Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Packer Plus
Free agency, trades reshaped landscape
Here's a look at NFL power rankings with capsules on the top 10 teams as the offseason focus shifts from free agency to the upcoming 2022 draft:
1. Rams (1, post-Super Bowl 56 rank): They've lost a few key cogs from the Super Bowl 56 lineup – OLB Von Miller (Bills), LT Andrew Whitworth (retired), WR Odell Beckham Jr. (unsigned and injured) – but it happens just about annually to defending champs, the Brady Bucs notwithstanding. But LA also effectively made a noteworthy wideout swap, signing Allen Robinson before trading Robert Woods, while reloading the Oline.
2. Bengals (2): They've done such a good job upgrading QB Joe Burrow's protection during free agency – La'el Collins, Alex Cappa, Ted Karras – that they've opened up their draft options.
3. Bills (4): The shocking coup to land former Super Bowl MVP Miller was their offseason headline grabber. However, they made several nice pickups with G Rodger Saffold and slot WR Jamison Crowder plus the return of CB Tre'Davious White from his ACL tear. This lineup looks decidedly superior to the one that barely came up short at Arrowhead Stadium two months ago.
4. Buccaneers (20): Why the huge jump? Don't forget, Tom Brady was retired at the conclusion of Super Bowl 56.
5. Packers (6): Aaron Rodgers, Matt LaFleur and Co. look well positioned to win 13 games and the NFC North for the fourth consecutive year ... and probably not much beyond that.
6. Chargers (13): A team that fell one bad decision shy of the playoffs last season has added OLB Khalil Mack, CB J.C. Jackson and interior D-line beef while retaining WR Mike Williams and the 17th pick of Round 1.
7. Chiefs (3): The stunning trade of WR Tyreek Hill could mean a step back in 2022 before two or three subsequent steps forward – given the draft capital and cap space his departure created.
8. Colts (21): They could once again reside on the playoff bubble. They could also run away and hide with the AFC South crown given the stability Matt Ryan should finally provide under center.
9. Raiders (9): There are gaps to fill, especially in the trenches, but the arrivals of WR Davante Adams, DE Chandler Jones and coach Josh McDaniels should make these Raiders higher rollers.
10. Patriots (8): Oh to be a fly on the wall in the offensive meeting room as Matt Patricia and Joe Judge – neither with much coaching experience on that side of the ball – try to fill McDaniels' void.