2023 NFL Power Rankings after NFL Draft: What the league looks like right now
NFL Power Rankings 2023, Post-NFL Draft: No. 3-1
Zac Taylor’s team overcame an 0-2 start to finish with a 12-4 record on its way to the AFC title game for the second straight year. This time around, the Bengals fell short at Kansas City. The offseason saw the club lose safeties Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates to free agency, hence a big reason the club used three of its eight draft choices on defensive backs. Orlando Brown Jr. and Cody Ford are key offensive line additions.
The defending NFC champions addressed their defense for the second consecutive year and once again did it with three former Georgia Bulldogs in defensive tackle Jalen Carter and outside linebacker Nolan Smith, both first-round selections. They also grabbed defensive back Kelee Ringo in the fourth round. Second-round pick Tyler Steen could replace right guard Issac Seumalo, who signed with the Steelers.
Andy Reid’s team hopes to be the first club to repeat Super Bowl champions since the 2003 and ‘04 New England Patriots. The Chiefs saw its share of free-agent departures this offseason, including starting tackles Orlando Brown Jr. (Bengals) and Andrew Wylie (Commanders). Steve Spagnuolo’s defense had its ups and downs and GM Brett Veach used five of the team’s seven draft picks on this side of scrimmage.