Post-draft questions for every NFL team
Mike Jones: With needs addressed, clubs head into offseason practices
With the 2019 NFL draft over, the league’s 32 teams turn their attention to offseason practices, which will help lay the foundation for training camp and the regular season. Free agency and the draft should have enabled squads to fill most needs. But some have holes here and there, and the stages are set for various position battles.
Here’s a look at the biggest question facing each team as the not-so-quiet offseason continues to hum along.
Arizona – Do Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray have a chance to succeed early?
Hitting the reset button for the second time in two years, the Cardinals are high on Kingsbury and Murray. But has general manager Steve Keim done a better job of equipping this rookie coach quarterback tandem than he did his last?
Atlanta – Can the ground game get back on track?
The Falcons badly missed running back Devonta Freeman last season. But now he’s healthy and aiming for a return to Pro Bowl form. Free agency and the draft featured investments in the offensive line to make life easier for Matt Ryan.
Baltimore – Can Lamar Jackson take the next step?
He dazzled with his legs, but his passing game was limited. After promoting Greg Roman to offensive coordinator and drafting speedster Marquise Brown, the Ravens hope they have positioned Jackson for a leap.
Buffalo – Will upgrades help quarterback Josh Allen
take the next step?
The Bills got their quarterback last year, and this offseason also was about upgrading around him. The Bills signed and drafted linemen and added skill position players, including Cole Beasley.
Carolina – Can Cam Newton make a full recovery?
A bum shoulder hampered Newton last season, and there was some early offseason talk that he might miss time in 2019. However, he’s optimistic that’s not the case. Without him, the Panthers won’t contend.
Chicago – Can they avoid a defensive drop-off?
The Bears exceeded expectations under rookie coach Matt Nagy. Now they must build on that success and return to the playoffs. Vic Fangio’s defense shouldered a huge load, and now he’s head coach in Denver. Chuck Pagano has big shoes to fill.
Cincinnati – Can Zac Taylor pull a Sean McVay?
The Bengals hope the 35-year-old can infuse Cincinnati with youthful energy and offensive wizardry like McVay did the Rams. But such turnarounds are rare.
Cleveland – Can Freddy Kitchens guide them forward?
Cleveland followed up a promising finish to 2018 by landing Odell Beckham Jr. and Kareem Hunt, who must gel with Baker Mayfield and Jarvis Landry. Can Kitchens manage all of the expectations and personalities?
Dallas – When will Dak get his extension?
Dak Prescott certainly has earned an extension, and the Cowboys need to get something done to settle the matter before he enters a contract year. Ownership calls this a top priority.
Denver – Can Joe Flacco direct a revival?
John Elway thinks the 34-year-old from Baltimore can end his QB-acquisition futility streak, and much of the offseason efforts have centered on upgrading Denver’s line. Elway did draft Missouri’s Drew Lock in the second round, but the goal is to slowly groom him.
Detroit – Can Darrell Bevell elevate Matt Stafford’s game?
Year 1 under Matt Patricia disappointed. Hoping to get more out of their big-armed quarterback, the Lions hired Bevell as OC. Danny Amendola and first-round pick T.J. Hockenson could also help.
Green Bay – Can Matt LaFleur get them back on track?
LaFleur is unproven but viewed as a great offensive mind. Aaron Rodgers is a future Hall of Famer but can be difficult. Forming a strong union with Rodgers represents the key to overall success for the rookie coach.
Houston – Can their retooled offensive line gel?
After surrendering 62 sacks, the Texans badly needed to improve. Two of their first three draft picks were offensive linemen, and they also signed veteran tackle Matt Kalil. Will that produce improved protection for Deshaun Watson?
Indianapolis – Can they continue to ascend?
Year 1 under Frank Reich featured a healthy Andrew Luck leading a lateseason charge and playoff appearance. The Colts are banking on Justin Houston to boost the pass rush and Devin Funchess to help the passing game.
Jacksonville – Can Foles continue
the magic?
They’ve had the front-runner defense but a deficient offense. Now they’ve landed Nick Foles and offensive coordinator John DeFilippo, his position coach in Philly. But do they have the right pass-catchers to help Foles succeed?
Kansas City – What happens to Tyreek Hill?
An audio file that allegedly captured the wide receiver threatening physical harm to his fiancée and discussing abuse to his son could end his time in KC. The Chiefs have banned him from team activities. So far, the league hasn’t taken any action.
Los Angeles Chargers – Is their defense improved?
Inconsistencies on this side of the ball kept an impressive Year 2 under Anthony Lynn (12-4) from being even better. Free agency and the draft focuses centered on fortifying the defensive ranks.
Los Angeles Rams – Can they rebound from the Super Bowl defeat?
They’ve impressed in his first two years, but Sean McVay and company suffered a heartbreaking loss in the Super Bowl. McVay must help Todd Gurley get his groove back while the coach also ensures a talented roster remains hungry.
Miami – What’s the plan for Josh Rosen?
The 2018 first-rounder has talent, just needs time and supporting talent to develop. Ryan Fitzpatrick’s presence should afford him some time. But Fitzmagic always turns Fitztragic quickly. Rosen will get his shot before you know it.
Minnesota – Will Year 2 bring a return on the Cousins investment?
The Vikings thought Kirk Cousins would make them Super Bowl contenders. But Year 1 disappointed. We’ll see if improved comfort with his weapons and offseason additions lead to greater effectiveness from Cousins.
New England – How do they replace Gronk?
There’s a massive hole on the roster
with tight end Rob Gronkowski retired. They didn’t draft a tight end, but did use their first-round pick on big-target wideout N’Keal Harry. Will Tom Brady’s magic ensure the offense doesn’t skip a beat?
New Orleans – Can they rebound from the NFC Championship Game devastation?
How resilient is this squad? The blown call that cost them a trip to the Super Bowl still looms large. Drew Brees shows no drop-off in his game, but he and Sean Payton’s leadership matters now more than ever.
New York Giants – Are they right on Eli?
Despite signs of deterioration, Giants brass still believes Eli Manning has it. He’d better, because Daniel Jones will need time to develop. Losing OBJ won’t help.
New York Jets – Will their aggressive offseason help Darnold thrive?
Out is Todd Bowles, in is Adam Gase. His top task: helping Sam Darnold take the next step. The Jets gave their young quarterback a great weapon in Le’Veon Bell and also worked to upgrade their defense.
Oakland – Can Jon Gruden put it all together in Year 2?
The coach continued his dramatic overhaul this offseason (enlisting Mike Mayock’s services to help), adding Antonio Brown and loading up on some interesting draft picks (three first-rounders, some of which feel like reaches). Scrutiny will continue until wins come.
Philadelphia – Can Carson Wentz get – and stay – healthy?
Two weeks ago when asked about the stress fracture in his back, Wentz said, “It’s getting there,” but there isn’t a firm timetable for his return. Foles is gone. So the Eagles need Wentz, who has suffered season-ending injuries in each of the last two years, to get and stay healthy.
Pittsburgh – Can Tomlin restore order?
The usually stable franchise showed cracks as Brown and Le’Veon Bell soured on the franchise and criticized
Ben Roethlisberger and coach Mike Tomlin’s leadership, and Pittsburgh missed the playoffs. The Steelers showed commitment to Roethlisberger, inking him to an extension. The coach must squash seeds of dysfunction and get things back on track.
San Francisco – How quickly will Jimmy G. return?
After spending the bulk of the season recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL, the quarterback is now easing his way back in offseason workouts. Same goes for lead running back Jerick McKinnon. When healthy, these two will lead a potentially explosive offense and a 49ers roster that officials have worked to aggressively upgrade.
Seattle – Is Doug Baldwin indeed done?
The Pro Bowl wideout is considering retirement while struggling to recover from multiple injuries. That leaves an already thin receiving unit with one less playmaker. Seattle drafted combine star DK Metcalf in the second round, so he could help fill the void.
Tampa Bay – Can Bruce Arians fix Jameis Winston?
This is likely the last shot in Tampa for the 2015 first overall pick. Winston has a big arm, but he’s wildly inconsistent. The Bucs are counting on Arians’ quarterback expertise to give them the best chance of helping Winston clean up in his game.
Tennessee – Is this Mariota’s last shot?
The second pick of the 2015 draft, Marcus Mariota also has yet to live up to his potential. Injuries and instability (he’s now on his fourth offensive coordinator) have hampered his development. The Titans acquired Ryan Tannehill from Miami, intensifying the pressure.
Washington – What’s the plan at quarterback?
Dwayne Haskins fell into Washington’s lap. The ’Skins also acquired Case Keenum from Denver. Haskins is viewed as a project and might not start Day 1. Much will hinge on how quickly he learns this offseason.