This sucks. No, not this column, at least I hope not. I’m talking about the end of the NFL season. From late August through early February, football’s as omnipresent an American institution as there is. Like P.F. Chang’s shrimp fried rice or any given season of Entourage On Demand, the action and story lines from the gridiron serve as the quintessential respite from the monotony of everyday life.

But every year, without fail, I get an awful sinking feeling in the days after the Super Bowl. It usually happens about 2-3 days post-championship coronation, when a harsh reality slugs me like a 2x4 to the gut: There’s going to be a serious void in my life for the next seven months. And, unfortunately, this is a void no delectable Asian treat or Ari Gold profanity-laced diatribe can properly fill.

Sure, the draft provides a momentary foray back into the world of pigskins, but there’s not a whole lot more for us to get jacked about until training camp opens.

I, for one, don’t want to wait until summer. So, fully aware that it’s utterly ridiculous to pump out a 2008 power rankings two weeks before the start of free agency and two months prior to the draft, here’s my crack at the ordering of the league’s hierarchy come 2008.

Note: The win-loss mark following each team was its record in 2007, not a 2008 projection.

Bob Sanders

3. San Diego Chargers (11-5; lost to the Patriots in the AFC championship game) — The most encouraging development with these Chargers was the dramatic improvement of the WR corps. It’s no longer just Antonio Gates catching Philip Rivers’ passes. With Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson snagging balls and L.T. toting it behind a solid line, the offense will be first-rate. The defense has All-Pro-caliber guys on all three levels.
Biggest strength: The league’s best individual talent.
Biggest concern: The coaching staff still hasn’t convinced me.
Breakout player: S Eric Weddle. Will start in 2008, epitomizes what a football player should be.

4. New York Giants (10-6; beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl) — I’m sold. While the running game and defense are top-notch, the overarching reason this team will stay great is Eli Manning’s transformation. I kept waiting for him to crumble in the postseason, and, obviously, it never happened. Calling him elite is premature, but he’s getting there. With or without Michael Strahan, the D-line remains outstanding. With Steve Spagnuolo back concocting the defensive schemes, expect them to continue terrorizing the league’s passers.
Biggest strength: Defensive line. Justin Tuck’s on the verge of superstardom.
Biggest concern: Secondary. Talented but enigmatic.
Breakout player: OLB Mathias Kiwanuka. He’s planted at linebacker, but like Anthony Spencer, can get it done on or off the line.

5. New England Patriots (16-0; lost to the Giants in the Super Bowl) — It’s inevitable the Patriots take a step backward. Not even Bill Belichick and Tom Brady — the standard-bearers at the two most critical positions on a football team — can keep them humming at their current clip. Randy Moss should be back, and Laurence Maroney finally began to realize his enormous potential, but a smattering of teams found leaks in a purportedly stellar offensive line that could use a face-lift. The Pats only have about $8 million in cap space and will be hard-pressed to make the necessary fortifications to a thin LB corps and secondary.
Biggest strength: Quarterback.
Biggest concern: Asante Samuel is the only solid cornerback, and I’ll be shocked if he’s back.
Breakout player: ILB Oscar Lua. Extremely heady youngster, is a viable candidate to step up should Tedy Bruschi and/or Junior Seau retire.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6; lost to the Jaguars in the wild-card round) — Rookie blunders in the playoff loss to the Jags sullied the great job done by Mike Tomlin throughout the season. Even with the improvement of Eli Manning and Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger remains the cream of the 2004 QB crop. Outside of Brady and Peyton, there’s no quarterback I’d rather have leading my team. A healthy Troy Polamalu could have a Bob Sanders-like impact on the defense.
Biggest strength: Quarterback.
Biggest concern: Offensive line, especially if hot-commodity OG Alan Faneca bolts.
Breakout player: OT Trai Essex. Showed potential late in the season, will vie for a starting gig.

Derek Anderson

8. Minnesota Vikings (8-8) — Brad Childress and his young offense learned on the fly in 2007 and should kick it up a notch next season. If Childress can work out a deal to bring in his old Philly QB Donovan McNabb, this has to be considered among the NFC’s top contenders for the Super Bowl. McNabb’s in play with several teams, however. If he plays elsewhere, the Vikes are still in fine position. Tarvaris Jackson teased with his potential, and his maturation, along with his receivers’, will make the offense considerably better. Even though defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier will be a head coach a year from now, he needs to get more out of his secondary. Ironic, considering that’s his area of expertise.
Biggest strength: Running back. I doubt they’ll trade Chester Taylor, but it makes sense.
Biggest concern: Defensive end. Though I do like second-year man Brian Robison as a pass-rush specialist.
Breakout player: WR Sidney Rice. Throw in fellow WR Aundrae Allison, too.

9. Green Bay Packers (13-3; lost to the Giants in the NFC championship game) — A little low? Considering the Pack went 13-3 with the NFL’s youngest roster, perhaps. But this ranking is all about the QB position. I’m putting the odds of Favre coming back at 50-50. Even if he does return, I don’t trust him to put together a 2007-esque season. He’ll see even more blitzes, and as the Cowboys and Giants showed, he’s not equipped to handle intense pressure. If he didn’t have the league’s best OT tandem in front of him, I’d adjust the chances of him jetting into retirement at 80-20. If he does call it quits, can Aaron Rodgers get the job done? Let’s just say Ryan Grant’s going to see quite a few more carries.
Biggest strength: Wide receiver. Donald Driver’s good, but how he got voted to the Pro Bowl over Greg Jennings is beyond me.
Biggest concern: Quarterback conundrum.
Breakout player: DT Justin Harrell. Rookie bust. Busting out in Year Two.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5; lost to the Patriots in the divisional round) — Many see this team continuing to climb. It makes sense. QB David Garrard was magnificent in his first season as a full-time starter, and it’s only logical to think he’ll get better. The Jags will be good, but I just don’t see them crashing the party atop the standings. Between extending Garrard — a prudent and expected move — and sinking some necessary cash into an injury-cursed defense, wide receiver may be ignored in free agency. Maybe they’ll pick up a stud in the draft, but after the way Reggie Williams and Matt Jones have underachieved, I’m not banking on the offense looking any less conservative.
Biggest strength: Running back. The way Fred Taylor’s been toting it, Maurice Jones-Drew has some time to bide before becoming the featured back.
Biggest concern: Wide receiver.
Breakout player: OLB Justin Durant. Some character issues, but the dude flat-out flies.

11. Arizona Cardinals (8-8) — It would have to be considered an upset if Kurt Warner wrests the QB job away from a healthy Matt Leinart. An injury-marred sophomore campaign and an A-list entourage has some souring on him, but don’t forget that this kid was pretty darn good as a rookie. The Cards’ 3-4 defense showed glimpses in its first year and will be far more effective with key cogs Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor back in the fold. Both are classic DE-OLB hybrid types, good fits for the scheme.
Biggest strength: Wide receiver. Owner Bill Bidwill would be wise to ensure Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are Cardinal lifers, though the former's 2008 cap number could hamper what they want to do in free agency.
Biggest concern: Running back. James has clearly lost his Edge.
Breakout player: WR-RS Steve Breaston. The most explosive receiver they have, which says a lot.

12. Seattle Seahawks (10-6; lost to the Packers in the divisional round) — Attention, Shaun Alexander: Either pretend like you care or hang them up. Even though the Seahawks operate largely out of the spread, they’re going to be too reliant on the pass to feature the dynamite offense that we've been accustomed to seeing from them. The offensive line’s getting progressively worse and won’t do much to open lanes for Alexander (in the name of full disclosure, I do hold somewhat of a personal vendetta against the guy after I naively took him third overall in PFW’s 2007 fantasy draft), and Maurice Morris isn’t what we like to call “starting material.” On the other hand, I’d be lying if I said I don’t have a serious man crush on Lofa Tatupu and the Hawks’ underappreciated defense.
Biggest strength: The league’s best collection of linebackers.
Biggest concern: The running game.
Breakout player: TE Will Heller. Marcus Pollard might not be back, and Heller offers a greater array of attributes.

13. New Orleans Saints (7-9) — Even though we know the nucleus of the team is returning, I had more difficulty ranking the Saints than any other team. Truth is, I could just as easily see them going to the Super Bowl as I could see them fall to 5-11. I want to say that Reggie Bush is going to channel his collegiate greatness, that Sean Payton will revert to his “offensive savant” status and that their supremely talented D-ends will consistently wreak havoc off the edge. Problem is, I can’t. As inconsistent as they are talented, it’s anyone’s guess as to where this squad finishes. One of the few areas where there is a dearth of capable bodies is in the secondary. You heard it here first: Asante Samuel will be Saint in 2008. (Oakland’s Nnamdi Asomugha is also a possibility, and if New Orleans nabs him instead, let’s compromise and say you heard it here second.)
Biggest strength: Quarterback. Then again, it’s “uh oh” time if Drew Brees goes down.
Biggest concern: Secondary.
Breakout player: WR Robert Meachem. Athletic marvel essentially redshirted in 2007.

14. Buffalo Bills (7-9) — We’re not going to see the Bills run the West Coast offense, though you figure with their three most important offensive personalities all hailing from the Golden State, they’d be proficient doing so. California exports Trent Edwards (quarterback), Marshawn Lynch (running back) and Turk Schonert (offensive coordinator) have a combined two years’ experience in their posts, but the poise with which the former two played with in 2007 has me believing there’s more reason for optimism than trepidation. Wide receiver is a glaring need that will surely be addressed, but it’s unrealistic to think the Bills can adequately fill pressing needs on all three defensive levels — particularly at D-end and in the secondary. Last offseason, when they doled out $74 million to O-linemen Derrick Dockery and Langston Walker, proved the exception to the Bills’ rule about distributing cash judiciously. One thing we can bank on is Dick Jauron maxing out his players’ ability.
Biggest strength: The running game.
Biggest concern: Lack of receiving weapons. Including tight end.
Breakout player: MLB Paul Posluszny. Awesome until his season was derailed early with a broken forearm.

15. Houston Texans (8-8) — When Matt Schaub was born, his now-offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, was soiling his diaper. Unlike the generation gap that often separates pupil and teacher, Schaub, 27, will be running an offense orchestrated by a guy who has all of one more year of life experience. It took a leap of faith from Gary Kubiak to promote Shanahan from QB coach, but if Kid Shanahan’s anything like his old man — Mike, Kubiak’s boss in Denver — he’ll be a resounding success. As we youngsters tend to be a bit more reckless with our life choices, here’s hoping Kyle adds some spice to the play-calling. I’m not suggesting he break out the video-game playbook, but I don’t think it’s too much to ask that he calls a flea flicker, double-reverse pass or fumble-rooskie at least a couple of times per game. Just as long as he stays away from the single wing. He’d disgrace 20-somethings everywhere if he busted that one out.
Biggest strength: Defensive line. Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye are the headliners on an emerging unit.
Biggest concern: Offensive line. Better than it was in the David Carr era but still has a ways to go.
Breakout player: WR Jacoby Jones. Fizzled after strong preseason in 2007. Expect big things from the Lane College product.

16. Tennessee Titans (10-6; lost to the Chargers in the wild-card round) — Norm Chow out. Mike Heimerdinger in. And suddenly, all the weight of the Music City is squarely on Vince Young’s shoulders. Young never meshed with the cerebral Hawaiian, and their strained relationship was rumored to be the impetus for Chow’s firing. With or without Chow, the offense will stay grounded until a few capable receivers take up residence in Nashville. The good news is that with a league-high $41 million in cap space (some figures suggest the Chargers and Dolphins could be in a slightly better position), the Titans should be able to afford a top-flight receiver and keep DT Albert Haynesworth around. With a strong running game and defense, and a suspect passing game, the Titans shape up as the Vikings Lite.
Biggest strength: Defensive line. There’s not much reason to think Haynesworth’s going anywhere. Not only is DE Kyle Vanden Bosch devastating off the edge, but no white guy has been able to pull off the bald look this well since Mr. Clean. No offense, Jay Glazer.
Biggest concern: Wide receiver. Justin Gage? Roydell Williams? Please.
Breakout player: S Michael Griffin. I won’t argue if you say he’s already arrived, but the way the then-rookie played down the final stretch of 2007 has me thinking he can become one the game’s top safeties.

17. Chicago Bears (7-9) — I won’t even try to guess who’ll be taking the snaps. Rex Grossman? Brian Griese? Donovan McNabb? Brian Brohm? Shane Falco? Cedric Benson gets a few games to turn things around before officially being labeled a bust. The offensive line’s looking more degenerate every day. So, why are the Bears not further down? Because the defense, when healthy, is a killer. Lance Briggs aside, general manager Jerry Angelo had the foresight to lock down the cornerstones of his defense to keep this cohesive unit strong for years to come. If Devin Hester is utilized more effectively on offense, this team could certainly re-emerge as NFC North champs.
Biggest strength: Defensive line. More slashers than maulers, they’re almost the equal of the Giants’ front.
Biggest concern: Quarterback. In other news, genocide continues to suck.
Breakout player: TE Greg Olsen. Ron Turner can't keep this weapon on lockdown any longer.

18. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) — I become more convinced every day that McNabb won’t be in Eagles green in 2008. The guy’s just not getting the brotherly love. And when you have a promising Kevin Kolb waiting on deck, coupled with the probability that you can fetch at least a first-rounder for McNabb, the Eagles are better off parting ways with their longtime quarterback. While I think Kolb’s got some skill and has the good fortune of learning from Andy Reid, a serious lack of weapons could spoil the offensive plans. L.J. Smith is a fine tight end to stretch the seam, but the receivers are lacking. Kevin Curtis? Reggie Brown? Those guys don’t do it for me. Brian Westbrook alone allows this offense to stay sufficient, but an injury to him and everything goes to hell. Outside of Brady and Peyton, there’s not a player in the league more critical to his team’s success than the diminutive Westbrook. Defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has big-time talent to work with on the only two levels that really matter to his scheme — D-line and secondary, as the linebackers are as expendable as you’ll find anywhere — but they’re not without their age and injury issues.
Biggest strength: Defensive line. No household names like recent Eagles Pro Bowl D-linemen Hugh Douglas and Corey Simon, but a stout, tough group throughout.
Biggest concern: Kolb’s readiness to step into the limelight.
Breakout player: DE Juqua Thomas. If you don’t know him already, you will soon. A Titans castoff, he's a big reason why Jevon Kearse will soon be an ex-teammate for the second time.

19. Baltimore Ravens (5-11) — Yet another franchise in the McNabb sweepstakes. New coach John Harbaugh knows McNabb well from Philly, and you can imagine that Harbaugh would gladly trade away some real estate in the draft to nab him. Also, the Eagles will be more apt to trade him to an AFC team. A touted WR corps that fell flat last season needs to show signs of life in 2008. A young, bullish O-line did an admirable job of paving the way for Willis McGahee, but the lanes will be clogged unless an aerial attack develops. The defense is old, but there are still only a handful of others I’d rather have. Harbaugh’s boyish enthusiasm fits in well with the emotional high that Ray Lewis mandates his defensive cohorts play with. The problem is that salary-cap constraints will prevent the Ravens from properly bolstering their roster. If they franchise OLB Terrell Suggs, notions of upgrading other positions will be curtailed.
Biggest strength: Secondary. That is, when it’s healthy. Baltimore is ghastly thin behind its starters.
Biggest concern: Harbaugh’s ability to transition from position coach to heading an entire operation.
Breakout player: WR-RS Yamon Figurs. Might just be the deep-threat answer they need.

20. Denver Broncos (7-9) — Nobody in the Mile High City is shedding any tears over Jim Bates’ unceremonious firing. The defensive coordinator’s inability to get his players to conceptualize his scheme stood as too daunting an obstacle to circumvent. There are personnel issues on the defensive side, as well. The line was nothing short of atrocious, and I’m skeptical as to whether it’s going to be any better next season. Their D-ends are primarily pass rushers, and stopping the run will again be an adventure. I’m still waiting on Jay Cutler to impress me on a consistent basis. So far, he’s been a whole lot of hype, not enough substance. Alas, we can always count on the Broncos’ ground game — Old Reliable, if you will. Travis Henry, Andre Hall, Selvin Young — it doesn’t matter much. The O-line ought to show its defensive counterparts a thing or two about hard-nosed play. With an added dose of defensive toughness, the Broncos are firmly back in the playoff mix.
Biggest strength: Secondary. Of course, after my unrelenting bashing of the defense, I say a defensive unit is the team’s strong point.
Biggest concern: Defensive line.
Breakout player: DT Marcus Thomas. The best hope for a D-line transformation.

21. Washington Redskins (9-7; lost to the Seahawks in the wild-card round) — The Jim Zorn era begins in Washington. As if the former Seahawks QB coach doesn't already have enough already on his plate, he needs to brace himself for a whirlwind (read: disaster) of an offseason. The Skins are an absurd $16 million over the cap, which is about as bad as it sounds. For comparison sake, the Ravens are situated in the second-worst position, at $5 million under. Consequently, expect to see a purging of sorts in the Beltway. A host of high-priced players will be shepherded out of town, some good (DE Phillip Daniels, perhaps) and some grossly overpaid (cough, Santana Moss, cough). The Skins will continue to restructure deals to arrive at more cap-friendly figures, but even the savviest number juggling is only a temporary mask for a pulsating problem. There’s enough solid core players to think the Skins will be competitive, but I can’t envision a repeat dash into the postseason.
Biggest strength: Secondary. Even without Sean Taylor, there’s serious talent patrolling deep.
Biggest concern: The salary cap. This is one problem Dan Snyder can’t buy his way out of.
Breakout player: OT Stephon Heyer. A younger, less expensive Jon Jansen.

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7; lost to the Giants in the wild-card round) — Talk about doing the most with the least. By all reasonable standards, the Bucs should’ve been watching the playoffs from home. Of course, reasonable standards fail to account for the simple fact that Jeff Garcia doesn’t age. I’m only half-kidding. Nevertheless, there’s far too much uncertainty surrounding this club to expect another NFC South title. Joey Galloway, like his quarterback, hasn’t succumbed to age, but it’s difficult seeing him keep up his pace. Same goes for defensive stalwarts Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber — Brooks, in particular, is steadily regressing. In a perverse way, the obstacles bode well for Jon Gruden. If he’s able to coach the Bucs back into the playoffs, it will considered a tremendous accomplishment. If they hover around .500, it’s par for the course.
Biggest strength: Secondary. If safeties Jermaine Phillips and Tanard Jackson played in a larger market, they’d be lauded as the premier safety tandem in the NFL.
Biggest concern: These dudes are old. Old dudes have brittle bones. Brittle bones lead to injuries. Injuries lead to losses. Gotta love that transitive property.
Breakout player: TE Alex Smith. Not overly athletic but has a good frame and smarts.

23. New York Jets (4-12) — Few noticed it because their record stunk worse than my grandmother’s tuna casserole left out to congeal, but Eric Mangini’s defense improved dramatically over the last month or so of the season. The secondary, in particular, was tremendous and should continue to be so. Offensively, please excuse me if I don’t put a whole lot of stock in general manager Mike Tannenbaum’s insistence that he plans on keeping Chad Pennington. It would shock me if Pennington’s back. Kellen Clemens may or may not be the quarterback of the future, but you’re putting him in a position to fail with the constant threat of getting benched. The Jets won’t fetch anything more than a third-rounder for Pennington, but there are enough holes on this team to treasure those mid-round draft picks. With plenty of cap room to maneuver, the 2008 Jets won’t bear much resemblance to their 2007 squad.
Biggest strength: Secondary. Darrelle Revis and Kerry Rhodes are certifiable ballers. Abram Elam’s got some game, too.
Biggest concern: Between the offensive and defensive lines, it’s hard to pick one over the other. But, if Sophie made a choice, then I suppose this decision is comparatively quite easy. I’ll go with the D-line.
Breakout player: WR Brad Smith. Will be much better if he's allowed to focus on receiver, instead of dabbling at quarterback as he has been doing.

24. Detroit Lions (7-9) — The Lions keep on stockpiling the offensive talent. Meanwhile, their defense keeps on imploding. After a while, you’d figure team president Matt Millen would get the hint. But Millen’s done next to nothing in his tenure in the Motor City for me to think things will be different this offseason. The man has no peer when it comes to managerial incompetence. And yet, year after year, he makes snafu after snafu in the war room. Detroit will light up a couple of scoreboards next fall, and if you’re a fan of offensive fireworks, tune into their games. If you want to check out a team that will be making a postseason run, flip the channel.
Biggest strength: Wide receiver. After allotting roughly half their annual budget to the position this decade, receiver better be a strength.
Biggest concern: Pass defense. Though their run "D" is hardly decent.
Breakout player: SS Daniel Bullocks. Shelved all season with injury, he’s being counted on to bring a spark to a woeful secondary.

25. Cincinnati Bengals (7-9) — Chad Johnson wants out of Cincy. Half the team has bench warrants out for their arrest. Yes, these are royally awful times in the Queen City. And, amazingly, it appears as if Marvin Lewis hasn't learned his lesson. Look no further than last week's signing of punter Danny Baugher. Sounds innocuous enough, until a quick background check on the guy reveals that he allegedly assaulted his father — yeah, his father — in a fit of rage after being cut by the Patriots in 2007 training camp. C’mon, Marvin! You preach about character, and instead of ridding your roster of the multitude of social deviants, you add to it. From an X’s and O’s standpoint, the Bengals have talent, especially offensively. But the lack of leadership on this squad will steer the ship south when it encounters the inevitable choppy waters.
Biggest strength: Quarterback. Poor Carson Palmer. Well, insanely wealthy Palmer actually, but still, it’s a shame one of the NFL’s true “good guys” and elite players has to be stuck in this mess.
Biggest concern: Besides the character issues, I’ll say defensive line. Linebacker was the defense’s undoing in 2007, but an avalanche of injuries was the unit’s primary culprit.
Breakout player: MLB Ahmad Brooks. He has Pro Bowl potential if he can keep his weight in check and the bumps and bruises to a minimum.

26. St. Louis Rams (3-13) — “Greatest Show on Turf,” where have you gone? Your successors have sullied your good name. No inside information here, but I’m guessing Isaac Bruce calls it quits, leaving Torry Holt as the lone holdover among the skill-position players on those great Rams offenses. For a few reasons, Marc Bulger thudded down to earth after signing his blockbuster extension and now must try to rally his troops to rid themselves of the bitter taste of their 2007 campaign. Ain’t happening. The dominating O-line that was a staple of the Rams of yesteryear has been reduced to shambles, and the defense is back to being a disaster. With just under $10 million in cap space, don’t expect this team to land any whales in the free-agent pool.
Biggest strength: Running back. Steven Jackson, St. Louis kindly requests you stay healthy.
Biggest concern: Secondary. The worst of the defensive units.
Breakout player: NT Adam Carriker. Solid as a rookie, he has the goods to become special.

27. Kansas City Chiefs (4-12) — Until the Chiefs develop some semblance of a legitimate passing attack, a team that actually holds considerable promise will remain a bottom-feeder. The Chiefs need to secure a solid No. 2 receiver to plug in opposite Dwayne Bowe. I’d be moderately surprised if K.C. opts against snagging the top-rated wide receiver with its first pick in April, though you can’t fault Herm Edwards if he goes the way of the O-line instead. But far and away, the absolute must of this offseason is locking down DE Jared Allen. Most likely, he’ll be slapped with the dreaded franchise tag, which has become something of a scarlet letter in NFL circles. But Allen’s only one guy, and K.C. is in need of a few more to re-emerge as a contender.
Biggest strength: Running back. Between Larry Johnson and rookie revelation Kolby Smith, the Chiefs sport an underrated 1-2 punch.
Biggest concern: Quarterback. Brodie Croyle has a long, winding path to respectability.
Breakout player: DT Tank Tyler. The best defensive name since Mike Stonebreaker.

28. Carolina Panthers (7-9) — The seeds for their demise were planted after the 2006 season, when John Fox canned offensive coordinator Dan Henning. Henning’s old school, no doubt, but he knows how to manage a football game. Furthermore, they had an identity. This current Panthers offense? They claim they want to run it but need to find a way to appease their one bona fide star, WR Steve Smith. Henning's replacement, Jeff Davidson, has yet to figure out how to strike the balance. With little cap space and both offensive tackles — one of whom, Jordan Gross, is among the elite in the game — as well as venerable DE Mike Rucker entering free agency, the Panthers are taking a turn for the worse. Sorry, but Jake Delhomme’s not making that big a difference.
Biggest strength: Defensive line. Julius Peppers was shockingly ordinary in 2007. The man has too much pride to float in mediocrity again.
Biggest concern: Offensive line. Let the overhaul, and further deterioration, commence.
Breakout player: WR Dwayne Jarrett. Smith needs him.

Patrick Willis

30. Atlanta Falcons (4-12) — Arthur Blank knows what he’s getting with new coach Mike Smith. Smart. Cordial. Lacking flair. While Smith certainly isn’t a sexy choice, the Falcons’ world is in such a state of disarray, the vanilla Smith may, in fact, be the perfect choice. He’ll bring a sense of calm to a franchise that’s experienced nothing but upheaval since Mike Vick became the most vilified figure in football since O.J. Simpson. Smith’s defensive scheme mirrors his personality. Simple, yet effective. Assuming he can shore up the defensive line — getting more out of touted DE Jamaal Anderson would help — the “D” could surprise in 2008. Still, there’s too much uncertainty on the offensive side and in the front office to think we’re going to see an overnight restoration job.
Biggest strength: Secondary. Nobody was happier about Bobby Petrino’s departure than CB DeAngelo Hall.
Biggest concern: Quarterback. I’d put even odds on the Falcons taking a passer with their first pick this April. Regardless, Byron Leftwich will probably be atop the depth chart in 2008. Hardly confidence-inspiring.
Breakout player: OLB Stephen Nicholas. Has playmaking ability on the weak side.

31. Miami Dolphins (1-15) — From his shoddy game management to his ill-fated attempts to garner his players’ respect on a personal level, Cam Cameron’s one-year stint in Miami was an unmitigated disaster. In dire need of overhauling the team’s image, Bill Parcells appointed tough guy Tony Sparano as head coach. Brilliant. His hard-nosed mentality is exactly what this franchise needs. Only the Titans and Chargers are expected to have more cap space than the Fins, meaning the new regime can make significant roster moves ASAP. As is the case in Atlanta, we’re still looking at a full year, minimum, for this team to begin to compete against the big boys.
Biggest strength: Running back. They’re surprisingly deep here. Ronnie Brown might not make it back for Week One after his ACL tear, but the word is he should be available for the majority of season.
Biggest concern: Quarterback. Good Lord, was John Beck awful! And yet, Trent Green was sent packing. Either they see something in Beck nobody else did, they're getting ready to make a play for a quarterback on the trading block, or Matt Ryan will be a Dolphin in '08. Regardless, it's the biggest concern on a team rife with them.
Breakout player: RB Lorenzo Booker. Especially if Brown’s out awhile.

32. Oakland Raiders (4-12) — Say what you will about Lane Kiffin being in over his head. The bulk of the blame goes to Al Davis. I know Davis has always had a bizarre USC fetish, but to give a 31-year-old the keys to an NFL franchise after only sharing play-calling duties for the Trojans? Crazy. Then again, I guess you can’t really say Kiffin was given the keys to the team when Davis looms over his every move. This will be getting even uglier.
Biggest strength: Linebacker. What Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison lack in bulk they make up for with speed and guile.
Biggest weakness: Offensive line. So much for Robert Gallery redefining the OT position.
Breakout player: RB Michael Bush. Even with Justin Fargas back in the fold, the battering ram that is Bush will be a force in short-yardage situations.