With training camps starting to open, it is time for the most time-honored of traditions: Power rankings! Fun, right? But let us be honest, the beauty of sport is how it gives us endless debate and banter before the games even begin.
For each team here, you will see their previous ranking from after the draft as well as a discussion of what – if anything – has changed in the past few weeks. Some late roster moves, coupled with decisions by individual players to opt-out of the season due to COVID-19 concerns, account for the minor changes between then and now.
Enough methodology. Let’s get to the yelling!
32. Cincinnati Bengals
Previous ranking: 32
Not much has changed for the Cincinnati Bengals since the draft. As expected, they opened the draft by adding quarterback Joe Burrow from LSU. The Tigers’ passer was sensational a season ago, leading the school to a National Championship, securing a Heisman Trophy and demonstrating to NFL evaluators that he has the competitive toughness, accuracy and pocket presence you want in a pro QB. Then the Bengals added wide receiver Tee Higgins at the top of the second round, a very nice acquisition. Higgins is a ball-winner at the catch point and a potential A.J. Green understudy. Logan Wilson from Wyoming and Akeem Davis-Gaither are a nice inside/outside tandem of linebackers as well.
But we are still talking about a team that finished 2-14 last season, gave up a a whopping 6.1 yards per play last year on defense (tied with the Houston Texans for dead-last in the league), allowed opposing passers an Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt (ANY/A) of 7.4 (ranking 28th in the league) and is facing the prospects of breaking in a rookie quarterback during a pre-season that is likely to be truncated. Burrow is fantastic, but all rookies have a learning curve, especially when the learning time is going to be limited.
They’ll have Green back, playing under the franchise tag, and if Burrow has a solid rookie year they should be much improved over 2019. But…we need to see it first.
31. Detroit Lions
Previous ranking: 31
The selection of Jeff Okudah was a wise pick by the Detroit Lions, as Matt Patricia comes from the Bill Belichick school of thought meaning man coverage is the main course on the defensive side of the football. Okudah is a silky-smooth coverage cornerback with pristine footwork and change-of-direction skills.
Drafting D’Andre Swift was the selection at 35, and what he offers as a receiver either out of the backfield or even flexed outside eases the sting of going with a running back early in the draft. Julian Okwara is a bursty player off the edge, who could prove to be a late-round steal. Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg both were named to Touchdown Wire’s Top 11 interior offensive linemen, and Stenberg’s reputation as a nasty player could give the Lions’ offensive line a bit of an identity. But the 2020 season might be riding on the right arm – and health – of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Provided he is healthy the Lions could make some noise in the NFC North, but it is too soon to start moving them up boards just yet. But if he and wide out Kenny Golladay click in 2020 like they did at the start of 2019, watch out. This could be a sneaky-good offense.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
Previous ranking: 30
The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2020 NFL Draft with some draft capital to spend, and they made a ton of additions. First off, they did not chase the shiny object in front of them in the first round. Jordan Love was available when they were on the clock both at nine overall and then later in the round at 20, but they addressed needs with great players in cornerback C.J. Henderson and EDGE defender K’Lavon Chaisson. Henderson gives them the cover cornerback they lost in the departure both Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. Chaisson gives them a presence on the edge that might ease a potential trade of Yannick Ngakoue.
Then in the middle rounds they added Laviska Shenault Jr., who could be a matchup nightmare for defenses, a stout interior tackle in Davon Hamilton, and Ben Bartch, the small-school offensive tackle who at times looked like the best OT at the Senior Bowl during practice week. Collin Johnson from Texas is also a nice addition at wide receiver.
By trusting their board and executing a plan, they started to put some pieces together around second-year quarterback Gardner Minshew. There is still a long way to go for Jacksonville, but this is a solid start. And to be honest, I wanted to move them up for this video alone:
That’s the good stuff.
29. Carolina Panthers
Previous ranking: 29
Speaking of plans, the Carolina Panthers certainly had one for the 2020 NFL Draft. Matt Rhule’s first as an NFL head coach saw the team add a player on the defensive side of the football with every single draft selection. Derrick Brown can be an immediate impact player up front, with his ability against the run coupled with what he can do to push the pocket. Yetur Gross-Matos was viewed as a potential first-round selection, so grabbing him at the top of the second was a very smart pick.
Many thought the Panthers might go with Isaiah Simmons at the top of the draft, so drafting a potential Simmons-lite player in Jeremy Chinn makes a great deal of sense. Chinn is a very athletic safety who can be used in a variety of roles. They then added Kenny Robinson, the former XFL safety, in the fifth round.
The ultimate success of the Panthers in 2020 likely rests on the right arm of Teddy Bridgewater. The free agent acquisition now can be assured that this is his team going forward, and he should be an ideal fit in Joe Brady’s offense. With some weapons around him, and an improved defense on the other side of the football, Bridgewater should be in a good position to make his contract a wise investment for Carolina. Regardless, this does look to be the start of a rebuild down in Carolina.
28. Washington Football Team
Previous ranking: 28
It has been a tumultuous off-season in Washington, with a long-overdue name change and a stunning expose regarding sexual harassment of employees and sports writers published at the Washington Post. As for the product on the field, when you add the likely best overall player at the top of the draft, you are off to a good start. The Washington Redskins did exactly that with the second pick in the draft, selecting Ohio State EDGE Chase Young. The defender impacts every single play whether it shows up in the score sheet next to his name or not, with the attention he commands and the effort expended to try and contain him. He will create opportunities for the rest of an already stout Washington defensive front, with players like Ryan Kerrigan and Montez Sweat.
Washington did not pick again until the third round, but the additions of Antonio Gibson, a matchup nightmare of an offensive weapon, along with Antonio Gandy-Golden give quarterback Dwayne Haskins some exciting options in the passing game. Adding them to a mix that already includes Terry McLaurin is a nice boost to the huddle. Tight end remains a need, but given the questions about this year’s class they did not force a pick at that position.
Also, let’s consider that Washington also did not chase the shiny object, by either drafting a quarterback at two like some recommended or trading out of the spot, risking that they would lose out on Young. They added a premier player at a premier position, and built around their rising second-year QB who did show improvement down the stretch. A reasoned approach that seems unlike the usual Dan Snyder decision. Which is a good thing.
The Washington Football Team also got some good news with the word that quarterback Alex Smith was cleared to return to play. Even if he never makes it back, Smith is a player worth rooting for.
27. Miami Dolphins
Previous ranking: 27
The entire success or failure of this draft rests on the right arm – and hip – of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. After sending up smokescreen after smokescreen that the Miami Dolphins were going to either draft Justin Herbert, or potentially trade up to draft an offensive tackle, the organization stayed right at the fifth spot and made Tagovailoa the pick. Provided he stays healthy, Chan Gailey’s spread offense is almost an ideal setting for him in the NFL.
With their two remaining first round picks, the Dolphins added an offensive tackle in Austin Jackson that is a bit of a reach, but was better in 2018 than he was a year ago and could improve with NFL coaching. Auburn defensive back Noah Igbinoghene is a smart pick, as he joins an already impressive gropu of cornerbacks in Xavien Howard and Byron Jones. That will give head coach Brian Flores the flexibility to play matchups with his corners, something he did often along with Bill Belichick back in New England.
In all, this was a solid draft and the future does seem bright in Miami with all their free agent acquisition and the players added over the past few days. This is a team that played hard for Flores down the stretch and does seem to believe in his vision. But ultimately, the arm and hip of Tagovailoa are going to determine whether this plan succeeds in the end. With some changes taking place around the rest of the AFC East, Miami could be relevant quicker than you expect.
26. New York Jets
Previous ranking: 25
The New York Jets had, by our estimation here at Touchdown Wire and other around the football media landscape, a very impressive draft. Mekhi Becton is a mountain of a man, but the largest man at the Combine in Indianapolis still managed a post a 5.1 40-yard dash which still seems absurd to type. He is a bruiser, a true finisher of a lineman, who is going to keep Sam Darnold clean for the years to come. Then they pounced on Denzel Mims at 59 overall, a track star and potential game-breaker of a vertical receiver and a perfect replacement for the loss of Robby Anderson. They could have packed up and gone home at that point and called it a win of a draft.
But they were not done. Ashtyn Davis is an ideal center fielder in the back of their defense, but can also transition to cornerback should the team retain safety Jamal Adams and not need to move Marcus Maye into more of a strong safety role. Jabari Zuniga is an athletic presence off the edge, and Bryce Hall is a tremendous value at cornerback late on Day Three. Heck, even punter Braden Mann was a smart selection, viewed as many as the top punter on the board.
But decisions since then have weakened the team for 2020, at least on paper. After a lengthy bit of discourse between the organization and standout safety Jamal Adams, general manager Joe Douglas traded Adams to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for almost a king’s ransom. The Jets received first-round picks in 2021 and 2022, a third-rounder in 2021, and safety Bradley McDougal. This hurts them in the near-term (explaining their slight slide since the post-draft rankings) but if Douglas hits on even one of those picks, this is a great move for the Jets in the future.
25. New York Giants
Previous ranking: 26
New York Giants’ general manager Dave Gettleman did a great job with the first two selections, adding a pro-ready offensive tackle in Andrew Thomas and then cashing in on the fall of Alabama safety Xavier McKinney. Thomas comes from a Georgia offense that prepared him for a life in the pros, and is a force in both pass protection and the running game. McKinney is a versatile safety that can function down in the box and as a single-high player, and comes from a Nick Saban system that is as complex a defense as it gets in the college game.
Gettleman then spent additional resources on the offensive line and the second level of the Giants’ defense. Matt Peart has the potential to be a swing tackle behind Thomas and Nate Solder and could be a starter-in-waiting behind the veteran. Carter Coughlin might be a potential developmental project, as he played down on the edge in college but might transition to off-ball linebacker. Cameron Brown is a fun player to watch who thrived in Penn State’s overhang LB position, but sliding more inside will take some time.
New York’s 2020 season hinges on the second-year growth from quarterback Daniel Jones. The former Duke University passer showed signs of growth last season, particularly with how he handled pressure, but needs to avoid turnovers, both in the pocket and when throwing downfield. The added protection should assist him in that effort, but any sort of sophomore slump will make the seat under Gettleman get a bit warmer.
Making matters more difficult for the Giants this offseason was the actions of former first-round pick DeAndre Baker. The defensive back was arrested back in May on felony charges for a robbery that occurred in Florida, and he was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list as a result a few days ago. The Giants’ secondary was a problem in 2019 and this news does not help.
24. Los Angeles Rams
Previous ranking: 24
The Los Angeles Rams, lacking a first-round selection, were forced to watch the proceedings on Thursday night. The picks they made on Day Two might pan out, if everything breaks in their favor. When they were finally on the clock at 52 overall, they added Florida State running back Cam Akers. The former Seminole is a good fit for their outside zone-heavy running game and a solid replacement for Todd Gurley, but ball security is an issue. Terrell Lewis has all the traits you want in a potential top-flight pass rusher, but fell to them because of a long injury history. Safety Terrell Burgess is a solid fit defensively given his ability to play in the single-high role as well as down in the box. Brycen Hopkins, a “tight end in name only,” could be a mismatch weapon for Sean McVay to play with all over the offense.
But the bit problem is just how far Jared Goff can take this team. Now with the big contract in hand, Goff has to take a big leap forward give how cash-strapped the team is. The economic model in today’s NFL is to load up around a cheap rookie quarterback and help him during his formative years, and hope when he gets the big deal that his level of play is enough to carry lesser talent – talent you can afford given how expensive the QB is – to the playoffs. Will we see that from Goff or not?
23. Denver Broncos
Previous ranking: 23
John Elway and the Denver Broncos entered the 2020 NFL Draft staring at the teams picking in front of them and wondering how far they would need to trade up to secure one of the top three receivers in the draft. They did not need to move at all, as Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy fell to them at fifteen. Jeudy is a solid all-around receiver and a great compliment to Courtland Sutton. Perhaps inspired by the wide receiver, they went and got another in the second round, adding K.J. Hamler from Penn State. That gives them a potentially scary 11 personnel WR grouping of Jeudy and Sutton on the outside with Hamler operating in the slot. With tight end Noah Fant working the middle of the field, this could be a tough group to defend. It might even make teams play more Cover 2, taking a safety out of the box, freeing up space for the running game.
Three picks in the later rounds stand out as potential sleepers. McTelvin Agim from Arkansas has a tremendous first step and can be a true disruptive force up front. Netane Muti, the guard from Fresno State, was graded as the top interior offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus (and the third-highest interior offensive lineman by Touchdown Wire) and is a very powerful player. Only his injury history saw him fall to the sixth round. Then there is pass rusher Derrek Tuszka, who posted great production a year ago with North Dakota State.
But this draft was about helping Drew Lock. Those two wide receivers at the top of the board go a long way towards achieving that goal. But until Lock performs at a level commensurate with the talent assembled around him, we’ll reserve judgment on moving them higher up the board.
22. Atlanta Falcons
Previous ranking: 22
Prior to the draft it was rumored that the Atlanta Falcons were trying desperately to get into the top of the draft to secure a cornerback, whether Jeff Okudah near the top of the board or C.J. Henderson somewhere near the top ten. When a deal failed to materialize, the Falcons stayed at 16 and drafted Clemson cornerback A.J.Terrell.
Now this pick was viewed as a bit of a reach, but I would posit that is due to recency bias. The lasting image many have of the Clemson DB is of his battle against Ja’Marr Chase in the National Championship Game, where the LSU receiver went off for over 200 yards receiving and a pair of touchdowns. Prior to the draft I went back through that game, and you saw a lot of wins by Chase at the catch point, and a game that perhaps looked bad watching live, but was not as awful as many made it out to be.
Imagine if, rather than that LSU game, Terrell’s final college game was the previous National Championship Game, which saw him perfectly execute a zone coverage scheme, jump a throw to the flat from Tua Tagovailoa, and house it for a Pick Six. Then this pick might be viewed differently.
Beyond the Terrell selection, Marlon Davidson can be a nice defender up front with the versatility to play inside or on the edge. Matt Hennessy is a very smart and experienced center, who often gets to two defenders on a single snap. The biggest problem facing Atlanta is not who they drafted this weekend, but the other additions to the NFC South. Namely that Brady guy for starters.
Those who are optimistic about Atlanta in 2020 can point to a few factors. First, they still have Julio Jones, and with Matt Ryan returning to something close to his 2016 form this offense should be improved. In addition, they’ll get Keanu Neal back after the safety has played in just four games over the past two years. That should also help this defense improve from a year ago.
21. Houston Texans
Previous Ranking: 21
Oh, yeah. That’s the good stuff.
Let’s look at the fall this season of the Houston Texans, shall we? In Touchdown Wire’s power ranking prior to free agency they stood 11th, just outside the Top Ten. Then, they traded away star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, which saw them tumble to the 17th spot. After that, they turned in a draft that was poorly graded not just here, but almost everywhere.
Ross Blacklock was one of my favorite players to watch this draft season, and should provide a boost to the interior of their defensive line in the wake of D.J. Reader’s departure. John Reid was a great pick near the end of the draft, and could be a surprise next season given how well he functions in zone coverage. But Jonathan Greenard, who they picked 90th, was a reach, and there is speculation that a deal with the Detroit Lions fell through and left Bill O’Brien holding the bag, and a player he did not want. Which, well, sums up this off-season better than I could.
If you want to be optimistic, they still have Deshaun Watson, one of the young talents at the quarterback position, and they should get a full season from J.J. Watt. In the AFC South, that could be enough to make a run at the division title.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Previous ranking: 20
Both Chase Claypool and Alex Highsmith were productive players in college who tested well at the Combine and shined in pre-draft events like the Senior Bowl (Claypool) and the East-West Shrine Game (Highsmith). However, both players might be a bit of a developmental project, as Claypool could be used more like a big slot receiver or even a tight end, and Highsmith’s production came against lower level competition and he likely is used in a situational manner to start, given the presence of T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree. Then there is Antoine Brooks from Maryland, who did his best work back in 2018 when he was used as more of a box safety, meaning a potential position switch to linebacker might even be in the cards.
Without a first-round selection (unless you consider Minkah Fitzpatrick that pick in which case this draft becomes a home run) this was a decent showing for Pittsburgh. The main question is the health of Ben Roethlisberger. If he is healthy, they can afford to bring in players like this. If not, there are still going to be struggles. But so far as training camp has unfolded, Roethlisberger looks to be in good shape and ready for the season ahead. The AFC North could be a tough division in 2020, but this team sans Big Ben was still close a year ago. A healthy Roethlisberger could really close the gap between Pittsburgh and the rest of the division.
19. Cleveland Browns
Previous ranking: 19
This is a massive bet on Kevin Stefanski, after seeing what he did the past season for Kirk Cousins.
First, to the draft. The Cleveland Browns pounced when Jedrick Wills Jr., perhaps the top offensive tackle in the draft, fell to them at the tenth-overall selection. Wills was a rock star on the right side of Alabama’s offensive line, and while he perhaps faces a switch to left tackle (or the organization moves free agent signee Jack Conklin there) they should have bookend players to protect Baker Mayfield for the next eight years or so.
Cleveland then took advantage of another fall, when LSU safety Grant Delpit tumbled out of the first round and to their selection at 44 overall. The safety had some tackling issues a season ago but is a presence underneath against tight ends. A player to watch is Nick Harris. The Washington center does some of his best work on outside zone running plays. You know, the kind of design Stefanski builds his offense upon?
Of course, this all depends on Baker Mayfield. Despite what he showed at the end of his rookie season under interim head coach Freddie Kitchens, he could not duplicate his success in year two with Kitchens installed as the head coach. Although to be fair, those Progressive commercials were pretty funny…
But that is where Stefanski comes in. Last year with the Minnesota Vikings he built an offense anchored in the outside zone running game, with boot-action designs flowing off of those concepts. That turned Cousins into one of the game’s most effective and efficient passers, especially on play-action. While Mayfield had some issues last year, particularly when throwing from clean pockets, he was at his best when using play-action. Specifically, Mayfield saw the biggest jump in completion percentage when using play-action designs in 2019 out of any passer in the league. With more designs in the playbook, he should thrive.
18. Chicago Bears
Previous ranking: 17
Lacking a Day One pick, the Chicago Bears were forced to wait their turn. On the second night of the draft, they turned in two picks in relatively short order, which I suddenly feel the need to defend a bit given some of the stick I received for giving them a Day Two grade of a B-. Sure, they drafted yet another tight end in Cole Kmet from Notre Dame, giving them approximately 87 tight ends on their roster. But this was a brutal position for them a season ago, it is a critical role in Matt Nagy’s offense and is anyone really convinced that Jimmy Graham is any kind of answer for them, short-term or long? Yes, this is not the best tight end class but Kmet is likely the best all-around option. Then they added Jaylon Johnson, a corner wise beyond his years and someone who can step right in and be a starter. So they added two likely Week 1 starters in the second round. That is not a bad haul.
Chicago also added Darnell Mooney, a late-round pick at wide receiver but someone who was generating a lot of buzz heading into the draft. Plus, look at the last two picks: Arlington Hambright and Lachavious Simmons. Those get good grades on their names alone, although both are intriguing prospects.
Look, in the end what matters for Chicago is not their 87th tight end or a cornerback they drafted in the second round, but who wins the showdown of showdowns: Trubisky v Foles: The Melee of Mediocrity. Joking aside, if they can just find a quarterback to execute Matt Nagy’s offense and make throws on time and in rhythm, they will be a much-improved team on that side of the ball.
The Bears were one of the teams impacted recently by decisions from players to opt-out of the 2020 season due to concerns over COVID-19. Defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, a mainstay up front for Chicago the past few years, decided to forgo playing in the year ahead. He is not a household name but is a factor up front for this defense, which should again be the strength of the organization. This will have an impact in 2020.
17. Las Vegas Raiders
Previous ranking: 18
Man, the Las Vegas Raiders are going to be fun to watch.
And let’s face it, they were fun to watch draft. Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock made some quintessential Raiders selections, starting with making Henry Ruggs III the first wide receiver off the board. Many favored either CeeDee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy, given their all-around games, but nothing screams “Raiders” quite like a 4.27 40-yard dash. Somewhere Al Davis is smiling. But Ruggs is not just a burner, he had game-breaking ability after the catch which makes him a fit for their offense. Lynn Bowden is a versatile player that Gruden will love to design plays for, and Bryan Edwards is a physical presence at the catch point.
On the defensive side of the football, Tanner Muse is a hybrid type of player that could be viewed as a linebacker in the NFL, but in function he is likely a sub-package player that aligns at safety on some downs/against some offenses, but takes on more of an interior role against other teams. Amik Robertson is one of the more enjoyable corners to study, as he will fight you tooth and nail and plays much bigger than he measures.
Returning to the offense, Derek Carr has quietly been a very effective quarterback within the confines of Gruden’s system. With the weapons the front offense has assembled around him, another effective and efficient season could see the Raiders make some noise in the AFC.
16. Los Angeles Chargers
Previous ranking: 15
(Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)If you liked Justin Herbert as a prospect, you loved where the Los Angeles Chargers are right now. If you are a bit lukewarm – or worse – then you have questions.
Herbert is something of a polarizing prospect. He checks the “big arm ball go far fast” box, as well as the size and athleticism boxes, but the offense he ran at Oregon did not do him any favors from an evaluation standpoint. When he was in Mobile for the Senior Bowl he looked better when he was asked to make more “NFL throws,” such as attacking the middle of the field, but on film when he was tasked with attacking that area of the field he seemed to struggle, despite his level of experience.
Then the Chargers traded back into the first round with the New England Patriots (and let’s be honest, when Bill Belichick is on the other end of a trade call with you, your Spidey Sense should be tingling) and drafted Kenneth Murray. If Murray is allowed to be a “see ball kill ball” type of player, he can thrive, but his role will be very critical to how he develops. Running back Joshua Kelley, their pick at the start of Day Three, is a player to watch. He could carve out a very big role in the Chargers’ offense as a rookie.
But ultimately this draft – and the next five years of the franchise – rests on the right arm of Herbert.
Locking up Joey Bosa, their talented pass rusher, was a wise move for the team, and getting Derwin James back healthy will give this defense – which might be called upon with a new quarterback under center – a boost.
15. New England Patriots
Previous ranking: 16
The big change here is at the biggest position: Quarterback.
In our last rankings, the New England Patriots were looking at a new future with Jarrett Stidham at the helm. Now? Now they have a former MVP in the mix, as Cam Newton signed with the team on a veteran minimum, incentive-laden contract.
Will he recapture his magic from 2015, or even 2017? Perhaps. Perhaps not. But the Patriots’ offense does look better on paper with Newton listed as the starting quarterback.
What was a strength, however, might now be a weakness on the defensive side of the ball. In addition to the players lost in free agency, New England now has to replace Dont’a Hightower and Patrick Chung, two players who decided to opt-out due to COVID-19 concerns. But as he showed with the quarterback position, the Hoodie always has a plan….
14. Philadelphia Eagles
Previous ranking: 13
Welcome to the QB Factory.
Jalen Reagor is an almost ideal fit for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense, but we can be honest here, we are among friends. The takeaway from this draft class is the selection of Jalen Hurts at 53 overall. As someone how co-hosts an Eagles’ podcast focused on the quarterback position (formerly the QB Scho Show, now rebranded as the QB Factory thanks to Howie Roseman’s post-draft comments) I can assure you that the selection of Hurts in this spot is not going over well in the City of Brotherly Love.
Two things can be true (a phrase you will hear again when we get to the Green Bay Packers): Jalen Hurts was worthy of a second-round selection, but he was also a poor pick for the Eagles. Hurts is a “see it, throw it” passer who last year averaged 3.08 seconds snap-to-throw. That would be dead last in the NFL. His style of play, coupled with the long and loopy mechanics he showed on film – mechanics that were improved at the Combine but we’ve seen that before *glaring in the general direction of Blake Bortles* – is not a fit for a West Coast offense. Before the second round I mocked Hurts to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 45 overall, because a downfield offense is ideal for him. This fit..this fit is questionable.
But beyond that, what does this pick say about your current starter Carson Wentz? Turn on Philadelphia sports radio right now and you will get your answer. Although in recent days, Wentz showed up to training camp looking quite healthy, which has quelled some of the concern over his status heading into the season.
13. Seattle Seahawks
Previous ranking: 14
Like the New England Patriots, the Seattle Seahawks do things their own way. John Schneider and Pete Carroll made some…interesting selections at the start of the draft. They selected Texas Tech linebacker Jordyn Brooks 27th overall, a player with a consensus ranking according to Arif Hasan from The Athletic – Minnesota of 84. They then drafted Darrell Taylor at 48 overall, interesting given his consensus ranking of 92 overall. Damien Lewis, the bruising guard from LSU, was perhaps their nicest pick of the draft in the 69th spot, given his consensus ranking of 94 overall and his ability to finish blocks through the whistle.
The pick that might merit watching from Day Three is Stephen Sullivan from LSU. He was a wide receiver originally who transitioned to tight end, but found himself on the outside looking in due to the Tigers’ talented options in front of him. But he can be a mismatch player that NFL offensive coordinators love to build around. However, it is hard to get that jazzed about the player you picked at 251.
Brooks is likely an immediate fit given how often the Seahawks implement three-linebacker sets, and could be the future heart of the defense. Yet, this draft seems underwhelming in the moment. Having Russell Wilson sure helps ease that feeling, however.
What also helps? Jamal Adams. The dynamic safety was acquired by the Seahawks recently in a trade with the New York Jets, and while the organization paid a heavy price, Adams is worth it for a team looking to win a Super Bowl now.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Previous ranking: 12
The Minnesota Vikings added a ton of players in this draft cycle, including Justin Jefferson, a talented wide receiver who should be a perfect fit in the Minnesota passing game. He was recently placed on the COVID-19 list, but should be ready to go for the season.
The Vikings also have one of the best safety tandems in the NFL, with Harrison Smith and Anthony Harris. They can also rely on playmakers up front, such as Eric Kendricks and Danielle Hunter. In short, this is a team talented on both sides of the football. There are issues about Dalvin Cook’s contract status, but they even have an option behind him in Alexander Mattison.
Then there is the quarterback. Despite conventional wisdom, Cousins is one of the better QBs in the game. In all, this is a solid roster with visions on a title.
11. Dallas Cowboys
Previous ranking: 11
This was a solid offseason for the Dallas Cowboys.
Having CeeDee Lamb fall to them in the first round was a two-fold coup. First, pairing him with Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup gives Dak Prescott a trio of talented receivers that will make his life easier. Second, it crushed the dreams of Philadelphia Eagles’ fans who were watching and hoping that somehow Lamb would get to them at either the 21st spot in the draft, or within a reasonable trade-up range. The draft might be a win for this pick alone.
On Day Two they made some selections that I personally graded poorly (which resulted in some brushback on Twitter) but can work if used correctly. Alabama cornerback Trevon Diggs does one thing extremely well: Press coverage. If he is used in that role this will be a home run of a pick, as he was someone viewed earlier in the process as a first-rounder that came off the board at 51 overall. The usage is critical to the success of the pick. Then at 82 they drafted Neville Gallimore, who has some technical things to improve but yes, represents great value at that point in the draft.
Beyond that, Reggie Robinson was identified as a sleeper here at Touchdown Wire and will immediately contribute on special teams. Bradlee Anae can get after the passer, and is a potential steal in the fifth round. Even Tyler Biadasz, also identified here at Touchdown Wire as a sleeper due to his slide down the draft board, is as steady as sit gets for a center. In all, a great draft, probably made sweeter for Dallas fans given what they saw Philadelphia do.
Of course the biggest question mark is the status of quarterback Dak Prescott. He will be playing under the franchise tag in 2020, but with the weapons around him, he should be in position for a huge season.
10. Arizona Cardinals
Previous ranking: 12
Kliff Kingsbury certainly looked relaxed in his James Bond-style living space, termed that by the brilliant Nora Princiotti of the Boston Globe, during the recent draft. But he had reason to be. The Arizona Cardinals became one of the most athletic and versatile defenses in the league when they added Isaiah Simmons to their roster. Listed as a linebacker for NFL purposes, the Clemson defender can play in a variety of roles and probably projects best as a safety. Then the Cardinals pounced and grabbed tackle Josh Jones in the third round, despite projections that had him coming off the board in the first.
Day Three of the draft was almost as productive. Utah’s Leki Fotu could be a player that will thrive in the NFL, as he was used primarily as a run stopper in college but he can get after the passer when given the chance. He’ll have more chances in the NFL, especially with players like Chandler Jones and potentially even Simmons coming off the outside. Eno Benjamin was a tremendous pick for them in the seventh round.
Oh, and remember when they added DeAndre Hopkins this offseason? Pepperidge Farms remembers.
There are reasons many expect the Cardinals to take a big step forward in 2020.
9. Green Bay Packers
Previous ranking: 8
The question that one takes away from this draft class is this: How does this group of players – particularly those at the top – help the 2020 Green Bay Packers? A team that was one game away from the Super Bowl.
This is something that was crystallized in recent comments from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who said in an interview that he “poured four fingers of tequila” when the Packers passed on a wide receiver. Any who has ever sampled tequila knows what that feels like…
Making matters worse, Devin Funches just decided to opt-out, raising more questions about the wide receiver room. The Packers have a solid defense, and 12 is still 12 friends, he can still sling it, but there are questions heading into training camp.
8. Indianapolis Colts
Previous ranking: 9
The Indianapolis Colts were viewed as one of the free agency winners, adding Philip Rivers to solidify their quarterback position and trading for DeForest Buckner to bolster their interior defensive line. Their draft additions were solid as well, beginning with their two picks at the start of the first round. Michael Pittman Jr. can be a great asset for Rivers, with his ability along the boundary, ball skills and penchant for attacking the football at the catch point. Jonathan Taylor is a potential home run hitter of a back, with track speed and the experience in a versatile running attack like Wisconsin’s.
Quietly, the Jacob Eason pick is definitely one to track. Eason has a live arm and experience in a more traditional offense during his time at Washington. He can learn behind Rivers and more importantly joins a head coach in Frank Reich who has a track record of quarterback development, given how he was part of the room developing Carson Wentz in Philadelphia. Dezmon Patmon is a nice addition, another bigger receiver on the outside, and safety Julian Blackmon is a versatile player with potential in both zone and man coverage settings.
Also, when your defensive leader cannot wait to get into the building, you know there is momentum for the season ahead:
7. Buffalo Bills
Previous ranking: 6
A great defense with talent at all levels. A newly-acquired wide receiver who is a true threat downfield. Great coaching and a smart front office. A division rival undergoing massive changes.
So why are the Buffalo Bills not ranked higher?
It begins and ends with the man pictured here. Josh Allen has questions to answer in 2020. If he can take a step forward – particularly in the vertical passing game – this might be the best team in the division and perhaps a Super Bowl contender.
If not…
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Previous ranking: 7
This has been a tremendous offseason for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On the first night of the draft they added a fantastic offensive tackle prospect in Tristan Wirfs. The monster of a right tackle has a power-lifting background, great athleticism for the position and a bevy of experience. Then on the second day of the draft the added Antoine Winfield Jr., a great safety prospect with ideal vision and versatility for the pro game. Running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn addressed a need on the roster as well.
They were not done, adding Tyler Johnson from Minnesota on Day Three. Johnson is a savvy route-runner with experience, and fell in the draft due to his interesting pre-draft process. Dropping out of the East-West Shrine game, and then the Combine drills, raised eyebrows, but so does his film – in a good way. Also do not sleep on Khalil Davis. The Nebraska defensive tackle has some penetration skills and can be stout against the run.
Oh and they added Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski too.
Think Brady is focused? Just watch:
5. Tennessee Titans
Previous ranking: 5
The buzz around Georgia right tackle Isaiah Wilson was real as the NFL Draft approached, and at the end of the first round the Tennessee Titans made him their selection to protect Ryan Tannehill, pave the way for Derrick Henry and step into a slot vacated by departing RT Jack Conklin. Then the organization addressed a need at cornerback, drafting Kristian Fulton from LSU when the DB fell into the back of the second round.
A very intriguing selection for them came in the fifth round, when they added defensive tackle Larrell Murchison. The N.C. State defender has a solid array of pass rushing moves and could be a presence on the inside of the Titans’ defensive line. Plus? They added the uber-aggressive Cole McDonald to their quarterback room. McDonald has an NFL arm and the willingness to challenge windows downfield that other passers shy away from. Darrynton Evans, the running back from Appalachian State, seems to be more of a Dion Lewis replacement than a Derrick Henry backstop, but he will give the offense a nice change of pace.
But what makes the Titans a threat for 2020 is the combination of their defense, and a ball-control offense that can use the fear of Henry to set up their play-action passing game. They have an emerging threat in A.J. Brown at wide receiver, and Ryan Tannehill played at an elite level in this offense a season ago. The pieces are in place for Tannehill to have similar success in 2020, just now over a full 16-game slate.
4. New Orleans Saints
Previous ranking: 4
It has been an interesting offseason for the New Orleans Saints. The selection of Cesar Ruiz is a great pick for the Saints’ offense. He can slot in potentially at the right guard spot given this experience playing guard at Michigan before moving to center. Zach Baun might be a bit of a hybrid, but defensive coordinator Dennis Allen can care out a role for him both as a pass rusher and even a coverage player on passing downs. Trautman is a very intriguing player, and could be the complete package at the tight end position. He was dominant on film against FCS competition. They also added Jameis Winston to the roster and gave Taysom Hill a new deal, so they’ve got that going for them, which is nice.
But this team goes as far as their offense takes them, and it is a great offense on paper. They have Michael Thomas, one of the NFL’s best wideouts, they have Alvin Kamara, a game-changer at running back, they have Drew Brees, still one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, and they hvae added Emmanuel Sanders. This is a great group that should score points in bunches. In the modern NFL, that’s a recipe for success.
3. San Francisco 49ers
Previous ranking: 3
The San Francisco 49ers made a trade prior to the draft with the Indianapolis Colts, sending them interior defender DeForest Buckner in exchange for the 13th pick in the draft. What did they turn that pick into? Perhaps an ideal replacement in Javon Kinlaw. The South Carolina defensive tackle is an explosive penetration off the snap and can be the perfect player to step into Buckner’s cleats.
Many expected San Francisco to trade out of their spot at the end of the first round and add additional picks, but they actually moved up in the round, making a trade with the Minnesota Vikings to get to the 25th spot in the draft. There they drafted wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk from Arizona State. With Emmanuel Sanders gone to New Orleans, this was a position of need and they added a receiver with burst off the line, into his breaks and after the catch. He is not the complete package like Sanders, but is a nice addition to the WR group.
Then, in the wake of offensive tackle Joe Staley retiring, they acquired stout left tackle Trent Williams via a trade.
What makes the 49ers still dangerous is what they have coming back on offense. George Kittle and Jimmy Garoppolo are a solid battery, and the mind of Kyle Shanahan is still tough for opposing defensive coordinators to handle. That puts them in good shape heading into 2020.
2. Baltimore Ravens
Previous ranking: 2
Interestingly enough, this has become something of a polarizing offseason for the Baltimore Ravens. Those who grade their draft class highly point to the pairing of Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison as an almost-ideal WLB/MLB tandem. Queen is athletic, a linebacker in a safety’s body, and can flow to the football while Harrison is reminiscent of Donta’ Hightower, a downhill player against the run who can be a functional “Rat” defender or even a potential situational pass rusher on passing downs. J.K. Dobbins is an ideal fit for their offense as a running back, and between Tyre Phillips and Ben Bredeson they have a chance to fill a big hole vacated by the Marshall Yanda retirement. Even Geno Stone, their seventh-round selection, has a shot to be an early contributor given his prowess in zone coverage settings.
But yet, it could be argued that they used some premium picks on linebackers and running backs, positions that can be addressed later in the draft or via another round of free agency.
From where we sit at Touchdown Wire, these are solid picks, and just add to a team that finished 14-2 a year ago and looked like they were headed to a showdown with Kansas City in the AFC Championship Game.
Oh, and they have Lamar Jackson, the top player in the game according to the players themselves.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Previous ranking: 1
The selection of Clyde Edwards-Helaire at the end of the first round was a stroke of genius from Brett Veach and Andy Reid. The Chiefs did not have a ton of holes coming into the draft – winning a Super Bowl often makes that clear – but he makes this offense that much tougher to defender. Edwards-Helaire can be an immediate factor in the passing game. He is coming from an offense that used five-man protection schemes on 83% of their passing plays. Meaning that if he was on the field and a pass was called, odds are he was running a route. In the wake of Damien Williams’ decision to opt-out due to COVID-19, this selection seems even smarter.
Then they addressed a need at linebacker with the explosive Willie Gay Jr., from Mississippi State. Gay has sideline-to-sideline burst and had an impressive Combine, and character concerns probably contributed to his fall in the draft.
Plus, they still have Patrick Mahomes. Unless he opts-out, this is the team to beat.
