NFL power rankings, AFC edition: Chiefs, Ravens loom on top

14. Cincinnati Bengals

This ranking merely reflects how likely they are to be competitive in 2020, but we’re actually impressed with the offseason the Bengals put together. For a team that seems to always be rebuilding, they have done an admirable job bringing in quality veteran players to pair with their outstanding draft class.

The team added cornerbacks Trae Waynes and McKenzie Alexander, safety Vonn Bell, nose tackles D.J. Reader and linebacker Josh Byrnes. In addition to drafting the class’s best quarterback in LSU’s Joe Burrow at the top of the draft, the Bengals did a nice job of adding wide receiver Tee Higgins in the second and quality defensive depth in linebackers Logan Wilson and Akeem Davis-Gaither later on.

For the first time in a while, there is reason for hope in Cincinnati – but not for 2020.

13. Miami Dolphins

Like the Bengals before them, we like what the Dolphins have done this offseason. The most important piece was the quarterback – locking in and remaining steadfast in their evaluation of Tua Tagovailoa, despite the injury, was the biggest element of the 2020 offseason.

It started before the draft, though, when the Dolphins aggressively attacked free agency, locking up cornerback Byron Jones, linebacker Kyle Van Noy, and defensive ends Shaq Lawson and Emmanuel Ogbah for the defense, and invested in the offensive line by signing free agents Ereck Flowers and Ted Karras.

However, the team also used the draft to add offensive line help in tackle Austin Jackson and guard Robert Hunt. Finally, general manager Chris Grier netted defensive playmakers in cornerback Noah Igbinoghene and tackle Raekwon Davis.

Just as in Cincinnati, there is reason for optimism on South Beach – but again, not quite ready for 2020.