Scouts INC Training Camp Preview-NFC North

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp05/news/story?id=2110668


Chicago Bears
New offensive coordinator Ron Turner is expected to totally revamp a lethargic offense from a year ago that cost Terry Shea his job. The problem for Shea was that he tried to bring the same offense with him from Kansas City, but he didn't have the players with the Bears to carry out that offense. Turner will run a much different scheme.

First and foremost, he will utilize a power run game and get the ball to rookie RB Cedric Benson as many times as he is capable of carrying it. Turner also brought Terry Hiestand, his long time offensive line coach, with him from the University of Illinois. That will help in the communication along the offensive line, which was a huge problem a year ago, as this unit gave up 66 sacks, and much of the time seemed totally confused and unaware.

	Rex Grossman Quarterback Chicago Bears Profile
	2004 SEASON STATISTICS Att Comp PaTD RuTD Int Rat 84 47 1 1 3 67.9

Turner will utilize a West Coast offense that features a safe and low risk passing game, and quarterback Rex Grossman will get the ball out quickly, a lot of times to his tight ends and backs on little flairs and hitches. This is not an offense that will go vertical often, but they will try to teach ball control and discipline, and they will try to take care of the football and wear defenses down.

Defensively, head coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Ron Rivera are really developing an outstanding unit that possesses excellent athleticism and speed and penetrating skills. Smith still employs a lot of Cover 2 schemes that he brought with him from the St. Louis Rams, but up front, the Bears are aggressive, one gap penetrators who really like to be disruptive in the backfield and speed and quickness is the key for this defense. Much like the New England Patriots, the Bears will give you a lot of different looks, especially up front on defense to confuse blocking schemes. But they are still a basic 4-3 defense with a good enough secondary to play the Cover 2, but also play man to man if they need to bring the blitz.

Detroit Lions
The pressure is on for QB Joey Harrington to take this offense to the next level because he certainly has the personnel to get it done.

	Kevin Jones Running Back Detroit Lions Profile
	2004 SEASON STATISTICS Rush Yds TD Rec Yds TD 241 1133 5 28 180 1

The Lions will utilize a very physical run game in 2005 with young RB Kevin Jones. They will try to pound the ball between the tackles to set up play action opportunities off the run game. They will also run a lot of screens and draws vs. nickel defenses, staying with their low risk, high reward philosophy. Head coach Steve Mariucci wants Harrington to complete over 60 percent of his passes and do a better job of utilizing his reads than he did a year ago.

The Lions feel that with a sound run game, they will get good man-to-man match ups on the perimeter. They may use more three-reciever sets in 2005, because their trio of Roy Williams, Mike Williams and Charlie Rogers may be the best in the NFL.

The Lions coaches have also said that they will simplify their wide receiver reads, and they will not have much in terms of sight adjustments. Basically, the receivers will run the routes as called, and Harrington will know where they are going to be to cut down on mistakes.

The other interesting addition to this offense in 2005 is former Indianapolis Colts pass catching TE, Marcus Pollard. He understands this passing game and he can line up in the slot or go in motion and further put pressure on defenses to make adjustments on the perimeter, which opens up the run game.

Defensively, the Lions will continue to play out of their 4-3 base package, but they would like to play a lot more aggressive man-to-man coverages in 2005, and really challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage. They weren't able to do it a year ago because of a lot of injuries and it forced them to play a lot more zone schemes than they wanted to.

This is not a defense that blitzes a lot under defensive coordinator Dick Jauron, although they will utilize the zone blitz at times, but it is not a gambling, risky defense. Their philosophy on both sides of the ball seems to be a "bend but don't break" attitude that preaches fundamentals, taking care of the football and not giving up big plays.

Green Bay Packers
Head coach Mike Sherman has much less organizational responsibilities, in terms of personnel and running the front office and he can simply concentrate on coaching. That means he will continue to call plays in 2005 and should do a better job.

	Brett Favre Quarterback Green Bay Packers Profile
	2004 SEASON STATISTICS Att Comp PaTD RuTD Int Rat 540 346 30 0 17 92.4

The Packers are going through a very tough transition stage right now and we may see a change in their offensive philosophy in 2005. In the past, they have been a run dominated team, especially on first and second downs, behind Ahman Green, and you got the feeling that they could also always get a completion with Brett Favre on third down. However, there is an indication that Sherman will not pound it out as much on first and second downs, partly because his offensive line is not as good as it has been, missing two key starters.

That could mean more pass offense and gambling style on first and second downs to loosen up defenses and make the Packers look less predictable. A year ago, they ran the ball 58 percent of the time and we could see close to that same percentage in 2005.

Defensively, one of the best acquisitions in the off season could be defensive coordinator Jim Bates, who came from the Miami Dolphins. He replaces Bob Slowik, who really struggled in 2004 trying to get an identity for this defense. At different points in the season, they would play soft zones and coverage schemes, and then they would change it up and try to play aggressive blitz packages and man-to-man schemes behind it. But they never really seemed to hit a rhythm, and this defense never had a flow. On top of all of that, they were a bad tackling unit.

Bates will take a fairly conservative philosophy with a four-man rush, while dropping seven defenders into coverage. We won't see a lot of blitzes out of this unit. Bates will preach discipline and he requires players that are intelligent and won't break down and blow assignments. Speed is also a great asset in Bates' defenses. He does like to utilize some aggressive man-to-man press coverages with his corners and he has some quality young guys that the Packers are hoping will emerge with good training camps. But you are not going to see a lot of gambling or big plays with these schemes. When you look at the Green Bay defense in 2005, it will somewhat resemble the Tampa Bay Bucs, who don't utilize their linebackers and defensive backs in pass rush situations.

Minnesota Vikings
The Viking won't change a lot on offense in 2005, even though they have a new offensive coordinator in Steve Loney, who also doubles as the offensive line coach. However because of Loney's background, you could see a more aggressive play-action package off the strong Viking run game, especially with no Randy Moss. Play action on the perimeter vs. single man-to-man coverages may be the best way to make big plays in the vertical passing game without Moss as a weapon.

	Marcus Robinso Wide Receiver Minnesota Vikings Profile
	2004 SEASON STATISTICS Rec Yds TD Avg Long YAC 47 657 8 14.0 50 110

Minnesota will continue to use a lot of two tight end and one back sets with one of their TEs actually being and H-back, going in motion and also as a lead blocker in the run game. They love to use big Jermaine Wiggens as a TE out of the slot because he is such a tough physical match up for linebackers and safeties, and we could see more of that and multiple receiver sets. They will also work on their red zone passing package with big physical WR Marcus Robinson as more of a go to guy.

Defensively, coordinator Ted Cottrell now has the personnel that he has been looking for and he should be able to utilize a lot of schemes. Although the Vikings will primailry operate out of a 4-3 defensive front, they can slide their defensive linemen around, playing over and under techniques, and they can also go to a 3-4 scheme without a lot of trouble. Also, look for Cottrell to blitz a lot more in 2005 than he did in 2004, because he now has two shut down corners, Antoine Winfield and Fred Smoot. Both can play on the perimeter on an island without help, and it gives this defense all sorts of flexibility in their attack packages.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN Insider.

I never gave my Safety and Corner rankings

I like PFW's top 3 at safety in Reed, Dawkins, Harrison then I would go Donovin Darius, and follow that up with Eugene Wilson.

At Corner I like McAlister, Antonie Winfield, Nate Clements, Rolle, and Bailey. For my Top 5.

I ain't going to rate kickers.

Special Teams rankings

PFW K-Vinateri, Vanderjadt, Akers, Wilkins, and Elam.

PFW P-Lechler, Hentrich, Sauerbrun, Moorman, and Maynard.

Vikings insight-I really don't know who is going to start at either special team position for the Vikings. At Punter Travis Dorsch with his huge leg, had a big year in NFL Europe. His ability to kickoff should allow him to compete with Darren Bennett, who was good the second half of last season, but is also 40 years old. At Kicker, Aaron Elling I thought was OK in 2003, he has a big leg, and I think will win the kicking job. Paul Edinger was just too erratic in 2004 for Chicago, but was a better kicker at mini-camp. Jonathan Nichols lacks leg strength. But come opening day, I think it will be Bennett, and Elling kicking for the Vikings.

I am off for vacation, and will not post till July 29, when the Vikings report to training camp. Erik can share insights till then.

Cornerbacks

PFW 1. Chris Mcalister 2. Champ Bailey 3. Samari Rolle 4. Antoine Winfield 5. Patrick Surtain 21. Fred Smoot

McAlister is an awesome combo of size, speed, and physicailty. Plays the run behind only Antoine Winfield, and is good against receivers in straight-up man. McAlister can only really be attacked in the hurry up offense. Bailey I am not that nuts about, he has the most as far as atheltic tools go, but isn't overly physical, and seems to loss focus...IE vs Cincy, Oakland, and INDY last year. Rolle is probably the most consistent shear cover man, he has a bit more height than Antoine Winfield. Rolle isn't as good as Winfield goes versus the run. All Winfield lacks is height. But rarely will you see him get burned, due to poor coverage when healthy. Winfield should make the Pro Bowl this year. Surtain is a physical corner, who lacks some speed, and isn't as good in space. Dre Bly gambles a bit much, and lacks height. Nate Clements is a very good corner, with no real weakness. Shawn Springs' play was much better last year, than in previous years. Chrles Woodson despite incredible talent is too inconsitent.

Vikings- Smoot likes to take risks. He likes to blitz despite great size. He has good coverage skills. He and Winfield will be put on an island, allowing the Vikings to blitz quite a bit. Despite his high risk style, he doesn't play the ball as well as Dre Bly. He is at least a medicore tackler. Smoot will be an improvement in coverage over Brian Williams. Who should be good as a third DB. Smoot is a top 25 CB, and this is a good thing. The Vikings will be improved here, due to an improved pass rush. I except Winfield in the Pro Bowl, and Smoot to compete for a Pro Bowl Berth as he did in 2003.

Safety Rankings

Safety top 5

1. Ed Reed 2. Brian Dawkins 3. Rodney Harrison 4. Roy Williams 5. Donovin Darius with 6. Darren Sharper and 8. Corey Chavous. Reed was maybe the best defensive player in Football. Reed has great range, ball skills, and is quite good playing the run. Reed is most probably the most complete Defensive player in football. Brian Dawkins is the best defensive player on the Philadelphia D. Dawkins is tough to block, and is never out of position. Dawkins can play both the run and the pass. He is clearly number 2 on this list. Rodney Harrison is the Most Physical safety in football. His physicality is intimadating. He doesn't cover all that well in space. The best of these safties against the Run. Roy Williams was out of position at FS last year, best in the box than versus Coverage. Not quite as good versus the run as Harrison. Donovan Darius is also a big time physical player, but is better than Harrison or Williams in covergae. Darius lacks the speed or range of the top safeties.

Vikings-Darren Sharper is the third best versus the pass. He isn't overly physical and has durablity issues. He should bounce back somewhat this year. He is a big improvement over Brian Russell. Corey Chavous while he didn't have a great year last year, and I would like the more physical Wille Offord to start at SS. Chavous doesn't have great speed, but good ball skills. He's pretty decent against the run. I just would like to see a more physical presence at SS. The Vikings should be ok at safety, just due to their incredible smarts. I don't know they will create a lot of plays, but will take advantage of any mistakes. I would rate them behind Eugene Wilson, Troy Polamulu, and Micheal Lewis for sure. So they are both around the Top 10. The fact that the dead-weight in Brian Russell will not be there, should improve the secondary right there.

OLB/ILB Rankings

PFW OLB rankings 1. Derrick Brooks 2. Takeo Spikes 3. Keith Bulluck 4. Lavar Arrington 5. Joey Porter- This group shows how much over time the switch to generally 4-3 Defenses, has taken the game changing ability out of OLB hands. Brooks is still a good athelete but due to age is probably going to step down a notch, but Brooks has great insticts, not great at shedding blocks though. Takeo Spikes is the most complete player on this list, and due to insticts, the fact he is a bit younger, and his physicality would make him number 1 on my list. Keith Bulluck is good in coverage, with explosive atheleticism. Kind of like a younger Derrick Brooks, without the supporting cast. Arrington is injury-prone, and I thought overrated before his injury, due to his incredible physical tools. You also wonder about his overall game in that even though, he was thought of as the Redskins best defender, they were number 1 without him. Marcus Washingston, his teammate, was much better last year, although not a great in pass-coverage. His play against the run, and also as a pass-rusher makes him in my top 5. Terrell Suggs was ranked sixth on this list, but he is probably going to play DE, where I would rank him as equal to Simeon Rice, and Jason Taylor, but not above due to his below average play versus the Run. Joey Porter is streaky as a pass-rusher, and not as good versus the run. I am going to put Julian Peterson of San Fran in my top5 because he is going to be playing outside as a 3-4 LB, and I think if he bounces back health-wise could be number 1 at this position, next time. He is a complete player, when healthy, and a huge boost to 49er D. My Rankings 1. Spikes 2. Bullick 3. Brooks 4. M..Washingston 5. J.Peterson

Vikings insight-I think Napoleon Harris reminds me some of the Marcus Washington, The Vikings are going to use him in a similar way as Pass-Rusher on third down, due to below average pass-coverage skills, and he could be good against the run. He wasn't at the right position in Oakland, due to role a 3-4 ILB plays, is much different than a 4-3 OLB. Harris will be able to use his speed in space, and his lack of discipline will not hurt as much. I except Napoleon Harris to have a good season for the Vikings, it wouldn't shock me if he goes from outside the Top 15 to within the Top 10, but not quite Top 5 this season. I am not quite sure who is going to start on the outside. It will either be Sam Cowart (If EJ Henderson) beats him out, which I don't know that he will, as Cowart has been known to have a great mind at the MLB position, and was actually pretty good for the Jets last year. Raonall Smith a great talent, he played as well against Tennessee as I have seen any Vikings LB play since Dwayne Rudd in 98', but then he got injured. I think Donatarrios Thomas will improve due to his great athlectism, as long as he doesn't show EJ Henderson like bad insticts. I think eventually it will be Thomas starting at WLB, and being average. Keith Newman is really just a blitzing specialist.

ILB PFW 1. Ray Lewis 2. Brian Urlacher 3. Al Wilson 4. Zach Thomas 5. James Farrior. Lewis is a combination of speed, nastiness, and insticts, he is the most complete player here, with his only weakness as shedding blocks. Urlacher also can have trouble shedding blocks, and a bit of a risk-taker leading to problems at times. But He is a great athelete, who if he has someone in sight, the play is over. He does have durability concerns. Al Wilson has great speed, insticts, and quickness, Wilson also has surpising power for his game. Only real concern is lack of size. Zach Thomas gets buy on insticts, and determination, wasn't as good though last year due to poor DT play. James Farrior could have been the league MVP last year, he is extremely active with great insticts, and is the best of these 5 at shedding blocks. Jeremiah Trotter who is probably the best MLB at shedding blocks is 7th on this list, Trotter's injury risks, and trouble in space, have him lower despite his phenomal play versus the Run. I like Keith Brooking in the top 5, due to the fact he has played all three linebacker positions, and played them well.

My Rankings 1. Ray Lewis 2. Keith Brooking 3. Al Wilson 4. James Farrior 5. Brian Urlacher

Vikings apprisial- I think the Vikings LB will be their weak spot on D, but LB's generally aren't of great importance in the 4-3, as long as you aren't constantly out of position. I think the Vikings are about average here, which is an improvement from poor. The reasons they will be better in that they have a seasoned veteran in the middle, with a few years left. I think in Napoleon Harris you have someone that is going to play a role, he is suited for, and I think when you think linebackers in Round 2, 3 straight years, one has to be OK, I think.

Supplemental Draft Preview and D-Line

Supplemental Draft is Thursday. Vikings are still looking for a KR. The two players they could have intrest in include Roscoe Crosby of Clemson, A very good athlete, they might look at in the 6th round or Agim Shabal of Michigan State, in the 7th round. Shabal is very raw athelete with sub 4.4 speed. Both would be expected to help out at KR.

DT- Rankings PFW 1. Kris Jenkins 2. Shaun Rogers 3. Laroi Glover 4. Marcus Stroud 5. Corey Simon(huh!!) 6. Kevin Williams 15. Pat Williams. This list striked me as curious. First of all, Kris Jenkins although very good when healthy, is injured and highly overweight. Shaun Rogers doesn't have the greatest motor ever, but can dominate when healthy. Laroi Glover is moving outside as a 3-4 end. Marcus Stroud is the best against the run, and although can collaspe a pocket, isn't great at closing out QB's. Corey Simon isn't that good against though, is injury prone, and has averaged 5 sacks less a year than Kevin Williams. Where does Kevin Williams rank? Well since he was an All-Pro last season, with 7.0 More sacks than Marcus Stroud, 4.5 more than Laroi Glover, 7.5 more than Shaun Rogers, 6.0 more than Corey Simon(What a joke), and 10.5 more than Kris Jenkins, although he only played 4 games. I think it is fair to say Kevin is the best pass-rusher. One could argue that one of these guys might have collasped the pocket for someone else. I just don't see it. As far as against the run goes. I see Rogers and Stroud as better than Williams. It should also be noted that John Henderson helped Stroud quite a bit. So I would go heading into this season 1. Stroud (Based on how stout Jacksonville was against the run, letting them take risks against the pass, preserving the whole D) 2. K.Williams. 3. Shaun Rogers
4. Kris Jenkins(Health is a big factor here) and then I would look at guys like Rod Coleman, or Booger McFarland, Jamal Williams, Laroi Glover, and John Henderson. Then I would start to look at a Corey Simon. Pat Williams is basically a Grady Jackson clone, a big run stuffer, who will probably be single blocked some, leading to a lot of pocket collapses, that should lead to a lot of sacks.

PFW line rankings 1. Jason Taylor 2. Dwight Freeney 3. Richard Seymour 4. Simeon Rice 5. Julius Peppers
Taylor was alright last year, Miami's D took a big step back. Freeney is a great edge rusher, but also needs to improve versus the run. Seymour is in my mind the most complete d-lineman in that game in ability to play both the pass and the run. Rice is basically just a great pass-rusher, and Peppers is a freak of nature needing to improve versus the run. I would rank them 1. Seymour 2. Freeney 3. Peppers 4. Jevon Kearse(Albeit a bit biased due to his performance in week 2 vs the Vikings) and 5. Simeon Rice/Jason Taylor tie. As far as the Vikings go I think Darrion Scott could be a very good starting RE, I think we will see a much better Kenechi Udeze. I don't know if BKU though has the closing burst to be a elite DE, but I think he will be good against the run. I think Scott's performance will be a very good run stopping de, with a little pass-rushing burst. I think people will regard Darrion Scott this year as a good third round pick. I think Lance Johnstone might start to decline a bit, but will provide veteran leadership as a situational pass-rusher. I think the surprise will be a healthy Erasmus James, who has shown a Chris-Doleman like pass-rushing burst. This combines with a great set of moves. I think James will impress a lot, and I except in the neighboorhood of 8 sacks from Mr.James.

Overall, I think this will be the best Vikings D-Line since 1993, when they led the league in Defense. They have nice depth, and finally have a nose-tackle they have been looking for since Jerry Ball left.

OL Rankings

I don't know that we are going to see a Terrell Owens-Jerry Porter deal, or at least I am really not seeing anything to take it all that seriously.

Question: Why is David Dixon not starting anymore?

The reason is because his play really detriated the second half of last year, this is one of the reasons the Vikings Offense was so inconstent, the second half of the season. The big problem is his lack of movement, he is probably a back-up at this stage of his career. But a player like Marcus Johnson could quickly develop into a Pro-Bowler.

How did PFW rate the Vikings lineman-Matt Birk-number 3 at center. Kevin Mawae is a more consitent lineman. If it wasn't for Olin Kreutz the Bears would have done nothing on Offense, because their tackles really struggled as evidenced in giving up 9 sacks to the Packers, the last game of the year. I wasn't at all impressed with Birk's play last year in the second half, when he was healthy. But if he can return to form this year that will help the Vikings O-line a lot. Chris Liwenski-number 17 at guard. Bryant McKinnie-Number 13 at tackle, this one is simple, he just isn't as consistent as the others ahead of him on the list, but could easily rise to number 5. He was really impressive against KGB in the playoffs. Mike Rosenthal-who the Vikings think is going to break out-isn't rated due to injury. Rosenthal lacks great power, but is very techinally sound. Liwenski is basically a good,strong mauler. He is better at occupying, and pushing guys than he is at creating lanes.

Top 5 T-Ogden, Pace, W.Jones, W.Roaf, T.Thomas
Top 5 G-W.Shields, A.Faneca, S.Hutchinson, M.Wahle(He should be number 1 in my opinion), and D.Woody.
Top 5 C-Mawae, Kreutz, Birk, Newberry, Saturday.

I really can't sufficently break these guys down, with the exception of people in the NFC North.

Will the Vikings be better on the Offensive Line?

-First of all, Jim Kleinsasser who's the best blocking Tight End in Football will return, though I am worried Kleinsasser is so ripped, he will stay injury prone. Actually, Erik could maybe shed some light into this. Matt Birk will be back and if healthy should be noticeably better than towards the end of last year. Rosenthal will also make teams less likely to blitz. McKinnie actually played consistently the last 4 games, so he should be better. They will improve with Marcus Johnson, and Chris Liwenski is what he is. So the Vikings could be able to wear people down on the O-Line. Basically, I expect noticably better O-Line play than the first half of last year.

Next Week: Defense breakdowns.