Not only did the Jaguars’ trade of aging WR Dennis Northcutt to Detroit free up room in the WR pecking order for their young pass catchers, but getting S Gerald Alexander in return fortifies what was probably their thinnest position. A broken vertebra limited Alexander to just five appearances in 2008, but the third-year pro out of Boise State showed promise in a surprisingly strong rookie campaign. Assuming he shows no ill effects from his injury, Alexander should supplant veteran acquisition Marlon McCree as the first safety to come off the bench, behind starters Reggie Nelson and Sean Considine. We hear that the Lions’ willingness to part with Alexander was less an indictment of his talent and more a function of their young depth at the position. Northcutt’s punt-return skills, which have diminished with age, are no longer necessary in Jacksonville with blazer Brian Witherspoon entrenched at the spot.

Kickoff is coming! Be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com.