NFL Power Rankings after NFL Draft: What the league looks like right now
9. team. 46. . . . Indianapolis Colts
For the sixth consecutive year, the Colts will have a new starting quarterback after giving up a third-round pick for veteran Matt Ryan.
General manager Chris Ballard added edge-rusher Yannick Ngakoue (via trade), cornerback Stephon Gilmore and safety Rodney McLeod to a defensive unit now under the command of Gus Bradley. The team didn’t have a first-round pick but still drafted eight players, including wide receiver Alec Pierce (Cincinnati).
. . San Francisco 49ers. 8. team. 42.
A team that reached the NFC title game in 2021 made some news this offseason and not necessarily for the right reasons. Starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is still on the mend from shoulder surgery, making it more difficult to move on from him.
And All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel wants to be traded. Kyle Shanahan’s team took some hits in both trenches during free agency and GM John Lynch addressed both lines twice during the draft.
. . Los Angeles Chargers. 7. team. 13.
There’s little doubt that this is one of the more talented teams in the league. But the Chargers have managed to miss the playoffs three straight years and in 2021, first-time NFL head coach Brandon Staley experienced growing pains.
General manager Tom Telesco dealt for pass-rusher Khalil Mack and the team gave big money to cornerback J.C. Jackson. And in the first round last Thursday night, the Bolts opted for Boston College guard Zion Johnson.