FITZPATRICK RESIGNS WITH JETS, RETAINS STARTING JOB

And it is almost like he never left.

Ryan Fitzpatrick and the New York Jets agreed to a one year contract worth $12 million with all of it guaranteed. With the contract ordeal over, one of the most obvious bits of news comes out of Jets camp.

“It’s his job,” head coach Todd Bowles said about Fitzpatrick and the starting job. The Jets spent the offseason preparing for the possibility of Geno Smith returning under center as the starter once again.
Fitzpatrick had a career year that went down as one of the better seasons in the Jets franchise history by throwing for 31 touchdowns.

The one year contract allows Fitzpatrick to play the season through and bet on himself for a longer deal.

“I would much rather pass up on some of that guaranteed money and bet on myself and just see what happens,” he said. Read more...

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ATLANTA FALCONS BREAKDOWN 2016

The Atlanta Falcons had an interestingly subpar 2015 season. Their offense was able to stretch the field while their defense was in the middle of the pack. With that, the Falcons fell short of the playoffs. With some new additions through free agency and the draft, Atlanta is looking to assert themselves in a tight NFC playoff race.

2015 record: 8-8
Key draft picks: S Keanu Neal, OLB Dieon Jones, TE Austin Hooper
Key additions: C Alex Mack, WR Mohamed Sanu, QB Matt Schaub
Key departures: WR Roddy White, LB Justin Durant

Matt Ryan had a good 2015 season for the Falcons where he threw for 4,591 yards and 21 touchdowns while having one of his most accurate seasons as a passer. Julio Jones could not be stopped by opposing defenses as he ended the season with 1,871 yards receiving and eight touchdowns.

Despite being sixth in passing yards per game in the league, the Falcons couldn’t put up points. Their 21.2 points per game ranked them 21st in the league and had them struggling to keep up in games.
The Falcons will be looking for other receivers to step up after the departure of Roddy White. The addition of Mohamed Sanu and third round pick Austin Hooper give Matt Ryan two new pass catchers to play with and takes some pressure off of Julio Jones.

The running game was dominated by the emergence of Devonta Freeman. Him stepping into the starting role has been a long time coming and he is making the most of it now. With four yards per carry, Freeman totaled 1,056 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015. With the occasional carry coming from Tevin Coleman, the running game for Atlanta will not be a weak spot for them heading into the season.

The defense for Atlanta was about as middle of the road as you could get last season. Atlanta wanted to change that and focused on defense early on in the draft taking Keanu Neal and Deion Jones with their first two picks. Read more...

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INDIANAPOLIS COLTS BREAKDOWN 2016

The Indianapolis Colts have been quiet this offseason and some wonder if that is a good thing. For the first three years of the Luck era, the Colts have finished 11-5 each year. Last year was a different story as the team faced injuries and inconsistency. With a healthier roster, the Colts are poised to hit the 11 win mark again and return to the playoffs.

2015 record: 8-8
Key draft picks: C Ryan Kelly, S T.J. Green, OT Le’Raven Clark
Key additions: QB Scott Tolzien, RB Robert Turbin
Key departures: TE Coby Fleener, LB Jerrell Freeman, S Dwight Lowery

There are some glaring needs for the Colts that it’s hard to see if they filled them. Depth is an issue for the Colts and that was on display last year. After Andrew Luck went down with a season ending injury, the Colts cycled through four different quarterbacks that featured Matt Hasselback, Charlie Whitehurst, Josh Freeman and Ryan Lindley. It’s impressive that they finished with a .500 record.

Even before Luck got hurt, he wasn’t performing well either. He completed only 55% of his passes and had only three more touchdowns than interceptions, a 15:12 ratio. Read  more..

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COWBOYS NEW STAR RUNNING BACK ELLIOT FACING ASSAULT

Elliot's supposed ex-girlfriend has taken an assault case to a prosecutors office, and the Cowboys are facing watching another young player possibly facing suspension. Elliot and his exes points of view are very different and the witnesses including one in the car with the couple said they did not observe an assault.

Though an open investigation is under way, it is only a charge now. Elliot seems to be in the clear on this, as all eye witnesses have said there was no assault. This investigation will likely be quickly absolved and odds are, Elliot will be cleared. Elliot will be a huge part of this team for years to come, but it won't be good if another one of their young players gets slapped with a suspension.  Read more...

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THE NEW YORK GIANTS HAVE AN ACE IN THE HOLE IF VICTOR CRUZ MISSES MORE TIME

The New York Giants have been without Victor Cruz since early in the 2014 season. The Giants aren't afraid of not having Cruz in the 2016 season though. The ace in the hole and replacement of Victor Cruz, will be rookie Sterling Shepard. Cruz the versatile, quick, amazing run after catch player would be amazing to have in 2016, but Shepard will be there on the flip.

Shepard doesn't drop passes and has much better college tape than Victor Cruz. Shepard will be the key to offensive success in 2016, and the Giants could have the best one-two, or one-two-three receveiving group in the NFL. Whether it's Beckham and Shepard or Beckham, Cruz and Shepard the Giants receivers could make an amazing receiving crew. Read more....

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FTA: CHICAGO BEARS MOST IMPORTANT PLAYERS IN NEW ROLES FOR 2016

The Chicago Bears lost Matt Forte, Shea McClellin and four offensive lineman in the offseason. With a poor season in 2015, the losses on offense and the loss of McClellin, the Bears are hoping their new additions will help flip the script on the 2016 season. Jay Cutler must be better in 2016 if the Bears are going anywhere.

Most important free agents:

Offense:

Right tackle Bobbie Massie is just the addition the Bears needed, after losing four lineman this offseason. Massie is a big, powerful tackle who can set the edge and protect the blind side of Cutler. Not only will he protect Cutler, but he will help the young Langford as he tries to take over the position from the loss of Forte.

Defense:

Danny Trevathen is the perfect addition to this team, not only does he get to play for his old coach from Denver, John Fox. Trevathen will replace McClellin and will be an upgrade to the position. He finished the 2015 season with 109 tackles, two interceptions, 6 pass breakups and an interception returned for a touchdown. Trevathen did this all while helping the number one defense of the Broncos win the Super Bowl. Read more..

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CLEVELAND BROWNS BREAKDOWN 2016

The Cleveland Browns have long been at the bottom of the AFC North and have gone through quarterback after quarterback to try and climb from the basement and into the playoff race. After some surprising moves this offseason to the roster up to the front office, the Browns are looking to bring Moneyball to the NFL. This will be year 1 of the experiment. After 14 draft picks, something has to work for the team.

2015 record: 3-13
Key draft picks: WR Corey Coleman, DE Emmanuel Ogbah, WR Ricardo Lewis
Key additions: QB Robert Griffin III, DB Rahim Moore
Key departures: QB Johnny Manziel, WR Dwayne Bowe, LB Karlos Dansby, DB Donte Whitner, WR Travis Benjamin

The Johnny Football era has come and gone. The Browns held on as long as they could, but finally had to cut ties with the troubled quarterback. Now the team can focus on the competition between Griffin, incumbent Josh McCown and rookie Cody Kessler. The word out of camp is that this is Griffin’s spot to lose.

If Griffin were to win the starting job, he will have some help to succeed. LT Joe Thomas will still be covering his blindside while he throws to fellow Baylor Bears rookie Corey Coleman and recently reinstated Josh Gordon. Griffin has some speedy receivers to help him restart his career.  The Browns made sure to sign Pro Bowl tight end Gary Barnidge to a three year extension to bring stability to the passing game. Read more..

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FTA: BALTIMORE RAVENS MOST IMPORTANT PLAYERS IN NEW ROLES FOR 2016

The Ravens had their worst season in many years in 2015, and will look to turn the script and forget about last season. Their only big loss of the offseason was guard Kelechi Osemele. The Baltimore Ravens will be on the upswing this season, but in order to make the playoffs they'll need their new players to step up in 2016.

Most important free agents:

Offense:

With the deep throw capabilities of Joe Flacco, wide receiver Mike Wallace was a huge signing for this team. Wallace is now with his third team in the NFL and will be trying to get back to his prime, in 2015 he posted only 473 yards and two touchdowns. Wallace and the Ravens would rather have him at his 2014 numbers where he had over 800 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Defense:

Safety Eric Weddle was an enormous addition to this team, he has averaged two fumbles, two interceptions and 100 tackles over the past four seasons. No matter what Weddle will make plays for the Ravens but if he could repeat his production from 2011 when he had 7 interceptions and 11 pass deflections both career bests.  Read more..

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DETROIT LIONS BREAKDOWN 2016

Over the seasons, the Lions were building a team many thought would stick together and be a power house in the NFC. Instead, they have returned to a place we have become familiar seeing them, around the bottom of the division. Detroit will be looking to climb up the division, but it is looking to be a larger challenge than they would hope.

2015 record: 7-9
Key draft picks: OT Taylor Decker, DT A'Shawn Robinson
Key additions: LB Jonathan Bostic, WR Jeremy Kerley, WR Marvin Jones
Key departures: WR Calvin Johnson, LB Stephen Tulloch

The Lions become a weaker team with Calvin Johnson retiring. To be fair, any team losing a player of his caliber will be. With the lose of Johnson, the Lions went out to bolster their receiving corps by adding Jermey Kerley and Marvin Jones. Though they don't have near the talent Johnson brought, the depth they bring as well as speed helps keep this Detroit passing game something defenders need to respect.

Last season Matthew Stafford threw for 4,262 yards making it the fifth straight season he has thrown for at least 4,000 yards. Adding Jones and Kerley alongside Golden Tate and Eric Ebron gives Stafford a great opportunity to hit that mark for a sixth straight season. Read more...

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FTA: NEW YORK GIANTS MOST IMPORTANT PLAYERS IN NEW ROLES FOR 2016

With injuries to the Eagles and Cowboys the New York Giants had every opportunity to take this division. Alas the Giants were able to lose eight games by less than a touchdown. Luckily for the Giants they were able to acquire many more players then they gave up this season. The Giants will try to get back to Super Bowl form this season and make the playoffs. It's pretty obvious Eli Manning would like to get more Super Bowl rings than big brother Peyton again.

Most important free agents:

Offense:

Bobby Rainey was a depth addition to the running back position, though he didn't get much playing time in 2015. In 2014 and 2013 he played in all but one game and started in 11 games, amassing 1333 total yards and eight touchdowns. But for Rainey he will look to get back on track after a 2015 season where he totaled eight fumbles, that's twice as many as he had in his career before last season.

Defense:

Olivier Vernon will fill the void left by Ayers, as he is durable and started in every game for the Dolphins over the past two seasons. Vernon is a good pass rusher with the ability to disrupt the run. Vernon put together a 7.5 sack season with 61 tackles in 2015, it'd be nice if he could reach the 11.5 sack total he had in 2013 though. Read more....

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PITTSBURGH STEELERS BREAKDOWN 2016

The Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015 returned to being one of the top teams in the AFC. They were able to edge out division rival Cincinnati in the first round of the playoffs, but went on to lose to the eventual Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos. This season, they will be looking to improve on last year’s mark and go further in the playoffs.

2015 record: 10-6
Key draft picks: CB Artie Burns, S Sean Davis
Key additions: TE Ladarius Green, CB William Gay, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey
Key departures: OT Mike Adams, TE Heath Miller

The Steelers could open up the season without star running back Le’Veon Bell for the second straight season. Bell could be facing a four-game suspension after missing a drug test. The Steelers offense has been able to adjust without Bell in the backfield. DeAngelo Williams is more than capable of carrying the load until he returns.

Pittsburgh’s offense is centered around the passing game as Ben Roethlisberger continues to perform like a top ten QB and Antonio Brown has created the case for him to be considered the best receiver in the game. Last season the Steelers were 3rd in the league in passing offense where Brown had 1,834 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns.

The Steelers will need production out of other receivers with Martavis Bryant being suspended for the year. Players like Markus Wheaton, Sammie Coates and Darrius Heyward-Bey will see increased time in his absence.

Defense has always been a focal point for this team, but they had mixed results last season. They were fifth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed, keeping teams less than 100 yards a game. The pass defense was much more giving, allowing almost 272 yards a game and ranking the Steelers at 30th in the league. Read more..

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FTA: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS MOST IMPORTANT PLAYERS IN NEW ROLES FOR 2016

The Jacksonville Jaguars are having the best offseason in the NFL. They have lost some pieces but the players they have gained heavily out weigh those losses. Jacksonville was able to receive some of the best free agent players at their respective positions, and in the draft were fortunate enough to acquire two of the best players in the draft! One thing is for sure, the Jags are looking forward and not turning around to remember this past season.

Most important free agents:

Offense:

Acquiring offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum was important to this team after losing Zane Beadles to the 49ers. Beachum will fill in immediately at left tackle. Bortles must be happy with the additions made by the Jags this season and his protection from Beachum is the most important addition.

Defense:

With so many amazing additions to the defense it's hard to choose just one great addition, but that's where Malik Jackson comes in. Jackson just helped the Broncos win Super Bowl, and will now try to help the Jaguars get to the playoffs. Jackson is a run stuffing tackle with the ability to get to the quarterback. Jackson is an amazing addition and along with the other additions of Tashaun Gipson, and Prince Amukamara the Jags are going improve dramatically on defense. Read more...

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CARDINALS HOPEFUL TO REACH EXTENSION WITH CAMPBELL

The Arizona Cardinals are hopeful they can keep a key member of that blitzing defense in a
Cardinals jersey for awhile.

Calais Campbell is in the final year of his five-year deal with the Cardinals and the front office is looking to sign him to an extension. The former second-round pick for the

Cardinals recorded 61 tackles, five sacks and a fumble recovery last season while
appearing in all 16 regular season games.

“Hopeful, but people ask all the time whether I think we’re close or we’re not,” Arizona GM Steve Keim said via AzCardinals.com. “I don’t think it’s fair for us or the player to make a comment because, really, I don’t know what close is anymore. We’ll just continue to stay aggressive, though. That’s the one thing I’ve said earlier: whether it’s signing players, whether it’s readjusting guys who need to be signed for extensions, we’ll continue to stay aggressive and try to keep our foot on the gas pedal.”

Campell’s current contract was five years, $55 million with $17 million guaranteed. For the 2016 season, Campbell will have a base salary of $9.5 million.

According to Keim, the Cardinals do not have a timetable as to when they hope to get the extension done and mention they aren’t in a hurry, but added “There are always points in a negotiation when it’s more pressing than not.” Read more..

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FTA: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES MOST IMPORTANT PLAYERS IN NEW ROLES FOR 2016

The Eagles didn't give up much in free agency their biggest loss was defensive end Cedric Thorton. After a very under whelming 7-9 season the Eagles would like to get back on track and win their division. Bradford tried to tell the team he wanted to be traded and then pulled back his statement, for a team that didn't lose much in the off season they sure had a lot of drama.

Most important position:

Offense:
Offensive guard Brandon Books was a much needed addition to this team as Bradford or their new young quarterback, which ever it may be was obliterated behind this line a year ago. He wasn't the only addition to the offensive line in the off season, showing the Eagles want to protect whichever quarterback they have on the field. Books will slip into the starting position right away and make a difference.

Defense:
Outside of O-Line the offense didn't need much else, but on defense the Eagles need consistency and safety Rodney McLeod might be just that. McLeod is a hard hitting safety with the ability to work well in coverage. He totaled 82 tackles, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, an interception, and 5 pass breakups. McLeod can be penciled in at 70+ tackles each season and 3 turnovers, he should make a big impact for this team. Read more...

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PATRIOTS DEFENSIVE BACK TO COMPETE FOR TEAM USA IN RIO

What could a man with a Super Bowl ring want? How about an Olympic gold medal.

Nate Ebner took a leave of absence from the New England Patriots in hopes to make it on to the US National Rugby squad heading to Rio. On Monday, Ebner was added to the men’s seven squad and will get a shot at Olympic gold.

At the age of 17, Ebner was the youngest to play on a US seven squad. It wasn’t until his later college years did he switch to football. In 2012 he was drafted by the New England Patriots as a defensive back. He resigned with the Patriots in March with a two-year deal.

This will be the first time since 1924 that Rugby will be played in the Olympics. The last time the sport was featured in the games, the United States had won the gold. Despite that, Fiji is expected to win the gold and the US to medal.

Ebner will return to an NFL practice field after the Olympics are over with no intensions of coming home empty-handed. He will join Herschel Walker as the only player to participate in the Olympics after having played in the league.

“It’s been great. These guys are all great guys, humble guys,” Ebner said of his rugby teammates. “I’m lucky to be teammates with them and call them my friends. Been a good opportunity, good learning experience. I’ve gotten to travel to Hong Kong and Singapore and London and Paris. I’ve left everything I possibly could out there and would have absolutely no regret or change anything I’ve done.” Read more...

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BRONCOS QUARTERBACK POSITION BEING WON BY... TREVOR SIEMIAN?!

The Denver Broncos lost the Sheriff Peyton Manning after winning the Superbowl and had no option at the quarterback position. After the loss, they decided to go sign Mark Sanchez and it seemed as if they were able to receive a starting quarterback. Then the Broncos selected rookie Paxton Lynch with their first round pick.

But, with the 33rd pick in the seventh round of the 2015 draft a year ago the Broncos made a surprising pick with Northwestern quarterback Trevor Siemian. Now it seems the Broncos have already had their 2016 quarterback all along, Adam Schefter reported Siemian has a "legitimate" shot at taking the job. In his senior season at Northwestern Siemian threw for 2214 yards, seven touchdowns, 11 interceptions, rushed for another five touchdowns and caught a 17 yard touchdown. Read more..

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FTA: L.A. RAMS MOST IMPORTANT PLAYERS IN NEW ROLLS FOR 2016!

There's a new team in the NFL, well kind of, the St Louis Rams are now the LA Rams and will look to get this new campaign started off on the right foot. The new campaign didn't get off to a great start with the losses of TE Jared Cook, CB Janoris Jenkins, FS Rodney Mcleod, and LB James Laurinaitas. The Rams will enter this season with the best young running back in football Todd Gurley and will hope he can help their quarterback to succeed.

Most important position:

Defense:

With no offensive free agent signings the Rams will have two defensive players in their spot. Cornerback Coty Sensabaugh being the biggest signing for this team, will try to fill the void left by Jenkins. Sensabaugh had his most productive season last year with the Titans, getting the start in 15 games and posting 60 tackles and two interceptions.

Quinton Coples missed the majority of the 2015 season but will look to play the whole season in 2016. The blitzing linebacker had the best season of his career in 2014 with 6.5 sacks, 35 total tackles and a forced fumble. Coples will be a good addition to this team if he can produce as he did in 2014. Both these players will need to be at their best to fill the voids of players the Rams lost.

Most important rookie:

Offense:
With the majority of their draft picks spent on offense that's where the focus will be. Jared Goff the top overall pick in this years draft will likely be the commander. Goff is the key to success in a new city for the Rams and be the reason the LA Rams start off on the right or wrong foot. Goff posted 4,700+ yards in 2015 for Cal and 43 touchdowns. Goff must prove in 2016 he was worth the number one overall pick!

Tyler Higbee will be the replacement for Jared Cook and possibly the best friend of Goff. Higbee won't be much help when it comes to blocking, but is by far the best pass catcher among the tight ends in this draft class. Higbee recorded 563 yards in 2015 for Western Kentucky and eight touchdowns. Higbee will likely fill in the position fairly quickly and must quick to produce for his new team as well.  Read more...

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FTA: BUFFALO BILLS MOST IMPORTANT PLAYERS IN NEW ROLLS FOR 2016!

The Buffalo Bills lost one more game in 2015 than 2014 but looked like a much more competitive team in games. Rex Ryan will look to hit the ground running in 2016. Lesean Mccoy will lead the rushing attack but if they're going to put up the numbers to win the defense needs to help out. With the loss of his father Buddy Ryan one of the greatest defensive minds in football history, odds are Rex wants to come out with one of the best defenses in the NFL.

Most important position:

Offense:
Signing wide receiver Leonard Hankerson was the first step to improving this offense. He's never been much of a star in his previous five seasons, but will fill in as a nice two or three. Hankerson finished 2015 playing in just 10 games recording 327 yards of offense and three touchdowns. He will look to increase his production and value in 2016 as he's on a one year contract, this could be his last stop if he doesn't make a leap in production.

Defense:
Zach Brown will be a nice addition to the core of this linebacker unit. If he could increase his production to the value of his first two seasons in the NFL, Brown could be a huge key for this defense in the backfield. This linebacker crew needed some additions after the loss of Nigel Brad ham and Brown given the time and health could be that help. Read more..

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FTA: MINNESOTA VIKINGS MOST IMPORTANT PLAYERS IN NEW ROLLS FOR 2016

The Minnesota Vikings did nothing but improve this offseason, after losing Mike Wallace to the Ravens, there was not much else they lost as they resigned seven would be free agents. The Minnesota Vikings had a rough ending to the 2015 season, but these free agent additions and rookies, will help them get back to the playoffs next season.

Most important position:

Offense:
You can never have too good of an offensive line and the addition of Alex Boone will really help keep Bridgewater protected and help Adrian Peterson be that much more effective in the running game. Boone brings great durability to the line up as he has started 59/60 games he's played in over the last 4 seasons. Boone helped the 49ers make it to Super Bowl XLVII and even though they lost, they were the first Super Bowl team to ever have a 300 yard passer, 100 yard rusher and two 100 yard receivers.

Defense:
Outside Linebacker, Emmanuel Lamur, did not receive the playing time 2016, that he received in 2015. Given extra time in the rotation Lamur has proved he can produce at a high level, with two interceptions and 92 tackles in just 13 starts in 2014. Among teammates like Antony Barr, Chad Greenway and Eric Kendreicks, Lamur makes a great addition to depth of this front seven.

Most important rookie:

Offense:
With the loss of Wallace, Minnesota didn't wait long to find a replacement in the name of Laquon Treadwell of Ole Miss. Treadwell is a very competitive player, not only does he make contested catches, but he can get extra yards after the catch. With Minnesota being a run first team Treadwell fits the mold, with above average run blocking. Treadwell will be a big help in getting to the redzone, but against redzone coverage he has faltered a bit.

Defense:
Mackensie Alexander the second round pick out of Clemson will try to help this secondary maybe as more of a role player. Alexander has the speed to line up with the faster receivers in the NFL, but lacks the instincts to turn his head around and make a play on the ball. Alexander will likely match up with faster receivers on opposing teams but need safety help, when it comes to making a big play.  Read more..

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FTA: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS MOST IMPORTANT PLAYERS IN NEW ROLLS FOR 2016!

The Kansas City Chiefs had an amzing end to their season last year after starting 1-5, they finished the season 11-5. The Chiefs obliterated the Texans in the Wild Card round only to lose the next week to the New England Patriots 27-20. The offseason was rough for the Chiefs as they lost CB Sean Smith, G Jeff Allen, backup QB Chase Daniel, LT Donald Stephenson, and SS Tyvon Branch. Though they were able to resign a few key players.

Most important position:

Offense:
Mitchell Schwartz was a much needed addition to this team after losing two of KC's best lineman. Mitchell Schwarts started and played all 64 games in his time with the Cleveland Browns. Schwarts brings consistancy to this offensive line and will be a much needed cog in the Chiefs run game. Keeping Jamaal Charles healthy is essential to the Chiefs success and in past seasons this has been a difficult challenge for the Chiefs.

Defense:
There wasn't many signings from players outside the organization, but Andy Mulumba from Green Bay was the only one outside of Schwartz. The outside linebacker hasn't had much playing time since his rookie year, but given time he did produce. Mulumba is more of a depth signing for the Chiefs, if nothing more than a special teams signing.

Most important rookie:

Offense:
Offensive guard Parker Ehinger of Cincinnati was a much needed draft pick for this team. Ehinger shows great potential to be a very effective lineman in this league. He shows great awareness to track blitzing linebackers and push to the second level opening holes. He will need to work a bit on his foot work and hand work in order to be a consistant starter in the league.

Defense:
After the loss of many secondary players the Chiefs will need one of their cornerback selections to step up and receive effective playing time in 2016. Keivarae Russell will try to be that player, the Notre Dame corner has amazing potential to be a starter at the next level. Russell needs to stay healthy to warrant this third round draft selection, as he has not played a full season since 2013. Russell shows great field awareness, hands and has good footwork. If he can stay healthy Russell may be a top steal in this draft.  Read more...

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FTA: Pittsburgh Steelers Most Important Players for 2016

The Steelers will obviously need health on their side this season. After the loss of Heath Miller to retirement, Martavis Bryant's suspension, and ongoing health problems with their star running back Le'Veon Bell, this team needs to stay healthy. The Steelers go in to this season as on of the favorites to win it all, they have a massive amount of talent on the offensive side, and made strong moves through the draft to strengthen their defense.

Most important position:

Offense:

Tight End

After the loss of Heath Miller, the Steelers went and picked up Ladarius Green. Green will lock down this position by walking in the door to the facilities, but in order for the Steelers to have success they need him to not only catch the ball, but set the edge for Bell. Replacing Heath Miller won't be easy in 2016, but Green will need to make fans forget about Miller to show he's worth every bit of his 20 million dollar contract.

Defense:

Defensive Tackle:

The Steelers will have a large hole in their defensive line to start the season after losing Steve McLendon. Now they will need free agent addition Ricardo Mathews to step up in a big way. By no means does Mathews have huge numbers, but he is the only player at the tackle position with significant experience. It will be Mathews job to sure up the run defense from the inside out.  Read more..

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FTA: Arizona Cardinals Most Important Players in new rolls for 2016

The Arizona Cardinals had an outstanding offseason in terms of signings and drafting, and some of those additions to this team are going to be key to the Cardinals success. With departures from players like Sean Weatherspoon, Bobby Massie, Jerraud Powers, and Rashaud Johnson, these are the players that will need to step into large rolls for the Cardinals.

Most important position:

Offense:

The Panthers obliterated the offensive line defensive front in the playoffs a season ago, therefore Evan Mathis is the player they'll need to step up this season on offense. Mathis has done great work for the Denver Broncos helping them win a championship, and with the loss of Bobby Massie was a great addition to the team. Mathis will help this front keep Palmer upright the next time around. Offensive line is one of if not the biggest need for this team to improve on and they certainly did that adding Mathis, and two draft picks.

Defense:

With injuries throughout the secondary last season adding KC's Tyvon Branch was a great move, especially after the departure of Rashad Johnson. Branch will step in along side the Honey Badger and Deone Bucannon, and look to improve this already outstanding secondary. With players like Bethel, and Peterson covering the outside, this defense may just boast itself to the top defense in the NFL.

Most important rookie:

Offense:

The pressure hit Palmer early and often against the eventual NFC champion Panthers. This means not only will Evan Boehm the third round guard out of Mizzou be important, but so will tackle Cole Toner of Harvard. Neither player needs to play immediately on the starting line, both will need to help with the lack of depth along the offensive front. If these players can add the needed depth to the O-line, Arizona might be the favorite to win the NFC.  Read more...

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