2. Charles Johnson, this defensive end for the Carolina Panthers has only been in the NFL for three full seasons, yet has already totaled 114 tackles and 21 sacks. At only 25 years old, Johnson may be perhaps the most sought after free agent defensive end this summer. The age, plus production, plus potential, equals multiple Pro Bowls for Johnson's future and you can bet teams will be lined up around the block to bring Johnson to their city. However, you can also bet that the Carolina Panthers will not let Johnson leave easily. He could anchor their defensive line for years and potentially be the second coming of Julius Peppers. Charles Johnson better be the Carolina Panthers number one priority this off-season.
3. Roman Harper, strong safety for the New Orleans Saints may not receive the recognition he deserves. Playing on the same defense with a future Hall of Famer in Darren Sharper, it's easy for people to overlook him. However, this two-time Pro Bowler is one of the main reasons why the Saints defense was ranked in the top six of both passing & rushing defenses for the NFC last season. Since being drafted in 2006, Harper has started all 67 games he's appeared in at strong safely. What he lacks in interceptions (4) he makes up for in tackling as he averages almost seven tackles per game and has produced over 400 tackles in five seasons. Because the safety position does not see contact every play, there is a possibility he will produce Pro Bowl appearances even into his 30's. Expect the Saints to do everything they can to keep the 28 year old Harper, because once Sharper retires he will be the force to reckon with in the New Orleans' secondary.
4. Davin Joseph, a 6-3, 313lb mountainous man is the ideal size for an offensive guard and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't the only team that knows it. Another product from the outstanding draft class of 2006, Joseph has started 57 games since winning his starting spot during training camp of his rookie year. His 2010 season was cut short because of a broken foot, but his past production serves him well enough. Offensive linemen do not produce the statistical flair that skill position players do, they rely on consistency and big-body athleticism. Joseph has both of those traits and with the large amount of cap-room the Buccaneers have acquired since their rebuilding process began, they should have no problem hanging on to this beast.
5. Brent Grimes, began his career in 2007 on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad, but the 5-10 defensive back fought his way into a starting position in only two years. Grimes led the Falcons in interceptions during 2009 with six, then broke through in 2010 recording his first Pro Bowl selection. Playing in every game since becoming a starter, Grimes has proven his durability in a position that is known for injuries. With more experience under his belt there is no reason why the interception and tackling numbers won't go anywhere but up. Even though the Atlanta Falcons pride themselves on their pass rushing ability, they will not want to lose a solid cornerback to lock down receivers on the outside.
6. James Anderson, the 27 year old linebacker for the Carolina Panthers is beginning to blossom into the tackling machine the Panthers always thought he would be when then selected him in the 3rd round of the 2006 draft. Besides an injury that kept him sidelined for most of the 2008 season, Anderson has increased his tackling total every year he's been in the league. 2010 was the best year of Anderson's career as he was second on the team in tackles with 154, as well as compiling 3.5 sacks from the linebacker spot. Anderson will be looking to cash in on his stellar season and teams will be interested in a young linebacker with his type of speed and agility. The Panthers should look to keep Anderson, but not overpay simply because he had one good year. All arrows put upward for the former Virginia Tech Hokie, but don't expect a huge pay day.
7. Matt Moore, a 6-3, 200lb quarterback from the Carolina Panthers has never been given a fair opportunity in his career to lead a quality NFL team. In 2010 Moore was asked to win games with a make-shift offensive line, one decent receiver in Steve Smith and a front office who refused to spend money to improve their skill position players. Moore has proven he can win by going 4-1 in the final five games of 2009 with an awful Panther team, throwing over 1,000 yards, eight touchdown and ended the season with a QB rating of 98.5. Moore will enter 2011 coming off shoulder surgery, however he is only 26 years old so he will heal quickly and come back more motivated than ever. Quarterbacks are projected to blossom around year four or five, so expect Moore to breakout in 2011, but only with the right team.
8. Barrett Ruud, is perhaps one of the most underrated middle linebackers in the NFL and if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't careful another team will snatch him up. Ruud has led the team in tackles for the past four years and the only reason he often goes unnoticed is that he does not make splash plays or bone-crushing hits. He is a fundamentally sound, smart defensive player who is the quarterback of the Buccaneers defense. Ruud is a consistent, durable player who has only missed one game since 2005, wracking up 618 tackles in the process. A veteran, smart linebacker such as Barrett Ruud would be a solid edition to any team and he knows it. Tampa Bay had the opportunity to offer Ruud a long-term deal last year when he was a restricted free agent, but now that he is unrestricted many expect him to explore his options around the league. The Buccaneers should expect to pay more than last year if they want to keep Ruud because it only takes one team to start a bidding war.
9. Eric Weems, wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons makes the list over Saints receiver Lance Moore because of one reason, kick returning. The 2011 Pro Bowl returner for the NFC was not who most expected (Devin Hester), it was little Eric Weems. Standing 5-9, Weems averaged almost 30yds per kick return in 2010, as well as 13yds a punt return while posting 2 touchdown. He makes up for his lack of receptions with consistent and solid special teams play. With a receiving core of Harry Douglas, Michael Jenkins and Roddy White, it is easy to see why Weems' wide out numbers are down. However, Weems could truly shine at the receiver position in a west coast style offense such as San Diego or New Endland, where he could play the slot and catch the ball in open space where he is most dangerous. Expect Atlanta to try and keeps Weems, but not break the bank doing so.
10. Richard Marshall, the Carolina Panthers defensive back was finally given the chance to become a starter in 2009 & 2010 where he did not disappoint, totaling 88 tackles in each year, as well as 7 total interceptions. At 5-11, 190lbs Marshall is a solid size for a corner back and his age (26) works to his advantage when possibly being signed to a long-term deal. Marshall may be better suited as a nickle back and since Carolina already a younger version of Marshall in Captain Munnerlyn, they may opt-out of resigning Marshall and let him test the waters in free agency. Expect the Panthers to try and make a splash with a big defensive back free agent signing, and if that happens Marshall will be picked up by another NFL team, just don't expect it to be for more than he is making right now.
There's a generous amount of panthers on this list (Matt Moore?) but well done. You, sir, are a gentleman and a scholar.
ReplyDeleteYour secret admirer ;)