NFL power rankings: Chiefs, Saints lead way into 2020
. . Las Vegas Raiders. 22. team. 28.
2020 Key Additions: This franchise is seemingly always busy when it comes to free agency and this year was no different. The Raiders have a new home and plenty of new faces in linebackers Cory Littleton, Carl Nassib and Nick Kwiatkoski, former Cowboys’ defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Daniel Ross and safeties Damarious Randall and Jeff Heath. On offense, there’s veteran tight end Jason Witten, wideout Nelson Agholor and former Titans’ first-round quarterback Marcus Mariota. And the Silver and Black were one of the many teams to take advantage of a deep wide receiver draft by snagging Alabama’s Henry Ruggs.
Offseason Review: It’s the third year in his second tenure with the franchise for head coach Jon Gruden and the second with the Raiders for general manager Mike Mayock. This was a team that had its share of ups and downs this past year but also sported a surprising 6-4 record with six games to go. But it would all come apart for various reasons and a big part was a defensive unit that never seems to make major progress. Perhaps that finally changes this year with performers such as Littleton, Nassib and Randall. Moving up in the AFC West these days isn’t easy but things appear to be headed in the right direction.
. . . Los Angeles Rams. 21. team. 51
2020 Key Additions: Strapped by the salary cap and without a first-round draft choice, general manager Les Snead had his work cut out for him and the Rams in replenishing the team’s roster. Via free agency, Sean McVay’s club signed defenders Leonard Floyd and A’Shwn Robinson. And with kicker Greg Zuerlein leaving for Dallas, the club brought in CFL standout Lirim Hajrullahu and former XFLer Austin MacGinnis. The club did wind up drafting nine players, adding running back Cam Akers (Florida State) and wideout Vann Jefferson (Florida) in the second rounder and linebacker Terrell Lewis (Alabama) and defensive back Terrell Burgess (Utah) in the third round. And add rookie Sam Sloman to the kicking competition as well.
Offseason Review: It wasn’t long ago that this franchise was the toast of the NFC, reaching Super Bowl LIII. But there’s been a dismantling of the club this year with the releases of running back Todd Gurley and outside linebacker Clay Matthews while safety Eric Weddle retired. Defensive end Dante Fowler signed with the Falcons, wideout Brandin Cooks was dealt to the Texans and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips was replaced by Brandon Staley. It’s been a rough few months for McVay’s club while the rest of the NFC West looks to be on the rise. Has this team done enough these last few months to upgrade its roster?