CAMP NEEDS: Face questions at linebacker, where All-Pro NaVorro Bowman could miss half-season recovering from knee injury suffered in NFC title game. Pass rusher Aldon Smith could face a suspension (and jail time) for off-field troubles. 49ers also have to deal with disgruntled veterans TE Vernon Davis and OL Alex Boone, who both skipped entire offseason program as they seek new contracts.
CAMP NEEDS: Bradford and LT Jake Long, also coming off knee surgery, will be eased into mix. Robinson, who starred at left tackle for Auburn's national runner-up,Cheap Jerseys Supply, was second overall pick, but begins NFL career at guard. Ultra-aggressive coordinator Williams will begin to put his stamp on defense.
OPEN CAMP: July 25, Renton, Washington.
LAST YEAR: Although end result was seven wins again, coach Jeff Fisher's second season further distanced franchise from five-year nadir. QB Sam Bradford's season-ending knee injury in Week 7 forced emphasis on ground game, and fifth-round pick Zac Stacy just missed 1,000 yards. DE Robert Quinn had franchise-record 19 sacks for defense overly dependent on pass rush to mask deficiencies in secondary.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (16-3)
OPEN CAMP: July 24, Santa Clara, California.
LAST YEAR: Seattle won first Super Bowl title with 43-8 dismantling of Denver. Had best defense in NFL led by All-Pros Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas. Seahawks got another standout season from RB Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson continued progression toward elite quarterback. Matched franchise record for regular-season victories (13), won six times away from Seattle.
OPEN CAMP: July 25, Glendale, Arizona.
OPEN CAMP: July 25, St. Louis.
ST. LOUIS RAMS (7-9)
ARIZONA CARDINALS (10-6)
IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: WR Kenny Britt; OL Greg Robinson; DT Aaron Donald; RB Tre Mason; DE Michael Sam; defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: OT Jared Veldheer; CB Antonio Cromartie; ILB Larry Foote; TE John Carlson; SS Deone Bucannon,Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: DT Kevin Williams; QB Terrelle Pryor,NHL Jerseys From China; WRs Kevin Norwood and Paul Richardson; DE Cassius Marsh; OT Justin Britt.
CAMP NEEDS: Washington and Dansby were heart of defense that ranked sixth, but Washington suspended for year for violating NFL substance abuse policy. Dansby departed via free agency. Second-year pro Kevin Minter, who played one down on defense last season, is penciled in at one spot. Other seems to be open competition. Also competition at RG, RT and TE. Cardinals plan expanded role for Ellington as feature back. Also are looking for third receiver to replace Roberts.
EXPECTATIONS: Fisher and GM Les Snead deserve kudos for making Rams trail blazers as first NFL team to draft openly gay player, Sam, a move that figures to build unity. Rebuilding plan fueled by Robert Griffin III trade produced bevy of young starters; franchise could be is ready to post first winning season since 2003, although competition is rugged in NFC West.
CAMP NEEDS: Not much for champs to solve. Defensive line depth took hit in free agency, but Seattle has young talent that rarely saw the field last season. Deciding starter at OLB between Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith and Bruce Irvin. Finding WR depth behind Percy Harvin and Doug Baldwin. RT and LG will be positions to watch on offensive line.
EXPECTATIONS: Expectations haven't changed. Now, narrative has gone from whether Seattle is legit Super Bowl contender to can Seahawks be first team in a decade to repeat? Locked up Sherman and Thomas with lucrative extensions. Wilson should continue to improve and offense has impressive speed with Harvin healthy and addition of Richardson. Only lingering concern is whether Lynch's desire for reworked contract will become distraction. Otherwise, Seahawks are favored in NFC.
IMPORTANT LOSSES: S Donte Whitner; CBs Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers; OL Jonathan Goodwin.
NFC WEST
NFC preseason capsules, by division:
EXPECTATIONS: Cardinals are thinking playoffs, but need better record than 2-4 within division of 2014.
IMPORTANT LOSSES: ILBs Daryl Washington and Karlos Dansby; RB Rashard Mendenhall; G Daryn Colledge; WR Andre Roberts; LB Matt Shaughnessy; S Yeremiah Bell.
IMPORTANT LOSSES: DEs Chris Clemons and Red Bryant; DT Clinton McDonald; CB Walter Thurmond; G Paul McQuistan,Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping; OT Breno Giacomini; WR Golden Tate.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (14-5)
EXPECTATIONS: 49ers open their $1.2 billion stadium this season with hopes of adding that sixth Super Bowl tit
