NFL power rankings: Chiefs, Saints lead way into 2020
team. 52. . . . Jacksonville Jaguars. 30
2020 Key Additions: Head coach Doug Marrone has a new offensive coordinator in Jay Gruden, late the head coach of the Washington Redskins. The Jaguars brought in a modest amount of free agents, mostly to bolster to their fading defensive unit. They added the likes of productive linebacker Joe Schobert (Browns), versatile pass rusher Cassius Marsh (Cardinals) and cornerback Rashaan Melvin (Lions). And defense was the order of the first round of the draft as the Jaguars added cornerback C.J. Henderson (Florida) and linebacker K’Lavon Chiasson (LSU) and used seven of their 12 picks in this side of the ball.
Offseason Review: It’s been an off season more directed at who’s no longer with the club then the additions. Quarterback Nick Foles was dealt to Chicago, defensive lineman Calais Campbell was sent to Baltimore, cornerback A.J. Bouye was traded to Denver and wide receiver Marqise Lee was released. The team is no doubt hoping that quarterback Gardner Minshew can recapture the promising form he showed early on during last year’s rookie campaign. This is a franchise that was within 15 minutes of reaching its first Super Bowl in 2017 and has now finished dead last in the AFC South each of the past two seasons.
. . Detroit Lions. 29. team. 50.
2020 Key Additions: The Lions made plenty of moves in free agency, the most notable adding a trio of former New England Patriots defenders in linebacker Jamie Collins, safety Duron Harmon (via trade) and nose tackle Danny Shelton, as well as cornerback Desmond Trufant (Falcons). That should be a boost to new defensive coordinator Cory Undlin. The club used the third overall pick in the draft to take Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah in hopes that he can fill the void left by the trade of three-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay to Philadelphia. Second-round running back D’Andre Swift should aid a struggling ground attack.
Offseason Review: There is a lot of pressure on head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn. The club opened 2-0-1 this past year and won just one more game the remainder of the season. The Lions enter 2020 riding a nine-game losing streak. Patricia owns a 9-22-1 record as the team’s head coach – this after Jim Caldwell was dismissed following a 9-7 showing in 2017. Moving up in the NFC North isn’t easy and the club has finished dead last in the division two straight years. Having quarterback Matthew Stafford all season should help. And the numerous defensive additions were a positive step.