Week 4 Transactions

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Each week we share insights, analysis, and opinions of the week’s transactions. To see previous posts, click here and start working back. 

Jets (signed DT Trevor Pryce, cut DT Howard Green) – We discussed the Pryce move in this post. To make room for him, the Jets cut Green, whom they signed after Kris Jenkins’ injury.

Ravens (cut Pryce, re-sign S Ken Hamlin) – We discussed the price of Pryce (and Hamlin) in this post.

Jaguars (claimed QB Trent Edwards) – The Jaguars, who lost Luke McCown to injury earlier this year, claimed Edwards off waivers after Buffalo released him. Edwards immediately becomes the most solid backup option Jacksonville has, and if David Garrard continues to struggle, Edwards could get a few starts to see if he fits in Jax.

Bills (sign QB Levi Brown) – After cutting Edwards, the Bills brought back Brown, their seventh-round pick out of Troy this season. He’ll become the No. 3 quarterback behind Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm.

Seahawks (add WR Brandon Stokley, cut RB Quinton Ganther and OG Chester Pitts) – Stokley (pictured), who played for the Broncos last year, can fill in as a slot-type receiver. The Seahawks are playing a bunch of wideouts now but haven’t developed consistently reliable options, so Stokely could help.

Patriots (add RB Thomas Clayton, cut OG Quinn Ojinnaka) – With Fred Taylor hurting, Kevin Faulk out for the year, and Laurence Maroney in Denver, the Pats added RB depth with Clayton. They cut Ojinnaka, whom they acquired in a training-camp trade with the Falcons.

Texans (add CB Karl Paymah) – Paymah, who has bounced around to Minnesota and Denver in recent years, is a speedy and kind of tall corner who isn’t great but is good enough to be a No. 4. He adds depth to one of Houston’s big problem areas.

Colts (add LB Tyjuan Hagler, cut TE Gijon Robinson) – Hagler returns to Indy to help fill in after injuries to Clint Session and Kavell Connor.

Saints (add PK John Carney) – With Garrett Hartley struggling in two of three games this year, the Saints brought back Carney, who is 46 but should be reliable from 40 yards and in. They kept Hartley, who still has a chance to develop as a top-flight NFL kicker, but it’s clear they don’t have confidence in him right now.

Lions (add CB Dante Wesley, cut S Randy Phillips) – Detroit brought back Wesley, a cornerback who’s a big asset on special teams.

Panthers (add C Chris Morris, cut DT Louis Leonard) – The Panthers cut Leonard, whom they traded for last year, in part because he had been passed by Nick Hayden and Derek Landri. His roster spot went to Morris, who adds depth to an offensive line that had little.

Jersey Numbers: Defensive Linemen

Over the next several weeks, we’re going to look at several different positions (I can’t yet promise all) to identify the best players wearing each jersey number at each position. If this goes as planned, we’ll then compile a list of the best player wearing each jersey number in the league.

If you have quibbles, or want to add someone I forgot, leave a comment and we’ll update this post. And please have patience – this is a big job.

We started this project with wide receivers in this post and then with tight ends in this post and quarterbacks in this post and running backs in this post and offensive linemen in this post and kickers/punters in this post. Now we move to defensive linemen, who can wear numbers in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 90s, with the 90s by far the most popular and populated numbers. If a number is omitted, it’s because no defensive lineman who has played this season wears those digits.

54 – Quentin Groves, Jaguars – Groves has been a bust after being a second-round pick by the Jaguars back in 2008, going without a sack this year after notching just 2.5 in 16 games as a rookie. But since he’s the only defensive lineman wearing No. 54, he gets the nod.

55 – John Abraham, Falcons – Abraham is an impactful pass rusher who has five career 10-sack seasons, including a career-high 16.5 last year. He has just 3.5 sacks this season but is still a strong pass-rush threat. Other notable 55s: Darryl Tapp, Seahawks

57 – James Wyche, Jaguars – Wyche made his NFL debut last week vs. the Texans after spending two seasons on the Jaguars’ roster. But like his teammate Groves, he’s the only defensive lineman currently wearing his number.

58 – Trent Cole, Eagles – Cole has developed into a strong pass-rushing threat off the edge for the Eagles. He has 44 career sacks, including 9.5 so far this year. He is also one of the best defensive ends in the league in terms of solo tackles. First-round pick Aaron Maybin of the Bills, another 58 who has yet to record a sack in his rookie season, hopes to one day be the kind of impact pass rusher that Cole is.

60 – Joe Cohen, Lions – Cohen, a first-year player out of Florida, is a backup defensive tackle who has seen action in five games this season. He gets the nod over injured Panthers rookie Corvey Irvin.

61 – Gerard Warren, Raiders – Warren, in his ninth year, never lived up to the billing he had as the third overall pick in the 2001 draft. But he has been a starter every year of his career but one, and now serves as a run-stuffing defensive tackle for Oakland. Other notable 61: Derek Landri, Panthers

64 – Kedric Golston, Redskins – Golston, in his fourth year with the Redskins, is a solid rotation defensive tackle. That’s something every team needs a couple of. Other notable 64: Antonio Dixon, Eagles

66 – DelJuan Robinson, Texans – Robinson, a third-year defensive tackle out of Mississippi State, played in all 16 games last year and has seen action in seven contests this season. He’s the only defensive lineman wearing 66 who has seen action this year.

68 – Jonathan Fanene, Bengals – One of the most surprising stat lines I uncovered in researching this project was the season Fanene is having for the Bengals. He has five sacks, two passes defensed and a interception (which he returned for a touchdown). That’s a huge step forward for a player who had just one sack in his first four seasons. Other notable 68: Eric Foster, Colts

69 – Jared Allen, Vikings – This was an easy call. Allen is one of the league’s best pass rushers, with 12.5 sacks thus far this season and 70 in his six-year career. He’s just entering his prime, which means he’ll give the Vikings many more sacks to come. Other notable 69s: Leger Douzable, Rams; Anthony Hargrove, Saints; Henry Melton, Bears; C.J. Mosley, Browns; J’Vonne Parker, Broncos

70 – Kendall Langford, Dolphins – Langford is a second-year starter at defensive end in Miami’s 3-4 system. He has 3.5 career sacks, which is enough to give him the nod at this number over long-time backup DT Alfonso Boone, now with the Chargers. Other notable 70: Mike DeVito, Jets

71 – Kroy Biermann, Falcons – Biermann, a second-year defensive end for Atlanta, is coming into his own as a pass-rushing specialist. He has five sacks this season. So we give him the nod over Kendrick Clancy of the Saints, who has started three of the past four seasons but has played just two games this year. Other notable 71s: Lionel Dotson, Dolphins; Gary Gibson, Rams; Israel Idonije, Bears; Alex Magee, Chiefs; Ahtyba Rubin, Browns; Dave Tollefson, Giants

72 – Osi Umenyiora, Giants – Umenyiora isn’t having his best year after missing the entire ’08 season with a knee injury, yet he still has five sacks and is still a dangerous pass rusher. Osi has 46.5 career sacks and has performed at a level far above what we’ve yet seen from 2008 top-five draft picks Chris Long of the Rams and Glenn Dorsey of the Chiefs, who also wear 72. Dorsey is at least among the leading tacklers on the defensive line. Other notable 72: Stephen Bowen, Cowboys

73 – Jimmy Kennedy, Vikings – Kennedy was once the 12th overall pick, but his career has been disappointing. Now in his seventh season, he’s nothing more than a rotation defensive tackle for the Vikings. But since he’s the only notable defensive lineman wearing 73, he gets props here. Sometimes the world ain’t fair.

74 – Jacques Cesaire, Chargers – Cesaire, now in his seventh season with the Chargers, has started 11 games this season as a 3-4 defensive end, taking over the spot that Igor Olshansky vacated. He’s been a solid hand for the Bolts for many years now.

75 – Vince Wilfork, Patriots – Wilfork is one of the best 3-4 nose tackles around, and he’s going to be rewarded for his ability (and his girth) as a free agent this season. He has started regularly since his second season, and he is now one of the few impact players left on the Patriots defense. He’s made one Pro Bowl. Other notable 75s: Jovan Haye, Titans; Turk McBride, Lions; Juqua Parker, Eagles; Hollis Thomas, Panthers; Matt Toeaina, Bears

76 – Jamal Williams, Chargers – Williams played just one game this season before injuries shelved him, but for many years he was the preeminent 3-4 nose tackle. He made three bowls and was the heart of several terrific Chargers defenses. Other notable 76: Chris Hoke, Steelers

77 – Kris Jenkins, Jets – Jenkins made the transition from a dominant tackle in a 4-3 defense with Carolina to being a stud nose tackle in the Jets’ 3-4. He played in just six games this season before getting hurt, so he’ll have to be content with four Pro Bowl appearances for now. He gets this nod over his brother Cullen, a defensive tackle for the Packers. Other notable 77s: RaShon Harris, Steelers; Matt Shaughnessy, Raiders

78 – Jacob Ford, Titans – Ford hasn’t yet broken through as a defensive end starter in Tennessee, but he has provided solid pass-rush skills in his two seasons. He has 3.5 sacks this season after notching seven as a rookie. Other notable 78s: Alan Branch, Cardinals; Tony McDaniel, Dolphins

79 – Ryan Pickett, Packers – Pickett was a bit of a disappointment as a first-rounder in St. Louis, but he’s found a home in Green Bay. In fact, Pickett’s ability to move from a defensive tackle in the 4-3 to playing on the nose in a 3-4 has been a key in Green Bay’s relatively seamless transition between those defensive schemes. Other notable 79s: Lorenzo Alexander, Redskins; Raheem Brock, Colts; Ropati Pitoitua, Jets; Sammie Lee Hill, Lions; Red Bryant, Seahawks; Marcus Thomas, Broncos

90 – Julius Peppers, Panthers – This is an incredibly close call for Peppers, who has all the talent in the world and has turned it into 8.5 sacks and four forced fumbles this year. Among the top competition is Cardinals DT Darnell Dockett, who has seven sacks and is among the leading DL tacklers in the league; Mario Williams of Houston, a talented pass rusher; solid run-defending DE Chris Kelsay of Buffalo; and top-flight NT Jay Ratliff of the Cowboys. Other notable 90s: Ryan Baker, Dolphins; Desmond Bryant, Raiders; Adam Carriker, Rams; Colin Cole, Seahawks; Kenyon Coleman, Browns; Fred Evans, Vikings; Jarron Gilbert, Bears; Darren Howard, Eagles; Grady Jackson, Lions; Jeremy Jarmon, Redskins; Jevon Kearse, Titans; Travis Kirschke, Steelers; Daniel Muir, Colts; Kenny Peterson, Broncos; DeMario Pressley, Saints; Trevor Pryce, Ravens; B.J. Raji, Packers; Lawrence Sidbury, Falcons; Pat Sims, Bengals; Isaac Sopoaga, 49ers; Julius Williams, Jaguars

91 – Will Smith, Saints – This was another tough call, as Justin Tuck of the Giants is well known for his ability to be a force both at end and at tackle. But Smith is having a terrific season with 10 sacks and three forced fumbles, so we’ll give him a slight nod over Tuck. Ray Edwards of the Vikings (6.5 sacks) is the sleeper candidate here, and Pittsburgh DE Aaron Smith woudl be if he were healthy. Other notable 91s: Everette Brown, Panthers; Chris Clemons, Eagles; Ronald Fields, Broncos; Robert Geathers, Bengals; Justin Harrell, Packers; Tommie Harris, Bears; Derrick Harvey, Jaguars; Kenny Iwebema, Cardinals; Rob Jackson, Redskins; Spencer Johnson, Bills; Jason Jones, Titans; Leonard Little, Rams; Ray McDonald, 49ers; Brandon McKinney, Ravens; Ogemdi Nwagbuo, Chargers; Amobi Okoye, Texans; Sione Pouha, Jets; Myron Pryor, Patriots; Brian Schaefering, Browns; Trevor Scott, Raiders; Stylez White, Buccaneers

92 – Albert Haynesworth, Redskins – Haynesworth doesn’t get to pile up numbers, but no one wreaks more havoc from the inside than Haynesworth does. That’s why the Redskins made Haynesworth the highest-paid defensive player in the league in the offseason. With Cleveland NT Shaun Rogers hurt, Haynesworth is the easy choice. Haloti Ngata of Baltimore, one of the best 3-4 defensive ends, deserves mention as well. Other notable 92s: Cliff Avril, Lions; Remi Ayodele, Saints; Ron Brace, Patriots; Chauncey Davis, Falcons; Ryan Denney, Bills; Shaun Ellis, Jets; Aubrayo Franklin, 49ers; Wallace Gilberry, Chiefs; Damione Lewis, Panthers; Vaughn Martin, Chargers; Brandon Mebane, Seahawks; Rob Meier, Jaguars; Jayme Mitchell, Vikings; Dre Moore, Buccaneers; Frostee Rucker, Bengals; Richard Seymour, Raiders; Jeff Zgonina, Texans

93 – Kevin Williams, Vikings – This was an exceedingly close call between Williams, the disruptive Vikings defensive tackle, and Indianapolis’ Dwight Freeney, a preeminent pass rusher. Freeney outpaces Williams in sacks this year 10.5 to 6, but the fact that Williams is one of the top sackers from the tackle position gives him the edge in what amounts to a coin flip. These two are a step above other candidates like Tennessee DE Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jets DE Marques Douglas, who is second in tackles among defensive linemen this season. Other notable 93s: Jay Alford, Giants; Tim Bulman, Texans; Calais Campbell, Cardinals; Luis Castillo, Chargers; Phillip Daniels, Redskins;  Nick Eason, Steelers; Dwan Edwards, Ravens; Chris Ellis, Bills; Demetric Evans, 49ers; Michael Johnson, Bengals; Thomas Johnson, Falcons; Tommy Kelly, Raiders; Trevor Laws, Eagles; Bobby McCray, Saints; Roy Miller, Buccaneers; Adewale Ogunleye, Bears; Greg Peterson, Jaguars; Craig Terrill, Seahawks; Tank Tyler, Panthers

94 – Aaron Schobel, Bills – The crop of defensive linemen at 94 is a little thinner, but Schobel is a solid choice. He has seven sacks this year yet is also solid against the run. We’ll give him the nod over Vikings NT Pat Williams, who is the big run-stopper who allows Kevin Williams to attack more aggressively. Other notable 94s: Victor Adeyanju, Rams; Jason Babin, Eagles; Ervin Baldwin, Colts; Justin Bannan, Ravens; Copeland Bryan, Lions; Charles Grant, Saints; Marcus Harrison, Bears; Tyson Jackson, Chiefs; Peria Jerry, Falcons; William Joseph, Raiders; Mathias Kiwanuka, Giants; Louis Leonard, Panthers; Sen’Derrick Marks, Titans; Anthony Montgomery, Redskins; Kyle Moore, Buccaneers; Jarvis Moss, Broncos; Jeremy Navarre, Jaguars; Domata Peko, Bengals; Cory Redding, Seahawks; Antonio Smith, Texans; Justin Smith, 49ers; Randy Starks, Dolphins; Ty Warren, Patriots;  Jarius Wynn, Packers

95 – Jonathan Babineaux, Falcons – While 94 is a gaunt number for defensive linemen, 95 is straight slim pickings. So we go with Babineaux, a solid defensive tackle who has 5 sacks this season. Other notable 95s: Victor Abiamiri, Eagles; Anthony Adams, Bears; Tim Anderson, Cowboys; Rocky Bernard, Giants; Shaun Cody, Texans; Jared DeVries, Lions; Ron Edwards, Chiefs; Jason Ferguson, Dolphins; Howard Green, Jets; Orien Harris, Bengals; William Hayes, Titans; Chris Hovan, Buccaneers; Lawrence Jackson, Seahawks; Ricky Jean-Francois, 49ers; Charles Johnson, Panthers; Fili Moala, Colts; Darrell Reid, Broncos; Clifton Ryan, Rams; Junior Siavii, Cowboys; Montavious Stanley, Jaguars; Kyle Williams, Bills; Chris Wilson, Redskins

96 – Tyler Brayton, Panthers – This is another group of slim pickings, to the point that Brayton’s 37 tackles and four sacks are enough to give him the nod. That’s one more tackle and the same number of sacks as Chicago’s Alex Brown. Other notable 96s: Kentwan Balmer, 49ers; Barry Cofield, Giants; Tim Crowder, Buccaneers; Keyunta Dawson, Colts; Andre Fluellen, Lions; Cornelius Griffin, Redskins; James Hall, Rams; Ziggy Hood, Steelers; Tim Jamison, Texans; Travis Johnson, Chargers; Terrance Knighton, Jaguars; Mike Montgomery, Packers; Brian Robison, Vikings; Paul Soliai, Dolphins; Marcus Spears, Cowboys; Kevin Vickerson, Titans

97 – Kelly Gregg, Ravens – This is more like it – a number filled with quality players. The best of the bunch is Gregg, the run-stuffing nose tackle for Baltimore who is currently sixth among defensive linemen in tackles. His ability to take on defenders and stuff inside runs allows the rest of the Ravens to run free. He gets the nod over Packers DE Johnny Jolly, who is by far the leader among defensive linemen in passes broken up with eight, and periennially solid pass rusher Patrick Kerney of the Seahawks. Other notable 97s: Mark Anderson, Bears; Tony Brown, Titans; Brodrick Bunkley, Eagles; Jeff Charleston, Saints; Jarvis Green, Patriots; Jason Hatcher, Cowboys; Reggie Hayward, Jaguars; Jason Hunter, Lions; Trey Lewis, Falcons; John McCargo, Bills; Phillip Merling, Dolphins; Frank Okam, Texans; Bryan Robinson, Cardinals; Darell Scott, Rams; LeKevin Smith, Broncos; Hilee Taylor, Panthers; Jimmy Wilkerson, Buccaneers; Renaldo Wynn, Redskins

98 – Robert Mathis, Colts – Mathis doesn’t get as much pub as his teammate Dwight Freeney, but he’s nearly as devastating as a pass rusher. Mathis has 9.5 sacks thus far this season, tied for fourth among defensive linemen. So he gets the nod over Cleveland DE Robaire Smith, who leads the league in tackles among defensive linemen; up-and-coming Saints DT Sedrick Ellis; and Steelers NT Casey Hampton. If Bengals DE Antwan Odom hadn’t gotten hurt after six games, he would have more than eight sacks and would have certainly claimed this honor. Other notable 98s: C.J. Ah You, Rams; Jamaal Anderson, Falcons; Dave Ball, Titans; Connor Barwin, Texans; Landon Cohen, Lions; Dusty Dvoracek, Bears; Letroy Guion, Vikings; Nick Hayden, Panthers; John Henderson, Jaguars; Curtis Johnson, Cowboys; Ryan McBean, Broncos; Mike Patterson, Eagles; Nick Reed, Seahawks; Jay Richardson, Raiders; Fred Robbins, Giants; Ian Scott, Chargers; Ryan Sims, Buccaneers; Kelly Talavou, Ravens; Gabe Watson, Cardinals

99 – Andre Carter, Redskins – Carter, a former top-10 pick, is kind of a forgotten guy, but he’s still one of the best defensive ends in the league. He has nine sacks, which places him sixth among defensive linemen, and is fourth among defensive linemen in tackles. When you think about how solid the Redskins’ defense is, you have to give Carter much of the credit. So he gets the nod over solid Bills DT Marcus Stroud. Other notable 99s: Gaines Adams, Bears; Chris Canty, Giants; Greg Ellis, Raiders; Atiyyah Ellison, Jaguars; Vonnie Holliday, Broncos; Antonio Johnson, Colts; Tank Johnson, Bengals; Brett Keisel, Steelers; Maake Kemeoatu, Panthers; Igor Olshansky, Chargers; LaJuan Ramsey, Rams; Derek Walker, Seahawks; Vance Walker, Falcons; Dewayne White, Lions; Corey Williams, Browns; Mike Wright, Patriots

FR: Defensive line injuries

Last week, we compared the significance of the long list of NFL offensive line injuries so far this season. Now we’re switching sides of the trench to break down the various defensive line injuries that have sidelined players thus far this season. We’ve included players who are on injured reserve and thus out for the season (they’re indicated with IR by their injury) and also players who are indicated as definitely out on this week’s Wednesday injury report.

If we missed anyone, leave a comment and we’ll add them.

10 – NT Jamal Williams, Chargers (triceps, IR) – Williams has long been one of the best 3-4 nose tackles in the league, and his massive presence and disruptive ability has been a key that has allowed the rest of San Diego’s D to attack. But a Week One triceps injury ended Williams’ season almost before it began, and that’s a big blow to the Chargers – especially since another key run-stuffer, Igor Olshansky, left for Dallas in free agency this year. San Diego’s defense will have to find a new centerpiece if it’s to have the punch that it had at its best.

9 – DT Maake Kemeoatu, Panthers (torn right Achilles, IR) – Kemeoatu played on the nose in a 4-3 system, and like Williams he was the heart of his team’s run defense. But he suffered a torn Achilles tendon on the first day of training camp, and the Panthers haven’t won since. It’s no coincidence, because the Panthers don’t have anyone who can replicate the space-eating presence Kemeoatu brought.

8 – none

7 – DE Dwight Freeney, Colts (out 2-3 weeks with quad injury) – Freeney was having a dominant game against Arizona in the Week 3 Sunday night game before he suffered a quad injury. Most reports have Freeney missing 2-3 weeks with the injury, though Freeney still says he wants to play this weekend. Without Freeney, opponents can focus on DE Raheem Brock, who has the speed to beat a single blocker but not the bulk to overcome consistent double-teaming. Freeney’s injury puts a big damper on the Colts’ pass rush and may force them to take more chances blitzing that could open the door to more big plays. This injury will test the Colts’ defensive depth and show us how good the unit really is.

6 – DT Peria Jerry, Falcons (left knee, IR) – The Falcons were counting on Jerry, their first-round pick, to bring a disruptive presence inside that they simply didn’t have last year. But Jerry hurt his left knee in the second game and is gone for the year. For a team with 6 new defensive starters, losing a potentially premium player really hurts. Jerry was far from a polished project, but he was a starter, and he’ll be hard for Atlanta to replace.

5 – NT Vince Wilfork, Patriots (ankle, out indefinitely) – It’s never easy to get injury info out of New England, and so estimates on how long the ankle injury he suffered in Week 3 will keep him out are very rough. The only word thus far is that the injury is not serious, i.e. season-threatening. If Wilfork misses time, it will weaken a defense that is in flux and still trying to make up for the absence of field-sweeping MLB Jerod Mayo. Wilfork is perhaps the most important player on the defense, and his replacement, rookie Ron Brace, is unproven though he has potential. Missing Wilfork for multiple weeks would make life very hard on Bill Belichick and the Pats’ coaching staff, and that would mean Wilfork would quickly move up this comparison.

4 – DE Reggie Hayward, Jaguars (broken left leg, IR) – Hayward, who was once a big sack guy, has been more of a rotation player in recent years in Jacksonville. Still, he provided a little pass-rushing juice in limited action until he suffered his second season-ending injury in the last four years. That’s a blow to a Jaguars team that still hasn’t seen high 2008 draft picks Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves emerge at D-end yet.

4 (con’t) – DT Adam Carriker, Rams (shoulder, IR) – Carriker, a former first-round pick, had a good first year in St. Louis but a so-so second year. But the Rams, who have suffered as many line busts early in the NFL draft as anyone, needed Carriker to step forward as a top player on their defense. Instead, he landed on IR, and it has hurt the Rams’ cause. Carriker will need to recover and prove that he can be a building block, or the Rams’ new regime may cut bait.

4 (con’t) – DE Jared DeVries, Lions (ruptured Achilles, IR) – DeVries isn’t a great player, but he always gave great effort, and he was a decent place-holder against the run. He likely fit in as a backup this year for the Lions, and his motor and veteran presence would have helped a rebuilding team. But he ruptured his Achilles during training camp, which cost him his season. This is a blow on the field but even more in the locker room and on the practice field for the Lions.

4 (con’t) – DT Jay Alford, Giants (torn ACL, IR) – Alford was a fourth tackle in the Giants’ stacked rotation, but he made his share of plays given limited opportunities. He was also the team’s long-snapper. His preseason injury was a blow, but the Giants’ depth was able to keep the team strong even in Alford’s absence.

3 – DT Justin Harrell, Packers (back, IR) – Harrell, a former first-round pick, has never panned out, and now he has a chronic back injury that is costing him the ’09 season. It’s looking more and more like the Packers aren’t going to get a return for their investment in Harrell.

3 (con’t) – DT Louis Leonard, Panthers (ankle, IR) – The Panthers traded for Leonard after Kemeoatu’s injury to try to fill the massive void, and Leonard started the first two games in Carolina. But then he suffered an ankle injury that costs him the rest of the season as well. This is another huge blow to Carolina’s interior line depth.

3 (con’t) – DT Rob Meier, Jaguars (shoulder, IR) – Meier, who has played for the Jaguars since entering the league in 2000, is a rotation DT who is solid against the run and occasionally gets to the quarterback as well. But his preseason shoulder injury ended his season, which hurts Jacksonville’s DL depth.

2 – DT Dusty Dvoracek, Bears (torn right ACL, IR) – Few NFL players have had as bad a time with injuries as Dvoracek, who has actually seen his last four seasons ended prematurely by injury. The former third-round pick missed the entire ’06 season, was hurt in game 1 in ’07, sat out four games last season and now will miss all of ’09. The Bears have already cut the cord with Dvoracek, who once had ability but may just be too banged up to show it anymore.

2 (con’t) – DT Corvey Irvin, Panthers (knee, IR) – Irvin, the Panthers’ third-round pick, would have undoubtedly seen a lot of playing time, at defensive tackle given how many injuries the Panthers have suffered inside, but he too is out for the year. As you read down this list, you start to realize at least part of the reason the Panthers can no longer stop the run.

2 (con’t) – DE Henry Melton, Bears (ankle, IR) – Melton, a fourth-round draft pick this year out of Texas, suffered an ankle injury that will cost him his rookie season. Getting some playing time this year would have helped him, because the Bears may need him to help replace potential free agents Adewale Ogunleye and Mark Anderson in 2010. This injury may be more significant in that fact than in on-field impact this year.

1 – DE Stanley McClover, Texans (left knee, IR) – McClover suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason, marking the second straight season he’ll miss at least 15 games with a left knee injury. You have to wonder whether the former Panthers draft pick will be able to rebound from this series of left knee problems.

Week 2 Moves

We do a weekly update on major NFL transactions. We’ll include signings, releases, and also players who are put on injured reserve, because they are lost for the year. You can check out the Week 1 transactions here.

Additions

Chargers (add DT Alfonso Boone) – Boone comes in to help the effort to replace NT Jamal Williams, who was put on IR after Week 1. He played for current Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera in Chicago, so Rivera knows Boone’s strengths and weaknesses enough to put him in a role he can succeed in.

Ravens (add TE Tony Curtis) – Baltimore added Curtis, who showed a few flashes of potential in Philly, as a backup tight end. Curtis will help fill in for his ex-Eagle teammate L.J. Smith, who just can’t seem to stay healthy.

Browns (add TE Greg Estandia) – The Browns gave up on ’08 fourth-rounder Martin Rucker (whom they traded an ’09 third-rounder to draft) and picked up Estandia, who was released in Jacksonville to make way for rookie Zach Miller. Estandia, a third-year player,  is 6-foot-8 and has 19 catches over the past two years, so he brings some more veteran experience behind Steve Heiden and Robert Royal.

Panthers (add DT Antwan Burton) – Carolina, which had already lost starting DT Maake Kemeoatu in the offseason, lost replacement Louis Leonard to a broken ankle in Week 2 vs. Atlanta. Leonard is now on IR. To fill his roster spot, Carolina added Burton, who was with St. Louis and Kansas City last season and who last played for Denver in ’07. The Panthers will need Burton to at least play in a rotation, but expecting him to do more than fill space is unrealistic.

Packers (add S Matt Giordano) – Giordano, a four-year pro, replaces Aaron Rouse, who started against Cincinnati in Week 2 as a fill-in but was just a backup. With Nick Collins banged up and Atari Bigby out for a few weeks, the Packers will need Giordano to step in and play right away at least in a role.

Patriots (trade for OLB Prescott Burgess) – The Patriots traded a seventh-round pick to add Burgess, who has played in Baltimore the last two years. Burgess has played primarily on special teams in his three-year career but could help fill in with a Patriots LB corps that’s thinner with the departures of Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel and the injury to Jerod Mayo. That’s worth the shot of a seventh-round pick to New England.

Texans (add S Bernard Pollard) – Pollard started in Kansas City last year, but he was caught up in the Chiefs’ roster turnover this season. Now he moves to Houston to play for his former Chiefs’ secondary coach. Pollard is a physical player who can definitely help on special teams if not in the secondary.

Buccaneers (add S Corey Lynch and CB Marcus Hamilton) – With its secondary in flux after the injury to Jermaine Phillips and the suspension of Tanard Jackson, Tampa Bay brought in reinforcements. Lynch and Hamilton don’t have big resumes, but they at least add depth.

Titans (add P Reggie Hodges) – With veteran Craig Hentrich hurting, Tennessee needed a fill-in punter. Hodges punted for the Jets last year. He’s not great, but he’s OK in the short term.

Subtractions

Falcons (put DT Peria Jerry on IR) – Jerry, the Falcons’ first-round pick out of Ole Miss, suffered a knee injury against Carolina that will cost him the rest of the season. That’s a big blow to the Falcons, who don’t have great D-line depth. Atlanta promoted Vance Walker off the practice squad to take Jerry’s roster spot, but Walker (a local product out of Georgia Tech) can’t fill Jerry’s shoes.

Jaguars (put WR Troy Williamson on IR, demote WR Nate Hughes to practice squad) – Williamson, a former first-round bust in Minnesota, had a solid preseason and had earned a role in the Jags’ WR rotation, but a torn labrum against Arizona ended his season. The Jags also demoted Hughes, who dropped two passes in the end zone against the Cardinals, and signed Tiquan Underwood for depth. The changes mean that rookies Jarrett Dillard and Mike Thomas will have to step up and play behind Torry Holt and Mike Sims-Walker.

Buccaneers (put S Jermaine Phillips on IR) – Phillips suffered a broken thumb, and instead of waiting 6-8 weeks for his return, the Bucs shelved him for the season. That’s a big blow for a team that’s already missing starting safety Tanard Jackson with a league suspension and that has looked simply awful in pass coverage through two games this season.

Bills (put TE Derek Schouman and ORT Brad Butler on IR) – Butler, the Bills’ starting right tackle, suffered a knee injury that will cost him the rest of the season. That’s a big deal because Butler was one of just two OL starters in Buffalo with game experience prior to 2009. The Bills did add Jamon Meredith off the Packers’ practice squad to take Butler’s roster spot. Schouman, the team’s No. 2 tight end, also suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Redskins (put OG Randy Thomas on IR) – Thomas, the Redskins’ starter at right guard, suffered a right triceps injury and will miss the season. That’s a huge blow for the Redskins, because none of Washington’s backup offensive linemen played even a snap in 2008. It’ll be hard for the Redskins to replace Thomas’ solid run-blocking presence on the interior of their O-line.

Texans (put OG Chester Pitts on IR) – Pitts has been a dependable blocker for Houston, starting 114 consecutive games – which is every game in team history. The Texans have been working on improving their offensive line, which was abysmal early in their history, but depth is still a concern.

Giants (put S Kenny Phillips on IR) – Phillips, a former first-round pick who was emerging as an impact guy in his second season, intercepted two passes vs. Dallas in Week 2, returning one for a touchdown. But he also has been fighting a balky knee that will now shelve him for the year. That’s a big blow for the Giants’ young and talented secondary. To replace Phillips, the Giants claimed Aaron Rouse off waivers from Green Bay. Rouse started in Week 2 against Cincinnati but struggled. Still, he adds depth for the Giants.

FR: Training Camp Trades

This post compares the trades that happened during training camp. As usual, we’re using a 10-point scale to compare, with the 10 level being the most important trades and the 1 level being the least important.

Check this post for a look at trades from the draft until the beginning of training camp and this post for a look at trades from earlier in the offseason.

10 – Raiders acquire DE Richard Seymour from the Patriots for 2011 1st-round pick – Seymour was once the best 3-4 defensive end in football, and when he played on that level he was the best player on New England’s championship defenses this decade. But his play has declined in recent years, in large part due to injury, and now at age 30 he’s no longer an impact player. That explains why the Patriots, who have also lost long-time defensive stalwarts like Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, and Rodney Harrison this offseason, were willing to surrender Seymour. He should bring a veteran influence to Oakland, although Raider-land is often immune to that kind of positive osmosis (just ask Warren Sapp). The Raiders are paying a high price, giving up a 2011 first-rounder for a guy with just one year left on his contract. So Seymour had better deliver for them on the field and in the locker room, or else this will go down as a major fleecing. The ironic thing is that this trade was made possible when the Patriots got Derrick Burgess from the Raiders earlier in camp. When you look at the trade as Seymour and third- and fifth-round picks in exchange for Burgess and a 2011 first-rounder, the deal swings even more heavily in New England’s favor.

9 – Patriots acquire DE Derrick Burgess from the Raiders for 2010 3rd- and 5th-draft picks – Burgess, who had 38.5 sacks in his four years in Oakland but only 3.5 last year, had become disgruntled as a Raider, and so he’s been seeking a trade all offseason and into training camp. He finally landed in New England (as had long been rumored) in exchange for 3rd- and 5th-round draft picks in 2010. Burgess fits in New England as a situational pass rusher but not much more. Still, given the veteran nature of the Pats’ roster, and given the luck New England has had with Raiders castoffs like Randy Moss, we can count on Burgess finding a nice niche and filling his role well. For the Raiders, a third-round pick, even two years out, is fair value for a player of Burgess’ caliber and age.

8 – none

7 – Jaguars acquire QB Luke McCown from Buccaneers for 2010 fifth- or sixth-round pick – McCown thought earlier this offseason that he would be the starter in Tampa this year, but after the Bucs signed Byron Leftwich and drafted Josh Freeman, McCown became a spare part. Now he moves to Jacksonville, where he has a chance to beat out Todd Bouman and become David Garrard’s main backup. That kind of stability is worth a late-round pick to the Jags.

6 – Chiefs acquire OLs Ike Ndukwe and Andy Alleman from Dolphins for undisclosed draft pick(s) – The Chiefs, who are in the midst of rebuilding an offensive line that had gotten old, looked to Miami for reinforcements. Ndukwe, who was cut by the Redskins in ’06 and the Ravens in ’07, found a home with the Dolphins last year, starting 15 games at guard. The Dolphins were looking at him as a tackle this year, but he projects as a starting guard in K.C. Alleman started four games at guard for the Dolphins last year, so he’ll have a shot at competing for a job with the Chiefs, but he looks more like a backup interior lineman than a future starter.

5 – Chargers acquire DT Travis Johnson from Texans for conditional late-round 2010 pick – Johnson, a former first-round pick, never panned out as an impact player in Houston. He was a starter at defensive tackle the last two years, but he hasn’t been enough of a take-on player to mitigate his lack of impact (two career sacks, one career interception). The talent that made Johnson a first-round pick intrigued San Diego, which can try Johnson as a 3-4 end. That role might fit his talent better, because it will allow him to be a space-holder who makes it easier for the linebackers behind him to shake free and make plays. That potential made it worth a sixth-round pick (which can become a fifth-rounder based on Johnson’s playing time) for the Chargers.

5 (con’t) – Falcons acquire CB Tye Hill from Rams for 2010 seventh-round pick – Hill, a former first-round pick, will have a chance to compete for a cornerback role in Atlanta. He has great speed but never really seemed to get the coverage concept down in St. Louis. Still, he has talent, and so he’s worth a shot for the nominal price.

4 – Broncos acquire OG Russ Hochstein from Broncos for undisclosed late-round 2010 pick – Hochstein has been a long-time backup for the Patriots, starting just 20 games since 2002 but playing in at least 13 games every full season he’s been there. He’ll bring a veteran presence and some versatility to the Broncos. Denver head coach Josh McDaniels knows what he’s getting in Hochstein, and he’s likely matching what he knows about the player to what he knows about his team. Hochstein will make the Broncos and contribute somehow. But if he starts more than in spot duty, it’s a sign that the Broncos’ line depth is lacking

4 (con’t) – Lions acquire S Ko Simpson from Bills for undisclosed 2010 draft choice – Simpson, a former second-round pick, hasn’t lived up to his billing, though he started most of the ’08 season. He hasn’t proven he can be an impact player in the secondary, but he is a solid tackler. Still, he’s an upgrade for a Lions team that remains desperate for upgrades in talent from roster spots 2 through 53. (They’re set with Calvin Johnson.) Simpson, even if he is a backup and special-teamer, could help. And there must have been other interest in him, or else the Lions would have simply waited to grab Simpson off waivers.

3 – Ravens trade DB Derrick Martin to Packers for OT Tony Moll – Martin, a sixth-round pick in 2006, is a big hitter who didn’t really fit at corner for the Ravens and who didn’t make the transition to safety seamlessly. Still, he has potential, and the Packers wanted to give him a try. In exchange, they dealt Moll to the Ravens. He fits a need area because Baltimore needs some backup tackle stability.

3 (con’t) – Saints acquire TE David Thomas from Patriots for undisclosed 2011 draft pick – Thomas, a former third-round pick, is a strong pass-catcher, but not much of a blocker. The Patriots wanted more blocking, and so they let Thomas go to the Saints, which need a second tight end after losing Billy Miller for the season. Thomas could find a role and make some key catches for the Saints pretty quickly.

3 (con’t) – Panthers acquire DT Louis Leonard from Browns for undisclosed 2011 draft pick – After Maake Kemeoatu went down for the season with an Achilles injury, the Panthers had little depth at defensive tackle. That’s where Leonard comes in. After bouncing around the league in ’07, he found a home in Cleveland last year, playing every game and starting four. He might not start in Carolina, but if he can fit into the DT rotation, this trade is worth it for the Panthers.

2 – Patriots acquire TE Michael Matthews from Giants for conditional draft pick – As they were trading Thomas, the Patriots needed a blocking tight end, which is why they spent a draft pick on Matthews. Matthews had played every game for the Giants over the past two years, so he’s a dependable blocker who fits a role for the Pats.

2 (con’t) – Jets acquire QB Kevin O’Connell from Lions for undisclosed draft pick – O’Connell, the Patriots third-rounder, was released late in training camp and claimed on waivers by the Lions even though they didn’t have a roster spot for them. Now we know that the Lions were trying to flip O’Connell, taking advantage of the waiver priority they got by going 0-16 by claiming O’Connell just to get a draft pick in exchange for him. For the Jets, O’Connell becomes a third quarterback and an insider on the Patriots offense who can help in game-planning a couple of times a year. And the Lions get a pick to help to replace the one they dealt for Simpson. The only loser in the deal is the Patriots, who might have been able to get that pick themselves if they had been a little more patient in negotiations.

1 – Broncos acquire DE LeKevin Smith and a 2010 7th-round pick from the Patriots for a 2010 5th-round pick – Smith had played 28 games over the past two years in New England, but he was a bottom-of-the-rotation guy whose roster spot became questionable when the Patriots added Derrick Burgess. So they dealt him to Denver, which now runs a similar defensive system and needs all the DL help and depth it can find. Smith will make the Broncos, which makes the draft pick worth it to Denver. Meanwhile, the Patriots offset part of the price they paid the Raiders for Burgess, and only lose a guy whom they probably would have cut anyway. That’s a win for the Pats as well.