By Sean Gannon

May 1, 2020

1.Kansas City Chiefs

Hard to move this team from the top spot. They have the best quarterback in all of football. Adding Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who Andy Reid says reminds him of Brain Westbrook, at the running back position will allow Mahomes to have a running game to lean on. Coming off a big Superbowl win I don’t see a hangover coming anytime soon for this team. They are coming back hungrier this year and can very well win a second Superbowl in a row.

2. Baltimore Ravens

After getting Calais Campbell in free agency and retaining Matt Judon, the Ravens doubled down on defense getting LSU stud linebacker Patrick Queen. Queen was brought in to help stop the run with Campbell which killed the Ravens in their playoff loss to the Titans. Snagging J.K Dobbins in the second round not only gives them a more lethal backfield than last year, they also have their future after Ingram. This secondary is incredible with Earl Thomas, Marcus Peters, Jimmy Smith, and Marlon Humphrey and they are primed for a deep playoff run in 2020.

3. New Orleans Saints

I wanted the Saints to get a receiver in the draft, but they have Emmanuel Sanders so they should be fine. Solidifying the offensive line in the interior with Ceasar Ruiz, will help protect Brees and give Kamara so more running lanes. The addition of Zach Baun will rack up tackles for the Saints and can be a good run stopper alongside Demario Davis. Let’s also not forget they signed Malcom Jenkins in free agency, he’s back with the team that drafted him and still playing at an elite level. This is a really good team top down, they want to finish off much better than 2019 and get Brees that second Superbowl.

4. San Francisco 49ers

Kinlaw was a steal for the 49ers. After trading Deforest Buckner they immediately solidified their front line in the draft. Kinlaw is going to thrive under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Getting Ayiuk with their 25th pick was a necessary move after the departure of Sanders. The 49ers added depth to their offensive weapons which Shananhan is going to have a lot of fun with, but the strength of this team is still the defense, they wanted that to be known when they drafted Kinlaw.

5. Seattle Seahawks

This really has more to do with what Russel Wilson and Pete Carroll finding ways to prove everyone wrong time and time again whenever people doubt them. I am not in love with their draft picks this year, first rounder Jordyn Brooks is a good linebacker but with KJ Wright in a contract year, playing at a high level and Bobby Wagner still under contract through 2022 this is a little confusing to me. They drafted Tennessee defensive end Darrell Lewis in the second round, a move they needed to make after Clowney rejected their contract offer. They should have a good season and with the extra teams added for the playoffs, this makes it that much easier for them.

6. Tennessee Titans

Replacing Jack Conklin in the first with Isiah Wilson was a really smart move, they needed to solidify their offensive line. A huge tackle at 6’6″ 350 pounds he has incredible athleticism and should help keep the ground game going. Nabbing Kristian Fulton in the second round was brilliant, many had him going in the first round and he slipped. After losing Logan Ryan in free agency, the Titans replaced key positional needs and have their quarterback and running back under contract and ready for 2020. The real question for them is can they repeat the magic in 2019?

7. Buffalo Bills

Trading for Diggs gave the Bills their wide receiver one that would have been drafted at #22 anyway. No Brady in the East so this division should be the Bills for the taking, there is no reason why they can’t take that crown, especially after coming so close last year. I really like that they got AJ Espensa in the second round, he’s a really talented defensive end with good hand technique against offensive tackles. Espensa is only going to make this defense more formidable than it was in 2019. I you’re a Bills fan 2020 cannot come any faster and their circling the two games against the Patriots. So many folding tables will be broken on those two days… So many.

8. LA Chargers

I really loved the Chargers draft. With the 6th pick they drafted their quarterback of the future in Justin Herbert and then jumped back into the first round to nab Kenneth Murray was brilliant. This team had a hell of an offseason picking up Chris Harris Jr and Linval Joseph on the defensive side and adding Bryan Bulaga on the offensive line. Add Murray into to mix on defense with Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Corey Lieugent and Desmond King, makes this defense very formidable against the Chiefs and any team in the league. Not to mention they have playmakers on offense such as Hunter Henry, Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler. If Herbert does start, he will have the team around him to win games early in his career.

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Another really great draft, the Buccaneers got the tackle they wanted to help protect Tom Brady in Tristian Wirfs. Furthermore, picking up Antoine Winfield Jr in the second round and Tyler Johnson in the third was a great move. Winfield is going to be able to slide in at safety and start, I think, almost immediately with what Arians wants to do. Johnson had a great four year career for the Gophers and will be competing for the wide receiver three spot adding more depth to the offensive weapons already at Brady’s disposal. The Buccaneers are in a tough division but look to be the favorite with the high powered offense and addition of Brady.

10. Pittsburgh Steelers

While I didn’t love the Steelers draft picks, though I think Claypool will be a really nice fit and grow under Vance Mcdonald, the Steelers are still a great team. Going 8-8 in 2019 with essentially no starting quarterback, this team is primed for a playoff run in 2020. That defense was incredible last year and should be a top five this upcoming season. They are in an interesting division in the AFC North, the Ravens are going to be the team to beat with the Steelers as a close second, but the Browns have weapons again and a new coach. I’m not saying the Browns are going to win but this is an interesting division to watch next season and the Browns could be a team that dishes out an upset.

11. Green Bay Packers

The Packers had a really bad draft. I have no idea why they traded up for a quarterback and I don’t know why in the second round they went running back when they currently have two great running backs in Jamal Williams and Aaron Jones. They didn’t get a single receiving option to help Rodgers out, with the exception of tight end in the third round. For a team one game away from the Superbowl, I thought they would have done more to surround Aaron with more playmakers. The only reason why they are up so high is because I think Rodgers is going to be pissed in 2020 and a pissed off Rodgers means the NFL should be scared.

12. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings had a great draft. Replacing Diggs in the first round with wide receiver Justin Jefferson, and replacing Xavier Rhodes with Jeff Gladney were strides in the right direction. Second round pick, Ezra Cleveland, could be an instant starter in Kubiaks zone-blocking system, which would really help out a rather weak Vikings offensive line. Outside of that going defense throughout the later rounds replenished depth in the front seven that much needed after Everson Griffin and Linval Joseph left for free agency. The Vikings are relying on a lot of young talent in 2020, and it’s going to come down to offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak and quarterback Kirk Cousins, to really decide how far this team will go.

13. Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys draft was solid. Lamb was the right move to make at 17 considerings no one saw him falling that far down. However, there are key losses on both sides of the ball for Dallas. They lost starting all-pro center Travis Fredrick, 11.5 sack animal Robert Quinn, three year starter Jeff Heath and one of the best corners in the league in Byron Jones. Rumor is Chidobe Awuzie is moving to safety with HaHa Clinton-Dix, leaving rookie second rounder Trevon Diggs to be the starting corner with Daryl Worley. While the front seven is solid, I don’t know if Dallas’s secondary can keep up with the better passing teams in the league.

14. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have an argument to be higher but I think that defense needs to show a little more before we know for sure. They had a great draft, Michael Pittman Jr and Jason Taylor in the second round add depth to the receiving position and a ground and pound, 3 down back like Derek Henry in Taylor. This is one of the best offensive lines in football and getting veteran quarterback Phillip Rivers in free agency will allow this offense to move more effectively. Marlon Mack and Jason Taylor is going to be and electrifying backfield and a nightmare for opposing defenses to try to defend running behind Nelson and Kelly. The Titans are the favorite to win the AFC South but the Colts are not going down without a fight and could be a surprise great team in 2020.

15. Los Angeles Rams

LA got significantly younger this draft replacing Todd Gurley, Eric Weddle, and Clay Mathews with running back Cam Akers, safety Terrell Burreges, and outside linebacker Terrell Lewis. The Rams are trying to get younger and cheaper while still keep pillars around such as Aaron Donald, Jared Goff and Jalen Ramsey. An argument can be made that they should be lower, they also aren’t even the best team in their division with the Seahawks and 49ers there. But I have a lot of trust in head coach Sean McVay to rally the young players and put together a game plan week in and week out to find ways to win. He did it two years ago during the Superbowl loss, there is no reason to doubt he can’t put together a great team again.

16. Philadelphia Eagles

I’m not 100% sure what the Eagles were doing this draft. With Justin Jefferson and Brandon Aiyuk still on the board I thought Philly was going one of those directions but instead went Jalen Reagor. Getting quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second only added to the confusion. That being said while they may not have made the smartest move, in my opinion, but they added depth in the receiving position and quarterback position. After last year with Josh McCown at quarterback and Greg Ward Jr as the wide receiver one in their playoff loss to the Seahawks, they are focused on depth. When you look back on it, since the 2017 season, they are constantly playing with injuries at the quarterback and receiving positions. This could end up working for them in a way that we don’t see and in a weak division in the NFC East theres no reason they aren’t in the playoffs again in 2020.

17. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons really started to play great football towards the end of 2019 and although many people felt it was a reach, AJ Terrell is going to fit well into Dan Quinns defense which helps solidify the departure of Trufant. They drafted two offensive lineman last year in the first round and I think thats going to pay off this season. Let’s also not forget Gurley is back at home in Atlanta coming into a year where a lot of people are doubting him. He’s going to be running with a massive chip on his shoulder. This offense is going to be a lot of fun to watch with Jones, Gurley and Ridley, in a crowded NFC South, this could be the sleeper team.

18. Chicago Bears

The Bears double downed on the defensive side of the ball picking up Robert Quinn in free agency to pass rush along side Khalil Mack, and cornerback Jaylon Johnson in the. third round of the draft this year. Whether its Foles or its Trubisky the Bears are running it back like its 2018 and are going to take the league by storm with suffocating defense. I’ll call it now, this will be the best defense in football in 2020 and they can take the NFC North on that alone. The only reason why the Bears are so low is because while that defense can stop anything we don’t know if either quarterback can move the offense well enough to make it into field goal range.

19. Arizona Cardinals

DeAndre Hopkins. Thats all I need to say, they acquired DeAndre Hopkins via trade and I think this offense is going to take another big step in 2020. A great draft this past year with Simmons in the first, who can really play anywhere, but most importantly will get to learn under Chandler Jones. Drafting offensive lineman Josh Jones in the third round helps solidify the offensive line and give Murray more time in the pocket. These were three positions the Cardinals needed to get better in and they did just that this offseason. Problem with them is that they are stuck in a division with the 49ers, Seahawks and Rams. It’s going to be hard for them to rise above three teams with playoff experience over the last few years.

20. Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders had an under the radar good season in 2019 and they only got better after the draft. Ruggs with the 12th pick gives Carr more receiving options and will allow Tyrel Williams to not be double covered, allowing the offensive playbook to open up a lot more. Arnette was an interesting pick and very clearly a Mayock choice so I won’t doubt them, it was a positional need for them and they added the necessary depth with a player they believe in. The Raiders are in a fun division with the Chiefs, Broncos and Chargers. Chiefs are winning the division for sure but any team can really place behind them. I think it’s going to be the Chargers with the defensive depth they have but the Raiders could easily surprise.

21. New England Patriots

No quarterback in the draft, not even a quarterback signed in free agency and they traded out of the first round. I don’t know whats going on in New England, Stidham appears to be the starter for now, but Newton and Dalton are on the market the Patriots can easily make a move after either one of them. The strength of this team is going to be the defense more than anything and I loved that they drafted Kyle Dugger in the second round. He’s a perfect Belichick guy and going to adopt the Patriot Way. I do think for the first time in a long time the Patriots won’t be winning the AFC East for the first time in a long time and I’m curious to see who is going to be under center in week one.

22. Cleveland Browns

The Browns got their blocker in Jedrick Wills Jr and Mayfield should have a much easier time in the pocket to toss it to any one of weapons they have. You may be upset that they are this low, I mean they have OBJ, Landry, Hooper, Hunt, Chubb, Calloway how can this offense falter? Thats a lot of mouths to feed. Five of the six listed are pro-bowl players and they are going to want to see the ball, if they don’t it could easily be a repeat of last year where the players are upset they aren’t “the guy” for the team. On top of that they are going to be in a tough division facing both the Steelers and the Ravens. There is a lot on new head coach Kevin Stefanski’s plate in 2020 and it starts with coming up with the right offensive playbook to satisfy every player. I’m playing it safe and keeping them at 22.

23. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins had a great offseason signing Byron Jones, Kyle Van-Noy and Jordan Howard, to name a few. Then in the draft they go the quarterback they wanted in Tua Tagovailoa, offensive lineman to protect him in Austin Jackson, and traded for a duel threat running back Matt Breida, giving them a great one-two punch in the running back position. The Dolphins easily have one of the best cornerback duo between Jones and Xavien Howard and have all the building blocks to be a competitive team. Letting Tua rest a year and learn the playbook is the smartest move, there is no rush for him coming back from this brutal injury. Next years draft adding one more playmaker to compliment Parker and this team makes a big jump. I think it’s 2021 the Dolphins become a legit competitor, but they are going to win some games in 2020 and surprise some people again.

24. New York Giants

I really like that the Giants got a trackle in the draft, this was a weakness of theres for a handful of years and they got an animal up front in Andrew Thomas. He’s gonna block for Jones and Barkley is going to have some wide open running lanes taking him back to his rookie year. The Giants only got better in the second round when they picked up Xavier Mckinney. This is literally Landon Collins all over again in 2015. They have an instant starter in both of these players that should make an immediate impact for their team. The biggest growth is going to fall onto Jones shoulders and his limited turnovers especially when it comes to fumbles, he needs to hold onto that ball. If he’s able to do that, this Giants team is going to win more ball games and the fans will rejoice.

25. New York Jets

The Jets had a good draft, Becton in the first is going to give Darnold time to throw the ball and I think Mims was a great second round pick who is going to grow into a great deep threat. However, Darnold has limited receiving weapons coming into the 2020 season. Crowder is arguably the best receiver on the team with LeVeon Bell being the second best. Perriman is a good deep threat, but his best season is coming off a year where was the third option on a team that had Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. While the line is secured and the defense is decent, the Jets are asking Darnold to do a lot with limited personnel. Gase needs to put together a good offensive playbook and get this offense going, he was brought in for that and deserves a large chunk of the blame the teams poor play at times.

26. Houston Texans

I’m just really disappointed with the Texans offseason approach and I don’t really get it. Trading Hopkins is a devastating blow to this team and on top of that they got absolutely no compensation for him. A mediocre draft focusing on defense, with a wide receiver in the 5th round, Watson is going to have a really hard time trying to find a consistent weapon to go to. This was a playoff team and a divisional competitor that Bill O’Brian in one offseason completely dismantled. If I’m a Texans fan I’m pissed right now and fearful Watson may try to get out while the ship is burning once he has his chance.

27. Denver Broncos

The Broncos are going to have a great defense, between Miller, Chubb, Casey, Bouye and Simmons being led by Vic Fangio, it’s going to be a good one. Their biggest issue is going to be offense. They have the playmakers, Lindsey, Gordon, Jeudy, Sutton and Hamler but they have a relatively weak offensive line and are relying a lot on a second year quarterback who only started five games in 2019. He was 4-1 as a starter which gives you a lot of reason to be excited about, but with such a small sample size and just becoming the full time starter its a different ball game and there will be growing pains as there are with all young quarterbacks. This is also a very young offense that needs to put all these new players together and build a rapport.

28. Detroit Lions

Every offseason we get excited about the Lions and I feel like they disappoint, so I am keeping them low for now, leaving only upside for them. I love Okudah, he’s a day one starter and they really needed the help in the secondary. This was a glaring problem for them in 2019 and signing Trufant in free agency gives Okudah veteran leadership to learn from. Picking up De’Andre Swift in the second round of the draft gives them a nice backfield between him and Kerryon Johnson. The problem is, I don’t know if Mathew Stafford can stay healthy and under Patrica the Lions are 9-22-1 with the main problem being the offense. The Lions are in a tough division and that offense will need to be working well if they plan on putting together a winning season.

29. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers had a season/offseason of departures, head coach Ron Rivera, star linebacker Luke Keuchley, quarterback Cam Newton and starting corner James Bradberry. Thats a lot to be gone for one team. The Panthers drafted all defense this draft to fill all the holes and acquired Teddy Bridgewater in free agency. This is a big turnover for a team and a big reset button for a franchise, they are trying to put all the pieces together but with Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Matt Ryan all in their division, I just don’t see this being Carolinas year.

30. Cincinnati Bengals

They got there guy Joe Burrow, and the Red Rifle is out of Cincinnati. With all this being done, the offense and defense has a lot to work on. Burrows weapons are limited, Tyler Eifert is gone, John Ross is injured and inconsistent, AJ Green is 31 coming off of a brutal ankle injury and Higgins is a rookie. Tyler Boyd is his only consistent threat and as great as Burrow is and he is a rookie making a big transition in a loaded division. The defense improved with some free agent signings like Trae Waynes and Von Bell but overall its a beatable defense. The Bengals are happy they have their quarterback of the future but another top 10 draft pick is in their future.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars

Oh Jacksonville, you were just in the AFC Championship game and now that entire team is almost completely gone. I’m all on board with the Minshew Mania and seeing how that goes but I just can’t see this team winning a lot of games, similar to last year. They are missing receiving options, defensive line, linebackers, they drafted CJ Henderson who’s going to be an instant starter at the cornerback spot but this team is in serious rebuilding mode. Im curious to see if Doug Marrone is fired midway through the season if not next offseason, his seat has to be on fire right now.

32. Washington Redskins

Young is going to be awesome, he is a freak of nature and is going to pair alongside Montez Sweat so well. But this team has a lot of uncertainty at the starting quarterback spot, an aging hall of famer in Adrian Peterson as their running back, one solid wide receiver in Terry McLauren, no secondary and a good front seven but not great. This team still has a lot to work on including, arguably, new ownership. Ron Rivera can get this team to where it wants to be in due time, he will find his quarterback eventually, but 2020 is going to be rough for Washington.