NFC West: Alan Faneca
Four days until the 2012 NFL draft. In the meantime, the mock drafts are piling up.
The chart below shows new projections from reporters covering the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams.
All three have the Rams and Seahawks drafting for defense. They all have the Arizona Cardinals drafting an offensive lineman and the 49ers drafting a pass-catcher of some sort.
I'll be participating in a live mock draft Monday at 1 p.m. ET, with trades permitted. Details to come.
Moving along ...
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic checks in with Ken Whisenhunt and Rod Graves regarding the Cardinals' draft options. Somers: "Addressing the offensive line in the first round makes considerable sense. The Cardinals haven't drafted a lineman the past two seasons. They haven't taken one above the fifth round since selecting Brown fifth overall in 2007. They have tried to plug holes with veterans at the end of their careers (guard Alan Faneca) and low-round picks they hoped would develop (right tackle Brandon Keith). The results have been mixed at best."
Also from Somers: Whisenhunt points to continuity with Graves and personnel director Steve Keim as keys to success in the draft.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com looks at whether the Arizona Cardinals need a stronger No. 2 receiver to pair with Larry Fitzgerald. Urban: "The Cardinals went to a Super Bowl with Anquan Boldin alongside Larry Fitzgerald, but one of the reasons the Cards were eventually comfortable with dealing Boldin was the success Fitzgerald and the passing game had even in games Boldin missed with injury." Noted: Kurt Warner was the constant.
Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune has the Seahawks selecting Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower in his 2012 first-round mock draft. Williams: "Hawks might move down to get Hightower, but he fills an obvious need and will be the team's quarterback on defense for the next 10 years."
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times looks at the Seahawks' need for a linebacker, noting that general manager John Schneider says this draft has more good ones than the previous draft offered. Schneider: "It's completely different than it was last year. There's good numbers up there." Noted: Value could lead the Seahawks to draft a linebacker in the first round, but if there are more to be found throughout the draft, the team could have reason to draft early at a position featuring fewer talented prospects.
Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune explains why he thinks Melvin Ingram might have more appeal to the Seahawks than Luke Kuechly. Boling: "Carroll and his staff like to find players with unique skills and then develop ways to work them into a scheme. While Kuechly looks to be a conventional middle linebacker type, Ingram could be more of a fun toy for Carroll."
Brock Huard of 710ESPN Seattle makes two observations after attending a charity event featuring most of the team: Team chemistry appears strong, and the Seahawks have become a much bigger team physically.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch projects LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne to the Rams with the sixth overall pick after teams picking among the top five selected Justin Blackmon and Trent Richardson, among others.
Also from Thomas: The Rams need help at defensive tackle, but none of the top three prospects appears worthy of the sixth overall choice. Thomas: "In a deep defensive tackle class, there should be multiple options for the Rams at the top of the second round and perhaps even at the top of the third."
More from Thomas: a closer look at Claiborne and the cornerbacks. Thomas: "From a pure coverage standpoint, there are those who feel Claiborne is a significantly better prospect than his much-ballyhooed predecessor at LSU, Patrick Peterson, who went No. 5 overall in the 2011 draft to Arizona."
More yet from Thomas: New Rams linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar has good things to say about Gregg Williams.
Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com says HBO has interest in the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers as "Hard Knocks" alternatives to the Atlanta Falcons, who declined to participate. Noted: Tough to envision the 49ers accepting. Their football leadership has sought to close ranks.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com passes along thoughts from 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh on GM Trent Baalke's suggestion the team has one player in mind for the 30th overall choice. Maiocco: "I think Trent's trying to be dramatic with you guys -- build the drama. There's several -- there's a lot of good guys. There are a lot of good guys we'd love to have at that pick. Having been through this once, most of the guys you recognize as great football players are going to be playing against you. That's just the fact of business. But getting the right guy, the right fit for our team, is what we're all focused on."
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee has the 49ers drafting receiver Stephen Hill with the 30th pick.
Gwen Knapp of the San Francisco Chronicle looks at history precipitating the 49ers' impending stadium move from San Francisco to Santa Clara.
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle says new 49ers running back Brandon Jacobs has great speed -- on the highway.
Phil Barber of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat outlines five positions to watch in the draft for San Francisco.
The chart below shows new projections from reporters covering the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams.
All three have the Rams and Seahawks drafting for defense. They all have the Arizona Cardinals drafting an offensive lineman and the 49ers drafting a pass-catcher of some sort.
I'll be participating in a live mock draft Monday at 1 p.m. ET, with trades permitted. Details to come.
Moving along ...
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic checks in with Ken Whisenhunt and Rod Graves regarding the Cardinals' draft options. Somers: "Addressing the offensive line in the first round makes considerable sense. The Cardinals haven't drafted a lineman the past two seasons. They haven't taken one above the fifth round since selecting Brown fifth overall in 2007. They have tried to plug holes with veterans at the end of their careers (guard Alan Faneca) and low-round picks they hoped would develop (right tackle Brandon Keith). The results have been mixed at best."
Also from Somers: Whisenhunt points to continuity with Graves and personnel director Steve Keim as keys to success in the draft.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com looks at whether the Arizona Cardinals need a stronger No. 2 receiver to pair with Larry Fitzgerald. Urban: "The Cardinals went to a Super Bowl with Anquan Boldin alongside Larry Fitzgerald, but one of the reasons the Cards were eventually comfortable with dealing Boldin was the success Fitzgerald and the passing game had even in games Boldin missed with injury." Noted: Kurt Warner was the constant.
Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune has the Seahawks selecting Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower in his 2012 first-round mock draft. Williams: "Hawks might move down to get Hightower, but he fills an obvious need and will be the team's quarterback on defense for the next 10 years."
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times looks at the Seahawks' need for a linebacker, noting that general manager John Schneider says this draft has more good ones than the previous draft offered. Schneider: "It's completely different than it was last year. There's good numbers up there." Noted: Value could lead the Seahawks to draft a linebacker in the first round, but if there are more to be found throughout the draft, the team could have reason to draft early at a position featuring fewer talented prospects.
Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune explains why he thinks Melvin Ingram might have more appeal to the Seahawks than Luke Kuechly. Boling: "Carroll and his staff like to find players with unique skills and then develop ways to work them into a scheme. While Kuechly looks to be a conventional middle linebacker type, Ingram could be more of a fun toy for Carroll."
Brock Huard of 710ESPN Seattle makes two observations after attending a charity event featuring most of the team: Team chemistry appears strong, and the Seahawks have become a much bigger team physically.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch projects LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne to the Rams with the sixth overall pick after teams picking among the top five selected Justin Blackmon and Trent Richardson, among others.
Also from Thomas: The Rams need help at defensive tackle, but none of the top three prospects appears worthy of the sixth overall choice. Thomas: "In a deep defensive tackle class, there should be multiple options for the Rams at the top of the second round and perhaps even at the top of the third."
More from Thomas: a closer look at Claiborne and the cornerbacks. Thomas: "From a pure coverage standpoint, there are those who feel Claiborne is a significantly better prospect than his much-ballyhooed predecessor at LSU, Patrick Peterson, who went No. 5 overall in the 2011 draft to Arizona."
More yet from Thomas: New Rams linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar has good things to say about Gregg Williams.
Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com says HBO has interest in the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers as "Hard Knocks" alternatives to the Atlanta Falcons, who declined to participate. Noted: Tough to envision the 49ers accepting. Their football leadership has sought to close ranks.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com passes along thoughts from 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh on GM Trent Baalke's suggestion the team has one player in mind for the 30th overall choice. Maiocco: "I think Trent's trying to be dramatic with you guys -- build the drama. There's several -- there's a lot of good guys. There are a lot of good guys we'd love to have at that pick. Having been through this once, most of the guys you recognize as great football players are going to be playing against you. That's just the fact of business. But getting the right guy, the right fit for our team, is what we're all focused on."
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee has the 49ers drafting receiver Stephen Hill with the 30th pick.
Gwen Knapp of the San Francisco Chronicle looks at history precipitating the 49ers' impending stadium move from San Francisco to Santa Clara.
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle says new 49ers running back Brandon Jacobs has great speed -- on the highway.
Phil Barber of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat outlines five positions to watch in the draft for San Francisco.
The Seattle Seahawks picked up a 2002 fifth-round choice, used for Rocky Bernard, from Indianapolis in a trade that sent backup quarterback Brock Huard to the Colts.
Imagine if they got Peyton Manning in return, too, albeit a decade later.
Huard, writing for 710ESPN Seattle, puts together a compelling case for his former teammate to consider Seattle as his next stop when his Colts tenure ends. He points to ownership, Pete Carroll's competitiveness, a strong home-field advantage, favorable division dynamics, Tom Cable's presence in a Howard Mudd-type role, the presence of multiple young Pro Bowl choices and a coordinator, Darrell Bevell, who worked well with another older quarterback, Brett Favre. Noted: Huard methodically eliminates all but seven teams from realistic consideration for Manning should the Colts part with him, as expected. He then narrows that group to two, Seattle and Washington. Manning's health is the biggest variable, of course, but the Seahawks could afford to take a chance. They do not have better options at the position. Their position in the first round of the draft, 11th or 12th, isn't high enough for them to bank on landing a quarterback there, either.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic checks in with retired Cardinals guard Alan Faneca, who has lost about 85 pounds and now weighs about 230. Faneca: "It's been the best thing for me. We're not supposed to be 320 pounds our whole lives. My joints are very appreciative. I'm sure the heart and other organs are thankful, too. ... I worked out about five days a week, including one hour of cardio. I ate between 1,800 and 2,000 calories a day. I wanted to do it (lose weight) quick. I didn't want to take forever; that would drive me nuts. I lost 70 pounds in about three-and-a-half months."
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com offers a few thoughts on the Cardinals' salary-cap situation.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch offers Rams-related thoughts during a chat, including this one about the team's search for a general manager: "I really don't have a sense for who the frontrunners are, although obviously we have to put Minnesota's George Paton on that list since he's the first of the candidates to get a second interview. All of the scouts are under contract until after the draft. So there probably won't be any changes there until May. I think there are some pretty good scouts in the Rams' scouting department, but I think it's obvious that no matter who comes in, there will be some changes."
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com takes a closer look at the 49ers' running backs and sees little evidence suggesting Frank Gore was playing through injury late in the season. Maiocco: "In the playoffs, he was very effective. He gained 163 yards on 29 rushing attempts (5.6 average). And after catching just 17 passes in the regular season, Gore caught 13 passes for 83 yards in the two playoff games. And if Gore wasn't healthy, why did he play 84 percent of the team's offensive snaps in the playoffs? There were times when Gore took himself out of the game after run plays. That shouldn't be too alarming. After all, when he's on the field, he was either running the ball, going out on a pass route or blocking a bigger man in pass protection. Gore turns 29 in May. The 49ers' all-time leading rusher is at that stage when most running backs begin to slow down dramatically."
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the 49ers' commitment to Alex Smith is obvious, particularly with Smith and coach Jim Harbaugh hanging out on the golf course this week -- after Smith accepted an award for Harbaugh in Indianapolis.
Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News says conference finalists have had a harder time returning since realignment in 2002.
Dan Hinxman of the Reno Gazette Journal checks in with 49ers backup Colin Kaepernick. One fun note about arm strength: Kaepernick has thrown a football through the goalposts from the opposite 40-yard line.
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle says the 49ers' 2012 schedule is harder than it appears.
Imagine if they got Peyton Manning in return, too, albeit a decade later.
Huard, writing for 710ESPN Seattle, puts together a compelling case for his former teammate to consider Seattle as his next stop when his Colts tenure ends. He points to ownership, Pete Carroll's competitiveness, a strong home-field advantage, favorable division dynamics, Tom Cable's presence in a Howard Mudd-type role, the presence of multiple young Pro Bowl choices and a coordinator, Darrell Bevell, who worked well with another older quarterback, Brett Favre. Noted: Huard methodically eliminates all but seven teams from realistic consideration for Manning should the Colts part with him, as expected. He then narrows that group to two, Seattle and Washington. Manning's health is the biggest variable, of course, but the Seahawks could afford to take a chance. They do not have better options at the position. Their position in the first round of the draft, 11th or 12th, isn't high enough for them to bank on landing a quarterback there, either.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic checks in with retired Cardinals guard Alan Faneca, who has lost about 85 pounds and now weighs about 230. Faneca: "It's been the best thing for me. We're not supposed to be 320 pounds our whole lives. My joints are very appreciative. I'm sure the heart and other organs are thankful, too. ... I worked out about five days a week, including one hour of cardio. I ate between 1,800 and 2,000 calories a day. I wanted to do it (lose weight) quick. I didn't want to take forever; that would drive me nuts. I lost 70 pounds in about three-and-a-half months."
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com offers a few thoughts on the Cardinals' salary-cap situation.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch offers Rams-related thoughts during a chat, including this one about the team's search for a general manager: "I really don't have a sense for who the frontrunners are, although obviously we have to put Minnesota's George Paton on that list since he's the first of the candidates to get a second interview. All of the scouts are under contract until after the draft. So there probably won't be any changes there until May. I think there are some pretty good scouts in the Rams' scouting department, but I think it's obvious that no matter who comes in, there will be some changes."
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com takes a closer look at the 49ers' running backs and sees little evidence suggesting Frank Gore was playing through injury late in the season. Maiocco: "In the playoffs, he was very effective. He gained 163 yards on 29 rushing attempts (5.6 average). And after catching just 17 passes in the regular season, Gore caught 13 passes for 83 yards in the two playoff games. And if Gore wasn't healthy, why did he play 84 percent of the team's offensive snaps in the playoffs? There were times when Gore took himself out of the game after run plays. That shouldn't be too alarming. After all, when he's on the field, he was either running the ball, going out on a pass route or blocking a bigger man in pass protection. Gore turns 29 in May. The 49ers' all-time leading rusher is at that stage when most running backs begin to slow down dramatically."
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the 49ers' commitment to Alex Smith is obvious, particularly with Smith and coach Jim Harbaugh hanging out on the golf course this week -- after Smith accepted an award for Harbaugh in Indianapolis.
Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News says conference finalists have had a harder time returning since realignment in 2002.
Dan Hinxman of the Reno Gazette Journal checks in with 49ers backup Colin Kaepernick. One fun note about arm strength: Kaepernick has thrown a football through the goalposts from the opposite 40-yard line.
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle says the 49ers' 2012 schedule is harder than it appears.
NFC West teams went 0-3 last season against the teams they face in Week 5.
They lost those games by a combined 99-31 score.
Much has changed since then. Let's take a look:
Cardinals at Vikings
Score last season: Vikings 27, Cardinals 24 (OT)
Key play: Brett Favre's 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe in the final minute of regulation tied the game, forcing overtime after the Cardinals had built a 24-10 fourth-quarter lead. Favre threw for a career-high 446 yards in the game.
Biggest change: Both teams have new quarterbacks, Kevin Kolb for Derek Anderson in Arizona, and Donovan McNabb for Favre in Minnesota. Also, the Vikings have a new head coach (Leslie Frazier) while the Cardinals have a new defensive coordinator (Ray Horton).
Storyline: McNabb keeps a home in Arizona and was available to the Cardinals when their quarterback situation was in flux, but the team showed no interest in him. He is now trying to hold off a change to rookie Christian Ponder.
Lineup changes for Arizona (12): Beanie Wells for Tim Hightower at running back, Kolb for Anderson at quarterback, Daryn Colledge for Alan Faneca at left guard, Rex Hadnot for Deuce Lutui at right guard, Todd Heap for Ben Patrick at tight end, Andre Roberts for Steve Breaston at receiver, Anthony Sherman for Reagan Maui'a at fullback (although the team opened its 2010 game at Minnesota without a fullback), Dan Williams for Bryan Robinson at nose tackle, Daryl Washington for Gerald Hayes at linebacker, Clark Haggans for Will Davis at linebacker, A.J. Jefferson for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at cornerback, Patrick Peterson for Greg Toler at cornerback.
49ers vs. Buccaneers
Score last season: Buccaneers 21, 49ers 0
Key play: Josh Freeman's 1-yard scoring pass to tackle Donald Penn midway through the fourth quarter put an exclamation point on the 49ers' first home shutout since 1977.
Biggest change: Jim Harbaugh has replaced Mike Singletary as the 49ers' head coach.
Storyline: Alex Smith gets a shot at Tampa Bay after watching Troy Smith struggle against the Bucs as the 49ers' starting quarterback last season. Troy Smith's approach centered around striking for big plays. The Bucs took away the big plays. Alex Smith gives the 49ers a chance to be more efficient.
Lineup changes for San Francisco (12): Alex Smith for Troy Smith at quarterback, Joe Staley for Barry Sims at left tackle, Adam Snyder for Chilo Rachal at right guard, Bruce Miller for Moran Norris at fullback, Isaac Sopoaga for Aubrayo Franklin at nose tackle, Ray McDonald for Sopoaga at defensive end, Ahmad Brooks for Manny Lawson at outside linebacker, NaVorro Bowman for Takeo Spikes at inside linebacker, Carlos Rogers for Nate Clements at cornerback, Tarell Brown for Shawntae Spencer at cornerback, Donte Whitner for Reggie Smith at strong safety.
Seahawks at Giants
Score last season: Giants 41, Seahawks 7
Key play: With Seattle already down 14-0 in the first quarter, the Giants returned Leon Washington's fumbled kickoff return to the Seattle 4, setting up Ahmad Bradshaw's touchdown run on the next play.
Biggest change: Tarvaris Jackson is the starting quarterback for Seattle. Charlie Whitehurst was a fill-in starter for Matt Hasselbeck when the teams played last season.
Storyline: The Seahawks' so-far-unproductive ground game faces a Giants run defense that has struggled. Seattle's young line improved in pass protection last week. Can it take a step forward in run blocking this week?
Lineup changes for Seattle (16): Sidney Rice for Deon Butler at receiver, Jackson for Whitehurst at quarterback, Russell Okung for Chester Pitts at left tackle, Paul McQuistan for Mike Gibson at left guard, Max Unger for Chris Spencer at center, John Moffitt for Stacy Andrews at right guard, James Carpenter for Sean Locklear at right tackle, Zach Miller for John Carlson at tight end, Brandon Mebane for Junior Siavii at defensive tackle, Alan Branch for Craig Terrill at defensive tackle, Red Bryant for Kentwan Balmer at defensive end, K.J. Wright for Aaron Curry at linebacker, David Hawthorne for Lofa Tatupu at linebacker, Leroy Hill for Hawthorne at linebacker, Brandon Browner for Kelly Jennings at right cornerback, Kam Chancellor or Atari Bigby for Lawyer Milloy, depending on Chancellor's availability.
They lost those games by a combined 99-31 score.
Much has changed since then. Let's take a look:
Cardinals at Vikings
Score last season: Vikings 27, Cardinals 24 (OT)
Key play: Brett Favre's 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe in the final minute of regulation tied the game, forcing overtime after the Cardinals had built a 24-10 fourth-quarter lead. Favre threw for a career-high 446 yards in the game.
Biggest change: Both teams have new quarterbacks, Kevin Kolb for Derek Anderson in Arizona, and Donovan McNabb for Favre in Minnesota. Also, the Vikings have a new head coach (Leslie Frazier) while the Cardinals have a new defensive coordinator (Ray Horton).
Storyline: McNabb keeps a home in Arizona and was available to the Cardinals when their quarterback situation was in flux, but the team showed no interest in him. He is now trying to hold off a change to rookie Christian Ponder.
Lineup changes for Arizona (12): Beanie Wells for Tim Hightower at running back, Kolb for Anderson at quarterback, Daryn Colledge for Alan Faneca at left guard, Rex Hadnot for Deuce Lutui at right guard, Todd Heap for Ben Patrick at tight end, Andre Roberts for Steve Breaston at receiver, Anthony Sherman for Reagan Maui'a at fullback (although the team opened its 2010 game at Minnesota without a fullback), Dan Williams for Bryan Robinson at nose tackle, Daryl Washington for Gerald Hayes at linebacker, Clark Haggans for Will Davis at linebacker, A.J. Jefferson for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at cornerback, Patrick Peterson for Greg Toler at cornerback.
49ers vs. Buccaneers
Score last season: Buccaneers 21, 49ers 0
Key play: Josh Freeman's 1-yard scoring pass to tackle Donald Penn midway through the fourth quarter put an exclamation point on the 49ers' first home shutout since 1977.
Biggest change: Jim Harbaugh has replaced Mike Singletary as the 49ers' head coach.
Storyline: Alex Smith gets a shot at Tampa Bay after watching Troy Smith struggle against the Bucs as the 49ers' starting quarterback last season. Troy Smith's approach centered around striking for big plays. The Bucs took away the big plays. Alex Smith gives the 49ers a chance to be more efficient.
Lineup changes for San Francisco (12): Alex Smith for Troy Smith at quarterback, Joe Staley for Barry Sims at left tackle, Adam Snyder for Chilo Rachal at right guard, Bruce Miller for Moran Norris at fullback, Isaac Sopoaga for Aubrayo Franklin at nose tackle, Ray McDonald for Sopoaga at defensive end, Ahmad Brooks for Manny Lawson at outside linebacker, NaVorro Bowman for Takeo Spikes at inside linebacker, Carlos Rogers for Nate Clements at cornerback, Tarell Brown for Shawntae Spencer at cornerback, Donte Whitner for Reggie Smith at strong safety.
Seahawks at Giants
Score last season: Giants 41, Seahawks 7
Key play: With Seattle already down 14-0 in the first quarter, the Giants returned Leon Washington's fumbled kickoff return to the Seattle 4, setting up Ahmad Bradshaw's touchdown run on the next play.
Biggest change: Tarvaris Jackson is the starting quarterback for Seattle. Charlie Whitehurst was a fill-in starter for Matt Hasselbeck when the teams played last season.
Storyline: The Seahawks' so-far-unproductive ground game faces a Giants run defense that has struggled. Seattle's young line improved in pass protection last week. Can it take a step forward in run blocking this week?
Lineup changes for Seattle (16): Sidney Rice for Deon Butler at receiver, Jackson for Whitehurst at quarterback, Russell Okung for Chester Pitts at left tackle, Paul McQuistan for Mike Gibson at left guard, Max Unger for Chris Spencer at center, John Moffitt for Stacy Andrews at right guard, James Carpenter for Sean Locklear at right tackle, Zach Miller for John Carlson at tight end, Brandon Mebane for Junior Siavii at defensive tackle, Alan Branch for Craig Terrill at defensive tackle, Red Bryant for Kentwan Balmer at defensive end, K.J. Wright for Aaron Curry at linebacker, David Hawthorne for Lofa Tatupu at linebacker, Leroy Hill for Hawthorne at linebacker, Brandon Browner for Kelly Jennings at right cornerback, Kam Chancellor or Atari Bigby for Lawyer Milloy, depending on Chancellor's availability.
With training camps winding down, I've found time to update rosters and put together team-by-team reference material for unrestricted free agency.
The names below match official NFL counts.
These are for players with at least four accrued NFL seasons whose contracts expired following the 2010 season. I've added comments for each team.
Arizona Cardinals
Re-signed (8): Ben Graham, Matt Ware, Hamza Abdullah, Ben Claxton, Lyle Sendlein, D'Anthony Batiste, Deuce Lutui, Stephen Spach.
New to team (7): Chansi Stuckey, Richard Marshall, Daryn Colledge, Nick Eason, Stewart Bradley, Floyd Womack, Jeff King.
Still unsigned (3): Alan Faneca, Jason Wright, Bryan Robinson.
Signed elsewhere (5): Steve Breaston (Kansas City), Gabe Watson (New York Giants), Ben Patrick (Giants), Trumaine McBride (New Orleans), Alan Branch (Seattle).
Comment: Sendlein, Colledge and Bradley were the big signings. Marshall provides needed depth at cornerback. Faneca and Wright announced their retirements. The Cardinals weren't aggressive in trying to re-sign the players they lost to other teams. The biggest move Arizona made, acquiring Kevin Kolb from Philadelphia, did not involve a UFA.
San Francisco 49ers
Re-signed (4): Ray McDonald, Tony Wragge, Dashon Goldson, Alex Smith.
New to team (5): Braylon Edwards, Jonathan Goodwin, Donte Whitner, Carlos Rogers, David Akers.
Still unsigned (5): Brian Westbrook, Troy Smith, Demetric Evans, William James, Barry Sims.
Signed elsewhere (6): David Baas (Giants), Travis LaBoy (San Diego), Jeff Reed (Seattle), Aubrayo Franklin (New Orleans), Takeo Spikes (San Diego), Manny Lawson (Cincinnati).
Comment: Re-signing McDonald signaled Franklin's departure. Getting Goldson back on the relative cheap was a victory. The 49ers wanted to keep Baas, but not at the price he commanded. The team thinks NaVorro Bowman has a bright future in Spikes' old spot at inside linebacker. Lawson wasn't strong enough as a pass-rusher to stick around. Safety depth is improved.
Seattle Seahawks
Re-signed (7): Raheem Brock, Junior Siavii, Brandon Mebane, Leroy Hill, Matt McCoy, Michael Robinson, Kelly Jennings.
New to team (8): Branch, Zach Miller, Robert Gallery, Jimmy Wilkerson, Atari Bigby, Sidney Rice, Tarvaris Jackson, Reed.
Still unsigned (7): Jay Richardson, Craig Terrill, Chester Pitts, Brandon Stokley, Ruvell Martin, J.P. Losman, Lawyer Milloy.
Signed elsewhere (8): Will Herring (New Orleans), Olindo Mare (Carolina), Matt Hasselbeck (Tennessee), Chris Spencer (Chicago), Jordan Babineaux (Tennessee), Sean Locklear (Washington), Amon Gordon (Kansas City), Ray Willis (Washington).
Comment: Adding Jackson as the starting quarterback was the most significant move for the 2011 season. Mebane was the most important re-signing for the longer term. Hill was a bargain relative to how he's playing right now. Miller and Rice were the types of young, talented players who rarely change teams in free agency. The Seahawks were outbid for Herring and Mare. Can street free agent David Vobora fill some of the void Herring left?
St. Louis Rams
Re-signed (2): Adam Goldberg, Gary Gibson.
New to team (9): Daniel Muir, Quinn Ojinnaka, Harvey Dahl, Ben Leber, Zac Diles, Jerious Norwood, Cadillac Williams, Quintin Mikell, Mike Sims-Walker.
Still unsigned (5): Chris Hovan, Michael Lewis, Darcy Johnson, Clifton Ryan, Mark Clayton.
Signed elsewhere (4): Daniel Fells (Denver), Laurent Robinson (San Diego), Derek Schouman (Washington), Kevin Dockery (Pittsburgh).
Comment: Dahl and Mikell were the big additions. Clayton could return if and when his surgically repaired knee allows. Sims-Walker is a wild card. The team didn't flinch when any of its own UFAs signed elsewhere. Most of the moves made on defense were designed to improve St. Louis against the run. Remember that newcomer Justin Bannan was not a UFA. Denver released him.
.
The names below match official NFL counts.
These are for players with at least four accrued NFL seasons whose contracts expired following the 2010 season. I've added comments for each team.
Arizona Cardinals
Re-signed (8): Ben Graham, Matt Ware, Hamza Abdullah, Ben Claxton, Lyle Sendlein, D'Anthony Batiste, Deuce Lutui, Stephen Spach.
New to team (7): Chansi Stuckey, Richard Marshall, Daryn Colledge, Nick Eason, Stewart Bradley, Floyd Womack, Jeff King.
Still unsigned (3): Alan Faneca, Jason Wright, Bryan Robinson.
Signed elsewhere (5): Steve Breaston (Kansas City), Gabe Watson (New York Giants), Ben Patrick (Giants), Trumaine McBride (New Orleans), Alan Branch (Seattle).
Comment: Sendlein, Colledge and Bradley were the big signings. Marshall provides needed depth at cornerback. Faneca and Wright announced their retirements. The Cardinals weren't aggressive in trying to re-sign the players they lost to other teams. The biggest move Arizona made, acquiring Kevin Kolb from Philadelphia, did not involve a UFA.
San Francisco 49ers
Re-signed (4): Ray McDonald, Tony Wragge, Dashon Goldson, Alex Smith.
New to team (5): Braylon Edwards, Jonathan Goodwin, Donte Whitner, Carlos Rogers, David Akers.
Still unsigned (5): Brian Westbrook, Troy Smith, Demetric Evans, William James, Barry Sims.
Signed elsewhere (6): David Baas (Giants), Travis LaBoy (San Diego), Jeff Reed (Seattle), Aubrayo Franklin (New Orleans), Takeo Spikes (San Diego), Manny Lawson (Cincinnati).
Comment: Re-signing McDonald signaled Franklin's departure. Getting Goldson back on the relative cheap was a victory. The 49ers wanted to keep Baas, but not at the price he commanded. The team thinks NaVorro Bowman has a bright future in Spikes' old spot at inside linebacker. Lawson wasn't strong enough as a pass-rusher to stick around. Safety depth is improved.
Seattle Seahawks
Re-signed (7): Raheem Brock, Junior Siavii, Brandon Mebane, Leroy Hill, Matt McCoy, Michael Robinson, Kelly Jennings.
New to team (8): Branch, Zach Miller, Robert Gallery, Jimmy Wilkerson, Atari Bigby, Sidney Rice, Tarvaris Jackson, Reed.
Still unsigned (7): Jay Richardson, Craig Terrill, Chester Pitts, Brandon Stokley, Ruvell Martin, J.P. Losman, Lawyer Milloy.
Signed elsewhere (8): Will Herring (New Orleans), Olindo Mare (Carolina), Matt Hasselbeck (Tennessee), Chris Spencer (Chicago), Jordan Babineaux (Tennessee), Sean Locklear (Washington), Amon Gordon (Kansas City), Ray Willis (Washington).
Comment: Adding Jackson as the starting quarterback was the most significant move for the 2011 season. Mebane was the most important re-signing for the longer term. Hill was a bargain relative to how he's playing right now. Miller and Rice were the types of young, talented players who rarely change teams in free agency. The Seahawks were outbid for Herring and Mare. Can street free agent David Vobora fill some of the void Herring left?
St. Louis Rams
Re-signed (2): Adam Goldberg, Gary Gibson.
New to team (9): Daniel Muir, Quinn Ojinnaka, Harvey Dahl, Ben Leber, Zac Diles, Jerious Norwood, Cadillac Williams, Quintin Mikell, Mike Sims-Walker.
Still unsigned (5): Chris Hovan, Michael Lewis, Darcy Johnson, Clifton Ryan, Mark Clayton.
Signed elsewhere (4): Daniel Fells (Denver), Laurent Robinson (San Diego), Derek Schouman (Washington), Kevin Dockery (Pittsburgh).
Comment: Dahl and Mikell were the big additions. Clayton could return if and when his surgically repaired knee allows. Sims-Walker is a wild card. The team didn't flinch when any of its own UFAs signed elsewhere. Most of the moves made on defense were designed to improve St. Louis against the run. Remember that newcomer Justin Bannan was not a UFA. Denver released him.
.
The time has come for some accounting now that the top unrestricted free agents have found homes. Others continue to wait.
I've put together charts showing how many and which UFAs for NFC West teams remain unsigned. The deadline passed Saturday for teams to make qualifying offers to these players.
The charts rank unsigned UFAs from oldest to youngest. I've ordered the players this way because so many older players find out through free agency where they stand.
A couple players, Alan Faneca and Jason Wright, have announced intentions to retire. They have chosen to go out on their own terms. Retirement becomes a process for others. Free agency comes and goes, the phone seldom rings, teams get on with their lives and before long, a player realizes he is finished.
Some players listed below could help teams if they found the right situations. Lawyer Milloy started 16 games for the Seattle Seahawks last season. The St. Louis Rams have kept in touch with Mark Clayton to monitor the receiver's recovery from knee surgery.
Note: UFAs are defined strictly as players whose contracts expired following at least four accrued NFL seasons. Released players are not UFAs in the same sense even though they can sign with any team.
I've put together charts showing how many and which UFAs for NFC West teams remain unsigned. The deadline passed Saturday for teams to make qualifying offers to these players.
The charts rank unsigned UFAs from oldest to youngest. I've ordered the players this way because so many older players find out through free agency where they stand.
A couple players, Alan Faneca and Jason Wright, have announced intentions to retire. They have chosen to go out on their own terms. Retirement becomes a process for others. Free agency comes and goes, the phone seldom rings, teams get on with their lives and before long, a player realizes he is finished.
Some players listed below could help teams if they found the right situations. Lawyer Milloy started 16 games for the Seattle Seahawks last season. The St. Louis Rams have kept in touch with Mark Clayton to monitor the receiver's recovery from knee surgery.
Note: UFAs are defined strictly as players whose contracts expired following at least four accrued NFL seasons. Released players are not UFAs in the same sense even though they can sign with any team.
Colledge's addition and Cards' OL planning
July, 28, 2011
7/28/11
12:16
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
The Arizona Cardinals are reaching into free agency to patch holes on their offensive line.
Daryn Colledge, a starter for each of his five seasons since Green Bay made him a second-round choice in 2006, gives the team needed reinforcement at guard. Alan Faneca's retirement and Deuce Lutui's potential departure in free agency combined with the Cardinals' draft-day tendencies to compel such a move.
Colledge, posting on his Twitter account, said he would be in camp with Arizona soon. ESPN's John Clayton reports terms as five years and $27.5 million.
The 29-year-old starter of 76 regular-season games ideally would have remained with Green Bay. In this case, the Packers did what they have often tried to do: identify starting-caliber talent in the draft, secure the player for his prime years at a reasonable rate and then watch another team sign that player at a premium price in free agency years later. General manager Ted Thompson touched upon that theme during his meeting with shareholders Thursday.
Arizona has also taken pride in developing draft choices into starters -- Calais Campbell successfully replaced free-agent departure Antonio Smith, to cite one example -- but the team hasn't invested significant draft capital in its offensive line since making tackle Levi Brown the fifth overall choice in 2007.
The chart shows how many offensive linemen NFL teams have drafted in the first three rounds since 2008.
Daryn Colledge, a starter for each of his five seasons since Green Bay made him a second-round choice in 2006, gives the team needed reinforcement at guard. Alan Faneca's retirement and Deuce Lutui's potential departure in free agency combined with the Cardinals' draft-day tendencies to compel such a move.
Colledge, posting on his Twitter account, said he would be in camp with Arizona soon. ESPN's John Clayton reports terms as five years and $27.5 million.
The 29-year-old starter of 76 regular-season games ideally would have remained with Green Bay. In this case, the Packers did what they have often tried to do: identify starting-caliber talent in the draft, secure the player for his prime years at a reasonable rate and then watch another team sign that player at a premium price in free agency years later. General manager Ted Thompson touched upon that theme during his meeting with shareholders Thursday.
Arizona has also taken pride in developing draft choices into starters -- Calais Campbell successfully replaced free-agent departure Antonio Smith, to cite one example -- but the team hasn't invested significant draft capital in its offensive line since making tackle Levi Brown the fifth overall choice in 2007.
The chart shows how many offensive linemen NFL teams have drafted in the first three rounds since 2008.
Sendlein, Spencer and market for centers
July, 28, 2011
7/28/11
10:47
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
At least two and possibly three NFC West teams will have new starting centers in 2011.
SpencerMax Unger is replacing free agent Chris Spencer in Seattle. San Francisco has an opening after Eric Heitmann had surgery and his 2010 replacement, David Baas, agreed to terms with the New York Giants. Arizona's Lyle Sendlein remains without an agreement for 2011, joining Spencer among the higher-ranked centers available this offseason.
Casey Rabach's expected release from the Washington Redskins adds another candidate to a list featuring free agents Olin Kreutz (Chicago Bears), Jonathan Goodwin (New Orleans Saints), Seindlein, Spencer and Samson Satele (Oakland Raiders). Rabach, 33, has started all but one game over the past seven seasons, dating to his days with Baltimore.
Sendlein's situation in Arizona is of particular interest in the NFC West. Arizona likes Sendlein very much and wants him to return. At what price? Sendlein wasn't sure what to expect heading toward free agency. Would another team -- San Francisco, even -- pay more than the Cardinals would pay? Spencer has ties to 49ers line coach Mike Solari. The two were together in Seattle.
Losing Sendlein would destabilize a Cardinals line already in flux following Alan Faneca's retirement and Deuce Lutui's potential departure. Green Bay's Daryn Colledge could wind up replacing Faneca. Veteran Rex Hadnot is under contract and could start if needed. Centers don't get much acclaim, but how well they communicate with quarterbacks can matter a great deal. Centers are also well positioned to be leaders of a line.
Casey Rabach's expected release from the Washington Redskins adds another candidate to a list featuring free agents Olin Kreutz (Chicago Bears), Jonathan Goodwin (New Orleans Saints), Seindlein, Spencer and Samson Satele (Oakland Raiders). Rabach, 33, has started all but one game over the past seven seasons, dating to his days with Baltimore.
Sendlein's situation in Arizona is of particular interest in the NFC West. Arizona likes Sendlein very much and wants him to return. At what price? Sendlein wasn't sure what to expect heading toward free agency. Would another team -- San Francisco, even -- pay more than the Cardinals would pay? Spencer has ties to 49ers line coach Mike Solari. The two were together in Seattle.
Losing Sendlein would destabilize a Cardinals line already in flux following Alan Faneca's retirement and Deuce Lutui's potential departure. Green Bay's Daryn Colledge could wind up replacing Faneca. Veteran Rex Hadnot is under contract and could start if needed. Centers don't get much acclaim, but how well they communicate with quarterbacks can matter a great deal. Centers are also well positioned to be leaders of a line.
» NFC: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South » Unrestricted FAs
A look at the free-agent priorities for each NFC West team:
Arizona Cardinals
1. Sign or acquire a quarterback: You've heard all the potential names by now. Kevin Kolb, Kyle Orton, Carson Palmer, Marc Bulger and Matt Hasselbeck all could be available. The same goes for Donovan McNabb, but the Cardinals aren't interested in him. How much interest they have in the others remains less clear. They liked Bulger as an option last offseason, but the timing wasn't right. Kolb reportedly stands atop their wish list now, although price is a consideration. One way or another, the Cardinals will go into the 2011 season with fresh veteran blood at the position.
2. Firm up the offensive line: Left guard Alan Faneca retired. Center Lyle Sendlein and right guard Deuce Lutui have expiring contracts. Brandon Keith showed promise at right tackle, but he's coming off knee surgery. A better quarterback would help take pressure off the line, but Arizona isn't going to find another Kurt Warner. The team has loaded up at running back, adding second-round choice Ryan Williams to an already crowded backfield. The Cardinals need to re-sign Sendlein. Letting Lutui depart would put them in the market for veteran help. I've looked through the free-agent lists for guards already familiar to the Cardinals. Pittsburgh's Trai Essex, a starter in 21 games over the past two seasons, played for Arizona's Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm with the Steelers.
3. Work toward a deal with Larry Fitzgerald: Ideally, the Cardinals would have landed their next quarterback in March, then spent the offseason working toward extending Fitzgerald's contract beyond the 2011 season. Fitzgerald is an NFL rarity. He's in line to sign three massive contracts during the course of his career. He signed the first one as the third player chosen in the 2004 draft. That deal ultimately became untenable for the Cardinals, giving Fitzgerald the leverage to get $40 million over four seasons, plus assurances Arizona would not name him its franchise player once the deal ended. Fitzgerald, still only 27, will cash in at least one more time.
Top five free agents: Sendlein, Lutui, receiver Steve Breaston, defensive lineman Alan Branch, defensive lineman Gabe Watson.
St. Louis Rams
1. Upgrade the run defense: The Rams could use another defensive tackle to take their promising defensive front to another level. Adding Fred Robbins in free agency last offseason was a good start. Barry Cofield (New York Giants) and Brandon Mebane (Seattle Seahawks) are scheduled to become free agents this offseason. Cofield played for Steve Spagnuolo and would transition to the Rams' system easily. The Rams could use an in-the-box safety, something they addressed later in the draft. They need to find one and possibly two starting outside linebackers. Chase Blackburn projects more as a backup, but he was also with Spagnuolo on the Giants. Blackburn has played all three linebacker positions. Minnesota's Ben Leber would make sense as well. Paul Ferraro, the Rams' linebackers coach, was with the Vikings previously.
2. Help out Steven Jackson: Adding a third-down back such as Darren Sproles would lighten the load for Jackson, who has played through several injuries in recent seasons. Jackson has 654 rushing attempts over the past two seasons despite missing one game and playing for a team that has often trailed its opponents. Only Chris Johnson (674) has more carries during that span. Sproles isn't the only viable potential option. Jason Snelling, DeAngelo Williams and Reggie Bush also could become available. Upgrading at right guard would also help out Jackson.
3. Figure out the situation at receiver. It's questionable whether the Rams will find any clear upgrades at receiver in free agency. That could lead them to stand pat at the position. They have quantity, but not enough high-end quality. Adding more quantity wouldn't solve much. Plaxico Burress gets mentioned as an option for his ties to Spagnuolo, but he's been out of the game and might not offer much. The Rams thought about claiming Randy Moss off waivers last season. Moss could make more sense for the Rams now that Josh McDaniels is offensive coordinator. He worked well with Moss in New England. Sidney Rice could also have appeal.
Top five free agents: receiver Mark Clayton, guard Adam Goldberg, defensive tackle Clifton Ryan and tight end Daniel Fells.
Seattle Seahawks
1. Sign or acquire a quarterback: Bringing back Hasselbeck remains an option. The team expressed interest in Kolb last offseason. The team could also add a lower-profile veteran to the mix -- perhaps a Matt Leinart type -- for an open competition with Charlie Whitehurst. That would not excite Seattle fans, of course. Getting a young quarterback to build around would be ideal, but the Seahawks are adamant they will not force the situation in the absence of viable options. They weren't going to do it in the draft, when they passed over Andy Dalton for tackle James Carpenter. They probably aren't going to do it in free agency, either.
2. Solidify the offensive line: Tom Cable's addition as assistant head coach/offensive line puts the Seahawks in position to court Oakland Raiders guard Robert Gallery in free agency. Gallery has said he's not returning to the Raiders. Seattle has drafted its starting tackles, starting center and starting right guard in the past few seasons. Max Unger and Russell Okung need better luck with injuries. Okung would also benefit from an experienced presence next to him at left guard. Gallery qualifies as such and he would fit the zone system Cable wants to run. Green Bay's Daryn Colledge could be available, too. He has ties to Seahawks general manager John Schneider. Former Seattle starters Chris Spencer, Sean Locklear, Chester Pitts and Ray Willis might not return.
3. Plug holes on defense. Mebane appears headed for free agency. The Seahawks want him back, but how badly? Mebane could fit better in a purer 4-3 defense. He also might command more money elsewhere. Injuries along the defensive front could also affect the Seahawks' needs. Red Bryant is coming off season-ending knee surgery. Injuries affected Colin Cole and Chris Clemons last season as well. Cornerback is another area to monitor once free agency opens. Does Marcus Trufant still fit at his relatively high price? The Cincinnati Bengals' Johnathan Joseph and other free-agent corners could appeal.
Top five free agents: Hasselbeck, Mebane, Locklear, linebacker Will Herring, defensive end Raheem Brock.
San Francisco 49ers
1. Re-sign Alex Smith: Smith and the 49ers renewed their vows informally this offseason. The official ceremony should come when free agency opens and Smith signs with the team. Smith's name continues to show up on free-agent lists in the interim, but there's no chance he'll sign elsewhere. He's given his word to the 49ers. The team, in turn, has entrusted him with its playbook. Smith even took the lead in teaching what he knew of the offense to teammates. Re-signing Smith takes pressure off rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick. With a new coaching staff, a young prospect in Kaepernick and no access to players during a lockout, this wasn't the year for San Francisco to make a bold play for a veteran passer from another team.
2. Make a decision on Aubrayo Franklin. The 49ers' plans on defense remain a bit mysterious. Coordinator Vic Fangio did not distribute playbooks to players. The team's needs could change based on whether Franklin, a solid nose tackle, leaves in free agency. Franklin's status as a franchise player last season raised the stakes for a new contract. What does Fangio think of him? What specifically does Fangio want from his defensive linemen? How much will Fangio change to suit the 49ers' personnel? How much new personnel might he want? General manager Trent Baalke said the 49ers will not be aggressive in free agency. The team has shown restraint on that front in recent seasons. Losing Franklin would hurt.
3. Figure out the secondary: The pass defense was problematic last season. Personnel changes in the secondary are on the way. Veteran cornerback Nate Clements stands to earn more than $7 million in base salary in 2011. That price appears prohibitive. The team could release Clements or find a way to keep him at a lower rate. Free safety Dashon Goldson does not have a contract for 2011. How much is he worth? Baltimore's Chris Carr is one free-agent cornerback with ties to the 49ers' staff. He and Fangio were together in Baltimore.
Top five free agents: Smith, Franklin, outside linebacker Manny Lawson, center David Baas, linebacker Takeo Spikes.
A look at the free-agent priorities for each NFC West team:
Arizona Cardinals
1. Sign or acquire a quarterback: You've heard all the potential names by now. Kevin Kolb, Kyle Orton, Carson Palmer, Marc Bulger and Matt Hasselbeck all could be available. The same goes for Donovan McNabb, but the Cardinals aren't interested in him. How much interest they have in the others remains less clear. They liked Bulger as an option last offseason, but the timing wasn't right. Kolb reportedly stands atop their wish list now, although price is a consideration. One way or another, the Cardinals will go into the 2011 season with fresh veteran blood at the position.
2. Firm up the offensive line: Left guard Alan Faneca retired. Center Lyle Sendlein and right guard Deuce Lutui have expiring contracts. Brandon Keith showed promise at right tackle, but he's coming off knee surgery. A better quarterback would help take pressure off the line, but Arizona isn't going to find another Kurt Warner. The team has loaded up at running back, adding second-round choice Ryan Williams to an already crowded backfield. The Cardinals need to re-sign Sendlein. Letting Lutui depart would put them in the market for veteran help. I've looked through the free-agent lists for guards already familiar to the Cardinals. Pittsburgh's Trai Essex, a starter in 21 games over the past two seasons, played for Arizona's Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm with the Steelers.
3. Work toward a deal with Larry Fitzgerald: Ideally, the Cardinals would have landed their next quarterback in March, then spent the offseason working toward extending Fitzgerald's contract beyond the 2011 season. Fitzgerald is an NFL rarity. He's in line to sign three massive contracts during the course of his career. He signed the first one as the third player chosen in the 2004 draft. That deal ultimately became untenable for the Cardinals, giving Fitzgerald the leverage to get $40 million over four seasons, plus assurances Arizona would not name him its franchise player once the deal ended. Fitzgerald, still only 27, will cash in at least one more time.
Top five free agents: Sendlein, Lutui, receiver Steve Breaston, defensive lineman Alan Branch, defensive lineman Gabe Watson.
St. Louis Rams
1. Upgrade the run defense: The Rams could use another defensive tackle to take their promising defensive front to another level. Adding Fred Robbins in free agency last offseason was a good start. Barry Cofield (New York Giants) and Brandon Mebane (Seattle Seahawks) are scheduled to become free agents this offseason. Cofield played for Steve Spagnuolo and would transition to the Rams' system easily. The Rams could use an in-the-box safety, something they addressed later in the draft. They need to find one and possibly two starting outside linebackers. Chase Blackburn projects more as a backup, but he was also with Spagnuolo on the Giants. Blackburn has played all three linebacker positions. Minnesota's Ben Leber would make sense as well. Paul Ferraro, the Rams' linebackers coach, was with the Vikings previously.
2. Help out Steven Jackson: Adding a third-down back such as Darren Sproles would lighten the load for Jackson, who has played through several injuries in recent seasons. Jackson has 654 rushing attempts over the past two seasons despite missing one game and playing for a team that has often trailed its opponents. Only Chris Johnson (674) has more carries during that span. Sproles isn't the only viable potential option. Jason Snelling, DeAngelo Williams and Reggie Bush also could become available. Upgrading at right guard would also help out Jackson.
3. Figure out the situation at receiver. It's questionable whether the Rams will find any clear upgrades at receiver in free agency. That could lead them to stand pat at the position. They have quantity, but not enough high-end quality. Adding more quantity wouldn't solve much. Plaxico Burress gets mentioned as an option for his ties to Spagnuolo, but he's been out of the game and might not offer much. The Rams thought about claiming Randy Moss off waivers last season. Moss could make more sense for the Rams now that Josh McDaniels is offensive coordinator. He worked well with Moss in New England. Sidney Rice could also have appeal.
Top five free agents: receiver Mark Clayton, guard Adam Goldberg, defensive tackle Clifton Ryan and tight end Daniel Fells.
Seattle Seahawks
1. Sign or acquire a quarterback: Bringing back Hasselbeck remains an option. The team expressed interest in Kolb last offseason. The team could also add a lower-profile veteran to the mix -- perhaps a Matt Leinart type -- for an open competition with Charlie Whitehurst. That would not excite Seattle fans, of course. Getting a young quarterback to build around would be ideal, but the Seahawks are adamant they will not force the situation in the absence of viable options. They weren't going to do it in the draft, when they passed over Andy Dalton for tackle James Carpenter. They probably aren't going to do it in free agency, either.
2. Solidify the offensive line: Tom Cable's addition as assistant head coach/offensive line puts the Seahawks in position to court Oakland Raiders guard Robert Gallery in free agency. Gallery has said he's not returning to the Raiders. Seattle has drafted its starting tackles, starting center and starting right guard in the past few seasons. Max Unger and Russell Okung need better luck with injuries. Okung would also benefit from an experienced presence next to him at left guard. Gallery qualifies as such and he would fit the zone system Cable wants to run. Green Bay's Daryn Colledge could be available, too. He has ties to Seahawks general manager John Schneider. Former Seattle starters Chris Spencer, Sean Locklear, Chester Pitts and Ray Willis might not return.
3. Plug holes on defense. Mebane appears headed for free agency. The Seahawks want him back, but how badly? Mebane could fit better in a purer 4-3 defense. He also might command more money elsewhere. Injuries along the defensive front could also affect the Seahawks' needs. Red Bryant is coming off season-ending knee surgery. Injuries affected Colin Cole and Chris Clemons last season as well. Cornerback is another area to monitor once free agency opens. Does Marcus Trufant still fit at his relatively high price? The Cincinnati Bengals' Johnathan Joseph and other free-agent corners could appeal.
Top five free agents: Hasselbeck, Mebane, Locklear, linebacker Will Herring, defensive end Raheem Brock.
San Francisco 49ers
1. Re-sign Alex Smith: Smith and the 49ers renewed their vows informally this offseason. The official ceremony should come when free agency opens and Smith signs with the team. Smith's name continues to show up on free-agent lists in the interim, but there's no chance he'll sign elsewhere. He's given his word to the 49ers. The team, in turn, has entrusted him with its playbook. Smith even took the lead in teaching what he knew of the offense to teammates. Re-signing Smith takes pressure off rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick. With a new coaching staff, a young prospect in Kaepernick and no access to players during a lockout, this wasn't the year for San Francisco to make a bold play for a veteran passer from another team.
2. Make a decision on Aubrayo Franklin. The 49ers' plans on defense remain a bit mysterious. Coordinator Vic Fangio did not distribute playbooks to players. The team's needs could change based on whether Franklin, a solid nose tackle, leaves in free agency. Franklin's status as a franchise player last season raised the stakes for a new contract. What does Fangio think of him? What specifically does Fangio want from his defensive linemen? How much will Fangio change to suit the 49ers' personnel? How much new personnel might he want? General manager Trent Baalke said the 49ers will not be aggressive in free agency. The team has shown restraint on that front in recent seasons. Losing Franklin would hurt.
3. Figure out the secondary: The pass defense was problematic last season. Personnel changes in the secondary are on the way. Veteran cornerback Nate Clements stands to earn more than $7 million in base salary in 2011. That price appears prohibitive. The team could release Clements or find a way to keep him at a lower rate. Free safety Dashon Goldson does not have a contract for 2011. How much is he worth? Baltimore's Chris Carr is one free-agent cornerback with ties to the 49ers' staff. He and Fangio were together in Baltimore.
Top five free agents: Smith, Franklin, outside linebacker Manny Lawson, center David Baas, linebacker Takeo Spikes.
Gwen Knapp of the San Francisco Chronicle asks whether the 49ers acted too hastily in publicly committing to Alex Smith as their veteran quarterback for 2011. But in looking through the list of alternatives, the 49ers' decision on Smith makes more sense, in my view. The team projects Colin Kaepernick as its longer-term quarterback. None of the quarterbacks likely to become available would have enough appeal for the 49ers to justify making an investment significant enough to displace Kaepernick. In the meantime, Smith was the perfect ambassador for new coach Jim Harbaugh, who needed someone to promote his offense while the lockout prevented the 49ers' staff from interacting directly with players.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says Smith and 49ers players are planning another camp for this week. Maiocco: "The 49ers own the rights to 31 offensive players. That includes 26 players under contract and five unsigned draft picks. Twenty-two players were on hand for the first Camp Alex, which ran June 6-9. That total includes two unsigned veterans: Smith and center David Baas, who flew in from Florida for the final day of classroom and on-field activity."
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Kaepernick will attend the team's next player-organized camp at the expense of the NFL Players Association's version of the annual rookie symposium. Barrows: "It's not yet known which 49ers rookies will be on hand this week. However, wide receiver Ronald Johnson and guard Mike Person were working out at San Jose State last week. So was first-round pick Aldon Smith. The defensive players may be more involved with this week's minicamp than they were the previous one, but because they do not have playbooks they will not be working on anything specific." Kaepernick appears more grounded and more mature than the typical rookie. He'll probably benefit more from the extra week getting a jump on the 49ers' playbook.
Also from Barrows: 49ers receiver Kevin Jurovich hopes his speed pays off.
Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News offers highlights from Joe Staley's recent appearance on Sirius radio. Staley on receiver Michael Crabtree: "Michael Crabtree, he’s a great teammate. … He has his own workout routine, (but) Crabtree isn’t the only one. He looked like he was in great shape when he was out here and he’s eager to learn."
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says no team faces greater challenges than the Cardinals once the NFL reopens for business following the lockout. The quarterback situation is most important, but hardly alone among areas for concern. Somers: "They have to not only bolster an offensive line, they also need to assemble one. Two returning starters, center Lyle Sendlein and right guard Deuce Lutui, are not under contract. Alan Faneca, last season's starting left guard, retired in the offseason. One starting receiver, Steve Breaston, is not under contract for 2011, and the other, Larry Fitzgerald, is entering the last season of his deal." How the Cardinals address their immediate needs could affect their ability to bring back Fitzgerald. I also think this offseason will be pivotal for the Cardinals as they seek to maintain sellouts at University of Phoenix Stadium. The stakes are definitely high.
Craig Harris and Ginger Rough of the Arizona Republic say the Cardinals and other Arizona sports franchises have sought to improve their political standing by offering free tickets to lawmakers. Harris and Rough: "For the Cardinals, giving away free tickets was a way to go head-to-head with the Fiesta Bowl, which for years battled the NFL team over stadium issues. The Cardinals didn't have any bills before the Legislature during the time it gave out the gifts. Nonetheless, the team gave 35 lawmakers pairs of tickets to its home opener in 2006. It gave a pair of loft tickets 47 times to lawmakers or incoming legislators for a dozen different home games from 2007 to 2009, according to the team. Each loft ticket had a value ranging from $132.50 to $167.25. In most cases, however, the lawmakers attended only one game during the calendar year. That meant they were not obligated to reveal their acceptance of the gift on their annual financial disclosure forms, since the value fell under the $500 reporting threshold."
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic doubts the Cardinals would part with cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in a deal for Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb. Somers: "He's been inconsistent in Arizona, and there's no question coaches' patience will run out if DRC doesn't mature and put in the necessary study time. But great cover corners -- and DRC has the potential to be great -- are hard to find. And it's not as if the Cardinals are deep at the position. Patrick Peterson, the fifth overall pick, is unproven. Behind him the Cardinals have Greg Toler. The next two corners are Michael Adams and Trumaine McBride. Neither is under contract. (EDIT: I forget to mention A.J. Jefferson in my original post. Coaches like his potential.)" Fair questions: To what degree would Kolb, as a quarterback with roots in Andy Reid's West Coast offense, fit the system in Arizona? And does the Cardinals' overall need for a quarterback prevent them from being picky on such things?
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com notes Fitzgerald's standing at No. 14 on NFL Network's list of best players in the league.
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com reflects upon Peter McLoughlin's first nine months as the team's president. The team extended its stadium naming-rights deal by five years as part of the switch to CenturyLink Field. McLaughlin also negotiated a sponsorship deal with Anheuser-Busch, his former employer. McLaughlin: "To get the long-term deal on the stadium naming rights is huge. The financial stability that provides from a sponsorship standpoint is really, really important. You don’t want to be out in the market really looking for a new naming-rights deal in this economy." It's easy to forget that team budgets exist separately from whatever personal resources an owner might have available to him. On the other hand, sports franchise ownership is, at its purest, about much more than making money. It's about trying to win. There's often more to gain from selling a franchise than from operating one.
Kathleen Nelson and Robert Patrick of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch check in with Rams linebacker David Vobora after a court offered at least some vindication regarding the supplement Vobora unwittingly ingested in violation of NFL rules. This story broke shortly after I stepped away for vacation last week. I thought it was worth revisiting given the damage done to Vobora following his four-game suspension. The court ruling does not affect Vobora's standing in the NFL's eyes. He was ultimately responsible for taking the supplement, even if the manufacturer could have done a better job spelling out ingredients. Vobora: "Vindication. That's the single word I'll continue to use. From the get-go, my lawyers and I were on the same page about that. Compensation was secondary. The number one thing was to right the ship and restore my reputation."
» NFC Underrated Players: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
A team-by-team look at the most underrated players in the division.
Arizona Cardinals
Lyle Sendlein, center: Fifty-four consecutive starts, including six in the postseason, haven't gotten much acclaim for the most consistent player on the Cardinals' offensive line. Guard Deuce Lutui's fluctuating weight has made news. Tackle Levi Brown gets significant attention as the fifth player chosen in the 2007 draft. More recently, guard Alan Faneca made headlines for retiring after a career that makes him a future candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Sendlein skates through mostly unnoticed, generally a good thing for an offensive lineman. He is tough, dependable and keeps a low profile. No wonder line coach Russ Grimm likes him so much.
St. Louis Rams
James Hall, defensive end: Hall collected 10.5 sacks for the Rams last season. The organization celebrated by drafting his replacement, Robert Quinn. As much as the move made sense -- Hall is 34 years old, after all -- it also fit perfectly with Hall's career. He wasn't drafted out of Michigan in 2000, but he was a full-time starter for the Detroit Lions by 2002. The Rams have used two first-round picks on defensive ends since Hall joined the team in 2007. It will be an upset, however, if Hall gives up his starting job this season. He's a good all-around player with a very strong bull rush.
San Francisco 49ers
Isaac Sopoaga, defensive end: 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis and defensive end Justin Smith keep going to Pro Bowls. Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin played last season as the team's franchise player. Sopoaga, meanwhile, kept plugging away as a mainstay on the line. He has missed only one game over the past six seasons, all with the 49ers. Sopoaga holds up well against the run. He has the versatility to play more than one position on the line. He will be additionally valuable to the team if Franklin leaves in free agency. A fourth-round choice in 2004, Sopoaga has developed nicely under line coach Jim Tomsula.
Seattle Seahawks
Chris Clemons, defensive end: The Seahawks hoped Clemons would benefit from a change of scenery in 2010, but there was no indication the seventh-year veteran would suddenly become one of the better pass-rushers in the league. Clemons collected a team-high 11 sacks in his first season with the team. His toughness stood out. Clemons played through injuries and brought needed attitude to the defense. After six seasons with three other teams, the 29-year-old Clemons appears to have found a home in Seattle. He was particularly productive against NFC West teams, collecting seven of his sacks against division opponents and adding one more during the postseason.
A team-by-team look at the most underrated players in the division.
Arizona Cardinals
2011 Underrated Team
John Clayton built a team of good players performing under the radar who deserve recognition. Clayton
St. Louis Rams
James Hall, defensive end: Hall collected 10.5 sacks for the Rams last season. The organization celebrated by drafting his replacement, Robert Quinn. As much as the move made sense -- Hall is 34 years old, after all -- it also fit perfectly with Hall's career. He wasn't drafted out of Michigan in 2000, but he was a full-time starter for the Detroit Lions by 2002. The Rams have used two first-round picks on defensive ends since Hall joined the team in 2007. It will be an upset, however, if Hall gives up his starting job this season. He's a good all-around player with a very strong bull rush.
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Mark J. Rebilas/US PresswireDefensive end Isaac Sopoaga has only missed one game over the past six seasons.
Mark J. Rebilas/US PresswireDefensive end Isaac Sopoaga has only missed one game over the past six seasons.Isaac Sopoaga, defensive end: 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis and defensive end Justin Smith keep going to Pro Bowls. Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin played last season as the team's franchise player. Sopoaga, meanwhile, kept plugging away as a mainstay on the line. He has missed only one game over the past six seasons, all with the 49ers. Sopoaga holds up well against the run. He has the versatility to play more than one position on the line. He will be additionally valuable to the team if Franklin leaves in free agency. A fourth-round choice in 2004, Sopoaga has developed nicely under line coach Jim Tomsula.
Seattle Seahawks
Chris Clemons, defensive end: The Seahawks hoped Clemons would benefit from a change of scenery in 2010, but there was no indication the seventh-year veteran would suddenly become one of the better pass-rushers in the league. Clemons collected a team-high 11 sacks in his first season with the team. His toughness stood out. Clemons played through injuries and brought needed attitude to the defense. After six seasons with three other teams, the 29-year-old Clemons appears to have found a home in Seattle. He was particularly productive against NFC West teams, collecting seven of his sacks against division opponents and adding one more during the postseason.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the 49ers' interest in bringing back Alex Smith leaves the team with many of the same questions it faced a year ago. Some of the answers are different this time. A year ago, the team was hoping stability at offensive coordinator would help Smith blossom into a solid starter. The backup heading into the season, David Carr, wasn't part of the long-term equation. It was Smith or bust for the 49ers. This year, the team still hopes Smith plays well, of course, but adding rookie Colin Kaepernick gives the 49ers a young prospect to develop. The team has a plan beyond Smith, changing how Smith's return should be analyzed.
Also from Maiocco: Kaepernick and Carr joined Smith for recent workouts.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee updates workout plans for the 49ers' 2011 draft choices.
More from Barrows: The 49ers' later-round picks live modestly while waiting out the lockout. Teams would normally provide basic needs for players during portions of the offseason, but not during the lockout.
Tom FitzGerald of the San Francisco Chronicle profiles 49ers first-round pick Aldon Smith, who played hurt at Missouri. FitzGerald: "Smith would like to work for the Drug Enforcement Agency when his pro football days are done, giving the law a pair of extremely long arms. Friends and family members say he has a fine singing voice and plays the drums for the church choir. It's also known that his pain threshold is very high, he's very loyal to his teammates and enjoys football so much that a broken leg is just an annoyance."
Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says injury concerns allowed two 49ers draft choices, Kendall Hunter and Ronald Johnson, to remain available longer.
Also from Branch: The 49ers appear confident in their coaches' abilities based on how the team selected in the first three rounds, draft analyst Rob Rang said.
Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams tight end Mike Hoomanawanui has high hopes for the team's offense under new coordinator Josh McDaniels. Hoomanawanui was one of the Ram's more impressive young players when healthy last season, but injuries sidelined him for stretches. Hoomanawanui: "Hopefully, I got my injuries out of the way my first year and I won't have to deal with that again. It's great to get back out here (during player-organized workouts) and see all the guys and get some team camaraderie going again. Obviously, everybody knows the situation (with the NFL lockout). Hopefully, we can get it settled soon and get back on the field with everybody."
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams fullback Brit Miller is nearly five months into rehab on his way back from a torn ACL. He can sprint and is starting to work on changing direction. Miller: "That's kind of the final phase of the rehab on ACLs. I hope to get a full season this year, really prove what I can do at fullback. I know (fullback) is not a huge part of what every team does, but I want to be the best at whatever we do. So I look at it as one position: fullback/special teams." McDaniels has sometimes wanted his fullback types to project as runners when needed. Miller did not project as a runner before the injury he suffered against San Francisco late last season.
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says Leon Washington made a big enough dent in the team's records for return specialists to rank among the best in franchise history after only one season. Farnsworth: "Washington’s time obviously will come. In one season, he broke the game, season and career records for scoring returns -- which had been one, across the board. His 253 return yards against the Chargers broke the single-game record that had been held by Maurice Morris (231), and his 63.3-yard average in that game obliterated the previous record of 42.8 yards by Charlie Rogers. Washington also produced 1,461 yards for the season -- roughly half the career total of 2,843 by Morris, who ranks third behind Broussard (3,900) and Rogers (3,214); and third on the single-season list behind Josh Wilson (1,753) and Rogers (1,629)." To what degree will new kickoff rules prevent Washington from making an impact in the future?
Liz Mathews of 710ESPN Seattle passes along comments from Seahawks rookie safety Mark LeGree, who appeared on John Clayton's radio show Saturday. LeGree: "Even if I don't get a starting spot, I'm going to make the guy ahead of me work for his spot. On special teams? I love special teams. I know how big a part of the game it is, it can change a game in just one play. I am looking forward to the opportunity to be able to start. I'm a playmaker and I can go get that ball."
Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic checks in with Cardinals guard Rex Hadnot, who has been working out with teammates and could replace the retiring Alan Faneca in the starting lineup. Hadnot on participating in player-organized workouts: "It's helping out a tremendous amount. Me being a guy who came in last year, I'm continuing to bond with my new teammates. It's given us all a chance to work together as a team and when you see guys putting the work in, it should give you a better appreciation of what each and every man goes through on a consistent basis to try and prepare themselves for an NFL season. I'm excited about what we're doing under the circumstances."
David from San Jose, Calif., says the San Francisco 49ers should not open the 2011 season with Alex Smith and rookie Colin Kaepernick as their top two quarterbacks. He thinks the team needs to add another starting-caliber player -- Carson Palmer, Kevin Kolb or Donovan McNabb -- to avoid a repeat of the 2010 season.
Mike Sando: That sounds more realistic in theory than in reality. Among the considerations:
Remember, too, that Harbaugh is entering his first season as head coach. The lockout is threatening to turn a transitional season into a lost one for teams with new coaches, new systems and new, unproven quarterbacks.
Harbaugh has identified his quarterback of the future -- Kaepernick. He has available to him a veteran, Smith, who is comfortable with the situation. I don't sense great urgency from the 49ers to invest significant resources in another veteran for just one season. We should instead expect the team to sign an undrafted free agent or two.
Ray from Corona, Calif., thinks the 49ers' draft-day decisions affected the Arizona Cardinals in ways that will play out in the NFC West for years to come. Ray thinks Arizona selected LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson fifth overall in part because the team didn't want the 49ers, picking seventh, to get him. He thinks Peterson would have fallen to San Francisco if Von Miller had been available to the Cardinals. He also thinks Arizona would have selected Kaepernick in the second round if the 49ers hadn't traded up to select Kaepernick instead.
Mike Sando: It's fun to consider the possibilities. Miller's selection at No. 2 made the Cardinals' decision on Peterson appear more straightforward. Had Miller been available to Arizona at No. 5, perhaps the Cardinals would have selected him. That would have left Peterson to the 49ers at No. 7, provided Julio Jones remained the choice at No. 6. But the Cardinals' excitement over what Peterson offers on defense and in the return game could have made him the choice, anyway.
The rest is more speculative, but still fun to consider.
Another what-if scenario came to mind recently when I was looking at players NFC West teams selected. The St. Louis Rams selected wide receiver Greg Salas with the 112th pick, three spots before San Francisco selected running back Kendall Hunter.
The Rams could have used a complimentary back for Steven Jackson, but ultimately they valued Salas more than they valued any of the running backs in that range.
Eastern Washington's Taiwan Jones was also available, as were Delone Carter, Bilal Powell, Jamie Harper, Johnny White and nine more running backs (excluding fullbacks) selected later in the draft.
Michael from Phoenix wonders what the Cardinals have planned for their offensive line following Alan Faneca's retirement. He sees the team's next quarterback struggling if Arizona doesn't address the line.
Mike Sando: Re-signing right guard Deuce Lutui and center Lyle Sendlein becomes more important. Veteran Rex Hadnot could play left guard. It's no secret Arizona has largely ignored its line in the draft. Free agency could provide options, but coach Ken Whisenhunt thought the line was generally good enough last season. The team had bigger problems.
Quarterbacks benefit from their lines, but lines also benefit from their quarterbacks. Kurt Warner could bail out an offensive line by anticipating routes and releasing the ball early. The Cardinals likely aren't going to find a quarterback as skilled in that regard. But with improvements on defense and at least decent play at quarterback, they can probably rely more heavily on a running game that now features Ryan Williams.
Mike Sando: That sounds more realistic in theory than in reality. Among the considerations:
- Smith arguably outperformed McNabb last season. Same number of touchdown passes. Five fewer interceptions. Both had losing records as starters (3-7 for Smith, 5-8 for McNabb). I would have added McNabb last offseason if I were the 49ers, but the urgency is gone. McNabb's stock has fallen. It's a tougher case to make right now. Smith has a head start on the playbook and will take direction from coach Jim Harbaugh. McNabb struggled adjusting to Mike Shanahan's offense, would be getting a late jump on the playbook and would arrive more set in his ways, and with the clock ticking.
- Acquiring Kolb would likely require parting with one or more 2012 draft choices. That would make little sense given Kaepernick's status as the projected future starter.
- Palmer lacks the mobility Harbaugh says he craves in a quarterback, and it's not yet clear whether Cincinnati will trade him. Palmer will expect to start for as long as he's with a team. The 49ers would not make him a long-term starter. The fit would not be right.
- The 49ers' quarterback situation in 2010 suffered from the curious case of David Carr. The front office signed him, but coach Mike Singletary would not play him. That left the 49ers with the two Smiths, Alex and Troy. Troy Smith wasn't even with the team in training camp. The team fired its coordinator early in the season. Alex Smith got hurt. It's reasonable to expect the 49ers' current leadership to handle the quarterback situation better in 2011. Now, if injuries strike, all bets are off. But that is true for most teams.
Remember, too, that Harbaugh is entering his first season as head coach. The lockout is threatening to turn a transitional season into a lost one for teams with new coaches, new systems and new, unproven quarterbacks.
Harbaugh has identified his quarterback of the future -- Kaepernick. He has available to him a veteran, Smith, who is comfortable with the situation. I don't sense great urgency from the 49ers to invest significant resources in another veteran for just one season. We should instead expect the team to sign an undrafted free agent or two.
Ray from Corona, Calif., thinks the 49ers' draft-day decisions affected the Arizona Cardinals in ways that will play out in the NFC West for years to come. Ray thinks Arizona selected LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson fifth overall in part because the team didn't want the 49ers, picking seventh, to get him. He thinks Peterson would have fallen to San Francisco if Von Miller had been available to the Cardinals. He also thinks Arizona would have selected Kaepernick in the second round if the 49ers hadn't traded up to select Kaepernick instead.
Mike Sando: It's fun to consider the possibilities. Miller's selection at No. 2 made the Cardinals' decision on Peterson appear more straightforward. Had Miller been available to Arizona at No. 5, perhaps the Cardinals would have selected him. That would have left Peterson to the 49ers at No. 7, provided Julio Jones remained the choice at No. 6. But the Cardinals' excitement over what Peterson offers on defense and in the return game could have made him the choice, anyway.
The rest is more speculative, but still fun to consider.
Another what-if scenario came to mind recently when I was looking at players NFC West teams selected. The St. Louis Rams selected wide receiver Greg Salas with the 112th pick, three spots before San Francisco selected running back Kendall Hunter.
The Rams could have used a complimentary back for Steven Jackson, but ultimately they valued Salas more than they valued any of the running backs in that range.
Eastern Washington's Taiwan Jones was also available, as were Delone Carter, Bilal Powell, Jamie Harper, Johnny White and nine more running backs (excluding fullbacks) selected later in the draft.
Michael from Phoenix wonders what the Cardinals have planned for their offensive line following Alan Faneca's retirement. He sees the team's next quarterback struggling if Arizona doesn't address the line.
Mike Sando: Re-signing right guard Deuce Lutui and center Lyle Sendlein becomes more important. Veteran Rex Hadnot could play left guard. It's no secret Arizona has largely ignored its line in the draft. Free agency could provide options, but coach Ken Whisenhunt thought the line was generally good enough last season. The team had bigger problems.
Quarterbacks benefit from their lines, but lines also benefit from their quarterbacks. Kurt Warner could bail out an offensive line by anticipating routes and releasing the ball early. The Cardinals likely aren't going to find a quarterback as skilled in that regard. But with improvements on defense and at least decent play at quarterback, they can probably rely more heavily on a running game that now features Ryan Williams.
What if Rams already have their next guard?
May, 16, 2011
5/16/11
11:39
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Steve Hutchinson's disputed departure from the Seattle Seahawks five years ago changed the landscape for guards across the NFL.
The contract Hutchinson commanded from the Minnesota Vikings put other top guards in position to cash much fatter paychecks.
The position has assumed the spotlight in the NFC West recently. The San Francisco 49ers used a first-round pick for a guard in the 2010 draft. The Seahawks used a 2011 third-round choice for Wisconsin guard John Moffitt. Their first-rounder, tackle James Carpenter, appealed to them in part because he can play guard as well. The Arizona Cardinals watched left guard Alan Faneca retire while wondering whether right guard Deuce Lutui would hit free agency.
The St. Louis Rams, meanwhile, failed to address the position in the draft, creating questions about how the team might proceed in free agency. But what if their next starting right guard is already on the roster?
Greco "John Greco is much better than anyone realizes and will be a starting-caliber guard if they give him a chance," Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. told me recently.
Greco, 26, started three games in 2009 and one in 2008. He played in six games last season, but did not start. The Rams selected Greco in the third round of the 2008 draft, a couple of months after current general manager Billy Devaney arrived as executive vice president of player personnel. Veteran Adam Goldberg started all 16 games at right guard last season. He has 30 starts over the last two seasons.
Greco, meanwhile, hasn't done much.
"They should be excited about him," Williamson said. "He doesn't have a discernible trait where he is a real masher or a wonderful technician or a great athlete, but he is good at all of the above and he really has a nasty streak to him. He is somebody to keep an eye on."
Goldberg, valued for his versatility and leadership, has started 58 games over seven NFL seasons, including two with the Vikings.
"Goldberg, to me, is a great six," Williamson said. "He can play a lot of positions. Keep him in the offensive line meeting room, but keep him off the field."
Counterpoint: Former Rams executive Tony Softli, who was with the team when it drafted Softli, questioned Greco's toughness and said it was time for the team to pat ways with him. Assist to Facebook friend Paul for pointing out Softli's recent evaluation.
The contract Hutchinson commanded from the Minnesota Vikings put other top guards in position to cash much fatter paychecks.
The position has assumed the spotlight in the NFC West recently. The San Francisco 49ers used a first-round pick for a guard in the 2010 draft. The Seahawks used a 2011 third-round choice for Wisconsin guard John Moffitt. Their first-rounder, tackle James Carpenter, appealed to them in part because he can play guard as well. The Arizona Cardinals watched left guard Alan Faneca retire while wondering whether right guard Deuce Lutui would hit free agency.
The St. Louis Rams, meanwhile, failed to address the position in the draft, creating questions about how the team might proceed in free agency. But what if their next starting right guard is already on the roster?
Greco, 26, started three games in 2009 and one in 2008. He played in six games last season, but did not start. The Rams selected Greco in the third round of the 2008 draft, a couple of months after current general manager Billy Devaney arrived as executive vice president of player personnel. Veteran Adam Goldberg started all 16 games at right guard last season. He has 30 starts over the last two seasons.
Greco, meanwhile, hasn't done much.
"They should be excited about him," Williamson said. "He doesn't have a discernible trait where he is a real masher or a wonderful technician or a great athlete, but he is good at all of the above and he really has a nasty streak to him. He is somebody to keep an eye on."
Goldberg, valued for his versatility and leadership, has started 58 games over seven NFL seasons, including two with the Vikings.
"Goldberg, to me, is a great six," Williamson said. "He can play a lot of positions. Keep him in the offensive line meeting room, but keep him off the field."
Counterpoint: Former Rams executive Tony Softli, who was with the team when it drafted Softli, questioned Greco's toughness and said it was time for the team to pat ways with him. Assist to Facebook friend Paul for pointing out Softli's recent evaluation.
Russ Grimm knows a Hall of Fame offensive lineman when he sees one.
Grimm, the Arizona Cardinals assistant coach and 2010 Hall of Fame inductee, sees one in recently retired guard Alan Faneca.
"He's going to be there, there's no question," Grimm told Sports 620 KTAR. "Whether it's first ballot, first or second, but I can't see him missing. He'll be in early."
Faneca announced his retirement Tuesday after spending his final season with the Cardinals.
Projecting Hall of Fame chances can be difficult. Predicting those chances in any given year can be impossible for all but the most iconic players.
Grimm retired following the 1991 season. He had to wait until last year largely because there are so many strong candidates and only five openings for modern-era players in a given year.
Dermontti Dawson and Willie Roaf were finalists as offensive linemen this year. Walter Jones, Jonathan Ogden and Orlando Pace will be eligible in the coming years. Bruce Armstrong, Tony Boselli, Lomas Brown, Jim Covert, Jay Hilgenberg, Chris Hinton, Kent Hull, Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Jim Lachey and Steve Wisniewski were preliminary nominees this year.
Faneca looks like a strong candidate for enshrinement -- at some point.
Grimm, the Arizona Cardinals assistant coach and 2010 Hall of Fame inductee, sees one in recently retired guard Alan Faneca.
"He's going to be there, there's no question," Grimm told Sports 620 KTAR. "Whether it's first ballot, first or second, but I can't see him missing. He'll be in early."
Faneca announced his retirement Tuesday after spending his final season with the Cardinals.
Projecting Hall of Fame chances can be difficult. Predicting those chances in any given year can be impossible for all but the most iconic players.
Grimm retired following the 1991 season. He had to wait until last year largely because there are so many strong candidates and only five openings for modern-era players in a given year.
Dermontti Dawson and Willie Roaf were finalists as offensive linemen this year. Walter Jones, Jonathan Ogden and Orlando Pace will be eligible in the coming years. Bruce Armstrong, Tony Boselli, Lomas Brown, Jim Covert, Jay Hilgenberg, Chris Hinton, Kent Hull, Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Jim Lachey and Steve Wisniewski were preliminary nominees this year.
Faneca looks like a strong candidate for enshrinement -- at some point.
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com checks in with 49ers secondary coach Ed Donatell. Unable to work with players, Donatell and the other 49ers coaches are working with one another. Donatell: "We'll watch tons of tape together. That's how you grow together -- just getting tuned up together. We do it a bunch of hours and weekends because we like it." Donatell also offered thoughts on second-year safety Taylor Mays: "This is a young player, going into Year 2. That's when a lot of guys spike, especially when you're a high-profile guy like he was. If you think about that first year, it's a whirlwind. He got some valuable playing time. I see a lot of traits. He should spike in this system." That seems to be the most optimistic assessment on Mays I've heard coming from the 49ers in quite a while.
The 49ers' announced Tim Ryan's addition to their preseason TV broadcast team. Ryan has worked 12 of the 49ers' last 48 regular-season games for Fox. He grew up in San Jose, lives there currently and played with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh when both were with the Chicago Bears. Ryan: "I grew up loving the 49ers."
Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle offers a primer on new 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Ostler: "Kaepernick is adopted. First Rick and Teresa had a son, Kyle, now 33. They had two more sons who died in early infancy because of heart defects. Doctors told the Kaepernicks, 'No more.' Too late; Teresa was pregnant and had a healthy daughter, Devon, now 29. But there was a void left by the two sons who died, so six years later, the Kaepernicks adopted Colin."
Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Kaepernick could play as a rookie even though he's unlikely to start.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says Packers receiver Greg Jennings joined Cardinals players at the workouts Larry Fitzgerald has organized. Meanwhile, Cardinals center Lyle Sendlein laments the absence of organized team activities this offseason. Sendlein: "No matter what, the team is different every year. Minicamps and OTAs (organized team activities) are when you really build together as a team. Thankfully, some of us are still out here, building on that."
Also from Somers: Thoughts on Alan Faneca's retirement following one season with the Cardinals. Coach Ken Whisenhunt: "He summed it up exactly right when he said going into camp that he wasn't going to be the player he was six years ago, but he was good enough. He played at a level that we thought was still very good. ... He was a powerful man, a big man for a guard. But the thing that was most impressive was his ability to think on the move and make assessments in a situation where it happens so fast. He had such a great feel for the game."
More from Somers: Faneca's retirement was no surprise, but the Cardinals do not have young players on the roster to replace him.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Faneca's leadership and toughness set him apart. Urban: "For the time being, veteran Rex Hadnot would figure to plug into Faneca’s left guard spot, although with so much left to be sorted in the offseason, depth charts don’t mean much right now. Fellow 2010 interior starters, center Lyle Sendlein and right guard Deuce Lutui, also have contracts that are expiring."
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says Pete Carroll and Mike Holmgren are the only Seahawks coaches to win a division title in their first season with the team. Holmgren and Chuck Knox were the only ones with winning records during their first seasons.
Also from Farnsworth: a look back at Carroll's first season with Seattle.
More from Farnsworth: Carroll's recent speech to Associated Press Sports Editors.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says there was "no malice" intended when Chester Pitts and Raheem Brock put together a video mocking commissioner Roger Goodell. I'm sure players would feel the same way if Goodell put together a video mocking them.
Also from O'Neil: a more expansive look at the video from Pitts and Brock. Pitts' impersonation of Barack Obama was spot-on, by the way.
Michael Lombardi of NFL.com suggests Darren Sproles as a possible free-agent target for the Rams as the team searches for a backup running back. Lombardi: "Sproles would be to the Rams what Danny Woodhead has been to the Patriots. He would allow Sam Bradford to have an effective check-down option, is a great screen runner, and his talents would force teams to defend the middle of the field, thus taking pressure off the outside receivers. Think of St. Louis being like the 2010 New England offense. With new Rams tight end Lance Kendricks being like Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, Danny Amendola being similar and as effective as Wes Welker, and Sproles being Woodhead, the Rams would be explosive. One third-down back, and the Rams are on their way to being a top-five scoring offense."
David Kvidahl of stlhighschoolsports.com says former Rams assistant strength and conditioning coach Chuck Faucette has taken a job as head coach at the high school level.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
