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    <title>Yardbarker: Gaines Adams</title>
    <link>http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/21814</link>
    <description>Recent articles about Gaines Adams</description>
    <language>en-us</language>
    <item>
      <title>20 Fantasy Football Studs and Duds From Week Five</title>
      <description>Another crazy week in the NFL and Fantasy Football.  Some new names on Team Stud and Team Dud.  Some players switched teams this week.  Let's have a look at the top dog's and the dog's that laid down this week in fantasy football&#8230;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:05:41 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/346194</link>
      <guid>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/346194</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>My Fantasy Football Draft Results</title>
      <description>A full written analysis on my draft picks and what made me choose which players in each round.   Very good article for fantasy football junkies.  My top 3 -- (7) Randy Moss, (14) Clinton Portis, (27) T.J. Houshmanzadeh.</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:23:05 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/318227</link>
      <guid>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/318227</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Thoughts On Bucs Final Roster</title>
      <description>Sorry for the delay in posts, especially on final cut weekend.&#160; I had my two biggest fantasy drafts this weekend it turned into a 2 day fantasy draft party-a-thon.&#160;

To the cuts&#8230;. Ryan Nece and Dre Moore were the only two real surprises.&#160; If you had been watching any of the games, or paying attention </description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:16:58 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/316586</link>
      <guid>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/316586</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Game-by-Game Season Preview: Week 4</title>
      <description>Week 4
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Green Bay Packers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1 PM ET
Fox
Going into this game, the Packers are either going to be high on momentum or utterly out of gas.  They could lose two absolutely deflating games to the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys, or they could be 3-0 with </description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:13:48 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/314739</link>
      <guid>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/314739</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Can the Buccaneers repeat in the South?</title>
      <description>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will try to do something this season that no other team in the NFC South has ever done - repeat as division champions. 
If they are to win the division, according to Buccaneers beat reporter Scott Reynolds from www.pewterreport.com they could learn as early as week one.  "They play New Orleans on opening weekend, if they can steal a win there...</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:45:56 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/305865</link>
      <guid>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/305865</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Fbkid's Breakout Players: Defensive Linemen</title>
      <description>On many occasions a defensive lineman could have a huge effect on the outcome of the game. If the ends get a pass rush on the quarterback, it will slow down the passing game and if the tackles do their job and stop the run, your team has a good chance at winning. Breakout defensive linemen such as Mario Williams and Albert Haynesworth had huge impacts on their teams last year. Here are some players who I think are capable of doing that this year.


Gaines Adams Buccaneers: Adams had a solid rookie year as he had 38 tackles and 6 sacks but at the end of the year, he showed why he was a top 5 pick in the draft. Adams started to get off the edge faster and learned how to use his great size and speed to create mismatches for his opponents. If Adams continues to improve, he could be in for a trip to Hawaii in the near future. Don't be surprised if Adams gets at least 10 sacks this year.


Ray Edwards Vikings: Edwards has the skill set to be a dominant defensive end in the league. He is 6'5 268 pounds and has 4.8 speed. Last year Edwards had 5 sacks but now with Jared Allen across from him and Kenechi Udeze out for the year, Edwards has a chance to shine. Don't be surprised if Edwards gets at least 10 sacks.


Brodrick Bunkley Eagles: Bunkley started to show in his second year why he was worthy of a 1st round pick in 2006. He has incredible strength and the size to clog up the middle of the line. Bunkley has lost some weight this offseason and with the additions on the Eagles defense of Chris Clemons and Asante Samuel, Bunkley could develop into a Pro Bowl caliber player very soon.


Jovan Haye Buccaneers: In his first year starting, Haye was very impressive as he had 68 tackles and 6 sacks. With the development of Adams and the core of the Bucs defense intact, there is no reason to doubt that Haye could have an even better season in 2008.


Marcus Thomas Broncos: If not for legal troubles, Thomas would have been a first round pick in 2007. Instead he fell to the Broncos in the 4th round and if he lives up to the first round hype, the Broncos will be very happy. Thomas impressed at times last year as he had 19 tackles and a sack in 5 starts. Thomas should show lots of flashes of stardom this year, but look for him to really breakout in 2009.
</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:51:34 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293403</link>
      <guid>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293403</guid>
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    <item>
      <title>Starting from scratch: Buccaneers release Carter, Spires</title>
      <description>It's official: the Gaines Adams/Greg White era has begun.  The Buccaneers cut loose some more old baggage this week by releasing veteran defensive ends Kevin Carter and Greg Spires.   Carter, who was picked up via free agency before the 2007 season, was brought in by the Buccaneers to give the deflated defensive line some passion and more...</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:18:15 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/172355</link>
      <guid>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/172355</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Buccaneers - Renovating the defensive foundation</title>
      <description>Let's be honest: the Buccaneers' defensive line was less than stellar this season.  As the year went on, the pressure came on a bit heavier, but nonetheless, the team will undoubtedly address this weakness during the off-season.   First, the current roster must be evaluated and decided on.  The two biggest priorities are the two more...</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Jan 2008 19:10:03 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/71013</link>
      <guid>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/71013</guid>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Grading the 2007 NFL Rookie Class</title>
      <description>At the beginning of the year, I tried to evaluate the incoming class of rookies. It was a difficult task as we had learned the previous year when seventh round pick Marques Colston shocked the league as the best rookie on the New Orleans Saints. Now that 2007 is in the books, it's time to evaluate the verdict of this year's rookie class. You will note that I have included my previous assessment of the rookies before 2007 kicked off, as well as my expectations now that year one is in the books. 


Quarterbacks:


Rookie signal callers can be a disaster, but a pretty good crop of QBs came out this year. Let's start with the number one pick in the 2007 NFL Draft.


JaMarcus Russell, QB, Oakland Raiders
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
Russell is a physical phenomenon who has the potential to be a great passer and put up Daunte Culpepper numbers. Of course, you're hoping for 2004 Culpepper numbers when he lit up the league and not the guy who was laboring with the Vikings before tearing up his knee. Russell has a cannon of an arm and decent mobility for his figure (6'6" 260), but he is inheriting an offense in Oakland that is a total disaster.

Pros: Will get plenty of playing time, so you know he is going to get you numbers (this could be a con, though, since he could rack up the INTs as well). He is strong and physically gifted, which means he should be able to take a pounding when operating behind a porous O-Line. Perhaps he can form a rapport with the malleable Jerry Porter, who was a solid receiver before his run-in with Art Shell last season.

Cons: Operating behind a terrible O-Line leads to many rushed decisions, probably leading to plenty of INTs and sacks. There is also some uncertainty with the rushing game as LaMont Jordan is returning from a knee injury. You'll be praying that he returns to 2005 form, when he caught 70 balls (this could help Russell). This means more blitzes and an unbalanced offense. In other words, it won't be the ideal situation for your rookie QB to be passing under.

Advice: Take him late in your draft because at least you know he will start, making him a decent fill-in for you during your starter's bye week. Plus, did anyone envision Vince Young turning out to be the stud that he turned out to be? Russell has that potential! 

The Latest Evaluation: 
Russell certainly did not help out fantasy owners by holding out. When he did play at the end of the year, he seemed tentative. He could have used this year to really learn the game and use his physical abilities to his benefit. Instead, 2007 seemed like a waste for the young talent. He does not get an F thanks to the talent he possesses.

GRADE: D-


Brady Quinn, QB, Cleveland Browns
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
We saw the talented signal caller's stock plummet in the draft before he finally landed at the spot he wanted all along: Cleveland. He should have a good understanding of the pro game since he played for Charlie Weis at Notre Dame (Weis used to work as offensive coordinator for the Patriots and helped groom Tom Brady). Quinn will certainly have plenty of motivation to do well so he can show those teams who passed him up that they were wrong to do so.

Pros: Quinn has played in big games at Notre Dame, so he is used to being thrust onto center stage. He has the tools to work with on offense. Braylon Edwards is their young developing wideout whose best years are ahead of him. TE Kellen Winslow, Jr. finally showed his daddy's abilities as he shook of injuries to haul in 89 catches last season. The Browns bolstered their running game by signing Jamal Lewis during the off-season. If the running game can click, Quinn will have some options downfield.

Cons: Can he handle the big game pressure? It did seem that Quinn had his worst games in the rivalry games such as USC or in the Sugar Bowl against LSU. Nonetheless, he did show the ability to stage comebacks against Michigan State and UCLA. Will he actually win the starting job over Charlie Frye? There is plenty of publicity surrounding a Notre Dame quarterback, but will he be taking the snaps in Cleveland? If he wins the starting job during camp, then you should take a flyer on him late in your draft because he will have weapons around him to post some impressive numbers.


The Latest Evaluation: 
Who could have envisioned what Derek Anderson pulled off in Cleveland after Frye was traded to Seattle at the beginning of the season? That being said, the rookie did finally get in late at the end of the season when Anderson was roughed up in a significant game. The rookie looked good leading a drive that resulted in some points. It will be very interesting to see what happens with Anderson in the off-season. If Quinn gets the starting nod after a trade, then he will inherit some nice tools but he will have to cut his teeth on a much more daunting schedule than what Anderson faced this year. 

GRADE: Incomplete


Other QBs to look for: 
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
You probably don't want to draft these guys in your initial draft, but you will definitely want to keep a watchful eye on John Beck, QB, Miami; Drew Stanton, QB, Detroit; and Kevin Kolb, QB, Philadelphia. These guys will not be starting, but they have been picked with the future in mind. If any of these franchises suffer a season ending injury to their signal caller, well then the future is now.

The Latest Evaluation: 
Well, Stanton and Kolb did not get to see the field this year, but Beck did along with fellow rookie Trent Edwards in Buffalo. Beck looked awful while with the Dolphins, but then again I tend to think that Tom Brady would have looked awful with what Beck had to work with. I think Beck will get the chance to win the job this coming season so we shall have to see what happens with him. I believe that even if he does win the job, you will want to avoid having him on your team because Miami flat out stinks. 

Moving on to Edwards now, the rookie from Stanford played well at times including a 4 touchdown performance versus the Dolphins. He was inconsistent; however, he did show enough to force the Bills to bench J.P. Losman during the season. Edwards does have the opportunity to land the starter's job next year and with weapons like Lee Evans and Marshawn Lynch on offense, he may not perform too poorly. 

GRADE: For Edwards - B- , For Beck - D


Running Backs:

Marshawn Lynch RB, Buffalo Bills
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
He was the second tailback taken in the draft, but he might be the first rookie tailback you might want to draft. The reason is that he will be given every opportunity to land the starting job that Willis McGahee vacated when he left for Baltimore. Lynch has the body and moves to make it in the NFL, but he will have to learn the blocking schemes and hope that teams don't load up on the run.

Pros: Lynch has all the physical tools to succeed and will be given the opportunity to carry the load for Buffalo.

Cons: Buffalo is undergoing plenty of changes, so will defenses key on the run and force J.P. Losman to beat them? Will he be able to run in the cold of Buffalo? He is from sunny California and played in the PAC-10.

Advice: Starting tailbacks are always a premium in the fantasy game, so you will want to target him in round two or three depending on how deep your league actually is. Rookie tailbacks are always a risk, but this guy has the tools and the opportunity to reward your pick. Remember, sometimes you have to gamble if you want to win.

The Latest Evaluation: 
Lynch would have garnered plenty more of attention if it were not for what that rookie in Minnesota did. Regardless, Lynch held up well and ran up some solid numbers in his first year in the league. Plus, one must remember that Buffalo is not a juggernaut when it comes to offense. Lynch ran for 1,115 yards and 7 touchdowns in just 13 games.

GRADE: A


Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings 
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
Peterson was the first tailback taken in the NFL draft and should be viewed as a "can't miss" product. If you ever saw him run at Oklahoma, then you know why Peterson is viewed as a no-brainer. He has power, speed, and great vision. The only reason why I rate him below Lynch for fantasy purposes is that Peterson may not get the bulk of the carries that Lynch should get. You have to remember the Vikings already have Chester Taylor, who turned in an impressive 2006 season (ran for over 1,200 yards and 6 TDs).

Pros: Physically gifted runner with great vision. He possesses a great work ethic.

Cons: He may have to split carries in Minnesota until he becomes the main man. Some question his durability and he is returning from a broken collarbone suffered in his final season in college.


The Latest Evaluation: 
He was the most impressive running back at times in the entire league, as he set the NFL record for most rushing yards in a single game. Peterson took full advantage of an early hip injury to Taylor to thrust himself into a must start position. Peterson avoided the platoon situation and will likely place him among the top overall picks in next year's fantasy draft. Peterson ran for 1,341 yards and 12 TDs. He averaged 5.6 yards a carry.

GRADE: A+ 


Brandon Jackson, RB, Green Bay Packers
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
Jackson is one Nebraska Cornhusker who could be replacing another, as Ahman Green left the frozen tundra for the joys of a weak line in Houston. Green will play for the Texans and that means the 5' 11" tailback from the Big Red could be able to find a starting spot in the Packers backfield. He will get the chance to grab the starting nod in camp, but he will have an uphill climb. Jackson is trying to be one of the few Huskers running backs to succeed at the next level. Green is the only one who has really had any success since leaving the Big Red.

Pros: Will get a chance to win the starting job. Showed flashes of brilliance while at Nebraska in a more pro-style offense (remember Bill Callahan changed the Huskers vaunted ground attack to one focusing on aerials).

Cons: There are some questions about his durability. Can he win the starting job in camp or will he find himself in a dreaded rotation?

The Latest Evaluation: 
This rookie from Nebraska had the chance to solidify himself as the top tailback in Green Bay, but he was pushed by fellow rookies DeShawn Wynn (203 yds and 4 TDs) and then Ryan Grant. Jackson ran for 247 yards and 1 TD, but it was Grant who made all the headlines as he became one of the top tailbacks in league during the second half of the season. Grant finished the year with 956 yards and 8 TDs while carrying the rock only 188 times. 

GRADE: For Jackson: C-, For Wynn: C, For Grant: A 


Chris Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
The Titans took the Arizona Wildcats running back in the second round and you have to think that this guy will get a chance to start if LenDale White cannot control his weight issues and if Chris Brown cannot escape injury. Henry does have tremendous size at 6'0", 233 lbs, but he does have a tendency to run a little bit too much upright. If this guy wins the starting spot, you might want to take a flyer on him late or he could be a good reserve since he may have an opening for plenty of playing time.

Pros: Tennessee's RB situation is anything but settled, which means Henry will get his shot to become the featured back.

Cons: An unsteady situation often leads to platooning, which is always a fantasy killer.

The Latest Evaluation: 
The kid shows talent, but did not have the opportunity to showcase much thanks to White having such a great season for the Titans. In only 31 carries, Henry gained 119 yards and 2 TDs. 

GRADE: D


Best of the Rest: 

PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
You must be desperate if you pick any of these guys, but there is definitely one guy who has the talent to make a huge impact: Michael Bush. The Oakland Raiders selected the 6' 3" 250 lbs. tailback in the fourth round from Louisville. Bush would have been a top pick had he not injured his leg. This huge talent can overcome injury and can contribute, so keep a close eye on this guy. HE WILL BE THE FUTURE FOR THE RAIDERS BACKFIELD! 

Other guys you'll want to keep an eye on are Lorenzo Booker, RB, Miami Dolphins; Kenny Irons, RB, Cincinnati Bengals; Kolby Smith, RB, Kansas City Chiefs; and DeShawn Wynn, RB, Green Bay Packers. This list of guys will not contribute much at all during the season unless an injury occurs, but keep these names close at hand when those injuries do occur.

The Latest Evaluation: 
Bush never saw the field and Booker saw limited action in Miami. Smith in Kansas City is the most interesting of these tailbacks after gaining 407 yards and 2 TDs while replacing the injured Larry Johnson. Wynn's numbers and evaluation can be found above. Keep an eye on Smith and what the Chiefs do with both him and LJ. 

GRADE: For Smith - B- , The rest - Incomplete


Wide Receivers:

Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
Yes, the Lions selected Johnson with another first round pick so that should tell you how good this guy is if Detroit is willing to go WR again. This guy has all the tools to succeed in the NFL for a long time. He's a game breaker and he will be going to a nice situation in Detroit (an oxymoron, but true nonetheless). The Lions already have a great wideout in Roy Williams, and a serviceable QB in Jon Kitna (who threw for over 4,000 yards last year). Plus, the Lions traded for Bronco running back Tatum Bell, so he should help the offense. Also, you must remember that Mike Martz is calling the shots on offense and he did a pretty good job when running the St. Louis Rams' offense, particularly for the wide receivers. 

Pros: Johnson has can't-miss potential. Playing in a Martz system can only help

Cons: Will Detroit's losing ways affect him?

The Latest Evaluation: 
He did not become the immediate success that we envisioned, but he lost some balls his way with how good of a season that Sean McDonald posted. CJ did manage to haul in 48 balls for 756 yards and 4 TDs, plus he ran for another TD. He seems to have all the tools and he should make for a nice complement to Roy Williams at the other wideout position.

GRADE: B


Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs 
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
Bowe has good size at 6'3, and he should be able to start immediately for the Chiefs. How effective will the Chiefs passing game be now that Trent Green has moved on to Miami and with K.C. looking to hand over the reigns to Brodie Croyle? That will limit Bowe's effectiveness, but he should be one of the only receiving options outside of stud tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Pros: Bowe has good size and athletic ability. He should get his chance at some touches.

Cons: Kansas City's goal of building their future means some trying times at QB at the moment. Chiefs wideouts have never posted huge numbers, and a Herm Edwards offense will most likely not change that fact.

The Latest Evaluation: 
He turned out to be the best wide receiver in this year's rookie season. He made 70 catches for 995 yards and 5 TDs. Remember that he posted these numbers with some pretty bad QBs at the helm in Kansas City. He is a keeper and one to draft in the future.

GRADE: A


Robert Meachem, WR, New Orleans Saints
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
Meachem had great speed while playing for the Tennessee Vols in the SEC. Now he gets the shot to fill the shoes of departing wideout Joe Horn (he bolted for Atlanta). Sean Payton will pair Meachem with Marques Colston, who came out of nowhere to be one of the best wideouts in the NFC last year. Drew Brees is an accurate QB who is learning to become more of a team leader and that will always help a young developing player like Meachem.

Pros: Meachem has tremendous speed.

Cons: Are there enough balls in New Orleans to satisfy everyone?

The Latest Evaluation: 
He never caught a ball in New Orleans this season or anywhere else for that matter. 

GRADE: Incomplete (and that is being kind)


Anthony Gonzalez, SE, Indianapolis Colts
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
The Ohio State Buckeye is being touted for the slot position in Indy, which proved to be pretty good for Brandon Stokley a few years ago. Gonzalez will have the best passer in the game getting him the ball.

Pros: He is already been slotted to get plenty of action.

Cons: Are there enough balls after Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark and Joseph Addai get their touches?

The Latest Evaluation: 
The former Buckeye took advantage of the extra playing time due to Harrison's injury to post some solid numbers. He caught 37 passes for 576 yards and 3 TDs. He should end up being the next Brandon Stokely, which is not a bad thing at all. 

GRADE: B


Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Miami Dolphins
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
This young man has a lot to prove after the Dolphins passed on Brady Quinn and drafted the Buckeye ninth overall. Ginn has tremendous speed and athletic ability. His return skills cannot be undervalued (think of Devin Hester potential). He should run the deep post patterns and should have some big plays as he helps to open the underneath for Chris Chambers. Trent Green will be throwing him the ball, so that veteran leadership behind center should help in his development.

Pros: Ginn has game-breaking speed and superior athletic talent. He will produce impressive numbers in the return game.

Cons: Entered draft with leg injury, has he fully recovered?

The Latest Evaluation: 
Another former Buckeye who played well at the end of the year. The Dolphins were and are miserable, but he seems to be a bright spot in what seems to be a dim future. He is a great special teams returner and he did catch 34 balls for 420 yards and 2 TDs (he did add a punt return for TD as well). 

GRADE: B-


Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago Bears
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
Olsen comes from a fine lineage of tight ends from the University of Miami. The last two to come out (Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow, Jr.) have proven to have the ability to play in the NFL. Olsen should be no different; he has the skills and size to flourish. Chicago has had its fair share of question marks when it comes to offense, thanks to Rex Grossman playing. Olsen will get some touches, but may have to split time with Desmond Clark.

Pros: Olen has all the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. 

Cons: Olsen could find him in the dreaded platoon situation.

The Latest Evaluation: 
He played well in middle of the season, but tailed off at the end of the year. He did manage to grab 39 passes for 390 yards and 2 TDs. He seems to have the tools, but how good can he get in the Bears' offense remains to be seen. 

GRADE: C


Dwayne Jarrett, WR, Carolina Panthers
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
This is the guy who essentially forced Keyshawn Johnson into retirement. Jarrett posted a Pac-10 record 41 TD receptions while with the USC Trojans. Jarrett has tremendous size and he has good hands. He will get the chance to excel alongside pro-bowler Steve Smith.

Pros: He will start. Great size.

Cons: Some question his speed.

The Latest Evaluation: 
Used very sparingly by the Panthers as he accumulated 6 catches for 73 yards. 

GRADE: Incomplete


Best of the Rest: 
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
Let's go with a fellow USC Trojan in this spot with Steve Smith who was drafted in the second round by the New York Giants. He should get a shot to play alongside Plaxico Burress, but will the erratic Eli Manning be able to get him the ball on a regular basis? 

The Tennessee Titans need plenty of help with their wideouts and they may have found an answer (I stress MAY) in Paul Williams from Fresno State. He has great playmaker ability, but is injury prone. 

The Titans also grabbed Joel Filani, who posted 1,300 yards and 13 TDs while playing for Texas Tech. These are two candidates for a Marques Colston, out-of-nowhere, bust out.

The Latest Evaluation: 

Not much here to talk about as the other Smith reeled in 8 passes for 63 yards on the year. 

GRADE: Incomplete


Defensive Players:

Gaines Adams, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
This Clemson Tiger could put up some big numbers opposite Simeon Rice. If Rice continues to demand attention, Adams could be the benefactor. Sacks will be how he accumulates his numbers, so you may want to think more linebacker when drafting for the defensive side of the ball. 

The Latest Evaluation: 
He helped the Bucs defense as Tampa returns to the playoffs. The big guy put up solid numbers with 38 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 6 sacks. 

GRADE: A-


LaRon Landry, S, Washington Redskins
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
The Skins get another hard-hitter to lineup with Sean Taylor. This guy from LSU has great tools and will hit a lot of people. He will not shy away from tackles, which means more points for you.

The Latest Evaluation: 
A tough year for the 'Skins as they had to deal with the death of Taylor. Landry stepped up, as he accumulated 95 tackles on the year along with 7 passes deflected. 

GRADE: B


Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
This would be the first defensive player of the rookie class that I would take. This guy will get plenty of action and should record plenty of tackles, which means he should be a points cash cow for you. 

The Latest Evaluation: 
The guy made the Pro Bowl as a rookie so that should tell you what kind of talent we are dealing with here. How about 174 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 4 sacks on the year. Yes, he is a stud. 

GRADE: A+


Reggie Nelson, S, Jacksonville Jaguars
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
Nelson has great athleticism and will be a great fit in the Jack Del Rio defense. Nelson should be able to get you a few interceptions and he will get you tackles because he is another guy who will not shy away from contact.

The Latest Evaluation: 
A solid year for both the rookie and the Jags as a whole. Neslon picked off 5 passes while recording 62 tackles. 

GRADE: B+


Jon Beason, LB, Carolina Panthers
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
Here comes another physical specimen from the University of Miami and he should be able to contribute plenty of tackles for the Panthers D. He should be able to swoop in behind Julius Peppers.

The Latest Evaluation: 
You really can't complain with 140 tackles on the year, but what a down year for the Panthers in general. 

GRADE: B-


Paul Posluszny, LB, Buffalo Bills
PRE-SEASON EVAULATION:
Bills have some holes to fill in their linebacking corps and this Nittany Lion will get first crack. Remember, there is a good track record with Penn State linebackers in Buffalo; Shane Conlan turned out pretty well.

The Latest Evaluation: 
A broken left forearm ended his season early after only 26 tackles on the year. 

GRADE: Incomplete</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:20:28 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/66301</link>
      <guid>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/66301</guid>
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      <title>Marshawn Lynch and Beast Mode Video</title>
      <description>Gotta love this Marshawn video. It's classic. "It don't get no better than solid."</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 05 Jan 2008 00:25:51 -0500</pubDate>
      <link>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/60122</link>
      <guid>http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/60122</guid>
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