Hands-on with the Kyocera Hydro EDGE and Hydro XTRM

Two ruggedized mid-range devices destined for Sprint, Boost and U.S. Cellular

Making their appearance as successors to the original Kyocera Hydro, the Hydro EDGE and Hydro XTRM have been unveiled here at CTIA 2013 in Las Vegas. Doing what Kyocera does best, the latest two iterations in the Hydro family are mid-range devices that pack a solid feature set with the added bonus of water, shock and dustproofing. First up is the EDGE, which is only officially rated as being waterproof but still sports what feels like a solid case, destined for both Sprint and Boost Mobile. The XTRM (as the name would suggest) is officially certified as resistant to not only water, but also shocks, drops and dust and will arrive instead on U.S. Cellular.

Both devices are decidedly mid-range, with 4-inch WVGA displays, 5MP cameras and dual-core Snapdragon processors. Stick around after the break where we have a bit more information, as well as some hands-on pictures and video to get a better feel for both of these new devices.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/2bCJ6K3PCnE/story01.htm

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Some Discouraged From Prostate Cancer Screening Under New ...

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Millions of men are now being told not to undergo routine screening for prostate cancer.

The American Urological Association now supports new guidelines which state routine screening is no longer recommended for men 40 to 54 years of age who are at average risk for the disease.

?I personally do intend to follow these guidelines,? Sameer Saddiqui, a urologist at Saint Louis University Hospital, said. ?I also think we have been probably over-diagnosing prostate cancer in the United States the last ten years or so and I think this is a step in the right direction where we?re going to be a lot more targeted in doing screening in men who are really, truly going to benefit from screening.?

The guidelines say men at higher risk of prostate cancer ? African-Americans and those with a strong family history of the disease ? may benefit from more routine screening. Saddiqui says only those men might benefit from screening.

?And not men who don?t have cancer but then have to go through the difficulties and potential complications of a biopsy and also screening men who wouldn?t benefit from treatment because they?re maybe too old or too sick to benefit from treatment,? Saddiqui said.

Source: http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2013/05/20/some-discouraged-from-prostate-cancer-screening-under-new-guidelines/

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Federal report documents inmate sex abuse in US

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) ? Inmates at jails in Indianapolis, Baltimore, St. Louis and Philadelphia face the nation's highest levels of sexual abuse at the hands of guards, according to a new federal report based on surveys of inmates at U.S. jails and prisons.

The report by the U.S. Department of Justice found that the Marion County Jail's inmate-intake center in Indianapolis had a 7.7 percent rate of staff sexual misconduct involving inmates ? the nation's highest for jails ? and well above the average 1.8 percent sex abuse rate among all jails surveyed.

The second-highest rate was among inmates surveyed at the Baltimore City Detention Center, where a 6.7 percent rate of sex abuse by guards was found based on inmate interviews. The St. Louis Medium Security Institution and the Philadelphia City Industrial Correctional Center had the next-highest rate ? both with a 6.3 percent abuse rate, based on the inmate surveys.

The main jail for Santa Clara County in California was the next highest, with a 6.2 percent sex abuse rate, the report found.

The new report, the third of its kind by the Justice Department, was based on interviews with inmates between February 2011 and May 2012.

Kevin Murray, an attorney for the Marion County Sheriff's Office, told The Indianapolis Star that he questions the report's sample size of 62 inmates interviewed at Indianapolis' inmate-intake center. He said he had received no complaints about sexual abuse during the year in which the survey was taken.

"This survey is very suspect. We didn't receive any grievances, and we haven't been sued for anything that happened then," Murray told the newspaper.

Allen Beck, a Justice Department statistician who authored the study, said five of the 62 inmates interviewed reported sexual abuse by guards.

"That's a big number: five out of 62," he told the Star.

Amy Fettig, senior staff counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union's Prisoner Project in Washington, D.C., told the newspaper that there was nothing wrong with the Justice Department's methodology.

"They've got a lot of expertise on this," she said.

The report's authors surveyed 233 prisons, 358 local jails and 15 special correctional facilities, including five military facilities and five jails within Indian tribal areas.

Among all of the facilities sampled, the highest staff sexual misconduct was reported by inmates at the Oglala Sioux Tribal Offenders Facility in South Dakota, where there was a 10.8 percent sexual abuse rate.

That facility had a peak population of 147 inmates in June 2011 and was the most crowded among the 80 Indian incarceration facilities in operation at mid-year 2011, the report states.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/386c25518f464186bf7a2ac026580ce7/Article_2013-05-18-Sex%20Abuse-Jails/id-fec95a48afd74553bff7f1b21abee5d5

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Top officials call to overhaul euro institutions

BERLIN (AP) ? Engineering a financial bailout for Cyprus in March was such a chaotic process that top European officials say it is time to rethink how the region manages its crisis ? and who should be involved.

Officials say the International Monetary Fund, which has contributed financial expertise and billions in emergency loans, may no longer be needed as a key decision-making partner. And they say that the eurozone would be able to make decisions and take action more quickly if it wasn't bound by the need for unanimous agreement among its 17 member countries.

These concerns have been raised before by analysts and government officials outside of Europe, but now two of the region's leading financial decision-makers have said publicly that something needs to be done. Olli Rehn, the top economic official at the European Commission ? the European Union's executive arm ? and Joerg Asmussen, who sits on the European Central Bank's six-member executive board, said at a hearing last week that the easing of the financial crisis presents an opportunity to fix what is broken.

"If the IMF can take decisions with an 85 percent majority and not with unanimity, why on earth the eurozone cannot do so?" Rehn asked, referring to the IMF's executive board. "That would make our decision-making more effective."

And Asmussen questioned whether help from the IMF ? part of the "troika" of decision makers that also includes the ECB and the European Commission ? is even needed anymore. In effect, he said it is time for Europe to handle its problems without outside help.

Commerzbank analyst Christoph Weil says European leaders are slowly waking up to what has been evident to financial markets for a long time. "The current decision structure is dysfunctional," Weil said. "It was born in the urgency of the crisis ... It needs to be overhauled."

The 17-country eurozone has been severely tested by a three-year crisis over too much government debt which has seen five of its members bailed out ? Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Cyprus.

The "troika" arrangement to monitor the bailout process has been in place for eurozone bailouts since Greece's debt problems began to unfold in 2010. The setup gives a prominent role to the Washington-based IMF ? although it contributes much less money to bailouts than the eurozone nations.

Some eurozone member countries insisted on having the IMF on board for its experience in handling such crises around the world. Germany ? Europe's biggest economy ? also saw the fund's presence as a crucial check against political horse-trading that could have resulted in watered-down bailout conditions.

However, the troika's inspection teams have been heavily criticized for their insistence on harsh austerity measures that have plunged countries like Greece or Portugal in a yet deeper recession and that they're not answerable to voters.

"The Europeans wanted the IMF aboard for its expertise, even though many at the IMF thought that Europe is economically strong enough to solve its problems on its own," said analyst Weil.

"Now the Europeans feel stronger, and they realize that it would have been easier sometimes without the IMF, who insisted on radical up-front measures in Greece or Cyprus before granting aid," he added.

This view was given a boost last week by the ECB's Asmussen during a hearing at the European Parliament's economic committee in Brussels.

"I would not change the troika system in the midst of the crisis because we have no alternative available right now but in the longer-term future ... we should return to a fully EU-based system," he said.

The IMF recognizes that it's up to the EU's executive arm, the Commission, and the ECB as to whether it has a role to play in future bailouts, fund spokesman Gerry Rice said.

"I understand from reports that Mr. Asmussen underscored that he would not advise to change the troika system right now," he said.

In place of the IMF, Asmussen suggested the eurozone could use the body set up to manage its permanent 500 billion euros rescue fund, the European Stability Mechanism. However, the makeup of the ESM means that it is currently technically outside of the EU's system of institutions.

"The setup is a bit of a stranger decided in a crisis mood," Asmussen said. "We had nothing else available and it had to be done quickly," he added.

The end of the troika arrangement would come once the ESM will be fully turned into an institution of the 27-nation European Union, he added. The ESM could then play its role as Europe's IMF.

As well as looking at the IMF's role in international rescues, the Eurogroup - the meeting of the eurozone's 17 finance ministers, IMF and ECB - has also come under the microscope.

The Eurogroup was initially planned mostly as a forum to exchange views on economic and financial policies ? but the crisis has turned it into a major decision-making body. At the moment, it has to reach a unanimous agreement on its decisions ? a daunting call when 17 ministers try to forge a deal.

The cumbersome decision-making process reached its climax when the bloc fought bitterly over a 10 billion euro bailout for Cyprus.

In March after marathon negotiations, the Eurogroup and Cyprus patched together a bailout agreement that shocked markets and Cypriots. Cyprus's banks had their assets frozen and a one-time levy on all bank deposits was imposed to help pay for the rescue ? a measure that violated EU deposit insurance rules guaranteeing all savers with fewer than 100,000 euros in their bank accounts. It was scrapped about 48 hours later.

Meanwhile, the ECB, seemingly fed up with the politicking, set a deadline for a deal after which it would cut off emergency funding for Cyrpus's banks? a move that would have plunged the country into chaos and out of the eurozone.

So, about a week later, the finance ministers descended again on Brussels. The second agreement saw Cyprus' insured depositors protected, but enforced a harsh restructuring of the country's outsized banking sector and heavy losses for those holding deposits worth more than 100,000 euros.

Another example of the Eurogroup's cumbersome decision-making was seen this week at a meeting to thrash out crucial details of the bloc's banking union ? a complex project that's seen as vital to help stabilize the EU's financial sector and turn the tide on its crisis ? but failed to make much headway. At the moment they can neither agree how far-reaching the banking union ought to be, nor how fast they want to move in setting it up.

Analysts maintain a reform of the Eurogroup is long overdue, but it's fraught with difficulty: A simple majority vote could mean small countries ganging up and overruling the few big ones while a system based on economic strength would mean Germany and France alone would hold almost 50 percent of the voting rights.

But the EU already has the answer. The ESM boasts a voting system that combines both, the number of countries and their economic weight. That makes it difficult to overrule countries but it is still possible to reach a decision if there are only few and small holdouts.

Europe's currency ? used by more than 330 million people ? is still a relative teenager, it was launched in 1999, "but it has grown up rapidly amid the crisis," German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said.

But while it has evolved into the world's second-most important currency trailing only the dollar, its institutional doldrums seem far from over despite the optimism bolstered by the recent stabilization.

"We're still in the process of curing the teething troubles of the euro. Now that the acute pressure is easing, it gets more difficult again to push through sweeping reforms," said analyst Weil.

___

Marjorie Olster in Washington D.C. contributed to this report.

___

Follow Juergen Baetz on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/jbaetz

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/top-officials-call-overhaul-euro-institutions-152851797.html

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A look at 'enforced disappearances' worldwide

The U.N. Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances is pressing governments to provide information about open cases. Over the past two decades, it received nearly 54,000 cases, of which nearly 43,000 in 84 states remain unsolved. The number of cases is believed to be only a fraction of those who disappeared after being taken by security forces.

OPEN CASES (as of 2012)

Iraq ? 16,401

Sri Lanka ? 5,676

Argentina ? 3,271

Algeria ? 3,005

Guatemala ? 2,899

Peru ? 2,371

El Salvador ? 2,271

SYRIA (before the outbreak of the March 2011 uprising against President Bashar Assad)

About 17,000 Syrians are believed to have disappeared during a crackdown on dissent by Assad's father and predecessor, Hafez Assad, according to Radwan Ziadeh, a U.S.-based Syrian opposition figure and human rights monitor.

ARGENTINA

The official toll of those who disappeared during the rule of a military junta in the 1970s is about 13,000, while human rights activists say more than double that number were killed and are unaccounted for.

.

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Source: http://news.yahoo.com/look-enforced-disappearances-worldwide-154537008.html

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Repeat brain injury raises soldiers' suicide risk

May 15, 2013 ? People in the military who suffer more than one mild traumatic brain injury face a significantly higher risk of suicide, according to research by the National Center for Veterans Studies at the University of Utah.

A survey of 161 military personnel who were stationed in Iraq and evaluated for a possible traumatic brain injury -- also known as TBI -- showed that the risk for suicidal thoughts or behaviors increased not only in the short term, as measured during the past 12 months, but during the individual's lifetime.

The risk of suicidal thoughts increased significantly with the number of TBIs, even when controlling for other psychological factors, the researchers say in a paper published online May 15 in JAMA Psychiatry, a specialty journal of the American Medical Association.

"Up to now, no one has been able to say if multiple TBIs, which are common among combat veterans, are associated with higher suicide risk or not," says the study's lead author, Craig J. Bryan, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Utah and associate director of the National Center for Veterans Studies. "This study suggests they are, and it provides valuable information for professionals treating wounded combat servicemen and women to help manage the risk of suicide."

Results showed that one in five patients (21.7 percent) who had ever sustained more than one TBI reported suicidal ideation -- thoughts about or preoccupation with suicide -- at any time in the past. For patients who had received one TBI, 6.9 percent reported having suicidal thoughts, and zero percent for those with no TBIs. In evaluating the lifetime risk, patients were asked if they had ever experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviors up to the point they were assessed.

The increases were similar for suicidal thoughts during the previous year rather than at any time: 12 percent of those with multiple TBIs had entertained suicidal ideas during the past year, compared with 3.4 percent with one TBI and zero percent for no TBIs.

In this study, suicidal ideation was used as the indicator of suicide risk because too few patients reported a history of suicide plan or had made a suicide attempt for statistically valid conclusions to be made.

Researchers found that multiple TBIs also were associated with a significant increase in other psychological symptoms already tied to single traumatic head injuries, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, and the severity of the concussive symptoms. However, only the increase in depression severity predicted an increased suicide risk.

"That head injury and resulting psychological effects increase the risk of suicide is not new," says Bryan. "But knowing that repetitive TBIs may make patients even more vulnerable provides new insight for attending to military personnel over the long-term, particularly when they are experiencing added emotional distress in their lives."

How the Study was Conducted

During a six-month period in 2009, 161 patients who received a suspected brain injury while on duty in Iraq were referred to an outpatient TBI clinic at a combat support hospital there. Patients were predominantly male, average age of 27, with 6.5 years of military service.

Diagnosis of traumatic brain injury was made by a clinical psychologist specifically trained in the assessment, diagnosis and management of the condition. Only patients with mild or no TBI completed all assessments; patients with moderate to severe TBI were immediately evacuated from Iraq.

TBI was confirmed if at least one clinical event was newly presented or worsened following the injury: loss of consciousness or memory, alteration of mental state, some neurological decline or brain damage.

Patients were divided into three groups based the total number of TBIs during their entire lives -- zero, single TBI and two or more -- the most recent of which was typically within the days immediately preceding their evaluation and inclusion in the study.

Each individual was also given surveys as part of his or her evaluation and treatment. Using standard evaluation tools, patients were surveyed about their symptoms of depression, PTSD and concussions, and their suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

"An important feature of the study is that by being on the ground in Iraq, we were able to compile a unique data set on active military personnel and head injury," Bryan says. "We collected data on a large number of service members within two days of impact."

At the same time, because the results of this study are based on a single clinical sample -active military in a war zone within days of the injury -- the researchers note that caution is advised before assuming that the results from this particular group will apply to every other group. Studies with larger sample sizes and conducted over longer periods of time will be needed.

Why TBI is of Concern for Military Personnel

As defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a traumatic brain injury is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Effects can be mild to severe. The majority of TBIs that occur each year are concussions or other mild forms.

TBI is considered a "signature injury" of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and is of particular concern because of the frequency of concussive injuries from explosions and other combat-related incidents. Estimated prevalence of TBI for those deployed in these two countries ranges from 8 percent to 20 percent, according to a 2008 study.

In addition, according to studies by the RAND Corp., suicide is the second-leading cause of death among U.S. military personnel, and the rate has risen steadily since the conflicts began in Iraq and Afghanistan. Prevalence of PTSD, depression and substance abuse have risen as well, especially among those in combat, and each has been shown to increase risk for suicidal behaviors.

"Being aware of the number of a patient's head injuries and the interrelation with depression and other psychological symptoms may help us better understand, and thus moderate, the risk of suicide over time," Bryan says. "Ultimately, we would like to know why people do not kill themselves. Despite facing similar issues and circumstances, some people recover. Understanding that is the real goal."

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/top_news/top_health/~3/PRIeGEpqYdY/130515163924.htm

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HTC confirms no plans for HTC One with stock Android

May 15 (Reuters) - Result from the Europa League final at the Amsterdam Arena on Wednesday Benfica 1 Oscar Cardozo 68 (pen) Chelsea 2 Fernando Torres 59, Branislav Ivanovic 90+3 Halftime: 0-0 Attendance: 46,163 Teams: Benfica: 1-Artur; 34-Andre Almeida, 4-Luisao, 24-Ezequiel Garay (33-Jardel 78), 25-Melgarejo (15-Ola John 66); 35-Enzo Perez, 21-Nemanja Matic, 19-Rodrigo (11-Lima 66); 20-Nicolas Gaitan, 18-Eduardo Salvio; 7-Oscar Cardozo. ...

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/htc-confirms-no-plans-htc-one-stock-android-015025556.html

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Jeffrey Sinclair Sex Case: Gens. Dan Allyn, Jeffrey Colt Ordered To Testify

FORT BRAGG, N.C. ? A military judge on Tuesday ordered two U.S. Army generals to testify about whether they were pressured by superiors to charge another general with the sexual assault of a female captain.

The judge, Col. James Pohl, granted a pre-trial motion from lawyers representing accused Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Sinclair. It compels testimony by Gen. Dan Allyn and Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Colt.

Sinclair's legal team alleges that high-ranking Pentagon officials may have placed improper pressure on Allyn, then the commander of the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg and Sinclair's boss.

A court martial for Sinclair is scheduled to begin June 25 on charges that include forcible sodomy, indecent acts, violating orders and adultery.

Allyn, who was recently promoted to head the Army's Forces Command, could testify as soon as Wednesday. It is not clear when Colt, the current commander at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, might take the stand.

In court Tuesday, Sinclair's lawyers cited e-mails obtained over the weekend that they contend suggest top Army generals might have been consulted ahead of Allyn's referral of the charges last year. Under the military code of justice, a commanding officer weighing whether to charge a subordinate with a crime is supposed to be insulated from the influence of those farther up the chain of command.

Richard Scheff, Sinclair's lead civilian lawyer, told the judge that Allyn, Colt and other Army officials had declined requests to speak to the defense team voluntarily and asked that they be subpoenaed.

"I've got e-mails that suggest the involvement of senior officials in this case," Scheff said. "This is not a fishing expedition."

Sinclair's case is heading to trial amid the sting of sexual assault allegations and embarrassing sex scandals involving the military. President Barack Obama publicly warned the Defense Department earlier this month that he expects its leaders to take tougher action against sexual predators and redouble efforts to prevent assaults within the ranks.

A 27-year Army veteran, Sinclair faces life in prison if convicted on the sexual assault charge. It's rare for an Army general to face court-martial. There have been only two cases in recent years.

Pohl agreed Tuesday to a request from prosecutors to dismiss one of the more minor charges against Sinclair, that he violated an order by possessing alcohol while on deployment in Afghanistan. An unopened bottle of scotch was found in his quarters ? a gift defense lawyers said came from a top Pentagon official visiting the Muslim nation.

Sinclair was deputy commander in charge of logistics and support for the 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan before being relieved in May 2012 during the criminal investigation. He has been on special assignment since then at Fort Bragg.

The female captain at the heart of the case said she carried on a three-year sexual relationship with Sinclair, a married father of two who was her direct superior. Adultery is a crime under military law, and the admission could end her career.

She testified at the evidentiary hearing last year that she repeatedly tried to break off the affair, but that Sinclair threatened to kill her and her family if she told anyone about their frequent sexual liaisons in hotels, headquarters and war zones.

The woman said she usually wanted to have sex with the general, though she said that on two occasions after they had argued he exposed himself and physically forced her to perform oral sex, even as she sobbed.

The Associated Press does not publicly identify victims of alleged sexual assaults.

Two other female officers who served with Sinclair also testified that they had given the general nude photos at his request.

___

Follow Associated Press writer Michael Biesecker at twitter.com/mbieseck

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/14/jeffrey-sinclair-sex-case_n_3276659.html

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Ancient Arctic was warm, wet, and green. What that says about the future.

A 1,000-foot core sample taken from a lake in Russia's northeast Arctic documents a period when the region was 14 degrees warmer than today, but with similar atmospheric CO₂ ?levels.

By Pete Spotts / May 9, 2013

A NASA satellite shows the state of Arctic sea ice, seen here September 16, 2008. A 1,000-foot ice core from the Arctic's Lake E suggests that the Arctic was heavily forested 3.5 million years ago, when carbon dioxide levels were similar to today.

Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio / NASA / Reuters / File

Enlarge

Working with a continuous record of Arctic climate reaching back 3.6 million years, researchers have documented a period when the region was significantly warmer and wetter than it is today and when the atmosphere's inventory of carbon dioxide was comparable to today's levels.

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The period the team has analyzed covers the first 1.4 million years of the record, when the region's climate shifted from warm and wet to conditions that signaled the start of ice ages.

This period is of interest in part because the warmth persisted despite periodic shifts in Earth's orbit that reduced the intensity of sunlight reaching the region.

Temperatures were high enough ? about 14 degrees warmer than today in the warmest month of the summer ? to suggest that the climate system is more sensitive to small changes in greenhouse-gas concentrations than the sensitivity estimates included in some climate models.

If that's the case, as other paleoclimate studies have indicated, the models may be underestimating the amount of warming likely to result from increasing atmospheric CO_2?concentrations, the scientists say.

The period also is of interest because it holds clues about the factors that drove climate from prolonged warmth into a cycle of ice ages ? factors that will help researchers understand the role natural variability plays in the region's climate and where climatic ?tipping points? may lie.

The work ?identifies for the first time a long, continuous story of that history from the Arctic and what I call the Arctic borderlands,? says Julie Brigham-Grette, a geologist at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst who focuses on the Arctic's ancient climate, referring to adjacent regions. Dr. Brigham-Grette is the lead author of a formal report of the results, which are being published in Friday's issue of the journal Science.

The research was conducted by a team of 16 scientists from Russia, the US, Germany and Sweden.

The evidence is captured in a 1,034-foot core sample the team drew from the bottom of Lake El'gygytgyn, known informally as Lake E. It formed 3.6 billion years ago after a meteor punched a crater in Russia's northeastern Arctic. The crater filled to form a lake 7 miles across and some 560 feet deep. The area around the lake managed to remain ice free during the ebb and flow of continental ice sheets during the Pleistocene ice ages, allowing sediment layers ? and the pollen and other climate indicators they contain ? to build up uninterrupted for the last 3.56 million years.

The team published initial results from the Lake E core last year, focusing on the Pleistocene. This latest effort focuses on the climate from the earlier, mid Pliocene through the onset of the glacial cycles.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/science/~3/zH-NCdZuyRc/Ancient-Arctic-was-warm-wet-and-green.-What-that-says-about-the-future

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Top Senate Democrat: DOJ action against AP ?inexcusable?

May 13 (Reuters) - Leading money winners on the 2013 PGATour on Monday (U.S. unless stated): 1. Tiger Woods $5,849,600 2. Brandt Snedeker $3,388,064 3. Kevin Streelman $2,572,989 4. Billy Horschel $2,567,891 5. Matt Kuchar $2,493,387 6. Phil Mickelson $2,220,280 7. Adam Scott (Australia) $2,207,683 8. D.A. Points $2,019,702 9. Steve Stricker $1,977,140 10. Graeme McDowell $1,910,654 11. Jason Day $1,802,797 12. Webb Simpson $1,759,015 13. Dustin Johnson $1,748,907 14. Hunter Mahan $1,682,939 15. Charles Howell III $1,561,988 16. Russell Henley $1,546,638 17. Martin Laird $1,531,950 18. ...

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/top-senate-democrat-doj-action-against-ap-inexcusable-204546359.html

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CSN: McNabb says he will retire an Eagle

According to Donovan McNabb, he will retire as an Eagle.

On ESPN 97.7 radio, via ESPNCNY.com, McNabb said on Monday afternoon, "I will retire as an Eagle and I look forward to that opportunity and that day."

McNabb told Comcast SportsNet's Derrick Gunn that he and the Eagles will hold a ceremony during a September game, but McNabb has not decided which game.

The Eagles play two home games in September, one against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, Sept. 15. The other matchup would appear to be the more obvious choice with the Eagles hosting former head coach Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, Sept. 19.

After his lone season with the Minnesota Vikings, the former Eagle in 2012 spent his first season out of professional football as an analyst for the NFL Network and was a weekly guest on Comcast SportsNet.

The Eagles selected McNabb as the second overall pick in the 1999 draft and he played 11 seasons with the Birds en route to becoming the franchise's all-time leader in passing yards (32,873), touchdown passes (216) and games played at quarterback (148). McNabb also holds the Eagles' record for most passing yards in a season (3,916) and ranks second with the most touchdown passes in a season (31).

"I love going back to Philadelphia," McNabb said as a guest on ESPN 97.7 radio.

The Syracuse product led the Eagles to six NFC East crowns, five NFC Championship Game appearances and one Super Bowl appearance.

"I have nothing but love for the Philly fans, even the ones who were highly criticizing me or opinionated in any way," McNabb said. "I can't get upset at them because my job is to get out on the field and be productive. That's what quarterbacking is all about.

"The fans are appreciative, I'm appreciative of them."

Source: http://www.csnphilly.com/football-philadelphia-eagles/donovan-mcnabb-says-he-will-retire-eagle

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EU finance ministers seek to cut tax evasion

BRUSSELS (AP) ? European Union finance ministers will later seek ways to cut down on tax evasion ? action British Chancellor George Osborne says is particularly important in current circumstances.

On his way into a meeting of the 27 ministers in Brussels Tuesday, Osborne says it is "right that everyone makes their fair contribution" given the current economic backdrop.

Part of the effort will involve a long-stuck savings directive, which seeks an automatic exchange of information between different countries so that interest income on various types of savings accounts can be properly taxed

The ministers will also continue their effort to construct a banking union. And they will try to reach a budget agreement for the current year.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2013-05-14-Europe-Financial%20Crisis/id-c244df0be67545acb14ac2cfb6284561

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Sqigle's Earl tablet brings Android to the wilderness with e-paper, solar power

Although there's no dearth of rugged tablets, most are still built on the assumption that civilization is close at hand. Sqigle, however, suggests that its upcoming Earl tablet could work even if there's no civilization left. The new, crowdfunded Android 4.1 slate centers on a light-up, 6-inch e-paper screen that both extends the battery life to 20 hours and makes the 5 hours of solar-powered recharging sound reasonable -- theoretically, Earl never needs to see a wall outlet. It's also built to do as much as possible without leaning on either WiFi or a PC. Along with both analog and digital radio, the design should incorporate ANT+ sensor support and preloaded topographical maps. The project isn't ideally timed for outdoorsy types when it's expected to reach backers in the late summer, but the $249 advance price is low enough that it might justify a camping trip in the fall.

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Source: Earl

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A conversation with Minnesota House Speaker Paul Thissen on gay marriage (Washington Post)

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16 Reasons Why Extra Credit Is Better Than Regular Credit

1. Teachers, the power is all yours.

As time is increasingly doled out to teach to standards, it's good to know that something is the classroom is still dependent upon your whim and good grace.

2. It can encourage your class to do things it never thought it could (or would) do.

3. Hidden talents and skills reveal themselves!

4. Art programs are restored, and magically those pain-in-the-butt bulletin board projects just take care of themselves.

Who wants to spend their break stapling construction paper to a wall? Get someone else to do it, and enjoy some time to yourself.

5. Snark has a place in the classroom.

Bullsh*tting is one of those "soft skills" that's difficult to teach from the front of the room. A "+2" can only be a good thing.

6. Margins get the ink they've missed for so long.

7. Civic values return to public education.

Sandra Day O'Connor is totally right. Attempt to fix America with your extra credit questions. What could go wrong?

8. We're reminded that no one knows it all.

10. And those who think they do must be crushed.

There's one in every class.

12. Old classics are discovered by a new generation.

13. That's just as weird as you are.

14. But now has special talents

15. Or doesn't.

16. Because that's OK.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/10/extra-credit-is-the-best_n_3248153.html

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Betty White, stars tape Mother's Day messages

7 hours ago

This Mother's Day, stars like Josh Duhamel, Betty White, Kim Kardashian, and Seth MacFarlane are asking moms everywhere to give a gift to themselves and get screened for cancer.

The celebrities have collaborated with The Noreen Fraser Foundation, a non-profit women's cancer research organization, and taped a "Word to Your Mother" video e-card that can be sent for free for Mother's Day. Each video card reminds women of the importance of early detection in the fight against cancers.

PHOTOS: 15 Best TV Moms

"Taking care of your health is the best gift you can give yourself," Kardashian says in her e-card video. "So please remember, eat healthy, exercise and get screened."

White, surrounded by her female costars from "Hot in Cleveland," also taped a cheery Mother's Day wish. Duhamel took a more humorous approach to his e-card; the actor is filmed multitasking as he makes his plea while getting his teeth cleaned!

PHOTOS: Stars and their moms

Other stars who created e-cards included Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Neil Patrick Harris, Zach Galifianakis and more. Visit www.noreenfraserfoundation.org to choose your favorite celeb's e-card to send this Mother's Day.

The foundation has also partnered with wet n wild for their Extraordinary #MOMents campaign. Entering the campaign is simple; post a photo of your mom on wet n wild?s Facebook page with a special memory of what makes her amazing. For each #MOMent shared, wet n wild will give a dollar to the Noreen Fraser Foundation to support women?s cancer research. Two runners-up will receive wet n wild gift packages worth $100. The winner and their mom will each receive a year supply of wet n wild makeup!

Source: http://www.today.com/entertainment/betty-white-other-stars-tape-mothers-day-messages-1C9888354

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Hizballah and Israel Spar as Syria?s Conflict Threatens to Spin Out of Control

A dangerous game of brinkmanship is unfolding in the Middle East pitting Israel against Syria and its militant Shi?ite ally Hizballah in what threatens to expand the two-year Syrian civil war into a full-blown regional conflict. On three separate occasions since January ??two of them within 48 hours of each other last Friday and Sunday ??Israeli jets have attacked Syrian military bases, targeting consignments of advanced weaponry supplied allegedly by Iran that were pending transfer to Hizballah across the nearby border with Lebanon. The air raids were unprecedented. Israel has never before risked striking at Hizballah?s Iranian-supplied weapons inside Syria.

For now though, Israel?s gamble seems to have paid off. Other than some initial huffing and puffing from Damascus, no immediate retaliation was forthcoming. But rather than acting as a deterrence, the air strikes appear to have galvanized Syria to promise even greater amounts of sophisticated weaponry to Hizballah and also to announce the launch of a popular resistance campaign to liberate the Golan Heights, the strategic volcanic plateau in the south west corner of the country that has been occupied by Israel since 1967.

(MORE: Strikes on Syria signal an emboldened Israel.)

Israel?s intervention into the grueling Syrian civil war comes amid faint glimmers of a diplomatic breakthrough with the U.S. and Russia agreeing to an international conference to help end a conflict that has left more than 70,000 people dead. But the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad has gained some tactical military successes of late, launching mini-offensives to retake territory previously lost to opposition rebels. The rebel setbacks may have strengthened the Assad regime?s grim resolve to win the conflict, especially given its confidence in the continued support of regional allies, Iran and Hizballah.

Certainly, the Syrian offer to supply more advanced weaponry to Hizballah has been warmly received. ?This is a critical strategic decision,? said Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, Hizballah?s leader, in a televised speech Thursday evening. ?We, the resistance in Lebanon, announce that we are ready to receive any sort of physical weaponry, even if it is going to disturb the [military] balance [in the Middle East],? Nasrallah added. ?We are ready to receive these weapons and we are competent enough to possess them. We will use these weapons to defend our people and our country.?

Syria?s embattled government has additionally served notice that any further air strikes by Israel will incur an immediate ? albeit unspecified ? retaliation. ?The instruction has been made to respond immediately to any new Israeli attack without [additional] instruction from any higher leadership and our retaliation will be strong and painful against Israel,? Faisal Miqdad, Syria?s deputy foreign minister, told Agence France Presse in an interview Thursday. His comments echo previous reports this week in Syrian media loyal to the regime of Bashar Assad that missile batteries will be able to respond to another Israeli air attack.

(MORE: Syria?s proxy wars?Hizballah takes up the fight in Lebanon.)

And Hizballah sources say that they too have received similar instructions. ?From that night [Sunday] to this day we haven?t slept a wink. If there?s another air strike, if the Israelis hit Lebanon or Syria, we?ll retaliate immediately,? Abu Khalil, a veteran Hizballah?combatant told TIME, giving his nom de guerre as he was not authorized to talk to the media. ?We are ready and the Syrians are ready,? he added, speaking Wednesday before Nasrallah?s speech. Abu Khalil?s colleague Haj Hassan, another combat veteran, doubted that Israel would risk another air strike in the near future. ?They can?t do it. Can you hold four watermelons in one hand?? he asked, meaning that a fourth air strike would prove too much of a burden for Israel because of the backlash.

Nevertheless, there are no indications that Israel intends to suspend the air strikes against weapons systems it considers ?game changers? in the context of the Israel-Hizballah conflict. Israel appears to calculate that the Assad regime cannot afford to retaliate while fighting for its survival against opposition rebel forces. Similarly, Hizballah is busy deploying fighters into Syria to help the Assad regime crush the rebel factions in what has fast turned into a brutal sectarian war. Hizballah has shown no interest in resuming direct hostilities with Israel since the end of a month-long war in July-August 2006 when the group?s crack fighters fought the Israeli army to a standstill in the battlefields of south Lebanon.

The sophistication of the weaponry allegedly being transferred to Hizballah today underlines not only Israeli concerns but also the huge expansion of the group?s military capabilities over the past two decades. Twenty years ago, the largest rocket facing Israel from Lebanon was the 122mm Katyusha with a range of about 12 miles, just far enough to cross Israel?s then-occupied border strip in south Lebanon and threaten a narrow ribbon of northern Israel. Since then, the Israelis have watched as Hizballah?s rocket arsenal has grown in size and quality: first came Iranian 240mm Fajr-3 and 333mm Fajr-5 rockets which placed Haifa, 25 miles south of the Lebanese border, within range for the first time. Then came Syrian 220mm and 302mm rockets followed by the Iranian 600mm Zelzal-1 and Zelzal-2s, the latter possessing a range of some 125 miles.

Israeli officials wrung their hands amid the build-up, unwilling to risk a war by attacking the arms depots in Syria or convoys moving into Lebanon. Instead, they called for international pressure to check the flow of arms and regularly aired their assessments of Hizballah?s latest rocket tallies ? 8,000 in 2000, rising to 10,000 two years later and 13,000 on the eve of war in 2006.

Hizballah?s military clout has helped ensure that the party remains the dominant political and military force in Lebanon. It insists that its formidable military might is necessary to defend Lebanon against future Israeli aggression, a justification that wins little sympathy from Hizballah?s critics who fear the influence the party?s weapons bring to bear on the domestic scene.

Hizballah typically refuses to disclose details of its arsenal. But the organization does not disguise the fact that it has amassed a significant stockpile of advanced weapons and today its leaders boast that no place in Israel is beyond its reach. ?We don?t fight our enemies with swords of wood,? quipped Nasrallah in 2007.

(MORE: The fallout of an Israeli air raid on Syria.)

Since the 2006 war, Hizballah?s armaments have expanded even further in quantity and sophistication. Israeli officials claim the Shi?ite party has acquired anything between 60,000 to 80,000 rockets. In 2009, reports emerged that Hizballah had received M600 missiles, a Syrian engineered version of Iran?s Fateh-110 with a guidance system that allowed it to strike within 500 yards of its target at its maximum range of around 150 miles. A few months later in 2010, Western and Israeli intelligence sources were alleging that Scud ballistic missiles had been transferred to Hizballah?s care, although it was unclear whether the missiles had been smuggled into Lebanon or remained housed in Syrian military bases close to the Lebanese border.

The target of Israeli air strikes on Friday and Sunday appears to have included upgraded versions of Iran?s Fateh-110s with slightly longer range and improved accuracy over the Syrian M600s.

Smuggling rockets nudging 30 feet in length across Syria?s closely scrutinized border with Lebanon is a skill in itself. The arms convoys tend to follow dirt tracks that snake across the remote rugged mountains marking the border. They roll in at night and when possible use poor weather to mask their movements. According to sources close to Hizballah, the party?s engineers sometimes cut the local electricity supply and jam cell phone and radio signals when the convoys are on the move.

Israel is so concerned at Hizballah?s acquisition of advanced arms that the rate of Israeli reconnaissance flights above Lebanon since the beginning of the year is roughly double that of the same time in 2012, according to sources with the United Nations peacekeeping force in south Lebanon which uses ground and ship-borne radars to track the overflights. The rumble of Israeli jets can be heard above Beirut on a near daily basis, their white contrails criss-crossing the blue skies.

Hizballah proved in the 2006 war that it possesses top range Russian anti-tank missiles which were employed to deadly effect against Israel?s fleet of Merkava tanks and in one instance to bring down a troop-transport helicopter as it was taking off, killing the five-man crew. The group also came close to sinking an Israeli naval vessel with an Iranian anti-ship missile. But its air defense capabilities remain something of a mystery ? for now. Some analysts speculate that Nasrallah?s frequent reference to military ?surprises? in store for Israel in the next conflict will be the unveiling of advanced anti-aircraft capabilities to dent Israel?s vital aerial dominance over Lebanon. ?In the [2006] war, we showed the Israelis that they cannot use the sea. They used their helicopters and we took them out. They used their best tanks and we slaughtered them,? said Abu Khalil. ?We have orders to keep the skies open for them for now. But when that order changes, you will see what is our next surprise.?

The Israeli jets that attacked the Syrian military bases on the past three occasions launched their long-range missiles from high altitude in Lebanese airspace 10 miles or more from their targets to lower the risk posed by Syria?s dense array of anti-aircraft batteries in the Damascus area. But if the attacks against Hizballah?s arms caches in Syria continue, the Israeli air crews could suddenly find that Lebanese airspace has become equally as dangerous.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/hizballah-israel-spar-syria-conflict-threatens-spins-control-221359843.html

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Rotoworld: Seahawks boast top post-draft lineup

With free agency and the NFL draft behind us, starting lineups around the league are mostly set pending training camp position battles and a handful of third-wave veteran signings. Here is a glance at each team's projected first-string offense and defense, ranked in order of quality.

* = Offseason Addition.

1. Seattle Seahawks

QB: Russell Wilson
RB: Marshawn Lynch
WR: Percy Harvin*
WR: Sidney Rice
WR: Golden Tate
TE: Zach Miller
LT: Russell Okung
LG: James Carpenter
C: Max Unger
RG: J.R. Sweezy
RT: Breno Giacomini

Offensive Overview: The Seahawks return every starter from an offense that ranked third in the NFL in rushing and got better by the week in the passing game with then-rookie Wilson at the controls. Across the final 13 contests, Wilson went 212-of-330 (64.2 percent) passing for 2,875 yards (8.71 YPA), 24 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He added five rushing scores. Harvin is football's most dynamic inside-the-numbers receiver. In three-wide packages, Harvin will man the slot with Tate at X receiver and Rice at Z. Coached up by offensive line mastermind Tom Cable, the Seahawks' front five lacks flash but is a meat-and-potatoes group. The Seahawks also boast excellent offensive skill-player depth with Robert Turbin and rookie Christine Michael behind Lynch. Doug Baldwin would be a strong third receiver on many NFL teams. He's Seattle's No. 4.

RE: Cliff Avril*
LE: Red Bryant
DT: Brandon Mebane
DT: Michael Bennett*
MLB: Bobby Wagner
SLB: K.J. Wright
WLB: Malcolm Smith
LCB: Richard Sherman
RCB: Brandon Browner
FS: Earl Thomas
SS: Kam Chancellor

Defensive Overview: The 2012 Seahawks played top-four defense in yards allowed and surrendered the fewest points in the league. The only notable losses were free agents Leroy Hill and Alan Branch, and "Leo" end Chris Clemons due to a torn ACL. Branch is just a guy and no one has signed Hill, which says plenty. While Clemons could be a factor by midseason, explosive edge-rusher addition Avril may render him irrelevant by then. Avril, Bennett, and fifth-round steal Jesse Williams can more than plug the up-front holes. The Seahawks will again field a stingy run defense, and their pass rush looks better on paper than it ever has during Pete Carroll's tenure.

2. San Francisco 49ers

QB: Colin Kaepernick
RB: Frank Gore
FB: Bruce Miller
WR: Michael Crabtree
WR: Anquan Boldin*
TE: Vernon Davis
LT: Joe Staley
LG: Mike Iupati
C: Jonathan Goodwin
RG: Alex Boone
RT: Anthony Davis

Offensive Overview: Kaepernick enters his first full season as San Francisco's starter after ripping off 19 all-purpose touchdowns while completing 169-of-272 throws (62.1 percent) for 2,406 yards (8.84 YPA) and a 14:4 TD-to-INT ratio across ten 2012 starts. Cannon-armed with plus downfield accuracy and game-breaking run skills, Kaepernick's future looks starry bright. You could argue he's every bit the long-term prospect Robert Griffin III is, with healthier knees. Gore is aging, but the 49ers back him up with the best backfield depth in the NFL. Crabtree, Boldin, Davis, and second-round tight end Vance McDonald form a good-not-great pass-catching corps that could really use a vertical field stretcher. 2012 first-round pick A.J. Jenkins can be the answer if he shows up ready to work. All five starters return on arguably the league's best offensive line. San Francisco mauls opponents in the trenches. They are the most physical team in football.

RE: Justin Smith
LE: Ray McDonald
NT: Glenn Dorsey*
ILB: Patrick Willis
ILB: Navorro Bowman
OLB: Aldon Smith
OLB: Ahmad Brooks
LCB: Carlos Rogers
RCB: Tarell Brown
FS: Eric Reid*
SS: Donte Whitner

Defensive Overview: Just like on the offensive line, physicality reigns supreme on San Francisco's defense. It's why Reid was such a good fit. While he lacks man-coverage skills and isn't the most fluid mover, the 49ers aren't going to ask Reid to cover one-on-one. They will use him like Dashon Goldson, patrolling the center-field deep half and as a blow-up box defender. The 2012 49ers were stout against the run and they will remain so even after losing Isaac Sopoaga and Ricky Jean-Francois, who were both comically overpaid in free agency. Cornerback is one area in which this defense underwhelms, though Nnamdi Asomugha, Chris Culliver, and Perrish Cox will put heat on Brown and Rogers. The Niners are filthy rich with pass rush. Behind Aldon Smith and Brooks, coordinator Vic Fango can now trot out Parys Haralson, Tank Carradine, and Corey Lemonier.

3. Denver Broncos

QB: Peyton Manning
RB: Montee Ball*
WR: Demaryius Thomas
WR: Eric Decker
WR: Wes Welker*
TE: Joel Dreessen
LT: Ryan Clady
LG: Zane Beadles
C: J.D. Walton
RG: Louis Vasquez*
RT: Orlando Franklin

Offensive Overview: With the additions of Ball and Welker, the Broncos boast arguably the premier skill-position corps in the league. This unit won't have much trouble moving the ball. Denver also returns all five offensive line starters, although Chris Kuper is coming off a severe injury and may not make the 53-man roster. He's been replaced by big-ticket free agent Vasquez. Pass-catching tight end might be the Broncos' lone weakness, though Jacob Tamme is still around and promising Virgil Green is now entering his third NFL season. Dreessen is easily the best blocker and will play the most snaps. Under new coordinator Adam Gase, Denver will be even more of a hurry-up team, firing off offensive snaps and lighting up the weekly box scores.

LE: Derek Wolfe
RE: Robert Ayers
DT: Terrance Knighton*
DT: Sylvester Williams*
MLB: Nate Irving
WLB: Wesley Woodyard
SLB: Von Miller
LCB: Champ Bailey
RCB: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie*
FS: Rahim Moore
SS: Mike Adams

Defensive Overview: The Broncos ranked No. 2 in the NFL in total 2012 defense. Their lone high-impact departure was right end Elvis Dumervil, whose 11 sacks and six forced fumbles aren't easily replaced. VP of Player Personnel John Elway still attacked need positions with run-plugging 26-year-old nose tackle Knighton and first-rounder Williams to play three technique. In Denver's sub-packages, I'd expect to see Miller on one of the ends with Ayers or Shaun Phillips opposite him and Wolfe next to Williams, rushing from the interior. Lingering question marks are middle linebacker and free safety, where Moore is returning from a brutal playoff performance. There's still every reason to believe Denver can field a top 5-8 defense again, even if it slips a bit.

4. Green Bay Packers

QB: Aaron Rodgers
RB: Eddie Lacy*
WR: Jordy Nelson
WR: Randall Cobb
WR: James Jones
TE: Jermichael Finley
LT: Bryan Bulaga
LG: Josh Sitton
C: Evan Dietrich-Smith
RG: T.J. Lang
RT: Derek Sherrod

Offensive Overview: There was never any doubt Green Bay would field a high-octane 2013 passing offense, but their new emphasis on balance was a draft-weekend theme. Lacy was stolen late in the second round, before GM Ted Thompson traded up for Johnathan Franklin in the fourth. If you recall, the Packers insisted on a run-game commitment last season, even if they didn't have the horses to pull it off. Cedric Benson got hurt, Alex Green and James Starks could not cut it, and DuJuan Harris is internally viewed as a change-of-pace scatback. If Lacy and Franklin pan out as expected, Green Bay will be able to put away opponents in fourth quarters while sporting a Thunder & Lightning backfield element. It can add a new dimension to this unit. The up-front changes are designed to improve Rodgers' blindside protection and the Packers' weak-side rushing attack, both of which were major 2011-2012 problems with Marshall Newhouse at left tackle. Bulaga has replaced him, while Sitton and Lang have swapped guard positions. Right tackle will be wide open between Sherrod, David Bakhtiari, Newhouse, and Don Barclay.

RE: Datone Jones*
LE: B.J. Raji
NT: Ryan Pickett
ILB: Desmond Bishop
ILB: A.J. Hawk
OLB: Clay Matthews
OLB: Nick Perry
LCB: Casey Hayward
RCB: Tramon Williams
FS: M.D. Jennings
SS: Morgan Burnett

Defensive Overview: Draft-weekend trade rumors surrounding Bishop were surprising. Beyond All-Pro Matthews, Bishop is arguably the best player on Green Bay's defense when healthy, and his return should provide a major lift. The Packers would be better off moving on from Hawk if they're so keen on starting Brad Jones. Since their Super Bowl win three years ago, the Packers' defense has been a liability, and I'm not convinced talent is the culprit. It certainly shouldn't be with Perry and Bishop back healthy, Hayward having quietly emerged as a top-shelf NFL cornerback, and stud first-rounder Jones added to the defensive line. In all likelihood, 2013 will be coordinator Dom Capers' final season in Green Bay if he doesn't turn his defense around.

5. New England Patriots

QB: Tom Brady
RB: Stevan Ridley
WR: Danny Amendola*
WR: Aaron Dobson*
TE: Rob Gronkowski
TE: Aaron Hernandez
LT: Nate Solder
LG: Logan Mankins
C: Ryan Wendell
RG: Marcus Cannon
RT: Sebastian Vollmer

Offensive Overview: Virtually unstoppable offense is still carrying New England's roster ranking. Even if the wide receiver corps isn't upper echelon, the running game, tight end duo, and quarterback atone for deficiencies out wide. The Patriots' offensive line is the best in the business with pass-protection extraordinaire Vollmer returning and Cannon likely to unseat Dan Connolly at right guard. Assuming his health cooperates, Amendola may prove an upgrade on Wes Welker with superior hands, big-play ability, and diversity in his routes. Whereas Welker has dropped 9.4 percent of his targets since 2010, Amendola has dropped just 3.7 percent. X receiver will come down to a hard fought training camp battle. Sure-handed rookie Dobson, TCU speedster Josh Boyce, and free-agent pickup Donald Jones will all get extended looks. If none of them pans out, incumbent X Brandon Lloyd remains available in free agency and figures to stay there into July.

RE: Chandler Jones
LE: Rob Ninkovich
DT: Vince Wilfork
DT: Kyle Love
MLB: Brandon Spikes
WLB: Jerod Mayo
SLB: Dont'a Hightower
LCB: Aqib Talib
RCB: Alfonzo Dennard
FS: Devin McCourty
SS: Adrian Wilson*

Defensive Overview: The Pats traded out of the 29th pick and came away with some solid prospects, improving the bottom third of their roster and special teams. The most disappointing aspect of their draft was a failure to secure any surefire first-season contributors. Dobson has a chance on offense, but 'tweener outside rusher Jamie Collins looks like a longshot for immediate impact. The Patriots return 11 starters from last year's No. 25 defense, which isn't necessarily a good thing. Bill Belichick should think long and hard about ponying up for free agent John Abraham.

6. Baltimore Ravens

QB: Joe Flacco
RB: Ray Rice
WR: Torrey Smith
WR: Jacoby Jones
TE: Dennis Pitta

TE: Ed Dickson
LT: Bryant McKinnie
LG: Kelechi Osemele
C: Gino Gradkowski
RG: Marshal Yanda
RT: Michael Oher

Offensive Overview: Flacco's stats over Baltimore's final eight games: 138-of-231 passing (60 percent) for 1,919 yards (8.31 YPA), 18 touchdowns, and two picks. Spread across 16, that's a Brady-like 32:4 TD-to-INT ratio. It's no coincidence those numbers coincided with ex-playcaller Cam Cameron's firing. The Ravens are banking -- literally -- on $120.6-million man Flacco taking off in his first full season under new coordinator Jim Caldwell. Flacco is complemented by one of the league's premier 1-2 punch backfields in Rice-Bernard Pierce. Pitta will assume a larger pass-catching role with Anquan Boldin gone to San Francisco. With McKinnie back, Osemele drops down to left guard, where he has long-term All-Pro potential. The lone remaining concern is No. 2 receiver. The Ravens will audition Jones, Tandon Doss, Aaron Mellette, and Tommy Streeter, and if none of them is up to the task, GM Ozzie Newsome usually has something up his sleeve.

LE: Chris Canty*
RE: Arthur Jones
NT: Haloti Ngata
ILB: Jameel McClain
ILB: Arthur Brown*
OLB: Terrell Suggs
OLB: Elvis Dumervil*
LCB: Lardarius Webb
RCB: Jimmy Smith
FS: Michael Huff*
SS: Matt Elam*

Defensive Overview: The early-offseason departures of Cary Williams, Paul Kruger, Ed Reed, and Dannell Ellerbe were grossly overblown. Newsome has upgrades lined up on Kruger (Dumervil) and Williams (Webb), and the Huff-Elam safety combo can be every bit as effective as Reed-Bernard Pollard. Reed isn't the game-changing free safety he once was, and Elam gives coordinator Dean Pees more options than Pollard due to superior coverage skills, particularly in the slot. Ray Lewis' presence may be missed, but the same can't be said for his on-field performance. He retired at the right time. In Dumervil and Suggs, Baltimore will trot out its finest edge-rush tandem since Suggs was bookended by Adalius Thomas. Opposing offensive lines will struggle mightily to move Canty, Jones, and Ngata in the running game. In Webb, Baltimore gets its top cover man back. There's every reason to think this defense will be better than last year's 17th-ranked unit, probably by a lot.

7. Washington Redskins

QB: Robert Griffin III
RB: Alfred Morris
FB: Darrel Young
WR: Pierre Garcon
WR: Josh Morgan
TE: Fred Davis
LT: Trent Williams
LG: Kory Lichtensteiger
C: Will Montgomery
RG: Chris Chester
RT: Tyler Polumbus

Offensive Overview: Assuming Griffin's right knee is play-ready by Week 1 -- and this ranking assumes that -- Washington returns 11-of-11 starters from the NFL's No. 5 offense. The Skins were a bit offensively passive in the draft, adding only undersized situational tight end Jordan Reed and two rookie tailbacks who'll vie for roster spots. The biggest lifts on this side of the ball should come from Garcon and Davis, who both return from debilitating injuries. Garcon plays X receiver in the Shanahans' offense, manned by Andre Johnson under Kyle in Houston and Brandon Marshall, Rod Smith, and Javon Walker on Mike's Denver teams. It is the most critical position in the Shanny passing attack, and Garcon was highly productive when he played last season. Camp battles will take place at Z receiver between Morgan and 2012 disappointment Leonard Hankerson, right tackle between Polumbus and Tom Compton, and No. 2 running back.

RE: Stephen Bowen
LE: Jarvis Jenkins
NT: Barry Cofield
ILB: London Fletcher
ILB: Perry Riley
OLB: Brian Orakpo
OLB: Ryan Kerrigan
LCB: DeAngelo Hall
RCB: Josh Wilson
FS: Phillip Thomas*
SS: Brandon Meriweather

Defensive Overview: Washington played top-five run defense in 2012, but got shredded by the pass after losing edge-rushing linchpin Orakpo to his second left pectoral tear in as many seasons. Only the Saints and Bucs allowed more passing yards, and only the Eagles coughed up more TD passes. Orakpo's return provides a huge boost, giving Washington two legit double-digit sack threats, playing across from Kerrigan. While great pass rush can mask secondary flaws, the Skins still have one of the shakiest back fours in football. As a starting tandem, Hall and Wilson are below average. A rookie (Thomas or Bacarri Rambo) will likely end up starting at free safety, and Meriweather is coming off a torn ACL. Second-round pick David Amerson, who was burned relentlessly for vertical touchdown bombs in the ACC last season, is penciled in at nickel back.

8. Chicago Bears

QB: Jay Cutler
RB: Matt Forte
WR: Brandon Marshall
WR: Alshon Jeffery
WR: Earl Bennett
TE: Martellus Bennett*
LT: Jermon Bushrod*
LG: Kyle Long*
C: Roberto Garza
RG: Gabe Carimi
RT: J'Marcus Webb

Offensive Overview: Chicago is gearing up to play pass-first offense under rookie coach Marc Trestman, and approached the offseason accordingly. Although not an elite tackle, Bushrod finally gives the Bears credibility on Cutler's blindside, while 6-foot-6, 313-pound first-rounder Long is a dancing bear at left guard. The other three line positions should be up for grabs between the trio penciled in here, guard Matt Slauson, swingmen Eben Britton and James Brown, and tackle Jonathan Scott. The line remains suspect, but should still be the best of Cutler's Bears career. His weaponry certainly is. Marshall is an All-Pro in the thick of his prime. Bennett is arguably the most underrated all-around tight end in football and will be a difference maker both as a blocker and red-zone threat. 2012 second-round pick Jeffery is a wildcard with big upside if Trestman can instill in Cutler a willingness to work through his progressions. That'll be a big deal for the Bears.

RE: Julius Peppers
LE: Corey Wootton
DT: Henry Melton
DT: Stephen Paea
MLB: Jon Bostic*
WLB: Lance Briggs
SLB: D.J. Williams*
RCB: Charles Tillman
LCB: Tim Jennings
FS: Chris Conte
SS: Major Wright

Defensive Overview: Like Ray Lewis in Baltimore, Brian Urlacher's departure may hurt in the leadership department but will be addition by subtraction on the field. Playing on two balky knees, Urlacher was nothing short of a stiff in 2012, getting feasted on by opponents particularly in pass coverage. It was time to turn the page. The Bears will keep their Cover-2 base intact under new coordinator Mel Tucker and are armed with ample talent to equal last year's top-five finish on defense. They'll definitely be faster to the ball at the second level. In the nickel, Paea will leave the field in favor of a four-man front consisting of Peppers, up-and-comer Wootton, three-technique Melton, and 2012 first-round pick Shea McClellin. They'll be in the hunt to lead the NFL in sacks.

With free agency and the NFL draft behind us, starting lineups around the league are mostly set pending training camp position battles and a handful of third-wave veteran signings. Here is a glance at each team's projected first-string offense and defense, ranked in order of quality.

* = Offseason Addition.

1. Seattle Seahawks

QB: Russell Wilson
RB: Marshawn Lynch
WR: Percy Harvin*
WR: Sidney Rice
WR: Golden Tate
TE: Zach Miller
LT: Russell Okung
LG: James Carpenter
C: Max Unger
RG: J.R. Sweezy
RT: Breno Giacomini

Offensive Overview: The Seahawks return every starter from an offense that ranked third in the NFL in rushing and got better by the week in the passing game with then-rookie Wilson at the controls. Across the final 13 contests, Wilson went 212-of-330 (64.2 percent) passing for 2,875 yards (8.71 YPA), 24 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He added five rushing scores. Harvin is football's most dynamic inside-the-numbers receiver. In three-wide packages, Harvin will man the slot with Tate at X receiver and Rice at Z. Coached up by offensive line mastermind Tom Cable, the Seahawks' front five lacks flash but is a meat-and-potatoes group. The Seahawks also boast excellent offensive skill-player depth with Robert Turbin and rookie Christine Michael behind Lynch. Doug Baldwin would be a strong third receiver on many NFL teams. He's Seattle's No. 4.

RE: Cliff Avril*
LE: Red Bryant
DT: Brandon Mebane
DT: Michael Bennett*
MLB: Bobby Wagner
SLB: K.J. Wright
WLB: Malcolm Smith
LCB: Richard Sherman
RCB: Brandon Browner
FS: Earl Thomas
SS: Kam Chancellor

Defensive Overview: The 2012 Seahawks played top-four defense in yards allowed and surrendered the fewest points in the league. The only notable losses were free agents Leroy Hill and Alan Branch, and "Leo" end Chris Clemons due to a torn ACL. Branch is just a guy and no one has signed Hill, which says plenty. While Clemons could be a factor by midseason, explosive edge-rusher addition Avril may render him irrelevant by then. Avril, Bennett, and fifth-round steal Jesse Williams can more than plug the up-front holes. The Seahawks will again field a stingy run defense, and their pass rush looks better on paper than it ever has during Pete Carroll's tenure.

2. San Francisco 49ers

QB: Colin Kaepernick
RB: Frank Gore
FB: Bruce Miller
WR: Michael Crabtree
WR: Anquan Boldin*
TE: Vernon Davis
LT: Joe Staley
LG: Mike Iupati
C: Jonathan Goodwin
RG: Alex Boone
RT: Anthony Davis

Offensive Overview: Kaepernick enters his first full season as San Francisco's starter after ripping off 19 all-purpose touchdowns while completing 169-of-272 throws (62.1 percent) for 2,406 yards (8.84 YPA) and a 14:4 TD-to-INT ratio across ten 2012 starts. Cannon-armed with plus downfield accuracy and game-breaking run skills, Kaepernick's future looks starry bright. You could argue he's every bit the long-term prospect Robert Griffin III is, with healthier knees. Gore is aging, but the 49ers back him up with the best backfield depth in the NFL. Crabtree, Boldin, Davis, and second-round tight end Vance McDonald form a good-not-great pass-catching corps that could really use a vertical field stretcher. 2012 first-round pick A.J. Jenkins can be the answer if he shows up ready to work. All five starters return on arguably the league's best offensive line. San Francisco mauls opponents in the trenches. They are the most physical team in football.

RE: Justin Smith
LE: Ray McDonald
NT: Glenn Dorsey*
ILB: Patrick Willis
ILB: Navorro Bowman
OLB: Aldon Smith
OLB: Ahmad Brooks
LCB: Carlos Rogers
RCB: Tarell Brown
FS: Eric Reid*
SS: Donte Whitner

Defensive Overview: Just like on the offensive line, physicality reigns supreme on San Francisco's defense. It's why Reid was such a good fit. While he lacks man-coverage skills and isn't the most fluid mover, the 49ers aren't going to ask Reid to cover one-on-one. They will use him like Dashon Goldson, patrolling the center-field deep half and as a blow-up box defender. The 2012 49ers were stout against the run and they will remain so even after losing Isaac Sopoaga and Ricky Jean-Francois, who were both comically overpaid in free agency. Cornerback is one area in which this defense underwhelms, though Nnamdi Asomugha, Chris Culliver, and Perrish Cox will put heat on Brown and Rogers. The Niners are filthy rich with pass rush. Behind Aldon Smith and Brooks, coordinator Vic Fango can now trot out Parys Haralson, Tank Carradine, and Corey Lemonier.

3. Denver Broncos

QB: Peyton Manning
RB: Montee Ball*
WR: Demaryius Thomas
WR: Eric Decker
WR: Wes Welker*
TE: Joel Dreessen
LT: Ryan Clady
LG: Zane Beadles
C: J.D. Walton
RG: Louis Vasquez*
RT: Orlando Franklin

Offensive Overview: With the additions of Ball and Welker, the Broncos boast arguably the premier skill-position corps in the league. This unit won't have much trouble moving the ball. Denver also returns all five offensive line starters, although Chris Kuper is coming off a severe injury and may not make the 53-man roster. He's been replaced by big-ticket free agent Vasquez. Pass-catching tight end might be the Broncos' lone weakness, though Jacob Tamme is still around and promising Virgil Green is now entering his third NFL season. Dreessen is easily the best blocker and will play the most snaps. Under new coordinator Adam Gase, Denver will be even more of a hurry-up team, firing off offensive snaps and lighting up the weekly box scores.

LE: Derek Wolfe
RE: Robert Ayers
DT: Terrance Knighton*
DT: Sylvester Williams*
MLB: Nate Irving
WLB: Wesley Woodyard
SLB: Von Miller
LCB: Champ Bailey
RCB: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie*
FS: Rahim Moore
SS: Mike Adams

Defensive Overview: The Broncos ranked No. 2 in the NFL in total 2012 defense. Their lone high-impact departure was right end Elvis Dumervil, whose 11 sacks and six forced fumbles aren't easily replaced. VP of Player Personnel John Elway still attacked need positions with run-plugging 26-year-old nose tackle Knighton and first-rounder Williams to play three technique. In Denver's sub-packages, I'd expect to see Miller on one of the ends with Ayers or Shaun Phillips opposite him and Wolfe next to Williams, rushing from the interior. Lingering question marks are middle linebacker and free safety, where Moore is returning from a brutal playoff performance. There's still every reason to believe Denver can field a top 5-8 defense again, even if it slips a bit.

4. Green Bay Packers

QB: Aaron Rodgers
RB: Eddie Lacy*
WR: Jordy Nelson
WR: Randall Cobb
WR: James Jones
TE: Jermichael Finley
LT: Bryan Bulaga
LG: Josh Sitton
C: Evan Dietrich-Smith
RG: T.J. Lang
RT: Derek Sherrod

Offensive Overview: There was never any doubt Green Bay would field a high-octane 2013 passing offense, but their new emphasis on balance was a draft-weekend theme. Lacy was stolen late in the second round, before GM Ted Thompson traded up for Johnathan Franklin in the fourth. If you recall, the Packers insisted on a run-game commitment last season, even if they didn't have the horses to pull it off. Cedric Benson got hurt, Alex Green and James Starks could not cut it, and DuJuan Harris is internally viewed as a change-of-pace scatback. If Lacy and Franklin pan out as expected, Green Bay will be able to put away opponents in fourth quarters while sporting a Thunder & Lightning backfield element. It can add a new dimension to this unit. The up-front changes are designed to improve Rodgers' blindside protection and the Packers' weak-side rushing attack, both of which were major 2011-2012 problems with Marshall Newhouse at left tackle. Bulaga has replaced him, while Sitton and Lang have swapped guard positions. Right tackle will be wide open between Sherrod, David Bakhtiari, Newhouse, and Don Barclay.

RE: Datone Jones*
LE: B.J. Raji
NT: Ryan Pickett
ILB: Desmond Bishop
ILB: A.J. Hawk
OLB: Clay Matthews
OLB: Nick Perry
LCB: Casey Hayward
RCB: Tramon Williams
FS: M.D. Jennings
SS: Morgan Burnett

Defensive Overview: Draft-weekend trade rumors surrounding Bishop were surprising. Beyond All-Pro Matthews, Bishop is arguably the best player on Green Bay's defense when healthy, and his return should provide a major lift. The Packers would be better off moving on from Hawk if they're so keen on starting Brad Jones. Since their Super Bowl win three years ago, the Packers' defense has been a liability, and I'm not convinced talent is the culprit. It certainly shouldn't be with Perry and Bishop back healthy, Hayward having quietly emerged as a top-shelf NFL cornerback, and stud first-rounder Jones added to the defensive line. In all likelihood, 2013 will be coordinator Dom Capers' final season in Green Bay if he doesn't turn his defense around.

5. New England Patriots

QB: Tom Brady
RB: Stevan Ridley
WR: Danny Amendola*
WR: Aaron Dobson*
TE: Rob Gronkowski
TE: Aaron Hernandez
LT: Nate Solder
LG: Logan Mankins
C: Ryan Wendell
RG: Marcus Cannon
RT: Sebastian Vollmer

Offensive Overview: Virtually unstoppable offense is still carrying New England's roster ranking. Even if the wide receiver corps isn't upper echelon, the running game, tight end duo, and quarterback atone for deficiencies out wide. The Patriots' offensive line is the best in the business with pass-protection extraordinaire Vollmer returning and Cannon likely to unseat Dan Connolly at right guard. Assuming his health cooperates, Amendola may prove an upgrade on Wes Welker with superior hands, big-play ability, and diversity in his routes. Whereas Welker has dropped 9.4 percent of his targets since 2010, Amendola has dropped just 3.7 percent. X receiver will come down to a hard fought training camp battle. Sure-handed rookie Dobson, TCU speedster Josh Boyce, and free-agent pickup Donald Jones will all get extended looks. If none of them pans out, incumbent X Brandon Lloyd remains available in free agency and figures to stay there into July.

RE: Chandler Jones
LE: Rob Ninkovich
DT: Vince Wilfork
DT: Kyle Love
MLB: Brandon Spikes
WLB: Jerod Mayo
SLB: Dont'a Hightower
LCB: Aqib Talib
RCB: Alfonzo Dennard
FS: Devin McCourty
SS: Adrian Wilson*

Defensive Overview: The Pats traded out of the 29th pick and came away with some solid prospects, improving the bottom third of their roster and special teams. The most disappointing aspect of their draft was a failure to secure any surefire first-season contributors. Dobson has a chance on offense, but 'tweener outside rusher Jamie Collins looks like a longshot for immediate impact. The Patriots return 11 starters from last year's No. 25 defense, which isn't necessarily a good thing. Bill Belichick should think long and hard about ponying up for free agent John Abraham.

6. Baltimore Ravens

QB: Joe Flacco
RB: Ray Rice
WR: Torrey Smith
WR: Jacoby Jones
TE: Dennis Pitta

TE: Ed Dickson
LT: Bryant McKinnie
LG: Kelechi Osemele
C: Gino Gradkowski
RG: Marshal Yanda
RT: Michael Oher

Offensive Overview: Flacco's stats over Baltimore's final eight games: 138-of-231 passing (60 percent) for 1,919 yards (8.31 YPA), 18 touchdowns, and two picks. Spread across 16, that's a Brady-like 32:4 TD-to-INT ratio. It's no coincidence those numbers coincided with ex-playcaller Cam Cameron's firing. The Ravens are banking -- literally -- on $120.6-million man Flacco taking off in his first full season under new coordinator Jim Caldwell. Flacco is complemented by one of the league's premier 1-2 punch backfields in Rice-Bernard Pierce. Pitta will assume a larger pass-catching role with Anquan Boldin gone to San Francisco. With McKinnie back, Osemele drops down to left guard, where he has long-term All-Pro potential. The lone remaining concern is No. 2 receiver. The Ravens will audition Jones, Tandon Doss, Aaron Mellette, and Tommy Streeter, and if none of them is up to the task, GM Ozzie Newsome usually has something up his sleeve.

LE: Chris Canty*
RE: Arthur Jones
NT: Haloti Ngata
ILB: Jameel McClain
ILB: Arthur Brown*
OLB: Terrell Suggs
OLB: Elvis Dumervil*
LCB: Lardarius Webb
RCB: Jimmy Smith
FS: Michael Huff*
SS: Matt Elam*

Defensive Overview: The early-offseason departures of Cary Williams, Paul Kruger, Ed Reed, and Dannell Ellerbe were grossly overblown. Newsome has upgrades lined up on Kruger (Dumervil) and Williams (Webb), and the Huff-Elam safety combo can be every bit as effective as Reed-Bernard Pollard. Reed isn't the game-changing free safety he once was, and Elam gives coordinator Dean Pees more options than Pollard due to superior coverage skills, particularly in the slot. Ray Lewis' presence may be missed, but the same can't be said for his on-field performance. He retired at the right time. In Dumervil and Suggs, Baltimore will trot out its finest edge-rush tandem since Suggs was bookended by Adalius Thomas. Opposing offensive lines will struggle mightily to move Canty, Jones, and Ngata in the running game. In Webb, Baltimore gets its top cover man back. There's every reason to think this defense will be better than last year's 17th-ranked unit, probably by a lot.

7. Washington Redskins

QB: Robert Griffin III
RB: Alfred Morris
FB: Darrel Young
WR: Pierre Garcon
WR: Josh Morgan
TE: Fred Davis
LT: Trent Williams
LG: Kory Lichtensteiger
C: Will Montgomery
RG: Chris Chester
RT: Tyler Polumbus

Offensive Overview: Assuming Griffin's right knee is play-ready by Week 1 -- and this ranking assumes that -- Washington returns 11-of-11 starters from the NFL's No. 5 offense. The Skins were a bit offensively passive in the draft, adding only undersized situational tight end Jordan Reed and two rookie tailbacks who'll vie for roster spots. The biggest lifts on this side of the ball should come from Garcon and Davis, who both return from debilitating injuries. Garcon plays X receiver in the Shanahans' offense, manned by Andre Johnson under Kyle in Houston and Brandon Marshall, Rod Smith, and Javon Walker on Mike's Denver teams. It is the most critical position in the Shanny passing attack, and Garcon was highly productive when he played last season. Camp battles will take place at Z receiver between Morgan and 2012 disappointment Leonard Hankerson, right tackle between Polumbus and Tom Compton, and No. 2 running back.

RE: Stephen Bowen
LE: Jarvis Jenkins
NT: Barry Cofield
ILB: London Fletcher
ILB: Perry Riley
OLB: Brian Orakpo
OLB: Ryan Kerrigan
LCB: DeAngelo Hall
RCB: Josh Wilson
FS: Phillip Thomas*
SS: Brandon Meriweather

Defensive Overview: Washington played top-five run defense in 2012, but got shredded by the pass after losing edge-rushing linchpin Orakpo to his second left pectoral tear in as many seasons. Only the Saints and Bucs allowed more passing yards, and only the Eagles coughed up more TD passes. Orakpo's return provides a huge boost, giving Washington two legit double-digit sack threats, playing across from Kerrigan. While great pass rush can mask secondary flaws, the Skins still have one of the shakiest back fours in football. As a starting tandem, Hall and Wilson are below average. A rookie (Thomas or Bacarri Rambo) will likely end up starting at free safety, and Meriweather is coming off a torn ACL. Second-round pick David Amerson, who was burned relentlessly for vertical touchdown bombs in the ACC last season, is penciled in at nickel back.

8. Chicago Bears

QB: Jay Cutler
RB: Matt Forte
WR: Brandon Marshall
WR: Alshon Jeffery
WR: Earl Bennett
TE: Martellus Bennett*
LT: Jermon Bushrod*
LG: Kyle Long*
C: Roberto Garza
RG: Gabe Carimi
RT: J'Marcus Webb

Offensive Overview: Chicago is gearing up to play pass-first offense under rookie coach Marc Trestman, and approached the offseason accordingly. Although not an elite tackle, Bushrod finally gives the Bears credibility on Cutler's blindside, while 6-foot-6, 313-pound first-rounder Long is a dancing bear at left guard. The other three line positions should be up for grabs between the trio penciled in here, guard Matt Slauson, swingmen Eben Britton and James Brown, and tackle Jonathan Scott. The line remains suspect, but should still be the best of Cutler's Bears career. His weaponry certainly is. Marshall is an All-Pro in the thick of his prime. Bennett is arguably the most underrated all-around tight end in football and will be a difference maker both as a blocker and red-zone threat. 2012 second-round pick Jeffery is a wildcard with big upside if Trestman can instill in Cutler a willingness to work through his progressions. That'll be a big deal for the Bears.

RE: Julius Peppers
LE: Corey Wootton
DT: Henry Melton
DT: Stephen Paea
MLB: Jon Bostic*
WLB: Lance Briggs
SLB: D.J. Williams*
RCB: Charles Tillman
LCB: Tim Jennings
FS: Chris Conte
SS: Major Wright

Defensive Overview: Like Ray Lewis in Baltimore, Brian Urlacher's departure may hurt in the leadership department but will be addition by subtraction on the field. Playing on two balky knees, Urlacher was nothing short of a stiff in 2012, getting feasted on by opponents particularly in pass coverage. It was time to turn the page. The Bears will keep their Cover-2 base intact under new coordinator Mel Tucker and are armed with ample talent to equal last year's top-five finish on defense. They'll definitely be faster to the ball at the second level. In the nickel, Paea will leave the field in favor of a four-man front consisting of Peppers, up-and-comer Wootton, three-technique Melton, and 2012 first-round pick Shea McClellin. They'll be in the hunt to lead the NFL in sacks.

9. Atlanta Falcons

QB: Matt Ryan
RB: Steven Jackson*
FB: Bradie Ewing
WR: Julio Jones
WR: Roddy White
TE: Tony Gonzalez
LT: Sam Baker
LG: Justin Blalock
C: Peter Konz
RG: Garrett Reynolds
RT: Lamar Holmes

Offensive Overview: An in-flux line will be Atlanta's biggest question mark entering camp. The skill-player corps is truly elite as Ryan and Jones return from career-best years while ageless White and Gonzalez enter their age-32 and 37 seasons still playing at very high levels. Although Jackson's yards-per-carry averages and touchdown totals were largely pedestrian in recent years with the Rams, he's never played in an offense as high powered as this. S-Jax adds physicality and burst to a Falcons backfield that lacked the latter entirely in 2012. It's no surprise predecessor Michael Turner has generated zero free-agent interest. To say he was running on fumes would be generous. Line play is a potential roadblock, but if the Falcons get even serviceable run and pass blocking their offense can be as good as any. They can now beat defenses in a variety of ways.

RE: Osi Umenyiora*
LE: Kroy Biermann
DT: Jonathan Babineaux
DT: Corey Peters
MLB: Akeem Dent
WLB: Sean Weatherspoon
SLB: Stephen Nicholas
LCB: Asante Samuel
RCB: Desmond Trufant*
FS: Thomas DeCoud
SS: William Moore

Defensive Overview: The 2012 Falcons ranked eighth in offense and 24th in defense. The former has improved but the latter could continue to be Atlanta's Achilles' heel. Umenyiora was a worthwhile addition, but represents a pass-rush downgrade from outgoing John Abraham. If Abraham is willing, GM Thomas Dimitroff would be smart to strongly consider begging him back to book end Osi. The rest of the Falcons' front seven is mediocre, and will rely on Mike Nolan's scheming to put pressure on quarterbacks. Samuel is still going strong at age 32 and Atlanta's safety play is among the finest in football, but they're putting an awful lot on Trufant's plate. As a right cornerback in the NFC South, he will regularly draw Vincent Jackson, Steve Smith, and Marques Colston in pass coverage. Samuel never moves off his left corner island.

10. Indianapolis Colts

QB: Andrew Luck
RB: Vick Ballard
WR: Reggie Wayne
WR: T.Y. Hilton
TE: Dwayne Allen
TE: Coby Fleener
LT: Anthony Castonzo
LG: Hugh Thornton*
C: Samson Satele
RG: Donald Thomas*
RT: Gosder Cherilus*

Offensive Overview: GM Ryan Grigson attacked Luck's line in free agency and the draft, continuing to assemble one of the NFL's top young offenses. At 6-foot-3, 320 with 34-inch arms, Thornton is a plug-and-play left guard out of Illinois. Thomas and Cherilus shore up a right side that regrettably trotted out Mike McGlynn, Jeff Linkenbach, and Winston Justice last season. It's a good sign for Indy's long-term outlook that Grigson showed such urgency to upgrade after identifying those liabilities. Under new coordinator Pep Hamilton, the Colts will play West Coast offense with regular two-tight end packages. Hilton will be the field stretcher while Wayne relies on crisp route running to get open on the first and second levels. Luck is a lock to be more efficient in terms of completion rate and passer rating in Hamilton's system. The Colts' offensive weak spot is still tailback, where Ballard can get what's blocked and pass protect but does not create on his own.

LE: Cory Redding
RE: Ricky Jean-Francois*
NT: Josh Chapman
ILB: Jerrell Freeman
ILB: Kavell Conner
OLB: Robert Mathis
OLB: Bjoern Werner*
RCB: Vontae Davis
LCB: Greg Toler*
FS: Antoine Bethea
SS: LaRon Landry*

Defensive Overview: Defense was the Colts' 2012 downfall, ranking 26th in yards allowed and 29th versus the run. Most memorably -- and most embarrassingly -- Indy was shredded for 232 yards and three touchdowns by Shonn Greene and Joe McKnight on 35 carries (6.63 YPC) in a Week 6 loss to the lowly Jets. Greene is now a backup in Tennessee, while McKnight is a third- or fourth-stringer in New York. Grigson upgraded his defense's physicality by signing Landry and Jean-Francois, and a competitive bookend for Davis in underrated Toler. Big things are expected of 2012 fifth-round pick Josh Chapman, an early-round talent who fell in the draft due to college injuries. He's healthy now. Although not quite elite, Chuck Pagano's pass rush should improve with first-rounder Werner playing opposite Mathis, and Erik Walden working in as a rotational rusher. This defense is not going to be great, but should be quite a bit better than last year's.

11. New York Giants

QB: Eli Manning
RB: David Wilson
FB: Henry Hynoski
WR: Hakeem Nicks
WR: Victor Cruz
TE: Brandon Myers*
LT: Will Beatty
LG: Justin Pugh*
C: David Baas
RG: Chris Snee
RT: James Brewer

Offensive Overview: It's also possible first-rounder Pugh winds up at right tackle with Kevin Boothe at left guard. The starters will be sorted out in camp, but New York's offensive line looks deeper than it's ever been during coach Tom Coughlin's tenure. Understandably so due to his explosive and physical running ability, the Giants are putting great faith in 2012 first-rounder Wilson to be their new bellcow back, letting Ahmad Bradshaw wallow in free agency and adding only seventh-round flier Michael Cox in the draft. While Wilson upgrades New York's big-play potential, Nicks' scoped left knee and Cruz's contract stalemate are the two biggest concerns for this offense. Cruz is likely to cave, but the G-Men need a healthy Nicks to execute Kevin Gilbride's vertical passing attack. As Gilbride's X-iso receiver, Nicks is the most critical player in the system.

LE: Justin Tuck
RE: Jason Pierre-Paul
DT: Linval Joseph
DT: Cullen Jenkins*
MLB: Mark Herzlich
WLB: Jacquian Williams
SLB: Keith Rivers
LCB: Corey Webster
RCB: Prince Amukamara
FS: Stevie Brown
SS: Antrel Rolle

Defensive Overview: Giants coordinator Perry Fewell is lucky to still have a job after his unit's ranking plummeted to 31st in 2012, ahead of only the historically porous Saints. The G-Men ranked sixth in total defense the year before. In fairness to Fewell, many veteran starters fell off a cliff simultaneously. Unfortunately for Fewell as it pertains to 2013, the Giants are counting on several (Tuck, Webster, Mathias Kiwanuka) for bounce-back years. Draft picks used on second-round tackle Johnathan Hankins and third-round end Damontre Moore infuse talented youth onto the second-team defense, but the first string appears no better than above average on paper. All three linebacker positions are concerning. Left and slot cornerback should be open to competition.

12. Houston Texans

QB: Matt Schaub
RB: Arian Foster
FB: Greg Jones*
WR: Andre Johnson
WR: DeAndre Hopkins*
TE: Owen Daniels
LT: Duane Brown
LG: Wade Smith
C: Chris Myers
RG: Ben Jones
RT: Derek Newton

Offensive Overview: The offensive skill-player corps looks solidified with Hopkins added at Z receiver. The Texans still have major question marks on the right side of their line, where run blocking was a serious 2012 problem. Newton is recovering from patellar tendon surgery, and third-rounder Brennan Williams would almost certainly be stretched as a rookie starter. Although Houston has stockpiled competent depth in Ben Tate and UDFA steals Cierre Wood and Ray Graham, Foster's mounting workloads are an increasing concern. No NFL player has touched the ball more over the past three seasons. That's going to catch up to Foster at some point, probably sooner rather than later. Schaub is 32 years old and showing signs of decline. Johnson isn't, but he's 32 too with a closing window. All in all, this is a middling to slightly above-average offense.

LE: J.J. Watt
RE: Antonio Smith
NT: Earl Mitchell
ILB: Brian Cushing
ILB: Darryl Sharpton
OLB: Whitney Mercilus
OLB: Brooks Reed
LCB: Johnathan Joseph
RCB: Kareem Jackson
FS: Ed Reed*
SS: Danieal Manning

Defensive Overview: Internally, the Texans fumed when Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome leapfrogged them to select Arthur Brown with the 56th pick. Houston GM Rick Smith settled for third safety D.J. Swearinger at No. 57. Defense remains this club's strong suit with All-World Watt as the anchor, and Pro Bowlers Cushing and Joseph back healthy. The Texans will experience no slippage replacing Connor Barwin with Mercilus and Reed. Overrated and ultimately overpaid, Barwin had generated just three sacks across his previous 21 games. Reed and Manning are going on 35 and 31 respectively, but can form a rangy, ballhawking safety duo assuming Reed's surgically repaired hip cooperates. If not, rookie Swearinger will be forced into a starting role. Sharpton and Mitchell can be serviceable if average starters. This defense lacks glaring liabilities.

13. New Orleans Saints

QB: Drew Brees
RB: Darren Sproles
WR: Marques Colston
WR: Lance Moore
WR: Joe Morgan
TE: Jimmy Graham
LT: Charles Brown
LG: Ben Grubbs
C: Brian De La Puente
RG: Jahri Evans
RT: Zach Strief

Offensive Overview: New Orleans' biggest camp battle will take place at left tackle, where the Saints aren't sold on 2010 second-rounder Brown and rookie Terron Armstead will compete. In the past, the Saints have gotten away with average left tackle play due to Brees' lightning-quick decision making and release. This offense should be as explosive as ever with Sean Payton back from his Bounty Scandal suspension. Perhaps an even bigger plus will be Graham's return at full strength, after ankle and wrist injuries contributed to last year's career-worst 15 drops. Sproles also missed three games with a fluke in-practice hand injury. As Payton intends to pursue offensive balance, the Saints may lean on Mark Ingram more. Ingram quietly racked up 468 yards and four touchdowns on 109 carries (4.29 YPC) over last season's final nine games. Ingram has been a disappointment thus far in his career, but he's not remotely the bust some have portrayed.

LE: Akiem Hicks
RE: Cameron Jordan
NT: Brodrick Bunkley
ILB: Curtis Lofton
ILB: Jonathan Vilma
OLB: Victor Butler*
OLB: Junior Galette
LCB: Jabari Greer
RCB: Keenan Lewis*
FS: Kenny Vaccaro*
SS: Malcolm Jenkins

Defensive Overview: Transitioning from Steve Spagnuolo's 4-3 to Rob Ryan's 3-4, the Saints have jobs to sort out at every defensive level. Jordan and Hicks are probable starters, but not necessarily at the positions they're projected here. Declining Vilma will be pushed hard by two-down thumper David Hawthorne. Will Smith and Martez Wilson will challenge Butler and Galette for rush 'backer snaps. 31-year-old Greer will have nothing handed to him by Ryan, and the safety spots are subject to change. Vaccaro is a good enough cover guy to play slot corner in the nickel, with Jenkins and Roman Harper back deep. The Saints' defense was abominable under Spags, due largely to an inability to pressure quarterbacks. Fixing the pass rush must be Ryan's priority.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

QB: Josh Freeman
RB: Doug Martin
FB: Brian Leonard
WR: Vincent Jackson
WR: Mike Williams
TE: Luke Stocker
LT: Donald Penn
LG: Carl Nicks
C: Jeremy Zuttah
RG: Davin Joseph
RT: Demar Dotson

Offensive Overview: Martin's rookie season was impressive by any measure, but keep in mind he lost road-grader Joseph to a torn left patellar tendon in the preseason and All-Pro Nicks to a year-ending toe injury in Week 7. They're both back healthy now, reenergizing what could be a top-two or three power run game. With a potentially dominant ground attack and receivers who win vertically in V-Jax and Williams, the Buccaneers would rank higher on this list if Freeman's ball placement wasn't so scattershot and his performance so maddeningly inconsistent. He has a tendency lose confidence and tank for long stretches. The Bucs' management and coaching staff have acknowledged their long-term concerns with Freeman by letting him enter a contract year without an extension and drafting big-armed NC State passer Mike Glennon with the No. 73 pick. If Tampa Bay is going to take a step forward offensively, it will have to be because of Freeman.

RE: Adrian Clayborn
LE: Da'Quan Bowers
DT: Gerald McCoy
DT: Akeem Spence*
MLB: Mason Foster
WLB: Lavonte David
SLB: Jonathan Casillas*
LCB: Darrelle Revis*
RCB: Eric Wright
FS: Dashon Goldson*
SS: Mark Barron

Defensive Overview: I went through every NFL roster and offseason addition and concluded the Bucs have the most improved defense in football. The Revis acquisition will mask a suspect front four because of the Island Factor, where Revis covers No. 1 receivers one-on-one while Wright, Johnthan Banks, or Leonard Johnson -- whoever wins the right corner job -- draws opposing No. 2s with constant safety help. This will result in increased sacks, give coordinator Bill Sheridan more blitz options, and decrease enemy quarterbacks' efficiency. The Buccaneers aren't quite elite yet -- question marks abound at defensive end, nose tackle, strong-side linebacker, and the other cornerback position -- but Revis alone can morph this defense from bad to quite good.

15. Minnesota Vikings

QB: Christian Ponder
RB: Adrian Peterson
FB: Jerome Felton
WR: Greg Jennings*
WR: Cordarrelle Patterson*
TE: Kyle Rudolph
LT: Matt Kalil
LG: Charlie Johnson
C: John Sullivan
RG: Brandon Fusco
RT: Phil Loadholt

Offensive Overview: Patterson won't be handed the X receiver job, but I penciled in the rookie because it would be a major disappointment if he didn't wind up playing more snaps than incumbent Jerome Simpson. Peterson, Felton, Jennings, Rudolph, Kalil, Sullivan, and Loadholt are all quality to elite NFL starters and the calling cards of Minnesota's offense. In order for the Vikings to crack the top 10-12, they'll need Ponder to join that group. With all five offensive line starters back and gobs of talent added to the receiver corps, Ponder's supporting cast isn't an excuse. Another concern is Minnesota's shaky depth. They're a Ponder injury from starting Matt Cassel, and a Peterson injury from Toby Gerhart. Either would be a crippling blow to this unit.

RE: Jared Allen
LE: Brian Robison
DT: Kevin Williams
DT: Sharrif Floyd*
MLB: Erin Henderson
SLB: Chad Greenway
WLB: Gerald Hodges*
LCB: Chris Cook
RCB: Xavier Rhodes*
FS: Harrison Smith
SS: Jamarca Sanford

Defensive Overview: The additions of Floyd and DE Lawrence Jackson give Minnesota impressive up-front depth and rotation possibilities that could keep the starters fresh and make all of the members more effective. The Vikings boast one of the NFL's top front fours. Floyd is written in as a starter here, but he and Williams actually play the same three-technique position. Letroy Guion may continue to start on the nose, but I anticipate Floyd and Williams playing the most snaps. The big camp battle will take place at middle linebacker, where Henderson is preparing to play but may give way to Audie Cole if Cole has a big August. The Vikings look imposing on the backend. Cook (6'2/212) and Rhodes (6'2/210) are massive, long-armed cornerbacks, and neither is speed deficient. As a rookie, Smith flashed upside to emerge as one of the better safeties in the league.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers

QB: Ben Roethlisberger
RB: Le'Veon Bell*
WR: Antonio Brown
WR: Emmanuel Sanders
WR: Jerricho Cotchery
TE: Heath Miller
LT: Marcus Gilbert
LG: Ramon Foster
C: Maurkice Pouncey
RG: David DeCastro
RT: Mike Adams

Offensive Overview: The pass-catching lineup here is conservatively projected. There's every chance speedster rookie Markus Wheaton unseats aging veteran Cotchery at third receiver, adding a spark to Big Ben's weaponry. Todd Haley's offense is famously easy for newcomers to learn, so Wheaton could catch on fast. Miller is unlikely to be season-ready coming off multiple knee ligament tears. His backups include David Paulson, ex-fullback David Johnson, and blocker Matt Spaeth. So the Steelers are likely to open the year without a receiving threat at tight end. Although Bell's run talent is average, he is excellent in the passing game as both a blocker and checkdown receiver. He'll upgrade on Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman. A sleeper for 100-plus catches, Brown will likely be the featured player in Haley's pass-first, completion-friendly attack. The line looks young and talented but inexperienced. Gilbert is playing left tackle for the first time. DeCastro is coming off an injury-plagued rookie year. Adams was highly inconsistent in 2012.

LE: Ziggy Hood
RE: Brett Keisel
NT: Steve McLendon
ILB: Lawrence Timmons
ILB: Larry Foote
OLB: LaMarr Woodley
OLB: Jarvis Jones*
RCB: Ike Taylor
LCB: Cortez Allen
FS: Ryan Clark
SS: Troy Polamalu

Defensive Overview: Pittsburgh's shortage of proven offensive playmakers is a much bigger concern than Dick LeBeau's defense. Even with the departures of James Harrison, Casey Hampton, and Keenan Lewis, this will be a stout run-defending group that keeps opposing pass games contained. Timmons plays fast and physical in the middle and has developed into the heart and soul of Pittsburgh's front seven. Woodley is coming off a career-worst year, but can combine with Jones to give the Steelers persistent outside-edge rush on par with any 3-4 team in the league. Taylor remains a borderline shutdown corner at age 33 -- just ask A.J. Green -- while Allen can be every bit as good as Lewis on the left side. Safety starters Clark, 33, and Polamalu, 32, are aging, but Pittsburgh can now back them up with impressive rookie Shamarko Thomas.

17. Cincinnati Bengals

QB: Andy Dalton
RB: Giovani Bernard*
WR: A.J. Green
WR: Mohamed Sanu
TE: Jermaine Gresham
TE: Tyler Eifert*
LT: Andrew Whitworth
LG: Clint Boling
C: Kyle Cook
RG: Kevin Zeitler
RT: Andre Smith

Offensive Overview: The additions of Bernard and Eifert and healthy return of Sanu give coordinator Jay Gruden the enticing option of opening up his offense and scheming more aggressive, pass-oriented football. Will he, and does he think modest-armed Dalton is capable of playing that way? Through two seasons, Dalton has largely been utilized as a game manager, and his performance has regressed in back-to-back years as the seasons have progressed. He's not getting better. Look for Gresham to spend more time on the line blocking while Eifert becomes the flex or "move" tight end, creating mismatches in the slot and outside. Green is arguably a top-two receiver in football, and Cincinnati's offensive line is right up there with the best in the league. If the Bengals are ever going to get over the one-and-done playoff hump, though, they'll need more from Dalton. It's also possible Dalton's limited physical talent will continue to hold this club back.

LE: Carlos Dunlap
RE: Michael Johnson
DT: Geno Atkins
DT: Domata Peko
MLB: Rey Maualuga
WLB: Vontaze Burfict
SLB: James Harrison*
RCB: Leon Hall
LCB: Terence Newman*
FS: Taylor Mays
SS: Reggie Nelson

Defensive Overview: Cincinnati's secondary is average and Maualuga is a liability at middle linebacker, but this is a top-ten defense because the front four is ferocious. Atkins is the best three-technique tackle in football. Via the franchise tag, the Bengals are smartly keeping Johnson in another contract year after his breakout 2012 season in the final year of his rookie deal. Peko is a passable nose and Dunlap is talented enough to take over games, if he could ever stay healthy consistently. On passing downs, look for Dunlap or Johnson to kick inside with Harrison dropping to end. Mike Zimmer's defense can bring an enormous amount of pressure, which makes life much easier on Cincinnati's defensive backs. Camp battles will take place at free safety and left corner. Newman will be pushed hard by 2012 first-rounder Dre Kirkpatrick.

18. Miami Dolphins

QB: Ryan Tannehill
RB: Lamar Miller
FB: Jorvorskie Lane
WR: Mike Wallace*
WR: Brian Hartline
TE: Dustin Keller*
LT: Jonathan Martin
LG: Richie Incognito
C: Mike Pouncey
RG: Lance Louis*
RT: Tyson Clabo*

Offensive Overview: The Dolphins did well to upgrade Tannehill's pass-catching corps with weapons like Wallace and Keller who can create separation from defensive backs. Miami did not have that last year. The biggest remaining concern is line play, where at least three positions are unsettled. Martin's rookie-year performance was indicative of a player that should be vying simply to keep his starting job, not sliding from right tackle to his young franchise quarterback's blindside. Louis is coming off a late-season ACL tear. Going on age 32, Clabo is a late-career power blocker the Dolphins will attempt to shoehorn into their zone-blocking scheme. Incognito is another misfit power blocker. Theoretically, the Fins have enough pieces in place to field a somewhat explosive offense. Whether they have opportunities to play in space and Tannehill receives time to throw deep to Wallace will depend on a front five littered with question marks.

LE: Cameron Wake
RE: Dion Jordan*
DT: Paul Soliai
DT: Randy Starks
MLB: Dannell Ellerbe*
WLB: Philip Wheeler*
SLB: Koa Misi
LCB: Brent Grimes*
RCB: Jamar Taylor*
FS: Chris Clemons
SS: Reshad Jones

Defensive Overview: For the past two years, the Dolphins have played stingy run defense while struggling versus the pass. GM Jeff Ireland took steps to fix the latter by trading up to draft versatile edge presence Jordan, picking Taylor in the second round, and signing onetime Falcons top corner Grimes. Jordan needs a lot of technique work as an outside rusher. Taylor faces a huge jump in competition coming from Boise State, and Grimes is trying to come back from an Achilles' tear. Predecessors Kevin Burnett and Karlos Dansby were excellent run defenders, so the Ellerbe and Wheeler additions did little more than make the team younger at linebacker while pouring guaranteed money onto Miami's future salary cap. Ellerbe is poor in pass coverage. This defense should be a bit better this season, but not by much unless Jordan makes a major rookie-year impact and Grimes rediscovers pre-injury form, which may be a long shot.

19. Kansas City Chiefs

QB: Alex Smith*
RB: Jamaal Charles
WR: Dwayne Bowe
WR: Donnie Avery*
TE: Anthony Fasano*
TE: Travis Kelce*
LT: Branden Albert
LG: Jeff Allen
C: Rodney Hudson
RG: Jon Asamoah
RT: Eric Fisher*

Offensive Overview: After failing to land their desired second-round pick for Albert during the draft, the Chiefs would be smart to hang tight and field a robust 2013 offensive line. Smith has never been effective with sub-par pass protection, and Andy Reid is a pass-first coach. On the whole, this first-team offense looks adequate to good. Bowe is a dangerous short to intermediate threat and legit No. 1 NFL receiver. Avery should be pushed by Dexter McCluster and 2011 first-rounder Jon Baldwin for snaps. Impressive rookie Kelce shouldn't struggle to bypass incumbent Tony Moeaki quickly on the depth chart, earning a permanent place across from Fasano in all two-tight end packages. Charles and Bowe will be the centerpieces of an offense that looks to minimize poor decisions and turnovers. The goal will be efficiency, with some big plays mixed in.

LE: Mike DeVito*
RE: Tyson Jackson
NT: Dontari Poe
ILB: Derrick Johnson
ILB: Akeem Jordan
OLB: Tamba Hali
OLB: Justin Houston
LCB: Brandon Flowers
RCB: Sean Smith*
FS: Kendrick Lewis
SS: Eric Berry

Defensive Overview: The strengths of Kansas City's defense are at outside rusher with Houston and Hali, and now in the back four with Smith and Dunta Robinson added to Flowers and Berry. Under new playcaller Bob Sutton, the Chiefs will play press coverage and be "multiple" with their fronts. Sutton comes from the Rex Ryan coaching tree. While the backend play projects to improve -- probably by a lot -- this unit could be susceptible to the run. Inside linebacker next to Johnson is open to competition between underwhelming ex-Eagle Jordan and fourth-rounder Nico Johnson. DeVito is a lunch-pail run stuffer, but the same can't be said for Jackson or Poe. Poe was a huge project as a rookie and gained lots of valuable experience, but largely struggled. His development will go a long way toward determining whether the Chiefs can contain run games.

20. St. Louis Rams

QB: Sam Bradford
RB: Isaiah Pead
WR: Tavon Austin*
WR: Brian Quick
WR: Chris Givens
TE: Jared Cook*
LT: Jake Long*
LG: Rokevious Watkins
C: Scott Wells
RG: Harvey Dahl
RT: Rodger Saffold

Offensive Overview: Austin is the guy everyone is talking about after the draft, and with good reason. The offseason addition St. Louis people should be really excited about is Cook. I'll have an article on it soon, but I went back and watched each of Cook's 2012 targets and he made Tennessee's bad quarterbacks look good on the regular. He's a better player than I thought. The only real offensive line question mark at this point is left guard, as the Long signing shored up two positions by kicking Saffold to right tackle, upgrading on Barry Richardson. Rams tailback will be one of the most hotly contested camp battles this August. I'm giving the early edge to Pead, with Daryl Richardson and rookie Zac Stacy in the mix. It's put-up or shut-up time for Bradford, who is now surrounded by the best supporting cast and pass protection of his thus-far pedestrian career.

LE: Chris Long
RE: Robert Quinn
DT: Michael Brockers
DT: Kendall Langford
MLB: James Laurinaitis
WLB: Alec Ogletree*
SLB: Jo-Lonn Dunbar
LCB: Janoris Jenkins
RCB: Cortland Finnegan
FS: Darian Stewart
SS: T.J. McDonald*

Defensive Overview: So far, the Rams have turned the compensation they received in the 2012 RG3 trade into Brockers, Jenkins, Isaiah Pead, Rokevious Watkins, Ogletree, Stedman Bailey, and Zac Stacy, and still have Washington's 2014 first-round pick to use. Both sides are winners, but GM Les Snead des

Source: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/43199/59/post-draft-nfl-lineup-rankings

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