18. New Orleans Saints | 2012 NFL Offseason Rankings | Comcast.net

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2012 NFL Offseason Rankings

18. New Orleans Saints

Best Move: LB David Hawthorne (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: DT Akiem Hicks (Third Round)

Key Loss: OG Carl Nicks (Bucs)

Overall: On the personnel side, the Saints were brilliant. They added two quality linebackers who are better than the suspended Jonathan Vilma, re-signed wide receiver Marques Colston, added run-stuffing defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley and were able to offset the loss of All-Pro guard Carl Nicks with experienced starter Ben Grubbs (formerly of the Ravens). Off the field, the Saints were a disaster. Their coach, GM, middle linebacker and top defensive end were suspended as a result of the bounty program the team was running. As if the fallout from Bountyball wasn't enough, New Orleans and star quarterback Drew Brees haven't been able to agree on a new contract. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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Best and Worst O... By Jordan Raanan
Xfinity Sports

First there was free agency. Then there was the draft. Mixed in between were some trades, cuts, claims and bounty allegations.

It's been a busy couple of months for NFL teams. Who did the best (and worst) in sculpting their team for this season and beyond? Let's rank all 32 teams' offseason performance, with 1 being the best and 32 the worst.

Jordan Raanan has covered the NFL since 2005. Follow him on Twitter at @JordanRaanan or email him at jraanan@hotmail.com.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
1. Tampa Bay Buc... Best Moves: WR Vincent Jackson/G Carl Nicks (Free Agents)

Best Draft Pick: S Mark Barron (First Round, No. 7)

Key Loss: S Tanard Jackson (Cut, signed with Redskins)

Overall: The draft yielded three should-be starters (Baron, LB Lavonte David and RB Doug Martin). Free agency netted two of the top 10 players available (Jackson and Nicks). Throw in new coach Greg Schiano and the Bucs have a greatly improved look after a putrid 2011 campaign. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
2. Buffalo Bills Best Move: DE Mario Williams (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: CB Stephon Gilmore (First Round, No. 10)

Key Loss: OT Demetress Bell (Eagles)

Overall: Re-signing WR Stevie Johnson was a stellar way to begin the offseason. The Bills then went and massively upgraded their porous defense. Williams and Gilmore, combined with last year's first-round pick Marcell Dareus and free agent signing Nick Barnett, give Buffalo a much more imposing look. Free-agent signing Mark Anderson also provides another pass rushing option. Overall, it was a great offseason for the Bills. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
3. Philadelphia ... Best Move: WR DeSean Jackson (Re-signed)

Best Draft Pick: LB Mychal Kendricks (Second Round)

Key Loss: CB Asante Samuel (Trade with Falcons)

Overall: The Eagles made a concerted effort to establish continuity, and re-signed and extended several key veterans (Jackson, DE Trent Cole, OT Todd Herremans, OG Evan Mathis). Re-signing Jackson was a coup considering it looked bleak after he was deactivated for a game last season. The Eagles also upgraded their linebackers by trading for middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans and drafting Mychal Kendricks in the second round. Even with all the re-signings, shrewd general manager Howie Roseman had the Eagles in good enough cap shape to grab the top left tackle remaining in free agency after they lost Jason Peters to an Achilles injury. The Eagles still left themselves enough money to extend RB LeSean McCoy and CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie some time this season. Philadelphia's in good shape after an exceptional offseason and primed for a real run in 2012. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
4. Indianapolis ... Best Move: WR Reggie Wayne (Re-signed)

Best Draft Pick: QB Andrew Luck (First Round, No. 1)

Key Loss: QB Peyton Manning (Broncos)

Overall: The Colts rate high on this list because they did what they had to do. They cleaned house coming off a 2-14 season where Manning (neck) played zero snaps and was due a $28 million bonus. It was the most logical, yet most difficult, move. They let Manning walk, cleared their salary cap for the future and drafted the best quarterback prospect in almost three decades. Three years from now this offseason will be justly appreciated and pay massive dividends. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
5. Dallas Cowboy... Best Move: CB Brandon Carr (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: CB Morris Claiborne

Key Loss: WR Laurent Robinson (Jaguars)

Overall: Dallas' secondary was a disaster last season. So what did the Cowboys do? They landed one of the best cornerbacks in free agency and in this year's draft. Safety Brodney Pool and backup quarterback Kyle Orton were also nice additions. This time, the Cowboys got it right. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
6. Chicago Bears Best Move: WR Brandon Marshall (Trade)

Best Draft Pick: WR Alshon Jeffrey (Second Round)

Key Loss: RB Marion Barber (Retired)

Overall: The Bears smartly bulked up on weapons for their consistently impotent offense. They added two stud receivers, signed a quality running back (Michael Bush) as insurance for the disgruntled Matt Forte and added one of the league's best backup quarterbacks (Jason Campbell) so a repeat of last season doesn't happen. Since defense has never been the Bears' problem, only the offensive line remains a somewhat serious concern. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
7. New England P... Best Move: WR Brandon Lloyd (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: DE/OLB Chandler Jones (First Round, No. 21)

Key Loss: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Bengals)

Overall: In typical Bill Belichick fashion, the Patriots smartly feasted on the aging veteran free-agent market. And in typical Bill Belichick fashion, the Patriots landed a few steals. Lloyd should excel in the Patriots offense and even running back Joseph Addai and offensive lineman Robert Gallery should do well working with Tom Brady. The defense, the team's Achilles heel last season, also received a nice youthful injection with New England's first six picks being on that side of the ball. First-round pick Chandler Jones has the potential to be the dominant pass rusher the Patriots have coveted. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
8. Pittsburgh St... Best Move: WR Mike Wallace (Restricted)

Best Draft Pick: OG David DeCastro (First Round, No. 24)

Key Loss: LB James Farrior (Free Agent)

Overall: Only a quality organization like the Steelers can be in salary cap hell and still finagle a strong offseason of moves. They restructured, re-signed, restricted and waived a handful of veterans. And when all was said and done, the Steelers didn't lose all that much. Then they scored big in the draft despite picking in the bottom half of the first round. DeCastro immediately upgrades their offensive line and fifth-round jitterbug Chris Rainey should make an immediate impact on special teams and catching the ball out of the backfield. Restricting star wide receiver Mike Wallace also proved to be an ingenious move and keeps him with the Steelers for at least one more year at a more than reasonable price. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
9. N.Y. Giants Best Move: LB Keith Rivers (Trade with Bengals)

Best Draft Pick: RB David Wilson (First Round, No. 32)

Key Loss: WR Mario Manningham (49ers)

Overall: The Giants really only lost a backup running back (Brandon Jacobs), third wide receiver (Mario Manningham) and spare cornerback (Aaron Ross) from their Super Bowl-winning roster. They added talented replacements at those three positions with their first three picks in the draft and traded for a starting linebacker. Signing tight end Martellus Bennett to a one-year deal was also a worthwhile gamble. It was another masterpiece by general manager Jerry Reese. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
10. Seattle Seah... Best Move: QB Matt Flynn (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: QB Russell Wilson (Third Round)

Key Loss: LB David Hawthorne (Saints)

Overall: Seattle landed Flynn for a reasonable price and grabbed my No. 3 quarterback in the draft (Wilson) with the 75th overall pick. Considering the importance of the position, it was a great offseason for the Seahawks. And despite the criticism for drafting defensive end Bruce Irvin, a one-dimensional pass-rush specialist midway through the first round, it doesn't bother me one bit. Rushing the passer is that important. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
11. Denver Bronc... Best Move: QB Peyton Manning (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: DT Derek Wolfe (Second Round)

Key Loss: DT Brodrick Bunkley (Saints)

Overall: This could go two ways for John Elway and the Broncos. Peyton Manning could be healthy and they'll be competing for the Super Bowl each of the next five seasons. Or he could crumble on the first big hit he takes and leave Denver set back another 3-5 years. Denver seemed to be heading in the right direction even before Manning with some young stars and a quarterback (Tim Tebow) who just wins. But Elway gambled it all on the health of a 36-year-old quarterback and traded Tebow, the team's most popular player. It was a high risk, high reward offseason for the Broncos. It was not, however, a slam dunk. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
12. Washington R... Best Move: LB London Fletcher (Re-signed)

Best Draft Pick: QB Robert Griffin III (First Round, No. 2)

Key Loss: S LaRon Landry (Jets)

Overall: The Redskins finally found their quarterback. That in itself is enough to make you forget about overpaying for wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan. As the saying I'm about to make up goes: A franchise quarterback makes for a pretty darn good offseason. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
13. Jacksonville... Best move: WR Laurent Robinson (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: WR Justin Blackmon (First Round, No. 5)

Key Loss: None

Overall: New owner Shahid Khan fortunately didn't land Tim Tebow. Instead, they're going to smartly give second-year QB Blaine Gabbert some time to develop. The Jaguars had Gabbert working with the worst group of receivers in the NFL last season. How did they think that was going to turn out? Blackmon, Robinson and Lee Evans at least give the young QB a chance. As for a punter in the third round of this year's draft? No complaints here. Half the third-round selections will burn out before contributing anything. Pat Angerer will be a special teams weapon for the next decade. Sounds like a good pick and offseason in my book. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
14. San Diego Ch... Best Move: OLB Jarret Johnson (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: TE Ladarius Green (Fourth Round)

Key Loss: WR Vincent Jackson (Bucs)

Overall: San Diego was busy this offseason. It signed veterans Robert Meachem, Eddie Royal and Roscoe Parish to offset the loss of Vincent Jackson. It also re-signed offensive tackle Jared Gaither, center Nick Hardwick and made out nicely in a well-rounded draft. Outside linebacker Melvin Ingram is the pass rusher San Diego's been missing and Green will shine as Antonio Gates' understudy. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
15. St. Louis Ra... Best Move: CB Courtland Finnegan (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: RB Isaiah Pead (Second Round)

Key Loss: WR Brandon Lloyd (Patriots)

Overall: The Rams had a lot of holes to fill. They did what they could in the first season with Jeff Fisher in charge. Free agent defensive tackle Kendall Langford and first-round draft pick Michael Brockers will look nice lined up alongside Chris Long and Robert Quinn. That is something for the Rams to build around. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
16. Minnesota Vi... Best Move: Draft Day Trade from No. 3 to No. 4

Best Draft Pick: OT Matt Kalil (First Round, No. 4)

Key Loss: OG Steve Hutchinson (Titans)

Overall: GM Rick Speilman took the right approach. The Vikings sat out most of free agency and continued their rebuilding process through the draft. Spielman even moved back one spot in the draft and acquired fourth, fifth and seventh-rounders. Minnesota still landed its guy Kalil with the fourth pick. All in all, a successful offseason for the rebuilding Vikes. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
17. San Francisc... Best Move: CB Carlos Rodgers (Re-Signed)

Best Draft Pick: RB LaMichael James (Second Round)

Key Loss: WR Josh Morgan (Redskins)

Overall: San Francisco overpaid for WR Mario Manningham but took cheap fliers on WR Randy Moss and RB Brandon Jacobs. The versatile LaMichael James was one of my favorite players in the draft and adds another potentially dynamic piece to the 49ers' offense. The already dangerous 49ers, with their stout defense leading the way, got even better this offseason. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
18. New Orleans ... Best Move: LB David Hawthorne (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: DT Akiem Hicks (Third Round)

Key Loss: OG Carl Nicks (Bucs)

Overall: On the personnel side, the Saints were brilliant. They added two quality linebackers who are better than the suspended Jonathan Vilma, re-signed wide receiver Marques Colston, added run-stuffing defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley and were able to offset the loss of All-Pro guard Carl Nicks with experienced starter Ben Grubbs (formerly of the Ravens). Off the field, the Saints were a disaster. Their coach, GM, middle linebacker and top defensive end were suspended as a result of the bounty program the team was running. As if the fallout from Bountyball wasn't enough, New Orleans and star quarterback Drew Brees haven't been able to agree on a new contract. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
19. Detroit Lion... Best Move: LB Stephen Tulloch (Re-signed)

Best Draft Pick: WR Ryan Broyles (Second Round)

Key Loss: CB Eric Wright (Bucs)

Overall: The Lions extended superfreak wide receiver Calvin Johnson, re-signed middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch and franchised defensive end Cliff Avril. Detroit was intent on building off last year, and will do so with 21 of 22 starters returning. They were, however, unable to find a known starting cornerback in the draft or free agency. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
20. Cincinnati B... Best Move: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: WR Mohamed Sanu (Third Round)

Key Loss: LB Keith Rivers (Giants)

Overall: As usual, the Bengals moved on the cheap. While they did accumulate one of the best and most talented draft classes, there was room to add at least one significant piece in free agency. They did not. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
21. Green Bay Pa... Best Move: TE Jermichael Finley (Re-signed)

Best Draft Pick: OLB Nick Perry (First Round, No. 28)

Key Loss: QB Matt Flynn (Seahawks)

Overall: The Packers stuck to their usual plan, building mostly through the draft, where Ted Thompson concentrated on defense. It was the right move considering they went 15-1 the season after winning the Super Bowl. Green Bay did make some slight tweaks in free agency though. It added defensive linemen Daniel Muir and the now-suspended Anthony Hargrove (Bountyball), two minor moves to bolster the interior of its line. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
22. Atlanta Falc... Best Move: DB Asante Samuel (Trade with Eagles)

Best Draft Pick: OL Peter Konz (Second Round)

Key Loss: LB Curtis Lofton (Saints)

Overall: Atlanta brought back some of its own (DB Brent Grimes, DE John Abraham, S Thomas DeCoud, C Todd McClure) and stole Asante Samuel from the Eagles for a seventh-rounder. The Falcons, who didn't have a first-round pick thanks to the Julio Jones trade last year, kept themselves in prime position for a playoff run, although the loss of Lofton will hurt. (AP Photo/John Amis)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
23. Tennessee Ti... Best Move: DE Kamerion Wimbley (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: OLB Zach Brown (Second Round)

Key Loss: CB Courtland Finnegan (Rams)

Overall: Finnegan was a true No. 1 corner. He can't be replaced. But Tennessee still has two starting caliber corners (Jason McCourtey and Alterraun Verner) on the roster and opted to spend the money on other positions. Wimbley and former All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson were quality pick-ups. As for the draft, the Titans did OK. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
24. Kansas City ... Best Move: RT Eric Winson (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: OL Jeff Allen (Second Round)

Key Loss: CB Brandon Carr (Cowboys)

Overall: It's hard to determine if a crapshoot first-round nose tackle (Dontari Poe) and a bunch of offensive linemen are unproductive or just unsexy. I'm leaning towards unproductive. The defense had holes to fill. Running back Peyton Hillis, however, was a good free-agent signing. He'll be a nice compliment to Jamaal Charles. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
25. Baltimore Ra... Best Move: CB Ladarius Webb (Re-signed)

Best Draft Pick: LB Courtney Upshaw (Second Round)

Key Loss: OLB Jarret Johnson (Chargers)

Overall: The Ravens were able to keep Webb but still weren't able to afford some key contributors. Johnson went to San Diego and starting guard Ben Grubbs left for New Orleans. Baltimore whiffed on Evan Mathis as a replacement for Grubbs and potentially lost its best pass rusher, Terrell Suggs, for the entire season. No matter how you cut it, the Ravens' roster is inferior to the 2011 version, even after adding serviceable WR Jacoby Jones post-draft. The Suggs injury is a killer. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
26. N.Y. Jets Best Move: S LaRon Landry (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: OLB Quinton Coples (First Round, No. 16)

Key Loss: WR Plaxico Burress (Free Agent)

Overall: The Jets were able to fill a gaping hole at outside linebacker in the draft, a gaping hole at safety in free agency and a gaping hole at backup quarterback through a trade. Only problem is that Coples, Landry and Tim Tebow all come with serious question marks. Right tackle also remains a black hole. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
27. Oakland Raid... Best Move: DL Dave Tollefson (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: OLB Miles Burris (Fourth Round)

Key Loss: OLB Kamerion Wimbley (Titans)

Overall: New general manager Reggie McKenzie was stuck in an impossible situation. He was up against the cap and had no picks in the first two rounds of the draft. The Raiders didn't have a choice. They lost quality players (Wimbley, RB Michael Bush, CB Stanford Routt, QB Jason Campbell, TE Kevin Boss) and were unable to restock much of the cupboard. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
28. Carolina Pan... Best Acquisition: S Reggie Smith (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: LB Luke Kuechly (No. 9 Overall)

Key Loss: LB Dan Connor (Cowboys)

Overall: Carolina's defensive needs weren't addressed in free agency or the draft. Kuechly was the only impact addition on the troublesome side of the ball, and the signing of free-agent running back Mike Tolbert was curious at best. The promising Panthers could have done better. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
29. Houston Texa... Best Move: RB Arian Foster (Re-signed)

Best Draft Pick: DE Jared Crick (Fourth Round)

Key Loss: OLB Mario Williams (Bills)

Overall: Financial considerations forced a lot of talent out of Houston. Williams, right tackle Eric Winston, right guard Mike Brisiel and cornerback Jason Allen all left via free agency. Linebacker DeMeco Ryans was traded to the Eagles. A solid draft class should help fill some of the holes but, overall, the Texans didn't make out well talent-wise this offseason. They did, however, secure Foster's services long-term — whatever that may be these days for a running back. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
30. Arizona Card... Best Move: OG Adam Snyder (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: WR Michael Floyd (First Round, No. 13)

Key Loss: CB Richard Marshall (Dolphins)

Overall: The Cards addressed their offensive line with mid-round draft picks and by signing and re-signing mediocre players. Kevin Kolb and/or John Skelton need more than Michael Floyd to thrive. (AP Photo/Matt York)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
31. Cleveland Br... Best Move: DE Frostee Rucker (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: RB Trent Richardson (First Round, No. 3)

Key Loss: RB Peyton Hillis (Chiefs)

Overall: The Browns used a late first-round pick on 28-year-old quarterback Brandon Weeden. If replacing Colt McCoy was the plan all along, it would have made sense to at least try and land one of the top free agent QB's on the market. Instead, the Browns decided to build their team around a running back (Trent Richardson) and a 28-year-old rookie quarterback. And their most significant free agent acquisition was Frostee Rucker. That doesn't bode well for a roster that lacked talent last season. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
32. Miami Dolphi... Best Move: CB Richard Marshall (Free Agent)

Best Draft Pick: TE Michael Egnew (Third Round)

Key Loss: WR Brandon Marshall (Traded to Bears)

Overall: The Dolphins whiffed everywhere. They didn't land Peyton Manning, didn't land/want Matt Flynn and for some reason flirted with Alex Smith. To compound the free-agent follies, Miami put its franchise in the hands of Ryan Tannehill, a fairly major project who was selected in the top 10 of the draft. Aside from that, the Dolphins didn't do much except wait to clear house next offseason. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

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