OL Branden Albert was a high riser over the last few months, as teams began to look at him more as a potential NFL tackle instead of offensive guard. Albert played guard primarily at the University of Virginia, but flourished when put at LT for a few games in place of the regular starter. Al Groh, a former NFL coach, endorsed Albert as a tackle and, he went from a potential late first rounder to a mid first rounder. The Chiefs have to be giddy because many pundits projected Albert to them with the 5th overall pick; yet they got him with the 15th by moving up and trading picks with Detroit.

Fantasy Impact: The Chiefs needed a lot of help and, so far, it looks like they MAY have landed the best offensive and defensive lineman in this draft. Albert will start on the Chiefs line, it’s just a matter of whether he lines up inside at guard or immediately earns a shot at tackle.

It wasn’t long ago that defensive tackle was considered one of the pre-eminent positions in the league. GMs and coaches coveted young defensive tackles that showed even a hint of promise. Aging run stuffers seemingly have endless job opportunities. Logically speaking, this is as much about the physical uniqueness of the position as anything. How many 300+ pound, athletic guys exist in the gene pool? Now ask yourself how many of them can also master an NFL playbook, play with a high motor, stay healthy, and make plays game in, game out. Sounds like a rarity? IT IS.

It also wasn’t long ago that NFL trades were a rarity.

Yet, both of those notions are being turned on their head this offseason. A bevy of the league’s defensive tackles have been traded in recent days. And the trades haven’t involved developmental backups, either. The trades read like a laundry list of the league’s top tackles, young and old.

Marcus Stroud traded to the Bills for 3rd and 5th round picks in 2008

Stroud (6′6″, 310 pounds, 29 years old) requested a trade from the Jaguars and was granted his request when the Bills came forward. From 2003-2005, Stroud was arguably the most dominant run-stuffer in the league; pairing with John Henderson to form a daunting interior. But after three consecutive Pro Bowls, Stroud hurt his ankle in 2006 and had microfracture surgery. He missed time rehabbing in 2006 and the ankle again impacted his play in 2007. On top of that, Stroud was suspended four games for violating the league’s substance abuse program. Assuming Stroud is healthy, he gives the Bills a major upgrade in place of the recently released Larry Tripplett. He’s only 29 years old and has three years remaining on his deal; so the Bills have relatively little risk in making this move.

Kris Jenkins traded to the Jets for 3rd and 5th round picks in 2008

It wasn’t long ago that Jenkins (6′4″, 335 pounds, 28 years old) was considered THE elite young tackle in the league. He notched All Pro nods in his 2nd and 3rd years, combining solid run-stopping technique with an intense inside pass rush (12 sacks in 2002-2003). Jenkins then suffered setbacks in 2004 (shoulder) and 2005 (ACL) which robbed him of his status as an elite player. To his credit, Jenkins rebounded in 2006 and earned his 3rd Pro Bowl nod; and played all 16 games in 2007, as well. Unlike Stroud, Jenkins will be asked to play a different position. The Jets use a 3-4 defensive front and Jenkins will be the team’s new nose tackle. It will be an adjustment but Jenkins has a wide body and low center of gravity, so the adjustment shouldn’t be problematic. For his troubles, the Jets signed him to a new 5-year, $35mm extension.

Shaun Rogers traded to the Browns for CB Leigh Bodden and a 3rd round pick in 2008

Rogers is a physical marvel (6′4″, 340 pounds, 28 years old) with the athleticism of a defensive end but the size of a traditional run stuffer. Perhaps no better indication of his athleticism than the fact he’s blocked 11 (yes, 11!) kicks in his career. In seven seasons in Detroit, he started nearly every game and finished last season with a career high 7 sacks. He signed a six-year extension after the 2004 season and was, at the time, viewed as one of the best young lineman in the NFL. He added Pro Bowl nods to his resume in the following two seasons. However, Rogers injured 2006 season got him off on the wrong foot with new head coach Rod Marinelli, and their relationship never appeared to recover despite a solid 2007 campaign. Rogers will significantly enhance the Browns front line; and the Browns won’t have to immediately commit to a new contract for him.

Corey Williams traded to the Browns for a 2nd round pick in 2008

Williams (6′4″, 313 pounds, 27 years old) emerged this season in Green Bay as a 4-3 tackle capable of periodic dominance. Despite being part of a rotation in Green Bay, Williams put up 14 sacks over the last two years in addition to 69 tackles. The Packers franchised Williams and seemed ready to commit to him long-term. But shortly after the start of free agency, the Packers shipped Williams to the Browns for a 2nd round pick. The Browns will use Williams as a defensive end in the 3-4 scheme and have signed him to a new 6-year, $38mm deal that guarantees him $14mm.

So is this trade frenzy indicative of a new NFL paradigm or simply a statistical quirk of this offseason? It seems that NFL teams are no longer beholden keeping high priced players around hoping they will learn to fit into the system and/or get over their unhappiness at the situation. Will all of these deals work out for the acquiring teams? Certainly not. But in early March when every deal has an optimistic light, it certainly seems like the acquiring teams landed key contributors that would’ve been impossible to find through the draft or free agency.

The Browns continue their free agent bonanza, signing Donte Stallworth to a 7-year, $35mm contract with $10mm in guarantees. This looks like a smart move for player and team alike. After wearing out his welcome in New Orleans, Stallworth was traded to the Eagles in 2006 and averaged a league best 19.1 yards per catch; but the Eagles deemed him expendable because he only played in 12 games and caught 38 passes. Last year, Stallworth was supposed to be Tom Brady’s deep threat; that is, until they traded for Randy Moss a few weeks after signing Donte. He still chipped in 46 catches but wasn’t a centerpiece of the Patriots dynamic offensive attack.

Now, Stallworth gets stability and a chance to establish himself on one of the league’s up-and-coming offenses. His speed should fit perfectly alongside Pro Bowl WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow. QB Derek Anderson led the league in yards per completion last year; and Stallworth’s addition will mean even more commitment to an aggressive, downfield passing attack.

What could this mean for the Browns offense?

Last year, Joe Jurevicius caught 50 receptions for 614 yards (12.3 per catch) with 3 TDs as the starter opposite Braylon Edwards. No other Browns wideout caught more than 8 passes.

So now the Browns add the speedy Stallworth to the mix; allowing them to not only stretch the field more, but to also user more 3-WR sets with Jurevicius (a big, tall, slow receiver) working out of the slot.

Although one can’t extrapolate numbers directly, let’s just have some fun with numbers for a second; if Donte Stallworth matched his career averages last year in place of  Joe Jurevicius, how would the Browns offense have looked?

• Jurevicius’ 2007 totals — 50 receptions for 614 yards (12.3 per catch), 3 TDs
• Stallworth’s Career averages — 15.1 yards per catch, 1 TD every 9 catches
• Implied Stallworth 2007 totals — 50 receptions for 755 yards (15.1 per catch), 5 TDs

If Derek Anderson can approximate his output from 2007 again this season, the Browns could be looking at a 4,000-yard season and 30+ passing TDs. WOW.

Sometimes it pays to take chances.

Last year, Jamal Lewis opted for a one-year deal to play in Cleveland after spending seven seasons with rival Baltimore. The move was initially met with skepticism as Lewis’ best days appeared to be behind him, and the Browns seemed to have bigger needs than an aging back. But Lewis took an incentive-laden 1-year deal and took it upon himself to prove the critics wrong.

And did he ever…

• 15 games played
• 1,304 yards [his best since 2003]
• 4.4 yards per rush [best since 2003]
• 30 receptions [3rd best]
• 248 receiving yards [best since 2002]
• 1,552 yards from scrimmage [best since 2003]
• 11 TDs [best since 2003]
• RB6 fantasy ranking [best since 2003]

Most importantly, Lewis was a consistent factor in a surprising 10-6 Cleveland team; which appears to be on the right track in no small part because of Lewis’ running and the emerging play of the resurgent offensive line.

This week, Lewis was rewarded with a new 3-year deal (terms not yet disclosed) that will keep him in Cleveland through 2010.

Related Blogs:

• Jamal Lewis: Goes for double or nothing and wins

Baltimore Ravens

LB Terrell Suggs

Suggs has five years in the league yet won’t turn 26 until October. Although his sack totals were down this year (just 5), he’s a proven play-maker who is many years younger than a typical marquee free agent. The Ravens can ill afford to let him leave after losing Adalius Thomas last offseason.

xxxxx

Cincinnati Bengals

DE Justin Smith

Last season the Bengals opted to tag DE Justin Smith despite questions about whether he was an elite defensive end. The logic was that he was a hard worker, and one of the few plus defenders on a defense that needed lots of improvement. Fast forward to this offseason and reports are again surfacing that Smith may get tagged; which, if true, begs the question: WHY? Smith notched only 2 sacks last year and has never had more than the 8.5 of his rookie season. The Bengals defense was awful last year and is more than one player away. In addition, the team has other major issues at play including: T.J. Houshmandzadeh wants a raise, Chad Johnson isn’t necessarily happy, and the team has other key free agents (Williams, Andrews, Johnson).

Cleveland Browns

The Browns resurgent 2007 brings with it challenges in free agency. RB Jamal Lewis gambled on a one-year deal last year and delivered a monster season which should bring him a market rate, multi-year deal. While Lewis is important to the Browns, his age and career workload likely precludes them from tagging him. The other major free agent is QB Derek Anderson; but Anderson is a restricted free agent so Cleveland has the right to match any offer. As a result, don’t look for the Browns to use either designation.

Pittsburgh Steelers

OG Alan Faneca is the best free agent guard on the market, and has been an important cog in the Steelers offensive machine for years. Yet, I’m not listing him as a potential tag candidate because the Steelers seem ready to let him leave via free agency.

Prior to the start of the 2006 season, Jamal Lewis returned to the Baltimore Ravens on a one-year deal. Despite rushing for 2,000 yards a few seasons before, Lewis had seen relatively no interest in free agency and returned, hat in hand, to the team that wouldn’t commit to him. Of course, his injuries, lack of conditioning and jail term all played a role. Lewis made a bet that his one-year deal would lead to free agent riches; but then he posted the following numbers:

• 314 carries
• 1,132 yards
• 3.6 yards per rush
• 9 rushing TDs
• 18 receptions
• 115 receiving yards

Those numbers weren’t horrible, but they were hardly the stuff of an elite franchise runner and, as  a result, Lewis entered last offseason in a similar position. Many teams wondered if his best days were behind him. He found a home in division rival Cleveland, thanks to GM Phil Savage (who scouted Lewis while a personnel executive in Baltimore); but again only for a 1-year deal.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A SEASON MAKES

The Browns are on the verge of a potential playoff berth and Jamal Lewis has enjoyed a resurgent season:

• 14 games
• 272 carries
• 1,176 yards
• 4.3 yards per rush
• 9 TDs
• 29 receptions
• 247 yards receiving
• 2 receiving TDs

Lewis posted his best yardage, yards per rush, TDs and receiving numbers since his magical 2,000-yard season in 2003. As a result? He will either sign a long-term deal to stay in Cleveland OR find himself a new home with a big upfront guarantee.  Regardless of what you think of Lewis as a person or player, you have to give him credit for having enough confidence in his own abilities to play for a one-year deal in consecutive years. Looks like the 2nd time was the charm.

You are welcome to consider the following as analysis or entertainment, as you see fit.

WEEK 16 of the 2O06 SEASON
Seven kickers score in double digits in week 16 last year:
10 Matt Bryant in TB 22-7 victory at Cle
11 David Akers in Phi 23-7 victory at Dal
12 Rob Bironas in Ten 30-29 victory at Buf
12 John Carney in NO 30-7 victory at NYG
14 Neil Rackers in Ari 26-20 victory at SF
14 Robbie Gould in Chi 26-20 victory at Det
17 Rian Lindell in Buf 29-20 loss against Ten

6 of 7 of those games featured teams that ended up with similar records (Chi-Det being the exception)
6 of 7 of those kickers played for the visiting team (Lindell being the exception)
6 of 7 of those kickers played for the team that won (Lindell being the exception)

WEEK 16 of the 2007 SEASON
Who are the visiting kickers this week in matchups of teams with similar records?
Lawrence Tynes: 9-5 NYG at 7-7 Buf
David Akers: 6-8 Phi at 7-7 NO
John Carney: 4-10 KC at 6-8 Det
Shaun Suisham: 7-7 Was at 8-6 Min

Thought just occurred to me today as I was looking over this weekend’s games and the resulting fantasy rankings:

Three of the four AFC North teams have elite fantasy QBs at the helm right now:

• Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) — 2,020 yards/22 TDs/7 INTs = 3rd ranked QB
• Derek Anderson (CLE) — 2,231 yards/20 TDs/9 INTs = 4th ranked QB
• Carson Palmer (CIN) — 2,464 yards/16 TDs/10 INTs = 7th ranked QB

What’s more surprising, that a division with its history steeped in ball-control, hard-nosed football would have three big-time passers OR that Carson Palmer is the 3rd most productive passer in his own division?

I told you that Charlie Frye simply had no place in Cleveland after Week One’s mid-game benching. The coaches simply couldn’t have put him back on the field and convinced his teammates it was the right move. That’s unfortunate for a young passer who many thought could be as good as some of the other MAC products in recent years (i.e., Ben Roethlisberger, Chad Pennington).

Today, the Browns traded Charlie Frye to the Seattle Seahawks for a 6th round draft pick. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer makes the point this move will allow Seneca Wallace to play more receiver; which may be the case although I’m not so sure I expect Wallace to give up his QB2 role so easily. From what we’ve seen of Wallace, he’s a better QB than Frye; and at a minimum it will take Frye some time to learn Mike Holmgren’s complicated offense.

Fantasy Relevance:

• QB Brady Quinn gets ever closer to taking over the helm in Cleveland
• QB Charlie Frye has the potential to rebuild confidence in a proven, pressure-free situation
• QB Derek Anderson probably gets a start (or two or three) until the Browns are willing to go with Quinn
• QB/WR Seneca Wallace should see more offensive snaps; perhaps filling the WR3/WR4 role depending on how long D.J. Hackett is out for [which would move up Nate Burleson and Bobby Engram]

OK, bear with me. I realize that fantasy football owners probably could care less whether Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson are at the helm of the Browns because neither are going to see the light of day in 10- and 12-team fantasy leagues. But the starting QB situation is germane for several obvious reasons:

• Braylon Edwards — Drafted as a top 20-25 wideout in most leagues
• Kellen Winslow — Drafted at a top 5-8 tight end in most leagues
• Jamal Lewis — Drafted as a top 20 RB in most leagues

While no one should be surprised the Browns got waxed by the Steelers in the Week One opener, as a football fan I was baffled at Romeo Crennel’s decision to bench Charlie Frye in the middle of the 2nd quarter. I get that Charlie Frye has no business being an NFL starting QB. I also get that on the margin, Derek Anderson appeared to play better. All that said, I found the decision to pull Frye just incredulous. I mean, Crennel and Chuds spent the entire offseason vacillating between Frye and Anderson. Then when it looks to everyone that Quinn should probably be thrown to the wolves because a green, rookie Quinn is better than either, Crennel and Phil Savage go out of their way to “teach the kid a lesson” and keep him out of the starting lineup.

But the point is, they supposedly spent all preseason evaluating Frye and Anderson. Then, after one half of the first game against a dominant defense/division rival; they change their minds!?!?? To me that sends such a strong message that the coaches are flying blind; that they have no clue and they themselves are incapable of evaluating the QB position on their own team. Pulling Frye like that essentially makes him a eunuch. How can they possibly justify putting Frye into another game at this point? They can’t. So why not just trade/release him?

We’re having an interesting discussion about this in the Shark Pool today. While many see my point of view, others think it was a move Crennel had to make.

jurb26 writes:

Did you watch the game? The guy looked absolutely lost out there. I didn’t see a single pass that was on target and he had worse pocket awareness than Grossman vs. SD. Clev had 35 yds of total offense in Frye’s 7 drives and 2 turnovers, 1 Int (which was god awful) and 1 fumble. They were down 17-0 on top of it. Sometimes bringing in a fresh QB sparks up the offense. In Anderson’s 1st drive, he took Clev 45 yds down field (this was the 1st time the even crossed mid field!) and put them in scoring position until he was sacked for a 10 yd loss and fumbled. So, it appears it was not a bad decision.

Nxmehta sees eye-to-eye with me, and further elaborates on what this benching might do to the Browns already fragile locker room:

What really scares me is the effect this move will have on locker room morale. I mean the Browns already have a hard enough time convincing themselves that they can win, but when the leadership shows that they can’t steer the ship in the first minutes of the first game, then how are the players supposed to believe that they can win? If you look at the postgame interviews from the official site you can see it all over their faces. Braylon Edwards was asked straight up if he thought that the team had the mental toughness to bounce back for next week. He started out saying well, “if you asked me last year i would say we’re really fragile and no, but this year we have new guys.” You could clearly that he was shaken. Charlie Frye’s interview was even worse- he looked more lost and fragile than he did on the field.

What’s your opinion? If Anderson gets the start in Week Two and stinks up the joint, can the Browns go back to Frye without completely losing the team? Do they have to go with Quinn if/when Anderson struggles? Would putting Quinn in this early be the wrong move even if he’s the team’s best QB?

Continuing on…I thought it might be helpful to give you a few quick hitting comments on which players are rising and falling in MY (i.e., different than Dodds’) projections this preseason.

Up next, the AFC North:

RISING

• Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (Rank: QB10) — Healthy + Weapons + New OC = Top 10 potential
• Brady Quinn, CLE (Rank: QB31) — If he doesn’t start 10+ games, I’ll be shocked
• Jerome Harrison, CLE (Rank: RB60) — 3rd down role emerging
• Braylon Edwards, CLE (Rank: WR20) — Healthy + Focused + Brady Quinn = Top 20 with upside
• Santonio Holmes, PIT (Rank: WR28) — New offense + Experience + Healthy Big Ben = Breakout potential
• Demetrius Williams, BAL (Rank: WR54) — Not a starter…yet
• Tab Perry, CIN (Rank: WR80) — Pushing for WR3 role while Henry is suspended
• Daniel Coats, CIN (Rank: TE43) — Solid camp, TE2 with only Reggie Kelly ahead of him

FALLING

• Charlie Frye, CLE (Rank: QB36) — Looks like the least of two evils for Week One
• Jamal Lewis, CLE (Rank: RB27) — 2 yards and a cloud of dust = uninteresting at current ADP
• Derrick Mason, BAL (Rank: WR40) — Still a starter…but for all 16 games?
• Antonio Chatman, CIN (Rank: WR108) — Struggling for a top 4 position

Let’s hear your thoughts…where do you agree? Where do you disagree and why?

While it can be dangerous to read too much into the first “official” depth charts and the fluff pieces beat writers produce early in the preseason, there are always important nuggets to be gleaned from watching preseason games and carefully considering the comments of coaches and coordinators. Here’s a look at some of the changes in the IDP landscape thus far.Winners

• ILB Adalius Thomas — As was reported during OTAs, Thomas lined up all over the field last week but primarily at LILB. That’s often been the better tackling position in the Belichick scheme in recent years. Thomas looked a little uncomfortable inside at times but the combination of increased run support opportunity and pass rush skill may prove a lethal combination in the boxscore.
• DE Robert Geathers — After the team hinted that he would remain in a situational pass rushing role, Geathers played every down with the first team defense. Geathers has flashed decent run supporting skill in prior seasons and has 45 solo, 10 sack potential in the full time role.
• SS Deon Grant — Some felt Grant was in for a big bump in stats after leaving the limiting Jacksonville scheme for the greener Seahawk defense but the news that Grant would take on a more traditional strong safety role should make him an even safer bet for 2007.
• SS Chris Harris — Harris became a must roster after the Panthers acquired him from the Bears as camp began. Harris may not be a special NFL talent, but his IDP value goes from non-existent as a backup with Chicago to the starting SS in Carolina.
• WLB Landon Johnson — Another Bengal who looks to have a bigger role than initially expected, Johnson started with the first team last week. An underrated all-around backer, Johnson played well enough the first week to keep Ed Hartwell a backup MLB/WLB.
• OLB Antwan Peek — Peek isn’t a stud NFL talent, but Willie McGinest’s back surgery and Kamerion Wimbley’s beastly performance in the first preseason game could push Peek into every week starter status in big play leagues this year.

Losers

• OLB Chike Okeafor — Okeafor is likely out for the season after suffering a torn bicep muscle last week. Owners looking to use Okeafor as a DL and get OLB stat lines are going to have to find another option to exploit the “Bryan Thomas” classification loophole.
• MLB Ahmad Brooks — Caleb Miller replaced Brooks in nickel situations in the first preseason game despite earlier indications that Brooks would be an every down linebacker. There’s still time for Brooks to prove himself in coverage and the team has praised his effort in practice, but this isn’t a good start to 2007.
• FS Will Demps — The Giants began camp with Gibril Wilson at FS, James Butler at SS and Demps, who was one of the better producing free safeties in IDP leagues last year, on the second team. Demps is apparently rotating in with the first team again this week but the writing may be on the wall for him.
• MLB Brian Simmons — A nagging chronic knee problem and the surprisingly consistent play of last year’s starter Mark Simoneau has Simmons stuck on the second team. If Simmons can’t get on the field and impress soon, he’ll have a hard time securing any IDP value in 2007 without an injury to another starter.
• WLB Keith Ellison — While it may not be set in stone yet, Ellison sat in nickel situations during the first preseason game. Though it appears Ellison will shift with the offensive formation to remain a WLB on all base defensive snaps, sitting in the nickel will keep him from becoming more than a LB3.
• OLB Bryan Thomas — The NFL.com gamebook and Jets official depth chart has finally be updated to reflect Thomas’ correct position as an OLB. Those holding out hope that Thomas will remain a DL in your IDP league have hopefully already made other arrangements.

Other ongoing storylines:

Patrick Willis is still behind Derek Smith at RILB in the 49er base defense. Roman Harper looks fully recovered and may play linebacker in the nickel defense for New Orleans. Demorrio Williams has been cleared for contact nearly a month before he was expected to return and is running with the first team in Atlanta. Gibril Wilson has been tabbed for the big play FS role that Brian Dawkins played in Philadelphia. Eagle LB Takeo Spikes is turning heads in camp and may have recovered his sideline-to-sideline range.

Keep an eye on our free IDP centered message board at FootballGuys for breaking news and quick analysis on the defensive side of the ball. And watch for our new weekly IDP podcast on The Audible which will debut next week.

LISTEN NOW!
In This Episode: Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom review the QBs of the AFC North in the Preseason Watch List Edition of The Audible. Topics Include: Steve McNair in the twilight of his career, Troy Smiths future in the NFL, Carson Palmer as one of the best in the league, the QB controversy in Cleveland, can Big Ben run a more wide open offense, plus more!

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LISTEN NOW!
In This Episode: Cecil Lammey, Sigmund Bloom, and Jason Wood review the RBs of the AFC North in the Preseason Watch List Edition of The Audible. Topics Include: how good can Willis McGahee be in Baltimore, will Rudi Johnsons playing time be less with the arrival of Kenny Irons, Jamal Lewis as a Cleveland Brown, how great Willie Parker can be in the new Steelers offense, plus more!

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LISTEN NOW!
In This Episode: Cecil Lammey, Sigmund Bloom, and Jeff Tefertiller review the WRs of the AFC North in the Preseason Watch List Edition of The Audible. Topics Include: Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton, Ocho Cinco aka Chad Johnson, will TJ Houshmanzadeh stay healthy enough to be an elite receiver, Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, plus more!

As I type this, I haven’t given a lot of respect to Jamal Lewis‘ fantasy prospects this year. The one-time 2,000-yard rusher is coming off his second consecutive subpar season (3.6 yards per rush) and was considered expendable by the Ravens, who in turn acquired Willis McGahee. Lewis found a new home in division rival Cleveland, where former Ravens personnel man Phil Savage now runs things.

The Browns have been woeful offensively under HC Romeo Crennel, particularly the running game:

• 2006 — 31st in attempts, 31st in rush yards, 29th in yards per rush, 28th in rushing TDs
• 2005 — 26th in attempts, 25th in rush yards, 22nd in yards per rush, 31st in rushing TDs

As a result of Jamal Lewis’ struggles in Baltimore and his move to a clearly inferior offensive unit, I was left to wonder why Lewis should be considered anything more than a 4th or 5th round prospect in fantasy redrafts.

But then came today’s news that Center LeCharles Bentley passed his physical, and may be cleared by team officials to start practicing again.   

If, improbably, Bentley is able to come back and approximate the form that led to his six-year, $36mm contract; the Browns have arguably the most improved offensive line talent in the league:

• LT Joe Thomas — Thomas, the 3rd overall draft pick, should start right away and is considered the most polished “NFL ready” left tackle to come into the league in some time
• LG Eric Steinbach — Steinbach, a fixture in Cincinnati for years, signed a huge contract and is arguably the best interior lineman in the AFC with the retirement of Will Shields
• C LeCharles Bentley or Hank Fraley — Fraley re-signed this offseason and is an experienced, playoff-tested safety valve if Bentley can’t make the comeback
• RG Seth McKinney — Arguably the weak link of the remade line, McKinney may face competition from Bentley, Fraley, and Lennie Friedman
• RT Ryan Tucker – As long as LT Kevin Schaffer isn’t too disgruntled, he may get the chance to compete with Tucker; with the loser giving the team excellent depth

If new OC Rob Chudzinski can get this line to gel quickly, Jamal Lewis could surprise on the upside. I’m not betting on it yet, but I will be looking for evidence of the line’s cohesion as training camp progresses.

Continuing in the series, here is a look at the pass distributions for the AFC North teams. For a quick orientation, see this post.

          ==== WR =====|=== TE ===|=== RB ==
TM   YR     1  2  3  T |  1  2  T |  1  2  T
============================================
pit 2004 | 34 24 20 82 |  3  3  6 |  5  3 11
    2005 | 31 18 15 69 | 15  2 17 |  7  4 14
    2006 | 24 20 15 74 | 10  2 12 |  6  5 15

          ==== WR =====|=== TE ===|=== RB ==
TM   YR     1  2  3  T |  1  2  T |  1  2  T
============================================
cle 2004 | 26 18 14 69 |  9  8 19 |  6  3 11
    2005 | 30 15 13 68 | 12  5 17 | 11  2 15
    2006 | 27 15  7 53 | 27  8 35 |  5  3 12

          ==== WR =====|=== TE ===|=== RB ==
TM   YR     1  2  3  T |  1  2  T |  1  2  T
============================================
bal 2004 | 16 15 13 55 | 12  9 30 |  7  5 15
    2005 | 32 14  4 52 | 25  5 31 |  9  6 16
    2006 | 27 21 11 59 | 22  5 27 |  5  4 14

          ==== WR =====|=== TE ===|=== RB ==
TM   YR     1  2  3  T |  1  2  T |  1  2  T
============================================
cin 2004 | 36 28 11 81 |  6  2  9 |  5  2 10
    2005 | 36 24 11 80 |  5  2  8 |  8  2 12
    2006 | 34 27 15 81 |  6  3  9 |  5  3 10