Bronco Rob
01-28-2010, 04:39 AM
NFL free-agent watch: Sporting News' Super 99
Vinnie Iyer
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010 - 11:04 p.m. ET
Sporting News' top 99 potential free agents, broken down by position. (Note: Including unrestricted (U) and restricted free agents (R), the designation "CBA" is for free agents who will become unrestricted if a new collective bargaining agreement is reached between players and owners by March 5.)
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Jason Campbell, Redskins (CBA). Has a shot to resurrect career in right offense.
Tarvaris Jackson, Vikings (CBA). Won't go anywhere if Brett Favre retires.
Matt Moore, Panthers (R). Strong finish will lead to interest.
Kyle Orton, Broncos (CBA). Track record as a starter can't be ignored.
Running backs
Jerome Harrison, Browns (CBA). Came on strong to show promise as feature back.
Jerious Norwood, Falcons (CBA). Oft-injured; best suited in committee role.
Willie Parker, Steelers (U). Ideally, a speed complement to a power back.
Jason Snelling, Falcons (R). Makes a solid backup to Michael Turner.
Darren Sproles, Chargers (CBA). San Diego must keep electric cog in backfield.
Chester Taylor, Vikings (U). Vet's value primary on third downs, relief duty.
Pierre Thomas, Saints (R). Valuable, versatile heart of team's running game.
Leon Washington, Jets (CBA). Dynamic triple threat but coming off knee injury.
LenDale White, Titans (CBA). Phased-out power back might need new home.
Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers (CBA). Flashes feature back ability, but can't stay injury-free.
Fullbacks
Le'Ron McClain, Ravens (R). Is the league's best combo power runner/blocker.
Leonard Weaver, Eagles (CBA). Versatility makes him very attractive.
Wide receivers
Miles Austin, Cowboys (CBA). Dallas should give No. 1 receiver a long-term deal.
Steve Breaston, Cardinals (R). Is primed and ready for a starting role.
Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers (U). Is gifted but an underachiever.
Nate Burleson, Seahawks (U). History of injuries has derailed natural talent.
Chris Chambers, chefs (U). Still has good hands, leaping ability.
Braylon Edwards, Jets (CBA). Playoff feats might keep him as the No. 1 in New York.
Malcom Floyd, Chargers (CBA). Rising player with size and athleticism.
Vincent Jackson, Chargers (CBA). Coming off dominant, breakout Pro Bowl year.
Brandon Marshall, Broncos (CBA). Carries some baggage along with elite skills.
Derrick Mason, Ravens (U). Keeps defying age (36) by racking up tough catches.
Lance Moore, Saints (CBA). Had great '08 before injuries hit in '09.
Brad Smith, Jets (CBA). Former college QB is a versatile cog.
Terrell Owens, Bills (U). A good pickup for aggressive contender.
Kevin Walter, Texans (U). Good value as potential No. 2 receiver.
Tight ends
Owen Daniels, Texans (CBA). Team unlikely to let '08 Pro Bowler walk.
Anthony Fasano, Dolphins (CBA). Figures to be back as a starter in Miami.
Bo Scaife, Titans (CBA). Vince Young's safety net likely will be back.
Tony Scheffler, Broncos (CBA). Skilled receiver doesn't fit in Denver's offense.
David Thomas, Saints (CBA). Shows potential but will be seen as backup.
Benjamin Watson, Patriots (U). Nothing spectacular but solid all-around.
Offensive tackles
Jammal Brown, Saints (CBA). Top left tackle missed '09 with sports hernia.
Jermon Bushrod, Saints (R). Held up pretty well in Jammal Brown's absence.
Tyson Clabo, Falcons (CBA). Is an adequate but unexceptional right tackle.
Chad Clifton, Packers (U). Has been solid but has a lot of mileage at 33.
Ryan Cook, Vikings (CBA). Backup who could start at right tackle.
Jared Gaither, Ravens (R). Ravens figure to move him from left to right tackle.
Charlie Johnson, Colts (CBA). Had good year protecting Peyton Manning's blind side.
Marcus McNeill, Chargers (CBA). Shook off '08 injuries to be solid at left tackle.
Guards
Harvey Dahl, Falcons (CBA). Among the league's nastiest interior linemen.
Jahri Evans, Saints (CBA). Has become an elite right guard.
Logan Mankins, Patriots (CBA). Remains a very good left guard.
Stephen Neal, Patriots (U). At 33, is considering retirement.
Marshal Yanda, Ravens (R). Injury-prone yet serviceable backup.
Centers
Kevin Mawae, Titans (U). Still effective, but age (39) is a drawback.
Chris Spencer, Seahawks (CBA). '05 first-round disappointment is a marginal starter.
DEFENSE
Defensive ends
Marques Douglas, Jets (U). At 32, can still make plays as 3-4 starter.
Ray Edwards, Vikings (CBA). Got hot down the stretch opposite Jared Allen.
Jarvis Green, Patriots (U). Would be savvy pickup for 3-4 rotation.
Adewale Ogunleye, Bears (U). At 32, best pass-rushing days behind him.
Julius Peppers, Panthers (U). Change of scenery might rev him up again.
Richard Seymour, Raiders (U). Still can be a disruptive force vs. run and pass.
Marcus Spears, Cowboys (CBA). Ideal end in a 3-4 scheme.
Kyle Vanden Bosch, Titans (U). Won't shortchange in terms of hustle, effort.
Defensive tackles
Barry Cofield, Giants (CBA). Still only 25 and a solid 4-3 tackle.
Casey Hampton, Steelers (U).At 32, Pittsburgh still covets him as its nose.
Tony Brown, Titans (CBA). One of the game's best inside pass rushers.
Daniel Muir, Colts (R). He's the run-stopping difference in Indy's D-line.
Ryan Pickett, Packers (U). Coming off big season as Packers' nose.
Vince Wilfork, Patriots (U). Remains a dominant interior presence
Outside linebackers
Keith Bulluck, Titans (U). Remains sound despite being 32 and coming off injury.
Karlos Dansby, Cardinals (U). Is a premier playmaker, especially against the pass.
Thomas Davis, Panthers (CBA). Former safety offers great athleticism.
Elvis Dumervil, Broncos (CBA). Dolphins would love to reunite him with Mike Nolan.
Tyjuan Hagler, Colts (CBA). A good, speedy defender for a cover-2 scheme.
Thomas Howard, Raiders (CBA). Has potential to be a playmaking star.
Aaron Kampman, Packers (U). Might be better off switching back to 4-3 end.
Rocky McIntosh, Redskins (CBA). Covers a lot of a ground from the edges.
Shawne Merriman, Chargers (CBA). Is only 25, but hasn't returned to pre-injury form.
Jason Taylor, Dolphins (U). Still has value as situational pass rusher.
Inside linebackers
Gary Brackett, Colts (U). Exceptional tackler with good leadership skills.
D'Qwell Jackson, Browns (CBA). Had promise before injuries derailed '09 season.
Derrick Johnson, chefs (CBA). Demoted to backup in 3-4 scheme, but can start in a 4-3.
Kirk Morrison, Raiders (CBA). Unsung, hardworking, rangy tackler in 4-3 defense.
DeMeco Ryans, Texans (CBA). Excels at cleaning up against the run, racking up tackles.
Barrett Ruud, Buccaneers (CBA). Is a tackling machine with good instincts.
Stephen Tulloch, Titans (CBA). Solid middle man who plays the run well.
Cornerbacks
Leigh Bodden, Patriots (U). Found a good home in Bill Belichick's scheme.
Marlin Jackson, Colts (CBA). Team missed his size, speed in secondary.
Richard Marshall, Panthers (CBA). Rising star is ready for big jump.
Dunta Robinson, Texans (U). If he can stay healthy, he has shutdown potential.
Carlos Rogers, Redskins (CBA). A good No. 2 corner for many teams to consider.
Safeties
O.J. Atogwe, Rams (CBA). Good hitter and playmaker needs better teammates to shine.
Antoine Bethea, Colts (CBA). Has proved valuable in Bob Sanders' absence.
Atari Bigby, Packers (CBA). Always hits hard, but is an inconsistent.
Tyrone Carter, Steelers (U). Serviceable backup who can play either safety spot.
Ryan Clark, Steelers (U). Best suited to contribute at free safety.
Nick Collins, Packers (CBA). Has a great nose for the ball and big plays.
Roman Harper, Saints. Was a Pro Bowler next to Darren Sharper.
Dawan Landry, Ravens (CBA). Solid starter for run support and tackling.
Darren Sharper, Saints (U). Proved age (34) doesn't keep him from making big plays.
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2010-01-27/2010-free-agent-watch-sporting-news-super-99
Vinnie Iyer
Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010 - 11:04 p.m. ET
Sporting News' top 99 potential free agents, broken down by position. (Note: Including unrestricted (U) and restricted free agents (R), the designation "CBA" is for free agents who will become unrestricted if a new collective bargaining agreement is reached between players and owners by March 5.)
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Jason Campbell, Redskins (CBA). Has a shot to resurrect career in right offense.
Tarvaris Jackson, Vikings (CBA). Won't go anywhere if Brett Favre retires.
Matt Moore, Panthers (R). Strong finish will lead to interest.
Kyle Orton, Broncos (CBA). Track record as a starter can't be ignored.
Running backs
Jerome Harrison, Browns (CBA). Came on strong to show promise as feature back.
Jerious Norwood, Falcons (CBA). Oft-injured; best suited in committee role.
Willie Parker, Steelers (U). Ideally, a speed complement to a power back.
Jason Snelling, Falcons (R). Makes a solid backup to Michael Turner.
Darren Sproles, Chargers (CBA). San Diego must keep electric cog in backfield.
Chester Taylor, Vikings (U). Vet's value primary on third downs, relief duty.
Pierre Thomas, Saints (R). Valuable, versatile heart of team's running game.
Leon Washington, Jets (CBA). Dynamic triple threat but coming off knee injury.
LenDale White, Titans (CBA). Phased-out power back might need new home.
Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers (CBA). Flashes feature back ability, but can't stay injury-free.
Fullbacks
Le'Ron McClain, Ravens (R). Is the league's best combo power runner/blocker.
Leonard Weaver, Eagles (CBA). Versatility makes him very attractive.
Wide receivers
Miles Austin, Cowboys (CBA). Dallas should give No. 1 receiver a long-term deal.
Steve Breaston, Cardinals (R). Is primed and ready for a starting role.
Antonio Bryant, Buccaneers (U). Is gifted but an underachiever.
Nate Burleson, Seahawks (U). History of injuries has derailed natural talent.
Chris Chambers, chefs (U). Still has good hands, leaping ability.
Braylon Edwards, Jets (CBA). Playoff feats might keep him as the No. 1 in New York.
Malcom Floyd, Chargers (CBA). Rising player with size and athleticism.
Vincent Jackson, Chargers (CBA). Coming off dominant, breakout Pro Bowl year.
Brandon Marshall, Broncos (CBA). Carries some baggage along with elite skills.
Derrick Mason, Ravens (U). Keeps defying age (36) by racking up tough catches.
Lance Moore, Saints (CBA). Had great '08 before injuries hit in '09.
Brad Smith, Jets (CBA). Former college QB is a versatile cog.
Terrell Owens, Bills (U). A good pickup for aggressive contender.
Kevin Walter, Texans (U). Good value as potential No. 2 receiver.
Tight ends
Owen Daniels, Texans (CBA). Team unlikely to let '08 Pro Bowler walk.
Anthony Fasano, Dolphins (CBA). Figures to be back as a starter in Miami.
Bo Scaife, Titans (CBA). Vince Young's safety net likely will be back.
Tony Scheffler, Broncos (CBA). Skilled receiver doesn't fit in Denver's offense.
David Thomas, Saints (CBA). Shows potential but will be seen as backup.
Benjamin Watson, Patriots (U). Nothing spectacular but solid all-around.
Offensive tackles
Jammal Brown, Saints (CBA). Top left tackle missed '09 with sports hernia.
Jermon Bushrod, Saints (R). Held up pretty well in Jammal Brown's absence.
Tyson Clabo, Falcons (CBA). Is an adequate but unexceptional right tackle.
Chad Clifton, Packers (U). Has been solid but has a lot of mileage at 33.
Ryan Cook, Vikings (CBA). Backup who could start at right tackle.
Jared Gaither, Ravens (R). Ravens figure to move him from left to right tackle.
Charlie Johnson, Colts (CBA). Had good year protecting Peyton Manning's blind side.
Marcus McNeill, Chargers (CBA). Shook off '08 injuries to be solid at left tackle.
Guards
Harvey Dahl, Falcons (CBA). Among the league's nastiest interior linemen.
Jahri Evans, Saints (CBA). Has become an elite right guard.
Logan Mankins, Patriots (CBA). Remains a very good left guard.
Stephen Neal, Patriots (U). At 33, is considering retirement.
Marshal Yanda, Ravens (R). Injury-prone yet serviceable backup.
Centers
Kevin Mawae, Titans (U). Still effective, but age (39) is a drawback.
Chris Spencer, Seahawks (CBA). '05 first-round disappointment is a marginal starter.
DEFENSE
Defensive ends
Marques Douglas, Jets (U). At 32, can still make plays as 3-4 starter.
Ray Edwards, Vikings (CBA). Got hot down the stretch opposite Jared Allen.
Jarvis Green, Patriots (U). Would be savvy pickup for 3-4 rotation.
Adewale Ogunleye, Bears (U). At 32, best pass-rushing days behind him.
Julius Peppers, Panthers (U). Change of scenery might rev him up again.
Richard Seymour, Raiders (U). Still can be a disruptive force vs. run and pass.
Marcus Spears, Cowboys (CBA). Ideal end in a 3-4 scheme.
Kyle Vanden Bosch, Titans (U). Won't shortchange in terms of hustle, effort.
Defensive tackles
Barry Cofield, Giants (CBA). Still only 25 and a solid 4-3 tackle.
Casey Hampton, Steelers (U).At 32, Pittsburgh still covets him as its nose.
Tony Brown, Titans (CBA). One of the game's best inside pass rushers.
Daniel Muir, Colts (R). He's the run-stopping difference in Indy's D-line.
Ryan Pickett, Packers (U). Coming off big season as Packers' nose.
Vince Wilfork, Patriots (U). Remains a dominant interior presence
Outside linebackers
Keith Bulluck, Titans (U). Remains sound despite being 32 and coming off injury.
Karlos Dansby, Cardinals (U). Is a premier playmaker, especially against the pass.
Thomas Davis, Panthers (CBA). Former safety offers great athleticism.
Elvis Dumervil, Broncos (CBA). Dolphins would love to reunite him with Mike Nolan.
Tyjuan Hagler, Colts (CBA). A good, speedy defender for a cover-2 scheme.
Thomas Howard, Raiders (CBA). Has potential to be a playmaking star.
Aaron Kampman, Packers (U). Might be better off switching back to 4-3 end.
Rocky McIntosh, Redskins (CBA). Covers a lot of a ground from the edges.
Shawne Merriman, Chargers (CBA). Is only 25, but hasn't returned to pre-injury form.
Jason Taylor, Dolphins (U). Still has value as situational pass rusher.
Inside linebackers
Gary Brackett, Colts (U). Exceptional tackler with good leadership skills.
D'Qwell Jackson, Browns (CBA). Had promise before injuries derailed '09 season.
Derrick Johnson, chefs (CBA). Demoted to backup in 3-4 scheme, but can start in a 4-3.
Kirk Morrison, Raiders (CBA). Unsung, hardworking, rangy tackler in 4-3 defense.
DeMeco Ryans, Texans (CBA). Excels at cleaning up against the run, racking up tackles.
Barrett Ruud, Buccaneers (CBA). Is a tackling machine with good instincts.
Stephen Tulloch, Titans (CBA). Solid middle man who plays the run well.
Cornerbacks
Leigh Bodden, Patriots (U). Found a good home in Bill Belichick's scheme.
Marlin Jackson, Colts (CBA). Team missed his size, speed in secondary.
Richard Marshall, Panthers (CBA). Rising star is ready for big jump.
Dunta Robinson, Texans (U). If he can stay healthy, he has shutdown potential.
Carlos Rogers, Redskins (CBA). A good No. 2 corner for many teams to consider.
Safeties
O.J. Atogwe, Rams (CBA). Good hitter and playmaker needs better teammates to shine.
Antoine Bethea, Colts (CBA). Has proved valuable in Bob Sanders' absence.
Atari Bigby, Packers (CBA). Always hits hard, but is an inconsistent.
Tyrone Carter, Steelers (U). Serviceable backup who can play either safety spot.
Ryan Clark, Steelers (U). Best suited to contribute at free safety.
Nick Collins, Packers (CBA). Has a great nose for the ball and big plays.
Roman Harper, Saints. Was a Pro Bowler next to Darren Sharper.
Dawan Landry, Ravens (CBA). Solid starter for run support and tackling.
Darren Sharper, Saints (U). Proved age (34) doesn't keep him from making big plays.
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2010-01-27/2010-free-agent-watch-sporting-news-super-99