Post-draft NFL power rankings
Colts, Vikings, Eagles, Falcons on rise
NFL power rankings, post-draft edition:
1. Patriots (Previous: 1): Until circumstances prove otherwise, they retain top spot — and it seemed to tighten just a bit with infusion of rookie talent.
2. Chargers (2): Is any team better balanced on both sides of the ball or with the depth of ability this one has after what seemed another strong draft haul?
3. Saints (3): Yep, they keep mortgaging future when draft comes around, but it’s a stratagem future-deprived QB Drew Brees surely endorses.
4. Colts (6): Five years after Deflategate, they finally appear primed to pick up where they left off following that devastating loss at New England.
5. Vikings (7): If any team is positioned for a major rebound, it’s this one. With O-line and run game improved, QB Kirk Cousins and No. 1 defense from 2017 should be far more effective.
6. Eagles (9): QB Carson Wentz is equipped with everything he needs to take Philly back to the top ... except guarantee he can finally make it through a season unscathed.
7. Rams (5): Until there’s betweenthe-lines clarity on RB Todd Gurley’s knee and ability to produce, it will be worth wondering how far NFC champs can go.
8. Chiefs (4): Spiraling Tyreek Hill situation raises disturbing questions about this team’s internal workings and ability to contend if he’s jettisoned.
9. Browns (8): Even without a firstround pick (spent for Odell Beckham Jr.), they managed to draft players who could make immediate contributions in 2019.
10. Falcons (12): With healthy defense, familiar play-caller (Dirk Koetter) and five first-rounders blocking in front of QB Matt Ryan, they’re lying in weeds.
11. Packers (11): Given offseason focus slanted toward defense, apparently they’re comfortable QB Aaron Rodgers and coach Matt LaFleur have sufficient weaponry.
12. Seahawks (10): Can’t fault decision to open vault for QB Russell Wilson, but Seattle might take step back as it waits for influx of rookies to assimilate.
13. Bears (13): Weren’t able to add much in draft or free agency. Good chance Vikings, Packers rebound. Beyond that, how will defense look sans departed mastermind Vic Fangio?
14. Steelers (17): Atypically aggressive draft move for Devin Bush needs to pay off — but defense needed player who could pick up where Ryan Shazier left off.
15. Cowboys (18): No marquee moves in draft or free agency, but Dallas knocked out a major contract (DeMarcus Lawrence). Maintaining continuity is a plus.
16. Texans (15): They have lost really good contributors this offseason and might struggle to retain edge force Jadeveon Clowney. Seems they’re retrograding in Space City.
17. Ravens (14): GM Eric DeCosta continues to nicely customize offense around QB Lamar Jackson. But has 2018’s No. 1 defense become collateral damage?
18. 49ers (20): If coach Kyle Shanahan finally gets to play with a full deck, this club should be really fun to watch — on both sides of the ball.
19. Jaguars (19): They might struggle to score 20 points a game. But they also might be back to surrendering just 17 a week, adding LB Josh Allen to loaded D.
20. Titans (21): GM Jon Robinson seemed to nail draft. But with firstrounder Jeffery Simmons likely to redshirt, could this be a 9-7 team for fourth consecutive year?
21. Buccaneers (16): Coach Bruce Arians must be uber-confident he can win with QB Jameis Winston, because team hasn’t added much offensively in 2019 — aside from Arians.
22. Raiders (23): GM Mike Mayock and coach Jon Gruden have wasted little time upgrading roster. Yet it remains to be seen how well these new parts mesh.
23. Panthers (25): Minor question — how quickly will Carolina’s rookies be ready for prominent roles? Major question — how quickly will QB Cam Newton return to 100%?
24. Jets (22): If you want to be strong up middle defensively, really can’t do much better than rookie DL Quinnen Williams, ILB C.J. Mosley and S Jamal Adams.
25. Bills (24): When you’re under radar, you’re poised to inflict damage. Buffalo appears ready to do so after quietly amassing free agent and rookie talent.
26. Broncos (26): When you’re probably going to struggle to keep pace in division, was adding another quarterback right move at expense of fortifying supporting cast?
27. Redskins (31): Soup to nuts, really nice crop of rookies after patiently waiting on QB Dwayne Haskins, then targeting linebacker Montez Sweat. Now will that patience persist?
28. Lions (27): DE Trey Flowers, TE T.J. Hockenson are quality pickups. But Detroit looks outclassed in NFC North, and QB Matthew Stafford can’t catch a break.
29. Cardinals (28): Had as good a draft haul as anyone. But will they catch league off guard with Air Raid, or will coach Kliff Kingsbury struggle with implementation?
30. Giants (29): Maybe they’re able to channel all of this post-draft angst into motivational fuel. Or, maybe, this isn’t a very good football team.
31. Bengals (30): A team that finished last in total defense added one defender in the draft’s first two days. Brand-new blocking tight end, though.
32. Dolphins (32): Nice to see QB Josh Rosen get fresh opportunity. But given Miami’s lack of talent, will he find himself in similar situation next April?