NFL power rankings: Buccaneers, Chiefs still lead way into 2021
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 03: J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans in action against the Tennessee Titans during a game at NRG Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
team. 59. . . . Miami Dolphins. 12
The club missed the playoffs this past season despite a 10-6 record and expectations are very high in South Florida. Quarterback Tua Tagovaiola got a familiar target via the first round when general manager Chris Grier tabbed Alabama wideout Jaylen Waddle with the sixth overall pick. He also added pass rusher Jaelan Phillips to a club that led the NFL with 29 takeaways in 2020. Brian Flores needs his young offensive line to take a step forward this year.
. . Arizona Cardinals. 11. team. 32.
Kliff Kingsbury’s squad finished 8-8 after a 6-3 start and general manager Steve Keim got busy during free agency, adding proven veterans such as defensive end J.J. Watt, wide receiver A.J. Green and cornerback Malcolm Butler. The Cardinals also wound up trading for quality center Rodney Hudson. The team opted for a linebacker in the first round for the second straight April, taking talented Zaven Collins (Tulsa) a year after grabbing Isaiah Simmons.
. . Seattle Seahawks. 10. team. 36.
No team drafted fewer players (3) than the defending NFC West champions this year. But this is an organization that has posted nine consecutive winning seasons and reached the playoffs eight times over that span. Russell Wilson continues to put up impressive numbers but has had to in recent years as the Seahawks’ defense has seen better days. He’s also been sacked 40-plus times eight straight years and it has certainly begun to take its toll.