With free company largely over and performed with and the draft come and gone, we will actually start to preview the 2021 NFL season. Right here at CBSSports.com, we have now been rating the highest 10 gamers at every place group on either side of the ball over the previous couple of weeks, so it is solely proper we take one other step again and rank all 32 rosters when it comes to expertise. 

Now, we have now to level out that these should not energy rankings. This isn’t a projection for the way these groups will end in 2021, this can be a rating of how the rosters/expertise seems on paper coming into this season. As you understand, possessing expertise doesn’t essentially assure a playoff bid. Moreover, we’ll try to contemplate positions equal on this checklist, so an incredible quarterback cannot carry his group to the highest of the leaderboard and a subpar signal-caller won’t deliver down the entire group with him like in energy rankings. You will see a lot of the latter on this article. This checklist is certain to generate some dialog, so let’s study our roster expertise rankings from worst to first.

The Texans are anticipated to be the worst group within the NFL this season, and it would not assist that famous person quarterback Deshaun Watson is coping with off-field points which have put his 12 months in jeopardy. I am intrigued to see how Lonnie Johnson Jr. performs at his new place of security, however the Texans merely did not do sufficient on the defensive aspect of the ball this offseason. They have been the third-worst protection within the league final season, and will once more be on the backside of the NFL if the offense takes a step backwards as properly. 

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I believe most are rooting for first-year head coach Dan Campbell and his kneecap biters in 2021, however this roster is not able to compete simply but. Jared Goff is a downgrade from Matthew Stafford, however the Lions additionally suffered large losses at vast receiver. Detroit changed Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones with Breshad Perriman and Tyrell Williams in free company, they usually haven’t got a lot depth on the place both. As for the protection, this unit was the worst within the league final 12 months. The entrance 4 appears wonderful — particularly with the couple of additives they made within the draft — however the secondary actually has some query marks. 

I believe the Jets offense might shock some individuals in 2021. Zach Wilson has a real vast receiving corps with Corey Davis, Denzel Mims, Jamison Crowder and Elijah Moore, and a very good offensive line as properly — particularly with the current addition of Morgan Moses. Working again is up for grabs, however I’m intrigued by the rookie Michael Carter. As for the protection, the Jets have some items alongside the defensive entrance similar to Quinnen Williams and Sheldon Rankins. They stored Marcus Maye within the secondary, however need assistance at cornerback. Moreover, CJ Mosley was a star throughout his time with the Baltimore Ravens, however how will he take a look at 29-years-old after taking a 12 months off because of the COVID opt-out?

The Falcons are sticking with Matt Ryan in 2021 — which is one thing I do not suppose is essentially a foul resolution. Nonetheless, it is going to be robust to handle with one other new head coach and the lack of Julio Jones. Kyle Pitts is a participant who will make a right away influence and Calvin Ridley might blossom as WR No. 1. The offense is unquestionably not the rationale why the Falcons are so low on this checklist, it is the protection. Atlanta completed final 12 months with the fourth-worst protection and allowed a number of notable comebacks. Grady Jarrett and Deion Jones are nice gamers, however they can not will this protection to success alone. The Falcons signed a couple of veterans to one-year offers in free company similar to security Erik Harris and linebacker Brandon Copeland, however I am undecided this unit is precisely going to strike worry into the hearts of opponents.

I imagine DeVonta Smith was a wonderful choose and that he’ll make a right away influence on the subsequent stage. Now, we simply want to determine if Jalen Hurts is the longer term below middle. He actually has good gamers to work with similar to Dallas Goedert and Miles Sanders — and perhaps Zach Ertz if he is nonetheless round. The jury is out on Jalen Reagor, nevertheless it’s doable he’ll all the time be remembered because the man who was drafted one choose earlier than Justin Jefferson. The Eagles have a stable defensive position and distinctive depth at pass-rusher as properly. Eric Wilson and Alex Singleton are seemingly respectable starters at linebacker, Darius Slay is a bonafide playmaker and Philly now has the Viking twins in Marcus Epps and Anthony Harris at security. There’s expertise on this roster, however not sufficient the place the Eagles might be contending in 2021. 

This Jaguars group has expertise, nevertheless it has simply by no means been in a position to put it collectively on the sector. DJ Chark has WR No. 1 potential, Marvin Jones Jr. is a seasoned vet with clear tread left on the tires and Laviska Shenault is an up-and-coming playmaker on this league. Trevor Lawrence enters what appears to be a good state of affairs along with his pass-catchers and working backs, and the Jaguars actually have a solidified left deal with in Cam Robinson. I am not saying he is elite, however he’s actually somebody who can play the place properly sufficient. The offense ought to be capable of put up factors assuming Lawrence comes as marketed, however the protection is the place my consideration goes to be. Josh Allen, Myles Jack, Joe Schobert all appear to be legit gamers, however this unit nonetheless stunk in 2020. The Jaguars threw cash on the secondary this offseason by buying Shaquill Griffin and Rayshawn Jenkins, however will that be sufficient? 

The Bengals’ offseason could have gotten Zac Taylor and Co. heading in the right direction, however they don’t seem to be able to contend simply but. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins might be a dynamic duo at receiver, however the offensive line goes to must do a greater job of defending Joe Burrow. Riley Reiff is a notable addition and Jackson Carman might find yourself being an incredible professional. Hopefully left deal with Jonah Williams can keep wholesome in his third season. This protection struggled mightily to cease the run in 2020, however added a few defensive linemen lately in Larry Ogunjobi and Trey Hendrickson. The Bengals took a success by dropping cornerback William Jackson III in free company, however did add Chidobe Awuzie. I nonetheless do not suppose this protection goes to have the ability to include the explosive offensive assaults of the AFC North, however perhaps the offense can attempt to sustain on the scoreboard in 2021. 

It was robust discovering a spot on this checklist for the Panthers as a result of we do not know if Sam Darnold goes to embrace this modification of surroundings or if the younger gamers will take large leaps ahead. There are a number of younger weapons able to doing so in Carolina this season. The Panthers have respectable weapons in DJ Moore, Robby Anderson and naturally Christian McCaffrey, however this offensive line is just not anticipated to be one of many higher items in 2021. The protection, nonetheless, is a gaggle I’m very enthusiastic about. Brian Burns is among the most underrated gamers within the league and I believe Derrick Brown has star potential as properly. Haason Reddick might be an enormous addition, and the identical goes for the veteran Denzel Perryman if he can stay wholesome. I am pretty assured within the secondary as properly with Jeremy Chinn and the rookie Jaycee Horn. It might take a 12 months for all the pieces to return collectively for this group, however I just like the roster and assure the Panthers might be larger on my checklist in 2022. 

The Raiders have a ton of potential in younger wideouts Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards, however they will must show their value in 2021. Derek Carr nonetheless has an elite goal in Darren Waller to throw to, and two versatile backs in Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake. You need to be excited to see how Jon Gruden goes to make use of the latter in his system. The Raiders had loads of offensive line turnover this offseason, as they traded away Trent Brown, Rodney Hudson and Gabe Jackson. Las Vegas did use its first choose on an offensive lineman, though many felt prefer it reached on Alex Leatherwood. As for the protection, you’d prefer to see some extra consistency this 12 months. Las Vegas revamped its defensive position in including Yannick Ngakoue and Quinton Jefferson, which units up an fascinating battle for snaps between Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby. The secondary was the seventh-worst within the league final 12 months. Hopefully Casey Hayward and the rookie Trevon Moehrig may help there. 

The Bears protection completed No. 11 final 12 months, however parted methods with Kyle Fuller. I assume we’ll see if Desmond Trufant can return to type along with his second new group in the identical quantity of years. As for the remainder of the protection, it appears good on paper. Roquan Smith had a career-year final in 2020 and followers are hopeful he can proceed to show he is a star on this league. At quarterback, I say Chicago ought to simply begin Justin Fields instantly, however that is not going to occur. The offensive line is a bit worrisome as properly. Whereas Bobby Massie and Charles Leno Jr. weren’t essentially beloved in Chicago, they could have downgraded this offseason by letting them go. Teven Jenkins might begin instantly at left deal with, nevertheless it’s no certain factor he’ll impress from the leap. He is undoubtedly a participant with potential, however beginning on the left aspect within the NFL as a rookie is hard. The vast receiving corps is respectable, however I really actually just like the working backs. David Montgomery is a legit starter and Tarik Cohen remains to be your spark plug. The addition of Damien Williams offers you good depth too, and he actually ought to have gained Tremendous Bowl LIV MVP in 2020.

The jury remains to be out on Daniel Jones, however he’s receiving some main assist in the type of Kenny Golladay, John Ross, Kadarius Toney and the return of Saquon Barkley. Sadly, he’ll must work with an inconsistent offensive line. Let’s hope Andrew Thomas morphs into the franchise left deal with followers are hoping for. The Giants protection completed No. 12 within the league final 12 months they usually might probably enhance in 2021. Azeez Ojulari is a rookie who appears to have potential and Adoree’ Jackson was a welcomed addition to the secondary. The roster appears stable. Now, they simply have to put all of it collectively.

It’s extremely doable I’ve the Chargers too low on this checklist. It is simply arduous to gauge this group as a result of they’ve handled so many accidents over the previous few years. Am I overrating this roster or underrating them when wanting on paper? The soccer gods have performed a disservice to followers by maintaining Derwin James sidelined for therefore lengthy. In his rookie season in 2018, he was named First Workforce All-Professional and earned a Professional Bowl look as properly. He and Nasir Adderley might be a dynamic duo at security and the Chargers have an fascinating expertise in rookie cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. as properly. I count on linebacker Kenneth Murray to take an enormous step ahead in 2021, and Joey Bosa is a star. The Chargers additionally did an incredible job this offseason including assist alongside the offensive line for Justin Herbert. Corey Linsley is among the greatest facilities within the recreation after which Rashawn Slater ought to begin from Day 1. One other aspect of the Chargers I like is the expertise and depth they possess at each vast receiver and working again. 

The Vikings had the No. 4 offense within the league final 12 months because of Dalvin Prepare dinner and rookie vast receiver Justin Jefferson. These are two elite skills Kirk Cousins can proceed to work off of, and we might even see an enormous 12 months from tight finish Irv Smith Jr. as properly. Moreover, I believe the Vikings made an incredible choose in Christian Darrisaw, who might begin at left deal with instantly. This protection struggled mightily at occasions final 12 months, however getting Eric Kendricks and Danielle Hunter again wholesome is clearly enormous. I additionally just like the addition of cornerback Patrick Peterson, who might profit from this modification of surroundings regardless that he turns 31 subsequent month.

Invoice Belichick and the Patriots might be motivated to assault the 2021 season after Tom Brady gained a Tremendous Bowl final 12 months, however can they rebound from the embarrassing 2020 marketing campaign? I am not bought on the quarterback place with both Cam Newton or Mac Jones, and whereas they added some expertise at vast receiver, are Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor sufficient? What might mark a brand new starting for the Patriots offense this season are their new tight ends in Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith. Each might be prime 10 gamers at their place and Belichick clearly has some perception into learn how to flip tight ends into stars. The protection made some large additions as properly, as they signed Matt Judon and Jalen Mills in free company, and return Kyle Van Noy and Dont’a Hightower. I just like the secondary, however keep watch over the Stephon Gilmore state of affairs. 

Russell Wilson had fairly an eventful offseason, nevertheless it appears like all the pieces is OK for now. The offensive line did not obtain a complete facelift, however Gabe Jackson is a welcomed addition. The Seahawks once more ought to have a very good offense with Chris Carson, Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, however the protection goes to must be higher to compete on this division. They ranked No. 22 final 12 months, however with stars like Bobby Wagner and Jamal Adams, you may’t rely them out. Nonetheless, I believe they’re missing at cornerback and will take a step backwards in 2021. The Seahawks have some large names on roster, however they do not all the time rise to the event or keep the consistency that is wanted. Wilson is a superb quarterback, however he can fade in the direction of the top of the season and rating simply 12 complete factors in opposition to the No. 17 passing protection whereas Seattle permits gamers like Colt McCoy and Wayne Gallman to edge out a win in opposition to them. Keep watch over pass-rusher Darrell Taylor, who missed his complete rookie season as a result of an harm suffered in faculty. 

The Saints misplaced a number of necessary gamers this offseason, however not essentially sufficient to take them out of playoff competition. Alex Anzalone and Kwon Alexander might be changed by Zack Baun and Pete Werner — who’ve Demario Davis to guide them at linebacker. Sack famous person Trey Hendrickson is gone, however Marcus Davenport or the rookie Payton Turner needs to be viable replacements, and the identical goes for Shy Tuttle changing Malcom Brown. The secondary remains to be in good condition regardless that they misplaced Janoris Jenkins. This protection as a complete completed No. 4 final 12 months, and nonetheless is usually a prime 10 unit in 2021.

On offense, the Saints misplaced Drew Brees to retirement however Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill aren’t horrible replacements. Having the versatile Alvin Kamara will assist whoever wins the battle, as will having Michael Thomas again wholesome. The offensive line can be a stout group that can assist in the quarterback transition. I will defer to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the case of this 12 months’s division winner, however the Saints can nonetheless make the playoffs with this roster. 

The 49ers are getting ready for a quarterback change, however the timetable for that’s nonetheless being established. Jimmy Garoppolo or Trey Lance have an incredible offensive line to work behind, a dependable tight finish in George Kittle and a younger, up-and-coming crop of vast receivers in Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and hopefully a wholesome Jalen Hurd. I am additionally concerned about their working again state of affairs, with Raheem Mostert after which the rookies Trey Sermon and Elijah Mitchell. The protection has seen some expertise go away, however Nick Bosa and Fred Warner nonetheless lead a reasonably unbelievable entrance seven. With that mentioned, I would not anticipate this unit being a prime 5 protection once more in 2021.

The Dolphins recorded their greatest season since 2016 and are anticipated to enhance once more in 2021. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has an necessary 12 months in entrance of him, however he has acquired some assist. Other than the gifted tight finish Mike Gesicki and DeVante Parker, Tagovailoa now has new speedy vast receivers in Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle. The protection led the NFL in takeaways with 29, and added a promising pass-rusher with their second first-round choose in Jaelan Phillips, after which a security in Jevon Holland within the second spherical. With gamers like Jerome Baker, Byron Jones and Xavien Howard, this protection ought to once more be a prime unit with head coach Brian Flores because the overseer. 

It wasn’t too way back when Andrew Luck seemed like he was about to show the Colts right into a Tremendous Bowl contender. Then, he instantly retired. After Jacoby Brissett could not step in and fill the outlet below middle, Philip Rivers took over and led the Colts to an 11-5 file and a playoff look. He then retired this offseason. The Colts once more try to fill the quarterback place by taking a flier on Carson Wentz, and whereas his success is straight correlated with this franchise’s ceiling in 2021, he has loads of expertise round him to work with. The offensive line is nice with the belief Eric Fisher might be serviceable on the left aspect, and Wentz has an incredible working again room with Jonathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines and Marlon Mack. The vast receiving corps is a little bit of a query mark, however positively has potential. The Colts stored T.Y. Hilton and Zach Pascal, they hope Parris Campbell can keep wholesome and Michael Pittman Jr. is anticipated to point out nice enchancment in 12 months 2. Darius Leonard captains a protection that completed No. 8 within the NFL final 12 months, and whereas they misplaced Denico Autry and Anthony Walker, Indy hopes Kwity Paye can fill a gap at pass-rusher. This roster is able to compete proper now, nevertheless it’s as much as the quarterback in the case of how far they’ll go in 2021.  

Some might be shocked to see the Broncos so excessive on this checklist, but when we ignore the quarterback challenge for a second, this group really appears fairly loaded. The offensive line has come collectively — and hopefully Bobby Massie is usually a constant participant on the best aspect. Noah Fant is already a prime 10 tight finish and is simply going to get higher, and the vast receivers are underrated in my view. Jerry Jeudy suffered by some dangerous drops in 2020, however has No. 1 WR potential. There’s additionally Courtland Sutton, who’s lastly again wholesome, and Tim Patrick, who had a profession 12 months. KJ Hamler is not identified by a lot of the NFL world, however he is an intriguing slot weapon, after which the rookie Seth Williams is an enormous goal who might be a playmaker on the subsequent stage. Aaron Rodgers would make this offense a respectable Tremendous Bowl contender. 

The Broncos protection was not nice final 12 months, however they performed by a number of accidents. The “4” of the “3-4” is spectacular when wholesome, with Bradley Chubb, Alexander Johnson, Josey Jewell and Von Miller. The secondary also needs to be a lot improved with the additions of Kyle Fuller and Patrick Surtain II at cornerback, plus the Broncos retained each beginning safeties in Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson. Not solely that, however in addition they drafted two safeties with potential in Jamar Johnson and Caden Sterns. The Broncos play in one of many hardest divisions within the NFL, however they’re a quarterback and a season of remaining wholesome away from shocking individuals. 

The Cowboys seemingly all the time have excessive expectations coming into the season, however often fail to stay as much as them. When at their greatest, this offense is among the higher teams within the league. Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb together with a seasoned but nonetheless gifted offensive line is harmful in opposition to any group. The Cowboys protection was a serious challenge final season, however they clearly tried to handle it over the previous few months. They signed Keanu Neal, Carlos Watkins and Damontae Kazee in free company, and spent their first six draft picks on the defensive aspect of the ball. This protection will not be a prime 10 unit in 2021, nevertheless it needs to be improved. The Cowboys might once more disappoint this season, however the roster is the rationale they’re favorites (in response to William Hill Sportsbook odds) to win the NFC East and make the playoffs.

That is the highest-ranked group on this checklist that didn’t make the postseason final 12 months, however the playoffs needs to be a practical aim for Kliff Kingsbury in 12 months 3 regardless of the robust division they reside in. The offensive assault is unquestionably one of the best a part of this group, as Kyler Murray is an up-and-coming star and has a gifted vast receiving corps with DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk. The Cardinals additionally took a shot on the veteran AJ Inexperienced, and drafted an intriguing expertise in Rondale Moore. Arizona did lose working again Kenyan Drake in free company, however Chase Edmonds and James Conner aren’t horrible choices to roll with. As for the opposite aspect of the ball, you hope they will preserve Chandler Jones within the fold — as a result of he and JJ Watt speeding the passer could be enjoyable to look at. Isaiah Simmons is a participant I count on to take a step ahead in 2021, and he now has a gifted working mate to work off of in rookie Zaven Collins. The Cardinals misplaced legendary cornerback Patrick Peterson, however his substitute in Malcolm Butler is nothing to sneeze at. In 2020, he recorded a career-high 100 mixed tackles, 14 passes defensed and 4 interceptions in 16 video games performed. Arizona additionally has Budda Baker, who got here in at No. 51 on Pete Prisco’s prime 100 gamers of 2021, working the secondary. The Cardinals haven’t got a simple street to the playoffs, however this roster appears good. 

The addition of Julio Jones is clearly a purpose the Titans are available in at No. 10 on this checklist, however this roster additionally would not get the form of credit score it deserves. For those who’ve been out of the loop, Ryan Tannehill has been among the best quarterbacks within the NFL since taking on the beginning job, Derrick Henry has led the league in speeding two straight seasons and A.J. Brown is a dynamic home-run hitter out vast. The Titans even have a very good offensive line when wholesome, with left deal with Taylor Lewan, Rodger Saffold and Ben Jones paving the best way for Henry. In addition they drafted North Dakota State’s Dillon Radunz, who will battle for the best deal with spot. The defensive aspect of the ball is the place the troubles lie for the Titans, nevertheless it actually has to do with the secondary. Denico Autry, Jeffery Simmons, Harold Landry, Rashaan Evans, Jayon Brown and Bud Dupree really make up a really stable entrance, however the Titans did half methods with three out of their 4 starters within the secondary this offseason. Nonetheless, the addition of Janoris Jenkins offers management and Kristian Fulton is anticipated to take a step ahead in 2021. The Titans additionally used their first-round choose on Caleb Farley, who might find yourself being an enormous steal if he can stay wholesome. Tennessee needs to be among the best groups within the AFC, however the protection should step up if the Titans need to make a Tremendous Bowl run. 

Even after the Steelers began final 12 months 11-0, their late season flameout and questions on Ben Roethlisberger transferring ahead have many bearish on them in 2021. I agree that they may take a step backwards, however this roster on paper nonetheless has the expertise to contend. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson are nice weapons, Najee Harris was the highest working again on this incoming class and even Pat Freiermuth might shock some individuals in his first season. The offensive line is a bit worrisome, however Trai Turner is an effective signing. This protection ought to once more be among the best within the league. Dropping Bud Dupree wasn’t excellent however Alex Highsmith looks like a participant able to step up in his absence. Working off of TJ Watt and Devin Bush Jr. ought to assist as properly. One exterior cornerback spot might be up for grabs in coaching camp, however Joe Haden, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds make up a reasonably good secondary.    

8. Washington Soccer Workforce

Here is one other group that has a quarterback query which places their 2021 ceiling into query, however all the pieces else on roster appears nice. Ryan Fitzpatrick has a gifted working again in Antonio Gibson to work with and an improved offensive line to guard him. I am not going to assert Washington’s offensive line is elite, however they’ve a respectable left deal with in Charles Leno Jr. now, and Cornelius Lucas on the best aspect to fill in for Morgan Moses. As for Fitzpatrick’s weapons, Washington hung out upgrading that core as properly. Terry McLaurin is a star, however he now has a respectable No. 2 to work with in one other Ohio State participant, Curtis Samuel. Washington additionally picked up a veteran slot receiver in Adam Humphries and have an athletic tight finish coming off of a profession 12 months in Logan Thomas. The protection is the true power of this membership, nonetheless, as they carried this group to the postseason in 2020 and completed second in yards allowed, fourth in factors allowed and third in DVOA. All they did was get higher this offseason by drafting linebacker Jamin Davis and signing cornerback William Jackson III. They might have one of the best protection within the league this 12 months.  

We’re assuming Rodgers returns to the group earlier than the beginning of the common season right here. Davante Adams has been Rodgers’ go-to goal however I believe the entrance workplace helped him in a probably large means by drafting Clemson’s Amari Rodgers. He is a slot weapon that may assist open up issues within the passing recreation and make A-Rod happier. Moreover, the Packers discovered a solution to retain Aaron Jones and still have AJ Dillon, who believes Inexperienced Bay might have the greatest working again tandem within the NFL this 12 months. The defensive depth chart is not good, however the Packers stored Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith whereas Rashan Gary continues to return alongside. Jaire Alexander is among the greatest cornerbacks in soccer, Darnell Savage Jr. is an athletic playmaker at security and the Packers additionally re-signed Kevin King. He isn’t the preferred man in Inexperienced Bay at this level, however the Packers did not must splurge to maintain him and agreed on a prove-it deal. If he cannot rebound, the Packers chosen former Georgia cornerback Eric Stokes within the first spherical for a purpose.  

6. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are coming off of one other stable season which was ended within the divisional spherical. The offense is spectacular all-around with the offensive line, Lamar Jackson, JK Dobbins and Mark Andrews, however the Ravens may very well have some vast receivers to work with this 12 months! Baltimore signed Sammy Watkins in free company and added Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace through the draft. There might be loads of competitors among the many vast receiving corps, however hopefully the cream rises to the highest and Jackson can assault downfield greater than he has up to now. This protection did lose some necessary items similar to Matt Judon and Yannik Ngakoue, however I believe Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison will take large leaps ahead in 2021. This protection remains to be going to be one of many higher items within the NFL, and CBS Sports activities’ Jared Dubin even predicts it is going to be the No. 4 protection within the league. 

Josh Allen’s enormous 2020 marketing campaign virtually obtained the Payments to the Tremendous Bowl, however this roster as a complete is fairly well-rounded. Gabriel Davis is a participant I believe can play a much bigger position within the offense in his second season after which Devin Singletary, Zack Moss and Matt Breida have potential because the group toting the rock. It was fascinating that the protection took a step backwards within the common season final 12 months in comparison with what they completed in 2019, however I believe they will bounce again. Buffalo retained Matt Milano, and has Tremaine Edmunds at center linebacker. He is athletic sufficient to ultimately grow to be some of the well-rounded linebackers within the NFL, and is coming into his fourth season at simply 23 years outdated! The Payments used the draft to handle move rusher and I just like the secondary as properly.   

The Rams have among the best defenses within the league, which is captained by star cornerback Jalen Ramsey and three-time NFL Defensive Participant of the 12 months Aaron Donald. They carried the Rams to a 10-6 file in 2020, and even gained a playoff recreation on the street nearly with no quarterback. Talking of signal-callers, the Rams upgraded by buying the veteran Matthew Stafford, who is able to compete for a Tremendous Bowl proper now, and Los Angeles additionally discovered a gifted working again in Cam Akers, who rushed for 221 yards and two touchdowns in two playoff video games final 12 months. Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp are good beginning receivers, Sean McVay is anticipating large issues out of Van Jefferson transferring ahead and DeSean Jackson remains to be a speedster. I will take this group to win the hardest division in soccer. 

The Browns at No. 3? Sure. Even in case you’re not bought on Baker Mayfield, you may’t dispute the expertise on the offensive line, the vast receiving corps (when wholesome) after which the dynamic duo at working again with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. The protection might be improved this season as properly, as Cleveland signed linebacker Anthony Walker and security John Johnson in free company, and took a shot on Jadeveon Clowney as properly. Not solely that, however they chose two speedy influence gamers within the draft with cornerback Greg Newsome and versatile linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. On paper, this group appears prefer it might be among the best within the NFL. It is going to in the end be as much as them if they will meet expectations, nonetheless, and navigate a aggressive AFC North. 

There was a lot that didn’t go the Chiefs’ means this offseason, however the additions of Joe Thuney and Jarran Reed are very stable — plus buying and selling for Orlando Brown goes to pay dividends for years to return. This offense is among the greatest in soccer with elite gamers at vast receiver, tight finish and quarterback. They might actually have a Professional Bowl working again in Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The protection may be very stable as properly, because the entrance 4 is dominant and I believe the linebacking corps obtained a very good one within the draft with Nick Bolton. The secondary has a number of playmakers as properly similar to Tyrann Mathieu and Juan Thornhill. Keep watch over cornerback L’Jarius Sneed this 12 months too.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The reigning Tremendous Bowl champions are available in at No. 1 on our checklist as a result of common supervisor Jason Licht was in a position to return all 22 Tremendous Bowl starters for this season. If this roster gained the entire thing final 12 months and is returning all of its gamers this season, I do not see why they would not be thought-about one of the best within the NFL. It is arduous to repeat as Tremendous Bowl champions, however Tom Brady has performed it earlier than.