Best, Worst, and Most Improved position groups for the 2013 NFL season (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

Worst position groups in the NFL: Offense

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League Editor

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline said Monday morning on "NFL AM" that he was part of the best wide receiver group in the AFC East.

This sounds outlandish until the moment you realize it is undeniably true. The other three teams in the division all have poor wide receiver groups. Which got me thinking: What are the worst position groups in the NFL?

Since it's a Monday in May, and my family doesn't really enjoy my company, I had time to break it down. Offense up first.

Worst tight end group: New York JetsTwo-tight-end attacks are growing in popularity. The Jets might break out the no tight end attack. Jeff Cumberland is the starter; he's a serviceable role player who would be No. 3 on a lot of depth charts. Behind Cumberland is a former Rugby player (Hayden Smith), Konrad Reuland and someone actually named Mike Shanahan.

Honorable mention: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders: The Browns are counting on Rob Chudzinski to work his tight end voodoo on Jordan Cameron and Kellen Davis. ... Luke Stocker and "the other" Zach Miller highlight the Buccaneers' depth chart. ... The top four players on the Raiders' depth chart were sixth- or seven-round picks; Richard Gordon and David Ausberry are the incumbents.

Worst running back group: Miami DolphinsLamar Miller is a great fantasy football sleeper. The Dolphins expect him to make a big leap this season. But he's a second-year pro who was drafted in the fourth round and only carried the ball 51 times last year. He's also the easy choice as the best back on the Dolphins' roster because we've seen what Daniel Thomas can do. 2013 fifth-rounder Mike Gillislee also should find carries.

Good news for Dolphins fans. This is the best position in which to not look great on paper. Speaking of ...

Honorable mention: Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers: The Colts made the playoffs with Vick Ballard and Donald Brown leading the way last year. Ballard is a workmanlike back with a limited ceiling, like a more explosive BenJarvus Green-Ellis. ... New pickup Chris Ivory is the best of a lackluster bunch in New York. ... The Rams don't have any big names, but they weren't listed because I like their young talent. ... Chris Johnson is too boom or bust as a runner. Adding Shonn Greene makes the Titan's attack more like boom or bust or bust.

Worst wide receiver group: Oakland RaidersDenarius Moore can be a special player, but he's so rarely 100 percent when he's on the field. He shouldn't be a No. 1 receiver at this stage of his career. The Raiders will let second-year pros Rod Streater and Juron Criner battle behind Moore, with the hope the Jacoby Ford still has something to give. This group actually is better than it was a few years ago in Oakland. There is some promise, but very little production.

Honorable mention: San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Rams: It was a close call between Oakland and San Diego. The Chargers' top guy is Malcom Floyd, then five more players who should be No. 3 receivers. ... The Patriots really are counting on two rookies to produce right away. ... Buffalo addressed the wideout position in the draft, but it's all a question mark after Stevie Johnson.

Worst Quarterback group: Jacksonville JaguarsThis is a painful choice. I was the last remaining member of the Chad Henne bandwagon, and still think he's a quality backup. He's also the best quarterback on the team, but the Jaguars are very likely to start Blaine Gabbert instead.

The Jaguars still are hoping Gabbert can turn his career around, but what's his ceiling? In a best-case scenario, it's hard to imagine Gabbert better than a league average starter. Don't tell me about the numbers or the age. There is such a thing as an eye test, and guys who look like Gabbert for two years only turn it around so much. And that's the best case scenario. There really isn't another long-term hope candidate unless you count undrafted free agent Matt Scott.

Honorable mention: Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets: There's an inherent advantage in this exercise, especially at quarterback, to teams that have promising rookies. EJ Manuel and Geno Smith provide hope for the Bills and Jets, respectively. I'd even rather see what's behind door No. 2 with Matt Flynn and Tyler Wilson in Oakland than go with known mediocrities. The Browns' combination of Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell were considered, but Weeden already has shown more potential than Gabbert.

Jaguars fans can't be thrilled with their 2013 prospects, but they should be happy their front office is willing to be patient. Reaching for the wrong QB is what put them in this mess.

Worst offensive line: San Diego ChargersThe Chargers have a center and a right tackle, so that's a start. But it's fair to question if rookie right tackle D.J. Fluker will be a huge asset in pass protection.

Honorable mention: Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys: Detroit's offensive tackle combination of Reilly Reiff and Corey Hilliard is a big concern for Matthew Stafford. ... Chicago added talent and more importantly added a better offensive coaching staff. ... The Dolphins might have downgraded this offseason from a so-so 2012 group.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

 

[Faust]

Agree or Disagree? Any other team's position groups who should be mentioned in this series?

Let's get some discussion and debate going.

 

[Faust]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000169451/article/worst-position-groups-in-nfl-defense

Worst position groups in NFL: Defense

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League Editor

I picked the worst position groups in NFL offenses on Monday. After nailing that list, let's try to throw another perfect game on defense.

Worst safety group: Dallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys entered the draft with the shakiest-looking safety group in the league. They left with an additional third-round pick, safety JJ Wilcox, out of Georgia Southern who is "light years" away from contributing. (That's according to a Cowboys assistant.) Second-year pro Matt Johnson and Barry Church are set up to start.

It is very Jerry Jones to saddle a highly paid, deep cornerback group with a poor safety combination. This has been a trouble spot for Jones for years.

Honorable mentions: Carolina Panthers, Washington Redskins, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals: The Redskins are relying on Brandon Meriweather, which is never a good idea. They've often tried to replace another projected starter, Reed Doughty. ... The safety position cost the Panthers games last season, and they didn't upgrade. ... The Cardinals are starting over after letting go of Kerry Rhodes and Adrian Wilson.

Worst cornerback group: Jacksonville JaguarsNew general manager David Caldwell is not playing with a stacked deck in his first year. Their top cornerbacks include a third-round pick out of UConn (Dwayne Gratz) and an 11-year veteran who was out of work in May (Marcus Trufant). It will take time to rebuild this group, but coach Gus Bradley should maximize what he has.

Honorable mentions: San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles: Perhaps we need to readjust expectations about cornerbacks. There were so many more teams that appeared to have holes in the secondary compared to other positions. The Chargers have very little after injury-prone free-agent pickup Derek Cox. The depth for the rest of the teams here looks shaky.

Worst linebacker group: Oakland RaidersThe Raiders' linebacker group is the definition of replacement level. Nick Roach, Kaluka Maiava, and Kevin Burnett were all signed to cheap, short-term deals. They all would fit better as reserves somewhere, but they will start in Oakland. Third-round pick Sio Moore is the group's best hope for the future.

Honorable mentions: Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts: The Lions are weakest on the outside with Ashlee Palmer and DeAndre Levy. ... The Bills will run a hybrid 3-4, 4-3 scheme. They don't have many players they know they can rely on, but they do have a lot of them. Former safety Bryan Scott converted to the position. ... The final two teams on the list all have one very good linebacker but look thin otherwise.

Worst defensive line (3-4): Indianapolis ColtsBruce Arians and Chuck Pagano earned that Coach of the Year award. The Colts won 11 games with all sorts of holes on their depth chart, especially in the front seven of their defense. Ricky Jean-Francois was a fun pickup, but he's never started before. The other starters (Cory Redding, Aubrayo Franklin, or Josh Chapman) are workmanlike, with shaky depth behind them.

Honorable mention: Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles: The Saints are a team in transition. There is some talent in place with Cameron Jordan and Akiem Hicks, but we don't know how they'll fit in the new defense. ... The Redskins lack difference makers. ... Fletcher Cox is fantastic in Philadelphia, but he needs more help.

Worst defensive line (4-3): Oakland RaidersOnce again, Oakland is starting guys who would struggle to get jobs elsewhere. Lamarr Houston is a nice player, but after that it's Vance Walker, Pat Sims and Jason Hunter. There just aren't young guys to get excited about. If Dennis Allen wins seven games with this roster, he should get Coach of the Year votes.

Honorable mention: Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos: The Broncos are the consensus AFC favorite, yet it's hard to name their best defensive lineman. Derek Wolfe? He's a promising second-year pick, but he was just average last year. Robert Ayers? He showed promise last season, but the Broncos have done their best to not play him since drafting him in the first round under Josh McDaniels. Terrance Knighton and Kevin Vickerson and others give an unremarkable group depth but not difference makers.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

 

[Faust]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap10...cons-seahawks-among-teams-with-best-receivers

Broncos, Falcons, Seahawks among teams with best receivers

 

[Keith Lewis]

Raiders well represented in the worst columns. A sad joke of a franchise. I honestly think its time for them to go, delete the team in its entirety and give an expansion team to a city that deserves one ( Not LA).

 

[Wise Old Owl]

Shonn Greene is coming off back to back 1k years while the Jets pass attack has been close to non-existent. Chris Johnson may never have a 2k season again but he is certainly a talented and capable back and I think Greene is a great compliment for him. There is no way this is a bottom 5 group when you compare teams like STL, CIN and ARZ. We are giving Mendenhall and BGE more respect than CJ?

 

[Faust]

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/77323/football-outsiders-remaining-needs

Football Outsiders: Remaining needs (NFC North)

 

[Donnybrook]

If you looking at receiving core as a whole (combining WRs and TEs), Raiders look the weakest.

The Pittsburgh Steelers manage to escape criticism but if you looking at their group as a whole, it is shallow. They are a couple injuries away from starting Plaxico Burress and David Paulson.

 

[Donnybrook]

Broncos, Falcons, Seahawks among teams with best receivers

If Dave Damesheck was actually funny, I might be able to forgive his terrible predictions. I don't know how he can rank the Titans receiving core ahead of the Packers and the Giants. I really think the Giants are the most under-rated receiving core. Rueban Randle is going to surprise a few people.

 

[Faust]

The Falcons deserve an honorable mention in the QB category. Matt Ryan is a very good QB; however, the depth behind him is frightening.

 

[msudaisy26]

If you looking at receiving core as a whole (combining WRs and TEs), Raiders look the weakest.

The Pittsburgh Steelers manage to escape criticism but if you looking at their group as a whole, it is shallow. They are a couple injuries away from starting Plaxico Burress and David Paulson.

Isn't every team a couple injuries away from starting 2 guys like that? Lions lose Calvin and Nate who are they are starting?

 

[Kree]

(Nicks, Cruz, Randle, Myers) or (Nelson, Cobb, Jones, Finley - Only one quick mention) don't rate a mention over luminaries such as Seattle, Tennessee and San Fran?

 

[Faust]

NFL's most improved position groups

By Chris Wesseling

Around the League Writer

Now that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have imported the dynamic duo of shutdown cornerback Darrelle Revis and All-Pro safety Dashon Goldson, the Bucs' secondary has a strong argument for most improved position group in the NFL.

Let's take a look at the contenders.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary
If Revis' recovery from knee surgery goes half as smoothly as those of Adrian Peterson and Robert Griffin III, the Bucs will have the league's premier lockdown cornerback to go with veteran Eric Wright and ball-hawking second-round draft pick Johnthan Banks. Pairing Goldson with the hard-hitting Mark Barron gives the Bucs a safety tandem with the potential to rival the Seattle Seahawks' Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor as the NFL's best. A pass defense that ranked dead last in 2012 could be one of the league's stingiest in 2013.

Tennessee Titans offensive line
Tennessee's interior run blockers have been so overwhelmed the past two seasons that Chris Johnson developed the bad habit of hesitating at the line of scrimmage, no longer trusting his eyes. Johnson now is wearing a wide smile in the Titans' new run-first offense after the additions of Pro-Bowl caliber left guard Andy Levitre and right guard Chance Warmack, whom the team selected 10th overall in April.

Center Fernando Velasco is coming off a fine season, but he will face heat from fourth-round draft pick Brian Schwenke, viewed by NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock as the top center prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Miami Dolphins receiving corps
Nominal No. 1 receiver Brian Hartline managed to convert 131 targets into one measly touchdown last season. The only other NFL wide receiver with at least 100 targets and fewer than three touchdowns was Davone Bess, also of the Dolphins. In other words, Ryan Tannehill's so-called weapons lacked any semblance of playmaking ability.

Enter Mike Wallace, one of the rare breed capable of scoring touchdowns (32 in four seasons), drawing double teams and blowing the top off of defenses. Wallace has averaged a touchdown every 12.7 targets compared to 41.7 for Bess and 50.2 for Hartline. On top of Wallace's deep speed changing the dynamics of the entire offense, tight end Dustin Keller gives the Dolphins their first movable chess piece at tight end since Randy McMichael was in his prime nearly a decade ago.

Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks, offensive line
The optimism rising in the desert is rooted in the confidence that the Cardinals no longer will be held hostage by a collection of the NFL's most inept quarterbacks and blockers. Even if Carson Palmer has regressed to the league average, that qualifies as a godsend after Cardinals quarterbacks tossed a grand total of two touchdown passes from Weeks 8 to 17 last season.

The beleaguered offensive line has added reinforcements with left tackle Levi Brown returning from a season lost to triceps surgery and No. 7 overall pick Jonathan Cooper already penciled in as the starting left guard. Right tackle Bobby Massie quietly was one of the NFL's most improved rookies in the second half of the season.

Philadelphia Eagles offensive line, tight ends
The Eagles topped our list of the teams benefiting from the return of injured players, largely because left tackle Jason Peters, center Jason Kelce and right guard Todd Herremans all are expected back at full strength after missing at least half of the 2012 season. Throw in No. 4 overall pick Lane Johnson at right tackle, and this offensive line might be the most athletic in the league.

New coach Chip Kelly clearly has designs on featuring the tight end in his offense, signing the versatile James Casey and drafting tight end Zach Ertz in the second round to complement Brent Celek.

St. Louis Rams receiving corps
Sam Bradford will miss security blanket Danny Amendola on third downs, but the infusion of speed will more than make up for the loss. Explosive rookie Tavon Austin will fill Amendola's role in the slot, teaming with deep threat Chris Givens to give Bradford two receivers with 4.30 40-yard-dash speed. Austin Pettis emerged as a red-zone threat late in the season, and the Rams expect big strides from 2012 second-round draft selection Brian Quick. Don't sleep on third-round rookie Stedman Bailey, who was Geno Smith's go-to receiver at West Virginia.

The key to the turnaround could be size-speed freak Jared Cook, expected to be a "huge part" of the new-look passing game after being underused by the Tennessee Titans.

"We are a thousand years ahead of where we were last year," offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer recently told ESPN.com's Mike Sando.

Cleveland Browns pass rushers
Edge rusher Paul Kruger is expected to be the focal point of new coordinator Ray Horton's 3-4 defense. He'll play opposite Jabaal Sheard, who led the team with seven sacks last year. The Browns envision No. 6 overall pick Barkevious Mingo following the Aldon Smith/Bruce Irvin plan, easing him in as a situational pass rusher.

Desmond Bryant's five-year, $34 million contract raised a few eyebrows, but he has a relentless motor as evidenced by the fourth-most quarterback pressures of any defensive tackle in the NFL last season.

Other candidates: Chiefs quarterbacks, Panthers' front seven, Saints secondary, Packers running backs, Falcons running backs, Eagles tight ends, Seahawks receiving corps, Colts offensive line, Jaguars offensive line, Bills receiving corps, Raiders secondary.

Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.

 

[Mister CIA]

Jets Jets Jets!!

 

[texasbirdfan]

Getting a good chuckle out of the "buzz" that the Rams have improved their WR corps by losing Amendola- who is a top 20 WR by adiing new guys into a new system.

Right

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Getting a good chuckle out of the "buzz" that the Rams have improved their WR corps by losing Amendola- who is a top 20 WR by adiing new guys into a new system.

Right

Amendola is a PPR machine when healthy. That's fantasy football.

He is nowhere near a top-20 WR in the NFL. Please. He catches the ball and falls down. He has a very specific skill set, kinda like Welker but with less opportunity and more injury. It's effective in a certain system and fills a specific need.

The Rams absolutely got more talented in the long-term and possibly more productive in the short term as well by replacing Amendola with Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Jared Cook.

 

[jurb26]

Getting a good chuckle out of the "buzz" that the Rams have improved their WR corps by losing Amendola- who is a top 20 WR by adiing new guys into a new system.

Right

Amendola is a PPR machine when healthy. That's fantasy football.

He is nowhere near a top-20 WR in the NFL. Please. He catches the ball and falls down. He has a very specific skill set, kinda like Welker but with less opportunity and more injury. It's effective in a certain system and fills a specific need.

The Rams absolutely got more talented in the long-term and possibly more productive in the short term as well by replacing Amendola with Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Jared Cook.

I'm no fan of Amendola but could we let these two rookies play a NFL game before saying their better?

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Getting a good chuckle out of the "buzz" that the Rams have improved their WR corps by losing Amendola- who is a top 20 WR by adiing new guys into a new system.

Right

Amendola is a PPR machine when healthy. That's fantasy football.

He is nowhere near a top-20 WR in the NFL. Please. He catches the ball and falls down. He has a very specific skill set, kinda like Welker but with less opportunity and more injury. It's effective in a certain system and fills a specific need.

The Rams absolutely got more talented in the long-term and possibly more productive in the short term as well by replacing Amendola with Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Jared Cook.

I'm no fan of Amendola but could we let these two rookies play a NFL game before saying their better?

I didn't say they were better already. I said they were more talented, together. For the Rams receiving corps to improve while losing Amendola some combination of Cook, Tavon, and Bailey have to be better than Amendola all together. That's not much of a gamble.

 

[texasbirdfan]

Getting a good chuckle out of the "buzz" that the Rams have improved their WR corps by losing Amendola- who is a top 20 WR by adiing new guys into a new system.

Right

Amendola is a PPR machine when healthy. That's fantasy football.

He is nowhere near a top-20 WR in the NFL. Please. He catches the ball and falls down. He has a very specific skill set, kinda like Welker but with less opportunity and more injury. It's effective in a certain system and fills a specific need.

The Rams absolutely got more talented in the long-term and possibly more productive in the short term as well by replacing Amendola with Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Jared Cook.

I'm no fan of Amendola but could we let these two rookies play a NFL game before saying their better?

I didn't say they were better already. I said they were more talented, together. For the Rams receiving corps to improve while losing Amendola some combination of Cook, Tavon, and Bailey have to be better than Amendola all together. That's not much of a gamble.

The crux of the article was immediate improvement here and now which I thought was more PR hype out of St Louis than reality for the 2013 season.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Getting a good chuckle out of the "buzz" that the Rams have improved their WR corps by losing Amendola- who is a top 20 WR by adiing new guys into a new system.

Right

Amendola is a PPR machine when healthy. That's fantasy football.

He is nowhere near a top-20 WR in the NFL. Please. He catches the ball and falls down. He has a very specific skill set, kinda like Welker but with less opportunity and more injury. It's effective in a certain system and fills a specific need.

The Rams absolutely got more talented in the long-term and possibly more productive in the short term as well by replacing Amendola with Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Jared Cook.

I'm no fan of Amendola but could we let these two rookies play a NFL game before saying their better?

I didn't say they were better already. I said they were more talented, together. For the Rams receiving corps to improve while losing Amendola some combination of Cook, Tavon, and Bailey have to be better than Amendola all together. That's not much of a gamble.

The crux of the article was immediate improvement here and now which I thought was more PR hype out of St Louis than reality for the 2013 season.

I'm not going to sit here and guaranteed that one of them is already a better player in their rookie year then Amendola is after years in the league. But all three additions to the receiving corps together are an immediate improvement over Amendola, yes.

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

Lot of folks on Brian Quick's nuts as a rookie draft pick. Haven't heard a peep in a while from his backers. Did they give up already? I think he might take another step this year.

 

[Faust]

Lot of folks on Brian Quick's nuts as a rookie draft pick. Haven't heard a peep in a while from his backers. Did they give up already? I think he might take another step this year.

FBG Thread Link: Brian Quick WR Saint Louis Rams [Appalachian State]

 

[texasbirdfan]

Getting a good chuckle out of the "buzz" that the Rams have improved their WR corps by losing Amendola- who is a top 20 WR by adiing new guys into a new system.

Right

Amendola is a PPR machine when healthy. That's fantasy football.

He is nowhere near a top-20 WR in the NFL. Please. He catches the ball and falls down. He has a very specific skill set, kinda like Welker but with less opportunity and more injury. It's effective in a certain system and fills a specific need.

The Rams absolutely got more talented in the long-term and possibly more productive in the short term as well by replacing Amendola with Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Jared Cook.

been watching Amendola since college. I suggest you watch his film history in school and pros. Patriots recruited Amendola as an improvement in the future seasons as he is 5 years younger than Welker and perhaps some have said superior at this point. It should not be forgotten that he was a student of Welker early in his career. You must doubt Tom Brady if you don't think he cannot make his top receiver a top 20 WR. Anyone who doubts his status as great will just have to wait I suppose until this Fall....

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Getting a good chuckle out of the "buzz" that the Rams have improved their WR corps by losing Amendola- who is a top 20 WR by adiing new guys into a new system.

Right

Amendola is a PPR machine when healthy. That's fantasy football.

He is nowhere near a top-20 WR in the NFL. Please. He catches the ball and falls down. He has a very specific skill set, kinda like Welker but with less opportunity and more injury. It's effective in a certain system and fills a specific need.

The Rams absolutely got more talented in the long-term and possibly more productive in the short term as well by replacing Amendola with Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Jared Cook.

been watching Amendola since college. I suggest you watch his film history in school and pros. Patriots recruited Amendola as an improvement in the future seasons as he is 5 years younger than Welker and perhaps some have said superior at this point. It should not be forgotten that he was a student of Welker early in his career. You must doubt Tom Brady if you don't think he cannot make his top receiver a top 20 WR. Anyone who doubts his status as great will just have to wait I suppose until this Fall....

If he stays healthy Tom Brady will absolutely make him a top-20 WR in terms of receptions.

That doesn't make him a top-20 NFL WR.

 

[texasbirdfan]

Getting a good chuckle out of the "buzz" that the Rams have improved their WR corps by losing Amendola- who is a top 20 WR by adiing new guys into a new system.

Right

Amendola is a PPR machine when healthy. That's fantasy football.

He is nowhere near a top-20 WR in the NFL. Please. He catches the ball and falls down. He has a very specific skill set, kinda like Welker but with less opportunity and more injury. It's effective in a certain system and fills a specific need.

The Rams absolutely got more talented in the long-term and possibly more productive in the short term as well by replacing Amendola with Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Jared Cook.

been watching Amendola since college. I suggest you watch his film history in school and pros. Patriots recruited Amendola as an improvement in the future seasons as he is 5 years younger than Welker and perhaps some have said superior at this point. It should not be forgotten that he was a student of Welker early in his career. You must doubt Tom Brady if you don't think he cannot make his top receiver a top 20 WR. Anyone who doubts his status as great will just have to wait I suppose until this Fall....

If he stays healthy Tom Brady will absolutely make him a top-20 WR in terms of receptions.

That doesn't make him a top-20 NFL WR.

what does make "a top-20 NFL WR"?? st. louis hype and talking head PR agents?

'

'

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Getting a good chuckle out of the "buzz" that the Rams have improved their WR corps by losing Amendola- who is a top 20 WR by adiing new guys into a new system.

Right

Amendola is a PPR machine when healthy. That's fantasy football.

He is nowhere near a top-20 WR in the NFL. Please. He catches the ball and falls down. He has a very specific skill set, kinda like Welker but with less opportunity and more injury. It's effective in a certain system and fills a specific need.

The Rams absolutely got more talented in the long-term and possibly more productive in the short term as well by replacing Amendola with Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Jared Cook.

been watching Amendola since college. I suggest you watch his film history in school and pros. Patriots recruited Amendola as an improvement in the future seasons as he is 5 years younger than Welker and perhaps some have said superior at this point. It should not be forgotten that he was a student of Welker early in his career. You must doubt Tom Brady if you don't think he cannot make his top receiver a top 20 WR. Anyone who doubts his status as great will just have to wait I suppose until this Fall....

If he stays healthy Tom Brady will absolutely make him a top-20 WR in terms of receptions.

That doesn't make him a top-20 NFL WR.

what does make "a top-20 NFL WR"?? st. louis hype and talking head PR agents?

You seriously couldn't name 20 WR's in the entire NFL better than Amendola? Bull####.

 

[texasbirdfan]

Getting a good chuckle out of the "buzz" that the Rams have improved their WR corps by losing Amendola- who is a top 20 WR by adiing new guys into a new system.

Right

Amendola is a PPR machine when healthy. That's fantasy football.

He is nowhere near a top-20 WR in the NFL. Please. He catches the ball and falls down. He has a very specific skill set, kinda like Welker but with less opportunity and more injury. It's effective in a certain system and fills a specific need.

The Rams absolutely got more talented in the long-term and possibly more productive in the short term as well by replacing Amendola with Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Jared Cook.

been watching Amendola since college. I suggest you watch his film history in school and pros. Patriots recruited Amendola as an improvement in the future seasons as he is 5 years younger than Welker and perhaps some have said superior at this point. It should not be forgotten that he was a student of Welker early in his career. You must doubt Tom Brady if you don't think he cannot make his top receiver a top 20 WR. Anyone who doubts his status as great will just have to wait I suppose until this Fall....

If he stays healthy Tom Brady will absolutely make him a top-20 WR in terms of receptions.

That doesn't make him a top-20 NFL WR.

what does make "a top-20 NFL WR"?? st. louis hype and talking head PR agents?

You seriously couldn't name 20 WR's in the entire NFL better than Amendola? Bull####.

Been watching and playing football for over 5 decades- been pretty good at spotting talent....

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Getting a good chuckle out of the "buzz" that the Rams have improved their WR corps by losing Amendola- who is a top 20 WR by adiing new guys into a new system.

Right

Amendola is a PPR machine when healthy. That's fantasy football.

He is nowhere near a top-20 WR in the NFL. Please. He catches the ball and falls down. He has a very specific skill set, kinda like Welker but with less opportunity and more injury. It's effective in a certain system and fills a specific need.

The Rams absolutely got more talented in the long-term and possibly more productive in the short term as well by replacing Amendola with Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Jared Cook.

been watching Amendola since college. I suggest you watch his film history in school and pros. Patriots recruited Amendola as an improvement in the future seasons as he is 5 years younger than Welker and perhaps some have said superior at this point. It should not be forgotten that he was a student of Welker early in his career. You must doubt Tom Brady if you don't think he cannot make his top receiver a top 20 WR. Anyone who doubts his status as great will just have to wait I suppose until this Fall....

If he stays healthy Tom Brady will absolutely make him a top-20 WR in terms of receptions.

That doesn't make him a top-20 NFL WR.

what does make "a top-20 NFL WR"?? st. louis hype and talking head PR agents?

You seriously couldn't name 20 WR's in the entire NFL better than Amendola? Bull####.

Been watching and playing football for over 5 decades- been pretty good at spotting talent....

You didn't answer the question.

 

[Wise Old Owl]

Getting a good chuckle out of the "buzz" that the Rams have improved their WR corps by losing Amendola- who is a top 20 WR by adiing new guys into a new system.

Right

Amendola is a PPR machine when healthy. That's fantasy football.

He is nowhere near a top-20 WR in the NFL. Please. He catches the ball and falls down. He has a very specific skill set, kinda like Welker but with less opportunity and more injury. It's effective in a certain system and fills a specific need.

The Rams absolutely got more talented in the long-term and possibly more productive in the short term as well by replacing Amendola with Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Jared Cook.

been watching Amendola since college. I suggest you watch his film history in school and pros. Patriots recruited Amendola as an improvement in the future seasons as he is 5 years younger than Welker and perhaps some have said superior at this point. It should not be forgotten that he was a student of Welker early in his career. You must doubt Tom Brady if you don't think he cannot make his top receiver a top 20 WR. Anyone who doubts his status as great will just have to wait I suppose until this Fall....

If he stays healthy Tom Brady will absolutely make him a top-20 WR in terms of receptions.

That doesn't make him a top-20 NFL WR.

what does make "a top-20 NFL WR"?? st. louis hype and talking head PR agents?

You seriously couldn't name 20 WR's in the entire NFL better than Amendola? Bull####.

Been watching and playing football for over 5 decades- been pretty good at spotting talent....

You didn't answer the question.

Calvin Dez Green Andre Demaryius

Larry Jennings Jordy Roddy Julio

Vjax Wayne SteveSmith Percy Marshall

In no real order I'd say those 15 are without question more talented than Amendola in my mind. If i had to pick the next 5 I would be looking at people like Nicks, Colston, Cruz, Welker and others before Amendola even enters the equation. I like Amendola and I think he has amazing potential in NE, but a top tier talent he is not.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

It's pretty amazing to think, if Gronk is on PUP and Hernandez is in the clink, that at least at the start of the season the Pats could be without six of their top seven leaders in receptions from last year. If Edelman is hurt or does not make the team it will be the top 7 altogether. That's really something.

I don't know if anything phases Pats fans - or the Pats - these days, but that might be somewhat concerning.

 

[Faust]

NFL's top 10 receiving corps

By Chris Wesseling

Around the League Writer

When Stevie Johnson proclaimed last week that the Buffalo Bills now boast the best receiving corps in the NFL, my initial reaction was that they would struggle to crack the top-10. Digging deeper, I found at least 15 teams with a better pass-catching group than Buffalo's.

Below is Around the League's list of the top receiving corps in the league, with tight ends included.

1. Atlanta Falcons: Julio Jones, Roddy White, Harry Douglas, Tony GonzalezIt's the rare NFL team in possession of a cornerback capable of hanging with Jones in man coverage. If defenses opt for double coverage, White can feast on the lesser cornerback. Although Gonzalez no longer makes plays after the catch, he's among the league's most valuable security blankets on third downs and near the end zone. Douglas has been a mild disappointment as the fourth option in the passing game, showing little playmaking ability through four seasons.

2. Denver Broncos: Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Wes Welker, Jacob Tamme, Joel Dreessen, Julius ThomasThe Broncos' use of Thomas mirrors the Falcons' penchant for hitting Jones on screens and slants to take advantage of his run-after-catch prowess. According to Pro Football Focus, the wide receivers producing the two highest passer ratings in the NFL last season were Thomas (126.2) and Decker (123.7). Throw in Welker as a premier slot receiver, and Denver has the best trio of wideouts in the game. Tamme and Dreessen aren't quite in Gonzalez's league, but Thomas makes for an interesting wild card as an athletic former hoopster who impressed in offseason practices.

3. Dallas Cowboys: Dez Bryant, Miles Austin, Dwayne Harris, Terrance Williams, Jason Witten, James Hanna, Gavin EscobarBryant took advantage of a soft schedule and a bevy of shootouts down the stretch, but it's still impressive that his final eight games project to 1,758 yards and 20 touchdowns across a full season. He's here to stay as a No. 1 receiver. Austin can be one of the league's top second fiddles as long as he can put his hamstring issues behind him. Witten hasn't missed a game in nine years.

4. New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle, Brandon MyersWhen healthy, Nicks is one of just a dozen NFL wide receivers capable of drawing and beating double coverage. Cruz is the only player in the NFL with at least 80 receptions, 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns in each of the past two seasons. Randle should be an upgrade on Domenik Hixon in the third receiver role.

5. Green Bay Packers: Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, James Jones, Jermichael FinleyRob Gronkowski is the only NFL player with a better touchdown-to-target ratio than Nelson and Jones over the past three seasons. Don't be surprised if Cobb leads the league in receptions this year. Finley has yet to live up to the lofty expectations set by the Packers a few years back.

6. New Orleans Saints: Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Joseph Morgan, Nick Toon, Jimmy GrahamColston and Moore are perfect fits for Sean Payton's offensive scheme. Graham should be the best tight in the league this season with the uncertainty surrounding Gronkowski's back. Morgan is an unproven commodity as the No. 3 receiver.

7. Seattle Seahawks: Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin, Zach MillerRice and Tate played well last season, but their numbers were depressed by the Seahawks' run-heavy offense. Harvin is not only one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league, but also allows coordinator Darrell Bevell to get more creative with his tactics. Baldwin is a luxury as the fourth receiver.

8. Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, Andre Roberts, Rob HouslerThe Cardinals' quarterback issues have killed Fitzgerald's production, but he rightfully remains one of the NFL's most respected wide receivers. Floyd is a breakout candidate as a vertical threat while Roberts offers run-after-catch ability as the third option.

9. Indianapolis Colts: Reggie Wayne, T.Y. Hilton, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Dwayne Allen, Coby FleenerAfter Wayne carried the passing game early in the season, Hilton matched his production over the final nine games. Heyward-Bey is an interesting bounce-back candidate as an upgrade on Donnie Avery. Allen is a future Pro Bowl at tight end.

10. Philadelphia Eagles: Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson, Jason Avant, Riley Cooper, Brent Celek, James Casey, Zach ErtzMaclin and Jackson have speed to spare, but they fall just shy of No. 1 receiver status. Both players come with durability concerns. The additions of Casey and Ertz suggest versatile and athletic tight ends will be featured heavily in new head coach Chip Kelly's offense.

Just Missed: Dolphins, Titans, Vikings, Lions, Buccaneers, Bengals, Chargers, Bills, Texans.

Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.

 

[Faust]

Ranking the NFL's deepest backfields

By Marc Sessler

Around the League Writer

In May, Around The League's Dan Hanzus took a look at the NFL's top running backs, an exercise he affectionately titled "Adrian Peterson, then everyone else."

Peterson reigns as king, but outside of Toby Gerhart, it would be a stretch to call Minnesota's backfield especially deep. The Vikings are a one-man show, but most teams around the league have chosen to build the ground game around multiple ball carriers, putting an emphasis on depth.

With that in mind, here's my list of the NFL's deepest backfields heading into training camp:

1. San Francisco 49ers (Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James, Anthony Dixon, Jewel Hampton,
Marcus Lattimore)

Gore at age 30 remains highly productive, but the 49ers have planned for his eventual departure with a packed stable of backs. Hunter is coming off Achilles surgery but remains a strong bet to keep the No. 2 spot if he's healthy come September. James completes coordinator Greg Roman's three-headed monster in the backfield. Dixon is a possible cut amid reports the 49ers "really like" Hampton. Then there's Lattimore, who looms as Gore's potential replacement if he makes it back from knee surgery.

2. Seattle Seahawks (Marshawn Lynch, Robert Turbin, Christine Michael, Derrick Coleman)

Lynch was the NFL's second-best runner behind Peterson last season. Like the 49ers, Pete Carroll's Seahawks have used the past two drafts to stock the shelves with physical young runners. Turbin was valuable spelling Lynch last season and should hold onto the No. 2 job. Running backs coach Sherman Smith said in June that Michael will have to earn his carries as a rookie, but he's going to win people over with his battering-ram style of play.

3. Baltimore Ravens (Ray Rice, Bernard Pierce, Anthony Allen, Bobby Rainey, Damien Berry)

Like Gore and Lynch, Rice is another workhorse back who has carried the load for years. We tabbed Pierce to make the leap this season and move into more of a split-duty role with Rice. Pierce's workload increased as last season wore on, and the Ravens leaned hard on his downhill, tackle-shedding style in the playoffs. Rice is still the main dish, but Pierce makes this ground game a versatile beast.

4. Houston Texans (Arian Foster, Ben Tate, Deji Karim, Ray Graham, Cierre Wood)

If Tate could stay healthy, I'd be tempted to rank the Texans above the Ravens. The fourth-year pro struggled with injuries last season, but coach Gary Kubiak said Tate had a "really good" offseason. Foster is the unquestioned centerpiece here, with a league-leading 1,115 touches over the past three seasons. The Texans don't use Tate consistently enough to call this a committee approach, but both runners have been sensational in spots. We expect Houston to again crush teams on the ground.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (LeSean McCoy, Bryce Brown, Felix Jones, Chris Polk, Matthew Tucker)

Gregg Rosenthal likes the Eagles' backfield more than I do, but nobody's debating McCoy's value. He's arguably a top-five back and should enjoy a bounce-back season in Chip Kelly's run-heavy attack. Brown's four fumbles in four starts were an issue, but he was explosive when he wanted to be. Add Jones to the mix, and all three runners should see work in 2013.

6. New Orleans Saints (Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram, Travaris Cadet,
Khiry Robinson)

Trading Chris Ivory to the New York Jets was addition by subtraction for the Saints. This was a crowded house last season, but Thomas is in position to have a productive year alongside Ingram. After the Saints finished 25th on the ground in 2012, coach Sean Payton told the team "we've got to get back to running the ball, having 100-yard games nonstop," according to Thomas. Sproles, meanwhile, gives Drew Brees one of the league's most dangerous, pass-catching X-factors out of the backfield.

7. New England Patriots (Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Leon Washington, LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Bolden)

Ridley's 1,263 yards and 12 scores didn't receive enough fanfare last season. He was an effective tackle-shedder and entered the offseason program "looking like a house." Ridley is the unquestioned starter here, especially with Vereen being used as a wide receiver in spring practices. Bolden is a punishing runner bound to improve upon his 56 carries as a rookie. Blount is fighting for a roster spot, while Washington remains dangerous as a return man.

8. Carolina Panthers (Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams, Mike Tolbert, Kenjon Barner,
Armond Smith, Tauren Poole)

Question marks abound. Stewart's ankle problems make him a shaky proposition heading into camp. If healthy, he'll start over Williams, who turned 30 in April and hasn't crossed the 1,000-yard mark since 2009. Carolina makes this list because of quarterback Cam Newton. Teams must prepare for him like a running back, and his 1,447 rushing yards over two seasons are no fluke. Tolbert is a versatile fullback who can carry the ball. Barner, Smith and Poole will compete for snaps, and someone from this group could emerge if Stewart and Williams are hobbled.

Honorable mentions: Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos

Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.

 

[Faust]

Ranking the NFL's thinnest backfields

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League Editor

Marc Sessler ranked the NFL's deepest backfields earlier this week. Since it's July 11, and the website is clearly out of ideas, let's take a look at the thinnest backfields out there too.

This isn't a list of the running back groups that have lost the most weight this offseason. What teams are an injury away from real trouble?

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Losing Doug Martin would be devastating for the Bucs' offense. It's a steep drop to Brian Leonard and Mike James on the depth chart. Tampa should look to add another body.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Maurice Jones-Drew is a shiny name at the top of the depth chart, but he has serious injury concerns coming into the season. If MJD gets hurt or needs a spell, journeyman Justin Forsett is next in line. Rookie Denard Robinson is listed as an "offensive weapon" but will probably play receiver more. Jordan Todman and Jonathan Grimes fill out the depth chart. There's a lot of hoping here, and not a great plan.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid has one of the best running backs in the league with Jamaal Charles. Reid has one of the shakiest situations behind his starter. Rookie Knile Davis looked like a workout wonder with suspect instincts. Next up: Shaun Draughn and Cyrus Gray. This running game could collapse if Charles was hurt.

4. Oakland Raiders: Any team starting Darren McFadden should assume that their backup is going to start multiple games. The candidates in Oakland: Rookie Latavius Murray, deposed former Jaguar Rashad Jennings, and underrated second-year pro Jeremy Stewart. It's never good when a team is counting on a sixth-round draft pick to matter.

5. St. Louis Rams: Chris Wesseling loves him some Isaiah Pead. There's potential there. Daryl Richardson looks like a fine third-down back. There is buzz about fifth-round draft pick Zac Stacy, but he was a fifth-round choice. Add it all up, and the group is still trailing behind the pack.

6. New York Giants: David Wilson is a very promising starter, but he's unproven in the role. Everyone assumes Andre Brown is a great second option because of one Thursday night performance against the Carolina Panthers. Brown was a great story, but there's usually a reason four teams let a player go. A veteran addition would not surprise.

7. Miami Dolphins: Lamar Miller is one of our upcoming "Making the Leap" candidates, but we have no faith in Daniel Thomas as a primary backup and the team only has fifth-round rookie running back Mike Gillislee behind him. I'm a huge Ryan Tannehill fan, but there's a risk the team will put too much on his plate.

Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.

 

[johnadams]

Ranking the NFL's deepest backfields

By Marc Sessler

Around the League Writer

In May, Around The League's Dan Hanzus took a look at the NFL's top running backs, an exercise he affectionately titled "Adrian Peterson, then everyone else."

Peterson reigns as king, but outside of Toby Gerhart, it would be a stretch to call Minnesota's backfield especially deep. The Vikings are a one-man show, but most teams around the league have chosen to build the ground game around multiple ball carriers, putting an emphasis on depth.

With that in mind, here's my list of the NFL's deepest backfields heading into training camp:

1. San Francisco 49ers (Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter, LaMichael James, Anthony Dixon, Jewel Hampton,

Marcus Lattimore)

Gore at age 30 remains highly productive, but the 49ers have planned for his eventual departure with a packed stable of backs. Hunter is coming off Achilles surgery but remains a strong bet to keep the No. 2 spot if he's healthy come September. James completes coordinator Greg Roman's three-headed monster in the backfield. Dixon is a possible cut amid reports the 49ers "really like" Hampton. Then there's Lattimore, who looms as Gore's potential replacement if he makes it back from knee surgery.

2. Seattle Seahawks (Marshawn Lynch, Robert Turbin, Christine Michael, Derrick Coleman)

Lynch was the NFL's second-best runner behind Peterson last season. Like the 49ers, Pete Carroll's Seahawks have used the past two drafts to stock the shelves with physical young runners. Turbin was valuable spelling Lynch last season and should hold onto the No. 2 job. Running backs coach Sherman Smith said in June that Michael will have to earn his carries as a rookie, but he's going to win people over with his battering-ram style of play.

3. Baltimore Ravens (Ray Rice, Bernard Pierce, Anthony Allen, Bobby Rainey, Damien Berry)

Like Gore and Lynch, Rice is another workhorse back who has carried the load for years. We tabbed Pierce to make the leap this season and move into more of a split-duty role with Rice. Pierce's workload increased as last season wore on, and the Ravens leaned hard on his downhill, tackle-shedding style in the playoffs. Rice is still the main dish, but Pierce makes this ground game a versatile beast.

4. Houston Texans (Arian Foster, Ben Tate, Deji Karim, Ray Graham, Cierre Wood)

If Tate could stay healthy, I'd be tempted to rank the Texans above the Ravens. The fourth-year pro struggled with injuries last season, but coach Gary Kubiak said Tate had a "really good" offseason. Foster is the unquestioned centerpiece here, with a league-leading 1,115 touches over the past three seasons. The Texans don't use Tate consistently enough to call this a committee approach, but both runners have been sensational in spots. We expect Houston to again crush teams on the ground.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (LeSean McCoy, Bryce Brown, Felix Jones, Chris Polk, Matthew Tucker)

Gregg Rosenthal likes the Eagles' backfield more than I do, but nobody's debating McCoy's value. He's arguably a top-five back and should enjoy a bounce-back season in Chip Kelly's run-heavy attack. Brown's four fumbles in four starts were an issue, but he was explosive when he wanted to be. Add Jones to the mix, and all three runners should see work in 2013.

6. New Orleans Saints (Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles, Mark Ingram, Travaris Cadet,

Khiry Robinson)

Trading Chris Ivory to the New York Jets was addition by subtraction for the Saints. This was a crowded house last season, but Thomas is in position to have a productive year alongside Ingram. After the Saints finished 25th on the ground in 2012, coach Sean Payton told the team "we've got to get back to running the ball, having 100-yard games nonstop," according to Thomas. Sproles, meanwhile, gives Drew Brees one of the league's most dangerous, pass-catching X-factors out of the backfield.

7. New England Patriots (Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Leon Washington, LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Bolden)

Ridley's 1,263 yards and 12 scores didn't receive enough fanfare last season. He was an effective tackle-shedder and entered the offseason program "looking like a house." Ridley is the unquestioned starter here, especially with Vereen being used as a wide receiver in spring practices. Bolden is a punishing runner bound to improve upon his 56 carries as a rookie. Blount is fighting for a roster spot, while Washington remains dangerous as a return man.

8. Carolina Panthers (Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams, Mike Tolbert, Kenjon Barner,

Armond Smith, Tauren Poole)

Question marks abound. Stewart's ankle problems make him a shaky proposition heading into camp. If healthy, he'll start over Williams, who turned 30 in April and hasn't crossed the 1,000-yard mark since 2009. Carolina makes this list because of quarterback Cam Newton. Teams must prepare for him like a running back, and his 1,447 rushing yards over two seasons are no fluke. Tolbert is a versatile fullback who can carry the ball. Barner, Smith and Poole will compete for snaps, and someone from this group could emerge if Stewart and Williams are hobbled.

Honorable mentions: Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos

Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.

This list is laughable. I don't get the point, other than someone with some opinions had a deadline. Niners at the top of this list? I'm a huge niner homer, but even I find that ridiculous. I'd take the combination of Peterson and Gerhardt over any three others from this entire list. The Saints as depth? Only if you count a glorified slot receiver and a stable of mediocrity as something to covet.

 

[BlueBlazer05]

As a Lions' fan, what stands out in this thread is that no writer has them in their top 5 or even 10 receiving corps despite the presence of Calvin Johnson. Sometimes a player is so great, you could have you and I next to him and the unit would still be ranked high (I recall Deion Sanders and "whoever" still being ranked in the top-10 all time CB tandems). Not the case here, which seems to be a huge indictment on the depth after Megatron. I think Broyles was on his way, and Burleson is solid, but they have to stay healthy. Pettigrew needs to stop fumbling and dropping passes.