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10 Underrated AFC Moves Part II
Find out about some of the most underrated moves by shrewd AFC general managers this offseason.
As training camp approaches, most teams are feeling pretty good about their situations entering the 2015 season. Everyone knows about Ndamukong Suh going to the Miami Dolphins via free agency, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafting Jameis Winston first overall.
What about the moves that didn’t receive as much attention?
We’ve already looked at some under the radar NFC moves here and here, and now we’re going to highlight some shrewd, yet underrated moves by AFC general managers which should pay off this season.
We’ve already gone over some moves by the Jaguars, Jets, Chiefs, Browns and Bills in Part I and now we’re going to finish it up.
Raiders Sign Michael Crabtree
The Oakland Raiders finally appear to have a legitimate quarterback in Derek Carr and the next step for his development will be to give him some real weapons. To go along with fourth-overall draft pick Amari Cooper, the Raiders came to terms with former first-round pick Michael Crabtree.
When Crabtree is healthy, he’s a more than solid possession receiver who can make big plays. King Crab will fit in perfectly opposite Cooper and Derek Carr will have some pass catchers that he can count on.
Ravens Select Maxx Williams
The Baltimore Ravens offense seemed to work best when it has a legitimate pass-catching tight end. Shannon Sharpe passed the torch to Todd Heap, and Heap was supposed to pass it to Dennis Pitta, but Pitta hasn’t been able to stay healthy.
Enter former Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams and Joe Flacco finally has a legitimate threat in the seam. Williams was the best tight end in college football and he will step in right away and be a perfect complement to Steve Smith and Breshad Perriman on the outside.
Ozzie Newsome hit another home run in the draft and Williams will pay immediate dividends.
Steelers Sign DeAngelo Williams
With Pro Bowl running back Le’Veon Bell suspended for the first two games of the season, the Steelers went out and found a former first-round pick to fill the vacancy in the backfield. DeAngelo Williams has battled injuries for much of his career and at this point he’s a perfect No. 2 back.
The early returns on Williams are that he’s running very well and is relishing his role.
“Let me make sure we get this straight,” Williams said defiantly. “Because all the Le’Veon questions and me and if I’m able to fill the role or if I’m not and all this. I came from Carolina, where I started for most of my career, OK? So that’s not a heavy workload AT ALL. By no means is it a heavy workload. All I have to do is get the playbook down, which I am. Understanding the terminology, which is different than Carolina’s, which I am (learning). There won’t be any questions or problems with me answering these questions. Ya’ll just sit back and take a seat and relax and enjoy the show.
“Man!”
Williams is confident in his abilities and the Steelers are as well. There wasn’t a better running back available to the team for a nominal cost in free agency.
Broncos Select Ty Sambrailo
Denver Broncos general manager John Elway did not know he’d lose left tackle Ryan Clady for the season when he selected former Colorado State left tackle Ty Sambrailo, but he certainly seems clairvoyant. It’s been a trial by fire early on in camp for Sambrailo, but the early returns are very positive.
It’s not going to get much more difficult than practice for the young rookie, as he has to routinely line up against Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, two of the very best pass rushers in football.
“Whenever I beat him, I tell him. I will go up to him and let him know what I was thinking, and try to figure out what he was thinking,” Miller said. “If somebody beat me and they told me how they beat me, I would listen.”
Sambrailo won’t play up to the level of Pro Bowler Ryan Clady immediately, but he’s doing well thus far and Peyton Manning will make him look better than he is with his quick release.
Dolphins Sign Greg Jennings
The Miami Dolphins have “renovated” their wide receiving corps, jettisoning both Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline, and using their first round draft pick on former Louisville receiver DeVante Parker.
A very key piece to the puzzle came in later, and he’s two-time Pro Bowler Greg Jennings. Jennings runs precise routes and although he doesn’t have as much foot-speed as he did a few years ago, he’s still a productive player. In his post-Aaron Rodgers days, Jennings has still averaged nearly 65 catches and 800 yards per season, with 10 touchdowns.
Jennings won’t be asked to be the No. 1 receiver in Miami, but he will serve as a mentor to the younger guys and someone that Ryan Tannehill can count on during key third downs.
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