Stm85's 2013 Mock Power Rankings and Playoff Predictions

[stm85]

Now that the Draft is over and the 2nd round of FA has concluded, the GM's plans for their teams should be fully realized. That being the case, it is time to give my insight on how this mock season will play out. I will be posting my power rankings of every team, 4 at a time counting from 32-1, to reflect on how everyone did. This is not where I think teams will finish in the standings, as I am not taking schedules or division difficulty into the equation, but rather simply who has put together the best roster. This is also not a ranking of the GMs who have done the best job. There are a number of poor teams that are rebuilding where the GM did well and strong teams that will remain contenders despite a mediocre effort from the GM. The playoff predictions, on the other hand, will take into account divisional and schedule difficulty. Game predictions will be based purely on how the two teams match up with one another. Criticism is welcome and I'm interested to hear what you think.

 

Power Rankings:

1. Seattle Seahawks

2. Denver Broncos

3. New Orleans Saints

4. Baltimore Ravens

5. Green Bay Packers

6. San Francisco 49ers

7. New England Patriots

8. Atlanta Falcons

9. Kansas City Chiefs

10. Chicago Bears

11. Buffalo Bills

12. Tennessee Titans

13. Arizona Cardinals

14. Houston Texans

15. Minnesota Vikings

16. Miami Dolphins

17. Washington Redskins

18. Pittsburgh Steelers

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

20. New York Giants

21. Cincinnati Bengals

22. Philadelphia Eagles

23. St. Louis Rams

24. Detroit Lions

25. Carolina Panthers

26. Cleveland Browns

27. Dallas Cowboys

28. San Diego Chargers

29. New York Jets

30. Oakland Raiders

31. Jacksonville Jaguars

32. Indianapolis Colts

 

Let's get started with teams 32-29:

 

 

32. Indianapolis Colts: The owner couldn't take the time to complete his team, so I'm not going to take the time to complete a write up. There is a franchise QB and talent in some spots but this is an incomplete roster that didn't fill its starting lineup, which earns it a very clear last place.

 

31. Jacksonville Jaguars: It is gonna be a long year in Jacksonville. Long term it is probably best to scrap the talentless roster and start fresh, but this year will be a painful one for fans. None of the 3 QBs inspire much confidence, especially after trading away top 5 LT Monroe and emerging WR Shorts. Blackmon will have to take a big step forward this year, but there isn't much around him to distract defenses. MJD will have to carry the load on offense, but he is starting to wear down and there isn't a viable 2nd back behind him. At least the middle of the line is much improved. Vasquez is one of the best Gs, and Jones and Dietrich-Smith should be solid, but the tackles leave a lot to be desired. Things are a little more promising on defense. Mincey, Babin, and Branch is an adequate pass rushing rotation and the DTs are serviceable as well. The linebackers could be a problem. Josh Bynes holds some promise but I wouldn't feel comfortable with him as a primary backup, let alone a starter, while Barnett and Lawson are nothing special. The secondary should be the best unit but it is very young. Landry hasn't been the same outside of Baltimore but will be counted on to lead this young unit. Trufant and Amerson are big, young, fast CBs that have huge potential but there will be growing pains this year. Overall, Jacksonville has done well for year 1 of a rebuilding project, but unfortunately those seasons are usually long and difficult.

 

 

30. Oakland Raiders: Despite the low ranking, Alexir responded very well to a nearly impossible task: rebuilding Al Davis' wasteland of a team. The Raiders have put together a much improved offense, with a great trio of running backs in McFadden, the Law Firm, and Bernard. Amendola is a good weapon in the slot that will make defenses pay for keying on the speedy outside WRs. The problem is at QB. Barley is a rookie with limited physical upside and a weak arm that doesn't match with the fast WRs in Oakland. The line has a pair of nice pieces in Veldheer and Wisniewski, but is largely unproven outside of that. It could be a tall order to get a passing game established. I really like the job that was done rebuilding the defense and with a few more pieces it could be a very good unit. Hardy and Knighton are both underrated options that will make the DL a lot better. Barnes, Scott, and Anderson are a decent enough pass rushing rotation too. Howard is a nice pick up at LB but the unit as a whole is too young and lacking in depth to make a big impact. The secondary has some nice pieces, especially a young rising star in Shields to go along with a good pair of safeties. This offseason was a great start to a rebuilding project that unfortunately is going to take a bit more time than we had available to us in this mock.

 

 

29. NY Jets: This team is much improved from last year. I like Flynn a lot to be a good game manager QB. There should be strong running attack led by Stewart behind a very good line and great blocking TE in Bennett. The defense has some very nice pieces with Wilkerson, Coples, Ansah, Davis, and Revis. However, this team just had to many problems to fix everything, despite a valiant effort by Ed_Reed20. The WRs are very unproven and if Holmes goes down they are in real trouble. The secondary is nothing special aside from Revis and there are a number of depth issues all over the roster. A nice rebuilding effort, but probably a season or 2 away from being a real contender.

 

Next update: teams 28-25

[stm85]

28-25

 

 

28. San Diego Chargers: Instead of blowing things up and starting fresh, the Chargers are looking to make a run this season. However, I don't see that happening with this roster. Phillip Rivers is a fine QB, but he has been declining lately. Mathews and Lacy could be a good RB tandem but they both have injury issues. Adding Mike Wallace to WR/TE group led by Gates could help the offense a bit. The problem is the offensive line. Rivers is going to be a sitting duck behind this group. Strief has only been average on the right side, so sticking him at LT is a big risk. The guards are rookies, the center is old, and the RT has a history of back problems. Rivers may challenge the record for most sacked QB in NFL history this year and the RBs may not be much luckier. The defense looks to be an adequate unit. The defensive line has a lot of talent. Ingram should take a huge step forward this year and Liuget, Reyes, and Jenkins are all good players (even if Reyes is out of position as a 4-3 DE). The linebackers have talent but both Phillips and Johnson will struggle making plays in space in the 4-3. Both are 3-4 for their entire careers. Burfict has a lot of promise as the MLB. The secondary will struggle this year. Vaccarro should be very good as a rookie and Chung is solid but the cornerbacks are all aging players who have struggled in recent years. If the pass rush can't get there then they will get torched all day. This team has some very talented players but their deficiencies will keep them from competing on most Sundays.

 

 

27. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys have some nice players but I expect them to take a big step back this year. Romo is a bit overrated as a QB, but he is still much better than Campbell. Not only that, but they have lost their top two receivers from last year and don't have any proven weapons outside of Jason Witten and an aging Santana Moss. The line looks like a sieve outside of Cooper and Cherilus as well. The offense is salvaged by a deep stable of talented young RBs, led by the dynamic Demarco Murray, but I'm not sure it will be enough to score points consistently. The defense will be the saving grace of this team. However, the DL has a lot of problems. Kelly is lazy and was basically run out of Oakland and Cody and Shaunessy, while solid players, aren't anything more than adequate starters. Things look better at LB. This unit is led by DeMarcus Ware and he is still one of the top 10 players in the league. Posluzsny is a very good ILB but I worry about Jenkins playing inside; I'm not sure he has the bulk for it. Bart Scott rounds out the group but he has not been himself the last few seasons. The secondary looks like it could be a very good unit. Claiborne and Carr are a very good starting duo and there is tons of depth behind them. Nelson is a major upgrade at FS too. Despite an above average defense, the offense has too many deficiencies for that to matter much. This team will need a few more pieces and a QB before the playoffs are a possibility. 

 

 

26. Cleveland Browns: The Browns have done quite a lot to improve as a team. Adding Romo is a big step forward for this team, although I worry about his options in the passing game. There is talent in the WR group, but no proven options. The Browns, however, have built a terrific line, for which Romo will be very thankful. Richardson will lead the ground attack, which could be dangerous behind the aforementioned line. However, he must stay healthy with only the injury prone Javon Ringer behind him. The defensive group has a lot of talent on it, but I'm not sure that all of the players fit the 3-4 scheme. Shariff Floyd could have problems at 5-tech and I'm not sure Rubin has the quickness for the position either. Sheard will have to learn a new position as a rush OLB too. Jackson and Spencer are great fits for this system at LB though and Phil Taylor should be an upper level NT. The Browns have an intriguing secondary. Haden is a top 10 CB and if Derrick Cox can stay healthy (a big if) they have a good starting duo with good depth behind them. Delmas and Young don't inspire much confidence at safety, however. In the end this team has improved quite a bit, but will still finish a distant 4th in the tough AFC North.

 

 

25. Carolina Panthers: The Panthers have the potential for being better than this ranking but there are ultimately too many holes. The 2 rookie tackles with help Newton but there aren't enough playmakers at the skill positions. The running backs aren't exciting and the WRs lack depth behind Steve Smith.  Wheaton and Baldwin have talent but they need to prove it on the field. The line is much better than last year but they don't have the skill players to take advantage. This is a defense with a lot of problems too. Williams and Johnson are good linemen but there isn't much a pass rush here and the linebackers other than Kuechly will struggle immensely. Houston is a solid CB but isn't a #1 guy and the rest of the unit lacks talent. Clemons and Godfrey are decent options at S but aren't special players either. Ultimately this team will be in a lot of shootouts but they won't have the weapons to keep up in most of them.

 

Tomorrow: teams 24-21 at least

[ravensdan]

I am with you on all of these except the browns. You mention the weak wr crew but all they were missing was someone who can catch. That is Patton. Romo is a giant upgrade and he will not only have this team compete they are much better than this bengals team. They have the superior qb and defense. There is a very solid o line here which romo never had in Dallas.

I would look at the giants roster in this bottom group. That team has been gutted.

Thanks for setting this up. Debating everything we have done for the last 3 months is the most fun part to me. There are a million different ways to judge this also.

[Guest nflfan123]

Nice read, good job. I'm just happy my team isn't ranked in the bottom 4 lol. I think they look a lot better since I took over though.

[stm85]

I am with you on all of these except the browns. You mention the weak wr crew but all they were missing was someone who can catch. That is Patton. Romo is a giant upgrade and he will not only have this team compete they are much better than this bengals team. They have the superior qb and defense. There is a very solid o line here which romo never had in Dallas.

I would look at the giants roster in this bottom group. That team has been gutted.

Thanks for setting this up. Debating everything we have done for the last 3 months is the most fun part to me. There are a million different ways to judge this also.

 

When doing this I judge proven producers over upside. The Browns are a team that could outproduce their ranking but right now I feel like where I have them is appropriate. Giants don't belong here. They have declined but they still have Eli and some great offensive weapons along with the usual suspects. They haven't been worse than middle of the pack with that, so I don't feel they deserve to be this low. 

 

Nice read, good job. I'm just happy my team isn't ranked in the bottom 4 lol. I think they look a lot better since I took over though.

 

I like what you've done with your secondary, and I understand that you had a terrible situation cap-wise. Posluzsny is a good pickup too. I just think you're offense lacks the firepower to be successful this season, but you did a solid job rebuilding. I didn't realize Campbell was your starter. He's an upgrade over Orton but I think your team is still slotted in the right spot.

[SecretAgentMan]

I'm not ranked high lol

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

My OL is gonna break the sack record?

 

Jeez lol

[stm85]

My OL is gonna break the sack record?

 

Jeez lol

 

Sorry man, I call em how I see them. I do like some pieces of your line. I think Fluker will be an excellent guard and probably a good one right away. The problem is that you have an average RT playing LT and either inexperienced or aging players at the other spots. Also Rivers is known for holding the ball looking for the deep pass and taking a lot of sacks. I do like some pieces on you offense and I feel like you'd have a pretty good unit with a better line. 

 

Also curious about why you switched to the 4-3. It seems like a lot of your players are better suited for the 3-4.

[Guest nflfan123]

I like what you've done with your secondary, and I understand that you had a terrible situation cap-wise. Posluzsny is a good pickup too. I just think you're offense lacks the firepower to be successful this season, but you did a solid job rebuilding. I didn't realize Campbell was your starter. He's an upgrade over Orton but I think your team is still slotted in the right spot.

The main problem wasn't cap room actually. When the previous GM was inactive and I took over, I had to create a depth chart. There was holes at just about every position except CB. I had to completely remake the team. I agree with spot as well.

[stm85]

The main problem wasn't cap room actually. When the previous GM was inactive and I took over, I had to create a depth chart. There was holes at just about every position except CB. I had to completely remake the team. I agree with spot as well.

 

I forgot about that. You did a good job with what you had available to you. Just curious why you cut Alex Smith, or was that the other owner too? He wasn't worth a 2nd but he's a solid QB. Your team would be a least a couple of spots higher if you still had him. 

[SecretAgentMan]

I forgot about that. You did a good job with what you had available to you. Just curious why you cut Alex Smith, or was that the other owner too? He wasn't worth a 2nd but he's a solid QB. Your team would be a least a couple of spots higher if you still had him. 

Ik him personally. He hates Smith(so do I)

[Guest nflfan123]

I forgot about that. You did a good job with what you had available to you. Just curious why you cut Alex Smith, or was that the other owner too? He wasn't worth a 2nd but he's a solid QB. Your team would be a least a couple of spots higher if you still had him.

I didn't cut him. I had to trade him away because I was over the cap and he toom 7.5 stars...and I hate him (I live in the bay, my family are 69er fans had to watch that guy suck for the first 6 years)

[stm85]

I didn't cut him. I had to trade him away because I was over the cap and he toom 7.5 stars...and I hate him (I live in the bay, my family are 69er fans had to watch that guy suck for the first 6 years)

 

Understandable. I actually think Campbell is underrated as a game manager. I had him as my starter last year when I was the GM for the Jaguars. The problem is he needs WRs to be successful and you (or the old GM, can't remember) traded Bryant.

[Guest nflfan123]

Understandable. I actually think Campbell is underrated as a game manager. I had him as my starter last year when I was the GM for the Jaguars. The problem is he needs WRs to be successful and you (or the old GM, can't remember) traded Bryant.

Old GM traded away Bryant, he traded Austin too. As a Raider fan, I thought he was a good QB for us (best we've had since Rich Gannon) and his WRs were nothing great

[stm85]

Old GM traded away Bryant, he traded Austin too. As a Raider fan, I thought he was a good QB for us (best we've had since Rich Gannon) and his WRs were nothing great

 

Wow, I don't envy what you walked into. What was the old GM thinking?

[Guest nflfan123]

Wow, I don't envy what you walked into. What was the old GM thinking?

IDK
he also cut Jay Ratliff and Romo. Plus he traded Sean Lee

[stm85]

IDK
he also cut Jay Ratliff and Romo. Plus he traded Sean Lee

 

[Alexir]

30th? Ouch...

 

Obviously I love my defensive line and rotation.

 

My offensive line has question marks at Guard but I have great depth there. 

 

My receiving corps isn't top notch but easily top 15 in the league.

 

My running backs are top 10.

 

My linebackers aren't the greatest, I understand that. But who needs great linebackers with that front 4?

 

I love my secondary. I have Huff and Branch playing SAFETY! Huff not playing corner like he did last year. Got a slot corner in Dunta, got a #2 in Cary Williams and got Sam Shields. Phillip Adams returns as well as undrafted rookie free agent Marc Anthony.

 

QB is a huge question mark but I will be able to keep Barkley up with my bookends and we are a run first team. Barkley is one of the best play action QBs out there. Yeah my guys are fast but they don't just run 9 routes. They will attack the whole part of the field. Also did I mention the play action?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV3_vSN7qVE

[Guest nflfan123]

Agreed
However, he was in a god awful cap situation and he couldn't restructure anyone so he had no choice but to cut some players. I don't see the logic in trading Sean Lee though and he prob could have gotten at least a draft pick for romo

[stm85]

30th? Ouch...

 

Obviously I love my defensive line and rotation.

 

My offensive line has question marks at Guard but I have great depth there. 

 

My receiving corps isn't top notch but easily top 15 in the league.

 

My running backs are top 10.

 

My linebackers aren't the greatest, I understand that. But who needs great linebackers with that front 4?

 

I love my secondary. I have Huff and Branch playing SAFETY! Huff not playing corner like he did last year. Got a slot corner in Dunta, got a #2 in Cary Williams and got Sam Shields. Phillip Adams returns as well as undrafted rookie free agent Marc Anthony.

 

QB is a huge question mark but I will be able to keep Barkley up with my bookends and we are a run first team. Barkley is one of the best play action QBs out there. Yeah my guys are fast but they don't just run 9 routes. They will attack the whole part of the field. Also did I mention the play action?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV3_vSN7qVE

 

Despite the low rating I actually think you've done a really good job. You have a good foundation. The secondary and DL are nice. While I like your DL, I'm not sure your LBs can take advantage of the open space they will have I just don't trust Barkley as a rookie, especially with the line you have. You are set at LT and C but I don't think the rest is that great. The QB and line combo is main reason your team is so low, but there are definitely teams ahead of you that have longer roads to being a good team.

[Alexir]

Despite the low rating I actually think you've done a really good job. You have a good foundation. The secondary and DL are nice. While I like your DL, I'm not sure your LBs can take advantage of the open space they will have I just don't trust Barkley as a rookie, especially with the line you have. You are set at LT and C but I don't think the rest is that great. The QB and line combo is main reason your team is so low, but there are definitely teams ahead of you that have longer roads to being a good team.

 

Jonathon Martin gets too much slack. He is no LT but he will be a good RT in this league.

[stm85]

Jonathon Martin gets too much slack. He is no LT but he will be a good RT in this league.

 

He could very well be and I think you are right. However, I tried to avoid projecting too much. He had his struggles last year and he just isn't there yet. This is a list for this year only, I do think your team is a good one for the long term which makes sense for Oakland. It's more important to build a foundation that can last than trying to win a couple of extra games this particular season at the expense of future success.

[The Oakland Cathedral]

IDK
he also cut Jay Ratliff and Romo. Plus he traded Sean Lee

Don't be silly, he traded me Austin and Ratliff for a backup tackle, Reggie Nelson, and a couple picks if a remember correctly. It wouldn't make sense to cut Ratliff lol. I used my truth like Jedi abilities on that one.

[Sizzlebshu]

IDK
he also cut Jay Ratliff and Romo. Plus he traded Sean Lee

No I stole Sean Lee. 

[Guest nflfan123]

Don't be silly, he traded me Austin and Ratliff for a backup tackle, Reggie Nelson, and a couple picks if a remember correctly. It wouldn't make sense to cut Ratliff lol. I used my truth like Jedi abilities on that one.

That's even worse

[arnie_uk]

This is going slowly

[Yatagarasu]

At this rate, the real season will start...

 

Series 3: Overall - Released
Strongholds (Defensive Units)
Superpowers (Overall Rankings)

 

http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/52649-amplus-top-tiers-the-final-installment/

 

It is done...

 

Enjoy...

 

You can use it to help quicken your ranking since the rosters and everything are updated.

[stm85]

24-21

 

 

24. Detroit Lions: This is a team that could very well have a potent offense. Calvin Johnson is the best WR in the game and there is real talent around him with Kenny Britt and rookie slot sensation Stedman Bailey. Knowshon Moreno hasn't lived up to his draft position, but he looks like a very good fit as the main RB in a passing offense. However, the QB position is worrisome. Carson Palmer hasn't been himself for a long time and the offensive line, while featuring some solid players, could really struggle with Kyle Long protecting the blindside. I really doubt Palmer makes it through the season. The defense is much improved, even without Suh. The defensive line is formidable against the run, but I worry about its ability to pressure the QB. Williams, Pace, and Hill are solid players at LB, but none are game changers. The secondary has seen a massive upgrade with Tim Jennings as the main guy at CB and the addition of Kendrick Lewis at FS a plus too. In the end, I think the loss of Stafford will really hurt this team. The offense will take a step back and while the defense has improved, it won't win them games. They should hang around for most of the season, but I see this team falling short of .500.

 

23. St. Louis Rams: This is a hard team to read because they have some nice pieces but haven't really put things together. I think the offense could really struggle this year. Bradford still could turn into a nice QB but he has nothing to work with here. His best options could be Terrance Williams (a rookie) or Pettigrew (a solid but not spectacular TE). It doesn't inspire much confidence in the passing game. The line should be improved with Warmack and Bushrod at a more natural RT position and Leshoure could turn heads behind this group. He and the young WRs will have to really step up if this offense is to be competitive. However, this team has assembled a fantastic young defense. The defensive line looks like it could quietly be one of the better groups in the league. Chris Long is one of the most complete DEs in the league and Brockers should take a big step forward. This group has fantastic depth too. The linebackers, led by James Lauranitis, are much improved with the additions of Sio Moore and Keith Rivers. There is an young quartet of talented CBs filled with potential and if Polamalu and Mikell can stay healthy, they have a good pair of safeties behind them. However, despite a solid defense, I think a limited offense will keep this squad out of the playoffs in a very tough division.

 

22. Philadelphia Eagles: One word comes to mind with this team: speed. Vick and Smith will battle it out for the QB spot but both are great options for this high-octane read option offense. McCoy is one of the best in the business and will gash defenses all day long. DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin lead a talented and speedy group of WRs that defense will have fits trying to contain underneath and deep. The line should be much better last year with the return of All-Pro LT Jason Peters and Todd Herremans' move back to RG. Doug Free could be a problem at RT though, he was an absolute turnstile last year. This defense looks good on paper but a few problems could arise. There are a lot of big name pass rushers, but they are all older players with the exception of Vinnie Curry. Cole's production dropped off of a cliff last year and Freeney and Osi are on their last legs. Cox will be an animal at DT and there is good depth to that group. The Eagles also possess a strong group of LBs that will fly all around to the ball. I think the secondary could have problems, however. Milliner is a great prospect but he will have a lot of growing pains adjusting to the pro game. Amukamara had no business being cut but he still has plenty of room to grow, while Barber has nothing left and Thomas will need to adjust to the NFL. This is a group that will be excellent in time, but that time will not be this season. The Eagles have a great foundation to build around but they are still a year away from the playoffs.

 

 

21. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals look to take a step back this year. Jake Locker may have a very high ceiling but he has yet to prove it on the field, so swapping out Andy Dalton for him is a major downgrade. However, the offense does have a good running game with Chris Johnson carrying the rock behind a very formidable offensive line. The OL starters need to stay healthy though, because there isn't much depth behind them. If Locker can step his game up he will have great players to throw to with Green, Austin, Gresham, and Allen. The pressure is all on him. On defense, the move to a 3-4 won't help them this year. Atkins will be a stud 5-tech, but Seymour is on his last legs and starting TJ Barnes at NT is asking for trouble at such a key position. The Mingo, Acho, Worilds rotation looks solid, but there isn't a proven leader of that pack either. Harris and Dansby should be a good group in the middle but will struggle to stay clean without a legitimate NT in front of them. If Dre Kirkpatrick is healthy they will have a solid group of CBs, led by Talib. I do worry about Jenkins at CB, he struggled at lot at FS last year and his new position is an even harder one to play. Michael Griffin seems to be on the decline at FS and none of the rest of the safeties inspire much confidence. The defense and running game will keep this team in most games but they just don't have the QB or a complete roster to win consistently.

 

Later today: 20-17

[The Oakland Cathedral]

 

21. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals look to take a step back this year. Jake Locker may have a very high ceiling but he has yet to prove it on the field, so swapping out Andy Dalton for him is a major downgrade. However, the offense does have a good running game with Chris Johnson carrying the rock behind a very formidable offensive line. The OL starters need to stay healthy though, because there isn't much depth behind them. If Locker can step his game up he will have great players to throw to with Green, Austin, Gresham, and Allen. The pressure is all on him. On defense, the move to a 3-4 won't help them this year. Atkins will be a stud 5-tech, but Seymour is on his last legs and starting TJ Barnes at NT is asking for trouble at such a key position. The Mingo, Acho, Worilds rotation looks solid, but there isn't a proven leader of that pack either. Harris and Dansby should be a good group in the middle but will struggle to stay clean without a legitimate NT in front of them. If Dre Kirkpatrick is healthy they will have a solid group of CBs, led by Talib. I do worry about Jenkins at CB, he struggled at lot at FS last year and his new position is an even harder one to play. Michael Griffin seems to be on the decline at FS and none of the rest of the safeties inspire much confidence. The defense and running game will keep this team in most games but they just don't have the QB or a complete roster to win consistently.

 

Later today: 20-17

 

Locker has outperformed Dalton when healthy despite the absence of an elite target like Green and my O-line should be able to keep him clean so I don't see that being much of a problem, not to mention the pressure on him is reduced significantly with the presence of such a formidable O-line, RB corp, and Receiving corp. Prior to his injury early in the year Locker looked very solid and in limited time last year he looked fantastic posting a higher passer rating than Dalton. Locker is also younger than Dalton with better physical tools. Definitely not a major downgrade by any means. The only O-line position I see that lacks depth is LT and I don't even see that since if Albert goes down I will thrust Armstead into the fire and move Bradfield in at RT, I have versatile and capable back-ups in both Uzzi and Reynolds.  Also Seymour is by no means on his last legs or at least doesn't appear to be. He is one of the top D-Lineman in the NFL even at this point in his career evidenced by this excerpt from PFF. 

1. Richard Seymour

2012 Grade: +9.5
2012 Snaps: 361

Summary: With Henry Melton almost certainly headed back to Chicago, by franchise tag or extension, Seymour is our top free agent defensive tackle. Even at the age of 33 Seymour still started the 2012 season tremendously before it was cut short by a hamstring injury. Aside from a one season spike with 11 penalties just a year ago, that age is surely the only thing to scare teams away from Seymour this offseason.

He can still control and shed blocks extremely well to find the ball carrier in the running game, and in 2011 he earned one of our highest pass rush grades among defensive tackles. While the years may be rolling on, Old Father Time doesn’t seem to have robbed Seymour of any of his ability or production just yet. To an extent Seymour has become something of a forgotten man since being packed off to Oakland by Bill Belichick, but he is still playing extremely well, and consistently so, and he could help upgrade the defensive tackle rotation for most defenses in the league in the short term at least.

The TJ Barnes thing I understand completely but I like him, if it would help you can switch him and Brandon Thompson who was a 3rd round pick in 2012 or even Fangupo who looks like a solid NT. Ya I hope one of the youngsters steps up, Worilds looks to be the most consistent of the pack as a moment but with a solid D-line they should be fun and hopefully Mingo will thrive. Harris and Dansby goes back to the NT issue which could be improved by either Thompson or Fangupo in most people's minds. Jenkins did struggle a lot but the entire Saints D looked horrendous. He should be much better in this defense. My CB still has a lot of unproven talent but does have 2 solid proven CBs in Gay and Talib. Possibly Jenkins if you think he will play well which I do. Also not sure why you say Griffin seems to be on the decline since he is only 28 and just has been off and on throughout his career. Also the few seasons he has put it all together and been on he has played at a pro bowl level so it is kind of a crapshoot with him but he isn't on the decline. Dwayne Gratz was just a high draft pick that looks like he will make a great Safety and possibly even a starting CB so he is solid depth at least. Will Hill is also a young safety at only 23 who looked solid last year for the Giants secondary. Earl Wolff was regarded as a safety that can tackle, cover, and stop the run consistently. He was said to be fairly NFL ready but the fact that he wasn't phenomenal in any aspect hurt his draft stock. He should have no problem in my defense. Also you said nothing about my special teams, Dunn is a game changer at the returner position. He broke multiple collegiate records and in just 10 return opportunities he took 4 of them over 100 yards to the house. His sub 4.3 and great agility allow him to be a dangerous weapon in this aspect and on top of the explosive potential Dunn averaged over 30 yards per return over the course of his college career which shows his consistency. Huber was also quietly a very good punter last year and Zach Brown possesses a huge leg and impressive accuracy. He was easily won of the most talented kickers in collegiate football last season and should do fine at the NFL level. He reminds me of a more accurate less powerful "Legatron". All this should easily enable my team to make the playoffs assuming Locker doesn't go down with an injury, but even then I have faith in Hermann, McGloin, or if worse comes to worst Russell. 

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Locker has outperformed Dalton when healthy despite the absence of an elite target like Green and my O-line should be able to keep him clean so I don't see that being much of a problem, not to mention the pressure on him is reduced significantly with the presence of such a formidable O-line, RB corp, and Receiving corp. Prior to his injury early in the year Locker looked very solid and in limited time last year he looked fantastic posting a higher passer rating than Dalton. Locker is also younger than Dalton with better physical tools. Definitely not a major downgrade by any means. The only O-line position I see that lacks depth is LT and I don't even see that since if Albert goes down I will thrust Armstead into the fire and move Bradfield in at RT, I have versatile and capable back-ups in both Uzzi and Reynolds.  Also Seymour is by no means on his last legs or at least doesn't appear to be. He is one of the top D-Lineman in the NFL even at this point in his career evidenced by this excerpt from PFF. 

The TJ Barnes thing I understand completely but I like him, if it would help you can switch him and Brandon Thompson who was a 3rd round pick in 2012 or even Fangupo who looks like a solid NT. Ya I hope one of the youngsters steps up, Worilds looks to be the most consistent of the pack as a moment but with a solid D-line they should be fun and hopefully Mingo will thrive. Harris and Dansby goes back to the NT issue which could be improved by either Thompson or Fangupo in most people's minds. Jenkins did struggle a lot but the entire Saints D looked horrendous. He should be much better in this defense. My CB still has a lot of unproven talent but does have 2 solid proven CBs in Gay and Talib. Possibly Jenkins if you think he will play well which I do. Also not sure why you say Griffin seems to be on the decline since he is only 28 and just has been off and on throughout his career. Also the few seasons he has put it all together and been on he has played at a pro bowl level so it is kind of a crapshoot with him but he isn't on the decline. Dwayne Gratz was just a high draft pick that looks like he will make a great Safety and possibly even a starting CB so he is solid depth at least. Will Hill is also a young safety at only 23 who looked solid last year for the Giants secondary. Earl Wolff was regarded as a safety that can tackle, cover, and stop the run consistently. He was said to be fairly NFL ready but the fact that he wasn't phenomenal in any aspect hurt his draft stock. He should have no problem in my defense. Also you said nothing about my special teams, Dunn is a game changer at the returner position. He broke multiple collegiate records and in just 10 return opportunities he took 4 of them over 100 yards to the house. His sub 4.3 and great agility allow him to be a dangerous weapon in this aspect and on top of the explosive potential Dunn averaged over 30 yards per return over the course of his college career which shows his consistency. Huber was also quietly a very good punter last year and Zach Brown possesses a huge leg and impressive accuracy. He was easily won of the most talented kickers in collegiate football last season and should do fine at the NFL level. He reminds me of a more accurate less powerful "Legatron". All this should easily enable my team to make the playoffs assuming Locker doesn't go down with an injury, but even then I have faith in Hermann, McGloin, or if worse comes to worst Russell. 

 

You make some good points so let me address each of them.

 

Locker hasn't proven he can stay healthy or produce on a consistent level. He has better tools than Dalton but hasn't put it all together yet. Dalton has been to the playoffs twice in two years and is a very good game manager.

 

The depth you mention could turn out to be very good (I actually like Uzzi a lot) but they are very young and inexperienced. Bradfield is good depth but I still wouldn't be comfortable with such a raw prospect like Armstead combining with him to be my bookend tackles. This is a legitimate concern with Albert's history of back problems.

 

You make a good point with Seymour and to be fair I didn't realize just how good he was last year. When healthy he is still able to produce at a high level but I do think he is starting to break down. He only played in 8 games last year, has hamstring problems, and is definitely getting up there in age. Thompson is good depth behind him though, but I question his fit in the 3-4 (not big enough for NT, not quick enough for 5-tech).

 

Again, Jenkins needs to prove it. When making these rankings I am trying to avoid projection as much as I reasonably can. Jenkins will probably be better with a better supporting cast, but as someone who has played both FS and CB extensively (albeit in high school) I can assure you that CB is a much harder position to play, especially if you don't have fluid hips. Jenkins struggled at FS last year and while I expect him to be adequate, I don't think he will be as good as his name recognition would indicate.

 

Griffin is an incredibly inconsistent player. It's maddening. I know he is 28 but he seems like a player who peaked very early in his career and hasn't consistently stayed at that level. He wasn't very good last season so he's gonna have to prove he can play better before I consider him anything other than an average S.

 

In all I do think you have a lot of young talent on this team but like I said I am not trying to project a ton of rookies and unproven players to be difference makers right off the bat. I do think your team has an incredibly bright future but I can't rank it above those with more proven talent.