Rebuilding NFL Teams

Cleveland Browns

After righting the ship in Green Bay and Seattle, Mike Holmgren gave Browns fans a glimmer of hope this offseason when he agreed to become president of the recently troubled franchise. The Browns, who have lost double-digit games six out of the last seven years, have needs at quarterback, defensive line and in the secondary. Holmgren addressed quarterback this offseason by drafting Colt McCoy (right) and signing veteran Jake Delhomme, but Holmgren and the Browns have a long way to go before they hoist an AFC North title.

St. Louis Rams

With six wins combined over the last three years, things can't get much worse for the St. Louis Rams. And with a rookie quarterback behind center, things might not improve for a couple seasons. For the Rams, 2010 will be all about developing Sam Bradford and continuing to shape the roster in the aggressive, defensive mold of coach Steve Spagnuolo. This might not translate to an immediate improvement in the standings, but it should be invaluable for the Rams further down the road.

Kansas City Chiefs

Every rebuilding team has a hypothetical model for success, but Chiefs GM Scott Pioli has taken it one step further, attempting to recreate the New England Patriots in the Heart of America. The former Patriots architect traded for former Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel and signed two former Belichick assistants in Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis. Whether the same formula yields similar results in Kansas City remains to be seen, but with six picks from the 2010 draft performing well, things are trending in the right direction for the Chiefs.

Oakland Raiders

The perpetually rebuilding Raiders are notorious for making their fans groan on draft day. Whether it was their decision in 2000 to draft kicker Sebastian Janikowski with the 17th overall pick, or their selection of Darrius Heyward-Bey in 2009, the Raiders' inability to draft has severely hindered their rebuilding process. The team's first 2010 selection, Rolando McClain (pictured), has been widely lauded however, and it's possible the Raiders might be back on track.

Arizona Cardinals

Is it possible for a reining playoff team to be rebuilding? If you're the Arizona Cardinals it is. The offseason wasn't kind to the Cardinals, who saw their star quarterback retire; their best linebacker sign with the Dolphins; and traded their second-best receiver to the Ravens. The Cardinals still have talent, but their season will largely hinge on the play of young players such as Beanie Wells.

Seattle Seahawks

One of the most active teams this offseason, the Seahawks have spent the past six months reshaping a roster with a thin secondary and no rushing attack. In the draft, the Seahawks added tackle Russell Okung (left), who should be able to clear the way for newly acquired Leon Washington. For the secondary Seattle was also able to add the freakish athletic ability of free safety Earl Thomas (right) via the draft. With rookie head coach Pete Carroll also on board, hope springs eternal in Seattle.

Detroit Lions

If patience is a virtue, Lions fans are saintly. The Lions haven't had a playoff appearance since '99, and have lost double-digit games eight of the last 10 years, including an 0-16 record in '08. But with a franchise quarterback in Matthew Stafford behind center, and a massive building block in Ndamukong Suh inserted along the defensive line, there is light on the horizon for the beleaguered city of Detroit.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Following the 2008 season, the Buccaneers quickly transitioned to a rebuilding phase, firing head coach Jon Gruden and releasing a bevy of veterans such as Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn. Their record fell precipitously too, dropping from 9-7 in 2008, to 3-13 in 2009. With youth firmly entrenched at most major positions, time should yield more victories for these Bucs.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills haven't made the playoffs since '99, and are playing in a division that's as stacked as ever. Their offensive line is porous and they lack a real long-term solution at quarterback. But it's not all doom and gloom in Buffalo. The Bills secondary is superb, led by second-year safety Jairus Byrd (left). Buffalo also has an embarrassment of riches at running back, where rookie C.J. Spiller (right) joins the duo of Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson.

Carolina Panthers

After parting ways with several veterans this offseason -- including Julius Peppers and Jake Delhomme -- the Panthers seem to be in a full-fledged youth movement. Fortunately for Panthers fans, head coach John Fox always seems to get the most out of his players. Fox will have to be in top form however, as inexperienced players will be expected to fill several starting spots on offense and defense.

Philadelphia Eagles

It's out with the old and in with the new in Philadelphia this year. Gone are long-time Eagle mainstays Brian Westbrook, Shawn Andrews, Sheldon Brown and Donovan McNabb. And in their place, players such as Kevin Kolb and LeSean McCoy must step up if this team intends to extend its playoff streak to three years.

Jacksonville Jaguars

A disappointment in 2009, the Jaguars will look to start from scratch in a lot of ways in 2010. Gone is John Henderson, the defensive stalwart and key to the formerly robust Jaguars run defense. New faces are also present at linebacker, where Kirk Morrison and Aaron Kampman will look to lead one of the youngest teams in the NFL. Unfortunately for the Jaguars, it seems as though this rebuilding process is just beginning in Jacksonville.