NFL teams head of the draft, where do they sit in our April power rankings?
NFL teams head of the draft, where do they sit in our April power rankings?
I'll be honest - I was ready for the 2024 NFL season to end. Once the Week 15-16 mark hits, fatigue sets in. Especially when you're watching Bailey Zappe vs. whomever the Ravens backup was, as Joe Buck and Troy Aikman do their best to pretend they wouldn't rather be anywhere else in the world. Plus, the Super Bowl was the most uninspired matchup between two teams no one wanted - it was the Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns of Super Bowls. Albeit, the game turning into an exhibition squash was quite funny, but the incoming break remained a lovely thought.
It's now April, and I would eat a stranger's belly button lint just to watch Mac Jones vs. Aidan O'Connell on an October Thursday night - which is a pity because we haven't even reached the draft yet, Lord help us. However, we have crossed the finish line of the big free agency wave having come and gone. So, while we sit in the limbo of waiting for the 2025 NFL Draft, here are the pre-draft power rankings.
32. Tennessee Titans
While the Titans have no offensive line, they make up for it by having no quarterback. And while their defense can't cover, they also can't stop the run. And not for nothing, Brian Callahan looks like Dave from Love Is Blind and I don't trust a fella with that look. Good luck with Cam Ward, though.
31. New Orleans Saints
Hmm. An offense with one true weapon quarterbacked by Derek Carr. A defense in which most of their top players were born when Madonna was in her prime (Cam Jordan was born four months after "Like A Prayer" was released). All of whom are led by Kellen Moore - doesn't exactly scream "playoffs."
30. New York Giants
Picture this:
It's Week 4. The Giants are in Philadelphia playing the Eagles when Russell Wilson throws a pass directly into the chest of Cooper DeJean. Brian Daboll puts Russell Wilson in a chokehold while Jameis comes over to break it up.
"Coach," Jameis Winston says. "Let the devil not make of you what he wants. Let the lord deliver you from this temptation as we ascend into his glor-" he's cut off as Daboll punches him in the face and resigns on the spot.
29. Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett went on a mini press tour during Super Bowl week talking about wanting to play for a championship contender. Then the Browns offered him $40 million per year, and he decided that maybe the Browns are a championship contender - what a waste of time. At least it looks like we're done talking about Deshaun Watson.
28. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are bad, but at least they're entertaining. They are the Sharknado of the NFL. Few things are as silly as watching your favorite team on a Sunday afternoon and catching a glance at the ticker to see Anthony Richardson is 11-of-37 for 302 yards - what a hilarious football player... who might be replaced by Daniel Jones AND just like that, they're boring again.
27. New York Jets
I mean - it could work. The same way Sydney Sweeney could choose me to be her arm candy at the next red carpet event. Aaron Glenn feels like a good hire at head coach. The defense is still filled with talent. How good will Justin Fields play? This just feels like the same questions we've had about the Jets for years with a new cast of characters. If Robert Saleh and Aaron Rodgers was the Jets' Degrassi, Glenn and Fields are Degrassi: The Next Generation.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Alright, jokes aside, why do so many AFC South personnel look like Love Is Blind castmates? Brian Callahan looks like Dave, and Jaguars general manager James Gladstone looks way too much like Mason for me not to make note of it. Love may be blind, but Gladstone better not be when it comes to roster building or Jacksonville is going to remain in the same spot they're currently in.
25. Carolina Panthers
I don't know what Bryce Young found on the bench when Andy Dalton replaced him, but he came back in and played very well. If not for a dropped touchdown, they would have beaten the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles, and they put up 27 or more points in three of their final seven games. Now they just need to find about eight new defensive starters. Playing the Saints twice will help.
24. Arizona Cardinals
We live in a void where every year, the Cardinals win six games and we say "Kyler Murray will have a breakout season this year." And then the cycle repeats.
23. Seattle Seahawks
Getting rid of Geno Smith to rebuild and start anew is a fine idea. Getting rid of Geno Smith to bring in Sam Darnold on a three-year deal? That I don't understand. Trading away DK Metcalf and replacing him with an oft-injured 32-year-old slot receiver? Also don't get. Nothing the Seahawks have done this offseason makes sense, so color me a skeptic.
22. Dallas Cowboys
I just remembered Brian Schottenheimer is their head coach. Meanwhile, the ghost of Jerry Jones seems not to know who Micah Parsons' agent is, so that's less than ideal.
21. Miami Dolphins
Don't worry, Dolphins fans. I'm sure Mike McDaniel will give a totally tubular press conference answer as he talks like Michaelangelo from the Ninja Turtles en route to losing to the Bills twice and getting blown out in the Wild Card round if they make it that far.
20. Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix showed a lot of promise in the final weeks of the 2024 season, but there will be growing pains. Plus, they still don't have a pass rush for what feels like the 15th consecutive season. Playing the Saints twice will help.
19. Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers will sign sooner or later. Regardless, anyone on the USA Today SMG staff could play quarterback and they'd still win nine games. That doesn't make them good, though - it makes them painfully mediocre. In all honesty, they should have moved on from Mike Tomlin and made a run at Ben Johnson.
18. Las Vegas Raiders
17. New England Patriots
Yeah, I'm a believer in the Patriots. They've brought in several high-end defenders via free agency and signed Stefon Diggs to give Drake Maye at least one proven receiver. And while they still need a few more pieces, they're gearing up to play like they're in a Toby Keith song putting boots to butts, it's the American way.
16. Chicago Bears
Ben Johnson has spent all offseason collecting new offensive linemen like they're Pokémon. Keeping Caleb Williams upright and giving him a good run game is the clear plan in mind, and the Bears have the defensive talent to hold up their end of the bargain on the other side of the ball, as well.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I worry about Tampa Bay having a third different offensive coordinator in three years, but Josh Grizzard being on the staff last year takes away some of those worries. As does Baker Mayfield, who is coming off a 4,500 yard, 41-touchdown season. I do have questions about their pass rush - hello Haason Reddick. Playing the Saints twice will help.
14. San Francisco 49ers
They may as well re-name the team the San Francisco Christian McCaffreys because they stink when he isn't in the lineup, and they've gotten rid of just about every other good player from the last half-decade. Plus, they're about to pay Brock Purdy money he's not worth. They'll be better than the 6-11 record they posted in 2024 but the elite era of the 49ers is over for the time being.
13. Denver Broncos
I love the defense. Nik Bonitto and Zach Allen deserve much more credit than they get, and Patrick Surtain just won the Defensive Player of the Year. And yes, I lost a bet to Broncos fans and Peter Schrager that resulted in me needing to get a tattoo (cheers on the new gig by the way Peter). That bet stemmed from me saying they wouldn't make the postseason, followed by clowning the selection of Bo Nix. And while Denver proved me wrong, I'm still not sold on them being a powerhouse. That said, they'll be competitive and back in the Wild Card picture.
12. Los Angeles Chargers
I'm a big Justin Herbert defender, but even I have to knock him down a peg after that playoff performance against the Texans. However, it doesn't help that instead of giving him real receivers, Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman trot out the 1954 Boston Celtics for Herbert to throw to while getting almost sexual levels of excitement from four-yard duo runs.
11. Houston Texans
It genuinely feels like a rib that the Texans are pulling on C.J. Stroud with how bad they are making his offensive line. Stroud was the second-most sacked quarterback in football, and the Texans responded to that by trading his five-time Pro Bowl left tackle. I imagine Stroud did the Donald Glover holding pizza GIF walking into the facility to learn that Laremy Tunsil is no longer protecting him and seeing Blake Fisher slotted in at left tackle. Stroud's incredible, but he can't do it all on his own. By the way, they need at least two more receivers with Stefon Diggs leaving for New England and Tank Dell being injured.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
Anything that can be said about the Chargers with receivers or the Texans with their offensive line can be said about the Bengals defense. Good on them for locking down Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals, but if the defense doesn't get better, it won't matter. That said, no teams are lining up to have to play that offensive trio of Joe Burrow, Chase, and Higgins.
9. Minnesota Vikings
I don't know how good J.J. McCarthy is going to be, but I know Kevin O'Connell is a top-five coach in the NFL. After what he was able to do with Sam Darnold, as long as McCarthy isn't Nate Peterman, the Vikings will be good.
8. Detroit Lions
Roster-wise, the Lions are still very good. However, the obvious question is what will the offense look like without Ben Johnson? I still expect Detroit to be good, but they have a lot to prove.
7. Washington Commanders
From the Lions to the team that beat them. Jayden Daniels and Co. rode a magic carpet all the way to the NFC Championship Game in 2024. Since then, they've added Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel to their offense. This will be a very fun squad in 2025.
6. Green Bay Packers
The Packers had a disappointing end to their season, losing a stinker to the Eagles in the Wild Card round. With Jordan Love back at 100 percent health, though, I fully expect the Packers to make a push for the NFC Championship Game.
5. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams were mere plays away from heading to the NFC Championship Game, and likely the Super Bowl. Adding Davante Adams makes their offense that much more dangerous. Adding pieces to the defense in the draft needs to be the top priority.
4. Baltimore Ravens
It's championship or bust for the Ravens. They can't keep coming up short in the postseason. Lamar Jackson is coming off arguably his best season, Derrick Henry is still playing great football, and they added DeAndre Hopkins to give themselves a nice receiving trio of Hopkins, Zay Flowers, and Rashod Bateman. Every year is a win-or-bust year for Baltimore. The longer they go without winning, the more fans will wonder if they ever will with this group.
The Bills are in a similar boat. While the Ravens' offense has largely come up short in the postseason, the Bills' defense constantly lets down the offense. They were the only team to allow the Chiefs to score 30 points last season, and it came in the AFC Championship Game, which left them with another heartbreaking loss to Kansas City in the playoffs. Much like Baltimore, every year without a championship is a wasted year.
Do they even deserve to be this high? Like, I'm going to put them at No. 2 because they've won three Super Bowls and always find themselves as one of the final four teams standing, but that Super Bowl left a sour taste in the mouth of Chiefs fans and highlighted a real problem with the offensive line. When you have Patrick Mahomes under center, though, that cleans up a lot of messes.
Sure, they've lost Josh Sweat and Milton Williams, but they still have a flood of talent on the defensive line and signed Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche. Saquon Barkley and all of the top offensive pieces are all coming back, as well. The Eagles are in prime position to try and run it back in a wide open NFC.
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New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
One thought on T.J. Watt and every other Steelers defensive player
The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense finished eighth-best in scoring (20.4 points per game), tied for the league lead with 33 turnovers and helped carry the team to two wins in which the offense failed to reach the end zone. However, that same defense wilted down the stretch against quality quarterbacks and physical rushing offenses. Over the final four games of the regular season and in the wild-card loss to the Baltimore Ravens, opponents averaged 27.4 points per game. Advertisement After making coaching changes in the secondary (Gerald Alexander) and at inside linebacker (Scott McCurley), as well as some schematic tweaks, can their performance match their oversized cap hit? In a world where expectations are often tied to compensation, the Steelers will spend $27.7 million more on defense than the second-highest paid group. As we countdown to training camp, here's one thought on every player from the defense. In case you missed it, we broke down the offense yesterday. Minkah Fitzpatrick: The ballhawking prowess that made Fitzpatrick one of the highest-paid players at his position disappeared, as he's intercepted just one pass over the last two years combined. Some like to blame the defensive decision-makers, but they have played Fitzpatrick in two different ways with no difference (in 2023, he was in the slot and near the line of scrimmage more than ever, and last year, he focused primarily on playing the deep middle). However, with schematic changes to the defense that mirror Fitzpatrick's college assignments at Alabama, a better third safety (Juan Thornhill) who will put Fitzpatrick in different places, a new secondary coach and corners more capable of playing man coverage (which often leads to tips and overthrows), it wouldn't be surprising to see the splash return. DeShon Elliott: He was one of the best bargains in football last year, as 49 NFL safeties (including Miles Killebrew) made more. 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Sebastian Castro: The 5-foot-11 and 203-pound DB had a draftable grade by many analysts but didn't hear his name called on draft weekend. A versatile defender, he played the 'Cash' position at Iowa, functioning as a hybrid LB/DB. While that could make him a fit as a backup in the three-safety defenses, numbers will be tight at DB. Joey Porter Jr.: How much will he shadow the opponents' No. 1 WR and can he cut down on the penalties? Darius Slay: While so many have focused on his age (34), he's still an upgrade over last year's No. 2 CB and could give the Steelers more opportunities to play man or zone match. (They played more Cover 3 last year because it fit Donte Jackson's playing style). Brandin Echols: He played primarily on the outside during OTAs and minicamp but also has appeared in the slot. Does he unseat someone to become a starter or just provide depth and special teams contributions? Cory Trice Jr.: An intriguing seventh-round pick in 2023, who had much higher grades by most, Trice lost his rookie year to an ACL injury and dealt with hamstring issues last year. When he did play, it was mostly as an extra DB in dime. Will he be the first outside corner off the bench? Beanie Bishop: He learned as an undrafted rookie last year that just because you begin the year as the starter doesn't mean you'll finish the season that way. James Pierre: He somehow always finds a way to stick around. Will he be able to continue to do so with several additions at DB? Advertisement Donte Kent: Teams don't like to cut their draft picks. But when you crunch the numbers, this seventh-round pick could find himself near the roster's fringe. He's listed as CB/PR, so maybe his return ability helps him stick as he fights for more in the nickel. D'Shawn Jamison: A relatively unknown player has the chance to surprise in training camp. The 5-foot-9, 186-pound defensive back's fluid and athletic movements stood out during offseason workouts. He's a dark horse candidate to find a role on special teams and as a reserve in the nickel. Quindell Johnson: He played in nine games for the Bears last year and intercepted one pass.' Cameron McCutcheon: A 6-foot-3, 200-pound corner who played mostly outside in college. Kyler McMichael: A 6-foot, 210-pound DB, McMichael is another UDFA looking to stick somehow. Cameron Heyward: Last year, Heyward had a strong case for Comeback Player of the Year (had it not been for Joe Burrow), as the Steelers defensive tackle returned from a pair of surgeries to produce his seventh Pro Bowl season in the last eight years. Can he post another to strengthen his case for Canton while he chases the elusive Lombardi? Keeanu Benton: Benton has been more than solid since his rookie season, but the Steelers are looking for him to become dominant. Will he and how much will his usage grow in sub-packages when the Steelers go to a four-man front? Derrick Harmon: The Steelers have made it no secret that Harmon will immediately step into a starting role at the left defensive end in the 3-4 defense, where he'll play alongside T.J. Watt. But it will be more interesting to see how he looks in sub packages after leading interior defensive linemen in pressures at the college level. Can his finish more plays after also leading his position in missed tackles (12)? Advertisement Isaiahh Loudermilk: After four years, Loudermilk probably is what he is: A rotational backup. Is it possible he gets leapfrogged by some newcomers or is he still one of the first replacements off the bench? Yahya Black: At 6-foot-6 and 336, Black brings outstanding length and size to defend the run. Long term, the dream scenario would be for Black to develop enough at nose tackle that he's part of a youth movement on the defensive front. 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Jacob Slade: A former Michigan State Spartan, Slade has yet to make his NFL debut. Patrick Queen: Signed to be the quarterback of the Steelers' defense, Queen was solid last year but is looking to produce more splash. I noticed him often working on the JUGs machine by himself while the offense was on the field during OTAs and minicamp. Payton Wilson: Last season, Wilson earned the majority of his playing time in nickel packages, where his coverage ability shined. With Elandon Roberts gone, how much will Wilson's usage expand in other packages? While Wilson brings elite speed for his position and a tenacious mentality, he needs to get off blocks better to be a factor on run downs. Advertisement Malik Harrison: Is it too simple to think of him as a one-for-one replacement for Roberts in the base defense alongside Queen? With a physical playing style and bruising body type, he'd fit the mold. 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Devin Harper: A former Cowboy and Bengal, Harper has played 12 games from 2022 to 2023 but didn't see the field last year. T.J. Watt: Will the Steelers make him go through the same song and dance as his last negotiation or will they resolve this contract dispute before camp? Alex Highsmith: He recorded 14.5 sacks in 2022 to earn a contract extension but was limited to seven in 2023 and played in just 11 games last year due to injury. Can this fan of superheroes prove he's another Batman off the edge? Nick Herbig: How many creative ways can the Steelers find to get this talented, young edge rusher on the field? They dabbled with a one-dimensional rush package last year that featured Watt, Highsmith and Herbig on the field together before Highsmith's injuries. Advertisement Jack Sawyer: The Steelers weren't targeting an edge rusher in the draft. However, when Sawyer was available in the fourth round, Pittsburgh selected the best available player on their board. 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Yahoo
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Steelers insider gives update on T.J. Watt extension timeline
T.J. Watt's contract situation has received a timeline update — courtesy of Steelers insider Gerry Dulac. Dulac, who broke the news of Aaron Rodgers' first meeting at Pittsburgh's facility, was asked during Thursday's Steelers chat if Watt's deal could get done before July's training camp — and this was his response: Advertisement 'Won't be before training camp.' Yikes. If Watt shows up at training camp, he'll likely take a similar approach to his infamous 2021 'hold-in' — one that saw him sit out of all team activities. It's rumored that Watt's extension has a Steelers regular season deadline — which isn't ideal, but both parties have been down that road before. Will the Steelers extend Watt before the Cowboys potentially make Micah Parsons the highest-paid defender in the NFL, or will Dallas ultimately make the situation that much worse for Pittsburgh? For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' T.J. Watt deal receives timeline update, per insider
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers offers subtle support for 'Hall of Fame' OLB T.J. Watt
T.J. Watt's contract woes continue to keep him away from the Steelers — but Aaron Rodgers is ready to put this situation behind the team. On Tuesday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers discussed what has him excited to play for the Steelers — and also commented on Watt's contract situation while praising his leadership: Advertisement "I think that's the thing that's really exciting about Pittsburgh, is the built-in leadership that already exists there," Rodgers said. "Once we get our Hall of Fame outside rush-backer signed, you're talking about another guy who's a leader — not just by his example, but by his words." Watt, who's looking to become one of the NFL's highest-paid defenders, was noticeably absent from Steelers OTAs and mandatory minicamp — but Rodgers clearly has the "Hall of Fame" defender's back as July's training camp inches closer. Will the Steelers grant Rodgers' Watt-sized wish, or will the former 2021 Defensive Player of the Year continue his holdout into training camp and beyond? For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' T.J. Watt receives support from Aaron Rodgers
