Five Early Winners in Free Agency

While Peyton Manning has begun working out for teams and is still taking visits, several other significant moves occurred during the first week of Free Agency, and here are some of the early winners:

The Bills:  Buffalo showed much improvement this past season with a fast start but faded down the stretch.  With the Bills moving back to a 4-3 defense in 2012 under new Defensive Coordinator Dave Wannstedt, it was imperative for the Bills to bring in an edge rusher to complement their two Pro-Bowl caliber DT's, Kyle WIlliams and Marcell Dareus.  With the signing of the top defender in Free Agency, former Texans DE Mario Williams, the Bills added one of the top three DE's in football.  Williams has 53 career sacks and is in the prime of his career at age 27.  In fact, with the exception of Julius Peppers signing with the Bears in 2010, it is rare to see a potential Hall of Famer at QB, LT or RDE switch teams in the prime of their career. 

This is a huge boost not only for the Bills defense, but to the City of Buffalo, who can get excited again by finally attracting an impact free agent, while also celebrating the commitment the franchise has shown by recently investing in its own players, with the extensions of QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, DT Williams and the resigning of WR Stevie Johnson on the eve of Free Agency.  With the AFC being a wide open race, the Bills aren't far from contending, especially if they are able to find another vertical option at WR, a future cornerstone at LT and an impact CB this offseason.

The Bucs:  Tampa Bay had the most money to spend in Free Agency, and thus far they have not been bashful, signing the top free agent OG in Carl Nicks and arguably the top WR in Vincent Jackson.  They also signed former Browns and Lions CB Eric Wright, who is still young at 26 and possesses naturally fluid hips and solid cover skills.  With Nicks and veteran Davin Joseph, the Bucs have one of the two best guard tandems in football, and Jackson's size will give young QB Josh Freeman another downfield weapon, while teaming with TE Kellen Winslow to give the Bucs two red zone-matchup headaches for Defensive Coordinators.

The Rams:  New Head Coach Jeff Fisher raided his old Titans squad by signing physical free agent CB Cortland Finnegan, a solid defender who immediately upgrades a position of need.  The Rams also signed steady veteran pivotman Scott Wells from the Packers.  Wells is similar to Colts' free agent C Jeff Saturday, in that he's smart and understands leverage and blocking angles.  While he doesn't have ideal size and strength to anchor vs true two-gap NT's, he's still one of the better Centers in football.  

Former Dolphins DE Kendall Langford has proven to be one of the more dependable, runs-stuffing 5-techniques in the NFL the past couple of seasons.  He was signed this week and will most likely play inside at DT for the Rams in their base 4-3.  The Rams acquiring three first round picks and a second rounder from the Redskins for the 2nd in pick in next month's Draft could also help buoy the Rams' rebuilding under the strong leadership of Fisher, much like the Herschel Walker trade aided Jimmie Johnson's rebuild in Dallas.

The 49'ers:  Head Coach Jim Harbaugh's squad finished last season with six Pro Bowl defenders, and the team moved quickly to keep the unit intact by resigning free agent CB Carlos Rogers and franchising S Dashon Goldson.  

The 49'ers have also addressed their one glaring hole at Wide Receiver by signing Giants free agent WR Mario Manningham and by bringing in veteran WR Randy Moss.  Manningham is the headliner here and will add some much needed vertical stretch to their offense.  Moss, if focused, can still be a factor in the red zone with his size, and can even help open up the deep seam for TE Vernon Davis.  With the news of Peyton Manning recently working out for the team, a solid offseason could turn into a great one soon.

The Patriots:  The signing of the talented, yet enigmatic, WR Brandon Lloyd fills a huge need for the Patriots, as Tom Brady's only vertical threat in 2011 came from TE Rob Gronkowski.  Lloyd is a very talented player who is his own worst enemy at times, but under Brady and Belichick's leadership, he should find a very good home in Foxboro.

It's Never Too Early to Look Ahead to Next Year's Super Bowl

This NFL offseason should be very active and exciting, as it will be the first full one under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.  Free Agency will offer several potential impact players, such as Saints OG Carl Nicks, Colts WR Reggie Wayne, Texans DE Mario Williams, 49'ers CB Carlos Rogers and Packers QB Matt Flynn.  In addition, we have the uncertainty that surrounds the future of Colts QB Peyton Manning.  The Draft is always fun, and this year's crop should be a fairly deep one with two potential franchise quarterbacks, Stanford's Andrew Luck and Baylor's Robert Griffin III.

And while much will happen over the next four months in both Free Agency and the Draft, it's never too early to look at some favorites for next year's Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans. Today, I will first look at some NFC contenders, before I follow up later with the AFC.

From the NFC, the Giants, Packers, Saints and 49'ers should once again be in the hunt next year, but the Lions are closing in fast and the Eagles will be in the mix.

The Giants got healthy at the right time in 2011, and they can be even better in 2012.  For one, LT William Beatty will be back healthy, which will allow David Diehl to shift back inside to guard or even over to RT to replace the aging Kareem McKenzie.  Diehl and McKenzie were exploited by the 49'ers' edge quickness in the playoffs and at times by the Patriots in the Super Bowl.  The Giants will also return CB Terrell Thomas, who is an above average corner who missed 2011 with an injury.  The Giants may lose WR Mario Manningham through free agency, so they would be wise to add some depth at WR, along with bringing in a veteran TE and a young RB.

The Packers have some decisions to make in free agency on C Scott Wells, QB Matt Flynn and TE Jermichael Finley, but they're a fairly young squad that is built for the long haul.  They do need 2011 Rookie OT Derek Sherrod and young OT Marshall Newhouse to improve, especially if aging veteran Chad Clifton is unable to return.  Either way, the Packers need to become more stout at LT.  They also need to add some interior bulk on the their defensive line, along with an edge rusher opposite OLB Clay Matthews.  The Giants were physically more powerful and explosive in the trenches in the playoffs vs the Packers, so upgrades are needed along both lines.

The Saints should once again have a dominant offense in 2012, though they must decide if they can afford massive Pro Bowl OG Carl Nicks, who is on the wish list of many teams including the Cowboys.  The Saints signed fellow OG Jahri Evans to a 7-year/$56.7 million deal in 2010, so they may not be able to bring back the talented Nicks.  Either way, the Saints would be wise to add some depth at OT, along with a potential difference maker at DT and LB this offseason.

The 49'ers were one of the surprise teams in 2011, but they will not sneak up on anyone in 2012, and their Division opponents should also improve next fall. The 49'ers must decide first if they want to bring back free agent QB Alex Smith, while also deciding on whether they can bring back two all-pro caliber players in their secondary -- S Dashon Goldson and CB Carlos Rogers.  If I had to bet, I see at least Smith and Goldson returning, and Rogers possibly being replaced by rising 2011 rookie CB, Chris Culliver.  That said, the 49'ers may have fewer holes than any team in football, as they have a defense with six potential Pro Bowl performers and an offense that's solid at almost every position except WR, where they're starving for a playmaker and a vertical threat.  DeSean Jackson, Mario Manningham or Robert Meachem could be a welcome addition through Free Agency and give Smith a needed downfield boost.

The Lions made great progress in 2011 behind the development of QB Matt Stafford, the big plays of WR Calvin Johnson and an improving defense. On offense, the Lions would be wise to bring in at least two offensive linemen though Free Agency, as well as draft an OT in the first two rounds.  They will receive a boost at RB if Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure can return to health.  Leshoure suffered a season-ending injury in preseason last year, and if healthy, he can be a bruising three-down difference maker for the Lions.  On defense, the Lions need to bring back free agent DE Cliff Avril, who is one of the better and more underrated edge rushers in football, as well as free agent tackling machine, LB Stephen Tulloch.  They also need young players like DT Nick Fairley to mature and take the next step in their development.  If they can also add a playmaker at CB, the Lions are positioned to make noise in 2012.

Also, don't forget about the 2012 Eagles, a team who still has an elite LT, several playmakers on offense and the ability to get to the QB off the edge on defense.  They need to add at least two LB's this offseason, along with a stout DT inside, but this is a squad that weathered several changes in 2011 and still has a solid Head Coach and Front Office.

10 College Football Impact Freshmen for 2012

Over the past week, I reviewed more film on this year's top senior High School football players while also analyzing the tapes of the ESPN Under Armour and U.S. Army All-Star games.  Below is a list of 10 potential 2012 Impact Freshmen who "flashed" on film and in one of the All-Star games:

WR Marvin Bracy, Florida State commit:  Bracy may be the fastest players in the nation with legitimate 4.35 speed and will also run track at FSU.  On film, he will remind you a little of Packers Rookie WR and Returner Randall Cobb, as he is explosive in space and can be a weapon in the slot and on special teams.  Expect Bracy to make an immediate impact for the Noles next fall, giving QB EJ Manuel another weapon while also jumpstarting the Noles' return game.

DE Dante Fowler, Florida State commit:  While fellow FSU commit DE Mario Edwards Jr. will receive more hype, Fowler has great power and edge explosion and will form an amazing bookend duo with Edwards over the next 3-4 seasons.  He reminds me a little of former Noles' star Reinard Wilson, and Folwer and Edwards could end up reminding many of WIlson and his former star teammate Peter Boulware before the two leave Tallahassee.

DE Noah Spence, Ohio State commit:  Spence was electric off the edge on film and during the Under Armour All-Star Game, as he had 3 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and numerous pressures during the contest.  Spence may have been the best player in the game, as he demonstrated a lighting quick first step, a high motor, hip explosion and great bend off the edge.  He will step right into the Buckeyes' two-deep and will make an immediate impact off the edge in passing situations.  He and Army All-Star DE Adolphus Washington will also form quite a duo in Columbus. 

RB T.J. Yeldon, Alabama commit:  Yeldon has great size at 6'2' and 210-pounds, incredible power and athleticism, which was demonstrated during the Army All-Star game when he twice went airborne to allude would-be tacklers.  He and Texas commit Jonathan Gray are the two best RB's that I've seen on film this year, and Yeldon will be able to immediately step into the void left by RB Trent Richardson, who is expected to announce that he will be turning pro.

RB Jonathan Gray, Texas commit:  Gray lacks great size, but he is physical, finishes his runs and has tremendous quickness and acceleration.  Moreover, he may have the best hands of any RB in the 2012 Class and is capable of being an immediate three-down back in Austin.  Gray will split time with Freshman starter Malcolm Brown and will give the Longhorns the nation's best blend of power and speed with their 2012 backfield.  Also, watch for Texas to have offensive sets where both Brown and Gray are on the field together to take advantage of Gray's quickness in space and his unique receiving skills.

S Shaq Thompson, Cal commit (see above):  Most experts regard Thompson as one of the top two Safety prospects in the Class of 2012, as he possesses great size -- 6'2" and 210 lbs -- speed, instinct and tremendous explosion through a ball carrier.  Thompson has an aggressive, intimidating style that you would expect from a LB, while also having the ability to excel in coverage.  Thompson leads what could be Cal's finest recruiting class in the last 25 years.

DE/OLB Ifeadi Odenigo, Northwestern commit:  Odenigo, who only started playing football as a sophomore in high school, is one of the top 3 recruits in the Pat Fitzgerald era.  While raw and still needing to add some bulk strength to his upper body and trunk, Odenigo has tremendous edge speed (4.5 forty) and first-step quickness and should improve immensely with reps, coaching and Northwestern's solid strength and conditioning program.  He will be able to see the field next fall as at least a situational edge rush rusher, or to replace outgoing four-year starter Vincent Browne at DE.

DT Ondre Pipkins, Michigan commit:  The 6'3 and 325-pound Pipkins will be able to help immediately fill the void of Michigan losing both starting senior DT's to graduation, including All-Big Ten selection Mike Martin.  Pipkins has great quickness, tremendous strength and a non-stop motor.  While he can improve his technique and tighten up his build, you can't teach the quickness and athleticism that he possesses.  If he can push underachieving but ultra-talented DT William Campbell to play with intensity on every down, the Wolverines should have two outstanding two-gap standouts next fall.

CB Brian Poole, Florida commit:  Poole has NFL size -- 5'11 and 195-pounds -- and an NFL build and plays with great instinct and explosion.  He is very physical in run support, has loose hips and can really break on the ball.  In fact, he seems to move at a different speed than other players and even demonstrated this in the Under Armour Game.  He should be a future All-SEC player who will finally fill the void left when CB Janoris Jenkins was dismissed from Florida last year.

S Landon Collins, Alabama commit:  Collins will be able to step right into the shoes of departing Safety Mark Barron, who will likely be the first safety selected in the 2012 NFL Draft.  Collins, like Thompson, has great size, explosion and toughness and can also fill a hole like a LB.  He possesses 4.43 speed, fluid hips and tremendous instincts as well as some nastiness, which will remind you a little of a young Steve Atwater.  In fact, I would not be surprised if Collins and Thompson both end up as first day NFL picks in three or four years.

It's NFL Playoff Time

A few weeks back I wrote about the recent shift in the balance of power from the AFC to the NFC, and with the recent surge of the Giants and the return of their once feared pass rush, I still feel that the four best teams may reside in the NFC as we enter the Playoffs.  The Packers, of course, have simply been the best team in the NFL this year, though recent concerns with the health of LT Chad Clifton and RT Bryan Bulaga, along with the lack of a consistent pass rush throughout the season, have caused many to question whether the Saints are a more complete team. 

That said, the good news for Packers' fans is that Chad Clifton appears to be healthy and is supposed to start next week's Divisional Game.  The Packers are also hopeful that Bulaga may be ready for action next week, as well. Even with the injuries at tackle, Aaron Rodgers still finished the season with the highest passer rating in NFL history at 122.5.  Rodgers has benefitted from the return to health of TE Jermichael Finley, a dynamic seam threat and a cover-2 exploiter, and from the addition of Rookie WR Randall Cobb, who has added much needed speed and open-field ability, both after the catch and on special teams.  Their concerns again surround the health of their OT's, the lack of a difference maker at RB and a consistent pass rush, either from inside at DT or off the edge opposite Clay Matthews.  

The Saints' Offense may be as dangerous as Green Bay's, as Quarterback Drew Brees set the NFL record for yards passing this season behind possibly the League's best offensive line, which features a Pro Bowl LT, Jermon Bushrod, and the two starting Pro Bowl Offensive Guards in Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans.   TE Jimmy Graham has emerged as the NFC's equivalent of the Patriots' Rob Gronkowski and has been a difference maker along with Mr. Versatility, Darren Sproles, who was arguably the NFL's best free agent signing, as the lightning quick Sproles broke the NFL record for all-purpose yards this season and provided a huge boost on special teams, as well as in both the running and passing game.  Also, the Saints Defense is opportunistic and has benefitted from improved LB play and a ball-hawking secondary.

The Giants are again getting hot at the right time and are a matchup headache for any team because they are physical in the trenches on both sides of the ball and can hammer you and control the clock on offense in bad weather with RB's Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, while QB Eli Manning and WR Victor Cruz have found their groove.  What makes the Giants even more dangerous, however, is the return of their pass rash, as OLB Mathias Kiwanuka and DE's Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck are again healthy and have recently begun to look like their old selves.  Throw in rising superstar and future NFL Defensive Player of the Year, DE Jason Pierre-Paul and his 16.5 sacks, and you will not find a better pass-rushing foursome in football, as Pierre-Paul can be moved inside on passing downs.  The Giants are indeed a scary team and could pose a formidable foe for the Packers' offensive line if they are able to get past the Falcons this week.  

Meanwhile, the 49'ers won 13 games and placed four defensive starters on the Pro Bowl, though arguably their best defender, NaVorro Bowman, was snubbed, along with Rookie OLB Aldon Smith and his 14 sacks.  Their ball-control, physical offensive attack is the perfect complement for their Defense and presents a squad that is built for any and all weather conditions.

Any of these four teams could represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, but if Clifton and Bulaga are healthy, the Packers are still the team to beat.

In the AFC, the Patriots garnered the top seed with 13 wins, though not one of their victories was over a team with a winning record.  Tom Brady had another fabulous season, but their Offense lacks vertical speed and a difference maker in the backfield.  Moreover, their Defense ranked 31st overall in the NFL, giving up 411.1 yards per game along with 21.4 points per contest.  

The Steelers do matchup well against New England, but they are banged up, as RB Rashard Mendenhall tore his ACL in the season finale against Cleveland, and QB Ben Roethlisberger has a gimpy ankle.  However, Mendenhall wasn't a huge factor this season, and Isaac Redman is a capable replacement as long as keeps the ball off the turf.  With the Steelers having the League's top-ranked Defense, it will likely come down to the health of BIg Ben, as Pittsburgh has developed an elite passing attack which now features the League's top deep threat and burner in WR Mike Wallace, along with underneath weapons in speedy WR Antonio Brown and veteran Hines Ward, not to mention seam stretcher and red zone threat, TE Heath Miller.

The Ravens still have one of the League's top three Defenses and the solid ground game of RB Ray Rice.  They have also benefitted from finally having a vertical threat to compliment cagey veteran WR Anquan Boldin, as Rookie WR Torrey Smith is continuing to become more of a more polished WR and not simply a former track star who plays football.  However, it will ultimately come down to the play of QB Joe Flacco, and that's why I like the chances of the Patriots and the Steelers more in the AFC than I do of the Ravens.

Let the fun begin!