With the 2019 NFL draft in the books, the current NFL power rankings have the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers at the top 2 spots.
So this year’s draft is in the books and now teams will be busy trimming their roster, adding undrafted free agent and grabbing some of the remaining veterans on the open market. Too early to talk 2019 NFL Power Rankings?
Nah. Here is a brief peek at where all 32 clubs stand at the moment. Yes, the moment is fresh off 254 prospect being added over a three-day process in Nashville, Tennessee. Of course, the ’19 NFL fiscal year began way back on March 13 and even before then, clubs were preparing for this upcoming season. Of course, an awful lot will happen before now and when training camps open this summer. But there is no time like the present.
Of course, there’s no need for panic or euphoria here. Keep in mind that these thoughts are in part a combination of a franchise’s offseason decisions, the team’s current roster and a club’s recent lineage. So what you see now could look dramatically different from the 32-1 rankings come early September.
2019 Key Additions: When it was all said and done, general manager Steve Keim and the organization pulled the trigger and used the first overall pick in the draft to select 2018 Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray. But prior to that, the Cardinals were also busy during the free agency period, adding veterans such as outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, cornerback Robert Alford and inside linebacker Jordan Hicks. The club’s new defensive coordinator is Vance Joseph, who spent the previous two seasons as head coach of the Denver Broncos. Along with Murray, the Cards added 10 more players in the draft, including three wide receivers. There’s a lot of work to be done in trying to rebound from a 3-13 showing in 2018.
Offseason Review: New head coach Kliff Kingsbury inherits a team that finished dead last in the NFL in total yards, rushing yards and passing yards per game – the first club to manage that dubious feat since the 1977 Buccaneers. The Cardinals were outscored by a combined 200 points this past season (425-225). He also gets the quarterback that fits his system in Murray. So can the one-time Texas Tech sideline leader do what Sean McVay (Rams) and Matt Nagy (Bears) did in recent seasons? It won’t be easy in a division that features a pair of playoff teams from a year ago, including the reigning NFC champions.
Next: No. 31
2019 Key Additions: General manager Chris Grier wasn’t overly active this offseason in terms of veteran additions. But he did give new head coach Brian Flores a pair of familiar faces in tight end Dwayne Allen and cornerback Eric Rowe – both members of with the New England Patriots in recent seasons – and signed journeyman signal-caller Ryan Fitzpatrick. On the second day of the draft, Grier pulled the trigger and traded for Cardinals’ quarterback Josh Rosen. Elsewhere, first-round draft choice Christian Wilkins should help the league’s 31st-ranked run defense from a year ago. The Dolphins also added youth to the offensive line via guard Michael Deiter (3-Wisconsin) and tackle Isaiah Prince (6-Ohio State).
Offseason Review: This was a confusing team a year ago, one that got off to a 3-0 start but spent most of the remainder of the season on the very short end of some lopsided losses. But that was then and this is now. And Grier is determined to build this team back up the right way. Gone are quarterback Ryan Tannehill and defensive end Robert Quinn (both traded), as well as longtime pass rusher Cameron Wake and former first-round tackle Ju’Waun James. Then again, the Dolphins have already stockpiled a number of draft choices for 2020. Patience must be exercised here but this is still a team not to be taken lightly.
Next: No. 30
2019 Key Additions: Former Rams’ quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor is the club’s new sideline leader and Lou Anarumo is now Cincinnati’s defensive coordinator. The latter has work to do as the team allowed the most total yards and passing yards in the league in 2018. The Bengals have never been a team that is invested big when it comes to free agency and have relied on the NFL draft for years to restock their pantry. For the most part, they’ve done a good job in that respect and the franchise wound up selecting 10 players during the three-day process. Cincinnati used the 11th pick on University of Alabama tackle Jonah Williams. He figures to join free-agent pickup John Miller (Bills) on a refurbished offensive front.
Offseason Review: After reaching the playoffs five consecutive seasons (albeit without a postseason victory), the franchise has posted three consecutive losing campaigns and owns a combined 19-28-1 record since ’16. A year ago, the Bengals also finished dead last in the AFC North for the first time since 2010 – this after the club got off to a promising 4-1 start. There’s still some talent on this roster, especially on the offensive side of the ball with quarterback Andy Dalton, wide receiver A.J. Green and running back Joe Mixon. But the team’s recent demise has had a lot to do with the shortcomings on the offensive line as well as the slow deterioration of the defense – save for defensive tackle Geno Atkins.
Next: No. 29
2019 Key Additions: The club was fairly quiet when it came to adding experience players but the Panthers did sign center Matt Paradis, defensive end/outside linebacker and Bruce Irvin and wide receiver Chris Hogan. Ron Rivera’s pass rush should benefit from the addition of former Florida State defensive end Brian Burns. General manager Marty Hurney added a pair of offensive tackles via the draft in Greg Little (2-Mississippi) and Dennis Daley (6-South Carolina). But the most intriguing pick came in the third round in quarterback Will Grier (West Virginia). With starter Cam Newton on the mend from offseason shoulder surgery and entering his ninth season, this was a fascinating move by the front office.
Offseason Review: It has been an offseason of transition as the Panthers watched defensive and Julius Peppers and center Matt Kalil announces their retirements and veteran outside linebacker Thomas Davis move on to the Los Angeles Chargers. Elsewhere, the club watched performers such as wide receiver Devin Funchess and linebacker David Mayo move on as well. More importantly, Rivera also has some work to do in terms of restoring the team’s confidence after the club squandered a 6-2 start on the way to missing the playoffs. And rebounding in the always-formidable NFC South is never an easy task.
Next: No. 28
2019 Key Additions: A team that hasn’t seen the playoffs since 2013 has its share of new faces thanks to a nice combination of free-agent additions and eight draft picks. As for the latter, Ohio State’s Nick Bosa should improve the pass rush. Niners’ quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who missed the final 13 games of 2018, should be excited regarding the additions of wide receivers Deebo Samuel (2-South Carolina) and Jalen Hurd (3-Baylor). But arguably the team’s most significant newcomer may be former Atlanta Falcons’ running back Tevin Coleman. The versatile performer knows Kyle Shanahan’s system and is tremendous insurance should Jerick McKinnon (who missed all of 2018) not bounce back this year.
Offseason Review: The selection of Bosa with the second overall pick marked the fourth time in five years that the franchise used a first-round pick on the defensive front. Of course, this is a team looking to improve a defense of unit that a year ago set dubious NFL records for fewest takeaways and fewest interceptions in a season fixit team not defensive unit. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh should make the most of not only the former Buckeye but newcomers such as pass rushing standout Dee Ford and linebackers Kwon Alexander and David Mayo. The 49ers are a combined 25-55 the last five seasons.
Next: No. 27
2019 Key Additions: Once again, the Denver Broncos will open the season with a new head coach and a new starting quarterback. Vic Fangio takes over for Vance Joseph after the latter amassed a disappointing 11-21 record the previous two seasons combined. It will be fascinating to see what the veteran teacher and new defensive coordinator Ed Donatell do with the likes of outside linebackers Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. Meanwhile, general manager John Elway did trade for former Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco. And then the team executive traded up in the second round and grabbed University of Missouri signal-caller Drew Lock. Tackle Ju’Waun James and heady cornerback Bryce Callahan were solid pickups as well.
Offseason Review: Since winning Super Bowl 50 in 2015, the Broncos have not been back to the playoffs and own a combined 20-28 record these past three seasons and have lost 10-plus games each of the past two years. And the team’s once-proud defense has lost its share of performers recently for numerous reasons. Flacco brings 11 years of starting experience to an offense that has been less than scintillating for far too long. And it will really be fascinating to see what Fangio and Donatell do with the Denver defense. It’s a tall order moving up in the AFC West these days but this could wind up being an intriguing team.
Next: No. 26
2019 Key Additions: General manager Bob Quinn dotted the roster with some players that second-year head coach Matt Patricia was very familiar with. The club added defensive end Trey Flowers, one of the more coveted free agents on the market, as well as wide receiver Danny Amendola, who spent 2018 with the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, the Lions used the eight overall pick in the draft on University of Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson. There’s also a new offensive coordinator in the Motor City in one-time Seattle Seahawks’ play-caller Darrell Bevell takes over for Jim Bob Cooter. Does that mean more carries for second-year running back Kerryon Johnson and the Detroit ground attack in general?
Offseason Review: Quinn and Patricia certainly don’t need to be reminded of the team’s shortcomings. The Lions have not won a playoff game since 1991, a division title since ’93 and are the only team in the NFC that hasn’t reached the Super Bowl. But the duo and the organization has a plan and a year ago, the Lions showed on occasion that they could be a playoff contender. It’s a matter of the new pieces all jelling while proving that the teams can consistently match up with the clubs in their own division. The days of quarterback Matthew Stafford being a one-man show must end if the team is to be a serious contender.
Next: No. 25
2019 Key Additions: Bruce Arians becomes the team’s fifth different head coach since 2009. He enlisted the aid of Todd Bowles, his one-time defensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals who will now hold the same title with the Buccaneers. The latter got quite the new toy in the first round of the draft as the club added former LSU inside linebacker Devin White and used six of their eight selections (including the first 5) on the defensive side of the ball. They all join versatile Deone Bucannon, pass-rushing outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett and safety Kentrell Brice as newcomers to the team. Will new offensive coordinator Bryon Leftwich bring balance to an attack that finished 29th in the NFL in rushing in ’18?
Offseason Review: There’s been no playoffs for this organization since 2007. But Arians inherited a Cardinals’ team that was struggling and turned them into a postseason contender in a relatively short time. The head coach and Leftwich must find a way to teach talented but erratic quarterback Jameis Winston to take care of the football. Meanwhile, Bowles must rejuvenate a defense that has declined steadily the past three years. The Buccaneers are not a team without talent but they have certainly struggled to put it all together when it counts. Arians may be the perfect man for the job.
Next: No. 24
2019 Key Additions: Head coach Jon Gruden and new GM Mike Mayock endured a busy offseason, as was the case for this franchise a year ago as well. The team made one of the biggest trades of 2019 in acquiring wide receiver Antonio Brown from the Pittsburgh Steelers. They gave big money to left tackle Trent Brown, late of the New England Patriots. And the Raiders used all three of their first-round choices they took into this draft to add quality defensive end Clelin Ferrell, hard-charging running back Josh Jacobs and safety Johnathan Abram. Those two rookies, along with veteran additions such as free safety Lamarcus Joyner and linebackers Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall, should help that shaky defense.
Offseason Review: The number of new faces on the roster is somewhat overwhelming, which was certainly the case during the team’s disappointing 2018 showing. But the Raiders have a plan and it was seen throughout the draft with the kind of players Gruden and Mayock selected with their nine picks. Keep in mind that the franchise has been to the playoffs once since 2003 and over the last 16 seasons owns a dismal 85-171 regular-season record, as well as a wild card playoff loss. Changing the culture is the key and that’s the apparent path the organization is finally taking after years of indecisiveness.
Next: No. 23
2019 Key Additions: Team president Bruce Allen gave former New York Giants’ safety Landon Collins big money to come to the nation’s capital. He should add to a defense that started to make strides in 2018. Of course, the biggest buzz in D.C. has to do with first-round quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who wound up falling to the Redskins at No. 15 after speculation that the team may have to trade up in the first round to secure his services. The franchise also traded back into the first round to get outside linebacker Montez Sweat, who figures to take over for free-agent defector Preston Smith. As for Haskins, he will battle Case Keenum for starting honors but also get an opportunity to learn from the journeyman quarterback.
Offseason Review: Jay Gruden enters his sixth season as the team’s sideline boss. It’s the longest stint by a Redskins’ head coach since Norv Turner, who coached six-plus years from 1994-2000. But since winning the NFC East in 2015, the club has been in a steady slide in terms of their win-loss record and are coming off back-to-back 7-9 campaigns. Last season, the ‘Skins were off to a surprising 6-3 start before injuries to the quarterback position (Alex Smith and Colt McCoy) derailed the rest of their season. But it’s a new year and in what has become a very unpredictable NFC East, every team is in the title mix.
Next: No. 22
2019 Key Additions: This offseason, the Green and White had a lot of decisions to make in terms of free agents as the club had their share of unsigned veterans. The Jets retained a few but GM Mike Maccagnan went out and invested big in one-time Pittsburgh Steelers’ running back Le’Veon Bell, who sat out all of 2018. New head coach Adam Gase and the team also signed wide receiver Jamison Crowder and traded for guard Kelechi Osemele. On the other side of the ball, new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will make the most out of four-time Pro Bowl inside linebacker C.J. Mosley, as well as University of Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams – the third overall selection in the draft.
Offseason Review: After spending three seasons as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Gase is more than familiar with the entire AFC East. Second-year quarterback Sam Darnold should benefit from not only the addition of Bell and Crowder but other veteran newcomers such as wideout Jay Bellamy and versatile running back Ty Montgomery. And the temptation of trying to do too much by himself should enable the young hurler to cut down on the turnovers. Meanwhile, Williams is more than capable of reviving the Jets’ defense, which will need its young talent to come together sooner than later.
Next: No. 21
2019 Key Additions: Signing Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles away from the Eagles was the team’s biggest move in terms of free agency. He’s reunited with new Jacksonville offensive coordinator John DeFilippo, Foles’ quarterback coach in Philadelphia. General manager David Caldwell also added to the team’s backfield with running backs Alfred Blue and Benny Cunningham and gave Foles another wide receiver in Chris Conley – late of the Kansas City Chiefs. And the Jaguars wound up hitting on a pair of solid prospects in the first two rounds of the draft, grabbing defensive end Josh Allen (Kentucky) and then trading up in Round 2 to take University of Florida tackle Jawaan Taylor.
Offseason Review: There was plenty that needed fixing here. The club went from 10-6 and within one win of the Super Bowl to 5-11 (after a 3-1 start) and last place in the AFC South. This year, the Jaguars cut loose a number of veterans in hopes of opening up some salary cap space – including defensive tackle Malik Jackson, safety Tashaun Gipson and tackle Jermey Parnell. The Jaguars also parted ways with quarterback Blake Bortles after five erratic seasons. And a team that came up 55 sacks and 33 takeaways in 2017 forced only 17 turnovers and dropped opposing passers just 37 times this past year.
Next: No. 20
2019 Key Additions: It’s been a very busy offseason for Big Blue and general manager Dave Gettleman, who has received his share of criticism for the various moves made by the club. The Giants dealt wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and pass-rusher Olivier Vernon to the Browns in separate deals, but did get back guard Kevin Zeitler, safety Jabrill Peppers and more. Gettleman turned two first-round draft choices into three picks in the Top 30, adding quarterback Daniel Jones, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and cornerback Deandre Baker. All told, the team used seven of his 10 draft choices on defense. Wideout Golden Tate and outside linebacker Markus Golden should help Pat Shurmur’s club as well.
Offseason Review: Many feel that veteran quarterback Eli Manning has held the team back in recent years. But a closer look at the defensive side of the ball shows that it hasn’t upheld its end of the bargain since that breakout year in 2016. Hence the many changes to this group starting with those deals last October (Damon Harrison to Lions, Eli Apple to Saints) and since. Did the Giants find a pass rush in this draft or will Golden wind up being the answer on James Bettcher’s defense. There were some strides made during the second half of 2018 but there’s still plenty that needs fixing here.
Next: No. 19
2019 Key Additions: No team was busier this offseason in terms of veteran acquisitions then the Bills. General manager Brandon Beane was aggressive during free agency with an onus on improving the team’s offensive line. The newcomers include center Mitch Morse, guards Spencer Long and Quinton Spain and tackles LaAdrian Waddle and Ty Nsekhe. The club then used a second-round pick this year on University of Oklahoma guard Cody Ford. Second-year quarterback Josh Allen has new targets in wide receivers John Brown and Cole Beasley and tight end Tyler Kroft. And the backfield was bolstered by adding Frank Gore and T.J. Yeldon. And first-rounder Ed Oliver is an immediate upgrade to the defensive front.
Offseason Review: This is a franchise that has reached the playoffs just once since 2000. A year ago, the team struggled early and finished 6-10 but found their quarterback in the strong-armed Allen. But the seventh overall pick in the 2018 draft can’t lead the team in rushing yards as he did a year ago – hence the extensive offseason work on bolstering that offensive line. Sean McDermott’s defense need to play better football as well and that starts with being tougher against the run. This is an intriguing team that could rebound after last season’s disappointing showing.
Next: No. 18
2019 Key Additions: This offseason, general manager Jon Robinson added very few faces to a young but promising roster. The club traded for quarterback Ryan Tannehill, a former first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins (2012). And speaking of that team from South Florida, veteran pass rusher Olivier Vernon left the ‘Fins for Nashville. The Titans upgraded their offensive line with the addition of veteran guard Rodger Saffold (Rams). Robinson gave quarterback Marcus Mariota a reliable target in wide receiver Adam Humphries (Buccaneers) and used a second-round pick on Ole Miss wideout A.J. Brown. With Matt LeFleur off to Green Bay, tight ends coach Arthur Smith was promoted to offensive coordinator.
Offseason Review: It’s a team that has finished with a 9-7 record each of the past three seasons. But only one of those campaigns (2017) resulted in a playoff appearance. At times, the Titans have looked like a team capable of some big things. But there still appears to be something missing and perhaps head coach Mike Vrabel (in just his second season on the job) can find what’s missing. Yes, this is a dramatically different organization than it was just a few years ago when it finished a combined 5-27 from 2014-15. But being better and becoming a consistent playoff contender are two totally different things.
Next: No. 17
2019 Key Additions: The team’s new head coach is Matt LaFleur, whose latest stop before arriving in Green Bay was as the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coordinator. This is a franchise that usually doesn’t go out make a lot of moves during free agency. But general manager Brian Gutekunst was determined to fix a defense that has been a liability for the team for far too many years. Coordinator Mike Patton should make the most out of veteran imports Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith – the latter one of the more underrated outside linebackers in the league – as well as safety Adrian Amos. The Packers added more defense in the first round in the draft via outside linebacker Rashan Gary and safety Darnell Savage.
Offseason Review: The last time the Packers finished with back-to-back losing seasons was 1990 and ‘91, the year before the franchise acquired future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre. There seems to be a new attitude and emphasis in Green Bay, with the team no longer relying on quarterback Aaron Rodgers to carry the load. If Pettine’s defensive unit comes around and the coach has been given plenty of new talent, the Packers figured to be back in the playoff hunt. But the offense must do it its share as well, which means running the football and protecting their quarterback.
Next: No. 16
2019 Key Additions: The departures far outweighed the arrivals in the Twin Cities this offseason. But no team wound up drafting more players this year then the Purple Gang (12). The club did add some new faces to an offensive front that was a trouble spot for the club in 2018. Josh Kline figures to be the team’s new starting right guard. And the club addressed this unit three times in the draft with center Garrett Bradbury (1-North Carolina State), guard Dru Samia (4-Oklahoma) and tackle Olisaemeka Udoh (6c-Elon). While the defense remains one of the best in the game, it certainly needed its share of reinforcements in terms of depth and the Vikings addressed this side of the ball numerous times in the latter rounds.
Offseason Review: Fixing the running game and the office of line was the season priority for general manager Rick Spielman and the organization. The team’s 2018 disappointing finish can in part be traced to the fact that only two teams in the league gained fewer yards on the ground. Meanwhile, quarterback Kirk Cousins took his share of licks from opposing pass rushes (sacked 40 times) and in turn struggled to hang onto the ball – losing seven of his nine fumbles. Head coach Mike Zimmer’s squad did not match up well with the eventual NFC North champion Chicago Bears this past season.
Next: No. 15
2019 Key Additions: The onus for the team this offseason in terms of free agency and the draft was fortifying the offensive line. The Falcons have two new starting guards in James Carpenter and Jamon Brown. General manager Thomas Dimitroff then used the 14th overall pick on Boston College guard Chris Lindstrom and then trade back into the first round (via the Rams) and grabbed tackle Caleb McGary (Washington). Meanwhile, the franchise was busy bringing back a few familiar faces in defensive end Adrian Clayborn (who won a Super Bowl ring with the Patriots in ’18) and troubled defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman, who did not play football each of the past two seasons.
Offseason Review: This is an important year for head coach Dan Quinn, who begins his fifth year as the team’s sideline leader but comes off his first losing campaign. A rash of defensive injuries played a big part in Atlanta’s demise in 2018. Nevertheless, the franchise opted to dump offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian and brought back Dirk Koetter to fill the role. Meanwhile, Quinn will be handling defensive coordinator duties this year. There is a lot of talent on this roster, especially on the offensive side of the ball. But can the Falcons’ defense bounce back from a rough year in all apsects?
Next: No. 14
2019 Key Additions: Although the defending AFC North champions did not do a lot in terms of adding veterans, the team’s signings were significant. The Ravens now have running back Mark Ingram at their disposal, added free safety Eric Thomas to the secondary and signed wideout Seth Roberts. All told, John Harbaugh’s squad will have a dramatically different look this year as youth continues to be served. Greg Roman was promoted to offensive coordinator and is fashioning the attack to fit second-year quarterback Lamar Jackson’s talents. Elsewhere, new general manager Eric Acosta added a pair of wide receivers in the first (Oklahoma’s Marquise Brown) and third (Notre Dame’s Miles Boykin) round, respectively.
Offseason Review: The team saw a number of prominent players leave free agency, including linebackers Terrell Suggs, C.J. Mosley and Za’Darius Smith. Veteran safety Eric Weddle was cut loose. On the other side of the ball, the Ravens dealt quarterback Joe Flacco to Denver, released wideout Michael Crabtree and saw deep threat John Brown sign with the Buffalo Bills. A year ago, the Ravens added an NFL-high 12 players via the draft and the overhaul of this roster has continued this offseason. And it will be fascinating to see how many strides Jackson has made this offseason.
Next: No. 13
2019 Key Additions: The team’s offseason additions via free agency were modest indeed. The club’s biggest move in terms of personnel changes over the last few months was the trade of defensive end Frank Clark (who was given the franchise tag this offseason) to the Kansas City Chiefs. Before that deal, general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll owned a total of four draft choices. By the close of business on Saturday, the aggressive team had selected a total of 11 players – including pass rusher L.J. Collier (1-TCU) and three wide receivers in the form of physical specimen D.K. Metcalf (2b-Mississippi), Gary Jennings (4-West Virginia) and John Ursua (7-Hawaii).
Offseason Review: In 2018 and for the second time in four years, Carroll’s club overcame a 0-2 start to reach the playoffs. This is a team now more reliant on its offense than the once-formidable “Legion of Doom,” which is now a distant memory. Meanwhile, the biggest news this offseason in the Pacific Northwest was the fact that the team and quarterback Russell Wilson agreed to a monster contract extension. It’s quite a change in philosophy that was once so dependent on the defensive side of the football. But who’s to argue with a franchise that has reached the postseason six of the past seven years?
Next: No. 12
2019 Key Additions: This offseason, there have been fewer franchises more aggressive when it came to improving its roster. The Browns traded for a pair for a pair of former New York Giants in explosive wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and pass-rusher Olivier Vernon via separate deals. The team’s new defensive coordinator is one-time Arizona Cardinals’ sideline boss Steve Wilks. Meanwhile, offensive-minded Freddie Kitchens becomes the 11th different head coach for the franchise dating back to 1999. Aggressive general manager John Dorsey signed defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson in free agency and used a second-round draft choice on LSU cornerback Greedy Williams.
Offseason Review: A year ago, the much-maligned franchise put itself back on the map by winning seven games after finishing 0-16 the previous season. Dorsey’s 2018 drat class included quarterback Baker Mayfield, cornerback Denzel Ward and running back Nick Chubb – all who made big-time contribution during their rookie seasons. Combined with the aforementioned newcomers and the reason for optimism for this franchise is warranted. It will also be interesting to see how former Kansas City Chiefs’ running back Kareem Hunt is handled after his eight-game suspension. There’s plenty of potential here.
Next: No. 11
2019 Key Additions: It’s been an offseason of drama in the Steel City. But general manager Kevin Colbert went about his business and added a few veteran cogs in wide receiver Donte Moncrief, hybrid defender Mark Barron and cornerback Steven Nelson via free agency. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recently received a hefty contract extension from the organization and is clearly the leader of Mike Tomlin’s squad. Colbert and the Steelers got aggressive on the first day of the draft and moved up 10 spots to No. 10 to pick up much-needed University of Michigan inside linebacker Devin Bush. The team may have also found a steal in Michigan State cornerback Justin Layne, who lasted until the third round.
Offseason Review: With wide receiver Antonio Brown was traded to the Oakland Raiders and running back Le’Veon Bell signing with the New York Jets, the Steelers have lost a pair of performers often in the discussion of being the top players at their respective positions. But the drama appears to be behind Tomlin’s team as the franchise has slowly gotten back to the business of football and comes off what appears to be a successful draft. This is a club that appears to be chasing both the Ravens and the Browns in an improving AFC North. But despite last year’s late fade, this remains a very reliable team.
Next: No. 10
2019 Key Additions: The reigning NFC North champions weren’t very busy during the draft this year and a look at their free-agent moves by comings and goings shows quite a bit of overhaul by this club. Of course, perhaps the biggest loss by Matt Nagy’s team was defensive coordinator Vic Fangio being named the head coach of the Denver Broncos. As for the new faces, the Chicago secondary added a pair of veterans in cornerback Buster Skrine and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. General manager Ryan Pace did not have either a first- or second-round pick this year and would eventually added depth to the backfield with the third-round selection of David Montgomery (3-Iowa State).
Offseason Review: A year ago, these “Monsters of the Midway” finished third in the league in fewest total yards allowed per game and first against the run. The Bears also led the NFL with 36 takeaways and led by Khalil Mack, racked up 50 sacks. But can the Chicago offense and third-year quarterback Mitch Trubisky take the next step and elevate their games? The departure of Fangio (replaced by Chuck Pagano) is obviously a big loss for a club that relied heavy on big plays from the defense. And does Nagy’s ground game, led by Tarik Cohen, have enough to absorb the loss of traded workhorse Jordan Howard?
Next: No. 9
2019 Key Additions: The good news for Jason Garrett’s club is the team did get a new long-term deal done with defensive end Demarcus Lawrence. But Randy Gregory is serving yet another suspension and free-agent defensive tackle David Irving (also under suspension) won’t be re-signed by the club. Hence the Cowboys went out and dealt for end Robert Quinn via the Dolphins, added free-agent Kerry Hyder and used a second-round draft choice on defensive tackle Trysten Howard (Central Florida). All told, Dallas used three of its eight selections on defensive line help. Other additions include wide receiver Randall Cobb and safety George Iloka. And tight end Jason Witten is back after a year in the broadcast booth.
Offseason Review: It’s been a rollercoaster few years for Garrett and company. The Cowboys won the NFC East in 2014, ’16 and a season ago but missed the playoffs in 2015 and ’17 for totally different reasons. And the fact also remains that no team has repeated as champion when it comes to this division in well over a decade. There’s no denying the talent on this team on both sides of the football. And this resilient club did overcome a 3-5 start to win seven of its final eight games, grab a playoff berth and win a postseason game. But it’s time for this club to establish some much-needed consistency.
Next: No. 8
2019 Key Additions: Last off season, the Houston Texans did not have a first- or second-round draft choice and relied on free agency to rebuild their troubled offensive line. It simply didn’t work and no team in the league gave up more sacks than Bill O’Brien’s club (62). This year, the team did add free-agent tackle Matt Kalil in hopes of improving the left tackle situation. But this club had three selections in the first two rounds of this year’s draft and used two of them on tackles Tytus Howard (1-Alabama State) and Max Scharping (2b-Northern Illinois). And a new-look secondary features cornerbacks Bradley Roby and Briean Boddy-Calhoun, safety Tashuan Gipson and 2019 second-round pick Lonnie Johnson (Kentucky).
Offseason Review: A year ago, quarterback Deshaun Watson spent the early part of the season getting healthy and O’Brien’s club got off to a 0-3 start. But the Texans rebounded and became just the sixth example in NFL history of a team dropping its first three contests and still reaching the playoffs. But this club seemed to run out of gas by year’s end and while Houston was crowned AFC South champions, it was the rivals Colts who seemed like the best team in the division and went out and proved that in the wild card round. The Texans must fix their offensive line if they want to get back to the postseason.
Next: No. 7
2019 Key Additions: It’s been a homecoming of sorts in terms of veteran players returning to the organization. General manager Howie Roseman dealt for deep threat DeSean Jackson, late of the Buccaneers. Speaking of that team, defensive end Vinny Curry returned to the City of Brotherly Love after being cut by the Birds a year ago and spending 2018 with the Bucs. And recently, defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan re-signed with the club after the franchise opted to let him test free agency. He joins newcomer Malik Jackson on the club’s defensive line. The Eagles also added running back Jordan Howard via a deal with the Bears as they look to get back to running the football, a key to their NFL title in 2017.
Offseason Review: A season ago, the then-defending Super Bowl champions took some time to gain their footing. It wasn’t until the second half of 2018 that the club managed to put at least two wins in a row together. With reliable reserve Nick Foles off to the Jacksonville, Pederson and the club must hope that young quarterback Carson Wentz can remain healthy the entire season. Thanks to Roseman, this is a smartly-built football team that was playing its best football late last year and did get a chance to defend its NFL championship after a 4-6 start.
Next: No. 6
2019 Key Additions: General manager Chris Ballard has stuck to his plan since being hired by the franchise in 2017. And this past offseason, he and the Colts did not break the bank on incoming free agents. The team added wide receiver Devin Funchess via a one-year contract and secured the services of former Kansas City Chiefs’ pass-rusher Justin Houston. And once again, Ballard save his best for the draft, trading out of the first round and selecting three players in Round 2 in cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (2-Temple), outside linebacker Ben Banogu (2b-TCU) and wide receiver Parris Campbell (2c-Ohio State). This was one year after the Colts got the most out of four second-round picks in 2018.
Offseason Review: A team that opened 1-5 a year ago that caught fire and finished with 10 wins and a playoff berth by season’s end has carried that momentum into this offseason. It’s hard to argue with what Ballad, head coach Frank Reich and the organization is building in Indianapolis. Quarterback Andrew Luck earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors in ’18 and is now surrounded by quite the supporting cast on every side of the football. These Colts have the potential of a club that may not only supplant the Texans as AFC South champions but make the team’s deepest playoff run since 2014.
Next: No. 5
2019 Key Additions: Once again, it’s been an offseason in Foxborough where there were plenty of big names leaving the NFL’s reigning dynasty. Gone are standout performers such as defensive end Trey Flowers, left tackle Trent Brown, defensive tackle Malcom Brown and cornerback Eric Rowe. And there was also the retirement of superstar tight end Rob Gronkowski. The incoming include defensive end Michael Bennett, tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. Bill Belichick maneuvered through the draft and wound up with 10 players, including first-round wide receiver N’Keal Harry (Arizona State) and third-round defensive end Chase Winovich (Michigan).
Offseason Review: It’s a franchise that has reached the playoffs an NFL-record 10 consecutive years and counting. Belichick’s team has reached the Super Bowl four times in the past five seasons and taken home the Lombardi Trophy three times over that span. Once again, the departures seem daunting. And in terms of talent, the Patriots don’t necessarily stack up with some of the other teams in the conference as it stands right now. But it’s April and not December, when the club is usually playing its best football. Tom Brady has shown few signs of slowing down. As warned, don’t get too caught up in this current ranking.
Next: No. 4
2019 Key Additions: The defending NFC champions entered the off season with a lot of big names on their list of possible free agents. And the team did lose free safety Lamarcus Joyner to the Raiders and left guard Rodger Saffold to the Titans. But coordinator Wade Phillips’ defensive unit welcomes safety Eric Weddle and outside linebacker Clay Matthews. The Rams also inked Blake Bortles to back up quarterback Jared Goff. General manager Les Snead traded out of the first round and wound up using five of his eight overall selections on fortifying a defense that was erratic at best in ‘18 despite a Super Bowl appearance. And it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this club add a few more veterans down the road.
Offseason Review: It was reported earlier this year that star running back Todd Gurley is dealing with an arthritic knee. And as of this moment, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh remains an unrestricted free agent. Snead and head coach Sean McVay have built quite a team in the span of two years but the division rival Seattle Seahawks are in the rear view mirror and could be closing fast. Meanwhile, Ryan Kartje of the Orange County Register recently reported that the team was hoping recovering wide receiver Cooper Kupp (knee) would be ready for the team’s Week 1 clash with the Carolina Panthers.
Next: No. 3
2019 Key Additions: Andy Reid’s squad won 12 games this past season and the team’s 565 points were the third-highest single season total in league annals. Second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes was the league’s Most Valuable Player. But the Kansas City defense couldn’t stop anyone on a consistent basis. Hence the firing of Bob Sutton and the addition of coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who brings the 4-3 defense to the Chiefs. The team signed safety Tyrann Mathieu, cornerback Bashaud Breeland and defensive end Alex Okafor. The club traded for defensive ends Frank Clark and Emmanuel Ogbah and used half of their six draft choices on defense. This remains a very talented squad.
Offseason Review: The Chiefs have won three straight AFC West titles and were the conference’s top seed in 2018. But Reid’s team still managed to come up short getting when it came to getting to the Super Bowl. Hence the overhaul on defense, which included the releases of outside linebacker Justin Houston (now with the Colts) and safety Eric Berry, the trade of Dee Ford to the 49ers and the departure of cornerback Steven Nelson – who signed with Pittsburgh. More significantly is the disturbing situation regarding wide receiver Tyreek Hill. His future with the organization and in the NFL appears shaky at best.
Next: No. 2
2019 Key Additions: General manager Tom Telesco has assembled a very talented roster. And that’s why the team did very little during the high point of free agency. The club did add veteran outside linebacker Thomas Davis, who spent more than a decade with the Carolina Panthers. The Chargers also signed journeyman quarterback Tyrod Taylor to back up Philip Rivers. And the Bolts methodically made zero deals during the draft and made one selection in each of the seven rounds, all of those with their original picks. First-round defensive tackle Jerry Tillery will help Gus Bradley’s run defense and Telesco went back to Notre Dame in the fourth round by adding former Fighting Irish linebacker Drue Tranquill.
Offseason Review: Head coach Anthony Lynn has pushed all the right buttons since his arrival in 2017. The Chargers did get off to a 0-4 start that year but the club owns a combined 21-7 record in its last 28 regular-season outings and has a playoff victory under its belt. This is obviously an organization that feels good about its talent base and despite a few notable departures, this is a club more than capable of unseating the rival Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. And the Bolts’ lopsided setback to the Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoffs should serve as some big-time motivation for Lynn and company.
Next: No. 1
2019 Key Additions: The reigning NFC South champions went in to the three-day draft process minus a first-, third- and fourth-round pick. But the club wound up selecting five players when it was all said and done – including Texas A&M center Erik McCoy. He figures to vie with newcomer Nick Easton for starting duties brought on by the sudden retirement of veteran Max Unger. Also in free agency, the Saints did well to fill some spots and add some depth, signing running back Latavius Murray, defensive tackle Malcom Brown and cornerback Marcus Sherels. But quarterback Drew Brees had to be ecstatic with the addition of veteran tight end Jared Cook, who comes off a Pro Bowl campaign with the Oakland Raiders.
More fansided.com: 2019 NFL Draft: Round 1: Grades and reaction
Offseason Review: For the first time in franchise history, the Saints own back-to-back division titles. But despite the fact that the team owns a combined 24-8 regular-season record and was the NFC’s top seed in 2018, Sean Payton’s team has seen its last two campaigns end in heartbreaking fashion. This is an extremely talented team that is solid in the trenches on both sides of the football. But the biggest challenge for the club is putting last year’s tough conference championship game loss behind them. That may be a little easier said than done, but these Saints are formidable indeed.