Kevin Burnett ILB, Dolphins
Burnett’s development last season into a top end starter at middle linebacker helped the Chargers’ defense become one of the best in the league. He had 95 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions. Those numbers would usually mean a trip to the Pro Bowl, but he unfortunately got snubbed for Ray Lewis and Jerod Mayo. Pairing Karlos Dansby with Burnett will create the best pair of interior linebackers in the NFL and should make the Dolphins defense even more dangerous. He is a big upgrade over Channing Crowder.
Harvey Dahl G, Rams
This is a huge pick up for the Rams, who continue to do everything they can to help the development of Rookie of the Year Sam Bradford. The Rams already had a great line with two great young bookend tackles. Now they have a top 5 guard as well to add to the mix. Dahl will help out in the run game as well as protect Bradford. The Falcons might miss Dahl more than they think, considering they are in one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL.
Ray Edwards DE, Falcons
I almost didn’t put Edwards on here because he was the most coveted pass rusher in this free agent class, but he still does not get as much name recognition as you might expect. He might not be a top end pass rusher but he is the perfect fit in Atlanta. Much like how Edwards was paired with a great pass rusher in Minesota (Jared Allen), Edwards will now be paired with John Abraham, who is getting older yet is still a very dangerous pass rusher.
Jermon Bushrod T, Saints
Bushrod was pursued by a few other teams than the Saints (at least the Bears went hard after him), but he ended up staying with the Saints. As anyone who watches football knows, the Saints pass the ball a ton and they cannot afford to lose such a young and talented player who holds pass rushers at bay.
Steve Breaston WR, Chiefs
Breaston is reunited with his old offense coordinator Todd Haley, now head coach of the Chiefs. The Chiefs are desperate for weapons in the passing game and Breaston will be the most reliable receiver for Matt Cassel, since Dwayne Bowe and first round pick Jonathan Baldwin have a lot of character and work ethic concerns.
Josh Wilson CB, Redskins
The Redskins defense was terrible last year, but Wilson should help out that pass defense that was second to last in the NFL last season. With DeAngelo Hall holding down the top corner spot, Wilson should see a lot of balls coming his way and he will have his opportunities to show off his impressive ball skills.
Robert Gallery G, Seahawks
The Seahawks made it a priority to beef up their offensive line. They used their first two picks to grab projected starters at right tackle and one of their guard spots. Apparently, their other guard spot will be filled with Gallery. Gallery has been a disappointment since being picked second overall in the 2004 draft. However, he has been a pretty reliable starter since the Raiders moved him from tackle to guard. Tom Cable definitely had a part in making a push to signing Gallery, who was his head coach in Oakland and is now the Seahawks offensive line coach. In one off-season, the Seahawks offensive line went from one of their biggest weaknesses to what should be one of their strengths. That is an impressive feat and Gallery could play a big part in bringing back a strong run game to Seattle.
Bruce Gradkowski QB, Bengals
This is a signing that went unnoticed by most, but Gradkowski should be the day one starter at quarterback for the Bengals. Despite his lack of notoriety, Gradkowski is a pretty good option at quarterback and is a tough leader. I’m not saying he is going to take the Bengals to the Super Bowl, but he much more ready to be a starter than Andy Dalton
Lance Moore WR, Saints
The Saints have more playmakers than people can keep track of, but Moore is one that should not be over looked. He is the most consistent of Drew Brees’ targets and is a beast on third down, which helps the Saints break the backs of defenses. Despite being just 5-9, Moore is a great redzone target and has scored 20 touchdowns in the last three years despite missing most of the 2009 season. He is only 27 and has a lot of good years ahead of him.
Melvin Bullitt DB, Colts
We all know that Peyton Manning will make whatever offense he is in a top 10 offense, but since the Colts won their last Super Bowl, their defense has really deteriorated over the years. The Colts defense the year they beat the Bears in the Super Bowl was a top 10 defense (not many people remember that), but the loss of a lot of players to injury or free agency has depleted this defense over the last few years. Bullitt plays mostly strong safety and is an underrated all around safety. He adds a physical presence in the run game and is better than average in pass coverage. This would have been a huge loss for this defense, especially since there are not many good safeties available in free agency.
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