TRENT RICHARDSON (Browns): Richardson will be coming with high expectations so his sleeper status is a bit understated. However, he is not a sure-fire early draft pick and the Browns make nearly any player a sleeper status pick. Why Richardson may deserve higher round consideration is his potential work load. He will immediately be a 3 down back, contributing in both the run and pass game. In today’s NFL a 3 down back is a rarity and instantly puts Richardson among a nearly extinct group of players. Also in  his favor will be two quarterbacks whom are young and developing. Using Richardson as a check down safety net could become a common occurrence on a team which lacks wide receiving threats. The drawback here is if the Browns will be able to move the ball enough so Richardson actually sniffs the red zone. Regardless, Richardson has double digit potential based on projected touches alone. You could do much worse for a running back #2 or Flex spot.

DOUG MARTIN (Buccaneers): Though Richardson is likely to split time with incumbent Legarrette Blount, the front office did not jump back into the first round for Martin to play a backup role. Like Richardson, Martin is considered a NFL ready 3 down back. Regardless of his actual number of carries, Martin is likely to see the majority of red zone carries. The Bucs may have struggled to see the end zone last season but things will change this year. With Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks paving the way, expect plenty of touches for Martin inside the 10 yard line. Martin was selected as the future of the team at running back and should earn some noteworthy touches day one. Martin should be selected as a high end flex starter with weekly RB #2 potential. There would be no surprise here if he exceeds all expectation and leads the team in fantasy points.

PEYTON HILLIS (Chiefs): Few fantasy studs have had a bigger fall from grace than Hillis. After leading many a team to the fantasy playoffs two seasons ago, the back found himself looking for a home this year. Home is now with the Chiefs, whom await the return of king Charles. Although Charles will be the back selected highest, don’t be surprised if Hillis outscores him. Take a look at the 2010 season in which Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones shared the load. Jones actually came away with 15 more carries and despite rushing for nearly 600 fewer yards, he scored one more touchdown (6) than Charles. Jamaal Charles believes he will be ready for OTA’s but the team won’t be rushing him back into a heavy work load immediately. Expect Hillis to see at minimum an even split early on as Charles tests his knee in real time action. Hillis is younger and has more of a nose for the aging Thomas, so he should see plenty of opportunity in the red zone and is more likely to break longer runs than Thomas did. Charles will likely once again hold the yardage advantage, but total fantasy points may not be that far apart. With Charles projected as an early round selection,  Hillis carries tremendous value as a mid round pick up. A scenario for Charles owners who also draft Hillis could be starting the tandem every week. The Chiefs ran the ball 556 times compared to 475 pass attempts in 2010. In 2011, that number fell slightly to 487 rushing attempts vs. 500 pass attempts. Given there was no Jamaal Charles, that is still a very appealing ratio for selecting Chiefs running backs.

CURTIS BRINKLEY (Chargers): With Mike Tolbert gone to Carolina and waning belief in Jacob Hester ever being a starter in the NFL, Brinkley becomes the sure fire backup to Ryan Mathews. Brinkley is a speedy, Sproles like back who has the potential to be used as such on the west coast version of the Saints. Also playing into Brinkley’s upside is Ryan Mathews tendency to get injured. Mathews has yet to play a full season and has yet to break double digits in touchdowns. Last season, Tolbert and Brinkley combined for 61 catches versus Mathews 50 out of the backfield. Expecting Brinkley to horde those 61 touches should put him at about 200 total touches on the season if we use Tolbert’s numbers from last year. If Mathews once again falls to injury, that number could go up significantly. Also, the reality of the Chargers becoming a more balanced run/pass team looms large. With the loss of Vincent Jackson to Tampa, nobody is sure if Robert Meachem can really fill the void. Outside of Antonio Gates, there will be much to prove in terms of the Chargers wide receiving corps. The result could be a Chargers team which joins the rest of the AFC West foes as a run focused organization. Even if it’s not by choice.

TAIWAN JONES (Raiders): Jones supplants Michael Bush as the Raiders backup to oft injured Darren McFadden this season. Like Mathews, McFadden has been an even bigger injury issue for his team. The result was Bush ending up as the Raiders lead rusher with 256 attempts, 977 yards and 7 scores. Jones is very similar to Jamaal Charles in terms of his elusiveness and speed. His ability to hit a home run at any point makes him at minimum a handcuff to McFadden owners with a mountain of upside. The Raiders have a talented but underachieving receiving corps which could continue their reliance on the run. Like the Chiefs, the Raiders may want to conserve McFadden for the long haul which equates to a healthy amount of touches early on for Jones. At minimum, Jones is among the best bye week plug in’s you can have on your roster. At best, he is a player who becomes the next DeMarco Murray.

JOSEPH ADDAI (Patriots): Addai joins the mix in New England, joining forces with Vereen, Woodhead and Ridley. Though all these backs have potential for how the Pats offense runs, none are as complete as Addai. With the “Law Firm” now in Cincinnati, Addai should become the lead back in one of the most potent offenses available. Addai has averaged 39 receptions and 307 yards per season the last four years. This is a far contrast to what the Patriots have been used to since the days of Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk, days in which the Patriots thrived. Expect Addai to be used heavily in this role and see the majority of snaps among all Pats running backs. As seen with Benjarvis Green-Ellis’ touchdown prowess, the threat of Brady makes life much easier for any back in the red zone. Addai carries the most bang for your buck this season given he is unlikely to be selected before the 4th round.

CHRIS RAINEY (Steelers): Rashard Mendenhall is expected to begin the season on the PUP list which leaves the Steelers with Redman as the most likely starter. The current roster of Steelers backs are far from explosive, something Rainey can deliver. As evidence by the new look pass happy Steelers, Rainey fits right in. Though his diminutive stature will be something to get used to, Rainey offers the ability to be a presence catching out of the backfield once he gets into open space. Though this will most likely be his specialty, the Steelers will look to find creative ways to get him the ball. The potential to become a Percy Harvin type of player is there for Rainey, who steps right in as perhaps the most versatile back in Pittsburgh. As a late pick up for depth, Rainey serves as a nice fill in should injury strike your lineup.

JAMES STARKS (Packers): Yes, the Packers have Aaron Rodgers and they are a pass first team. That doesn’t mean running the ball won’t be a priority this season. The Packers know their Achilles heel has been their one dimensional offense and will be looking to take steps to keep defenses from sitting on their heels. The Packers only carried the ball 395 times compared to 552 pass attempts. Those rushing attempts were split nearly perfectly down the middle last season between Starks and Grant. Now that Ryan Grant is searching for a new home, Starks will take over as lead back. The gap between him and the rest on the Packers roster is huge and secures his status as a 3 down back this season. Presuming as much, Starks should hit the 250 carry mark and has the potential to rack up nearly 1,000 yards. The problem is if he will get enough red zone opportunities to make him fantasy worthy. John Kuhn has been the primary culprit, snagging 4 scores last season while Grant and Starks totaled only three. If Starks can prove his ability to stay on the field, he could be in for a career year. There is no way to argue Aaron Rodgers throwing the ball as much as possible. That being said, the ceiling on Starks is only so high. Still, Starks is as solid a RB #3 option you will be able to find.

BENJARVIS GREEN-ELLIS (Bengals): The “Law Firm” comes in as the Bengals unquestioned starter unless he falters in camp. Bernard Scott failed to prove he was worthy of taking the starting role last season and Cedric Benson is still looking for a new team. That leaves Ellis likely to see the majority of the 273 carries Benson took last season. The possibility for even more production is there now that Jerome Simpson is gone, leaving A.J. Green as the only true threat at wide receiver. Especially since running the ball effectively is of utmost importance in the AFC North. Green-Ellis has never truly been able to display his rushing abilities in New England and now gets a chance to turn loose in Cinci. Due to the sheer volume of touches expected and his clear cut role as starter, Green-Ellis should be on your roster as a mid-round pick.

JAHVID BEST (Lions): Best will be among the most forgotten #1 RB’s come draft day unless he has great showings in early pre-season. Even if he does, the fear of injury given his history will prompt most fantasy owners to avoid him as a starter. Best was one of the best runners early in the season before injury and has the potential to do the same this year. With Mike Leshoure facing legal issues and Kevin Smith taking a secondary role to Best, you could do far worse. Bottom line is that Best has been declared healthy and should be treated as such. Common perception will most likely see him drop far lower than his value which makes him a sleeper candidate. If you can get Best as your third back, you are sitting pretty. The injury history will be something to keep in mind, but how many times have similar stories (Beanie Wells, Willis McGahee) turn out just fine? Consider Best a great value for where he will be selected.

Many analysts and prognosticators never saw the Buccaneers first pick coming. Nearly everyone had them tied to either Morris Claiborne or Trent Richardson. Instead, Mark Dominik decided to trade down with the Jacksonville Jaguars and select safety Mark Barron. At first, the reaction was one of confusion. The Bucs needed a corner and could have had their prayers answered in Claiborne. That is, until you realize the importance the role of strong safety will play in the Bucs defensive scheme. The Bucs plan on instituting a “4-3 Dallas” style of defense this coming season, which relies heavily on a safety willing to get in the box. Barron will be asked to blitz, give run support as the 5th lineman, cover tight ends and handle the normal duties of a safety in coverage. The Bucs did not need a corner as much as they needed their next John Lynch.

The Bucs followed the Barron pick up by trading back into the first round to select Doug Martin. The Boise State product was the second ranked running back in college football. The “Muscle Hamster” as he is referred, gives the Bucs a much needed every down back with explosiveness and agility. This doesn’t even include Legarrette Blount’s presence, which gives the team enough ammo to execute their vision of “ground and pound” power football. The Bucs then added Lavonte David in the second round, among the top linebackers in the draft and considered a Derrick Brooks type player. All three players were among the best at their position and instantly filled holes the team needed to address.

Once the big three were selected, the Bucs moved towards specialty type players, capable of boosting run support and areas of weakness. West Virginia’s run stopping linebacker Najee Goode was selected in the 5th round, followed up by his teammate Keith Tandy in the 6th round. Tandy is a physical corner and adds great value to a position of need. They then added depth in the 7th round, selecting Utah State’s 4.3-40 yard dash running Michael Smith and Northwestern tight end Drake Dunsmore. Each of the players were depth selections with upside.

At the other end of the spectrum was the New Orleans Saints. Stuck without a first or second round pick due to the bounty scandal and their trade for Mark Ingram, the Saints were behind the eight ball. Though able to get highly touted Canadian prospect Akiem Hicks to help at the defensive tackle position, many question his abilities due to the level of competition up north. They then attempted to replace Robert Meachem with 4th round selection Nick Toon out o Wisconsin. If that was their goal, they unfortunately failed. Toon is not as explosive, fast or shifty as Meachem and found it hard to break from defenders in college. The picks were then followed up by safety Corey White, guard Andrew Tiller and offensive tackle Marcel Jones from Nebraska. All three of course have potential but are considered projects at the next level.

To compensate, the Saints were among the most active in signing undrafted free agents. They will have to hope they strike gold with a few of the 20 players signed after the draft ended. Even if they do, who is going to coach them? Sean Payton is suspended for the season and interim coach Joe Vitt will be responsible for their grooming. Add to that the constant influx of allegations being hurled at the team and it makes for a less than perfect environment to foster young talent.

Though both the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons did well at addressing needs via the draft, they did not get extremely better because of their picks. The Buccaneers own that distinction, nearly transforming their team overnight. When combined with the free agency signings of Vincent Jackson, Carl Nicks and Eric Wright, it amounts to a team far from their 4-12 squad a season ago. Coach Greg Schiano has ushered in a new era and the front office has done everything to ensure that era is a championship one.

ROUNDS 1-3 FANTASY ROOKIE PROSPECTS

ANDREW LUCK- QB, Indianapolis Colts

The top selection may have come as no surprise, but don’t be surprised if he fails to live up to the hype in year one. Standard re-draft leagues should view him as a great reserve with upside. In other keeper formats, sky will be the limit. Luck and the Colts are in the middle of the pack in terms of 2012 strength of schedule. Though he does start off against some of the weaker secondaries, several of his games will be against top ten pass defenses. Luck’s weapons also leave much to be desired. Reggie Wayne is a year older and the likes of Donnie Avery, Blair White and Austin Collie don’t invoke thoughts of a team which can stretch the field. Combined with no true #1 back and only rookie tight end Coby Fleener to serve as his safety valve, Luck could find himself lacking his namesake.

ROBERT GRIFFIN III- QB, Washington Redskins

Griffin could find himself providing the biggest contribution of all rookies in the 2012 season. Skins owner Dan Snyder sold the farm to ensureGriffin’s selection, but also ensured he would have the tools to succeed. Adding to the likes of Santana Moss and Chris Cooley, proven contributors Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan were singed during free agency. Among rookie quarterbacks,Griffinhas the most tools in place to ensure his road is not as bumpy year one.

TRENT RICHARDSON- RB, Cleveland Browns

Richardson immediately steps in as the work horse for a team in desperate need of one. His ability to catch out of the backfield will help either Brandon Weeden or Colt McCoy, while seeing plenty of carries to satisfy his hunger.Richardson only faces seven games against top ten rush defenses in 2012, while squaring off against the bottom of the barrel for the rest. His workload, talent and durability set Richardson up to be the among the top rookie fantasy scorers. The one big drawback is if he will see the red zone enough to reach his potential. Though he will have RB #1 potential, he is safer as a RB #2.

JUSTIN BLACKMON- WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars believe they have finally found the answer at wide receiver in Blackmon. His speed, range and ability to perform when the pressure is on pushed the Jags to jump up and select him 5th overall. Blackmon has all the tools to succeed personally, but the bigger issue is if Blaine Gabbert can improve on a poor freshman season. Blackmon will see plenty of single coverage as defenses choose to focus on Laurent Robinson, Marcedes Lewis and MJD. Gabbert will be the key, so as Gabbert goes, so will Blackmon’s value. Expecting anything more than Flex type scoring would be a stretch for Blackmon this year.

RYAN TANNEHILL- QB, Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins had flirted with multiple quarterbacks leading up to the draft, a statement of their uneasiness about Matt Moore. Though Tannehill was the 8th overall pick, his status as a week one starter is far from guaranteed. The Dolphins also signed quarterback David Gerrard, making it a three man competition for the starting job come training camp. With Davone Bess and Brian Hartline as the Dolphins primary weapons, none of the quarterbacks can be expected to produce at an elite level.

MICHAEL FLOYD- WR, Arizona Cardinals

Still trying to find a replacement for Anquan Boldin, the Cardinals jumped on the second most prized WR in Floyd. Though Floyd is likely to compete for a starting job, Early Doucet finally came of age last season, scoring 5 touchdowns on 689 yards. Doucet could move to the slot position, but unless Floyd blows Roberts out of the water, his looks could be spotty. At best, Floyd overtakes all other options and becomes the check down after Fitzgerald. At worst, Floyd could be option #3 behind Fitzgerald, Doucet and Heap. None of this takes into account a quarterback position far from secure. Floyd is worth a late round selection, but could wind up wasting away on your roster until he cements himself atop the depth chart.

KENDALL WRIGHT- WR, Tennessee Titans

Wright has great upside, but will be limited in his efforts. Expect him to be buried behind Kenny Britt, Nate Washington and Damian Williams. In fact, the drafting of Wright totals ten wide receivers currently on the Titans roster at this point. Wright will most likely be a project and the Titans should be expected to make a return commitment to the run game. Wright will most likely be a waiver wire pick up in times of need.

BRANDON WEEDEN- QB, Cleveland Browns

The organizations has been saying all the right things about Colt McCoy as of late, but then turned and drafted the 28 year old rookie. Ironically, his age may help him gain the starting job. McCoy has failed to deliver despite his pedigree and Weeden comes with a possible short shelf life. If he has a solid camp, the gig will all but be his. The issue at hand is will he be able to turn around one of the league’s worst scoring offenses? Trent Richardson will help his cause, but Greg Little remains as the only viable passing option. Don’t expect the scheme to change much in Cleveland, whom will be focused on running the ball and supplementing with the pass. Pass is what most fantasy owners should do on Weeden until we see him produce.

A.J. JENKINS- WR, San Francisco 49ers

Jenkins should be considered the second most valuable rookie wide receiver behind Blackmon. Unlike Floyd and Wright, Jenkins has a legitimate shot to take over as the team’s #1 WR. Michael Crabtree continues to be inconsistent and plagued by injury, forcing the team to use Vernon Davis as their primary passing threat throughout last year’s the playoffs. Mario Manningham never really broke out in New York, getting passed up by Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks. Jenkins has the speed to provide a deep threat the team has lacked. That said, he is still option #3 at best behind Gore and Davis. Harbaugh will have to feel extremely comfortable with Jenkins before turning Alex Smith loose. It will be best to take a wait and see approach with Jenkins until the final depth chart comes out. If he winds up as WR #3 on the list, it could be only a matter of time until he starts taking reps from Crabtree and Manningham. If that is the case, Jenkins has nice sleeper value.

DOUG MARTIN- RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Martin is a player who could go largely unnoticed due to the team he plays for and the shadow Trent Richardson casted over all other drafted running backs. Coach Greg Schiano and the Bucs have not been content with Legarrette Blount’s long term value since day one. Martin is considered and every down back and will be a lock to receive at minimum the lion’s share of 3^rd down reps. Given Blount’s struggles at the goal line, Martin will also see plenty of red zone touches as well. Moving the ball vertically should not be an issue for the Bucs this year, so you can expect them to improve drastically in their red zone opportunities. Doug Martin will at worst be a solid flex option with RB #1 potential. He will be one of the few players with more value than where owners select him.

DAVID WILSON- RB, New York Giants

Predicting what role Wilson will play with the Giants initially is a bit of a challenge. With Brandon Jacobs gone and Ahmad Bradshaw facing ankle issues the last two seasons,Wilson falls into line with the other Giants backs. Like D.J. Ware and Andre Brown,Wilson relies on his speed and ability to catch out of the backfield. Overtaking one of the two may not present an issue, but if Bradshaw stays healthy, his touches will be severely limited. His value will be higher as a reserve in keeper and dynasty leagues if you have the roster room to wait Bradshaw out.

BRIAN QUICK- WR, St. Louis Rams

With possibly the greatest last name for a wide receiver, Quick was taken by Jeff Fisher and the Rams. Fisher has always had a run first mentality and that is likely not to change. Now that the Rams have both Steven Jackson and rookie Isaiah Pead, the pass game will be secondary. Still, Quick will be part of a under-achieving wide receivers corps. Outside of Steve Smith, there really isn’t a lock on the roster. Quick will have his chance to cement himself as a starter this year. Where Quick carries the most value is in the red zone. With defenses certain to shift focus on Jackson in the red zone, Quick provides a big target Sam Bradford can depend on. For that reason alone, Quick could develop into a nice flex player.

COBY FLEENER- TE, Indianapolis Colts

Fleener is likely to be a starter on opening day, joining Andrew Luck in what should be a lifetime friendship. The two have spent their college career together and now move on to the pro’s together.  The Colts have taken a similar strategy along the lines of Peyton Manning’s arrival to the team. Like the Manning/Clark connection, there is no reason to deny a similar connection between Luck and Fleener. While neither player should be an expected lock in year one, keeper leagues will be crawling over one another to select both players. Fleener holds great value as a late round pick in standard leagues due to the Colts weak run options and the prospect of playing from behind. Fleener will get his share of looks and is a sure bet to see plenty of red zone targets. For that reason, Fleener is a good option as a starter for those of you who tend to wait on a tight end until the later rounds.

STEPHEN HILL- WR, New York Jets

The Jets thought enough of Hill to move up and draft him, filling a hole at the wide receiver position. With Santonio Holmes as the only day one guaranteed starter, Hill should be in the lineup opposite from day one. Chaz Schilens has been plagued by injury throughout his career, one which seems to be on the downside. By selecting Hill, the Jets seem to acknowledge that fact. Hill will be a big red zone target for Sanchez, who tended to look towards Plaxico during those situations. If the two can build a rapport early, Hill’s upside deserves consideration as a flex option.

ALSHON JEFFEREY- WR, Chicago Bears

Jefferey was considered quite the stretch once the Bears made the decision to select him. Bears GM Phil Emery spoke of Jefferey as if he was the surest pick in the draft, reportedly stating he had “the best hands in the draft”. While that may be the case, Brandon Marshall and Cutler pal Earl Bennett will still take the majority of the looks. Jefferey was considered by most to be a “project” at the next level, but the Bears apparently think otherwise. Jefferey should not even be on your radar unless Marshall faces discipline legally or by the league for his involvement in an alleged night club fight just before he was traded to the Bears.

ISAIAH PEAD- RB, St. Louis Rams

Jeff Fisher likes to run the ball. He will have plenty of opportunity to do so after selecting the speedy Pead from Cincinnati. Steven Jackson is already a capable work horse and Pead will instantly come in as a change of pace/ relief back. Pead was a largely unknown prospect until his Senior Bowl showing in which he was named MVP of the game. Due to Jackson’s hard nosed style, Pead is a must handcuff for all Jackson owners.

RYAN BROYLES- WR, Detroit Lions

The selection of Broyles was a look towards the future for the Lions. He will likely not see the field enough in year one or two to make any significant impact fantasy wise. Even in dynasty leagues, Broyles is best forgotten until he makes you remember him.

BROCK OSWEILER- QB, Denver Broncos

One name…Peyton Manning. It will be a double edged sword for Osweiler’s fantasy value in 2012 and beyond. By coming in as the heir apparent to learn under the living legend, Osweiler also faces the potential of starting quickly. All of it will depend on Manning’s health or lack thereof. If you choose to take the risk and make Peyton your starter, Osweiler should be the handcuff over Caleb Haine in dynasty leagues. Friends with John Elway’s son, Osweiler has been a willing learner from the Hall of Fame quarterback and has all the intangibles to be successful in the NFL.

LAMICHAEL JAMES- RB, San Francisco 49ers

In terms of playing time and fantasy value, James couldn’t have been selected by a worse team. Frank Gore already commands nearly all the touches and when healthy, rarely leaves the field. Kendall Hunter seems to be the first option behind Gore after showing nice flashes in relief of Gore towards the end of last season. James was already considered a specialty back, so his lack of versatility and bulk will keep him from getting reps unless Gore goes down with injury. Even then, James is a player you can do without.

RUEBEN RANDLE- WR, New York Giants

It took Victor Cruz several seasons to crack Tom Coughlin’s lineup despite stellar pre-season performances. Expect Randle to pay his dues and possibly wind up on the practice squad. Randle still has much to learn in order to compete on the next level, but is with the right team to develop his skills.

MICHAEL EGNEW- TE, Miami Dolphins

Like Coby Fleener, Egnew should see himself in the starting lineup opening day. He is far more of a threat receiving than incumbent Anthony Fasano, though Fasano is the better all around player. With questions on who will be the week one quarterback and a lack of a true #1 wideout, Egnew could possibly see himself become a Marcedes Lewis type of producer for the Dolphins. Egnew will carry great value as a TE #2/bye week fill in.

MOHAMED SANU- WR, Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have proven they are not timid on throwing their rookies into immediate action. With Jerome Simpson now in Minnesota, Sanu will have ample opportunity to become the possession receiver across from A.J. Green. Andy Dalton should make big improvement on his surprise rookie season and will make use of Sanu’s solid route running and hands. Presuming he does win the role, Sanu is a good option for depth on your roster due to the time he will see on the field. In dynasty leagues, it would not be a surprise to see Sanu pay dividends as early as year two. He has the potential to play T. J. Houshmenzadeh to Green’s “Chad Johnson”.

“I was going out of bounds, and the guy went for my ankle. I said, ‘Hey, man, cut that out.’ He’s like, ‘Well, we get fined if we don’t go after your legs when you go out of bounds.’

Smith then added this about former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams…

“And actually this past year, this last game when we played them, I had a little conversation with Gregg Williams. … He took responsibility, he was saying it wasn’t right, but that’s who he was.”

Let’s face it, opponents and former employees alike are all taking advantage of kicking the Saints while they’re down. It will be no surprise to hear more and more critique on the organization.

On the one hand, there is the argument which defends the Saints. It would be tremendously naive to believe no other team in the NFL is guilty of playing in the grey areas of the  NFL constitution. Okay, well, maybe other teams guilty of breaking those guidelines. We know about “Spy Gate”  which tainted the New England Patriots for some time, as that of the fines passed down to Josh McDaniels during his time with the Denver Broncos. There have even been reports which state the idea of a bounty system is far from something recently devised by the Saints. Some form of cheating is involved in every sport. They may call it seeking competitive advantage, but in reality, we all know what it is.

On the other hand, there is validation for downright contempt of the organization. It is one thing to try and put a player on his backside, but quite another to attempt and end careers. It’s one thing to steal signals, but quite another to use espionage type equipment to steal audio. Where the Saints have gone wrong is by racing over the line instead of stepping over it.

What is most tragic about the current spiral the team is facing, is how it affects the players. Reports always state the name “Saints”, a connotation which includes the whole team. However, things are starting to point it was not up to the players.  If Smith’s alleged conversations are true, the players had no choice but to play within the bounty system. Though they still had the choice to pick between right and wrong, in the moment, the prospect of losing money or perception of being the odd guy out could have fractured them from the locker room. Football is a brotherhood and to betray that brotherhood is among the biggest of sins. It wasn’t as easy as choosing between right and wrong.

Now, all these players face entering the season without their coach for the entire season, the loss of their defensive mind, and the loss of the man who helped sign them. They are trying to be positive, but these are off the field issues which can’t help but cause a distraction. Drew Brees handles himself as professional as any player in the league. Yet even he has been involved in the Sean Payton suspension. All of this doesn’t even include player suspension still yet to come.  No matter how things are spinned, this ranks among the most tumultuous off-seasons a team has faced in recent memory.

Nobody is a Saint, they never claimed to be. It just happens to be this team’s name.

Panthers Regular-Season Schedule (All times ET)
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 9, at Tampa Bay, 4:15 PM
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 16, New Orleans, 1:00 PM
Week 3: Thursday, Sept. 20, N.Y. Giants, 8:20 PM
Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 30, at Atlanta, 1:00 PM
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 7, Seattle, 4:05 PM
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 21, Dallas, 1:00 PM
Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 28, at Chicago, 1:00 PM
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 4, at Washington, 1:00 PM
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 11, Denver, 1:00 PM
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 18, Tampa Bay, 1:00 PM
Week 12: Monday, Nov. 26, at Philadelphia, 8:30 PM
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 2, at Kansas City, 1:00 PM
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 9, Atlanta, 1:00 PM
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 16, at San Diego, 4:05 PM
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 23, Oakland, 1:00 PM
Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 30, at New Orleans, 1:00 PM

It is very possible that the Panthers season could be decided before their bye in week 6.  While the Panthers are sure to be competitive one again, all it takes is a slow start and they could be looking at an 0-3 divisional record within the first four weeks. On the flip side, a quick start could give them a very nice cushion. A quick start would remove pressure on Cam Newton while allowing him time to settle in and gain momentum as the season wares on. No matter which way things go, the first four weeks will be pivotal.

As with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Panthers focus on running the ball sets up well for their schedule. Only three of their opponents were among the top ten in run defense, and Carolina made offensive line and running back their sole purpose in free agency. Now with a three headed monster in the backfield and Cam Newton at the helm, there is no doubt Carolina will be among the league leaders in rushing.  The question becomes if they can improve on the leagues 28th ranked defense.

The giveaway only adds to a highly anticipated 2012 season for Chiefs faithful. Star running back Jamaal Charles is expected to return from injury and the signing of Peyton Hillis could make the team one of the top rushing tandems in the league. In addition to the backfield, corner back Stanford Routt was snatched up from divisional rival Oakland Raiders, as was tight end Kevin Boss.

After a roller coaster 2011 season, the Chiefs seem primed to keep the AFC West among the most competitive divisions. With divisional foes beating up on one another every year, the Chiefs stand to get a break by receiving the 12th easiest strength of schedule based on their opponents records last year. The team has addressed nearly every area of concern and still has the upcoming NFL draft to bolster their roster. Coach Romeo Crennel will now have a full season to get this team moving in the right direction, giving the Chiefs some much needed consistency at the top.

With the release, the Bucs send a message about commitment to the organization and as coach Greg Schiano has said before, accountability. So what now? The move leaves safety Ahmad Black as the only player with upside at the position. Black was highly touted coming out of the University of Florida, but only participated in four games last year due to a severe ankle sprain. There has been a clamoring for Ronde Barber to move to the position and possibly even a player like Myron Lewis. The release of Jackson also puts even more emphasis on drafting Morris Claiborne with the 5th pick of the upcoming NFL Draft, especially if the team decides to move a corner back to safety. If not, only limited options remain.

A very likely target via free agency could be former Dallas Cowboys strong safety Abram Elam, who is from West Palm Beach and is currently the best safety still available. Though there is still former Miami Dolphins safety Yeremiah Bell, several teams have reportedly been in pursuit of his services already which puts the Bucs at a disadvantage. The same applies for Madeiu Williams, currently visiting rival Atlanta Falcons today. The Cincinnati Bengals recently released safety Chris Crocker, but his release was due to declining production and would not guarantee an upgrade at the position.

The Buccaneers still could chase a safety earlier than projected in the draft, but that would impact other positions of need drastically. With running back, corner back, and linebacker more pressing, taking a safety early is not an option. This leaves the team to find a replacement on the squad, sign a free agent or hope a 5th round safety pick is capable of contributing in his rookie year.

Richardson is considered among the most well prepared NFL ready running back prospects in recent memory. He was the winner of the Doak Walker Award given to the nation’s best running back and a top three Heisman trophy finalist. In addition, Richardson was also a finalist for the Maxwell and Walter Camp Player of the Year Awards. His 23 total touchdowns tied Tim Tebow for second most in SEC history, while tying Tebow and Cam Newton as the only players to rush for 20 touchdowns in the conference.

Trent Richardson would instantly bring a dimension the Buccaneers have sorely lacked the past few seasons. Like current Bucs running back Legarrette Blount, Richardson is a tough player who thrives as the game progresses. Last season, an impressive 49.7% of his rushing yards came after first contact. Of his 1,583 rushing yards in 2011, 59% of those yards came in the second half. Where Richardson differs from Blount is in ball security. Richardson fumbled just once in 614 career touches, a departure from Legarrette Blount’s 6 fumbles in just 385 touches. He also differs in his explosiveness off the ball and vision. Richardson has shown the shiftiness to leave defenders in their tracks, combining both speed and power in his 5’11′ 200 pound frame. His ability to catch out of the backfield would earn him the possible role of an every down back immediately.

Richardson is also considered one of the strongest pound for pound players coming out of the draft. He is reported to squat 600 lbs. and bench 475 lbs, all while maintaining his elite speed. His work ethic has been praised by his college coaches, something which Bucs head coach Greg Schiano has vowed to focus on.

In today’s NFL, teams need more than just running back to be effective. The Buccaneers have lacked depth at the position for several years and by selecting Richardson they would ensure the position is secure for the long term.

More importantly, Okoye brings with him a production level unmatched by current Bucs defensive tackles. Though Okoye has only been a starter in two of his five seasons, he has racked up 165 career tackles and 15 career sacks. Between Brian Price, Roy Miller, Frank Okam and Gerald McCoy combined, the unit has only 10 career sacks. Their total of 215 tackles collectively only surpass Okoye by 50 total.

Okoye had 5.5 sacks in his rookie campaign and 4 sacks last season during relief duty. Only Gerald McCoy comes close, notching a 4 sack season in his own rookie year. Okoye’s 27 tackles and 4 sacks last season also would have made him the most productive tackle on the Bucs roster. Though Roy Miller finished with 36 total tackles in 2011, he did not do much else.

In fairness, both McCoy and Price have been riddled with injury the past two seasons which has limited their production levels. When healthy McCoy brings with him plenty of intangibles which affect nearly every play when he is on the field. The same cannot be said for Price and Miller. It would not be a stretch to believe Okoye could be an opening day starter. With several teams in pursuit of Okoye’s services during free agency, it is likely Okoye saw an opportunity to start in Tampa and just as likely coach Schiano promised open competition.

At worst, the Bucs have a solid reserve which can bring stability to a position which has been anything but. At best, Okoye produces at a high level and creates one of the better inside tandems in the league beside Gerald McCoy. While the “Big 3″ have garnered most of the attention, the signing of Okoye could end up being just as significant.

Amobi Okoye offers the most upside for the Bucs, while Landri offers a proven veteran who is capable of performing well in spot duty. At just 24 years old, Okoye is the same age as Gerald McCoy but has five seasons under his belt. The Louisville product was drafted at just 19 years old, taken by the Houston Texans tenth overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He was the youngest player in Senior Bowl history and could have attended Harvard if he chose.  After a stellar start to his career with 5.5 sacks in his rookie season, Okoye tapered off, registering just just 5.5 sacks in his next three seasons. Serving as a rotational option for the Bears last year, Okoye resurrected his career by racking up 4 sacks despite only one game started. Okoye would give the Bucs the rare combination of youth and experience while offering a serious challenge to Brian Price and Roy Miller.

Derek Landri was also drafted in the 2007 NFL Draft, selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 5th round. Landri has been a career backup, starting a full season just once in his six seasons. Though he has only 8 sacks during his tenure, he is considered a trusted rotational player at the position. Landri was initially cut by the Eagles last season, but re-signed after injuries made room for him in October of last year. Landri would only offer the Buccaneers a warm body at the position, forcing the Bucs to take a look at drafting a tackle late in the upcoming draft.

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