Power Rankings: —POST Offseason (Part II)

Traditional power rankings suck, dude. They overreact to one HUGE signing and one sad! departure. Rarely do they take in account the entire offseason, or even the resources each team currently has. To give a more accurate representation of what’s going on and where these teams currently stand, I will not equivocate or give into the yank of heartstrings the NFL offseason brings.

Instead, here’s where all 32 teams rank when taking account their 2019 offseason.

Here’s part one if you missed it.

16.) Pittsburgh Steelers—Record: 9-6-1. Point Differential: +68 (11). DVOA: 11.2% (9). Previously 16th.

Departures: Marcus Gilbert (OT), Antonio Brown (WR), Le’Veon Bell (RB), Morgan Burnett (S), Jesse James (TE).

Additions: Steven Nelson (CB), Donte Moncrief (WR), Mark Barron (LB).

Cap Space: $1,246,206

Draft Picks: Devin Bush (LB), Diontae Johnson (WR), Justin Layne (CB), Benny Snell (RB), Zach Gentry (TE), Sutton Smith (OLB), Isaiah Buggs (DT), Ulysees Gilbert (LB), Derwin Gray (OT).

Bush has the potential to fix the Steelers’ front seven. They did just about all they could do to improve their secondary. The BIG problem is Ben Roethlisberger’s BIG dumb head turns the ball over too often. It killed this team last year. He had 16 interceptions. It isn’t a one year fluke either. He’s thrown 59 of them over the last four seasons.

15.) Cleveland Browns—Record: 7-8-1. Point Differential: -33 (20). DVOA: -3.0% (18). Previously 11th.

Departures: Gregg Williams (HC), Tanner Vallejo (LB), Jamie Collins (LB), Jabril Peppers (S), Darren Fells (TE), Tyrod Taylor (QB), Breshad Perriman (WR), Briean Boddy-Calhoun (CB).

Additions: Freddie Kitchens (HC), Todd Monken (OC), Steve Wilks (DC), Kareem Hunt (RB), Kevin Zeitler (OG), Jabril Peppers (S), Sheldon Richardson (DT), Odell Beckham Jr. (WR), Adarius Taylor (LB), Demetrius Harris (TE), Eric Kush (OG/OC), Kendall Lamm (OT), Bryan Witzmann (OG). Phillip Gaines (CB), Morgan Burnett (S), Garrett Gilbert (QB).

Cap Space: $33,356,676

Draft Picks: Greedy Williams (CB), Sione Takitaki (LB), Sheldrick Redwine (S), Mack Wilson (LB), Austin Seibert (K), Drew Forbes (OG), Donnie Lewis (CB).

Rarely does the team win the offseason, and then have a great season the following year. The Rams are the exception. It’s too hard to put the puzzle back together after it’s been slapped off the table. I love what Cleveland did. I love Mayfield, who has tons of flour in the cupcake kitchen. It’s still Cleveland. They don’t get the benefit of the doubt. I have to see it first.

14.) Houston Texans—Record: 11-5. Point Differential: +86 (9). DVOA: 7.1% (10). Previously 9th.

Departures: Demaryius Thomas (WR), Kevin Johnson (CB), Christian Covington (DT), Tyrann Mathieu (S), Kareem Jackson (DB), Kendall Lamm (OT), Ryan Griffin (TE).

Additions: Tim Kelly (OC), Tashun Gipson (S), Briean Boddy-Calhoun (CB), Bradley Roby (CB), Darren Fells (TE), A.J. McCarron (QB), Matt Kalil (OT), Taiwan Jones (RB).

Cap Space: $43,244,891

Draft Picks: Tytus Howard (OT), Lonnie Johnson (CB), Max Scharping (T/G), Kahale Warring (TE), Charles Omenihu (DE), Xavier Crawford (CB), Cullen Gillaspia (RB).

The Texans are paying Deshaun Watson less than Senio Kelemete this season, have more than $40 million in cap space still, and took project players with their first three picks of the NFL Draft. They botched the offseason. They should be a Superbowl contender. Can’t wait for 2020.

13.) Dallas Cowboys—Record: 10-6. Point Differential: +15 (14). DVOA: -5.2% (21). Previously 14th.

Departures: Scott Linehan (OC), Terrance Williams (WR), Randy Gregory (EDGE—SUSPENDED), David Irving (DT), Cole Beasly (WR), Geoff Swaim (TE), Damien Wilson (EDGE).

Additions: Kellen Moore (OC), Jason Witten (TE), Christian Covington (DT), Kerry Hyder (DE), Randall Cobb (WR), George Iloka (S).

Cap Space: $19,485,352

Draft Picks: Trysten Hill (DT), Connor McGovern (G/C), Tony Pollard (RB/KR), Michael Jackson, Joe Jackson (CB), Donovan Wilson (S), Mike Weber (RB), Jalen Jelks (DE).

Dallas is young, and has just about the same team they had last year. Usually these teams get better, but progression isn’t always linear. Dak Prescott throwing for more than 200 yards would revolutionize this team. I’m really looking forward to Travis Frederick relocating back on the screens we stare into.

12.) Jacksonville Jaguars—Record: 5-11. Point Differential: -71 (24). DVOA: -8.1% (22). Previously 15th.

Departures: Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TE), Kai Forbath (K), Carlos Hyde (RB), Tashaun Gipson (S), Malik Jackson (DT), Jeremy Parnell (OT), Carson Tinker (LS), Donte Moncrief (WR), Ereck Flowers (OT), Blake Bortles (QB), Chris Reed (OG).

Additions: John DeFilippo (OC), Nick Foles (QB), Geoff Swaim (TE), Cedric Ogbuhei (OT), Chris Conley (WR), Jake Ryan (LB), Benny Cunningham (RB), Josh Wells (OT).

Cap Space: $13,020,219

Draft Picks: Josh Allen (DE), Jawaan Taylor (OT), Josh Oliver (TE), Quincy Williams (LB), Ryquell Armstead (RB), Gardner Minshew (QB), Dontavius Russell (DT).

The Jags’ had one of the most injured offenses last year. They improved at quarterback. They nailed their first two draft picks. They had immediate replacements for their biggest losses. Ronnie Harison for Gipson. Calais Campbell rushing on the interior for Jackson after the Allen selection. Taylor for Parnell. That was until Telvin Smith decided to take a year off from football. If Nick Foles is above average they should be a playoff team.

11.) Seattle Seahawks—Record: 10-6. Point Differential: +81 (10). DVOA: 6.7% (12). Previously 13th.

Departures: Earl Thomas (S), Justin Coleman (CB), Shamar Stephen (DT), J.R. Sweezy (OG), Mike Davis (RB), Brett Hundley (QB), Maurice Alexander (LB), Doug Baldwin (WR), Sebastian Janikowski (K), Frank Clark (DE).

Additions: Jason Myers (K), Mike Iupati (OG).

Cap Space: $32,966,165

Draft Picks: L.J. Collier (DE), Marquise Blair (S), D.K. Metcalf (WR), Cody Barton (LB), Gary Jennings (WR), Phil Haynes (OG), Ugo Amadi (CB), Ben Burr-Kirven (LB), Travis Homer (RB), Demarcus Christmas (OT), John Ursua (WR).

Losing Baldwin is devastating. He accounted for 33 of their first downs last season, and Metcalf will be a fun vertical threat, but won’t be consistent fresh set of downs creator. Phil Simms would be proud of me. After extending Wilson they need this draft class to contribute right away. Usually this doesn’t happen. It’s going to be hard to get a second contract in Seattle for the next five seasons.

10.) Indianapolis Colts—Record: 10-6. Point Differential: +89 (8). DVOA: 12.6% (8). Previously 10th.

Departures: Matt Slauson (OG).

Additions: Devin Funchess (WR), Justin Houston (EDGE), Spencer Ware (RB),

Cap Space: $58,591,794

Draft Picks: Rock Ya-Sin (CB), Ben Banogu (DE), WR Parris Campbell (WR), Bobby Okereke (LB), Khari Willis (S), Marvell Tell (S), E.J. Speed (LB), Gerri Green (DE), Jackson Barton (OT), Javon Patterson (C).

The Colts turned nearly $100 million in cap space into Houston and Funchess. Ugh, cool...I guess. Chris Ballard is a nerd trying to get as many draft picks as possible, and is afraid to take on big contracts, but doesn’t understand the Colts aren’t rebuilding, and should be going all in now. Sure they drafted a bunch of guys, but they didn’t improve their pass rush enough, and take advantage of the situation they are in. Their offseason was just as abominable as Houston’s, they just have more depth, and don’t have entire position groups that are unsettled.

9.) Baltimore Ravens—Record: 10-6. Point Differential: +102 (6). DVOA: 17.0% (6). Previously 12th.

Departures: Ozzie Newsome (GM), Marty Morninweg (OC), Joe Flacco (QB), Michael Crabtree (WR), Alex Collins (RB), Eric Weddle (S), C.J. Mosely (LB), Za’Darius Smith (EDGE), Terrell Suggs (EDGE), John Brown (WR),

Additions: Eric DeCosta (GM), Greg Roman (OC), Mark Ingram (RB), Earl Thomas (S), Justin Bethel (CB).

Cap Space: $14,765,390

Draft Picks: Marquise Brown (WR), Jaylon Ferguson (DE), Miles Boykin (WR), Justice Hill (RB), Ben Powers (OG), Iman Marshall (CB), Daylon Mack (DT), Trace McSorley (QB).

Their draft was perfect. Lamar Jackson with Greg Roman is perfect. This team is going to be incredible to watch in 2019. I just wish Suggs was still here. That ancient space turtle with a carapace for a face mask should have never left.

8.) Philadelphia Eagles—Record: 9-7. Point Differential: +19 (T-12). DVOA: 0.0% (15). Previously 8th.

Departures: Nick Foles (QB), Haloti Ngata (DT), Golden Tate (WR), Jordan Matthews (WR), Jordan Hicks (LB), Chris Long (DE), Michael Bennett (DL).

Additions: Desean Jackson (WR), Malik Jackson (DT), L.J. Fort (LB), Andrew Sendejo (S), Vinny Curry (DE), Jordan Howard (RB), Cody Kessler (QB).

Cap Space: $25,900,004

Draft Picks: Andre Dillard (OT), Miles Sanders (RB), J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (WR), Shareef Miller (DE), Clayton Thorson (QB).

Is Carson Wentz good? Is Carson Wentz healthy? If the answer is YES to both they’ll win the revolving door that is the NFC East easily. These are two big questions though. Mainly I’m here for Jackson opening up pass rush lanes for Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham, and all the fun stunts they’ll run.

7.) Green Bay Packers—Record: 6-9-1. Point Differential: -24 (19). DVOA: -3.1% (19). Previously 7th.

Departures: Joe Philbin (HC), Antonio Morrison (LB), Nick Perry (EDGE), Clay Matthews (EDGE), Jake Ryan (LB), Randall Cobb (WR), Bashaud Breeland (CB), Kentrell Brice (S).

Additions: Matt LaFleur (HC), Nathaniel Hackett (OC), Preston Smith (EDGE), Adrian Amos (S), Za’Darius Smith (EDGE), Billy Turner (OG).

Cap Space: $9,030,667

Draft Picks: Rashan Gary (DE), Darnell Savage (S), Elgton Jenkins (C/G), Jace Sternberger (TE), Kingsley Keke (DE), Ka’dar Hollman (CB), Dexter Williams (RB), Ty Summers (LB).

The Packers may have the best pass rush in football this season. Aaron Rodgers is healthy for now, he gets to play in a play action offense that should protect him better, and this defense should be able to win games on their own. What could go wrong? Hmm. I wonder.

6.) Los Angeles Chargers—Record: 12-4. Point Differential: +99 (7). DVOA: 22.7% (3). Previously 6th.

Departures: Corey Liueget (DT), Jahleel Addae (S), Tyrell Williams (WR), Darius Philon (DT), Jason Verrett (CB).

Additions: Thomas Davis (LB), Tyrod Taylor (QB).

Cap Space: $12,902,366

Draft Picks: Jerry Tillery (DT), Nasir Adderley (S), Trey Pipkins (T/G), Drue Tranquill (LB), Easton Stick (QB), Emeke Egbule (LB), Cortez Broughton (OT).

I don’t care how great their draft was. The Chargers are cowards.

5.) Kansas City Chiefs—Record: 12-4. Point Differential: +144 (2). DVOA: 33.0% (1). Previously 4th.

Departures: Bob Sutton (DC), Dee Ford (EDGE), Justin Houston (EDGE), Eric Berry (S), Mitch Morse (C), Steven Nelson (CB), Demetrius Harris (TE), Chris Conley (WR), Kareem Hunt (RB).

Additions: Steve Spagnuolo (DC), Carlos Hyde (RB), Tyrann Mathieu (S), Damien Wilson (LB), Alex Okafor (EDGE), Bashaud Breeland (CB), Frank Clark (DE), Darron Lee (LB).

Cap Space: $15,392,732

Draft Picks: Mecole Hardman (WR), Juan Thornhill (S), Khalen Saunders (DT), Rashad Fenton (CB), Darwin Thompson (RB), Nick Allegretti (OG).

Tyreek Hill is integral to the team. He’s uncoverable and opens up the middle of the field for everyone else. Hardman is fast, but nobody is Hill. The switch to a 4-3 should work and improve their run defense along with Mathieu taking over for Drew Sorenson and the Lee addition.

4.) New Orleans Saints—Record: 13-3. Point Differential: +151 (1). DVOA: 20.7% (4). Previously 2nd.

Departures: Kurt Coleman (S), Daniel Lasco (RB), Max Unger (C), Alex Okafor (EDGE), Mark Ingram (RB), Tommylee Lewis (WR).

Additions: Latavius Murray (RB), Malcom Brown (DT), Mario Edwards (DE), Nick Easton (C), Jared Cook (TE), Marcus Sherels (CB).

Cap Space: $8,660,387

Draft Picks: Erik McCoy (C), Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (S), Saquan Hampton (S), Alize Mack (TE), Kaden Elliss (LB).

The Saints once again pushed everything into this season and are living every day like its their last. Drew Brees did look old and withered during last postseason though. The ball was lazy. He threw a game changing overtime interception in the NFC title game. He completed one pass greater than fifteen yards in that game, a comeback jump ball to Tedd Ginn Jr. The Saints aren’t a for sure great team in 2019.

3.) Los Angeles Rams—Record: 13-3. Point Differential: +143 (3). DVOA: 23.7% (2). Previously 5th.

Departures: John Sullivan (C), Mark Barron (LB), Rodger Saffold (OG), LaMarcus Joyner (S).

Additions: Eric Weddle (S), Blake Bortles (QB), Clay Matthews (EDGE).

Cap Space: $6,762,895

Draft Picks: Taylor Rapp (S), Darrell Henderson (RB), David Long (CB), Bobby Evans (T/G), Greg Gaines (DT), David Edwards (OT), Nick Scott (S), Dakota Allen (LB).

I feel better after their draft. If Todd Gurley does have arthritic knees, and needs to eat hummus and reduce inflammation, Henderson is a perfect fit for this offense, and should be able to step in as a RB1 and lead a great run game, a prerequisite when Jared Goff is your quarterback. Losing Saffold and Sullivan could be killer though.

2.) Chicago Bears—Record: 12-4. Point Differential: +138 (4). DVOA: 19.0% (5). Previously 3rd.

Departures: Vic Fangio (DC), Dion Sims (TE), Cody Parkey (K), Sam Acho (EDGE), Adrian Amos (S), Bryce Callahan (CB), Josh Bellamy (WR), Eric Kush (OG), Kevin White (WR), Daniel Brown (TE), Brian Witzmann (OG), Jordan Howard (RB), Zach Miller (TE).

Additions: Chuck Pagano (DC), Bustker Skrine (CB), Mike Davis (RB), Cordarrelle Patterson (WR), Ted Larsen (OG/OC), HaHa Clinton-Dix (S), Marvin Hall (WR), Chris Blewitt (K).

Cap Space: $17,591,375

Draft Picks: David Montgomery (RB), Riley Ridley (WR), Duke Shelley (CB), Kerrith Whyte (RB), Stephen Denmark (CB).

The best defense in football should be the best defense in football again. Mitch Trubisky has made dramatic leaps since his first starting season at North Carolina. My bet is that he continues to improve in an easy to run offense that’s made for him.

1.) New England Patriots—Record: 11-5. Point Differential: +111 (5). DVOA: 14.2% (7). Previously 1st.

Departures: Dwayne Allen (TE), Rob Gronkowski (TE), Adrian Clayborn (DE), Trey Flowers (DE), Trent Brown (OT), Malcom Brown (DT), Cordarrelle Patterson (WR), LaAdrian Waddle (OT).

Additions: Michael Bennett (DT), Brandon Bolden (RB), Mike Pennel (DT), Matt LaCosse (TE), Maurice Harris (WR), Terrance Brooks (S), Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TE),

Cap Space: $10,426,932

Draft Picks: N’Keal Harry (WR), Joejuan Williams (CB), Chase Winovich (DE), Damien Harris (RB), Yodny Cajuste (OT), Hjalte Froholdt (C/G), Jarrett Stidham (QB), Byron Cowart (DT), Jacob Bailey (P), Ken Webster (CB).

The best got better. They had a perfect draft, a perfect offseason, a perfect everything. They are projected to play the easiest schedule in 2019. What is already dead may never die.