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NFL Power Rankings after NFL Draft: What the league looks like right now

By Russell S. Baxter

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Los Angeles Rams players and family members celebrate during the Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl LVI Victory Parade and Rally on February 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 16: Los Angeles Rams players and family members celebrate during the Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl LVI Victory Parade and Rally on February 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 24: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Jabrill Peppers #21 of the New York Giants in action against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium on October 24, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. New York Giants defeated the Carolina Panthers 25-3. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 24: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Jabrill Peppers #21 of the New York Giants in action against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium on October 24, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. New York Giants defeated the Carolina Panthers 25-3. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Saints. 18. team. 15. . .

A year ago, the then-reigning NFC South champions got off to a 5-2 start. But in that seventh game, quarterback Jameis Winston went down with a knee injury and the Saints would miss the playoffs with a 9-8 record. Winston is back but Sean Payton retired.

Dennis Allen was promoted to head coach. This is still a talented team but took some hits in free agency. Wide receiver Chris Olave and tackle Trevor Penning could be immediate starters as rookies.

. . . Arizona Cardinals. 17. team. 32

It was a somewhat disconcerting offseason for a team that slumped late last years after a 7-0 start. The Cardinals did pick up the fifth-year option on disgruntled quarterback Kyler Murray.

But the team lost several key players in free agency – namely pass-rushing standout Chandler Jones and running back Chase Edmonds. Steve Keim traded out of the first round and used a second-round pick on tight end Trey McBride. This club still has some holes to fill.

. New England Patriots. 16. team. 47. .

A year ago, the franchise opened up its checkbook and added a slew of veteran players – most notably on offense. That made life easier for 2021 first-round quarterback Mac Jones. But the New England defense faded down the stretch and was embarrassed by the Bills in the playoffs.

The Patriots brought back Malcolm Butler and also added safety Jabrill Peppers in free agency. Bill Belichick drafted 10 players, including speedy wideout Tyquan Thornton.

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