NFL Power Rankings Pre-Free Agency
These power rankings are based off of potential losses to teams because of their free agents. It is not just a re-cap of what these teams will be soon. It’s also not based on what I project they will do in the draft, and also a bit based on the schedules for next year
What I mean is I’m not speculating on things like where Peyton Manning will land and whether or not he will be healthy. This list will obviously change a lot after free agency and again after the draft.
This is really just a gauge, nothing concrete.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars-
Are they the worst team in the league? Perhaps, not, but I have the most questions about this team. They have two positions they absolutely must address wide receiver and pass rusher. I’m also not convinced that Blaine Gabbert is a franchise quarterback yet. I think their defensive numbers were also misleading and I think they lack a lot of talent in the defensive secondary. Changing coaches isn’t always an easy transition. Their saving grace is that Maurice Jones Drew is terrific I think if he ever got hurt though this team could be in serious trouble. The Jaguars also have dates with the A.F.C. East and N.F.C. North next year.
31. Cleveland Browns-
You’ll see that this list is heavily slanted towards quarterback play. That’s because the better the quarterback the more holes on the roster the team can have. Right now I’m not sure the Browns have a quarterback as of today and I think they have issues all over the field. They need another pass rusher, a defensive end, more help in the secondary, a WR, a running back (Hillis is a free agent) and some offensive line help. A lot of work to do.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-
I don’t think the Buccaneers are this bad I just can’t get the bad taste out of my mouth from the second half of the season. They absolutely quit down the stretch. A new coach can inspire them to play better, but right now today they are one of the worst teams in the league.
29. Buffalo Bills-
The Bills struggled a lot down the stretch as well. The schedule doesn’t look terrible for today (but that can all change during free agency) and what bothers me is how poor Fitzpatrick looked after teams took away the quick step short pass. This team has no pass rusher and their two best offensive players Steve Johnson (FA) and Fred Jackson (over 30 years old and coming off a season ending injury) have questions about whether they will be on the Bills or effective.
28. St. Louis Rams-
I have a feeling the Rams will have a much better year next year and Jeff Fisher could be a big reason for that. However, as of today they still have a lot of issues. Again my list is down on teams with quarterback and/or pass rushing issues. That’s the nature of the league now. The Rams Chris Long had a breakout season last year, but this team still has a lot of issues.
27. Indianapolis Colts-
If Peyton Manning is healthy and stays on the Colts (which seems unlikely) they have to be a top 16 team. A great quarterback is easily worth 8 wins a year, if not more. Peyton Manning has been worth 10-12 wins every single year on his own. Right now I assume Manning is on the Colts (not making guesses on cuts right now) but who knows if he can still throw the ball the same.
26. Washington Redskins-
The Redskins have a tough draw because they play in a terrific division and have quarterback issues. I think everyone on the planet expects the Redskins to end up with Matt Flynn, Peyton Manning, or Andrew Luck this off-season. Still right now they don’t have that, what separates them between the teams below them is that the Redskins have a really good defense.
25. Miami Dolphins-
The Dolphins like the Redskins have a tough defense. The difference is Matt Matt Moore is a better quarterback than Grossman. Moore still has a little bit of upside, where as I knew what Rex Grossman brings to the table. Dolphins need another pass rusher, some offensive line help, and a true star at quarterback, but all in all not a bad team.
24. Oakland Raiders-
I think the Raiders are going to go down to the bottom by the end of the draft here because they have no draft picks and not a whole lot of room to operate in free agency. It will be extremely difficult to make improvements to the roster. But their roster is ahead of these other teams heading into free agency.
23. Minnesota Vikings-
Assuming any reasonable progression by Christian Ponder (who I’m still not convinced is a franchise Quarterback), the Vikings should be much better next year. The Vikings have the best pass rusher in the league, but need a LT and a WR.
22. Kansas City Chiefs-
The Chiefs lack some depth on their team and I don’t love Matt Cassel, but the talent outside of the Quarterback position (which isn’t the worst situation in the world) is really pretty good. They have a terrific pass rush in Hali, they have pretty good OL play, they have talented weapons on offense, and perhaps the best secondary in the league.
21. Arizona Cardinals-
Skeleton won more games than I thought and looks like he has a lot of potential. The Cardinals have a tough defense and a lot of offensive weapons. They need another pass rusher and a LT.
20. Seattle Seahawks-
The Seahawks are A quarterback away from seriously being able to make a run in the playoffs. Good running game, terrific young offensive line. Big strong defense. Big time offensive weapons. They need to resign Marshawn lynch or find another running back. Good special teams. Terrific home field advantage. They just need that quarterback.
19. Carolina Panthers-
They are young, but should just keep improving every year. I like their potential next year, but I’m not sure they are quite playoff ready as they are still behind the Falcons and Saints.
18. Denver Broncos-
I give them some respect for winning the division, but looking at the roster I think there are some major holes. Perhaps I’m being unfair to them here, but they are playing the first place schedule next year.
17. Tennessee Titans-
If Jake Locker is the starter next year this ranking should be lower but that remains to be seen. Hasselbeck is a proven winner who just wins games when he is healthy. I expect Chris Johnson to have a much better season next year, and if Kenny Britt comes back healthy this team is dangerous.
16. Cincinnati Bengals-
I think Andy Dalton showed what we thought. He was the rookie QB most likely to be ready to produce immediately in the N.F.L, but I think his upside is limited. The A.F.C. Was down last year, but I expect it to be a little better next year. Bengals have to improve their run game.