versatility and that's a big plus.


LB

LOLB
1. Jarrett Johnson
2. Prescott Burgess

LILB
1. Ray Lewis
2. Jason Phillips

RILB
1. Rolando McClain
2. Brendon Ayanbadejo

ROLB
1. Terrell Suggs
2. Brooks Reed


Very excited about what this LB core can do. We brought in two guys we expect to make impacts right away in Reed and McClain. Guys are young and talented. The other guys have been with the Ravens and are proven winners that play at high levels. Ray Lewis doesn't let you play any other way

DB

LCB
1. Drayton Florence
2. Captain Munnerlynn
3. Brandon Hogan

RCB
1. Ike Taylor
2. Lardarius Webb

FS
1. Dashon Goldson
2. Chris Conte

SS
1. Tyvon Branch
2. George Wilson

This is a group that will have to put together a good year. Its the only group that is unproven to many people. We feel like the Corners will be just fine as all these guys can play in the NFL at a high level excpet for Hogan who is unproven. Goldson had a bad year stat wise last year but has sooo much talent we expect him to watch center field for us and make game changing plays. Branch is the one guy we fell in love with and expect him to be a raven for a long time. He is a great SS and at such a young age. George Wilson is a veteran guy that can teach and it doesnt hurt he is one of the best SP teams players in the NFL. Conte and Hogan need to prove they can play and learn the playbook.

K
Matt Bryant

P
Ryan Donahue

Bryant is a solid Kicker and we expect no less this year. Donahue is the only Rookie the Ravens are really expecting to come in and start right away. He has a great leg and he will need to make good punts to help our defense and offense.

 

Dukane and MonstBlitz present the



Head Coach: Bill Cowher
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Martz
Defensive Coordinator: Rod Marinelli

53 Man Roster:

BLUE= acquired via trade
ORANGE= acquired via FA
RED= acquired vis draft

Quarterback
Jay Cutler, QB, $7,600,000
Caleb Hanie, QB, $900,000
Jon Kitna, QB, $300,000

Running back
Matt Forte, RB, $555,000
Mike Hart, RB, $300,000
Stanley Havili, FB, USC $400,000
DeMarco Murray, RB, $450,000

Wide Receiver
Tandon Doss, WR, $500,000
Brian Hartline, WR, $480,000
Jacoby Jones, WR, $2,750,000
Ben Obomanu, WR, $400,000
Steve Smith, WR, $7,000,000

Tight End
Robert Royal, TE, $300,000
Kyle Rudolph, TE, $500,000

Offensive Line
Clint Boling, OL, $450,000
Roberto Garza, OL, $2,175,000
Geoff Hangartner, OL, $300,000
Olin Kruetz, OL, $1,000,000
Jake Long, OL, $10,000,000
Lance Louis, OL, $480,000
Frank Omiyale, OL, $1,600,000
William Rackley, OL, $500,000
Chris Williams, OL, $1,095,000
Edwin Williams, OL, $480,000

Defensive Line
Tommie Harris, DL, $2,312,500
Marcus Harrison, DL, $555,000
Israel Idonije, DL, $2,400,000
Jarvis Jenkins, DL, $400,000
Julius Peppers, DL, $900,000
Robert Ayers, DL/LB $800,000

Linebacker
Lance Briggs, LB, $3,650,000
Keyaron Fox, LB, $300,000
Gary Guyton, LB, $1,000,000
Leroy Hill, LB, $300,000
Landon Johnson, LB, $300,000
Colin McCarthy, LB, $400,000
Joey Porter, LB, $300,000
Ernie Sims, LB, $3,250,000
Brian Urlacher, LB, $8,025,000
Mike Vrabel, LB, $300,000

Defensive Back
Ahmad Black, DB, $400,000
Zackary Bowman, DB, $555,000
Chimdi Chekwa, DB, $400,000
Corey Graham, DB, $500,000
Chris Harris, DB, $1,095,000
Tim Jennings, DB, $1,400,000
Danieal Manning, DB, $800,000
DJ Moore, DB, $480,000
Joshua Moore, DB, $405,000
Johnny Patrick, DB $$400,000

Specialist
David Akers, K, $400,000
Richmond McGee, P, $480,000
John Denney, LS, $300,000

TOTAL SALARY: $73,330,100

Depth Chart:

QB CUTLER KITNA HANIE
RB FORTE HART MURRAY
FB HAVILI
WR SMITH OBOMANU DOSS
WR JONES HARTLINE
TE ROYAL RUDOLPH DAVIS
LT LONG RACKLEY
LG WILLIAMS,C WILLIAMS,E
C KRUETZ
RG GARZA LOUIS
RT OMIYALE HANGARTNER BOLING

DE IDONIJE HARRISON
NT HARRIS JENKINS
DE PEPPERS AYERS
LB PORTER HILL FOX
LB URLACHER VRABEL MCCARTHY
LB SIMS GUYTON
LB BRIGGS JOHNSON
CB JENNINGS GRAHAM CHEKWA
CB BOWMAN MOORE,DJ PATRICK
SS MANNING HARRIS
FS MOORE,J BLACK

K AKERS
P MCGEE
LS DENNEY

Summary:

Overall it was blatantly obvious for anybody who watched a Bears game last year what their biggest weakness was. Offensive line. How did we address that? Two words: Jake Long. We also shored up the interior with a a couple of solid guards we picked up in the middle rounds of the draft.

The other big weakness was the absence of a legitimate #1 WR. We felt Devin Hester was never that guy and neither was Johnny Knox. Steve Smith, formerly of the New York football Giants is a guy we like to be that guy. Admittedly he was our second choice to Braylon Edwards, but in the end we are happy to have a guy with better hands who we ended up getting much cheaper. Also thrilled to add Brian Hartline to our roster via trade.

We added a plethora of talented LBs mostly via free agency and trade to make the transition to a 3-4 defense as seemless as possible.

Interesting note: Jared Allen was for a short time part of our roster. We were enthralled with what the pairing of him and Julius Peppers would have produced, but in the end we got an offer we couldn't refuse and the cap room cleared paved the way for us to make room for Jake Long. Did we mention we have Jay Cutler? And should anything happen to him we're very comfortable with Kitna and Hanie backing him up.

In short, this is a Bears team we feel has maintained it's positions of strength and turned areas of great weakness into areas of great strength.

BTW -

 

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

ROSTER
QB
Matt Hasselbeck $6,000,000
Matt Flynn $555,000
Ryan Colburn (R) $400,000
QB Salary: $6,955,000

RB
Brandon Jacobs $3,000,000
Donald Brown $635,000
Rashad Jennings $480,000
Shane Vereen (R) $400,000
Javarris James $405,000
RB Salary: $4,920,000

WR
Lance Moore $4,250,000
Pierre Garcon $555,000
Austin Collie $480,000
Anthony Gonzalez $650,000
Blair White $480,000
Tiquan Underwood $480,000
WR Salary: $6,895,000

TE
Jacob Tamme $555,000
Brandon Manumaleuna $500,000
Donald Lee $750,000
Brody Eldridge $405,000
TE Salary: $2,210,000

OT
Michael Roos $5,000,000
Nate Solder (R) $750,000
Adam Goldberg $300,000
Jeffrey Linkenbach $405,000
OT Salary: $6,455,000

OG
Justin Blalock $3,000,000
Kyle DeVan $700,000
Mike Pollack $555,000
John Moffitt (R) $400,000
OG Salary: $4,655,000

C
Jeff Saturday $2,650,000
A.Q. Shipley $480,000
C Salary: $3,130,000

DE
Aaron Kampman $2,450,000
Robert Mathis $2,410,000
Ryan Kerrigan (R) $750,000
Darryl Tapp $2,250,000
DE Salary: $7,860,000

DT
Tyson Alualu $802,500
Rocky Bernard $2,950,000
Antonio Dixon $480,000
Brandon Bair (R) $400,000
DT Salary: $4,632,500

LB
Gary Brackett $2,000,000
Chad Greenway $10,500,000
Pat Angerer $405,000
Brandon Chillar $300,000
Quan Sturdivant (R) $450,000
Kavell Conner $405,000
LB Salary: $13,760,000

CB
Terrell Thomas $555,000
Prince Amukamara (R) $850,000
Jerraud Powers $480,000
Justin Tryon $555,000
Jacob Lacey $480,000
CB Salary: $2,920,000

SS
Craig Dahl $1,100,000
Chip Vaughn $480,000
SS Salary: $1,580,000

FS
Antoine Bethea $4,745,000
Corey Lynch $300,000
FS Salary: $5,045,000

K/P
Jay Feely $300,000
Pat McAfee $480,000
K/P Salary: $480,000

Total Salary: $72,097,500

DEPTH CHART
Starters in BOLD
Rookies in Red
QB - Hasselbeck / Flynn / Colburn
RB - Jacobs / Brown / Jennings / Vereen / James
WR - Moore / Garcon / Collie / Gonzalez / White / Underwood
TE - Tamme / Manumaleuna / Lee / Eldridge
LT - Roos / Solder / Linkenbach
LG - Blalock / Pollack / Moffitt
C - Saturday / Shipley
RG - DeVan / Moffitt / Pollack
RT - Solder / Goldberg / Linkenbach
LDE - Mathis / Kerrigan / Tapp
RDE - Kampman / Tapp / Kerrigan
DT - Alualu / Bernard / Dixon / Bair
LOLB - Greenway / Chillar
MLB - Brackett / Sturdivant
ROLB Angerer / Conner
LCB - Thomas / Powers/ Lacey
RCB - Amukamara / Tryon / Lacey
SS - Dahl / Vaughn
FS - Bethea / Lynch
K - Feely
P - McAfee

2011 Draft Class
Round 1: 8 (8): Prince Amukamara - CB, Nebraska
Round 1: 21 (21): Nate Solder - OT, Colorado
Round 1: 27 (27): Ryan Kerrigan - DE, Purdue
Round 3: 4 (68): Quan Sturdivant - LB, North Carolina
Round 4: 14 (110): John Moffitt - OG, Wisconsin
Round 4: 22 (118): Shane Vereen - RB, California
Round 7: 22 (214): Brandon Bair - DT, Oregon
Round 7: 25 (217): Ryan Colburn - QB, Fresno St.

FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
QB Matt Hasselbeck ($6,000,000) - Signed 3/5
TE Brandon Manumaleuna ($500,000) - Signed 3/6
OG Justin Blalock ($3,000,000) Signed 3/6
LB Chad Greenway ($10,500,000) - Signed 3/7
RB Brandon Jacobs ($3,000,000) - Signed 3/7
TE Donald Lee ($750,000) - Signed 3/7
K Jay Feely ($300,000) - Signed 3/7
FS Corey Lynch ($300,000) - Signed 3/10
OT Adam Goldberg ($300,000) - Signed 3/10
WR Lance Moore ($4,250,000) - Signed 3/10
LB Brandon Chillar ($300,000) - Signed 3/12

TRADES
Indianapolis trades WR Reggie Wayne ($5,950,000) to New York Giants for CB Terrell Thomas ($555,000), a 3rd round pick (#83) and a 5th round pick (#152).

Indianapolis trades TE Dallas Clark ($4,200,000) and a 6th round pick (#183) to Tennessee for a 2nd round pick (#38).

Indianapolis trades DE Dwight Freeney ($11,420,000), DE Jerry Hughes ($405,000), DT Fila Moala ($480,000) and a 5th round pick (#152) to Jacksonville for DT Tyson Alualu ($802,500), RB Rashad Jennings ($480,000), DE Aaron Kampman ($2,450,000), WR Tiquan Underwood ($480,000) and a 3rd round pick (#80).

Indianapolis trades LB Philip Wheeler ($555,000) to New York Giants for DT Rocky Bernard ($2,950,000).

Indianapolis trades a 3rd round pick (#83) to Green Bay for QB Matt Flynn ($555,000).

Indianapolis trades CB Kelvin Hayden (6,105,000) to Philadelphia for DT Antonio Dixon ($480,000) and DE Darryl Tapp (2,250,000)

Indianapolis trades QB Peyton Manning ($36,000,000) to Tennessee for LT Russell Okung ($705,000) and a 1st round pick (#27).

Indianapolis trades LT Russell Okung ($705,000), OT Ryan Diem ($5,400,000) and a 1st round pick (#22) to Philadelphia for LT Michael Roos ($5,000,000) LB Moise Fokou ($480,000), C A.Q. Shipley ($480,000) and a 1st round pick (#8).

Indianapolis trades a 3rd round pick (#87) to St. Louis for SS Craig Dahl ($1,100,000).

Indianapolis trades a 2nd round pick (#53) to Atlanta for a 3rd round pick (#68) and a 4th round pick (#110).

 

Depth Chart

black: returning player/ red: free agent/ green: rookie

QB Matt Schaub / QB Vince Young
FB Anthony Sherman (R)
RB Arian Foster / RB Ben Tate / RB Johnny White
WR Julio Jones (r) / WR Legedu Naanee
WR Jonathan Baldwin (r) / WR Chaz Schillens
WR Kevin Walter / WR Dwayne Harris (R)
H-B Dorin Dickerson
TE Joel Dreesen / TE Brad Cottam / TE Garrett Graham
LOT Duane Brown/ OT Ryan Harris
LOG Max Jean Giles
C Jamaal Jackson / C Antoine Caldwell
ROG Mike Briesiel/ OG Shelley Smith
ROT Michael Oher/ OT King Dunlap


DE Mario Williams / DE Damione Lewis
NT Earl Mitchell / NT Amobi Okoye / NT Frank Okam
DE Antonio Smith / DE Christian Ballard (R) / DE Demario Pressley
OLB Conner Barwin / OLB Xavier Adibi / OLB Bruce Miller (R)
WILB Demeco Ryans / ILB Stewart Bradley
SILB Stephen Cooper/ ILB Daryl Sharpton
OLB Sergio Kindle / OLB Mario Addison (R) /
CB Leigh Bodden / CB Glover Quinn
CB Kareem Jackson / CB Ras I Dowling (R) / CB Antwuan Molden
SS Dominique Barber / SS Haruki Nakamura
FS Earl Thomas / FS Jeron Johnson (R)

K Sebastion Janikowski
P Brian Moorman

write up to come

 

Detroit Lions Final Roster




Quarterbacks
-Devlin, Pat, QB. $400,000.00 (23)
-Kaepernick, Colin, QB. $450,000.00 (23)
-Pennington, Chad, QB. $300,000.00 (34)
Total: $1,150,000.00

Running Backs
-Best, Jahvid, RB. $405,000.00 (22)
-Clay, John, RB. $400,000.00 (23)
-Felton, Jerome, FB. $900,000.00 (24)
-Logan, Stefan, RB. $480,000.00 (29)
-Smith, Kevin, RB. $1,500,000.00 (24)
Total: $3,685,000.00

Wide Receivers
-Camarillo, Greg, WR. $300,000.00 (28)
-Jean, Lester, WR. $400,000.00 (23)
-Johnson, Calvin, WR. $10,450,482.00 (25)
-Kerley, Jeremy, WR. $400,000.00 (22)
-Williams, Derrick, WR. $480,000.00 (24)
Total: $12,030,482.00

Tight Ends
-Pettigrew, Brandon, TE. $728,750.00 (25)
-Scheffler, Tony, TE. $1,445,000.00 (27)
-Smith, Lee, TE. $400,000.00 (23)
Total: $2,573,750.00

Offensive Line
-Cherilus, Gosder, T. $610,000.00 (26)
-Fox, Jason, T. $405,000.00 (22)
-Fraley, Hank, C. $300,000.00 (33)
-Gaither, Jared, T. $6,000,000.00 (24)
-Hadnot, Rex, G. $300,000.00 (29)
-Muhlbach, Don, LS. $300,000.00 (29)
-Raiola, Dominic, C. $300,000.00 (32)
-Sims, Rob, G. $1,385,000.00 (27)
-Thomas, Donald, G. $480,000.00 (25)
-Ugoh, Tony, T. $480,000.00 (27)
Total: $10,560,000.00

Defensive Ends
-Avril, Cliff, DE. $2,100,000.00 (24)
-Jackson, Lawrence, DE. $715,000.00 (25)
-McBride, Turk, DE. $300,000.00 (25)
-Vanden Bosch, Kyle, DE. $4,500,000.00 (32)
Total: $7,615,000.00

Defensive Tackles
-Fluellen, Andre, DT. $900,000.00 (25)
-Hill, Sammie Lee, DT. $480,000.00 (24)
-Suh, Ndamukong, DT. $785,000.00 (24)
-Williams, Corey, DT. $4,900,000.00 (30)
Total: $7,065,000.00

Linebackers
-Barnett, Nick, LB. $4,000,000.00 (29)
-Campbell, Caleb, LB. $700,000.00 (24)
-Dizon, Jordon, LB. $555,000.00 (25)
-Follett, Zack, LB. $700,000.00 (23)
-Levy, DeAndre, LB. $480,000.00 (23)
-Palmer, Ashlee, LB. $700,000.00 (24)
-Woodyard, Wesley, LB. $500,000.00 (24)
Total: $7,635,000.00

Cornerbacks
-Asomugha, Nnmandi, CB. $12,000,000.00 (29)
-Bush, Jarrett, CB. $300,000.00 (26)
-Houston, Chris, CB. $300,000.00 (26)
-Smith, Alphonso, CB. $480,000.00 (25)
-Smith, Jimmy, CB. $800,000.00 (22)
-Torrence, Devon, CB. $400,000.00 (21)
Total: $14,280,000.00

Safeties
-Coleman, Erik, S. $300,000.00 (28)
-Delmas, Louis, S. $608,750.00 (23)
-Pollard, Bernard, S. $3,000,000.00 (26)
-Spievey, Amari, S. $405,000.00 (22)
Total: $4,313,750.00

Kicker/Punter
-Harris, Nick, P. $300,000.00 (32)
-Rackers, Neil, K. $300,000.00 (34)
Total: $600,000.00

Team Salary: $71,507,982.00
Salary Cap: $75,000,000.00
Cap Room: $3,492,018.00

Roster Size- 53

Depth Chart

OFFENSE

QB: Kaepernick | Pennington | Devlin
RB: Best | Smith | Logan | Clay
FB: Felton
WR1: Johnson | Kerley | Williams
WR2: Camarillo | Jean | Logan
TE: Pettigrew | Scheffler | Smith
LT: Gaither | Ugoh | Cherilus
LG: Sims | Fraley
C: Raiola | Fraley
RG: Hadnot | Thomas
RT: Cherilus | Fox

DEFENSE

LDE: Vanden Bosch | Jackson
LDT: Suh | Hill
RDT: Williams | Fluellen
RDE: Avril | McBride
SLB: Levy | Palmer
MLB: Barnett | Dizon
WLB: Woodyard | Follett | Campbell
CB1: Asomugha | Houston | Bush
CB2: J. Smith | A. Smith | Torrence
FS: Delmas | Coleman
SS: Pollard | Spievey

SPECIAL TEAMS
K: Rackers
P: Harris
KR/PR: Logan
LS: Muhlbach

 

San Diego (Super) Chargers Final Roster


Quarterbacks - $8,700,000
Philip Rivers, QB, $8,400,000
Rex Grossman, QB, $300,000

Running Backs - $2,510,000
Ryan Mathews, RB, $405,000
Kendall Hunter (R), RB, $450,000
Thomas Jones, RB, $400,000
Dion Lewis, RB (R), $400,000
Jacob Hester, FB, $555,000
Lex Hilliard, FB, $300,000

Wide Receivers - $4,510,000
Patrick Crayton, WR, $2,350,000
Torrey Smith (R), WR, $500,000
Seyi Ajirotutu, WR, $405,000
Edmund Gates (R), WR, $450,000
Aldrick Robinson (R), WR, $400,000
Stephen Williams, WR, $405,000

Tight Ends - $5,800,000
Antonio Gates, TE, $5,200,000
Randy McMichael, TE, $300,000
Ben Patrick, TE, $300,000

Offensive Lineman - $20,835,000
Marcus McNeill, LT, $10,000,000
Kris Dielman, LG, $4,500,000
Nick Hardwick, C, $3,675,000
Louis Vasquez, RG, $480,000
Gabe Carimi (R), RT, $800,000
Tyronne Green, OL, $480,000
Jeromy Clary, OL, $300,000
Scott Mruczkowski, OL, $300,000
Eric Young, OL, $300,000

Defensive Lineman - $12,355,000
Luis Castillo, LE, $4,500,000
Antonio Garay, NT, $640,000
Haloti Ngata, RE, $5,530,000
Kenrick Ellis (R), DL, $500,000
Cam Thomas, DL, $405,000
Jarvis Green, DL, $300,000
Vaughn Martin, DL, $480,000

Linebackers - $7,650,000
Shaun Phillips, ROLB, $3,900,000
Kevin Burnett, ILB, $300,000
Donald Butler, ILB, $405,000
Ahmad Brooks, LOLB, $1,000,000
Larry English, OLB, $740,000
Brandon Lang, OLB, $405,000
Ricky Elmore (R), OLB, $300,000
Dannell Ellerbe, ILB, $300,000
Tim Dobbins, ILB, $300,000

Cornerbacks - $2,100,000
Antoine Cason, CB, $665,000
Quentin Jammer, CB, $3,750,000
Dimitri Patterson, CB, $900,000
Jason Allen, CB, $400,000
Curtis Marsh (R), CB, $400,000

Safeties - $2,100,000
Brodney Pool, FS, $300,000
Steve Gregory, SS, $1,020,000
Paul Oliver, S, $300,000
Darrell Stuckey, S, $480,000

Specialists - $1,455,000
Nate Kaeding, K, $300,000
Mike Scifers, P, $1,155,000

Total Team Salary - $72,030,000
Cap Room - $2,970,000



Depth Chart

Offense

QB: Rivers/Grossman
RB: Mathews/Hunter/Jones/Lewis
FB: Hester/Hilliard
WR1: Crayton/Ajirotutu/Williams
WR2: Smith/Gates/Robinson
TE: Gates/McMichael/Patrick
LT: McNiell/(Carimi)
LG: Dielman/Green
C: Hardwick/Mruczkowski
RG: Vasquez/Young
RT: Carimi/Clary

Defense
LE: Castillo/Green/Martin
NT: Garay/Thomas
RE: Ngata/Ellis
LOLB: Brooks/Lang/Elmore
MILB: Burnett/Ellerbe
WILB: Butler/Dobbins
ROLB: Phillips/English
CB1: Cason/Patterson/Marsh
CB2: Jammer/Allen
FS: Pool/Oliver
SS: Gregory/Stuckey

Special Teams
K: Kaeding
P: Scifres
KR/PR: Robinson/Lewis/Gates

*Captains - Rivers, Ngata, Phillips, Allen (STs)

 

DALLAS COWBOYS

(will get my write-up and everything else done tomorrow)

Tony Romo QB $9,000,000.00
Stephen McGee QB $480,000.00
Troy Smith QB ---

not much change, just bringing in a younger back-up in troy smith as opposed to jon kitna.

Tashard Choice RB $555,000.00
Stevan Ridley RB --
Felix Jones RB $1,023,750.00
Chris Gronkowski RB $405,000.00

again, marion barber III is gone, leaving it it up to choice and felix to get the bulk of the carries. i really like what ridley has to bring to the table as a bruiser, and what he did in the sec, says a lot.

Jeremy Maclin
Dez Bryant WR $1,112,500.00
Johnny Knox WR
Roy Williams WR $500,000
Damian Williams WR $500,000

i REALLY didnt want to trade miles austin, but it was too much to pass up. not to mention it get back 2 young wr's, one in maclin who's got damn good potential in this offense opposite of dez bryant, and with knox in the slot. cut roy williams and got him at a much cheaper price...damian williams, i still like his potential. pretty solid batch of wr's imo.

Jason Witten TE $3,391,000.00
John Phillips TE $480,000.00
Clark Harris $300,000

one of the best te's in the game with witten, john phillips who the year before outperformed martellus bennet imo. clark harris, eh #3 te.

Robert Brewster OL $480,000.00
Doug Free OL OL TWENTY FREAKIN MILLION DOLLARS
John Jerry OL
Mike Pouncey OL ---
Marc Colombo OL $1,900,000.00
Zach Hurd OL ---
Eugene Amano OL $2,500,000
Derrick Sherrod OL ---
Sam Young OL $405,000.00
Alan Faneca OL $500,000

oline - brutal changes, yet needed. we're all aware of the doug free epic auction. was rewarded mike pouncey in the 1st round after a long week of blackouts and me not knowing wtf was going on. had to go after eugene amano after releasing andre gurode - solid pick up imo and almost $3mil cheaper. picked up john jerry in the trade for miles austin, and got derrick sherrod late in the first. if any struggles with sherrod, marc columbo is still on the roster. also have young back-ups in zach hurd, robert brewster and sam young with alan faneca back-up to jerry.

Igor Olshansky DL $2,750,000.00
Jay Ratliff DL $3,750,000.00
Justin Harrell DL $300,000
Jacques Cesaire $300,000
Aaron Smith DL $500,000
Jason Hatcher $500,000
Clifton Ryan $300,000
Josh Brent DL $405,000.00

probably the most solid position on the team from top to bottom. smith, igor and jay ratt are the starters. and the depth is just as good with josh brent price given another year to develop. back-ups all have experience in the 34 and if justin harrell can pan out, a bonus.

Bradie James LB $3,500,000.00
Sean Lee LB $405,000.00
Anthony Spencer LB $1,001,000.00
DeMarcus Ware LB $6,700,000.00
Martez Wilson LB ---
Jason Williams
Markus White LB ---
Victor Butler LB $480,000.00

another solid position with ware, james, lee, and spencer as starters. martez wilson can spell james in the nickle d and he was just too good a pick to pass up and is the eventual replacement to james. wilson + leee = good stuff. not to mention ware is bad *** as always. counting on spencer to have that break out year...he's a solid 34 olb, but just doesnt have the numbers to back it up. victor butler is also a good situational passer to spell either ware or spencer.

Barry Church DB $405,000.00
Bryan McCann DB $480,000.00
Danny McCray DB $405,000.00
Akwasi Owusu-Ansah DB $405,000.00
Perrish Cox DB
Orlando Scandrick DB $555,000.00
Chris Culliver DB ---
Major Wright DB ---
Carlos Rogers DB $3,100,000
Sabby Piscitelli DB $500,000

David Buehler K $480,000.00
Mat McBriar P $1,000,000

QB - Tony Romo
RB - Felix Jones
WR - Dez Bryant
WR - Jeremy Maclin
WR - Johnny Knox
TE - Jason Witten
LT - Doug Free
LG - Mike Pouncey
C - Eugene Amano
RG - John Jerry
RT - Derek Sherrod

LE - Aaron Smith
NT - Jay Ratliff
RE - Igor Olshansky
LOLB - Anthony Spencer
LILB - Bradie James
RILB - Sean Lee
ROLB - Demarcus Ware
CB - Carlos Rodgers
FS - Major Wright
SS - Sabby Piscitelli
CB - Perrish Cox

K - David Buehler
P - Mat McBriar

 

The Seattle Seahawks

Offense​

Quarterback:
Cam Newton - $900,000
Daunte Culpepper - $300,000
Nate Davis - $700,000
Tyrod Taylor $400,000

Silverphin's Notes: All of these quarterbacks, with the exception of Tyrod Taylor, represent something I like in all my quarterback: Effectiveness in the pocket with the ability to elude the rush and make a postive play out of potentially negative play. Also, each quarterback also has a great arm, allowing this offense to pose a vertical threat. Tyrod Taylor will be playing multiple positions. Wildcat potential?

Full Back:
Ryan Powdrell - $480,000

Silverphin's Notes: See Running back notes

Running Back:
Marion Barber (1a) - $6,000,000
Marshawn Lynch (1b) - $1,140,000
Da'Rell Scott - $400,000
Tyrod Taylor (?)

Silverpin's Notes: One of the biggest goals this offseason was to improve the running. And with the pick up of Marion Barber, we did just that. As noted, Barber and Lynch will be splitting snaps, with Da'Rell Scott added in to provide speed. Scott himself could also be used as a receiver, making him a great mismatch against linebackers. This group will definitely take the pressure off of Newton and transfer it on to the defense. Once again, can Tyrod play this position? We'll see, but for now, no. As for Powdrell, all he'll have to do is block his man, and have his hands ready.

Wide Receiver:
Golden Tate - $405,000
Benjamin Obamanu - $1,101,000
Ted Ginn, Jr. - $1,393,750
Mike Williams - 1,750,000
Ricardo Lockette - $400,000
Tyrod Taylor

Silverphin's Notes: The incumbents of Tate, Obamanu, and (surprisingly) Williams proved rather effective last season. So, we decided to inject some speed into this group for good measure. Ted Ginn, Jr., while unlikely to ever become a number one receiver, creates a mismatch for nickel back across his way. Ricardo Lockette, fastest wider receiver at the combine, will be a project, but is someone who can be used early in certain packages. Once again, Tyrod Taylor is being looked at this position. Can he become a Cribbs clonee?

Tight End:
Visanthe Shiancoe - $3,100,000
Rob Housler - $400,000
Cameron Morrah - $480,000

Silverphin's Notes: Shiancoe and Housler will be used a lot in two tight end sets. Housler brings immense speed and height from an offense that uses the tight end position a lot. With Shiancoe already established as a pretty good tight end and Housler being very fast for his position, they will be excellent weapons for a rookie quarterback such as Newton.

Left Tackle:
Bryant McKinnie - $4,900,000
Tyler Polumbus - $300,000

Left Guard:
Stacy Andrews - $5,250,000
Maurice Hurt - $400,000

Center:
Chris White - $300,000
Ryan Bartholomew - $400,000

Right Guard:
Leonard Davis - $2,000,000
Mike Gibson - $480,000

Right Tackle:
Winston Justice - $2,700,000
William Robinson - $480,000

Silverphin's Notes: This offensive line is a veteran group with a couple of possible future startes in Hurt and Bartholomew. They should be able to create enough push to give room for our backs, and also provide protection against the pass rush.

Offense​

Left Defensive End:
Dave Ball - $300,000
Christian Anthony - $400,000

Left Defensive Tackle:
Colin Cole - $3,750,000
Red Bryant - $555,000

Right Defensive Tackle:
Kentwan Balmer - $622,000
Sealver Siliga - $400,000

Right Defensive End:
Chris Clemons - $2,300,000
Phillip Hunt - $5,500,000

Silverphin's Notes: This is a very dangerous group. The 4-3 defense allows us to put two space eaters up fronts, leaving room our defensive ends to attack the quarterback. Both starting ends have the ability to get after the quarterback, while Anthony and Hunt sustain the pressure while developin as defensive ends. Hopefully, Hunt can be our version of Cameron Wake.

Weakside Linebacker:
Kaluka Maiava - $300,000
Adrian Moten - $400,000

Middle Linebacker:
Will Witherspoon - $3,000,000
Nick Roach - $300,000

Strongside Linebacker:
Dexter Davis -$405,000
Anthony Heygood - $330,000

Silverphin's Notes: I'm iffy about the group. One one hand, we have tackling machines in Witherspoon and Roach. On the other hand, the departures of Lofa Tatupu, Aaron Curry, and David Hawthorne left some pretty big shoes to fill. Moten, Davis, and Maiava have a lot to prove.

Right Cornerback:
Ellis Hobbs - $300,000
Roy Lewis - $300,000

Strong Safety:
Bob Sanders - $2,000,000
Kam Chancellor - $405,000

Free Safety:
Brian Dawkins - $1,500,000
Reggie Smith - $555,000

Left Cornerback:
Marcus Trufant - $5,900,000
Marcus Brown - $330,000
Ashton Youboty - $300,000

Silverphin's Notes: This group, I feel, has potential on becoming an improved group from last year. But there are questions. Does Dawkins still have it? Can Sanders and Hobbs stay healthy? If the answers to those questions are yes, then we'll have a ball hawking secondary that'll make even the most prestigious of quarterbacks think twice about where he's throwing.

Special Teams​

Kicker:
Olindo Mare - $400,000

Punter:
Jon Ryan - $1,100,000

Long Snapper:
Clint Gresham - $405,000

KR:
Ted Ginn, Jr.
Ricardo Lockette

PR:
Ted Ginn, Jr.
Da'Rell Scott

Silverphin's Notes: Not much to say here. Ginn, Lockette, and Scott should ignite our return game.

Total Salary:
$68,616,750