NFL power rankings: Post-draft edition
25. Atlanta Falcons
The defense is pathetic, and it is going to kill poor Matt Ryan. The Falcons also have a new coaching staff, something that will take time.
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are going to make a big leap with Jameis Winston at the controls. The offense is ready to take off, and Lovie Smith will field a respectable defense.
23. New York Jets
New York did plenty to address most positions and have a deep roster. However, the Jets are rolling deep with Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith. Read that last sentence again. Good night.
22. Houston Texans
The Texans have a solid defense led by superstar J.J. Watt and Brian Cushing, but the offense is underwhelming. The quarterback isn’t good, and the skill positions are lackluster in most areas.
Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) reacts after making a sack for a safety during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
21. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are going to struggle after such a massive roster turnover. Philadelphia could see things sour if Sam Bradford gets hurt, which, unfortunately, is a distinct possibility.
20. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota could be dangerous with the combination of Teddy Bridgewater, Adrian Peterson and Mike Zimmer running the defense. The Vikings crushed the draft with Trae Waynes and Eric Kendricks.
19. New Orleans Saints
The Saints are an aging team with only Drew Brees to lean on. Sean Payton is an excellent head coach, but he has his work cut out for him. New Orleans is lucky to be in a bad division.
18. Detroit Lions
The Lions are coming off a playoff berth, but I hated the offseason: mediocre draft, losses of Nick Fairley and Ndamukong Suh, and no running back. Detroit is poised to take a step back.
17. Buffalo Bills
The Bills have one of the top five rosters in the NFL; everywhere but quarterback. Watching EJ Manuel and Matt Cassel battle for the starting job will remind everybody why Buffalo will fail to make the playoffs once again.
Next: Onto the top half of the NFL...