NFC team reports: focus on safeties
Source: Sporting News correspondents
1. Minnesota Vikings
Darren Sharper and Madieu Williams are strong playmakers. Williams adds sticky coverage skills. Michael Boulware provides experienced depth, and rookie Tyrell Johnson could get time in the nickel package.
2. Dallas Cowboys
In his first year in Dallas, Ken Hamlin was terrific against the run and better than expected against the pass. Roy Williams is physical but was a liability in coverage in '07. Patrick Watkins needs to improve his ball skills.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Adrian Wilson, coming off heel surgery, is a force when healthy. Antrel Rolle is moving from corner to free safety, which should suit his skills. He's smart and a good tackler. Aaron Francisco is a fierce hitter.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jermaine Phillips is a hard hitter but an injury risk because of it. As a rookie, Tanard Jackson added speed and playmaking ability. He should be even better in '08. Eugene Wilson provides experienced depth.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
After an injury-filled season, Brian Dawkins has vowed to return in great shape. Quintin Mikell is excellent against the run and alert in coverage. Backup Sean Considine has starting experience but is injury-prone.
6. Seattle Seahawks
Deon Grant and Brian Russell were big reasons the team allowed an NFL-low 15 TD passes in '07. Grant has good size and range; Russell is rarely out of position. Backup Jordan Babineaux makes plays.
7. San Francisco 49ers
Michael Lewis plays like an extra linebacker. He's 226 pounds and does most of his work near the line. Mark Roman adds a steady veteran presence. Dashon Goldson could push for Roman's starting job down the road.
8. Washington Redskins
As a rookie, LaRon Landry was everything the team hoped he would be. Reed Doughty, who became a starter after Sean Taylor died, plays well in the box. Vernon Fox isn't a long-term answer if a starter goes down.
9. Green Bay Packers
By the end of last season, his first as a starter, Atari Bigby was a force in the middle. Nick Collins has been a tease; he has good physical ability but lacks ball skills and instincts. Aaron Rouse will push for playing time.
10. Carolina Panthers
Summer pickup Chris Harris was excellent in '07, forcing an NFLhigh eight fumbles. The team hopes rookie Charles Godfrey is ready to start at free safety. Terrence Holt supplies experienced depth.
11. Atlanta Falcons
Lawyer Milloy, 34, can still deliver big hits in run support and did a solid job in coverage last season. Freeagent pickup Erik Coleman must help the young corners deep. Rookie Thomas DeCoud could start in '09.
12. New York Giants
After the loss of Gibril Wilson, the team signed veteran Sammy Knight and drafted Kenny Phillips in the first round. James Butler, who needs to get his hands on more passes, and Knight likely will start initially.
13. St. Louis Rams
O.J. Atogwe led the NFC with eight interceptions in '07 but must tackle better and take better angles. Corey Chavous is coming off a down year and could be replaced in '09. Todd Johnson is a decent in-the-box safety.
14. Chicago Bears
After missing 43 games over the past four years, Mike Brown is giving it another shot. If healthy, he's the team's best safety. Brandon McGowan, a solid in-the-box guy, figures to start. Kevin Payne is another option.
15. New Orleans Saints
This unit deserves some blame for all the deep touchdown passes last year. Josh Bullocks, Roman Harper and Kevin Kaesviharn were inconsistent. The hard-hitting Harper has the biggest upside.
16. Detroit Lions
After using second-round picks on safeties the past two years (Daniel Bullocks and Gerald Alexander), the team still signed Dwight Smith to help execute the Tampa 2 scheme. Bullocks and Alexander have a lot to learn.
1. Minnesota Vikings
Darren Sharper and Madieu Williams are strong playmakers. Williams adds sticky coverage skills. Michael Boulware provides experienced depth, and rookie Tyrell Johnson could get time in the nickel package.
2. Dallas Cowboys
In his first year in Dallas, Ken Hamlin was terrific against the run and better than expected against the pass. Roy Williams is physical but was a liability in coverage in '07. Patrick Watkins needs to improve his ball skills.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Adrian Wilson, coming off heel surgery, is a force when healthy. Antrel Rolle is moving from corner to free safety, which should suit his skills. He's smart and a good tackler. Aaron Francisco is a fierce hitter.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jermaine Phillips is a hard hitter but an injury risk because of it. As a rookie, Tanard Jackson added speed and playmaking ability. He should be even better in '08. Eugene Wilson provides experienced depth.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
After an injury-filled season, Brian Dawkins has vowed to return in great shape. Quintin Mikell is excellent against the run and alert in coverage. Backup Sean Considine has starting experience but is injury-prone.
6. Seattle Seahawks
Deon Grant and Brian Russell were big reasons the team allowed an NFL-low 15 TD passes in '07. Grant has good size and range; Russell is rarely out of position. Backup Jordan Babineaux makes plays.
7. San Francisco 49ers
Michael Lewis plays like an extra linebacker. He's 226 pounds and does most of his work near the line. Mark Roman adds a steady veteran presence. Dashon Goldson could push for Roman's starting job down the road.
8. Washington Redskins
As a rookie, LaRon Landry was everything the team hoped he would be. Reed Doughty, who became a starter after Sean Taylor died, plays well in the box. Vernon Fox isn't a long-term answer if a starter goes down.
9. Green Bay Packers
By the end of last season, his first as a starter, Atari Bigby was a force in the middle. Nick Collins has been a tease; he has good physical ability but lacks ball skills and instincts. Aaron Rouse will push for playing time.
10. Carolina Panthers
Summer pickup Chris Harris was excellent in '07, forcing an NFLhigh eight fumbles. The team hopes rookie Charles Godfrey is ready to start at free safety. Terrence Holt supplies experienced depth.
11. Atlanta Falcons
Lawyer Milloy, 34, can still deliver big hits in run support and did a solid job in coverage last season. Freeagent pickup Erik Coleman must help the young corners deep. Rookie Thomas DeCoud could start in '09.
12. New York Giants
After the loss of Gibril Wilson, the team signed veteran Sammy Knight and drafted Kenny Phillips in the first round. James Butler, who needs to get his hands on more passes, and Knight likely will start initially.
13. St. Louis Rams
O.J. Atogwe led the NFC with eight interceptions in '07 but must tackle better and take better angles. Corey Chavous is coming off a down year and could be replaced in '09. Todd Johnson is a decent in-the-box safety.
14. Chicago Bears
After missing 43 games over the past four years, Mike Brown is giving it another shot. If healthy, he's the team's best safety. Brandon McGowan, a solid in-the-box guy, figures to start. Kevin Payne is another option.
15. New Orleans Saints
This unit deserves some blame for all the deep touchdown passes last year. Josh Bullocks, Roman Harper and Kevin Kaesviharn were inconsistent. The hard-hitting Harper has the biggest upside.
16. Detroit Lions
After using second-round picks on safeties the past two years (Daniel Bullocks and Gerald Alexander), the team still signed Dwight Smith to help execute the Tampa 2 scheme. Bullocks and Alexander have a lot to learn.
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