By Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange
For those who actually thought there was an offseason in the National Football League, here is a close look at the many changes on NFC South teams since they last lined up for a game:
(Teams listed in alphabetical order)
Summer Reset: Falcons focus on all aspects of passing
When Atlanta Falcons second-year head coach Dan Quinn opens training camp July 27 with 17 returning starters off a team that went 8-8 in 2016, he wants to focus on the pass.
Yes, that means getting veteran quarterback Matt Ryan to cut down on interceptions, after 16 last season.
But wait, there’s more.
Quinn expects to step up the pass blocking, pass catching, pass rushing and pass coverage. And that was clear by moves made in the offseason
Up front, Ryan will be taking snaps from feisty veteran center Alex Mack, a free agent from Cleveland ($45 million, five years, $28.5 million guaranteed).
At wide receiver, after releasing franchise record-holding pass-catcher Roddy White, the Falcons signed free agent Mohamed Sanu (Cincinnati Bengals, $32.5 million, five years, $14 million guaranteed) who will team with Julio Jones in a plot to ruin defenses.
On defense last year, the Falcons had only 19 sacks, 70 quarterback hurries and 75 quarterback hits on 561 pass plays. Not good enough. Linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich and defensive line coach Bryan Cox want more speed and versatility this season.
The Falcons signed free-agent defensive end Derrick Shelby ($18 million, four years), who will start on the left side, and moved versatile Vic Beasley from weak- to strong-side outside linebacker, where he might help cover tight ends and backs as well as chase quarterbacks.
In the draft, Atlanta grabbed Florida strong safety Keanu Neal in the first round (No. 17 overall) and he will upgrade the position.
Then came inside linebacker Deion Jones (Round 2, No. 50) who led LSU in tackles, can cover backs and should beat out Paul Worrilow. The Falcons found another starting linebacker in the fourth round, Minnesota’s De’Vondre Campbell, who played both inside and outside in college. More importantly, he lined up with the first stringers all spring.
“I think Jones and Campbell have done a really good job,” Ryan said. “Both of them are super athletic. That’s the No. 1 thing going against them every day; they are fast. I think as they get more comfortable in the scheme, they are going to continue to get better and better.”
Here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Falcons’ 2016 team:
TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
Atlanta Falcons Training Facility, Flowery Branch, GA, 7/27, 7/27
2015 RECORD: 8-8
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 1-5
COACH: Dan Quinn
2nd season as Falcons/NFL head coach
8-8 overall
STARTERS RETURNING:
17; 10 offense, 7 defense, kicker, punter
OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Cornerback C. J. Goodwin
–A 6-foot-4, 220-pound converted wide receiver and former college basketball player, Goodwin shined while making the conversion to cornerback.
“He’s competing,” secondary/senior assistant Marquand Manuel said. “He’s doing an awesome job competing. He’s a natural attack-the-ball defender because of basketball. He played basketball in college.”
Goodwin played basketball at Bethany College for two seasons. He went on to play football at Fairmont State and California (Pa.) before he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had two interceptions during minicamp and returned one for a touchdown.
“I compare him a lot to the corner from Miami of Ohio that Green Bay drafted (Quinten Rollins),” Manuel said. “He’s a former basketball player who can come out here and actually play football. His ability to play with Julio (Jones), play man-to-man was awesome. I’m really proud of that kid because he did all of the necessary things this offseason to get himself prepared to just come in here and compete.
“I’m really excited to see what he ends up being. I’m encouraged.”
NEWCOMERS
The draft — A closer look at the Falcons’ picks (6):
–Round 1/17 – Keanu Neal, SS, 6-0, 211, Florida
As expected, Neal’s freakish athleticism was on display at the Combine. His broad jump was impressive, as he finished three inches ahead of second-place T.J. Green from Clemson. He is projected to start and replace William Moore. Defensive coordinator Richard Smith raved about his instincts and maturity. He worked with the first-team defense and looked at home all of the offseason.
–Round 2/50 – Deion Jones, MLB, 6-1, 222, Louisiana State
Jones is a speedy player. He gives the Falcons another player who can cover running backs. Falcons head coach Dan Quinn has repeatedly talked about getting faster on defense this offseason. Jones was the fastest of all of the linebackers at the Combine. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award and was the Tigers’ leading tackler and defensive Most Valuable Player last season. He finished the offseason working with the first-team defense and will have to beat out incumbent Paul Worrilow.
–Round 3/81 – Austin Hooper, TE, 6-3, 254, Stanford
He’s considered an athletic pass-catching tight end who had to wait his turn at Stanford. Some believe that he could have benefitted from another year of seasoning in the college ranks. He can develop into a mismatch option-route runner as a receiver. He’s also played some H-back and as a move tight end. Some scouts believe that he’s a better prospect than former Arkansas tight end Hunter Henry, who was selected early in the second round.
–Round 4/115 – De’Vondre Campbell, LB, 6-4, 232, Minnesota
Played both inside and outside at Minnesota. He will play weak-side linebacker and worked with the first-team defense for much of the offseason. The Falcons like his speed and length to close on plays in the zone coverage. He was named All-Big Ten honorable mention by the coaches and the media.
–Round 6/195 – Wes Schweitzer, G, 6-5, 314, San Jose State
He played some left and right tackle in college and was a fifth-year senior and two-year starter at left tackle. Played in 31 games with 25 career starts. He was honored in 2012 and 2015 on National Student-Athlete Day by the National Consortium for Academics & Sports. He’s a three-time academic all-conference award winner. Played a season under Falcons assistant offensive line coach Keith Carter in 2014. He worked at both guards and center positions over the offseason.
–Round 7/238 – Devin Fuller, WR/PR/KR, 6-0, 195, UCLA
Missed nearly all of the offseason program after suffering a severe hamstring injury during the rookie minicamp. He’s basically returner insurance if Devin Hester can’t make it back from foot surgery. Fuller hauled in just 24 catches last year as a senior. Fuller was a former Army All-America athlete prospect out of high school. He struggled to find a niche in UCLA’s offense.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
–T Tom Compton: Veteran who knows the system and can play left or right tackle.
–C Alex Mack: Veteran and former Pro Bowler was signed to add some backbone to the unit.
–LB LaRoy Reynolds: Veteran inside linebacker with some run-stuffing ability.
–QB Matt Schaub: Knows the system and should help in training camp. Tank may be on E.
–WR Mohamed Sanu: Was a reserve for the Bengals, but paid like a starter. Has big shoes to fill.
–DE Derrick Shelby: Could add a pass-rush presence to a unit that desperately needs it.
–LB Courtney Upshaw: Provides a physical presence against the run and should instill toughness.
–LB Sean Weatherspoon: Back for second stint with the team. Can cover backs out of the backfield.
KEY LOSS: WR Roddy White (16/16)*
–White appeared to have some gas left in the tank, but the Falcons parted ways with the franchise’s all-time leading receiver via text message after he helped train his replacement.
OTHER LOSSES:
–CB Phillip Adams (13/3), DE Kroy Biermann (16/0), LB Justin Durant (13/12), C/G Gino Gradkowski (4/1), K Shayne Graham (5/0), T Jake Long (4/0), TE Tony Moeaki (10/0), S William Moore (11/11), LB O’Brien Schofield (16/11), DT Paul Soliai (14/10)*
Total games played/started lost: 122/64
*Number in parentheses is games played/games started in 2015
Summer Reset: Panthers must avoid pitfalls of success
After a near-perfect 2015 regular season and a disappointing performance in the Super Bowl, the defending NFC champion Carolina Panthers must guard against one key issue when sixth-year head coach Ron Rivera opens full training camp July 27.
Super Bowl hangover.
“We need to push even harder this year and remind each other you can’t assume anything,” Rivera said after minicamp. When training camp opens he will continue to remind 19 returning starters that it will be even harder to replicate their 15-1 record from 2015.
Quarterback Cam Newton, criticized so often and severely after the Super Bowl it was almost forgotten he was the NFL MVP, embraces Rivera’s warning about Super Bowl hangover.
In fact, he is intently focused on improving.
“I haven’t peaked, I haven’t climaxed as a player, and that’s what I need to get better at,” Newton said during minicamp last month.
“I always can find ways to take my game to the next level. Just getting everybody on the same page, as one of the captains, I take that very pridefully knowing that there are a lot of people looking at me to lead this team.”
Heading into his sixth season, Newton acknowledges that he must focus on improving accuracy and decision-making on the field.
In the personnel department, some were surprised when general manager Dave Gettleman rescinded the franchise designation from Josh Norman, allowing the feisty cornerback to sign a free-agent contract with the Washington Redskins ($75 million, five years, $36.5 million guaranteed; $15 million signing bonus).
That means the Panthers will open training camp with one corner spot manned by rookie James Bradberry (Round 2, No. 62), from little Samford College. At the other corner should be Bene’ Benwikere, who is coming off a broken leg.
In the first round of the draft, the Panthers took Louisiana Tech defensive tackle Vernon Butler (No. 30 overall), who should add depth and youth to the rotation.
Here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Panthers’ 2016 team:
TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
Wofford College, Spartanburg, SC, 7/27, 7/27
2015 RECORD: 17-2
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 5-1
COACH: Ron Rivera
6th season as Panthers/NFL head coach
50-35-1 overall; 3-3 postseason
STARTERS RETURNING:
19; 11 offense, 8 defense, kicker
OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Wide receiver Devin Funchess.
–The 2015 second-round pick really came on in the second half of last season and he picked up where he left off. Funchess was clearly the most improved player on the field the past month and the Panthers are salivating at lining him up across from a now healthy Benjamin.
NEWCOMERS
The draft — A closer look at the Panthers’ picks (5):
–Round 1/30 — Vernon Butler, DT, 6-4, 323, Louisiana Tech
Panthers strengthened a strength, adding another big body to the interior of their defensive line. Butler will slide into a rotation led by Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei.
–Round 2/62 — James Bradberry, CB, 6-1, 211, Samford
A small-school player who the Panthers believe has a big-time ceiling. Has ideal size to play in Carolina’s zone schemes.
–Round 3/77 — Daryl Worley, CB, 6-1, 204, West Virginia
Like Bradberry, has a frame Carolina wants in a corner. Worley was suspended for two games in 2014, but the Panthers believe he’s past his previous troubles.
–Round 5/141 — Zack Sanchez, CB, 5-11, 185, Oklahoma
Feast or famine playmaker who racked up 15 interceptions in his three seasons with the Sooners. Also allowed 12 touchdowns.
–Round 7/252 — Beau Sandland, TE, 6-4, 253, Montana State
Miami transfer had nine scores for the FCS Bobcats. With strong spring and summer, could make roster as third tight end.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
–C/G Gino Gradkowski: Versatile, former Falcon slides into backup role at both center and guard.
–S Trenton Robinson: Free-agent signing from Washington could carve out a special teams role.
–P Mike Scifres: Has a great opportunity after long career in San Diego.
–DT Paul Soliai: Free-agent signee will back up fellow Polynesian space-filler Star Lotulelei.
KEY LOSS: CB Josh Norman (16/16)*
–Few expected the Panthers to meet Norman’s long-term contract demands, but no one foresaw the team taking the tag away in April. His departure leaves a big hole in the secondary.
OTHER LOSSES:
–DE Jared Allen (12/12), T Nate Chandler (0/0), WR Jerrico Cotchery (14/3), DT Dwan Edwards (12/0), CB Cortland Finnegan (5/0), G Tyronne Green (0/0), S Roman Harper (16/16), P Brad Nortman (16/0), G Amini Silatolu (9/3), CB Charles Tillman (12/12), C Fernando Velasco (12/1)*
Total games played/started lost: 124/63
*Number in parentheses is games played/games started in 2015
Summer Reset: Saints defense has bounty of problems
After two consecutive disappointing 7-9 seasons and a display of the most generous defense in the NFL, the New Orleans Saints open full training camp July 27 with an order to attack.
“We want to be an attacking and aggressive style of defense,” said new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. “We want to try to dictate the tempo to the offense, as opposed to them being able to dictate the tempo to us. We want to play hard and we want to play fast.”
Despite outstanding output by quarterback Drew Brees and an offense that ranked eighth in the NFL in points and second in yards, the Saints were outscored, 476-408, hence the losing record.
The defense was dead last in points allowed and, for the second consecutive year, 31st in yards allowed. The Saints gave up more points only once in franchise history, back in 1980 when they yielded 487 points and finished 1-15 with Archie Manning at quarterback.
As head coach Sean Payton welcomes 18 returning starters, including nine on defense, he might find a silver lining in the fact that the Saints played seven rookies and a first-year player on that 2015 defense, with four of them starting.
The Saints allowed 129.4 rushing yards a game at 4.9 per carry.
So it was no surprise when the Saints used two of their first three draft picks on defense, taking Louisville defensive tackle Sheldon Rankin (Round 1, No. 12 overall) and Ohio State safety Vonn Bell (Round 2, No. 61). Later they targeted defensive tackle David Onyemata (Round 4, No. 120), a raw beast from Manitoba, Canada.
New Orleans also acquired two free-agent veterans off last year’s Rams roster — middle Linebacker James Laurinaitis ($8 million, three years) and defensive tackle Nick Fairley ($3 million, one year).
So as not to ignore the needs of Brees, the Saints signed free-agent tight end Coby Fleener (Indianapolis Colts, $36 million, five years, $18 million guaranteed). Fleener, a favorite target of Andrew Luck at Stanford and Indy, should offset the departure of tight end Benjamin Watson (Baltimore Ravens, $7 million, two years).
And after releasing 6-foot-4 receiver Marques Colston, the team drafted another big target for Brees in Ohio State’s 6-foot-3, 212-pound Michael Thomas (Round 2, No. 47).
Here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Saints’ 2016 team:
TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
The Greenbrier, White Sulpher Springs, WV, 7/20, 7/27
2015 RECORD: 7-9
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 3-3
COACH: Sean Payton
10th season as Saints/NFL head coach
93-61 overall; 6-4 postseason
STARTERS RETURNING:
18; 9 offense, 9 defense, kicker, punter
OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Wide receiver Michael Thomas.
–While the Saints were in dire need of defensive help in this year’s draft, it was easy to see why they used their second-round pick — the 47th overall selection — to grab Ohio State wide receiver Michael Thomas. The Saints had a vision for the 6-foot-3, 212-pound Thomas, to possibly succeed all-time leading receiver Marques Colston, and Thomas hasn’t disappointed in his first month and a half with the club. He has wowed coaches, teammates and media alike with his route-running and catching — particularly in the red zone, one of Colston’s strengths during his productive 10-year stay with the Saints. Needless to say, Thomas has already become a favorite of Drew Brees, who connected with Colston for more than 700 completions and 72 touchdowns during their time together.
NEWCOMERS
The draft — A closer look at the Saints’ picks (5):
–Round 1/12 — Sheldon Rankins, DT, 6-1, 299, Louisville
Needing a pass rusher and run-stopper, the Saints may have gotten both. Rankins had 14 sacks and 26 tackles for loss the last two seasons and will get a chance to have an immediate impact on the defense.
–Round 2/47 — Michael Thomas, WR, 6-3, 212, Ohio State
After releasing 6-foot-4 Marques Colston, the Saints wanted to find a big receiver who Drew Brees can target — especially in the red zone. Thomas is already looking the part and has drawn praise from Brees.
–Round 2/61 — Vonn Bell, FS, 5-11, 199, Ohio State
The Saints traded their third- and fourth-round picks to get back into the second round and take this aggressive, ball-hawking defender. He’s been impressive and is looking to earn a spot in their three-safety looks.
–Round 4/120 — David Onyemata, DT, 6-4, 300, Manitoba, Canada
The Saints pulled off another trade to get more help for the defense, this time getting a raw, but explosive player who can play end or tackle. He’ll need time to adjust to the American game, but coaches love his potential.
–Round 7/237 — Daniel Lasco, RB, 6-0, 209, California
Rushed for 1,115 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior, but was slowed by injuries last season. The Saints liked his versatility and ability to play special teams and he will get a long look when the pads go on in training camp.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
–K Connor Barth: Will be in the mix to compete for kicking job.
–DT Nick Fairley: Lions’ former first-round pick was signed to help add depth to a thin position.
–TE Coby Fleener: A big downfield target for Drew Brees was needed after Benjamin Watson departed.
–S Roman Harper: Back for another stint with Saints; should add savvy to secondary.
–LB James Laurinaitis: Saints jumped at a chance to sign heady veteran who rarely comes off the field.
–LB Craig Robertson: Is expected to add some depth at an area of great concern and help on special teams.
–LB Nate Stupar: Like Robertston, UFA was added for versatility and ability to play special teams.
–DE Darryl Tapp: Pass rushers always a welcome sight in New Orleans.
KEY LOSS: TE Benjamin Watson (16/16)*
–Watson, who had his finest year as a pro with 74 catches for 825 yards and six touchdowns last season, left to sign a two-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens.
OTHER LOSSES:
–LB James Anderson (6/2), CB Brandon Browner (16/16), S Rafael Bush (1/1), WR Marques Colston (13/4), G Jahri Evans (11/11), QB Matt Flynn (0/0), LB David Hawthorne (11/5), T Tony Hills (8/0), LB Ramon Humber (14/4), RB Kendall Hunter (2/0), G Mike McGlynn (12/0), CB Chris Owens (4/0), RB Khiry Robinson (8/0), K Josh Scobee (4/0), G Ryan Seymour (1/0), DT Kevin Williams (16/14)*
Total games played/started lost: 139/73
*Number in parentheses is games played/games started in 2015
Summer Reset: Bucs’ Winston lighter, ready for heavier load
With less weight and more experience, second-year quarterback Jameis Winston declares he will be more than ready when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers open full training camp July 27 under new head coach Dirk Koetter.
Winston showed why he was the first player drafted in 2015 as he passed for 4,042 yards, 22 touchdowns and was named to the Pro Bowl and honored as Pepsi Rookie of the Year.
But, after shedding 18 pounds and working hard in the offseason, Winston expects to be improved this season.
“The more comfortable I get with the offense, the more stuff they can give to me,” Winston said. “The more stuff they can put in my hands to go out there and execute.”
As the offensive coordinator last year, Koetter simplified things for Winston. This year he expects to call more audibles and will probably step up the offensive pace with liberal use of no-huddle drives.
One of Winston’s main tasks will be to sync up on more deep passes to wide receiver Mike Evans, the former favorite target of Johnny Manziel at Texas A&M who dropped a dozen passes last year while still catching 74 for 1,206 yards, but only three touchdowns after scoring a dozen as a rookie.
On the offensive line, guard Logan Mankins retired and the Bucs signed free-agent guard J.R. Sweezy (Seattle Seahawks, $32.5 million, five years, $14.5 million guaranteed).
In the secondary, Tampa Bay signed cornerback Brent Grimes (UFA, Miami Dolphins, $16.5 million, two years). In the draft, the Bucs added two more cornerbacks — Florida’s Vernon Hargreaves (Round 1, No. 11), who worked in the slot this spring, and North Carolina Central’s Ryan Smith (Round 4, No. 108), who has dazzling speed and averaged 28 yards per kickoff return last season.
Looking for more beef and pressure on the defensive line, the Bucs signed free-agent defensive end Robert Ayers Jr. (N.Y. Giants, $21 million, three years, $10 million guaranteed).
But in a move that could bring big rewards, the Bucs then drafted talented but troubled defensive end Noah Spence (Round 2, No. 39) who made a strong move to turn around his life last year at Eastern Kentucky and could be a draft steal.
He had 14.5 tackles for a loss and eight sacks in his first college season at Ohio State, but was suspended from the Orange Bowl for drug issues that he first denied, but then fessed up and completed a drug rehab program. He transferred to EKU where he was Player of the Year in the Ohio Valley Conference with 22.2 tackles for a loss and 11.5 sacks.
Here is a closer look at the newcomers and key players and how they should factor into the Bucs’ 2016 team:
TRAINING CAMP SCHEDULE
SITE, LOCATION, ROOKIES, VETERANS
One Buccaneer Place, Tampa, FL, 7/25, 7/27
2015 Record: 6-10
DIVISIONAL RECORD: 3-3
COACH: Dirk Koetter
1st season as Buccaneers/NFL head coach
STARTERS RETURNING:
20; 10 offense, 10 defense, punter
OFFSEASON STANDOUT: Quarterback Jameis Winston.
–The Bucs’ second-year pro did a great job of cutting down on turnovers and looked more in command of the offense than he did as a rookie. Winston lost 18 pounds in the offseason and the added quickness made him more nimble in the pocket. He also has improved his throwing mechanics and was more accurate.
NEWCOMERS
The draft — A closer look at Bucs picks (7):
–Round 1/11 — Vernon Hargreaves, CB, 5-11, 205, Florida
The Bucs believed Hargreaves was the best cover corner in the draft and likened him to Dolphins free-agent CB Brent Grimes. He showed tremendous ball skills in the offseason and minicamps, but spent most of the time learning to play inside against slot receivers.
–Round 2/39 — Noah Spence, DE, 6-3, 261, Eastern Kentucky
Spence was an incredible talent who was kicked out of Ohio State after multiple failed drug tests. He turned around his life and career at Eastern Kentucky and provides the Bucs with the best pure speed rusher in the draft.
–Round 2/59 – Roberto Aguayo, K, 6-1, 204, Florida State
The most accurate kicker in college football history, Aguayo is the highest-drafted kicker since Mike Nugent went in the same round to the Jets in 2005.
–Round 4/108 – Ryan Smith, CB, 6-0, 190, North Carolina Central
Smith ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine and averaged 28 yards per kickoff return. The Bucs moved him to safety in the offseason and his speed is an asset in coverage. He likely will have to make his mark on specials teams as a rookie and is hoping to return kickoffs.
–Round 5/148 – Caleb Benenoch, G/T, 6-5, 305, UCLA
Benenoch can play either right guard or right tackle. Born in Nigeria.
–Round 6/183 – Devante Bond, LB, 6-1, 235, Oklahoma
Bond played two years of junior-college football. Bond projects as a strong-side linebacker and will contribute immediately in kick coverage.
–Round 6/197 – Dan Vitale, FB, 6-2, 225, Northwestern
The Bucs do not have a true fullback on their roster and were onto Vitale early in the draft process. Upon arriving in Tampa Bay, he quickly was moved to a tight end or H-back role where he showed great hands catching the football. He also will be used some as a fullback.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
–P Bryan Anger: Seeking an upgrade, the Bucs were duly impressed with Anger’s work in Jacksonville.
–DE Robert Ayers Jr.: Bucs liked his game tape with the Giants last year, when he enjoyed a career season.
–CB Brent Grimes: No longer in his prime, but still has the athleticism to come up with some big plays.
–CB Josh Robinson: This third-round pick by the Vikings in 2012 hasn’t established himself at the pro level.
–LB Daryl Smith: Goes back a long way with DC Mike Smith from their days together in Jacksonville.
–G J.R. Sweezy: After earning a Super Bowl ring in Denver, he’ll duke it out with Kevin Pamphile at left guard.
KEY LOSS: G Logan Mankins (15/15)*
–In his 11th NFL season, Mankins had clearly passed his peak, but the seven-time Pro Bowler was a heck of a role model for rookies Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet. His leadership will be sorely missed.
OTHER LOSSES:
–K Connor Barth (12/0), DT Da’Quan Bowers (3/0), LB Bruce Carter (14/3), DE Larry English (0/0), CB Mike Jenkins (14/5), DT Tony McDaniel (14/3), DT Henry Melton (16/1), CB Sterling Moore (16/9), K Patrick Murray (0/0), RB Bobby Rainey (16/0)*
Total games played/started lost: 120/36
*Number in parentheses is games played/games started in 2015
— Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and 26th year on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. TSX’s network of NFL insiders provided information for this report.