With their linebacker unit devastated by injuries and suspensions, the New Orleans Saints moved quickly and acquired Barrett Ruud from the Seattle Seahawks for an undisclosed future draft pick.

The Seattle Seahawks are speeding up the learning curve for second-round pick Bobby Wagner, who already reminds teammate Michael Robinson of an All-Pro linebacker in San Francisco.

The Titans' linebacker corps is entering a time of transition, Brian McIntyre writes. Veteran Will Witherspoon could be on his way out, but youngster Colin McCarthy should continue to rise.

Seattle holds 12th pick, but looks for late value

2012 NFL Free Agents List

2011 NFL Free Agents List

Buccaneers fire head coach Raheem Morris

Ranking teams is tricky business, especially before games are even played. MIchael Lombardi takes a stab at his 1 to 32 pecking order by using his popular blue-chip/red-chip player ratings as a guide.

Who are the best players, by position, in the NFL? NFL.com's Michael Lombardi brings back his annual blue-chip/red-chip rankings, where he breaks down the elite and the near-elite at every position, starting with the defense.