In this article, I name my offense.

QB: Kyle Orton, Jason Campbell, A.J. Feeley

I do not care what the compensation would be to Denver, Orton is the best quarterback on this list. He can manage a game for you with very little surrounding talent, and Campbell could push him for the starting job—we can't really know what he can do given what he has had to work with.

Feeley is a very solid back-up, and should the top two guys get hurt, I would feel this team could still win.

RB: Thomas Jones, Darren Sproles, Chester Taylor

Jones was last in the league in yards after contact, but is still a bona fide starting running back.

Sproles is small but a good change of pace, while Taylor is coming off an unimpressive year and has already hit the 1,000-carry and 30-year old milestones, but knows the third-down role well.

This would be arguably the best three-man rotation in the league.

FB: Tony Richardson, Justin Griffin

Richardson is one of the best fullbacks of the free agency era, and can lead the way for the team and the back following him into holes, even though he is well past his prime.

Griffin is a solid blocking fullback, but not especially impressive as a receiver or runner.

TE: Ben Watson, Randy McMichael, Brandon Manumaleuna

Watson is a genuine threat the opposition would have to game plan for, and McMichael is a solid target in the passing game.

Manumaleuna is little more than a blocking tight end, but he is a good one.

WR: Derrick Mason, Nate Burleson, Mushin Muhammed, Antonio Bryant, Torry Holt

Mason is a legitimate starting wide receiver, but a marginal top target.

Burleson, Muhammed, and Bryant are really more appropriate choices for a third receiver, but would at least give a team depth at the position.

While there is no doubt in my mind that Terrell Owens is better than all of them, between his drops and his destructive presence, no team without a top quarterback should sign him at his age.

Torry Holt has no such problems and would be a great fifth receiver.

OT: Mike Gandy, Mark Tauscher, Chad Clifton, Barry Sims

Gandy is good enough to protect his quarterback’s backside, and Tauscher can do on the right side if he can hold up.

If not, Clifton is capable of filling in on either side, and would be good enough if not forced to make it through an entire season.

Sims is not worthy of a starting role, but is a quality backup.

OG: Bobby Williams, Stephen Neal, Artis Hicks

I make no pretenses about knowing the top two players well, but they are ranked among the top 40 free agents available this year by Pat Kirwan of ESPN.com. Both also played for decent lines: Williams with the successful running Bengals and Neal with a line that protected an immobile QB reasonably well.

Hicks looked as good as the overrated starters he replaced when I saw him play with Minnesota, making him a very solid backup.

C: Kevin Mawae, Casey Rabach

Mawae is aging, but has been among the league’s best centers for most of his career. Rabach has been solid, and was an absolute beast with the Wisconsin Badgers—he can start somewhere, but on this all free agent team would be the first interior lineman off the bench.

K: Jay Feeley

Neil Rackers is probably a better kicker, but Feeley has been in more big games and has had success there, plus can punt in the event of an injury.

P: Hunter Smith

Smith is a good punter who has a good average per punt, net average, and can pin teams deep. He also can handle kickoff for the lesser-legged Feeley, as well as other duties in a pinch.

Overall, the Crusader’s offense would be incredibly deep but lack many Pro Bowl players; no matter with the defense giving them short fields and low scores to top. This makes a game manager the ideal quarterback, especially since the Crusaders would run the ball well, using that to set up play-action.

However, the receivers’ strength would come from spread sets that utilize the unit’s depth, and that does not play to the strength of the rest of the offense since quarterback is the weakest position. Protection would be very good but a bit fragile on the outside.

Special teams would be a question for a team made up of players not used to those roles, but the athletic ability would be there for success and the kicking game would be solid. However, the defense could carry both special teams and a mediocre-at-best passing attack.

In fact, I would expect to go 19-0 and shut Mercury Morris up once and for all!

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

But one player stands above the rest: QB Braxton Miller of Huber Heights Wayne High School near Cincinnati.

Miller is the consensus No. 1 player in Ohio and a top-five recruit according to most recruiting sites.

In addition, Miller may be the best dual-threat QB to come out of Ohio in some time.

He started at Wayne his freshman season and instantly became a stud at the top level of Ohio high school football, something rarely seen with the type of talent the Buckeye state has to offer.

Miller stands at 6'2'' and under 200 lbs, yet already has clocked a sub-4.5 second time in the 40-yard dash. Needless to say, these are great numbers for a high school junior.

He already has offers from many of the top schools, including Florida and USC.

But some experts feel one school needs him more than the others, and that is of the local Buckeyes.

Huber Heights is about a 40 minute drive from Columbus, so Miller is very aware of Ohio State and has been recruited for some time.

Even more pivotal is the friendship Miller has with Springfield (Ohio) OLB Trey DePriest, another five-star player according to scout.com.

One has to believe that if Miller commits early enough to OSU, DePriest will follow suit soon even though he has great interest in Alabama and Michigan as well.

Miller has the potential to be a program changer, like Tim Tebow at Florida, and potentially Terrelle Pryor at OSU.

And most feel that if he commits early, OSU will benefit from a domino effect of recruits just as Buckeye fans saw with C Mike Brewster in 2008 and Florida had with DE Ronald Powell in 2010.

The trend mentioned above is the way in which recruiting is changing in recent years, with players helping the coaches bring big classes.

With Ohio being especially fertile with top talent, it will be more important than ever for Jim Tressel to lock up the borders as tightly as possible.

Obviously, he will not be able to get every player he is pursuing and he is working to get out-of-state talent as he usually does.

But in this instance, there are multiple reasons for Tressel to make Braxton his top priority.

It is not just essential to get the top guy, but also to potentially land some other big fish in the process.

The worry for Buckeye fans is that the longer Miller goes without committing, the less chance they feel they have at him because Tressel is not a hard-sell, take-it-or-leave-it type of recruiter.

Miller should be at OSU for the Spring Game on April 24 along with many other of OSU's top targets for the class of 2011.

An early commit is very unlikely, but it could set the stage for a recruiting class that trumps the 2008 class that featured Brewster, Pryor, and WR DeVier Posey among other stars.

But the key for a great 2011 class for Ohio State is to lock up their borders and make it tough for other schools to pry talent away.

That starts and ends at the top, and Braxton Miller to Ohio State is one of the only ways that the Buckeyes can have a successful class.

Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com

For example, does the Lions signing of DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and trade for DT Corey Williams mean they are thinking offensive tackle with the number two pick?

Does the Bengals signing of Antonio Bryant mean they select a tight end in round one?

The answers to these questions and more in our latest mock draft.

1. St. Louis Rams, QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma

The current buzz is the Rams are leaning towards a franchise quarterback with the number one pick, with Bradford being the target.

The combination of playing in a spread offense and coming off of a shoulder injury makes him a risky selection, but he has the size, accuracy, and intangibles you look for in a signal caller.

2. Detroit Lions, DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

The trade for under tackle Corey Williams increased the chance of the Lions taking offensive tackle Russell Okung to protect the team's investment in QB Matthew Stafford, but Suh's ability to dominate the line of scrimmage will too much to pass up for a defensive minded coach.

The additions of Williams and Kyle Vanden Bosch increase Suh's chances of early success.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneeers, DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma

Tampa's draft plans will get a major boost if the Rams take Bradford, as it allows one of the top defensive tackles to fall into their laps and fill their number one need.  McCoy's ability to penetrate and rush the passer are an ideal scheme fit.

4. Washington Redskins, QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame

The Redskins need to draft an offensive tackle but entering his first season with the 'Skins, Mike Shanahan will look to get his franchise quarterback.  Coming out of a pro-style offense Clausen should have an easier transition to the pro game than Bradford.

That is if Clausen can stay upright.

5. Kansas City Chiefs, S Eric Berry, Tennessee

Much like Detroit and Washington, offensive tackle Russell Okung will be tempting but Berry is a playmaking safety who has drawn comparisons to Ed Reed and would be a major upgrade on the backside of the Chiefs defense.  There have been some rumors that Berry is Pioli's top target in the draft.

Lastly, don't rule out WR Dez Bryant, who is an elite talent at wide receiver and the type of player Todd Haley and Charlie Weis would like to building their passing game around.

6. Seattle Seahawks, OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State

After the retirement of Walter Jones, the Seahawks have a black hole on the left side of the offensive line for the first time in 14 years.  Okung is the top offensive tackle in the draft and the Seahawks will be thrilled if he makes it past the left tackle needy teams in front of them.

7. Cleveland Browns, WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State

The Browns offensive is a mess and while the problems start at quarterback, the team needs to surround (enter quarterbacks name) with better talent if they expect the offense to take off.

Despite some off the field baggage, Bryant is clearly the No. 1 receiver in the draft and gives them a playmaker to build the passing game around.

8. Oakland Raiders, OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland

Best athlete at a position of need.  After watching Campbell light up the combine, his selection by the Raiders seems inevitable.

9. Buffalo Bills, OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa

With the top quarterbacks off the board, the Bills can avoid the urge to take a franchise quarterback and shift their focus to giving their quarterback a fighting chance by adding a blindside protector.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars, S Earl Thomas, Texas

After signing Aaron Kampman to improve the pass rush, the Jaguars can focus its attention by improving its coverage with Thomas.  His range and coverage awareness will prove valuable in a division featuring the high powered passing attacks of Houston and Indianapolis twice a year.

11. Denver Broncos, ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama

If wide receiver Dez Bryant is off the board, the Broncos will likely shift gears to the defensive side of the ball and grab McClain.  He has the leadership skills to be the quarterback of the defense and his excellent blitzing ability and instincts make him an ideal scheme fit to play inside in the 3-4.

The team’s decision to cut ILB Andra Davis increased the likelihood of this selection.

12. Miami Dolphins, DT Dan Williams, Tennessee

Conventional wisdom has the Dolphins picking a rush linebacker, but with Jason Ferguson getting up in years and facing an eight-game suspension, finding a nose tackle is just as high of a priority and the lack of depth at the position makes it the smarter pick.

A deep rush linebacker class makes it easy to fill that need in round two or later.

13. San Francisco 49ers, CB Joe Haden, Florida

Despite running a slower than expected 40 at the combine, Haden remains the top cornerback in the draft and his aggressive style makes him a good scheme fit.

While offensive tackle is the team’s top need, cornerback is a close second and with Trent Williams and Anthony Davis still on the board, there is a good chance one of the top tackles will still be on the board when they pick again in four picks.

14. Seattle Seahawks, RB CJ Spiller, Clemson

After taking a much needed left tackle at number six, the Seahawks consider taking a defensive end (Pierre-Paul or Morgan) or an offensive playmaker.

Either direction provides good value but adding a playmaker such as Spiller who can make an immediate impact as a rusher, receiver and returner taking pressure off of the quarterback position.

15. New York Giants, DT Brian Price, New York Giants

The Giants defense is built on bringing pressure on the defensive front and defensive tackle is currently the weakest line on that unit.  Price is solid against the run, but his ability to penetrate and disrupt plays in the backfield from the defensive tackle position is what makes him a good fit for the Giants.

16. Tennessee Titans, DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida

Has “freak”-ish ability and would fill the team’s need for a pass rusher.  He is extremely raw but he has tremendous upside and landing with a coach such as Jeff Fisher known for developing young players would be a good fit.

17. San Francisco 49ers, OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma

The jury is out as to whether Williams has the talent to play left tackle but it does not matter to the 49ers, whose need is on the right side.  While he not a proto-typical road grader, Williams excelled as both a run blocker and pass blocker when playing on the right side.

He is not the top tackle in the draft but his ability to play the right side should make him the top tackle on the 49ers board.   

18. Pittsburgh Steelers, OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers

After watching Ben Roethlisberger get beat up the past three years, it is only a matter of time before he suffers a major injury due to the team’s poor protection.  Davis’ stock is sliding after a poor combine workout and failing to workout at his pro day, but he is only 20-years old and has as much upside as any tackle in the draft, and should be able to come in and provide an immediate upgrade on the blind-side.

The biggest question for the Steelers is what will they do if one of the top five tackles in not on the board.

19. Atlanta Falcons, DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech

After signing CB Dunta Robinson, the Falcons key focuses would be finding a pass rusher or outside linebacker.  If Morgan is on the board, the decision will be an easy one, as he is not only a good pass rusher but his high motor makes him a force against the run as well.

The only reason he slides is he is considered more of a good than great pass rusher, but he is also likely the safest defensive end in the draft thanks to his two way ability.

20. Houston Texans, CB Kyle Wilson, Boise State

The Texans hope S Earl Thomas is on the board but if he is not, the team will face the decision of reaching for a corner, drafting the coverage challenged Taylor Mays, or adding power back Ryan Matthews.

Matthews is likely eliminated as they should be able to fill that need later.

The team’s need for a cover safety allows them to ignore the siren song of Mays.

Cornerback is deep this year, but few of the corners possess Wilson’s natural coverage skills and playmaking ability.  He is the type of corner whom they should feel comfortable leaving on an island with elite receivers.

21. Cincinnati Bengals, G Mike Iupati, Idaho

After signing Antonio Bryant the conventional wisdom is the team will take a tight end with this selection, but the biggest reason for the team’s passing struggles last season was their lack of confidence in their offensive line.

Iupati is an elite guard prospect who should immediately upgrade Carson Palmer’s protection while adding another mauler to open holes for Cedric Benson in the ground game.

22. New England Patriots, DE/OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas

The Patriots have more needs than you would expect but none is greater than their need to find a pass rusher.  Kindle is an explosive pass rusher and his experience at the linebacker position should allow him to make an earlier impact than some of the other members of a deep rush linebacker class.

23. Green Bay Packers, OT Charles Brown, USC

Brown has flown under the radar this draft season but he has good tools, is the last of the top blindside protectors on the board, and would fill the Packers No. 1 need.

The re-signing of Chad Clifton was a good move, but he is on borrowed time at this point in his career and the Packers can not afford to wait to upgrade at this position any longer.

24. Philadelphia Eagles, OLB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri

Conventional wisdom has the Eagles taking defensive end Carlos Dunlap if he is available but when you look at the linebackers on the roster (or lack there of), you see it is just as pressing of a need, and the linebackers class this year is not nearly as deep as it is at defensive end.

Weatherspoon is an athletic linebacker comfortable blitzing or in coverage.  He also has the versatility to play all three linebacker spots and has the personality to develop into a defensive leader.

25. Baltimore Ravens, TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma

Despite adding wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Donte' Stallworth in free agency,  the Ravens may determine to add some youth to the mix as well by bringing pass catching tight end Jermaine Gresham to complete the overhaul of the Ravens passing attack. 

Five technique Jared Odrick, safety Taylor Mays, or a cornerback would also receive consideration.

26. Arizona Cardinals, DE/OLB Brandon Graham, Michigan

Graham is a hard nose rush linebacker prospect in the mold of Pittsburgh’s Lamaar Woodley, who would provide the Cardinals defense a much needed pass rusher to disrupt opposing pass games.  Graham will face an adjustment shifting to rush linebacker, but his ability to get upfield quickly and his tremendous motor should allow him to make an immediate impact.

27. Dallas Cowboys, S Taylor Mays, USC

Mays is one of the most difficult players to slot in mock drafts because he possesses top ten athleticism and mid-round coverage ability.  Jerry Jones loves athleticism and upside and is willing to roll the dice that Mays develops into an elite safety.

28. San Diego Chargers, RB Ryan Matthews, Fresno State

With the departure of Jamal Williams, nose tackle Terrence Cody will be extremely tempting but his poor condition will give the Chargers pause and allow them to select Matthews, the best all-around running back in the draft.  He runs powerfully inside and has just enough speed to get the corner and be a factor in the passing game.

29. New York Jets, WR Golden Tate, Notre Dame

The Jets will consider nose tackle Terrence Cody, five technique Jared Odrick, or any of a host of rush linebackers, but the opportunity to add a versatile playmaker like Tate in the passing game would likely trump their defensive desires.

Tate could play the slot as a rookie and potentially replace Braylon Edwards on the outside down the road.

30. Minnesota Vikings, DT Jared Odrick, Penn State

The Vikings are in a position to go in a variety of directions but Pat Williams is not getting any younger and finding a young defensive tackle to replace him needs to be a priority sooner than later.  Odrick plays a different style but his high motor and quickness will allow him to take advantage of the attention drawn by Jared Allen and Kevin Williams. 

Cornerback or possibly even quarterback (if they like Dan LeFevour) are also considerations.

31. Indianapolis Colts, G/C Maurkice Pouncey, Florida

The Colts need to upgrade the talent on their offensive line and with the top tackles off the board, they shift their focus inside where Pouncey could play left guard as a rookie while being groomed to eventually replace Jeff Saturday at center.

There are rumors the Colts may consider trading up to get a left tackle if the opportunity presents itself.  Rodger Saffold was the other top consideration for this pick because of the team’s left tackle need.

32. New Orleans Saints, DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida

The Saints needs are on the defensive side of the ball and are positioned to take the best front seven defensive player on the board.  Dunlap has a rare combination of size and athleticism for a defensive end, making him a top ten prospect from a talent perspective, but an inconsistent motor and character concerns has caused his stock to slide.

He would provide the Saints with a replacement for the Charles Grant and a tremendous value at the end of round one.

Round Two

33. St. Louis Rams, OLB Navorro Bowman, Penn State

34. Detroit Lions, OT Rodger Saffold, Indiana

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, DE Everson Griffen, USC

36. Kansas City Chiefs, DE/OLB Jerry Hughes, TCU

37. Washington Redskins, G Jon Asamoah, Illinois

38. Cleveland Browns, DE/OLB Ricky Sapp, Clemson

39. Oakland Raiders, ILB Brandon Spikes, Florida

40. Seattle Seahawks, QB Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan

41. Buffalo Bills, DT Terrence Cody, Alabama

42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois

43. Miami Dolphins, DE/OLB Eric Norwood, South Carolina

44. New England Patriots, DE Corey Wooten, Northwestern

45. Denver Broncos, WR Brandon LaFell, LSU

46. New York Giants, ILB Sean Lee, Penn State

47. New England Patriots, WR Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech

48. Carolina Panthers, WR Damian Williams, USC

49. San Francisco 49ers, S Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech

50. Kansas City Chiefs, WR Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati

51. Houston Texans, S Chad Jones, LSU

52. Pittsburgh Steelers, CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama

53. New England Patriots, TE Rob Gronkowski, Arizona

54. Cincinnati Bengals, TE Dennis Pitta, BYU

55. Philadelphia Eagles, G John Jerry, Mississippi

56. Green Bay Packers, CB Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State

57. Baltimore Ravens, CB Devin McCourty, Rutgers

58. Arizona Cardinals, OT Ciron Black, LSU

59. Dallas Cowboys, OT Jason Fox, Miami

60. San Diego Chargers, DT Linval Joseph, East Carolina

61. New York Jets, DE/OLB Koa Misi, Utah

62. Minnesota Vikings, CB Patrick Robinson, Florida State

63. Indianapolis Colts, DT Lamaar Houston, Texas

64. New Orleans Saints, OLB Daryl Washington, TCU

Chris Maier is Senior Editor for nfldraft101.com.  He can be reached at cmaier@nfldraft101.com.  Follow me on twitter: nfldraft101.

Also check out NFLDraft101's three round post combine/early free agency staff mock draft.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

Then it occurred to me that perhaps the Trojans would offer three star recruits as well, and if so, who am I to not to profile those erstwhile athletes?

After all, if they are good enough for the Trojans to offer a quarter of a million dollars worth of scholarship, then they are certainly good enough to warrant my meager efforts to profile them.

To that end, this article will profile those three star recruits that the Trojans have offered, all the while acknowledging that these prep athletes probably will achieve a four star and perhaps even a five star rating when all is said and done.

But before we move on to these athletes that are the focus of this piece, there is breaking news coming out of Oaks Christian High School and a 2012 wide receiver who will wind up as one of the most coveted players in the country two years from now.

Jordan Payton, a 6'2", 190 lb. speedster who caught 45 passes for 1,018 yards and 18 touchdowns as a sophomore, committed to USC today to play for the Trojans in 2012.

Payton, who hails from the same school that produced Jimmy Clausen and many other big time college players, holds the all time record in most receiving categories for Oaks Christian for a sophomore.

Oaks Christian is a perennial power here in the southland and when I tell you that Jordan Payton is a HUGE get for USC, please believe me. This kid is for real.

Okay, Trojan fans, while you bask in the glory of a Jordan Payton verbal, lets get busy with those three star athletes:

A.J. Johnson:

This 6'3", 227 lb. middle linebacker from Gainesville, GA., is coveted by most of the major programs including defending national champion, Alabama. Though Johnson doesn't possess eye popping speed (4.7 forty), he is a ball hawk who is relentless in pursuit.

A.J. Johnson lists his interest in the Trojans, like all of his other offers, as "medium."

Devon Blackmon:

Yet another wide receiver who definitely passes the "eyeball test." Blackmon, who goes 6'1", 180 lbs., brings blazing speed (4.41 forty) to the table along with his soft hands.

Devon Blackmon, who calls Fontana, CA., his home, holds many offers already, including those from Alabama and Florida. However, only USC and UCLA are listed as "high" on his list of potential suitors.

Darryl Collins:

In my last article, I posed the question, "Is it me or is there an abundance of quality wide receivers?" Now I am sure. There is indeed an abundance of quality wide receivers and you can count Darryl Collins among them. Collins, who stands 6'0" and weighs 180 lbs, saw only limited action in 2008 but has impressed in various camps since then.

Darryl Collins, who is nicknamed "Pookie," now holds several offers in addition to that of the Trojans, including one from Alabama. Collins lists the Trojans, as he does all others, as "medium" on his list.

Bradley Sylve:

Okay, this is getting ridiculous. Bradley Sylve, a 5'10", 175 lb. rocket (4.4 forty) is yet another...you guessed it...wide receiver. Sylve, who reminds some of Percy Harvin, will be rated much higher before his senior season is over. Fast, with soft hands, Sylve holds offers, in addition to the one from USC, from major programs such as Alabama.

He lists them all as of medium interest.

As might be expected, this is a short list of three star athletes that the Trojans have offered.

However, as the season progresses, I expect many of these three stars and others who are rated the same, to progress to four and even five star status.

When they do, I will make every effort to bring you all the news that is associated with their progress.

In the meantime, the Trojans will have to be pleased with today's news and the comforting thought that Jordan Payton will don the cardinal and gold for the 2012 season.

Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com

Five out of eight divisions were won by two games or fewer.  Among the three with greater divides, two of the second-place divisional teams still posted winning records.

Yet no division is so unclear at this point in the offseason as the NFC West.  Recent divisional stud Arizona was inconsistent even during its prime and just witnessed its Hall of Fame quarterback pick the sunset he wanted to ride into.

The past two years the Cardinals have been aided by playing in arguably the worst division in football.  The three other teams in their division have the same combined win total as Indianapolis managed on its own.

Taking away divisional games (in which an NFC West team was guaranteed a win) the division sported an unhealthy .300 record as a unit.

With mediocrity can come great parity however. 

San Francisco already won two games against the Kurt Warner-led Cardinals last season, and are a young team that might just be finding itself.  With a great running back in Frank Gore and defensive player of the year candidate in Patrick Willis, they have several pieces in place.

Seattle boasts a rejuvenated front office, helmed by new head coach Pete Carroll.  They boast two first round draft picks (both within the first half of the round) and near carte blanche approval of owner Paul Allen to do what is necessary.

St. Louis seems the least likely to make a run at the division lead.  They are coming off a 1-15 record in which the shambles of a team managed less than 11 points per game.

The Rams do appear to have a solid coach in Steve Spagnuolo and one of the league’s best all around backs in Steven Jackson.  With the first overall pick they have a great chance at landing a cornerstone player to build the team around.

What all these teams have in common should be the deciding factor in who emerges atop the NFC West—questions at quarterback.

Arizona currently has one quarterback on its roster in former 10th-overall draft pick Matt Leinart.  Leinart has looked very ordinary in his limited time as a starter, posting a career rating of 71 despite throwing to one of the league’s best receiving corps.

The Cardinals will be adding to the roster before the season begins, but how they go about that remains to be seen.  The vote of confidence in Leinart makes an impact move like trading for Donovan McNabb or drafting a quarterback in the first round unlikely.

The team will probably bring in a younger name (be it a third-fourth round draft pick or a younger veteran) under the guise of backing up Leinart, with the idea that the competition for the starting role will be more subtle.

Trying to give support to Leinart could leave the team in a lurch however if the 26-year-old signal caller disappoints. 

San Francisco would like nothing more than for that to happen.  They have issues of their own at quarterback, having spent the last two years unable to establish a true number one guy from the Alex Smith/Shaun Hill tandem.

Barring any major surprises, Smith will be the opening day starter in 2010.  With more than double the starts of Leinart he can no longer use inexperience as an excuse to his underwhelming play.

Smith was drafted first overall in 2005, and carries a career rating even lower than Leinart’s at 69.  Taking over for Hill in Week 7, Smith actually posted encouraging numbers in 2009.

He ended the year with an 81.5 quarterback rating and had his first season with a positive toudown-turnover ratio. 

Smith should also have the luxury of an established number-one receiver for the first time in his career.  Michael Crabtree had 48 receptions for 625 yards despite missing all of training camp and five games to a contract holdout.  Translated to 16 games the numbers equate to almost 70 catches for 909 yards.

Given the time to learn the team’s playbook and develop a rapport, Crabtree should flirt with 1,000 yards in his sophomore year, something that could very much help Smith to finally emerge from first-overall disappointment.

Seattle shows up as a wildcard within the division.  Head coach Pete Carroll will bring an entirely new philosophy to a team that was 5-7 before it packed it in for the final four games.

Assuming he is still the opening day starter, Matt Hasselbeck is on the downward swing of his career, but still a proven veteran with a superior resume to the rest of the division.

If he can fend off the nagging injuries that slowed him the past few years, he is only two years removed from a 3,966 yard 28 touchdown 2007 season.  He isn’t the team’s long term answer anymore, but in the short term he holds the resume to get results.

Pete Carroll is actively seeking additional help at quarterback, be it to take over the starting role or just replace departed (via trade) backup Seneca Wallace.

While coaching at USC Carroll had a great track with turning out quarterbacks.  Four former Trojans are slated to start behind center in 2010 (Carson Palmer, Matt Cassel, Matt Leinart, and Mark Sanchez) two of which saw playoff action last season.

With a pair of first round picks to bolster a squad not long removed from seeing the postseason, Carroll and the Seahawks could find themselves leapfrogging Arizona and San Francisco if they can secure steady play from the quarterback position.

The final team in the division is also the farthest from entering the mix.  The St. Louis Rams were the NFL’s worst team in 2009, with only a single win.

They have holes at virtually every position, and it is uncertain what order they will work to address them in.

Marc Bulger proved last season that he no longer has the capacity to be even a temporary answer at quarterback.  Although only 32, a host of injuries have aged him prematurely, and he cannot be counted on to either play a full season or deliver results when playing.

Given the gaping hole behind center, the logical assumption would be that St. Louis would attempt to draft its quarterback of the future with the first overall pick.

It might not be the case however, as can’t-miss defensive tackle Ndamakong Suh makes for a tantalizing prospect for former Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Should St. Louis elect to forego Suh, the assumption is that they will draft Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford.

With nothing else to really work with in the passing game, it would be a great surprise if in his rookie year Bradford were able to produce the kind of results necessary to flirt with .500, let alone fight for a divisional crown.

Still, with any team in the NFC West capable of major surprise or letdown in 2010, stranger things could happen.

Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com

With the emergence of Ahmad Brooks, a pass rusher has slid down the list of positions of need.  However, right tackle and the offensive line as a whole remains an area of concern.  Below is a ranking of the 49ers positions of need:

1.  Right Tackle

The 49ers didn't re-sign Tony Pashos and haven't picked up a tackle thus far in free agency.  Adam Snyder pictured above is a versatile player who can play tackle or guard, but has proven to be backup with versatility.  With two picks in the draft the 49ers should use one of their picks to pickup a starting right tackle. 

Two players that might be available at pick 13 are Trent Williams and Anthony Davis.  Trent Williams might already be gone by 13, but given Davis has recently mishandled himself at Rutgers pro day he might slip to this pick.  If Okung, Bulaga, Davis, or Williams aren't available at this pick the 49ers should pick up at tackle at pick 17 or in the second round.  Projected Starter = ?

2.  Secondary (Covers safeties and cornerbacks)

This is one area of the field where the 49ers could afford to become younger and faster.  One great example of the lack of speed in the secondary was shown during the 2009 Atlanta Falcons game when the 49ers were burnt on long passing plays.  Dashon Goldson and Shawntae Spencer appear to be entrenched as starters.  Michael Lewis is coming off a year with multiple concussions, which is a concern. 

Nate Clements is a solid corner, but hasn't shown the playmaking ability that the 49ers were looking for when they signed him.  Reggie Smith and Curtis Taylor are promising safeties who are developing.  Taylor Mays, Joe Haden, and Earl Thomas could be around when the 49ers pick with their first two picks.  If the 49ers signed Mays, he would eventually start at strong safety to replace Michael Lewis.  It will be interesting to see if Haden runs a faster 40 at his pro day. 

If not that might create some red flags and the 49ers might view him similar to Nate Clements in terms of abilities.  Earl Thomas, in my opinion, is underrated.  He showed up at the combine heavier than his playing weight but still ran a fast 40.  Thomas has excellent playmaking ability, but the only thing hurting him is his height.  If the 49ers draft him he would play free safety and push Goldson over to strong safety. 

This draft is deep with cornerbacks.  A few names who the 49ers should look at in the middle rounds are Donovan Warren, Myron Lewis, Chris Cook, and Walter Thurmond.  Projected Starters = CB1, Shawntae Spencer; CB2, Nate Clements or Rookie; FS, Dashon Goldson; SS, Michael Lewis or Rookie.

3.  Kick/ Punt Returner

This is a major area for the 49ers to address.  I would put this at Number 2, but the secondary needs to become younger and add depth.  The 49ers have not targeted anyone thus far in free agency to return kicks. 

It appears that they will look to the draft for a kick/punt returner.  Plus there are prospects available throughout the draft that could play corner and return kicks.  A few cornerback prospects to look at in the draft are Javier Arenas, Walter Thurmond, and Perrish Cox.  The 49ers could also add a running back or wide receiver that has return abilities. 

They are deeper at the wide receiver position so it wouldn't surprise me if they picked a running back or cornerback with return abilities.  Projected Starter = ?

4.  Guards

This is a position where some competition would be welcomed.  David Bass started to look better toward the end of the season as did Chilo Rachal.  Bass played hurt for the first half of the season so he has an excuse for not playing up to par; however, this is an area where the 49ers should add at least a solid backup. 

There are a few guard and tackle prospects available in the second to fourth round that are intriguing.  Rodger Saffold is a prospect who could possibly play left tackle and may be around in the second round.  John Jerry is a guard who would be around in the third or fourth round.  Projected Starters = David Bass and Chilo Rachal.

5.  Outside (Rush) Linebackers

A team can never have enough pass rushers.  With Ahmad Brooks emergence at the end of last year it appears that the 49ers have at least three players who can put pressure on the quarterback.  It would be nice to see the 49ers add a player in free agency or in the draft to develop.  Projected Starters = Parys Haralson/ Manny Lawson/ Ahmad Brooks.

6.  Halfback and Fullback

The 49ers have three backs in Gore, Coffee, and Robinson that have similar running styles.  Moran Norris does his job at fullback.  To add more versatility to their offense the 49ers should add a change of pace back either a thumper or burner.  If they go the burner route, someone with return abilities would be key. 

This pick would likely be somewhere in the third to fifth rounds if the 49ers don not add someone in free agency.  Prospects that fit this type of mold are Toby Gerhart, LeGarrette Blount, and Dexter McCluster.  Projected Starters = RB, Frank Gore and FB, Moran Norris.

7.  Quarterback

It seems the roster is set at quarterback unless the 49ers have a high regard for one of the college quarterbacks in the draft.  Alex Smith continues to show glimpses of why he was selected No. 1 overall; however, he needs to show them on a daily basis.  Hopefully with the signing of Carr to push him and the carry over of the same offensive coordinator for the first time in his career, fans will finally see a playoff birth.  Nate Davis is a project quarterback with promise.  Projected Starter = Alex Smith.

8.   Wide Receivers

Morgan and Crabtree are young players who give the 49er's receiving corp hope in the future.  Jason Hill is a capable slot receiver with speed.  Brandon Jones showed some glimpses of why he was signed during free agency last year. 

The 49ers might look to add either a big red zone target with blocking skills or a small slot receiver through the draft.  The slot receiver would obviously need to have excellent return skills.  A few names come to mind: Jacoby Ford, Trindon Holliday, Mardy Gilyard, Carlton Mitchell, and Demaryius Thomas.  Projected Starters = WR1, Michael Crabtree; WR2, Josh Morgan.

9.  Left Tackle

Joe Staley has proven to be a solid left tackle; however, their is a chance that the 49ers might be in the position to draft a player with one of their first round picks who could compete for his spot.  Projected Starter = Joe Staley.

10.  Defensive Line

Justin Smith is relentless.  Aubrayo Franklin had a pro bowl type year.  The 49ers could possibly add additional depth through the draft or free agency; however, they have quality depth on the defensive line.  Kentwan Balmer continues to be a project and is still rehabbing from shoulder surgery. 

I wouldn't call him a bust, but he has a lot to prove by the end of this year.  A possible sleeper pick that would not be too surprising is the selection of Dan Williams in the first round to eventually replace Franklin at nose tackle.  Projected Starters = DE, Justin Smith; NT, Aubrayo Franklin; DE, Issac Sopoaga.

11.  Tight End

Delanie Walker and Vernon Davis are both playmakers and are almost guaranteed a spot on the roster.  The 49ers already have acquired some blocking tight ends to compete for a third roster spot.  This is a position that might see a draft pick towards the end of the draft.  Projected Starter = Vernon Davis.

12.  Inside Linebackers

Spikes and Willis have been an excellent combination.  The 49ers also have great depth with Scott McKillop and Matt Wilhelm.  This is a position where the 49ers should not have to worry.  McKillop appears to be in the mold of Jeff Ulbrich.  He is a solid backup who can start if required. 

If McClain or Brandon Spikes drop in the draft I wouldn't be surprised if the 49ers pick up either player to place alongside Patrick Willis.  Projected Starters = Takeo Spikes and Patrick Willis.

13.  Center

Eric Heitmann is the starter.  This position has no controversy to it.  Projected Starter = Eric Heitmann.

14.  Kicker

Another position has a solid starter.  The 49ers will probably sign a camp kicker.  Projected Starter = Joe Nedney.

15.  Punter

A position with a Pro Bowler.  Projected Starter = Andy Lee.

16.  Long Snapper

One of the best in football.  Projected Starter = Brian Jennings.

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Last season Anderson struggled, posting a measly 42.1 quarterback rating and was benched twice in favor of Brady Quinn.

It’s a season that made it easy to forget Anderson was a Pro Bowler only three years ago.

In 2007, under the guidance of former Browns assistant coach and current Panthers offensive coordinator, Jeff Davidson, Anderson threw for over 3,700 yards, with 29 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.

He was selected to his first Pro Bowl and touted as one of the league’s up-and-coming quarterbacks.

Now, three years later and at 26-years-old, Anderson can still play and it's not inconceivable to think he can resurrect his career.

All Anderson may need is just a new opportunity and the magic of an old coach. All of which he can find in Carolina.

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Some teams will get better with some key additions, while others are simply overpaying or picking up guys that will end up being busts. In the fantasy realm, however, each addition and subtraction has it's own quiet (and sometimes very loud) impact.

Read on for the five risers and five fallers after less than a week of free agency action:

Risers

1. Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens

It's debatable across the board what will happen to the value of Derrick Mason, Anquan Boldin, Mark Clayton, and Dante' Stallworth. With only so many balls to go around in an offense that relies heavily on the ground game, it's impossible to predict who the winner is at receiver in Baltimore (although we're going with Boldin).

However, the guy that undoubtedly comes out as a strong winner here is the guy that gets to throw to one of the more talented and balanced receiving corps' in the league.

With just 52 more pass attempts than in his rookie season last year, Flacco jumped from 2,971 yards and 14 touchdowns to 3,511 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Add Boldin and Stallworth and an offseason to build chemistry and get completely healthy, and Flacco could see even more progress.

2. Steve Breaston, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Breaston and all of his supporters finally got their wish when the Cardinals traded starter Anquan Boldin to the Baltimore Ravens. We had already seen Breaston display spurts of stardom ability, but with Boldin out of the picture, he'll be thrust into a full-time starting role.

Breaston saw a drop in his stats last year due to the Cardinals being more conservative and balanced in 2009, but with Boldin gone, he should see his numbers rise again, especially with back-to-back seasons of averaging over 13 yards per carry.

The switch from Kurt Warner to Matt Leinart makes him a slight risk, but with Larry Fitzgerald getting double-teamed all day, he's sure to benefit.

3. Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders

McFadden isn't nearly as a close to a "sure thing" in fantasy like Breaston and Flacco are for 2010, but with the release of Justin Fargas, the platform for him to succeed could definitely be there. And considering his selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, it's about time.

McFadden has battled injuries and inconsistency behind a weak offensive line in his first two seasons, but it also never helped that he shared the ball with both Fargas and Michael Bush.

The Raiders will undoubtedly add another back, but it looks like they're finally going to run and stick with McFadden as the starter, or at least give him every chance to prove he's worthy of that kind of a vote of confidence.

After a very disappointing 2009 and a mediocre rookie season, all we have to go on is McFadden's youth (he's 22), his great speed and athleticism, and his supposedly now solid role.

4. Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins

The Redskins are rumored to be thinking about getting Portis a running partner in Larry Johnson, but considering they unloaded everyone else at the running back spot (and we do mean everyone ), it looks like Mike Shanahan and Co. are still confident that Portis has something left to give.

He was nicked up in 2009 and ultimately knocked out (pun intended) by a head injury, but he played tough and was one of the few bright spots in a paltry offense early in the season.

Portis will team up with Shanahan again in a zone-blocking scheme that once made him a back-to-back 1,500-yard rusher. We're not saying he's a top-10 back again, but he should be the bonafide starter, and as long as he can stay healthy, he should be a productive fantasy back again.

5. Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

People have been quiet about how far Palmer has fallen down the "elite quarterback tree", but as mediocre as he's been the past couple of years, a lot of his poor play can be attributed to very few weapons outside of Chad Ochocinco.

The Bengals passed on Terrell Owens and brought in Antonio Bryant, giving Palmer two very solid deep-threats, which should immediately impact the Bengal's dormant vertical passing attack.

Andre Caldwell and Matt Jones (if he sticks) round out a suddenly very solid receiving corps, and with a proven rushing attack at his side, Palmer could slowly get back to elite status.

Honorable Mention: Shonn Greene, RB, New York Jets

Fallers

1. Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears

True, the addition of Chester Taylor could benefit Matt Forte, but considering he's already heading into 2010 with a new offensive coordinator and is in an offense that doesn't normally feature the running back, all the wrong news is piling up against Forte.

Blame the offensive line all you want, but Forte's 2009 performance was a huge disappointment. He didn't get much help from the other Chicago running backs, but he failed to crack 900 yards rushing and scored four total touchdowns on the season.

He was still a solid factor in the passing game, but with Taylor coming into town, how much will that change? It's also worth noting that Martz has been quoted in saying he has a backfield with "two starters." Until we know exactly what that and the addition of Taylor means, Forte can't be looked at as an elite fantasy back.

2. The Baltimore Ravens' Receiving Corps

Derrick Mason is back, no one knows what to say or think about Mark Clayton, and Baltimore has added Dante' Stallworth and Anquan Boldin.

That's great news for Joe Flacco and the rest of the offense, but for each of these guys individually—not so much.

3. Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

I've already analyzed the move of Kansas City bringing in Thomas Jones, and while I originally felt it wouldn't have a major impact on Charles, the unknown has caused me to think it over again.

The Chiefs are paying Jones $2.5 million a year, so there's a good bet that he wasn't brought in to just sit around. He may just be their short yardage and goal-line back, but even if that's the case, there's going to be a limit on Charles' yardage and touchdowns.

I still don't view Charles seeing a huge hit in his fantasy potential, but this will still definitely have a negative overall affect on his fantasy value.

4. Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago Bears

We already knew that Olsen was going to take a hit in value when Mike Martz came on board as offensive coordinator for Chicago. We were sure of it when Martz publicly made comments about Olsen and how big of an issue his lack of blocking ability will impact his playing time.

Add in the signing of ex-Rams tight end Brandon Manumaleuna, and Olsen's future with the team is seriously in doubt. Even more damaging, ESPN 's Adam Schefter has recently reported that Olsen is very likely on the trading block.

While Olsen's fantasy standing could and should change for the better if he's dealt, it is for now a quickly sinking ship.

5. Jacoby Jones, WR, Houston Texans

Jacoby Jones is a fast, explosive receiver that was being viewed as the next big thing (not named Andre Johnson) in the Texans' receiving corps, but with the five-year re-signing of Kevin Walter, that has almost been guaranteed to not be the case.

Walter is 28 and could eventually take a role in the slot, but for now, Jones sees his fantasy football value diminish greatly.

Honorable Mention: Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers

For more NFL Free Agency updates and articles, head over to NFL Soup. And for daily and weekly fantasy sports games , head over to Fantazzle.com.

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Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN have both adjusted their newest mock drafts accordingly. Before the start of free agency, the draft pundits had Miami selecting Alabama inside linebacker Rolando McClain in round one.

With he and Dansby essentially playing the same position, Kiper and McShay are now inclined to believe the Dolphins will instead go after defensive tackle Dan Williams from Tennessee.

The selection would serve as a solution to Miami's most glaring need, so it makes sense that Williams is being linked to the team.

The Dolphins' incumbent starting nose tackle, 35-year-old Jason Ferguson,is suspended for the first eight games of the regular season for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

With Ferguson out of the picture for half the season and no real solution as to who will shore up the middle of the defensive line, its no secret the Dolphins are in the market for his replacement.

At the Senior Bowl in January, Miami's coaching staff was awarded the honor of coaching the South team and were able to get a close look at a lot of players entering April's Draft. 

Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano raved about Williams throughout the week's practice and again after the game. The Fins loved what he brought to the table on and off the field.

Williams is intelligent, he listens, learns, and does everything asked of him. At 6'2" 329 lbs, he has the size and strength needed to command the all-important double-team every good nose tackle must make. 

In a 3-4 defense, the success of the unit begins and ends along the line, primarily at nose tackle. If you can't get a consistent push up front, it all falls apart. 

The defense won't be able to stop the run successfully, the pass rush will falter, and the secondary and linebackers will be exposed in coverage. 

Don't believe the effect is as drastic as it seems? Just take a look at the Dolphins' defensive stats in the games they played without Ferguson in 2009.

Miami went 2-5 without their starting nose tackle and after losing him to I.R. in week 11, everything unraveled and they played themselves right out of the playoff race.

If you discount the Dolphins' 14-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 14–a game that was truly offensively challenged–the numbers in the remaining six contests without Ferg are staggering.

Miami gave up an average of 27 points and 398 yards. 

If you wipe away the Dolphins' 46-34 loss to the New Orleans Saints in week seven, the remaining eight contests with Ferguson starting paint a picture of the difference between having and not having a dependable nose tackle. 

Miami gave up an average of 22 points and 321.2 yards.

The stats don't lie. The Dolphins' suspect defense became an awful one. The 3-4 was useless without it's nose tackle, and Paul Soliai proved he couldn't handle the lion's share after Ferg went down. 

Enter Dan Williams into the discussion.

He has elite strength, and plays low and balanced. He's a bull-rusher that will collapse the pocket around opposing quarterbacks. He has great feet, commands a constant double-team, and will overpower almost anyone in a one-on-one battle. 

To paint the big picture, he's pretty close to the complete package for a nose tackle. All the intangibles are there, there's just some polishing to be done. A guy like Williams may prove the answer at the Dolphins' most glaring need for the next decade. 

It may be a bit of a reach to grab him as high as 12th overall, especially if guys like Dez Bryant or McClain are on the board. Both of them are elite talents that will probably turn into All-Pros where ever they end up. 

But even though the mantra is talent over need, when its close, sometimes need just outweighs its counterpart. 

The Dolphins need a nose tackle. Would they be insane to overextend just a bit for Williams? 

If he solves their problems up front you wouldn't hear to many complaints about it.

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