The summer time brings a lot of joy to everyone. The clear blue skies and warm summer breezes get us to slow down a bit and take a good long look at our surroundings. The kids splashing around in the ocean or riding their bikes through the neighborhoods send us reminiscing about summers past. All of that is great. However, there is also one thing that takes place every summer that gets sports fans' mouths watering.

In July, the entire National Football League hits the practice fields for summer training camp to prepare for the new season ahead of them. The memories of the Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl victory back in February fade away and every fan can dream about the possibilities for their favorite squad in 2007. The hardcore fans plan road trips to their teams' training camp venues to sit in the sun, smell the fresh cut grass and watch some good old-fashioned hitting.

So like many other, I feel it's time to throw out some thoughts about the 2007 season and maybe even give you a prediction or two. After the final seconds tick off the clock every Super Bowl, the NFL gurus waste no time in looking down the road at the most important event in the off season. The NFL rookie draft takes place every April and we are bombarded with names, stats, colleges and more 40-yard dash times than you can shake a stick at. The draft mixed in with the obligatory free agent contract signings start to give us a glimpse at what the new season may become.

A number of teams opened up their wallets and snagged some high priced players, while other stayed the course feeling they had almost enough to get back to the playoffs. The defending champs, the Indianapolis Colts, aside from letting running back Dominic Rhodes waltz over to Oakland, laid low this off-season. While perennial title contender, New England did just the opposite by nabbing coveted linebacker Adalius Thomas, former All-Pro receiver Randy Moss, speedy wide out Donte Stallworth and former Miami Dolphins special teams stand out, Wes Welker.

The San Francisco 49ers also paid out some big bucks this off-season. They acquired top-notch defensive back, Nate Clements, and hard-hitting safety Michael Lewis. They also traded for former Seattle receiver, Darrell Jackson. These moves along with a solid draft make the Niners my early selection for most improved team this coming season. This young team made great strides last year and have a lot to look forward to as they continue to grow.

I give the nod to the Baltimore Ravens for making the single most important move this off season by letting banged up running back Jamal Lewis walk away and picking up the younger, faster Willis McGahee, from the Buffalo Bills. This gives the Ravens more options on offense this year and with that defense, will keep the Ravens in the hunt again in 2007.

With that being said, let's take a look at the NFC Conference with a jaunt through each division to give you an idea what to look for this training camp and preseason.

NFC East

All eyes in the division will be on the health of the Philadelphia Eagles Donovan McNabb. After a season ending knee injury last year, Donny Mac has been said to be a bit ahead of schedule with his rehab. There still is no definite timetable for his return. The Eagles let last seasons back-up Jeff Garcia walk, so McNabb's health is crucial to the Bird's success this year. They did add solid veteran Takeo Spikes to strengthen their line backing corp., but still decided against adding another veteran wide out.

The New York Giants will be hurt by the retiring of stud runner, Tiki Barber, depending on youngster Brandon Jacobs and free agent Reuben Droughns to pick up the slack.

The Dallas Cowboys minus Bill Parcells look ahead to Tony Romo's first shot at leading a full season at quarterback. He has the offensive talent to lean on, but keep an eye on his poise as the season wares on.

The Washington Redskins are also hanging their hats on a young QB in Jeff Campbell to develop and lead a largely veteran team that needs to make a playoff push now with the team aging in a lot of areas. Their strong point will be on defense with rookie Laron Landry and top-notch safety Sean Taylor.

NFC North

The defending NFC Champion Chicago Bears have some question marks ahead of them this preseason. Linebacker Lance Briggs, still not happy with his contract status probably will hold out and after trading away Thomas Jones, former high draft Cedric Benson will now have to carry the load for the first time in his career. With all of that, the Bears still look like the front-runner in this division.

The Green Bay Packers still has Brett Favre, but a ton of "what ifs" to worry about this preseason. Who will emerge as the starting running back and will the defense improve?

The Minnesota Vikings have the running game to win, but their young QB Tarvaris Jackson will be looked at a lot in training camp.

The Detroit Lions with their stellar receiving crew will have the best chance to challenge the Bears, but they are still to far to really contend.

NFC South

The New Orleans Saints came marching into 2006 and blew past their division rivals to surprise everyone. The offense was given a boost with rookies Marques Colston and Reggie Bush. Former San Diego QB, Drew Brees, didn't hurt either leading the Saints with precision passing and big plays. The Saints will only get better with the tons of young talent on offense. 

The injury plagued Carolina Panthers will rebound this year and make the Saints hunt for a second straight division title a lot tougher this season. They may even jump ahead of the Saints like everyone thought they would last year. Second year running back, D'Angelo Williams, will grab hold of the starting job and give a jolt to the offense. Steve Smith has a nice young rookie to groom this season in draft pick,  Dwayne Jarrett. I really feel at this early point it will be a two-team race for this division.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell way back last year and with an older defense and questions galore at quarterback and receiver they won't sustain any true winning in 2007. 

The Atlanta Falcons haven't had a ton to smile about this off-season. Sure they have their new coach, Bobby Petrino and veteran wide out Joe Horn to help this team mature, but off the field issues have plagued them and may continue into the season. Mike Vick got into major hot water this spring with some harsh allegations. As of this writing, things have not been completely figured out so I'll refrain from delving too much into the issues. However, if Vick is found responsible, his troubles spell doom for any hopes Atlanta has of a return to the playoffs.

NFC West

This division has a chance to completely turn upside down this year. The past few seasons, Seattle and St. Louis have battled for division bragging rights. However, the young and improving 49ers and Arizona Cardinals may end up taking those roles.

The San Francisco 49ers have arguably the best player in their division in Frank Gore who ran through everyone in 2006. Gore and Alex Smith became the leaders of this offense by seasons end and have some new cohorts to make the ride in 2007 possibly a very successful one. Solid veteran receiver, Darrell Jackson, if he can stay healthy gives this team what they have needed to stretch the field in recent years. Coach Mike Nolan, a defensive guru, has done a solid job molding this defense back to respectability. With Nate Clements on board it should push this defense up a level.

The St. Louis Cardinals have the core four on offense. Larry Fitzgerald, Matt Leinart, Edge James and Anquan Boldin give this team the firepower, but it will be the questionable offensive line's improvement that will be the telling factor for Arizona. St. Louis, who arguably has the best player in the division, in Steven Jackson won't roll over. They are potent enough on offense to keep things close.

The Seattle Seahawks, the recent main stay at the top of the West has some concerns. Will Shaun Alexander fully rebound from an injury filled 2006? Will the aging receivers be able to keep the offense moving? QB Matt Hasslebeck still has enough to keep this crew fighting, but don't be surprised by a major dip in Seattle's win total if the problems escalate.

So take this early over view of the NFC and chew on it a bit while you embrace another approaching training camp. Next month will take a gander at the AFC Conference and probably have a slightly clearer picture of what to expect with the preseason getting under way.

Remember while the rest of the family is zipping from water park to amusement park trying to cram in all the summer fun they can before the fall arrives, you'll be just fine in front of the TV and surfing the net absorbing every possible NFL fact you can. Because when the summer ends, the football fun is just beginning.