Mike75 Posted August 20, 2014 Report Share Posted August 20, 2014 CHICAGO BEARS Head coach Marc Trestman General manager Phil Emery Owner The McCaskey Family Home field Soldier Field Record 8–8 Division place 2nd NFC North Playoff finish Did not qualify Offense Rank-PTS27.8(2nd);YDS381.8(8th);PASS YDS267.6(5th);RUSH YDS114.2(16th) Defense Rank-PTS29.9(30th);YDS394.6(30th);PASS YDS233.1(15th);RUSH YDS161.4(32nd). 2014 Free Agents (does not include players who have already re-signed or have been franchise-tagged by their team): Jonathan Scott, OTLandon Cohen, DT Free Agency Additions: Jimmy Clausen, QB (formerly with Carolina) – will compete for back-up dutiesDomenik Hixon, WR (formerly with Carolina) – possible punt / kick return specialistJosh Bellamy, WR (released by Washington) – roster depthJosh Morgan, WR (signed with Chicago) – will compete with Marquess Wilson for WR3 dutiesMicheal Spurlock, WR (formerly with Detroit) – roster depthMatthew Mulligan, TE (formerly with New England) – roster depthBrian De La Puente, C (formerly with New Orleans) – insurance behind 35-year-old Roberto GarzaJared Allen, DE (formerly with Minnesota) – should startWillie Young, DE (formerly with Detroit) - roster depthIsrael Idonije, DE (formerly with Detroit) – roster depthLamarr Houston, DT (formerly with Oakland) – should startJordan Senn, LB (formerly with Carolina) – roster depthRyan Mundy, S (formerly with New York Giants) – will compete for starting jobM.D. Jennings, S (formerly with Green Bay) - roster depthDanny McCray, S (formerly with Dallas) - roster depth Free Agency Losses: Josh McCown, QB (signed with Tampa Bay)Devin Hester, WR/KR (signed with Atlanta)Henry Melton, DT (signed with Dallas)Corey Wootton, DE (signed with Minnesota)Blake Costanzo, LB (signed with San Francisco)James Anderson, LB (signed with New England)Zack Bowman, CB (signed with New York Giants)Major Wright, S (signed with Tampa Bay) Released by Team: Michael Bush, RBEarl Bennett, WR (signed with Cleveland)Julius Peppers, DL (signed with Green Bay)Cheta Ozougwu, DEAdam Podlesh, P (signed with Pittsburgh) Draft Picks: 1st Round:Kyle Fuller, Cornerback, Virginia Tech 2nd Round:Ego Ferguson, Defensive tackle, LSU 3rd Round:Will Sutton, Defensive tackle, Arizona State 4th Round:Ka'Deem Carey, Running Back, Arizona 4th Round:Brock Vereen, Safety, Minnesota 6th Round: David Fales, Quarterback, San Jose State 6th Round:Pat O'Donnell, Punter, Miami 7th Round:Charles Leno, Jr. Offensive tackle, Boise State [TABLE=class: cms_table_standard_table] [TR=class: cms_table_major_header] [TD=colspan: 4] Chicago Bears Projected 2014 Starters [/TD] [/TR] [TR] Offense Defense [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_whiteback] [TD] QB [/TD] [TD] Jay Cutler [/TD] [TD] DE [/TD] [TD] Jared Allen [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] RB [/TD] [TD] Matt Forte [/TD] [TD] DT [/TD] [TD] Stephen Paea / Ego Ferguson [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_whiteback] [TD] WR1 [/TD] [TD] Brandon Marshall [/TD] [TD] DT [/TD] [TD] Jeremiah Ratliff / Will Sutton [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] WR2 [/TD] [TD] Alshon Jeffery [/TD] [TD] DE [/TD] [TD] Lamarr Houston [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_whiteback] [TD] WR3 [/TD] [TD] Marquess Wilson [/TD] [TD] SLB [/TD] [TD] D.J. Williams [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] TE [/TD] [TD] Martellus Bennett [/TD] [TD] WLB [/TD] [TD] Lance Briggs [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_whiteback] [TD] LT [/TD] [TD] Jermon Bushrod [/TD] [TD] CB1 [/TD] [TD] Charles Tillman [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] LG [/TD] [TD] Matt Slauson [/TD] [TD] CB2 [/TD] [TD] Tim Jennings [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_whiteback] [TD] C [/TD] [TD] Roberto Garza [/TD] [TD] CB3 [/TD] [TD] Kyle Fuller [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] RG [/TD] [TD] Kyle Long [/TD] [TD] SS [/TD] [TD] Ryan Mundy [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_whiteback] [TD] RT [/TD] [TD] Jordan Mills [/TD] [TD] FS [/TD] [TD] Chris Conte [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] 2014 SCHEDULE: Sept. 7 Buffalo, 1 p.m. Sept. 14 at San Francisco, 8:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at N.Y. Jets, 8:30 p.m. Sept. 28 Green Bay, 1 p.m. Oct. 5 at Carolina, 1 p.m. Oct. 12 at Atlanta, 1 p.m. Oct. 19 Miami, 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at New England, 1 p.m. Nov. 2 BYE Nov. 9 at Green Bay-x, 8:30 p.m. Nov. 16 Minnesota, 1 p.m. Nov. 23 Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Nov. 27 at Detroit, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 4 Dallas, 8:25 p.m. Dec. 15 New Orleans, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 21 Detroit, 1 p.m. Dec. 28 at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Surefire new starters on the Chicago defense include Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston and first-round pick Kyle Fuller. That number could double if Ferguson, Sutton and a safety to be named later replace Chris Conte. Free-agent pickup Ryan Mundy should win the safety job across from Conte, but fourth-round pick Brock Vereen and free-agent acquisition M.D. Jennings are also in the mix. It would be good for the Bears if their second- and third-round picks Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton earned starting jobs at defensive tackle sooner than later. They have a chance with lackluster veterans Stephen Paea and Jeremiah Ratliff penciled in as starters for now. Chicago's run defense will hinge long-term on how quickly Ferguson and Sutton develop. Chicago's offense has enviable continuity and talent. The starting group rivals any in football, which is amazing considering that Lovie Smith was the coach only two years ago. The starting wide receving duo is the best in the league in Marshall and Jeffery, and Matt Forte remains a top-five running back.Ka'Deem Carey figures to have a big role right away as Matt Forte's primary backup. The offensive line now looks stable for the first time in ages. Center Roberto Garza could face competition from free-agent pickup Brian De La Puente, but this group is basically the same. The first half of the schedule is pretty tough with games on the road at San Francisco,N.Y. Jets,Carolina,Atlanta and New England and none will be easy.The second half of the schedule eases up a bit and New Orleans,Green Bay and Dallas will be their biggest tests. Vegas released NFL season win totals for Chicago at 8.5 and i think they have a good shot this year if Cutler stays healthy...... DETROIT LIONS Head coach: Jim Caldwell General manager: Martin Mayhew Owner: Martha Ford Home field: Ford Field Record: 7–9 Division place: 3rd NFC North Playoff finish: did not qualify Offense Rank-PTS 24.7(13th);YDS 392.1(6th);PASS YDS 280.1(3rd);RUSH YDS 112.0 (17th) Defense Rank-PTS 23.5(15th);YDS 346.6(16th);PASS YDS 246.9(23rd);RUSH YDS 99.8 (6th). 2014 Free Agents (does not include players who have already re-signed or have been franchise-tagged by their team): Kris Durham, WR (Restricted)Tony Scheffler, TEDylan Gandy, CRocky McIntosh, LBJohn Wendling, SDavid Akers, K Free Agency Additions: Dan Orlovsky, QB (formerly with Tampa Bay) – will back up Matthew StaffordJed Collins, FB (formerly with New Orleans) – should startGolden Tate, WR (formerly with Seattle) – should startCorvey Irvin, DT (released by Dallas) – roster depthDarryl Tapp, LB (formerly with Washington) – roster depthKourtnei Brown, LB (released by Buffalo) – roster depthCassius Vaughn, CB (formerly with Indianapolis) – roster depthJames Ihedigbo, S (formerly with Baltimore) – should start Free Agency Losses: Shaun Hill, QB (signed with St. Louis)Jason Fox, OT (signed with Miami)Willie Young, DE (signed with Chicago)Israel Idonije, DE (signed with Chicago) Released by Team: Nate Burleson, WR (signed with Cleveland)Micheal Spurlock, WR (signed with Chicago)Leroy Harris, GLouis Delmas, S (signed with Miami) Coaching Changes: Fired – Jim Schwartz, Head Coach (now defensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills)Hired – Jim Caldwell, Head Coach (formerly offensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens)Fired – Scott Linehan, Offensive Coordinator (now offensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys)Hired – Joe Lombardi, Offensive Coordinator (formerly quarterbacks coach with the New Orleans Saints)Fired – Gunther Cunningham, Defensive CoordinatorHired – Teryl Austin, Defensive Coordinator (formerly secondary coach with the Baltimore Ravens) Draft Picks: 1st Round:Eric Ebron, Tight end, North Carolina 2nd Round:Kyle Van Noy, Outside linebacker, Brigham Young 3rd Round:Travis Swanson, Center, Arkansas 4th Round:Nevin Lawson, Cornerback, Utah State 4th Round:Larry Webster III, Defensive end, Bloomsburg 5th Round:Caraun Reid, Defensive tackle, Princeton 6th Round:T. J. Jones, Wide receiver, Notre Dame 7th Round:Nate Freese, Placekicker, Boston College [TABLE=class: cms_table_cms_table_standard_table] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_major_header] [TD=colspan: 4] Detroit Lions Projected 2014 Starters [/TD] [/TR] [TR] Offense Defense [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] QB [/TD] [TD] Matthew Stafford [/TD] [TD] DE [/TD] [TD] Ziggy Ansah [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] RB [/TD] [TD] Reggie Bush / Joique Bell [/TD] [TD] DT [/TD] [TD] Ndamukong Suh [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] WR1 [/TD] [TD] Calvin Johnson [/TD] [TD] DT [/TD] [TD] Nick Fairley [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] WR2 [/TD] [TD] Golden Tate [/TD] [TD] DE [/TD] [TD] Jason Jones [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] TE1 [/TD] [TD] Brandon Pettigrew [/TD] [TD] SLB [/TD] [TD] Kyle Van Noy [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] TE2 [/TD] [TD] Eric Ebron [/TD] [TD] MLB [/TD] [TD] Stephen Tulloch [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] LT [/TD] [TD] Riley Reiff [/TD] [TD] WLB [/TD] [TD] DeAndre Levy [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] LG [/TD] [TD] Rob Sims [/TD] [TD] CB1 [/TD] [TD] Chris Houston [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] C [/TD] [TD] Dominic Raiola [/TD] [TD] CB2 [/TD] [TD] Darius Slay [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] RG [/TD] [TD] Larry Warford [/TD] [TD] SS [/TD] [TD] James Ihedigbo [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] RT [/TD] [TD] LaAdrian Waddle [/TD] [TD] FS [/TD] [TD] Glover Quinn [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] 2014 SCHEDULE: Sept. 8 N.Y. Giants, 7:10 p.m. Sept. 14 at Carolina, 1 p.m. Sept. 21 Green Bay, 1 p.m. Sept. 28 at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Oct. 5 Buffalo, 1 p.m. Oct. 12 at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Oct. 19 New Orleans, 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at Atlanta (London), 9:30 a.m. Nov. 2 BYE Nov. 9 Miami, 1 p.m. Nov. 16 at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. Nov. 23 at New England, 1 p.m. Nov. 27 Chicago, 12:30 p.m. Dec. 7 Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Dec. 14 Minnesota, 1 p.m. Dec. 21 at Chicago, 1 p.m. Dec. 28 at Green Bay, 1 p.m. There won't be many position battles on Detroit's offense despite the new coaching staff. The entire starting offensive line is back. New coach Jim Caldwell has made it clear that Reggie Bush and Joique Bell will split carries. Free-agent pickup Golden Tate will start opposite Calvin Johnson, and there is a huge fall to the team's No. 3 receiver. The lack of quality depth at wide receiver matters less because of the presence of No. 10 overall pick Eric Ebron. We list Ebron and Brandon Pettigrew as starters, and the order doesn't truly matter. Ebron will play more of a pure receiver role. Pettigrew will be asked to block, and he'll get starter-worthy snaps. This is going to be a base two tight end offense. Second-round pick Kyle Van Noy has prized versatility. He will be asked to perform a variety of roles from strongside linebacker, where he should take a starting job from Ashlee Palmer. Jason Jones will face a challenge to start from second-year pro Devin Taylor. Jones is coming off a torn ACL. The secondary remains a big weakness for the Lions. Cornerback Rashean Mathis was probably the team's best cornerback a season ago, but the Lions would likely prefer that he not start again. Chris Houston has injury questions and played terribly in 2013. Darius Slay mostly struggled as a rookie and is coming off surgery. Strong safety James Ihedibgho is a stopgap solution. There is a lot of high-level talent here and not many egregious holes. This is hardly a rebuilding project for Caldwell; it's a roster built to win now. Vegas released NFL season win totals for Detroit at 8.5.In my opinion i think they can do it if the offense plays well and the defense does their part they could get around nine wins...... GREEN BAY PACKERS Head coach Mike McCarthy General manager Ted Thompson Owner Green Bay Packers, Inc. (112,158 stockholders) Home field Lambeau Field Record 8–7–1 Division place 1st NFC North Playoff finish Lost Wild Card Playoffs (49ers) 20-23 Offense Rank-PTS 26.1(8th);YDS 400.2(3rd);PASS YDS 266.8(6th);RUSH YDS 133.5(7th) Defense Rank-PTS 26.8(24th);YDS 372.2(25th);PASS YDS 247.2(24th);RUSH YDS 125.0(25th). 2014 Free Agents (does not include players who have already re-signed or have been franchise-tagged by their team): Kahlil Bell, RBJermichael Finley, TEJohnny Jolly, DTRyan Pickett, DTRob Francois, LB Free Agency Additions: Michael Hill, RB (released by Tampa Bay) – roster depthLetroy Guion, NT (released by Minnesota) – roster depthJulius Peppers, DL (released by Chicago) – should start Free Agency Losses: James Jones, WR (signed with Oakland)Marshall Newhouse, OT (signed with Cincinnati)Evan Dietrich-Smith, C (signed with Tampa Bay)C.J. Wilson, DE (signed with Oakland)M.D. Jennings, S (signed with Chicago) Released by Team: Sederrick Cunningham, WR Draft Picks: 1st Round: Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, S,Alabama 2nd Round: Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State 3rd Round:Khyri Thornton,DT, Southern Miss 3rd Round:Richard Rodgers, TE,California 4th Round:Carl Bradford,OLB, Arizona State 5th Round: Corey Linsley,C,Ohio State 5th Round:Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin 6th Round: Demetri Goodson, CB, Baylor 7th Round:Jeff Janis, WR, Saginaw Valley [TABLE=class: cms_table_cms_table_standard_table] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_major_header] [TD=colspan: 4] Green Bay Packers Projected 2014 Starters [/TD] [/TR] [TR] Offense Defense [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] QB [/TD] [TD] Aaron Rodgers [/TD] [TD] DE [/TD] [TD] Datone Jones [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] RB [/TD] [TD] Eddie Lacy [/TD] [TD] NT [/TD] [TD] B.J. Raji [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] WR1 [/TD] [TD] Jordy Nelson [/TD] [TD] DE [/TD] [TD] Mike Daniels [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] WR2 [/TD] [TD] Randall Cobb [/TD] [TD] OLB [/TD] [TD] Clay Matthews [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] WR3 [/TD] [TD] Jarrett Boykin / Davante Adams [/TD] [TD] ILB [/TD] [TD] A.J. Hawk / Brad Jones [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] TE [/TD] [TD] Andrew Quarless [/TD] [TD] OLB [/TD] [TD] Julius Peppers [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] LT [/TD] [TD] David Bakhtiari [/TD] [TD] CB1 [/TD] [TD] Sam Shields [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] LG [/TD] [TD] Josh Sitton [/TD] [TD] CB2 [/TD] [TD] Tramon Williams [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] C [/TD] [TD] JC Tretter [/TD] [TD] CB3 [/TD] [TD] Casey Hayward [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] RG [/TD] [TD] T.J. Lang [/TD] [TD] SS [/TD] [TD] Morgan Burnett [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] RT [/TD] [TD] Bryan Bulaga [/TD] [TD] FS [/TD] [TD] Ha Ha Clinton-Dix [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] 2014 SCHEDULE: Sept. 4 at Seattle, 8:30 p.m. Sept. 14 N.Y. Jets, 4:25 p.m. Sept. 21 at Detroit, 1 p.m. Sept. 28 at Chicago, 1 p.m. Oct. 2 Minnesota, 8:25 p.m. Oct. 12 at Miami, 1 p.m. Oct. 19 Carolina, 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at New Orleans-x, 8:30 p.m. Nov. 2 BYE Nov. 9 Chicago-x, 8:30 p.m. Nov. 16 Philadelphia, 1 p.m. Nov. 23 at Minnesota, 1 p.m. Nov. 30 New England, 4:25 p.m. Dec. 8 Atlanta, 8:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Dec. 21 at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Dec. 28 Detroit, 1 p.m. The Green Bay Packers aggressively filled a huge need with first-round pick Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. He should start from day one and upgrade a secondary that gave up too many big plays last season. Clinton-Dix could improve two starting positions, allowing Morgan Burnett to move to strong safety. Ultimately the two players are more similar than different; general manager Ted Thompson believes they should be an effective pair together. Burnett is coming off an awful third season and could face competition for snaps from Micah Hyde. Third-round defensive end Khyri Thornton has the next clearest path to playing time, but he'll be in rotation with Jones, Daniels, and 2012 second round pick Jerel Worthy. Second-round pick Davante Adams could get on the field as well, although current No. 3 receiver Jarrett Boykin has a lot of talent for a relative unknown. Adams' selection felt more like a pick for the future by Thompson with Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson's contracts coming up. The Packers will improve greatly just by getting healthier this offseason. Matthews, Bulaga, Cobb, Hayward and pass rusher Nick Perry all missed significant time last season. Hayward is a key part of this team's intriguing potential at cornerback. Green Bay would have loved to upgrade their speed at inside linebacker in the draft, but it didn’t work out. Hawk and Jones both don't figure to be "every down" players if the defense stays healthy. Take away Aaron Rodgers, and this is still a roster that should contend for the playoffs. Add Aaron Rodgers and they should be one of the five best teams in the league.Vegas released NFL season win totals for Green Bay at 10.5 and they could do it but the schedule will be pretty tough from the very beginning starting with a road game at Seattle followed by a tough home game against N.Y. Jets.They then have two tough division games on the road at Detroit and Chicago.They play a road game down in Miami and also play against two playoff teams Carolina and New Orleans before the bye.After that they have tough games against Philly,New England and Atlanta as well as more division games.I could see them going 11-5 or better with a fully healthy Aaron Rodgers....... MINNESOTA VIKINGS Head coach Mike Zimmer General manager Rick Spielman Owner Zygi Wilf Home field TCF Bank Stadium Record 5–10–1 Division place 4th NFC North Playoff finish did not qualify Offense Rank-PTS 24.4(15th);YDS 344.2(13th);PASS YDS 214.2(23rd);RUSH YDS 130.1(8th) Defense Rank-PTS 30.0(32nd);YDS 397.6(31st);PASS YDS 287.2(31st);RUSH YDS 110.4(16th). 2014 Free Agents (does not include players who have already re-signed or have been franchise-tagged by their team): J’Marcus Webb, OTSeth Olsen, GMarvin Mitchell, LBDesmond Bishop, LB Free Agency Additions: Lestar Jean, WR (formerly with Houston) – roster depthAllen Reisner, TE (formerly with Jacksonville) – roster depthVlad Ducasse, OL (formerly with New York Jets) – roster depthLinval Joseph, DT (formerly with New York Giants) – should startTom Johnson, DL (formerly with New Orleans) – roster depthCorey Wootton, DE (formerly with Chicago) – roster depthJasper Brinkley, ILB (released by Arizona) – roster depthTerrell Manning, ILB (released by San Diego) – roster depthCaptain Munnerlyn, CB (formerly with Carolina) – should startDerek Cox, CB (released by San Diego) – roster depthKurt Coleman, S (formerly with Philadelphia) – roster depth Free Agency Losses: Josh Freeman, QB (signed with New York Giants)Joe Webb, QB/WR (signed with Carolina)Toby Gerhart, RB (signed with Jacksonville)Jared Allen, DE (signed with Chicago)Chris Cook, CB (signed with San Francisco) Released by Team: Greg Childs, WRJohn Carlson, TE (signed with Arizona)Letroy Guion, NT (signed with Green Bay)Erin Henderson, MLB Coaching Changes: Fired – Leslie Frazier, Head Coach (now defensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers)Hired – Mike Zimmer, Head Coach (formerly defensive coordinator with the Cincinnati Bengals)Fired – Bill Musgrave, Offensive Coordinator (now quarterbacks coach with the Philadelphia Eagles)Hired – Norv Turner, Offensive Coordinator (formerly offensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns)Fired – Alan Williams, Defensive CoordinatorHired – George Edwards, Defensive Coordinator (formerly linebackers coach with the Miami Dolphins) Draft Picks: 1st Round:Anthony Barr Linebacker UCLA 1st Round:Teddy Bridgewater Quarterback Louisville 3rd Round:Scott Crichton Defensive end Oregon State 3rd Round:Jerick McKinnon Running back Georgia Southern 5th Round: David Yankey Guard Stanford 6th Round:Antone Exum Cornerback Virginia Tech 6th Round:Kendall James Cornerback Maine 7th Round:Shamar Stephen Defensive tackle Connecticut 7th Round:Brandon Watts Linebacker Georgia Tech 7th Round:Jabari Price Cornerback North Carolina [TABLE=class: cms_table_cms_table_standard_table] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_major_header] [TD=colspan: 4] Minnesota Vikings Projected 2014 Starters [/TD] [/TR] [TR] Offense Defense [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] QB [/TD] [TD] Matt Cassel [/TD] [TD] DE [/TD] [TD] Brian Robison [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] RB [/TD] [TD] Adrian Peterson [/TD] [TD] DT [/TD] [TD] Linval Joseph [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] WR1 [/TD] [TD] Greg Jennings [/TD] [TD] DT [/TD] [TD] Sharrif Floyd [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] WR2 [/TD] [TD] Cordarrelle Patterson [/TD] [TD] DE [/TD] [TD] Everson Griffen [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] WR3 [/TD] [TD] Jarius Wright [/TD] [TD] SLB [/TD] [TD] Anthony Barr [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] TE [/TD] [TD] Kyle Rudolph [/TD] [TD] WLB [/TD] [TD] Chad Greenway [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] LT [/TD] [TD] Matt Kalil [/TD] [TD] CB1 [/TD] [TD] Xavier Rhodes [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] LG [/TD] [TD] Charlie Johnson [/TD] [TD] CB2 [/TD] [TD] Captain Munnerlyn [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] C [/TD] [TD] John Sullivan [/TD] [TD] CB3 [/TD] [TD] Josh Robinson [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_ltblueback] [TD] RG [/TD] [TD] Brandon Fusco [/TD] [TD] SS [/TD] [TD] Jamarca Sanford [/TD] [/TR] [TR=class: cms_table_cms_table_whiteback] [TD] RT [/TD] [TD] Phil Loadholt [/TD] [TD] FS [/TD] [TD] Harrison Smith [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] 2014 SCHEDULE: Sept. 7 at St. Louis, 1 p.m. Sept. 14 New England, 1 p.m. Sept. 21 at New Orleans, 1 p.m. Sept. 28 Atlanta, 4:25 p.m. Oct. 2 at Green Bay, 8:25 p.m. Oct. 12 Detroit, 1 p.m. Oct. 19 at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. Nov. 2 Washington, 1 p.m. Nov. 9 BYE Nov. 16 at Chicago, 1 p.m. Nov. 23 Green Bay, 1 p.m. Nov. 30 Carolina, 1 p.m. Dec. 7 N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m. Dec. 14 at Detroit, 1 p.m. Dec. 21 at Miami, 1 p.m. Dec. 28 Chicago, 1 p.m. Not sure whether Teddy Bridgewater will start in Week 1. I expect Matt Cassel to win the job, although Bridgewater will get first-team reps right away in offseason OTAs. Cassel is more of a legitimate NFL starter than guys like Brian Hoyer or Ryan Fitzpatrick. Bridgewater could benefit from time on the sidelines, and my guess is the Vikings will want to see if they can survive with Cassel for a while to give Bridgewater time to watch and learn. Jarius Wright got the nod over Jerome Simpson, who could be suspended to start the season for various off-field issues. Wright has a higher ceiling as a speedster out of the slot and the Vikings have tried to move on from Simpson for years. The toughest position to decide here was whether to list a No. 3 cornerback or a third linebacker as a starter. The Vikings lack promising options at both positions. Josh Robinson got the nod as the team's third cornerback over free-agent pickup Derek Cox. Munnerlyn and Rhodes should start, with Munnerlyn moving inside in the team's nickel situation. Audie Cole and Jasper Brinkley will compete for snaps at middle linebacker in Minnesota's early down formations. Either way, we can't imagine No. 9 pick Anthony Barr coming off the bench for even one week. Barr could be ticketed for a Von Miller-like role in Minnesota's defense. We're excited to see how Mike Zimmer uses him. Minnesota's defensive line has a shot to be among the league's best. Everson Griffen and Brian Robison comprise a solid pass rushing duo in their respective primes. Sharrif Floyd will be a starter for the first time, and Linval Joseph was a solid free-agent acquisition. Zimmer has always done a nice job carving out roles for linemen that play to their strengths. Vegas released NFL season win totals for Minnesota at 6.I do know this team has improved quite a bit over the past two drafts however they do start out pretty tough with a opening road game at St. Louis who will have a really good defense and will be much better on offense as well then they face New England,New Orleans,Atlanta,Green Bay and Detroit which could very well put them in too deep of a hole to get out of. Didn't realize until i looked at the rankings just how bad this team was especially on defense.After all giving up thirty points a contest will not win you hardly any games at all.They gave up a ton of yardage especially through the air which won't do them any favors when they face Green Bay,Chicago and Detroit twice all teams in their division that love to air it out.Add Tom Brady,Drew Brees and Matt Ryan to the slate and things don't look to good to be honest.The offense will improve but the defense has got to step up.Newcomers like Captain Munnerlyn and Anthony Barr should help get things moving up on defense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike75 Posted August 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2014 Green Bay will win it but i think Chicago and Detroit will be fighting for a wild card. Detroit is a good team but lost too many close games by three or four points. If Detroit can win the close ones the talent is there on offense and defense. Caldwell and his staff have got to get this team more disciplined in keeping leads and avoiding costly turnovers late. Chicago has killer talent on offense and Cutler will have his best year if he can stay healthy all season in Trestman's offense. The Bears defense must improve if they want to make the postseason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharp Square Posted August 20, 2014 Report Share Posted August 20, 2014 Should be a battle between Green Bay and Detroit. If these flags keep flying on the illegal contact calls how is any one gonna man up Megatron , Det could score a massive amount of points this season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDaddy Posted August 20, 2014 Report Share Posted August 20, 2014 Detroit Lions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FISHHEAD Posted August 20, 2014 Report Share Posted August 20, 2014 Will go with my Packers.....if so, 4th straight division title. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Propswatcher Posted August 20, 2014 Report Share Posted August 20, 2014 Going with the consensus Packers. The offense will be elite once again. There are a few holes in the D, not super excited about their D line and linebackers. Expect the Vikings to progress quite nicely with ANY decent qb play, the rest of the roster is filling out nicely. Bearish on both Bears and Lions. Bears did not do enough on defense to jump from 32nd last year. Lions have the talent, but the management decisions and discipline are tough to ignore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrigley Posted August 20, 2014 Report Share Posted August 20, 2014 Im going with the Lions here as a sleeper over the Pack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FISHHEAD Posted August 20, 2014 Report Share Posted August 20, 2014 Linebacking a major concern for the Pack..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Propswatcher Posted August 20, 2014 Report Share Posted August 20, 2014 The Pack have real elite talent, but are missing those glue guys that the Pats always seem to acquire/develop. A lot of smart guys really like them this year, but I power rated them slightly below the elite Den, Sea, SF, NO, NE. Fishhead how close is that to your sentiment as a well educated fan? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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