![](\"http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/Projects/03_FOOTBALL/NFL_06/OffSeasonReport/hdr624_OffseasonReport.jpg\")
Best move: The Bills needed major progress to compete with New England and the N.Y. Jets. Whether they have done that or not is quite debatable, but the selecting Penn State linebacker Paul Posluszny in the draft's second round was excellent. Posluszny has great character and work ethic and a ton of ability. He should be the team’s starting middle linebacker for 7-10 years and will make everyone around him better.
Worst move: Willis McGahee did not turn into a superstar for the Bills, but the decision to trade him to Baltimore and draft Marshawn Lynch as his replacement can't encourage Bills supporters. McGahee still has superstar talent and has rushed for 3,365 yards and 24 touchdowns in the last three seasons. McGahee’s presence caused major issues for opposing defensive coordinators and his departure will make life easier for them.
Grade: C-";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Baltimore Ravens","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The Ravens made one huge move in the offseason that won them significant headlines when they acquired Willis McGahee from the Bills. Brian Billick and Ozzie Newsome decided Jamal Lewis was on the downside of his career and picked up a potential gamebreaker in McGahee, who could thrive in Baltimore. Upgrading the offensive line by drafting Ben Grubbs in the first round and Marshal Yanda in the third should help the team’s consistency. Drafting Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith in the fifth round could turn out to be the year's most underrated move.
Worst move: The loss of linebacker Adalius Thomas from the linebacking core will be impossible to overcome. He had grown weary of playing second fiddle to Ray Lewis and left for New England. Offensive guard Edwin Mulitalo is a solid pro who went to Detroit after the Ravens decided they should go with youth -- and lower salaries -- on the interior line. That could be a tough decision to live with down the stretch and in the postseason.
Grade: B";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Houston Texans","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The Texans finally learned how to play the offseason game as they upgraded dramatically through free agency and the draft. Bringing in quarterback Matt Schaub through a trade with the Falcons and drafting potential superstar defensive tackle Amobi Okoye in the first round both have far-reaching implications. Schaub steps into the position vacated by disappointing David Carr and has demonstrated accuracy and toughness in his limited opportunities with the Falcons. Coach Gary Kubiak knows how to develop quarterbacks and this has the looks of a great partnership. Okoye has speed, quickness and plays with heart. Not only will he help the Texans’ interior line play, he will take pressure off of 2006 No. 1 pick Mario Williams.
Worst move: Worst move: The Texans made all the right moves in the offseason -- unless Ahman Green proves to be over the hill. The former Packer running back has been troubled by injuries in recent years and is not as effective after contact as he was earlier in his career. The decision to bring back running back Ron Dayne is awful. He’s a shell of a player who can’t contribute with any consistency.
Grade: B\+";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Denver Broncos","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: Take it to the bank -- Travis Henry will be a 1,500-yard rusher as long as he stays healthy. It’s often been stated that the Broncos have a “system” that is skewed to running backs because the offensive line is so practiced in leg-whipping and other illegal tactics. That’s bunk. The reason that the Broncos have had success with running backs like Terrell Davis, Mike Anderson and Clinton Portis is that Mike Shanahan excels at judging talent. The Titans were not enamored with Travis Henry and the Broncos were more than happy to bring him in. Cornerback Dre Bly is a playmaker who has shown that he will no longer gamble as much as he did in the past.
Worst move: It had nothing to do with personnel decisions, but the shooting death of Darrent Williams the night after the Broncos played their season finale against the San Francisco 49ers is a huge loss. He was a physical cornerback with fine coverage skills. Cutting middle linebacker Al Wilson was a questionable move because of his experience and consistency.
Grade: B";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Miami Dolphins","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The argument could be made that Nick “It’s not the money” Saban's departure was the best thing that happened to the Dolphins. However, the uncertainty that comes with changing coaches always causes some difficulty unless Cam Cameron turns into Vince Lombardi or Jimmy Johnson. In an offseason devoid of few good moves, the signing of emotional and hard-hitting Joey Porter should give the defense a player with a killer instinct.
Worst move: The Dolphins had a chance to address their quarterback issues by drafting Brady Quinn, but they decided to bypass the Notre Dame quarterback for Ohio State speedmeister Ted Ginn Jr. at No. 9 overall. Ginn should upgrade special teams and will eventually become a decent receiver, but the idea of passing on a franchise quarterback in favor of a player lacks offensive consistency is a major mistake. The Dolphins did acquire veteran quarterback Trent Green from the Chiefs, but, at 36, Green isn't the future of the franchise.
Grade: C\+";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Cincinnati Bengals","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The Bengals had two offseason goals. They wanted to strength the secondary and improve the team’s character by getting rid of as many troublemakers as possible without impacting winning. Drafting Michigan cornerback Leon Hall in the first round followed by TCU strong safety Marvin White should have a positive impact. Dropping linebacker A.J. Nicholson and letting receiver Kelley Washington go to New England as a free agent should help keep the Bengals off the blotter.
Worst move: The loss of linebacker Brian Simmons to New Orleans takes away a physical aspect to the Cincinnati defense. Simmons is a mobile, hard-hitting player who forces opposing receivers to think twice before crossing in front of him. Coach Marvin Lewis doesn’t have a lot of those type of players.
Grade: C";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Indianapolis Colts","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: Despite winning the Super Bowl, the Colts are not a great all-around team. It’s hard to find any offensive holes, but the defense was putrid until the postseason. One would expect a veteran football man like Bill Polian to address the defense, but his best move was the decision to draft Ohio State receiver Anthony Gonzalez. With the loss of Brandon Stokley, the Colts needed a smart, tough and fast slot receiver. Gonzalez should prove to be more dangerous than his predecessor.
Worst move: The Colts’ defense caught fire in the postseason and the secondary proved to be surprisingly effective. The departures of safety Mike Doss (to Minnesota) and cornerback Nick Harper (Tennessee) hurts the Colts. The offense will have to do even more than in the past because the secondary has been weakened.
Grade: C-";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Kansas City Chiefs"," ","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The Chiefs have been attempt to upgrade their defense for years and the combination of Carl Peterson and Herman Edwards may have gotten it right during the offseason. The Chiefs added three tough and effective players in defensive tackle Alfonso Boone (Chicago), linebacker Donnie Edwards (San Diego) and linebacker Napoleon Harris (Minnesota) to make the unit more physical and nastier. Boone is a tough run stopper and Harris can be a jarring hitter. Edwards may be an older player at 34, but he returns to his original team after five years in San Diego as smart and aggressive leader.
Worst move: The Chiefs are hoping that Dwayne Bowe has been exactly what they have needed at the wide receiver position. He is strong and physical with good run after the catch skills, but to think that he can jump in and become the team’s impact wideout appears to be a bit much. Bowe may be in over his head as he tries to develop his pass-catching skills.
Grade: B";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","New England Patriots","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The Patriots had a spectacular offseason, signing a boatload of valuable free agents. The two standout moves were acquiring All-Pro linebacker Adalius Thomas and the trade for controversial Randy Moss. Both should have positive impacts, though the Moss will produce more headlines throughout the season because he is capable of making a game-changing receptions. Moss appears ready to change his image to conform with Bill Belichick’s standards in New England, while Thomas is a nasty, aggressive and hard-hitting tackler. These two moves -- along with several others -- should make New England a preseason favorite to win the Super Bowl.
Worst move: No team can keep every player, but the loss of tight end Daniel Graham could hurt in the long run. The Patriots have talent at the position with Ben Watson and Kyle Brady, but Graham is a never-quit kind of player who can make a big difference in a key game.
Grade: A";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Cleveland Browns","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The Browns dominated on draft day when they secured a pillar for their offensive line by taking Wisconsin's Joe Thomas third overall and then traded up to get quarterback Brady Quinn with the 22nd pick. Quinn was deemed second-best to JaMarcus Russell, but Quinn is no slouch and produced consistently under Charlie Weis. The Browns have their first franchise quarterback since Bernie Kosar was slinging the ball in the 1980s.
Worst move: The Browns are banking that Jamal Lewis has something left. Not only did they sign him, but they let Reuben Droughns go to the Giants. This appears to be a losing gamble. Lewis has lost a step and no longer runs with authority. One senses a bit of fear when Lewis gets the ball, and that emotion is emanating from the ball carrier and not those trying to tackle him.
Grade: A-";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Jacksonville Jaguars","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The Jaguars appear to be a team with no real direction or identity. They were a tough-minded defensive team but they have done little to maintain their strength as key players have gotten older. The one exception could be first-round draft pick Reggie Nelson who should start at free safety as a rookie. Nelson needs to show he is up to speed right away since former starter Deon Grant left for Seattle. Fourth-rounder Adam Podlesh, a Maryland punter, is expected to upgrade special teams.
Worst move: The Jaguars have a ton of speedy linebackers so the decision to draft Hampton's Justin Durant in the second round doesn’t compute. There are areas of far greater need and the jump to the NFL will be difficult.
Grade: D\+";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Oakland Raiders","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The Raiders swung for the fences. After firing Art Shell, Al Davis hired 31-year-old Lane Kiffin to turn things around after everyone else turned the job down. Kiffin has a plan, an aggressive attitude and confidence in himself. If he can earn his players’ respect, his energy and natural exuberance may be just what the team needs. The Raiders took strong-armed quarterback JaMarcus Russell No. 1 overall. Given decent protection by his offensive line, the strong-armed Russell could turn out to be a potential MVP candidate within three years.
Worst move: The Raiders seem to have gotten it right during the offseason. Even if Randy Moss puts up big numbers in New England, it was not a mistake to get rid of him. He was a complainer who needed to be sent packing. The Raiders gambled that Michael Bush will be able to play this season and are hoping that he will be to give them something of a power game. If not, they will have wasted a 4th-round pick.
Grade: A-";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","New York Jets"," ","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: Eric Mangini’s teams made significant strides last year and they did it without benefit of a significant running game. The Jets traded for highly motivated running back Thomas Jones from Bears in an exchange of second-round picks and a seventh-rounder. Jones came into his own in Chicago and was the Bears' best offensive weapon for the last three seasons, rushing for 3,493 yards and scoring 22 touchdowns. Jones has power, strength, quickness and determination and wants to show the Bears they made a mistake in giving the starting running back job to unproven Cedric Benson.
Worst move: The Jets should have improved their ordinary offensive line. They drafted rookie offensive tackle Jacob Bender of Nicholls State in the sixth round, but Chad Pennington and Jones received no other significant help on the line. That will prove to be a significant mistake for general manager Mike Tannenbaum.
Grade: B";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Pittsburgh Steelers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: History shows that when the Steelers know their business when hiring a head coach. Owner Dan Rooney chose young Mike Tomlin to follow in the footsteps of Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher, and the early indications are that Tomlin has the intelligence and aggressiveness to make his mark. However, it’s a long way from training camp to winning key games late in the season. On the personnel front, the Steelers added two physical defensive players in Florida State linebacker Lawrence Timmons of Florida State and Michigan pass rusher LaMarr Woodley. Timmons is a first-rate athlete while Woodley has a non-stop motor.
Worst move: The loss of jut-jawed Cowher can’t be overestimated. His intensity was valuable getting his talent to produce and play consistently. Letting Joey Porter go may give the Steeler some youth and room in the salary department, but they appear to have tossed out a true gem.
Grade: C";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Tennessee Titans","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: Top pick Michael Griffin was huge. The Titans decided to ignore their needs at receiver and defensive end and go for the best football player available. Griffin should start at safety or cornerback and his impact should be felt throughout the division. He is a big-time hitter with excellent coverage skills. Arizona running back Chris Henry, taken in the second round, has plenty of flash and could become a playmaker. His selection could offset a very weak free-agent haul.
Worst move: The Titans’ lack of talent at running back will not do anything positive for Vince Young’s development. The decision not to bring back Travis Henry and let him sign with Denver is a curious one. The loss of veteran receiver Drew Bennett to St. Louis deprives Young of a gutsy receiver who can make plays in traffic.
Grade: C";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","San Diego Chargers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The situation was untenable. Even though the Chargers had a 14-2 record and won the AFC West, coach Marty Schottenheimer and general manage A.J. Smith could not get along. Smith made the tough decision to fire Schottenheimer and bring in easygoing Norv Turner, who brings in a ton of offensive creativity. If Turner can command this team with aplomb the Chargers should be alright.
Worst move: Letting Donnie Edwards go to Kansas City could lead to a road of regret by the Chargers because he was aggressive and an effective leader. Veteran wideout Keenan McCardell was slow and not very strong, but he made a career of making big plays and holding on to poor throws.
Grade: B-";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","NFC East","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","NFC North","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","NFC South","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","NFC West","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Dallas Cowboys","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The Cowboys made an crucial move by nabbing huge Cardinals offensive tackle Leonard Davis. Davis signed a seven-year deal and should be a fixture for at least three seasons. The 370-pound behemoth should help out Marion Barber and Julius Jones in the running game.
Worst move: There was nothing Jerry Jones could do about Bill Parcells deciding to retire, but bringing in Wade Phillips is questionable. Phillips is a fine defensive coordinator, but he has failed in Denver and Buffalo as a head coach. He knows how to game plan, but when it comes to game management and commanding locker room respect Phillips is not ideal. It won’t show early in the season, but when crucial games are on tap in November and December the Cowboys will have issues.
Grade: C-";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Chicago Bears","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: It’s been a tumultuous offseason for the NFC champions. Cementing the tandem of coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jerry Angelo will almost certainly ensure that the Bears remain a competitive team because players love the fiercely loyal Smith and Angelo continues to mine talent in the draft. Tight end Greg Olsen gives the Bears a legitimate threat at that position for the first time in years. Former Niners defensive tackle Anthony Adams has the quickness that Smith looks for in his defensive players.
Worst move: The Bears decided to gamble when they traded Thomas Jones. They are banking on Cedric Benson coming to play for 16 games of the season, which is risky. The loss of defensive tackles Ian Scott (Philadelphia) and Alfonso Boone (Kansas City) along with the shaky status of Tank Johnson could weaken the interior defense. The Bears have quite a bit of age on the offensive line and did little to address the situation.
Grade: C";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Atlanta Falcons","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: Once the Falcons decided that Jim Mora was not the right man, they decided to get creative. Bobby Petrino moves in having developed a reputation as a demanding boss who can put together a creative game plan. Petrino should be able to get the most out of an offense that has struggled for years. However, he will be very limited in what he can do if Michael Vick’s canine activities come back to bite him.
Worst move: Why in the world would the Falcons trade backup quarterback Matt Schaub? Even before the Vick dog fighting controversy emerged, Schaub had shown he was an accurate passer and a competent backup. If Vick loses time due to suspension or injury, they will have to turn to Joey Harrington. That won’t win many games.
Grade: C-";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Arizona Cardinals","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The Cardinals had a solid offseason that may finally turn this franchise around. New coach Ken Whisenhunt is a demanding and creative leader who has been hungering for a head coaching job for several years while leading the Steelers offense. He should be the right tutor for quarterback Matt Leinart. First-round pick Levi Brown should be a fixture on the offensive line for years. Brown is a mauler who got better every year as a tackle at Penn State. Former Eagles cornerback Roderick Hood is an underrated, physical player.
Worst move: The Cardinals were busy during the offseason and made several outstanding moves, but losing 370-pound tackle Leonard Davis to the Cowboys was not good news.
Grade: B\+";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","N.Y. Giants","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: After doing almost nothing in free agency and not coaching staff changes, the Giants did an outstanding job in the draft. New York should be able to get significant contributions from its first four picks. Cornerback Aaron Ross has excellent coverage skills and play immediately. USC receiver Steve Smith should be able to jump in if Amani Toomer is not 100 percent after his knee injury last season. Jay Alford is not a fancy player, but he is a run stuffer supreme on the inside. Ivy League star Zak DeOssie will give the Giants superb play on special teams coverage and will eventually play a regular role at the linebacker spot.
Worst move: Uh oh. The Giants get Tom Coughlin for another season. You don’t have to be in the football business to realize that Coughlin is a draconian boss who drags down the quality of life of those employees under his control. He may be creative offensively, but Coughlin is ultimately a major drag. The team will never reach its potential as long as he remains on the job.
Grade: D";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Detroit Lions","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: Selecting receiver Calvin Johnson second overall was the headline move, but that makes four receivers taken in the last five years. Johnson should be the best of the bunch, but the Lions (along with several other teams) will regret letting quarterback Brady Quinn pass. Signing defensive end Dewayne White should give the defensive line a bit more explosiveness Offensive guard Edwin Mulitalo may have been cut loose by the Ravens, but he will help the Lions offensive line.
Worst move: Owner William Clay Ford loves Matt Millen. We have no disagreement with Mr. Ford because Millen is an affable human being and a great dinner companion (we surmise), but he has been a failure at running a franchise. Millen has proven that he cannot lead a team out of the quagmire and keeping him on the job is a slap in the face of every Lions ticket holder. Using a second-round draft pick on Michigan State quarterback Drew Stanton was an absolute waste. Stanton lacks discipline and playing for offensive coordinator Mike Martz won’t help.
Grade: C-";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Carolina Panthers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: Second-round pick Dwayne Jarrett will be a godsend for Steve Smith. The rookie USC receiver may feel bad that his selection was the impetus for cutting Keyshawn Johnson (a USC alum), but Jarrett will fit right in. He may have dropped to second-round status in the draft, but he can catch anything thrown his way, has the guts to go over the middle and can go up and get the high pass. That’s important because quarterback Jake Delhomme is not always on target.
Worst move: It’s not what the Panthers did during the offseason, it’s what they didn’t do. The strength of this team has been its defensive line play and there are no guarantees that defensive end Mike Rucker will recover from his late-season knee injury. They should have gone for a bigger name defensive end than third-round selection Georgia's Charles Johnson to step in.
Grade: B\+";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","St. Louis Rams","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: This team continued to make progress after a surprisingly competitive 2006 season that saw them fall just short of the playoffs. Bringing in free-agent receiver Drew Bennett from Tennessee and Dolphins tight end Randy McMichael will help quarterback Marc Bulger spread the ball around. However, the top move was drafting Nebraska defensive end Adam Carriker with the 13th pick in the draft. Carriker is a great football player and a special athlete.
Worst move: The Rams wasted their third-round pick when they took Tennessee cornerback Jonathan Wade. While he has 4.3 speed, he is a converted wideout who does not understand coverage techniques.
Grade: A-";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Philadelphia Eagles","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: This cohesive team made several key moves that should pay significant benefits. Picking up underrated receiver Kevin Curtis gives Donovan McNabb one more dependable receiver. Former Bears defensive tackle Ian Scott is not a star, but he can stop the run and loves hitting opposing running backs. The Eagles traded for linebacker Takeo Spikes and he should be a difference maker.
Worst move: Drafting Kevin Kolb with the team’s first selection was questionable. Not only does it send the wrong message to McNabb, there is no serious reason other than a big arm to believe that Kolb has the talent to become the team’s quarterback of the future.
Grade: B\+";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Green Bay Packers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The Packers need to take a lesson from themselves when it comes to handling their superstars. Running back Ahman Green has been the running game's main man, but injuries and age made him a question mark. Green signed with Houston as a free agent and the Packers drafted Brandon Jackson from Nebraska. Despite limited production in college, he will challenge Vernand Morency for playing time. If the Packers could follow the same gameplan with Brett Favre, they could move out of their time warp.
Worst move: General manager Ted Thompson decided to gamble with his first-round pick when the Packers took Tennessee defensive end Justin Harrell in the first round. He is a fine athlete who could be an impact player, but he is nearly always hurt. The Packers made no major moves on the free-agent market and the team lacks depth.
Grade: D";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","New Orleans Saints"," ","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: New Orleans turned to Cincinnati linebacker Brian Simmons and safety Kevin Kaesviharn for some additional toughness. Both are hard-hitting players who enjoy pounding opponents. Kaesviharn will give 100 percent on every snap and can also be a major plus on coverage teams. Cornerback Jason David was also signed to a four-year contract after playing with the Colts, and he adds talent to a secondary that needs it.
Worst move: Veteran Joe Horn may have been hurt by injuries last year, but he was still one of the team’s emotional leaders and his presence will be missed. The Saints cut him and he signed with the archrival Falcons. Ouch.
Grade: B\+";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","San Francisco 49ers","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The Niners did a great job on draft day, picking up at least three starters with the selections of linebacker Patrick Willis, offensive tackle Joe Staley and receiver Jason Hill. Willis is the best of the bunch. The 11th pick of the draft from Ole Miss is a great physical talent who will work with Hall of Famer Mike Singletary and quickly get up to speed.
Worst move: The 49ers wasted their money when they signed free-agent wide receiver Ashley Lelie. Lelie leads the league in excuses and lacks the fortitude to be a consistent football player. He simply does not like contact and does not have the kind of all-around talent that Marvin Harrison has to allow a team to give him a regular spot.
Grade: B";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Washington Redskins","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The Redskins made an excellent draft choice in LSU safety LaRon Landry with the sixth pick overall. Landry should be a great cover man who can also deliver a knockout hit. Washington did not make a lot of significant moves during the offseason despite their status as the NFC East cellar-dweller last season. Landry has game-changing ability, but a rookie defensive back is not likely to turn things around unless his name is Ronnie Lott.
Worst move: While the Giants are afflicted with ball-and-chain coach Tom Coughlin, the Redskins have an even bigger impediment in owner Daniel Snyder. Little Napoleon wants to control the entire operation and he simply lacks the instincts and football knowledge to do anything but weigh his team down. The Redskins added decent players like linebacker London Fletcher (Buffalo), cornerback Fred Smoot (Minnesota) and offensive lineman Jason Fabini (Dallas), but the chemistry is not right.
Grade: D";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Minnesota Vikings","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The addition of rookie running back Adrian Peterson should be a franchise-strengthening move. While an injured collarbone may not be at full strength before the start of training camp, Peterson is a future All-Pro. In addition to his natural talent, Peterson is a driven player who will leave everything he has on the football field. Second-round pick Sidney Rice is a bit raw, but he has excellent size can make plays after the catch.
Worst move: Losing cornerback Fred Smoot is not devastating, but it will hurt. Smoot understands coverage techniques and receiver tendencies. His awareness on the field will be missed.
Grade: B\+";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Tampa Bay Bucs"," ","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: Jon Gruden may have wanted to go for offense, but the Bucs wisely addressed their aging defense by drafting defensive end Gaines Adams, strong safety Sabby Piscitelli and outside linebacker Quincy Black with three of their first four picks. Adams is a special athlete with a great first step that he will put to use rushing the passer. Former Broncos linebacker Patrick Chukwurah has a ton of speed and has good coverage skills.
Worst move: While there are no guarantees that Chris Simms will be the same player he was before his brutal kidney injury last season, bringing in Jeff Garcia is a bit of a reach. He did an outstanding job stepping in for Donovan McNabb last year, but there is a good reason Andy Reid did not bring him back.
Grade: A-";
spt_NFL_team_needs[i++] = new Array("","Seattle Seahawks","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NFL_team_needs[i-1].body = "
Best move: The Seahawks had a lot of movement on the defensive side during the offseason and their best move was the addition of Jaguars safety Deon Grant. Right behind that was the decision to bring in Falcons defensive end Patrick Kerney. He is quick and smart, but his lack of bulk can be an issue against the run.
Worst move: The loss of linebacker D.D. Lewis to Denver, safety Ken Hamlin to Dallas and steady defensive lineman Joe Tafoya to Arizona will hurt the defense's quality and depth. If rookie DT Brandon Mebane (third round choice) from California is not ready to play, the Seahawks may find themselves getting worn down in the fourth quarter.
Grade: C"; // END editorial data