Sporting News Conference Analysis 2012 Post Draft

AFC

NFC

There's a lot of draft analysis coverage on the 'net, but Sporting News broke their coverage down by 'division' (which is one my favorite points of view). I don't agree entirely with their analysis, but for the most part it's fairly sound.

My own take is that the best improvement for all divisions is the AFC North their teams are all significantly improved, and worst perhaps is either the AFC West or NFC West.

TB is perhaps the most interesting team, I'm expecting an O scheme much like SF played this past year. Conservative O (run the ball) and sound ST and D play to maximize their chances of winning. With NO numerous suspensions the writing is on the wall for at best an 8-8 year. CAR should be on the upswing except for losing their G Wharton has me second guessing them and ATL with their miserable playoff lost where the D scored 2pts (safety) and the O scored 0pts (zero) has me thinking they'll rise for bit and then fall flat again, which will bring out the questioning and self-doubt which will doom their season.

HOU rose to the top of the AFC South last year and should remain so in the forseeable future. IND and JAC need several more drafts to rise and TEN appears to be stuck in place.

If you believe in the 'loser of the super bowl curse will have a bad year the following season', then NE will not be on top which leaves either NYJ or BUF, because MIA is nowhere near to being playoff bound IMO for the AFC East. So do you believe in the strength of NYJ with a D or BUF with an O?

CHI seems to be having the best off season for the NFC North, with GB and DET not far behind, but MIN really makes you wonder if they are really trying to get out of the dog house or maybe they want to leave for a fairer city?

As far as the NFC East, they are all chasing NYG and DAL still has the wrong attitude of 'we just need one more piece to add to the puzzle', PHI kept to their strong interior lineman beliefs which should help them and WAS I don't believe really has an identity and thus will remain the cellar dweller.