That's when the middle-to-late round come in, and selecting those necessary evils such as tight ends, kickers, and defenses. Finding the breaking tight end, identifying the kicker on a team whose offense will provide him with plenty of opportunities, and that defense that improved themselves in the off-season (as well as defenses your offensive players may want to avoid in weekly matchups) now is much more likely to make the difference between contention or also-ran.

1. Tony Gonzalez (KC) � Position scarcity is the key word here. While you can definitely debate the top quarterback, running back, and wide receiver this year � you simply can�t make an argument for anyone other than Gonzalez here. In fact in one experts poll, all 25 participants voted Gonzalez #1. For that reason Tony will be selected among the top 25 picks in most drafts. Further helping Tony�s cause this year will be stricter enforcement of the pass interference rule. If that proves to be more than lip service, Tony may even approach his 2000 #�s (93 catches/1,200 yards). But don�t go overboard, having T-Gon won�t make or break your season, and there�s quality to be had in the later rounds. Tony�s value also drops substantially in leagues were tight ends are lumped in with the other receivers.



2. Todd Heap (BAL) � With shaky rookie Kyle Boller at the helm for much of the 2003 season, Heap�s #�s dropped slightly, catching only 57 balls as opposed to 836 the year before. Heap has averaged 12+ yards all three years in the league, if Boller improves a 1,000 yard season is not out of the question.



3. Kellen Winslow Jr. (CLE) � It might be a stretch to rank the confident ex-Hurricane this high, but K2 is one of the best prospects at the position ever. It would not be a surprise if the chosen one becomes Cleveland�s featured receiver from Day One. One thing that could get in the way is a protracted holdout, and K2 does have Carl Poston as an agent, who refers to his client as the LeBron James of the Browns (translated, pay him like he�s the #1 overall pick).



4. Jeremy Shockey (NYG) � So he�s only scored four times in his first two years, has undergone foot and knee surgery this off-season, the QB situation could again be a mess this year, and he is liable to ruffle the feathers of coach Tom Coughlin at any moment. It is only because of all of that why Shockey ranks #4 as opposed to #2. Grab him is he�s around for too long.



5. Alge Crumpler (ATL) � It is a big drop from the top four, but Crumpler appears to be the best of the rest of the field. Crumpler has gone from 25 to 36 to 44 catches in his first three years, averaging 12.7 in the process. Don�t be surprised when Michael Vick�s safety valve catches 50+ this year.



6. Boo Williams (NO) � The one-time wide receiver amassed 350 receiving yards in the Saints final six games last year, making him a fashionable sleeper choice this year.



7. Randy McMichael (MIA) � Has potential to gain upwards to 100 yards on any given Sunday, which McMike did three times last year. Unfortunately McMichael also has Jerramy Stevens police blotter potential as well. Don�t expect McMike to miss any time for his recent episode (allegedly assaulted his pregnant wife) while the legal system takes it�s course � but Randy is liable to land in coach Wanny�s doghouse at any time.



8. Dallas Clark (IND) - A broken leg ended his rookie campaign early, but the Colts like what they saw from the Iowa product � who averaged 34 yards per game. 700-800 yards is very possible this year.



9. Marcus Pollard (IND) � I wouldn�t dismiss Pollard much this year, but the Colts will use two tight ends on many occasions this year. The gamebreaker caught six passes for 90 yards in Indy�s championship game loss at New England, and averaged an eye-popping 15.7 yards and eight TD�s back in 2001.



10. Daniel Graham (NE) � Got a much bigger piece of the action in year two, catching 38 passed for 409 yards. But the Pats weren�t happy with lapses of competition and the team likes to utilize two or three tight ends. Late first-round draft pick Ben Watson figures to be latest candidate to work his way into the rotation.



11. Antonio Gates (SD) � While many scouted athletes on gridirons across the nation in the spring of 2003, someone in the Chargers scouting department took note of Kent State�s run to the final eight of the NCAA hoops tournament, and ended up getting Gates to walk on. Despite not playing football since high school, Gates quickly developed and ended up seeing playing time by mid-season. When the season ended, Gates had 24 catches for 389 yards and an eye-popping average of 16 yards per catch. Draft Gates in the middle rounds and feel the joy of all your rivals swearing under their breaths.



12. Freddie Jones (AZ) � Gets maligned a lot, but did catch 55 passes last year. But Zona�s three amigos (Fitzgerald, Boldin, Johnson) will probably mean a reduced role for Freddie.



13. Itula Mili (SEA) � Even though it seems like he just broke into the league, Mili is already 31 years old. Don�t look for upside, but Mili is coming off a pair of solid 45 catch/500 yard seasons. Even if Jerramy Stevens gets his head out of his tail, Coach Holmgren has relied heavily on two TE sets in the past.



14. Billy Miller (HOU) � Dropped from 51/613/12.0 to 40/355/8.9 last year, but as in the case of receiver Andre Johnson � the Texan�s late-season QB problems were much to blame. 500 yards and five scores would not be asking too much.



15. Bubba Franks (GB) � Now that he�s not catching a 2-yard TD pass every week, the football world is realizing that Franks doesn�t quite full the shoes of Mark Chmura, or the two tight ends that followed him at Miami. Franks eight yard average doesn�t quite cut it, expect the Packers to give him one more year before eyeing another tight end in the 2005 draft.



16. Jason Witten (DAL) � If you go by the final quarter of last year, Witten could be on pace for a 700 yard season. I wouldn�t quite expect that much production, but 50 catches is not out of the question. A 36-yard TD catch in Week 16 shows his big-play potential.



17. L.J. Smith (PHI) � Yet another of the impressive 2004 tight end draft class, Smith developed more quickly than anticipated and had displaced incumbent Chad Lewis in the latter half of last year. Smith looks like a good bet for 50 catches and will see the ball near the goal-line.



18. Jim Kleinsasser (MN) � More of a blocker at 270-pounds, Kleinsasser is not a big play threat � his longest play of last year only went for 19 yards. Look for 40 catches for 400 yards, no more/no less.



19. Erron Kinney (TN) � Filled in nicely after a series of concussions forced Frank Wycheck�s retirement, catching 41 passes for 381 yards. However the Titans like the 285-pound Kinney better as a blocker and also drafted the athletic Ben Troupe.



20. Teyo Johnson (OAK) � Yet another hoops player turned tight end, it�s very possible that the converted receiver could figure prominently in the Raider offense this year � if you like upside feel free to bump Teyo up a few spots on your board.



21. Jed Weaver (DEN) � They refer to him as more of a blocker and there�s several others in the mix in an effort to replace the retired Shannon Sharpe. But you can�t argue with Jed�s 2003 numbers, which included 35 catches for a nice 12.5 average.



22. Desmond Clark (CHI) � Caught 44 passes for just under ten per in his first season in Chicago. Best year saw him amass 566 yards for the Broncos in 2001.



23. Eric Johnson (SF) � Caught 76 passes between 2002-03 before getting IR�d with a broken collarbone last year. Niners liked Johnson enough to ink him to a new contract this off-season.



24. Matt Schobel (CIN) � Stuck behind Reggie Kelly on the Bengals depth chart, but may get to improve on the 25 catches he had in 2002-03.



25. Ben Troupe (TN) � Incredible athlete, as you may have noticed if you�ve seen his highlight reel from Florida. Grades low when it comes to blocking ability, for the time being he will be used in two tight-end sets.



26. Anthony Becht (NYJ) � Has been maligned ever since being drafted in 2000, but Becht hit the 40-catch plateau for the first time last year.



27. Ben Watson (NE) � Scouts drool over his workout #�s which include a 500+ pound bench press, a 40-inch vertical and a high Wonderlic score. Could very well be a top-ten tight end 2-3 years down the road.



28. Doug Jolley (OAK) � Was a top-ten tight end in the late stages of 2002, but lost his job midway through last season. 30 catches seem to be his top-end potential for this year.



29. Jay Riemersma (PIT) � As recently as 2001, Jay was good for 50+ catches for 600 yards. But Jay was hurt much of last year and the Steelers historically don�t feature the tight end.



30. Jerramy Stevens (SEA) � The Seahawks saw some improvement during the off-season, if he ever gets out of the abyss of Mike Holmgren�s doghouse Stevens could be worth a look.

1. Mike Vanderjagt (IND) � It was definitely a great buy low year for Vandy last year, after coming off a sub-par 2003, off-season controversy, and going 0-3 in the exhibition season. Vanderjagt went on to make all 37 of his FG attempts, 40-40 if you include post-season. Dating back to 2002, Vandy is sitting on 44 consecutive field goals. Vandy has two seasons of 145 points +, but has not gotten more than 125 points in any of his six previous seasons. That said, Indy�s offense looks just as potent this year and there are home games v. Baltimore and San Diego in Weeks 15/16. Pencil Vandy conservatively for 135-140 points.



2. David Akers (PHI) � Only in the zany profession of NFL placekickers could someone who was working at a Longhorn Steakhouse just a few short years ago could find himself near the top of a fantasy football ranking, but that�s what the world has come to. Akers has averaged 121 points in his four years in the league, and Philly�s offense should be a tad better this year. Wind is a factor in Philly�s new ballpark, but the Eagles will be indoors at the Rams in Week 16.



3. Jason Elam (DEN) � Is there anyone outside of Shaquille O�Neal with a safer 11-year baseline to go by. Elam has scored 119, 119, 132, 109, 124 (15 games), 127, 116, 103 (13 games), 124, 120, and 120 points. Of course Shaq�s scoring averaged dipped six points per game after making note of his consistency last year, but that won�t stop me from penciling Elam for another 120-125 points this year.



4. Jeff Wilkins (STL) � It was quickly forgotten with coach Martz�s conservative play-calling, but Wilkins made one of the best onside kicks in league history in the Rams playoff loss. A draft day steal from 2003, Martz was reportedly auditioning other kickers at this time last year. All Wilkins wound up with was the second-highest kicking point total in league history, amassing 163 points. That�s only 69 better than the 94 Wilkins managed in 2002. I don�t expect the Rams to score nearly as much this year, and if Marc Bulger goes down they�re toast. Wilkins mean average since 1997 falls into the 125-130 point range, so slot him conservatively for about 120.



5. Matt Stover (BAL) � The last of the old Browns, Stover notched the second 130+ point season of his career last year while going 33-38. Stover has been good for 115+ points in four of the last five seasons. The only negative is tough road games at Indianapolis and Pittsburgh in Weeks 15/16.



6. Josh Brown (SEA) � Rookie year went about as well as expected, going 22-30 and scoring 114 points. The Seahawks offense should be even better this year, and if Brown improves accordingly 125 points is not out of the question. Very promising Week 16 home game v. Arizona.



7. Adam Vinatieri (NE) � Do I have to dig out the Felix Vinatieri story out yet again?? Had General Custer not left him behind Super Bowl 38 would not have gone down to the final minute � but then again the Patriots may not had gotten by Tennessee three weeks earlier. The great-great-grandson of Custer�s bandmaster was bothered by a bad back which hampered his kicking in the latter stages of 2003. Still, Adam has score 106+ points in all eight seasons in the league, averaging 115 in the last three. There shouldn�t be much dropoff with the Pats so 120+ points is a good possibility.



8. Ryan Longwell (GB) � You really don�t like him in the cold weather, but the fact is that has averaged 120+ points in seven seasons, and is already the Packers all-time leading scorer. Throw out a crappy 2001 when Longwell shot just 20-31 from the field and the resume is even better. Just be aware of Week 16 in the Metrodome, where I�m sure the heating vents will be turned gale-force against him when he kicks.



9. John Kasay (CAR) � As could be imagined, Kasay got a ton of attempts in 2003, 38 to be exact en route to 125 points. But what was up with that final kickoff at the Super Bowl??? Other concerns with Kasay include two bad knee injuries and a broken knee cap in the last five years, the Super Bowl hangover syndrome, and the fact that the Panthers are on the road in both Weeks 15 and 16.



10. Aaron Elling (MN) � You can never quite go to the bank on who the Vikes kicker might be, but Elling should be able to get more than 25 attempts this year (he made 18) and improve on his 102 points. And you have the comfort of knowing that he will have the heating ducts at his back at home.



11. Jay Feely (ATL) � Exhibit A on why you look at the team in general more than the actual kicker. In 2002 Feely was good for 137 points. But take Michael Vick out of the game, turn the season into a trainwreck in general � and suddenly Feely isn�t feeling so good with all of 89 points. Split the difference between the two and one should be happy with 113.



12. Joe Nedney (TN) � Here�s you cheap special for salary-cap games, as Nedney missed virtually all of 2003 with a torn ACL in his non-kicking leg. Like Kasay it seems that these injuries come in bunches, he tore the other knee up in 1998.



13. John Hall (WSH) � I�ve never liked his accuracy (73.7 percent lifetime), he�ll nail a 55-yarder one minute and blow a bunny the next. Also Hall hasn�t scored more than 108 points in any of the past five seasons. But with Clinton Portis on board the Skins offense should be better than in the past, giving Hall a shot to approach the 120 points he scored in 1997-98.



14. John Carney (NO) � His legacy is now sealed, as he will forever be remembered for the infamous missed extra point in Jacksonville. Still, Carney has one of the leagues better offenses behind him and had a 130-point season as recently as two years ago. Even at age 40, don�t seal the crate on Carney just yet.



15. Billy Cundiff (DAL) � Mark Week 5 on your calendar, that�s when Blue Star faces the New York Giants, where Cundiff scored 36 of his 99 points over two games last year. Unfortunately the Cowboys other game v. Big Blue comes in Week 17, after the end of most fantasy seasons. The 63 points in the Cowboys other 14 games scare me, but I see know reason why Cundiff can�t go over the century mark on a playoff caliber team.



16. Sebastian Janikowski (OAK) � Since the Raiders did upgrade their offense at QB and the O-line, 110 points is not out of the question. The only problems is that Seb is good for at least one run-in with the authorities every season and that his longer attempts in the early season home games comes off the infield dirt, where he doesn�t do well. You shouldn�t have to worry about that past Week 5 since you can count on the A�s getting bounced in the first round of the playoffs.



17. Shayne Graham (CIN) � Perhaps best remembered for missing a bunny would-be game-tying field goal in Green Bay a couple years ago. Don�t take much stock in that since paranormal things happen to visiting kickers just off the waiver wire in Lambeau. I remember Pat Leahy getting the yips in one of his first NFL games v. the Giants in 1974, and he wound up kicking in the league 20 years. Graham scored 106 points last year going 22-25 in FG�s, the Bengals should be slightly improved offensively, and they have replaced one of the worst kicking surfaces in the league. Not much not to like here.



18. Morten Andersen (KC) � Says he wants to keep kicking till he�s 50, but judging by last years playoff game Mort will be lucky to make 45. KC has one of the best offenses in the league, but Mort got only 20 attempts last year and I don�t see him being used much past 40-45 yards.



19. Jason Hanson (DET) � About once per year (usually around Thanksgiving), we are reminded on just how good a kicker this guy is. If the Lions offense can make that quantum leap, Hanson has an onside chance of making the top ten.



20. Olindo Mare (MIA) � Another kicker that doesn�t do well off the infield dirt early in the season - thanks to Steve Bartman, it gave Mare a chance to blow a Week 7 game v. New England. Mare has been barely above 75 percent the last two years, which concerns me.



21. Martin Gramatica (TB) � That Week 2 Carolina game just seemed to ruin his psyche, Gramatica wound up hitting 2-irons the rest of the year and saw an amazing five kicks get blocked. The Bucs offense does not look promising, so I don�t project Martin getting much past the middle tier in 2004.



22. Jeff Reed (PIT) � Steeler kickers have been shaky since moving into Heinz Field, but Pittsburgh has had at least 100 kicking points in each of the past 13 seasons. Questions on Reed include a hip he had surgery on in the off-season as well as three misses under 30 yards in 2003.



23. Doug Brien (NYJ) � I would rank him slightly higher, but I still can�t work past those two missed extra points that got him a one-way trip out of Vikingland two years ago. Somehow Brien made 27 of his 32 FG attempts last year and even made all 24 of his extra points.



24. Kris Brown (HOU) � Has only scored 152 points in his two years with the Texans, but I expect the offense to improve dramatically in Year 3, which Brown getting many more opportunities. 100+ points would not be a surprise.



25. Paul Edinger (CHI) � Bad offensive team plus a cold/windy climate are a bad combo, but Edinger is actually a pretty good kicker, and did score 105 points even though he was only 26-36 last year. If Edinger could live up to his 78 percent career average and the Bears can become a 8-8 or 9-7 type team, 110 points is possible.



26. Phil Dawson (CLE) � Only score 74 points in 13 games last year, but Dawson is actually pretty accurate, going 14-17 in 2000, 22-25 in �01, and 18 for 21 last year. If the offense improves, Dawson has a chance to surpass his modest career high of 100 points.



27. Rian Lindell (BUF) � For what it�s worth, Lindell is the biggest kicker in the league at 6�3� 235, and has a booming leg. The only problem is he finds himself in the rough too often and kicking in Buffalo�s not much help � scoring only 75 points last year.



28. Josh Scobee (JAX) � It�s nearly impossible to handicap kicking competitions, but the fifth round draft choice is the odds-on favorite to win the starting job in Jacksonville. However Scobee went 21-31 at Louisiana Tech last year, not too much better than incumbent Seth Marler. Whoever comes out of camp should be working behind a much improved offense.



29. Neil Rackers (AZ) � Best remembered for missing a chippie field goal with his mittens (as opposed to gloves) on in Cincinnati a few years back, Rackers will actually be working behind what I think will be a pretty good offense. Problem is Dennis Green will find himself looking for sevens (and often eights) as opposed to threes coming from behind in most games. And Rackers is one of the more likely candidates out there to get a pink slip this season.



30. Matt Bryant (NYG) � The least productive kicker over the latter part of last season, Bryant�s only chance at respectability is if the circa-1999 Kurt Warner shows up in Gotham, and that is not likely.



31. Nate Kaeding (SD) � Iowa grad is considered the best kicker to come out of the college ranks since Sebastian Janikowski. Now if Kansas City would had taken Kaeding, (like many were projecting them to) we would have immediate top-ten potential. Unfortunately Nate is saddled with Marty-ball for the time being. For what it�s worth, I think San Diego has a chance at being respectable for about the first month of the season so he could help you in a bye week.



32. Kirk Yliniemi (SF) � Even in their glory days, the Niners kicker seemed to be a risky proposition � when was the last time there was actually a decent kicker in Frisco??? Ray Wersching??? Bruce Gossett??? Coach Erickson knows Yliniemi from Oregon State, where he made 34 of 39 kicks his final two years, so the smart money has him outlasting veteran Todd Peterson and a couple of camp legs.

1. Baltimore � All 11 starters return on what is already been regarded as one of the league�s best defenses over the past several seasons. Even as just a part-timer, Terrell Suggs posted sick stats as a rookie (12 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries). How are those teams that passed him over his supposedly slow 40-time feeling now??? Disruptive safety Ed Reed intercepted seven passes, scoring three times while explosive return man Lamont Brightful should score once or twice on returns.



2. New England � Most magazines have the Pats defense ranked #1 or #2 this year, and that was under the assumption that the Ty Law situation was not going to be resolved. The Pats defense held opponents without a touchdown in five of their last six regular season home games, with the only significant loss being NT Ted Washington.



3. Philadelphia � Wipe last year off the slate, when Ahman Green among others rushed at will against an Eagle defense that was at times missing all four starting linemen. The defense has ranked near the top in both sacks and takeaways over the past four years, and now adds Jevon �The Freak� Kearse� to the mix. The big question will be in the secondary where replacements will be needed for departed corners Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor. The return game has scored at least once in the past five years.



4. Miami � Now if the Phins can just convince Adewale Ogunleye (15 sacks last year) not to hold out for a trade, we could really be talking. But that might be like asking the NHL to avoid a lockout. Still nine of the other 10 starters return including Ogunleye bookend Jason Taylor (12 sacks) along with the CB tandem of Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain (7 INT�s). ILB Zach Thomas had a recent scope job on his knee but should be ready for the opener.



5. Dallas � Cowboys had the #1 defense last year, but it doesn�t translate well when it comes to sacks or scores. Dallas does have one of the games best secondaries led by Roy Williams along with second-year man Terence Newman, already compared to a young Ronnie Lott. It is hoped that free agent Marcellus Wiley will provide pass rush help. The return game is another weak area.



6. Carolina � This is already a solid front-seven who will get even better if MLB Dan Morgan can stay in one piece for 16 games. DE�s Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker could be worth more sacks than Taylor/ Ogunleye. Secondary is considered a weak area but gambles a lot, SS Mike Minter scored twice last year and the return game is worth a score or two per year. Rookie Chris Gamble becomes an item among individual defensive players if he were to moonlight on offense as he did at Ohio St.



7. Tampa Bay � Rip up what I wrote last year about this being perhaps one of the best defenses of all-time. Derrick Brooks did not score once (let alone five times) and Warren Sapp and John Lynch have relocated to the AFC West. What the Bucs do have is DE Simeon Rice who had 15 sacks, six forced fumbles and even two INT�s last year. Top FA acquisition was outside backer Ian Gold from Denver.



8. Tennessee � Kearse may be gone, but the Titans spent both of their second round picks on defensive ends, and still figure to pressure the quarterback plenty. OLB Keith Bulluck (106 tackles, 5 forced fumbles, 2 INT�s) leads the defense while CB�s Andre Dyson and Samari Rolle combined to score three times last year.



9. Seattle � The Hawks have seemingly spent the last several years attempting to upgrade the defense, this may be the year they get it right. Critical acquisitions include DE Grant Wistrom which gives the unit their first impact pass-rusher in quite a while, along with CB Bobby Taylor. Former linebacker Michael Boulware (2nd round pick) is being moved to strong safety and is projected to be an Adam Archuleta/Pat Tillman type player.



10. Washington � New defensive co-ordinator Gregg Williams sent a serious message when he sent an 11-man blitz on the offense during the first day of spring mini-camp. Champ Bailey may be gone, but the Skins acquire Cornelius Griffin (15 sacks as a DT!!) along with MLB Michael Barrow (113 tackles) from the Giants. #5 overall pick Sean Taylor will provide an immediate impact at safety.



11. Minnesota � Vikings organization think they got a first-round steal with pass-rusher Kenechi Udeze, who joins Kevin Williams on the D-line. Williams recorded 10.5 tackles from his D-tackle spot after being a first round pick last year. The Vikes also recorded a great pick in Round 2 last year selecting E.J. Henderson, he is expected to immediately plug the middle following the retirement of Greg Biekert.



12. Atlanta � It got so bad last year that the Falcons at one point replaced the entire secondary. The arrival of a player with freakish numbers from Virginia Tech is expected to change that. No, Michael Vick did not move to defense, but #8 overall pick DeAngelo Hall is as fast as anyone and will be a candidate to change a game at a moments notice and will also be involved in returns. Expect a much improved defense in the first year of the Jim Mora Jr. regime, Keith Brooking (126 tackles) is one of the best backers in the game.



13. Kansas City � If you�re looking for scores than place KC near the top with the likes of return-man Dante Hall (5 TD�s including playoffs) along with safety Jerome Woods (two scores). But if your league penalizes for giving up 25-30+ points per game that advantage could very well be negated. Gunther Cunningham returns as defensive coordinator, but doesn�t bring a lot of reinforcements. Outside backer Scott Fujita (99 tackles/4 sacks) is a heady player considered to be the best on the unit.



14. Pittsburgh � One of the more brutal run defenses to go against in recent years, the Steelers tailed off badly and have been hit hard by free agent losses. Dick LeBeau returns as defensive coordinator so look for more blitzing and hopefully more sacks. Much is going to be expected from rookie corner Ricardo Colclough along with second-year safety Troy Polamalu. Pittsburgh is blessed with one of the more spectacular returners in the game in Antwaan Randle-El.



15. Denver � Champ Bailey immediately becomes the star of the defense, and DE�s Trevor Pryce and Reggie Heyward combined for 16 sacks last year. John Lynch also arrives as a free agent providing additional stability to the secondary. #17 overall pick D. J. Williams is expected to step in immediately and replace the departed Ian Gold.



16. NY Jets � DE�s John Abraham and Shaun Ellis are one of the best bookends in the game, 25 sacks between the two are not out of the question. #12 overall pick Jonathan Vilma adds depth to a decent linebacking corps while the team looks for improvement out of DT Dewayne Robertson, last years #4 overall pick. If WR Santana Moss remains a return man rank this unit slightly higher.



17. St. Louis � DE Leonard Little recorded 12 � sacks and six forced fumbles in just 12 games last year, but a off-season DUI (second-time offender) most likely spells the end of the line in St. Louis. That comes on top of the loss of DT Grant Wistrom. However the cupboard is not completely bare. OLB Pisa �Hawaii 5-0� Tinoisaoma recorded five forced fumbles as a rookie and secondary men Travis Fisher, Aeneas Williams, and Adam Archuleta combined for five scores last year.



18. Cincinnati � Things should improve more in the second year of the Marvin Lewis regime. MLB Nate Webster (TB), CB Deltha O�Neal (DEN) and safety Kim Herring all arrive in free agency. Second and third round picks were also spent on CB Keiwan Ratliff, safety Madieu Williams, and LB Caleb Miller. Peter Warrick provides a threat in the punt return game.



19. Houston � It may take a little while than it did in Carolina, but don�t be surprised if Dom Capers crew doesn�t have a top-ten defense by the end of this year. Inside backers Jay Foreman and Jamie Sharper were good for 100+ tackles last year and the team spent first round picks on cornerback Dunta Robinson as well as DE Jason Babin (already signed!!)



20. Buffalo � Defense started the year in impressive fashion but wilted over the course of the season. OLB Takeo Spikes remains one of the best in the game while DE Aaron Schobel recorded 11 sacks, including eight in the second half of the season. Ex-Pat Lawyer Milloy has slipped some but is still an asset.



21. Oakland � About the worst defense in the world at the end of last year, the Raiders switched to a 3-4 scheme, then went heavily into the free agent market picking up NT Ted Washington, DL Warren Sapp, ILB Dwayne Rudd, and FS Ray Buchanon. CB Charles Woodson is not happy after having the franchise tag slapped on him. Philip Buchanan is as dangerous as any return man in the league and Doug Gabriel also scored on a kickoff in the season finale.



22. Green Bay � A few defensive players usually get a chance to do the Lambeau Leap over the course of a season, but I don�t see anything special out of this group this year. The stalemate between management and CB Mike McKenzie forced the team to use their top two picks on defensive backs. Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is the lone pass rusher but we are still checking game film to determine if he actually showed up during the team�s playoff loss in Philadelphia. Speedy Nick Barnett was one of 2003�s best rookies, recording 86 tackles. The return game is absolutely nothing to e-mail home about.



23. Indianapolis � Dwight Feeney struggled with injuries for much of the year, but still managed 11 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. SS Mike Doss recorded 75 tackles as a rookie and inherits a John Lynch-like role with the defense. Second round draft pick Bob Sanders is undersize, but another big-time hitter that coach Dungy craves.



24. New Orleans � Most prognosticators have the Saints defense ranked all over the map. DT Brian Grant (STL) was a big free agent acquisition who should be of help to DE Charles Grant (10.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles). First-round pick Will Smith should provide additional pass rush help and Micheal Lewis is a decent return man.



25. Chicago � The first measure of duty from Lovie Smith�s new regime was to select defensive tackles in the first two rounds, in hopes of freeing more space for ILB Brian Urlacher. Injuries derailed safety Mike Green�s season, while CB Jerry Azumah also contributes as a returner.



26. Jacksonville � Jags were fine stopping the run last year (2nd in the entire league), but pass rush and the secondary were huge problems. DE Huge Douglas was a huge disappointment in his first year out of Philadelphia.



27. NY Giants � The new coaching staff gutted much of the defense, including the entire linebacking corps. Second year man William Joseph will be counted heavily on the D-line. Expect the world to be blocking on DE Michael Strahan, he will be hard-pressed to get anywhere close to his 18 sacks last year.



28. Detroit � Second year man Boss Bailey and second-round pick Teddy Lehman are expected to become the face of the Lions defense. Cornerback Dre� Bly scored twice last year. Reggie Swinton is a decent kickoff return man but somehow was dropped by both Green Bay and Dallas along the way.



29. Cleveland � Courtney Brown and Kenard Lang are a decent, but not spectacular defensive end tandom. OLB Chaun Thompson was a huge second-round reach last year who has yet to contribute. Andre Davis and Dennis Northcutt provide a decent return duo.



30. San Diego � ILB Donnie Edwards is a keeper in individual leagues recording 124 tackles last year, but those numbers will be reduced with the Chargers going to a 3-4 scheme. Much will be expected out of young corners Quentin Jammer and Sammy Davis.



31. San Francisco � SS Tony Parrish led the league with nine INT�s this year, but don�t expect nearly that this time around. DE Brandon Whiting comes over in the Terrell Owens trade but has a bum shoulder. Cornerback Shawntae Spencer was picked late in the second round, one of the 2004 draft�s biggest late risers.



32. Arizona � Here I make my annual reminder that the home scorekeeper at Cardinals games awards tackles to anyone remotely close to a play. DE Bertrand Berry comes aboard via free agency, he is a pure pass-rush specialist who recorded 11 sacks last year. Calvin Pace plays the other side, he was a major disappointment as a first round reach last year.

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws