Pre-Draft NFL Power Rankings: Kansas City Chiefs top stacked AFC crowd
By Jacob Milham
"Playing to Stay Relevant in the Division" Tier
17. Indianapolis Colts
18. Jacksonville Jaguars
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20. New Orleans Saints
We are entering sleeper pick territory, teams that NFL pundits will peddle as teams to watch ahead of 2024. All four teams do have some redeeming factors, but none have strong winning foundations ahead of the NFL Draft.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson's return is Indianapolis' biggest offseason improvement, but they added a veteran backup in Joe Flacco as well. They retained the bulk of their defensive personnel and hope defensive coordinator Gus Bradley can spin some magic against several revamped AFC South offenses.
The Jaguars made some confusing moves this offseason, namely adding Gabe Davis to a massive contract for the streakiest receiver in recent NFL history. But their hopes still rely on Trevor Lawrence proving why he was the first overall pick all those years ago. They did retool the interior offensive line, but too much rests on a quarterback's shoulders that have crumbled time and time again.
I am hopeful the Buccaneers will make a step forward in 2024, behind a resurgent Baker Mayfield. They did not have the cap flexibility to make a ton of moves and enter their first season since 2014 without Mike Evans. The coaching staff will be the difference between this roster winning the division or looking at a top-five draft pick in 2025.
The Saints added former Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay and defensive end Chase Young to the fold, but that isn't going to change this team's fortunes. Derek Carr gives this squad some production at signal caller, but this roster is softer than a Café du Monde beignet.