Oldskool
February-14th-2006, 05:13 PM
Full story can be found here: http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=2325910
Defensive end
A 2006 class of free-agent defensive ends that is both top-heavy and deep should give teams plenty of options from which to choose.
John Abraham wasn't happy about being tagged the Jets' franchise player last season, so player and team could be headed for more friction this offseason. He remains one of the league's top edge rushers, is coming off another impressive season (10½ sacks) and will draw serious interest from many teams. If he isn't traded or franchised again, Abraham likely will leave New York for a fresh start elsewhere.
Darren Howard is sure to leave New Orleans after a public falling-out to end last season. His stock might have slipped a bit since the Saints franchised him a year ago, but he still has a lot of ability -- a fine blend of size and edge speed. Teams will be lining up for his services.
Kyle Vanden Bosch had a breakout '05 season and was an outstanding comeback story for Tennessee. Vanden Bosch feels a sense of loyalty toward the team that gave him an opportunity last year, and both he and the Titans would like to get a deal done before the free-agency period begins. With pass-rushers always coming at a premium, Vanden Bosch is the sort of player a desperate team might overpay in free agency.
Aaron Kampman took his game to a higher level in '05, and Green Bay clearly wants to retain the up-and-comer. Kampman is young, is a great hustle player and assuredly would command a big contract on the open market.
Free-agent ends Kimo von Oelhoffen and Orpheus Roye are outstanding fits for a 3-4 scheme. Both excel as powerful run-stopping ends who also are considered high-character individuals. Quite comfortable in Pittsburgh, von Oelhoffen certainly wouldn't mind finishing his career with the Steelers at a reasonable rate. Cleveland needs a lot of help along the front seven, and Roye is one of the few consistent players along a Cleveland front seven that needs a ton of help. But if the Browns decide to go younger and Roye hits the open market, he would be a hot commodity as a player who would fit as a 3-4 end or a 4-3 tackle.
Baltimore's Anthony Weaver could generate some interest. He never has reached his full potential with the Ravens, but he has plenty of untapped ability.
A change of scenery could pay dividends for Kalimba Edwards, a talented youngster whose performance in Detroit hasn't matched his talents.
Restricted free agent Robert Mathis, a vastly undersized end, could make a splash. Mathis is extremely fast, explodes off the snap and could move to outside linebacker in a 3-4. But Indianapolis isn't likely to let him get away. Expect the team either to sign him long-term or to upgrade his tender to scare off potential suitors.
With a nice mix of pass-rushers and run-stoppers, this is an excellent group of free-agent ends.
Safety
St. Louis SS Adam Archuleta is the biggest name among available safeties. Archuleta plays exceptionally hard and throws his body around -- probably the main cause for his durability issues. When healthy, he can be an athletic playmaker near the line of scrimmage, but views on Archuleta's value surely will vary.
SS Troy Polamalu gets all the pub in Pittsburgh, but FS Chris Hope is physical and has become a solid starter. He has excellent size and is a lights-out striker who can play in the box or patrol the deep middle. The Steelers, who have little depth behind Hope, will work hard to bring back the promising youngster.
SS Corey Chavous, one of the league's smartest defensive backs, puts in vast amounts of time and effort in the film room. But with a new staff having taken over in Minnesota and with the team having a number of pressing needs, Chavous could be on the move.
Another player to keep an eye on: Tampa Bay FS Dexter Jackson. After an awful stint in Arizona, Jackson found life again by the Bay. If he's smart, he'll strike another deal with the Buccaneers, whose scheme seems to maximize his skills.
Baltimore FS Will Demps and Tennessee SS Tank Williams have experienced success in the past but battled injuries last season. Both are entering their fourth NFL seasons and could be acquired at a favorable price. Demps is an average athlete who has been surrounded by loads of talent in Baltimore, but he is a fine performer. Williams is a big, physical, in-the-box safety who played hurt much of last season and whose play suffered for it.
SS Marlon McCree seemed to find a home in Carolina last year and, in hopes of keeping a good thing going, both player and team likely will consider striking a deal before the free-agent signing period begins.
SS Ryan Clark is another safety who gets overshadowed by his running mate (FS Sean Taylor). Clark is tough and makes his share of plays, though his small stature for the position also makes him the type a team always winds up trying to upgrade.
A sure-fire stud can't be found among this group, but a large number of available safeties will get a look from teams around the league.
Defensive end
A 2006 class of free-agent defensive ends that is both top-heavy and deep should give teams plenty of options from which to choose.
John Abraham wasn't happy about being tagged the Jets' franchise player last season, so player and team could be headed for more friction this offseason. He remains one of the league's top edge rushers, is coming off another impressive season (10½ sacks) and will draw serious interest from many teams. If he isn't traded or franchised again, Abraham likely will leave New York for a fresh start elsewhere.
Darren Howard is sure to leave New Orleans after a public falling-out to end last season. His stock might have slipped a bit since the Saints franchised him a year ago, but he still has a lot of ability -- a fine blend of size and edge speed. Teams will be lining up for his services.
Kyle Vanden Bosch had a breakout '05 season and was an outstanding comeback story for Tennessee. Vanden Bosch feels a sense of loyalty toward the team that gave him an opportunity last year, and both he and the Titans would like to get a deal done before the free-agency period begins. With pass-rushers always coming at a premium, Vanden Bosch is the sort of player a desperate team might overpay in free agency.
Aaron Kampman took his game to a higher level in '05, and Green Bay clearly wants to retain the up-and-comer. Kampman is young, is a great hustle player and assuredly would command a big contract on the open market.
Free-agent ends Kimo von Oelhoffen and Orpheus Roye are outstanding fits for a 3-4 scheme. Both excel as powerful run-stopping ends who also are considered high-character individuals. Quite comfortable in Pittsburgh, von Oelhoffen certainly wouldn't mind finishing his career with the Steelers at a reasonable rate. Cleveland needs a lot of help along the front seven, and Roye is one of the few consistent players along a Cleveland front seven that needs a ton of help. But if the Browns decide to go younger and Roye hits the open market, he would be a hot commodity as a player who would fit as a 3-4 end or a 4-3 tackle.
Baltimore's Anthony Weaver could generate some interest. He never has reached his full potential with the Ravens, but he has plenty of untapped ability.
A change of scenery could pay dividends for Kalimba Edwards, a talented youngster whose performance in Detroit hasn't matched his talents.
Restricted free agent Robert Mathis, a vastly undersized end, could make a splash. Mathis is extremely fast, explodes off the snap and could move to outside linebacker in a 3-4. But Indianapolis isn't likely to let him get away. Expect the team either to sign him long-term or to upgrade his tender to scare off potential suitors.
With a nice mix of pass-rushers and run-stoppers, this is an excellent group of free-agent ends.
Safety
St. Louis SS Adam Archuleta is the biggest name among available safeties. Archuleta plays exceptionally hard and throws his body around -- probably the main cause for his durability issues. When healthy, he can be an athletic playmaker near the line of scrimmage, but views on Archuleta's value surely will vary.
SS Troy Polamalu gets all the pub in Pittsburgh, but FS Chris Hope is physical and has become a solid starter. He has excellent size and is a lights-out striker who can play in the box or patrol the deep middle. The Steelers, who have little depth behind Hope, will work hard to bring back the promising youngster.
SS Corey Chavous, one of the league's smartest defensive backs, puts in vast amounts of time and effort in the film room. But with a new staff having taken over in Minnesota and with the team having a number of pressing needs, Chavous could be on the move.
Another player to keep an eye on: Tampa Bay FS Dexter Jackson. After an awful stint in Arizona, Jackson found life again by the Bay. If he's smart, he'll strike another deal with the Buccaneers, whose scheme seems to maximize his skills.
Baltimore FS Will Demps and Tennessee SS Tank Williams have experienced success in the past but battled injuries last season. Both are entering their fourth NFL seasons and could be acquired at a favorable price. Demps is an average athlete who has been surrounded by loads of talent in Baltimore, but he is a fine performer. Williams is a big, physical, in-the-box safety who played hurt much of last season and whose play suffered for it.
SS Marlon McCree seemed to find a home in Carolina last year and, in hopes of keeping a good thing going, both player and team likely will consider striking a deal before the free-agent signing period begins.
SS Ryan Clark is another safety who gets overshadowed by his running mate (FS Sean Taylor). Clark is tough and makes his share of plays, though his small stature for the position also makes him the type a team always winds up trying to upgrade.
A sure-fire stud can't be found among this group, but a large number of available safeties will get a look from teams around the league.