The St. Louis Rams must have done something wrong in 2007 since they finished with a 3-13 record. Things have to change for the Rams in the coming season and this time it’s not just the uniforms. (And yes, of course the uniforms will change, starting next year) Team management has been fairly aggressive at recruiting talent for the 71st season, signing talents like Josh Brown, Jacob Bell and Anthony Becht. However, all eyes were on the draft, as the team had a shot at nabbing some of the hottest names in young talent.

Before the team started signing names they first decided to negotiate with some of their rivals, including the Denver Broncos, the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals. With negotiations, the team lost defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy and Ryan Fitzpatrick and gained offensive tackle Adam Goldberg. A lot of sacrifice was riding on this draft season; how did St. Louis score with their eight selections?

The first round pick belonged to defensive end Chris Long from Virginia. He was followed by wide receiver Donnie Avery from Houston and offensive tackle John Greco from Toledo. There were two picks in the fourth round and they went to cornerback Justin King and wide receiver Keenan Burton from Kentucky. Round five brought offensive guard Roy Schuening from Oregon State. Rounding out the list this year were linebackers Chris Chamberlain from Tulsa and David Vobora from Idaho.

How did fan reaction and expert criticism receive the draft picks? The Rams had quite an opportunity with the #2 overall pick, even if Jake Long was already chosen. They had a tough choice to make between Chris Long and Glenn Dorsey. Rest assured many in management were split, but in the end Long seemed to be the safer choice. Long received high praise for his work ethic and great athleticism. There’s little doubt that Long will be a starter, and in a position that was sorely needed. Long will be a welcomed addition to the team and will almost definitely help improve the team’s overall defense.

Donnie Avery received fewer congratulations but lots of respectful, confused applause. Nobody expected Avery to be chosen as the first wide receiver off the board, especially when he was not necessary rated higher than any other available member. However, management felt that Avery would fit in better with the team. Unfortunately, Avery is not quite a fully developed receiver, despite his great speed. He may be a superstar in the making but may not be ready to fly quite yet.

John Greco was brought in to improve the faulty offensive line, which was marred by several injuries from 2007. Greco is considered short-term fixing for offense, though there may be a conflict if it comes to moving Greco in on Alex Barron’s or Orlando Pace’s territory. While the Rams made some questionable moves early on, they did manage to address their most crucial needs. If the team can keep healthy and keep developing young talent they may be able to improve this season.

The San Francisco 49ers played a rather miserable season last year, finishing up with a score of 5-11. Though the team started off with momentum, by the end of the season the team had lost eight games in a row. Head coach Mike Nolan was kept on by management but offensive coordinator Jim Hostler was let go and replaced. However, management changes aside, the success of the 49ers’ 2008 season could be determined by the NFL Draft selection. This year the team chose six players that they hope will help improve their offense and defense.

The first round pick was defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer from North Carolina. He was followed by guard Chilo Rachal from the University of Southern California and cornerback Reggie Smith from Oklahoma. Center Cody Wallace was next, hailing from Texas A&M, while wide receiver Josh Morgan from Virginia Tech and linebacker Larry Grant from Ohio State rounded out the list. San Francisco had it pretty rough this year, considering that most teams that suffer through a bad season get some consolation in the following year’s draft pick. However, the 49ers played their cards wrong and were left with only six players. How wisely did they choose?

Kentwan Balmer was chosen, but lacked the wow factor that many fans were hoping for. Some experts believe that San Francisco needed more of a play maker rather then a defensive tackle player. However, some fans have noticed that the defensive line of the team has actually been lacking for a few years, and with the retirement of Bryant Young, it’s starting to become a major concern. In theory, Balmer would be an ideal choice to strengthen the defense. Balmer has played good for most of his career and great for his senior year in college. Does his performance qualify him for a first round pick? Yes and no, though Balmer is obviously a talented player. What is a concern is whether or not he can sustain a high level of play throughout his games.

Chilo Rachal was brought in to improve the offensive line and is seen by some experts as a bit of a raw specimen. However, he does have adequate size and a nice mix of athleticism. When it comes to potential, and with the absences of Larry Allen and Justin Smiley, his abilities could really be utilized this season.

In 2007, the New York Giants became SuperBowl champs after beginning the season 0-2. The Giants finished the regular season with a 10-6 record and qualified for the playoffs as a wild card. The Giants punched their ticket to the Superbowl with playoff victories over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay Packers, all on the road.

In the SuperBowl, little brother Eli Manning led the Giants to one of the biggest upsets in SuperBowl history. Tearing himself away from the grasp of several Patriot defenders, Manning completed an unbelievable pass inside the Patriots 20. He then hit Plexico Burris for the winning touchdown in the corner of the end zone with less than a minute to play destroying New England’s perfect season.

If the Giants are to repeat as Superbowl champs, they will need to have a better start. Four of the Giants first six games are at home. The difficult stretch of the season will come at the end, when the Giants go on the road for four of their last six games.

Thursday September 4 Washington Redskins @ New York Giants 7 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($192-$1,470)

The Giants begin the season against the division rival Redskins. The Redskins finished the 2007 regular season 9-7. The Redskins season ended with a 35-14 wild card playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Redskins did not have a first round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Ticket sale price range ($192-$1,470)

Sunday September 14 New York Giants @ St. Louis Rams 1 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($74-$441)

Game 2 should be a cheap win for the Giants. The Rams finished the 2007 regular season 3-13, which is the worst record since the team moved to St. Louis. The Rams selected defensive tackle Chris Long from Virginia Tech University (son of Hall of Famer Howie Long) with the 2nd pick in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Sunday September 21 Cincinnati Bengals @ New York Giants 1 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($138-$735)

In week 3, the disorganized Bengals visit Giants Stadium. The Bengals finished the 2007 regular season 7-9, and missed the playoffs. The Bengals players have had lots of problems off the field and star receiver Chad Johnson has asked to be traded. The Bengals selected linebacker Keith Rivers from USC with the 9th pick in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Sunday September 28 Bye Week

Sunday October 5 Seattle Seahawks @ New York Giants 1 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($138-$686)

In week 5, the Seattle Seahawks come to town. The Seahawks finished the 2007 regular season 9-7. The Seahawks defeated the Redskins 35-15 in the wild card round, and then lost 42-20 to the Packers on a snowy day in Green Bay. The Seahawks selected defensive end Lawrence Jackson from USC with the 28th pick in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Monday October 13 New York Giants @ Cleveland Browns 8:30 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($94-$613)

The Browns can no longer be discounted, as the Giants should have a Monday night showdown with the much improved Browns. The Browns finished the 2007 regular season 10-6, and missed the playoffs. The Browns did not have a first round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Sunday October 19 San Francisco 49ers @ New York Giants 1 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($147-$637)

Week 7 should be another cheap win for the Giants. The 49ers finished the 2007 regular season 5-11, and missed the playoffs. The 49ers selected defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer from The University of North Carolina with the 29th pick in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Sunday October 26 New York Giants @ Pittsburgh Steelers 4:15 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($127-$826)

Heinz Field is one of the most difficult places in the NFL to win. The Steelers finished the 2007 regular season 10-6. The Steelers season ended with a 31-29 wild card playoff loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Steelers selected running back Rashard Mendenhall from The University of Illinois with the 23rd pick in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Sunday November 2 Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants 4:15 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($216-$1,029)

The hottest ticket of the year will be for game 8 against the Cowboys. The Cowboys finished the 2007 regular season 13-3. The Cowboys season ended with a devastating 21-17 defeat at the hands of the New York Giants. The Cowboys selected running back Felix Jones from Arkansas with the 22nd pick and cornerback Mike Jenkins from South Florida University in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Sunday November 9 New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles 8:15 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($166-$837)

The Giants buy a Sunday night game against the Eagles. The Eagles finished the 2007 regular season 8-8, and missed the playoffs. The Eagles did not have a first round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Sunday November 16 Baltimore Ravens @ New York Giants 1 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($138-$735)

The Giants look to deal a blow to the only team to beat them in a Superbowl, the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens finished the 2007 regular season 5-11, and missed the playoffs. The Ravens selected quarter back Joe Flacco from The University of Delaware with the 18th pick in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Sunday November 23 New York Giants @ Arizona Cardinals 4:15 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($58-$637)

The Giants return to University of Phoenix stadium for the first time since Superbowl XLII to face the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals finished the 2007 regular season 8-8, and missed the playoffs. The Ravens selected cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie from Tennessee State University with the 16th pick in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Sunday November 30 New York Giants @ Washington Redskins 1 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($93-$980)

The Giants will try to punch their ticket to an NFC East title with a victory in Washington.

Sunday December 7 Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants 1 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($147-$735)

Tickets prices are always high when the Eagles come into Giants Stadium.

Sunday December 14 New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys 8:15 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($122-$19,980)

There won’t be any cheap tickets for the rematch of last year’s playoffs.

Sunday December 21 Carolina Panthers @ New York Giants 1 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($113-$735)

The Carolina panthers and star receiver Steve Smith cannot be discounted. The Panthers finished the 2007 regular season 7-9, and missed the playoffs. The Panthers selected running back Jonathan Stewart from The University of Oregon with the 13th pick and offensive tackle Jeff Otah from Pittsburgh in the 1st round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Sunday December 28 New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings 1 p.m. ET Ticket sale price range ($35-$324)

The Giants finish the regular season against the Vikings who are hoping the price they paid for receiver Bernard Berian was worth it. The Vikings finished the 2007 regular season 8-8, and missed the playoffs. Vikings did not have a first round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Since the Giants are from New York, fans pay a high price to buy tickets in normal seasons. With their team coming off an exciting Superbowl winning performance, Giants fans can expect New York Giants tickets to be expensive this season. Ticket price ranges above are as of the time this article was written.

Justin Diamond is Director of Marketing at Swickets.com