Tibs
01-26-2010, 09:59 PM
Pretty good run-down on FA corners & safeties, thought I'd post it here....
2010 Free Agency Preview: Defensive Backs (http://www.steelernation.com/forums/note.php?note_id=206577358048)
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New England Corner Leigh Bodden
Cornerbacks:
Leigh Bodden: Leigh Bodden's 1 year $2.25 million contract includes a "No Franchise Tag" clause. I don't think he needed it. New England's secondary has regularly been exploited by quarterbacks as heady as Drew Brees and as young as Chad Henne. Bill Belichick loves a veteran group in his defensive backfield but is currently coping with the growing pains of a youthful bunch. Shawn Springs will be back next year (barring retirement) and it's possible the Pats could track down an inexpensive veteran like DeShea Townsend to add to the unit, or possibly bring back Ellis Hobbs if the Eagles don't re-sign him, but as for Bodden, expect him to be lost in a nickelback rotation possibly in New York where the Giants desperately need depth or in Seattle, where depth is a perrenial concern.
Nick Harper: Tennessee's secondary was exposed in the absence of both Cortland Finnegan and Nick Harper. While the Titans drafted Ryan Mouton and Jason McCourty, it remains to be seen if they're confident enough in the developement of their two young corners to either let Nick Harper go, sign a supplementary veteran, or use a high draft pick on a counterpart for Finnegan, who has quickly become one of the NFL's elite corners. The Titans have some signifcant free agency concerns and it's a good possibility Nick Harper won't be in the mix, unless his asking price is cheap enough. A better Cover 2/Press corner, Harper could be a good signing in Minnesota, but could also fill a roster spot in places like Detroit or St. Louis.
Anthony Henry: When Jim Schwartz came to Detroit, the emphasis figured to be on defense and some early offseason moves (Julian Peterson, Larry Foote, Grady Jackson) appeared to be catalysts for the direction Detroit was heading in. But the acquisition of Anthony Henry, followed by the drafting of saftey Luis Delmas- the only defensive back drafted by the Lions- spawned a secondary full of journeymen and draftees released by other teams. Hence dead last defensive rankings in both points and pass yards allowed and second-to-last in overall yards allowed. It's unlikely Henry will return and he could become a journeyman himself, but could be retained to fill a void in the roster if the Lions part ways with the likes of William James, Eric King or Phillip Buchanon. While it isn't his best attribute, Henry is capable of playing saftey on passing downs and safety Daniel Bullocks is also a free agent, which could increase Henry's value to Detroit.
Ellis Hobbs: The move to acquire Ellis Hobbs was one of those head-scratchers the Eagles never fail to commit at least once an offseason, especially when the move was made on the same day Victor Harris was drafted and only nine weeks after Joselio Hanson was signed to a $21 million contract extension. The most the Eagles got out of Hobbs before he suffered a season-ending injury in a week nine loss to Dallas was a redeeming kick return following an earlier return in the same game where Hobbs lost a fumble. Though the redeeming return wasn't for a score while the lost fumble tallied points for the opponent, Hobbs' chest pounding gorilla act that followed would have said otherwise. Still, with Victor Harris moving to safety and unlikely to return to corner if free agent Sean Jones is shown the door, Hobbs could be retained. Not to mention, while Sheldon Brown had a hell of a season- even while dinged up- he's made it known he either wants to be paid or wants out of Philadelphia.
Marlin Jackson: Joining the oft-injured Bob Sanders on I.R. this season, Marlin Jackson's injury may have made him expendable when rookies Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey (the latter of which went undrafted) stepped up in his absence. A former first round pick, Jackson commands the kind of money the Colts only invest in their offense and should be with a new team in 2010. Turning only 27 this offseason, Jackson should be coveted by teams like Detroit, St. Louis and Tampa Bay, but don't count out New England or Pittsburgh, who could certainly use a free agent splash in the secondary.
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Indianapolis Corner Marlin Jackson
Richard Marshall: Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2006 draft by the Panthers, Richard Marshall quickly worked his way onto the roster and up the depth chart. Unfortunately for Marshall, 2009 seventh round pick Captain Munnerlyn is doing the same thing. Munnerlyn still isn't quite ready to move into a starting role and it's possible Marshall could be franchised but all that depends on the depleting cap space the Panthers have and what is done about Julius Peppers. Marshall is a physical, gritty corner a team like Pittsburgh could use, but don't rule out the likes of Kansas City, Buffalo or any other teams frequenting the list of possibilities.
Stanford Routt: Following the deal that brought DeAngelo Williams to Oakland, Al Davis traded former first round pick Fabian Washington for a fourth round pick he then used to draft receiver Arman Shields. Eight weeks later, DeAngelo Williams was released and a huge vacancy opened up in the Oakland secondary, currently occupied by Chris Johnson; one of only three pure corners on Oakland's entire roster- the others being Stanford Routt and Nnamdi Asomugha- while the entire defensive backfield totals just seven players. Routt's speed won't keep him on the market for long and he'll contribute where ever he signs, but probably best in nickel and dime packages. The Green Bay Packers invest quite a few draft picks on building depth behind All Pros Charles Woodson and Al Harris and might take a look at Routt as could the Chicago Bears, who always spend a middle round pick on the secondary but have a shortage of picks.
DeShea Townsend: The corner position for the Pittsburgh Steelers has thrived in the shadow of an outstanding front seven and secondary centerpiece Troy Polamalu. But an overall dropoff in defensive production- due in large part to the absence of Polamalu- has left corners DeShea Townsend and Ike Taylor (a free aget in 2011) exposed as, essentially, the mediocre corners they've been for quite some time. While most cases of the hiccups come in seemingly incurable bunches, the Pittsburgh Steelers rarely have more than one hiccup and, while rookies Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett, 3rd and 5th round picks respectively, haven't exactly displayed the kind of promise that is standard in Steelers defenses, expect them to play a larger role in 2010 with the possible addition of another draft pick in preparation for Taylor's departure. If he doesn't decide to hang up the cleats, Townsend will be 35 in September of 2010 and probably won't see any offers until the start of mini-camps from teams looking to fill some holes.
Fabian Washington: The Ravens faced a daunting task in free agency in 2009 with key linebackers Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott. When the dust settled and Scott was the only piece missing, followed by the additions of rookies Jason Phillips (5th round, 137th overall) and Dannell Ellerbe (undrafted) to the existing depth of Tavares Gooden and Brendon Ayanbadejo, it appeared everything was going to be okay. Obviously, the loss of Rex Ryan and linebackers coach Mike Pettine was going to take some getting used to and the Ravens have bounced back from losing quality coordinators in the past, but the longtime duo of Samari Rolle and Chris McAlister at the corner positions also did some transitioning in the offseason and is now Domonique Foxworth and Fabian Washington. With only a year in the new defense, Washington has looked good and has similar ball-hawking tenacity to safety Ed Reed. While Washington should be retained, it could be one and done for the former Cornhusker should Ozzie Newsome see a way to replace Washington, who would certainly be a commodity on the free agent market and may demand money Newsome isn't willing to or able to spend.
2010 Free Agency Preview: Defensive Backs (http://www.steelernation.com/forums/note.php?note_id=206577358048)
http://pl-pl.facebook.com/notes.php?id=53580616966 (http://pl-pl.facebook.com/notes.php?id=53580616966)
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New England Corner Leigh Bodden
Cornerbacks:
Leigh Bodden: Leigh Bodden's 1 year $2.25 million contract includes a "No Franchise Tag" clause. I don't think he needed it. New England's secondary has regularly been exploited by quarterbacks as heady as Drew Brees and as young as Chad Henne. Bill Belichick loves a veteran group in his defensive backfield but is currently coping with the growing pains of a youthful bunch. Shawn Springs will be back next year (barring retirement) and it's possible the Pats could track down an inexpensive veteran like DeShea Townsend to add to the unit, or possibly bring back Ellis Hobbs if the Eagles don't re-sign him, but as for Bodden, expect him to be lost in a nickelback rotation possibly in New York where the Giants desperately need depth or in Seattle, where depth is a perrenial concern.
Nick Harper: Tennessee's secondary was exposed in the absence of both Cortland Finnegan and Nick Harper. While the Titans drafted Ryan Mouton and Jason McCourty, it remains to be seen if they're confident enough in the developement of their two young corners to either let Nick Harper go, sign a supplementary veteran, or use a high draft pick on a counterpart for Finnegan, who has quickly become one of the NFL's elite corners. The Titans have some signifcant free agency concerns and it's a good possibility Nick Harper won't be in the mix, unless his asking price is cheap enough. A better Cover 2/Press corner, Harper could be a good signing in Minnesota, but could also fill a roster spot in places like Detroit or St. Louis.
Anthony Henry: When Jim Schwartz came to Detroit, the emphasis figured to be on defense and some early offseason moves (Julian Peterson, Larry Foote, Grady Jackson) appeared to be catalysts for the direction Detroit was heading in. But the acquisition of Anthony Henry, followed by the drafting of saftey Luis Delmas- the only defensive back drafted by the Lions- spawned a secondary full of journeymen and draftees released by other teams. Hence dead last defensive rankings in both points and pass yards allowed and second-to-last in overall yards allowed. It's unlikely Henry will return and he could become a journeyman himself, but could be retained to fill a void in the roster if the Lions part ways with the likes of William James, Eric King or Phillip Buchanon. While it isn't his best attribute, Henry is capable of playing saftey on passing downs and safety Daniel Bullocks is also a free agent, which could increase Henry's value to Detroit.
Ellis Hobbs: The move to acquire Ellis Hobbs was one of those head-scratchers the Eagles never fail to commit at least once an offseason, especially when the move was made on the same day Victor Harris was drafted and only nine weeks after Joselio Hanson was signed to a $21 million contract extension. The most the Eagles got out of Hobbs before he suffered a season-ending injury in a week nine loss to Dallas was a redeeming kick return following an earlier return in the same game where Hobbs lost a fumble. Though the redeeming return wasn't for a score while the lost fumble tallied points for the opponent, Hobbs' chest pounding gorilla act that followed would have said otherwise. Still, with Victor Harris moving to safety and unlikely to return to corner if free agent Sean Jones is shown the door, Hobbs could be retained. Not to mention, while Sheldon Brown had a hell of a season- even while dinged up- he's made it known he either wants to be paid or wants out of Philadelphia.
Marlin Jackson: Joining the oft-injured Bob Sanders on I.R. this season, Marlin Jackson's injury may have made him expendable when rookies Jerraud Powers and Jacob Lacey (the latter of which went undrafted) stepped up in his absence. A former first round pick, Jackson commands the kind of money the Colts only invest in their offense and should be with a new team in 2010. Turning only 27 this offseason, Jackson should be coveted by teams like Detroit, St. Louis and Tampa Bay, but don't count out New England or Pittsburgh, who could certainly use a free agent splash in the secondary.
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Indianapolis Corner Marlin Jackson
Richard Marshall: Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2006 draft by the Panthers, Richard Marshall quickly worked his way onto the roster and up the depth chart. Unfortunately for Marshall, 2009 seventh round pick Captain Munnerlyn is doing the same thing. Munnerlyn still isn't quite ready to move into a starting role and it's possible Marshall could be franchised but all that depends on the depleting cap space the Panthers have and what is done about Julius Peppers. Marshall is a physical, gritty corner a team like Pittsburgh could use, but don't rule out the likes of Kansas City, Buffalo or any other teams frequenting the list of possibilities.
Stanford Routt: Following the deal that brought DeAngelo Williams to Oakland, Al Davis traded former first round pick Fabian Washington for a fourth round pick he then used to draft receiver Arman Shields. Eight weeks later, DeAngelo Williams was released and a huge vacancy opened up in the Oakland secondary, currently occupied by Chris Johnson; one of only three pure corners on Oakland's entire roster- the others being Stanford Routt and Nnamdi Asomugha- while the entire defensive backfield totals just seven players. Routt's speed won't keep him on the market for long and he'll contribute where ever he signs, but probably best in nickel and dime packages. The Green Bay Packers invest quite a few draft picks on building depth behind All Pros Charles Woodson and Al Harris and might take a look at Routt as could the Chicago Bears, who always spend a middle round pick on the secondary but have a shortage of picks.
DeShea Townsend: The corner position for the Pittsburgh Steelers has thrived in the shadow of an outstanding front seven and secondary centerpiece Troy Polamalu. But an overall dropoff in defensive production- due in large part to the absence of Polamalu- has left corners DeShea Townsend and Ike Taylor (a free aget in 2011) exposed as, essentially, the mediocre corners they've been for quite some time. While most cases of the hiccups come in seemingly incurable bunches, the Pittsburgh Steelers rarely have more than one hiccup and, while rookies Keenan Lewis and Joe Burnett, 3rd and 5th round picks respectively, haven't exactly displayed the kind of promise that is standard in Steelers defenses, expect them to play a larger role in 2010 with the possible addition of another draft pick in preparation for Taylor's departure. If he doesn't decide to hang up the cleats, Townsend will be 35 in September of 2010 and probably won't see any offers until the start of mini-camps from teams looking to fill some holes.
Fabian Washington: The Ravens faced a daunting task in free agency in 2009 with key linebackers Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott. When the dust settled and Scott was the only piece missing, followed by the additions of rookies Jason Phillips (5th round, 137th overall) and Dannell Ellerbe (undrafted) to the existing depth of Tavares Gooden and Brendon Ayanbadejo, it appeared everything was going to be okay. Obviously, the loss of Rex Ryan and linebackers coach Mike Pettine was going to take some getting used to and the Ravens have bounced back from losing quality coordinators in the past, but the longtime duo of Samari Rolle and Chris McAlister at the corner positions also did some transitioning in the offseason and is now Domonique Foxworth and Fabian Washington. With only a year in the new defense, Washington has looked good and has similar ball-hawking tenacity to safety Ed Reed. While Washington should be retained, it could be one and done for the former Cornhusker should Ozzie Newsome see a way to replace Washington, who would certainly be a commodity on the free agent market and may demand money Newsome isn't willing to or able to spend.