Building a successful NFL franchise is about more than just the current season. The best teams are typically set up to stay among the elite for many years.
To project which NFL franchises are in the best shape for the next three seasons (2021 through 2023), we asked our panel of experts -- Jeremy Fowler, Louis Riddick, Seth Walder and Field Yates -- to rate each team's quarterback situation, remaining (non-QB) roster, drafting ability, front office and coaching using this scale:
100: A+ (Elite)
90: A (Great)
80: B (Very good)
70: C (Average)
60: D (Very bad)
50 and below: F (Disastrous)
After averaging the results from the panelists, each of the five categories was weighted to create the overall score: roster (30%), quarterback (20%), draft (15%), front office (15%) and coaching (20%). The result is a comprehensive ranking based on how well each team is positioned for the future. Our experts each wrote a blurb for all 32 teams, hitting on biggest worries, stats to know and what could change in upcoming years.
Read through the full rankings from Nos. 1 through 32, or jump to a team below:
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Note: Overall scores are rounded to the nearest tenth of a point.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Overall score: 88.5
Why they're here: There's an easy case that no other quarterback in football is more preferable to have on your roster over the next three years than Patrick Mahomes, who is coupled with one of the league's best head coaches in Andy Reid. The Chiefs' outstanding front office led by GM Brett Veach is resourceful and willing to be bold when needed. This team is here to stay. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Veach has some big-time decisions regarding the salary cap over the next two years, beginning with the 2022 expiring contracts of safety Tyrann Mathieu, offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and defensive tackle Jarran Reed. All three play premium positions at what is expected to be a very high level going forward, and all will want top dollar for their services. When looking down the road to 2023, receivers Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman, along with safety Juan Thornhill, will be looking for their paydays as well. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Kansas City's offensive line is set up for long-term success to keep Mahomes healthy. Free-agent addition Joe Thuney is one of the league's most consistent performers, and the Chiefs would like to extend Brown after the season. Plus, the team is high on recent draft picks Creed Humphrey and Lucas Niang. -- Fowler
Stat to know: Mahomes has the highest career QBR among qualifiers in the history of the metric. He is followed by Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, respectively. With a 25-year-old quarterback that good, there's nowhere else the Chiefs could be in these rankings. -- Walder
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Overall score: 88.1
Why they're here: For all we know, Tom Brady could play beyond this three-year window. But playing for at least two more seasons through his current deal is a darn good start for why the defending champs are perched near the top of these rankings. But as we learned in 2020, the Bucs are more than a one-man band. GM Jason Licht has built the best roster in football. -- Yates
Biggest worry: How long does Brady's on-field performance match his leadership qualities? There is just no way to know, but we do know that Father Time always wins -- and that is going to be the case with Brady, too. The start of the Kyle Trask era could be closer than any of us think. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Tampa Bay sees defensive tackle Vita Vea and cornerback Carlton Davis as sneaky good young defensive players who can help ease the transition when veterans age. We know all about Devin White and Antoine Winfield Jr. But Vea, despite a limited sample size, is a top-10 interior line talent in the eyes of many evaluators. And though Davis isn't heralded, he has high-level instincts and a knack for creating turnovers. The Bucs' scouting department did major work before Brady's arrival and probably drove the decision to court him. -- Fowler
Stat to know: The Bucs have stars all over the field, but one area where they really shine is the defensive front. Tampa Bay ranked in the top five in both pass rush win rate and run stop win rate last season. -- Walder
3. Baltimore Ravens
Overall score: 86.2
Why they're here: The Ravens are masters of perpetually doing good football business: quality drafting, shrewd free-agent signings and knowing when to extend a player and when to allow him to test free agency. With a quarterback in Lamar Jackson whose apex is literally the unanimous MVP of the league in any given year, the Ravens have a chance to challenge in the AFC over each of the next three seasons. -- Yates
Biggest worry: It's all about taking the next step in terms of evolving the passing game. That is the No. 1 concern with this team going forward. The Ravens added young perimeter weaponry via the draft in Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace, signed veteran receiver Sammy Watkins on a one-year deal via free agency and are working to secure Jackson long term. If they can throw the football efficiently and effectively on their terms, they will win a Super Bowl. If they can't, they won't. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: The defense, as always, is in good hands, with quality young players to complement Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters, Tyus Bowser and Calais Campbell. Baltimore believes Odafe Oweh will be a force in Year 1, and some evaluators consider Patrick Queen a top-10 linebacker after just one season in the NFL. Those are two quality pillars for future years. -- Fowler
Stat to know: The Ravens ranked eighth and fourth in pass block win rate and run block win rate, respectively, last season. That's good, but when Baltimore's offense was elite in 2019, it ranked second and first in those two categories. A full year of Ronnie Stanley, who ranked in the top seven among tackles in both categories in 2019, would go a long way. But replacing Orlando Brown Jr. with Alejandro Villanueva at right tackle is a downgrade in pass protection. -- Walder
4. Buffalo Bills
Overall score: 85.6
Why they're here: Buffalo has been a clinic in roster building that I believe teams in all sports should admire. GM Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott laid the foundation of their culture while meticulously gathering playmakers. Their conviction on a raw but massively talented quarterback in Josh Allen in the 2018 draft paid off, with Allen's rise matched by a roster littered with talent. -- Yates
Biggest worry: The 2021 draft selections on the defensive line of Greg Rousseau and Boogie Basham have to be big hits for Beane and McDermott if they want to knock the Chiefs off the AFC throne. Defensive end Mario Addison tied for the team lead with just five sacks in 2020 but is 33 years old and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2022. Jerry Hughes, 32, was second with 4.5 sacks and is also a pending free agent. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Buffalo's hit level on free agents and high draft picks bodes well for the future under Beane. Five of the top free-agent signings or trades in recent years -- Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, Daryl Williams, Jordan Poyer and Mitch Morse -- are key contributors. Top picks from 2017, Tre'Davious White and Dion Dawkins, are locked up long term, and 2018 high picks Allen and Tremaine Edmunds probably will be shortly. Buffalo's roster is in trusted hands. -- Fowler
Stat to know: Buffalo led the league last season in first-down dropback rate (67%, excluding garbage time), and it paid off, as they ranked second in offensive efficiency. Assuming they keep it up, that aggression will continue to pay dividends. -- Walder
5. Cleveland Browns
Overall score: 84.7
Why they're here: Years of drafting near the top of the order were painful for Browns fans, but the payoff has provided cornerstones of the roster that are now augmented by a deep and talented mix. GM Andrew Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski are two leaders with a shared vision of how to marry the organizational needs of the future with the roster of the present in team building. -- Yates
Biggest worry: The evaluation of quarterback Baker Mayfield in the context of Stefanski's offense is a good one: He is good enough to win with at a high level. The valuation is the concern for me, though. The Browns exercised his fifth-year option for 2022 at a very reasonable $18.85 million, but what will they ultimately pay him on a long-term deal relative to the rest of the starting QB market, and will it make sense? -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Most of the Browns' core will remain intact for multiple years. The Browns would like to keep many of their stars, including Mayfield, running back Nick Chubb, corner Denzel Ward and guard Wyatt Teller. Whether they'll spend to keep all four is uncertain, but the Browns envisioned keeping their drafted and developed standouts when they gave Myles Garrett a $125 million deal a year ago. -- Fowler
Stat to know: While running the football is less efficient than passing in a vacuum, Cleveland did make the most of its rushing attempts last season. It led the league in rush yards over expectation and rush yards over expectation per run based on player positioning at the handoff. -- Walder
6. San Francisco 49ers
Overall score: 82.8
Why they're here: The 49ers' trade up to pick No. 3 was instructive of why the team ranks this high: GM John Lynch & Co. have built a roster ready to win right now, finding supreme talents on both sides of the ball to play under talent-maximizing coach Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers will always be a handful on offense, but with the healthy return of Nick Bosa this year, they have one of the league's top defensive difference-makers. -- Yates
Biggest worry: The handling, development and utilization of QB Trey Lance over the next three seasons will define the legacy of Shanahan and determine the fortunes of the 49ers' organization more than anything else by a very, very wide margin. It is no longer a secret that Shanahan coveted many of the veteran quarterbacks who either changed teams (Matthew Stafford) or want to change teams (Aaron Rodgers), so there is an intense amount of pressure to make sure that the rookie QB provides the return on investment in line with what they gave up to draft him. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: San Francisco has flexibility to evolve on offense. Shanahan's scheme will remain the same, but draft moves suggest new wrinkles are on the way. They targeted more size and power with second-round guard Aaron Banks, and more dual-threat ability with Lance. And new running back Trey Sermon is more of an all-around playmaker than usual 49ers speedsters. It's all about matchups, and Shanahan has more options at his disposal. -- Fowler
Stat to know: The 49ers are the kings of yards after the catch. They led the league in YAC over expectation (YACOE) last season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, and that's despite missing their two YACOE leaders -- Deebo Samuel and George Kittle -- for half their seasons. That duo could record monster after-the-catch numbers going forward if they can stay healthy. -- Walder
7. Los Angeles Rams
Overall score: 81.9
Why they're here: Los Angeles' best window with Matthew Stafford will be over the next three seasons, as the team has a quarterback it believes represents the missing link to a championship run. Few teams have a better collection of blue-chip players than the Rams -- led by Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey -- but GM Les Snead has found some diamonds in the rough too to round out the roster. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Kyle Shanahan wanted Stafford. Sean McVay got him. And by getting him, McVay and the Rams have pushed all of their chips to the center of the table and basically announced that Stafford is the difference between being a good team and winning the Super Bowl. I'm a big fan of Stafford, and the Rams have to win it all now. It's that simple. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: The Rams dumped first-round picks for major trades in part because they believe in their ability to develop unheralded young players. They've got several examples on defense, including corner Darious Williams, linebacker Terrell Lewis and safety Taylor Rapp. -- Fowler
Stat to know: Passing to outside receivers against the Rams is dangerous. Ramsey and Williams ranked second and third, respectively, in completion percentage over expectation allowed among players with at least 300 coverage snaps and who spent at least 70% of the time at outside corner. -- Walder
8. New England Patriots
Overall score: 81.4
Why they're here: It's already easy to forecast a defensive resurgence in New England, with a mix of familiar and new faces that should be ready to feast in 2021 and beyond. On offense, the arc of quarterback Mac Jones will likely dictate the ceiling of this team for the next handful of years. Suffice it to say that he'll have great infrastructure around him, as the best head coach in football in Bill Belichick and an offensive mastermind in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels are always people to bet on. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Philosophically, I admire how Belichick and the Patriots have built the team inside out: strong down the middle and set to defend and attack between the numbers. That being said, the explosive play component outside the numbers on the offensive side of the ball is concerning. Can receiver Nelson Agholor duplicate or exceed what was a career season in 2020 in terms of yards per catch? Will Jones be the same deep-ball thrower he was for Alabama? -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Signing tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry gives New England offensive flexibility for years. Henry's game is not built on speed, so he should age well. And Smith is only 25, so his multifaceted blocking and receiving game will hold up. The Patriots believe they beat the system by spending big money while the free-agent market was down due to the pandemic, thus receiving a discount on premier players. New England is still scheduled to have $57 million and $137 million in cap space in 2022 and 2023, respectively. -- Fowler
Stat to know: There's reasonable debate about how well Jones' game will translate to the pro level. But any Patriots fan looking for hope in the numbers needn't look too far: He recorded the highest college QBR season in the history of the metric last year! His 96.1 beat out Kyler Murray's and Joe Burrow's amazing seasons for the top spot. -- Walder
9. Indianapolis Colts
Overall score: 81.1
Why they're here: A roster flush with talent on both sides of the ball is the byproduct of GM Chris Ballard's calculated roster building. He has used the draft and opportunistic trades to set Indy up for success for a long time, with one player representing the lever to dictate just how high the Colts can climb: QB Carson Wentz. If Wentz comes close to the player he was in 2017, Indy will catapult up this list. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Over the next three seasons, as Wentz goes, this teams goes. Ballard has built from a culture perspective, and coach Frank Reich has an ability to formulate relationships with his players. If they can get Wentz to play at a top-10 to -15 level, they will be at least a wild-card team and challenge the Titans for supremacy in the AFC South, both in the short and long term. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Indianapolis should have an elite running game for years to come. Jonathan Taylor has a chance to become a top-five back in 2021 with his breakaway speed and explosion. And on defense, the young safety tandem of Julian Blackmon and Khari Willis is underrated. Both are long-term pillars that Indy drafted and developed out of the middle rounds. -- Fowler
Stat to know: Philip Rivers was sacked on just 3.4% of his dropbacks in 2020, fifth best in the league. Wentz was sacked on 9.9% of his dropbacks, worst among qualifiers. Sack rate is largely controlled by quarterbacks, so even though he's moving to Indianapolis, Wentz is going to have improve if he has any hope of staying upright the way Rivers did. -- Walder
10. Seattle Seahawks
Overall score: 81
Why they're here: This is an exercise in looking forward, but we can stare at the rearview mirror to help figure out why Seattle ranks where it does: The Seahawks win as long as QB Russell Wilson and coach Pete Carroll are around. After a bumpy start to the offseason, things seem to be in a smoother spot between the quarterback and the team, which sets up well for future seasons. Defensively, Seattle must rediscover its mojo to balance out this roster and push for greater heights. -- Yates
Biggest worry: There is a new offensive coordinator in Seattle by the name of Shane Waldron. Although he has worked under Belichick and McVay, he has never called plays in a regular-season NFL game, but he is being trusted with taking the Seahawks' offense to another level of efficiency. If his relationship with Wilson does not result in success, the speculation about the QB wanting to play elsewhere will begin once again. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Seattle is very high on using young players at key positions. Guard Damien Lewis has Pro Bowl potential, wide receiver Freddie Swain could become a short-yardage demon in the slot, D.J. Reed is developing into a No. 1 corner and Darrell Taylor can become that next hybrid defensive end/linebacker weapon. The Lumen Field roof is not caving. Seattle won 12 games last year in part because of talent development, and it has good young options all over. -- Fowler
Stat to know: No team recorded more cumulative expected points added on targeted go routes than the Seahawks last season at plus-30.7, blowing away the Raiders, who ranked second at plus-18.2. The combination of DK Metcalf and the best deep-ball thrower in the game will do that for you. -- Walder
11. Los Angeles Chargers
Overall score: 79.9
Why they're here: The crown jewel in roster construction is an ascendant quarterback on a rookie contract, and the Chargers have just that in Justin Herbert. The prodigious signal-caller is the centerpiece of a roster that has All-Pro talent in several key spots, including edge rusher and wide receiver (Joey Bosa and Keenan Allen). Areas for key growth include the offensive line, which could unlock yet another level to Herbert's mastery. -- Yates
Biggest worry: The Bears' linebackers coach just four seasons ago, new head coach Brandon Staley has had a rocket-like ride to the top. Herbert had a historically good rookie season in 2020 under the previous regime and is now starting over again with different leadership and direction. I'm a believer in Staley, but the Chargers are taking a big risk entrusting him with Herbert's continuing development given his absence of any track record with developing professional QBs. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Los Angeles has a steady reserve of running backs to support Herbert. Austin Ekeler's contract is reasonable (three-year salary sum of $15 million), Joshua Kelley has three more years on a rookie deal and the Chargers are very high on late-round pickup Larry Rountree III. -- Fowler
Stat to know: Herbert's QBR of 69.6 in 2020 is the third best by a rookie in the history of the metric, dating back to 2006. It trails only Dak Prescott and Russell Wilson. Not bad company. -- Walder
12. New Orleans Saints
Overall score: 79.4
Why they're here: Life after Drew Brees begins now, but no matter who becomes the quarterback of the present and future, the surrounding roster is very strong. An exceptional front office led by Mickey Loomis and a tremendous coach in Sean Payton give confidence that this team won't regress in a major way while settling on its new quarterback. With one of the best offensive lines in football and a long list of core players already extended for the future, New Orleans stays in good shape. -- Yates
Biggest worry: The Saints had Brees and Payton leading this franchise for the past 15 seasons at a Hall of Fame level, and with that came a degree of certainty that spoke for itself. For 2021 at least, it will be either Jameis Winston, Taysom Hill or rookie Ian Book at QB, and that also speaks for itself. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: The Saints will come out of a salary-cap haze eventually. Things will be tight for another two years or so, but New Orleans is scheduled to have $77.9 million in space in 2023 as current contracts stand. New Orleans will pay a few players before then -- a new quarterback, corner Marshon Lattimore and a potential third deal for offensive tackle Terron Armstead are options -- but there is breathing room available for the perpetual spender. -- Fowler
Stat to know: Among the 80 wide receivers with at least 500 routes run over the past two seasons, Michael Thomas and Tre'Quan Smith rank 58th and 73rd in average depth four seconds after the snap, per Next Gen Stats. Will they be cut loose if Winston takes over at QB? -- Walder
13. Green Bay Packers
Overall score: 78.9
Why they're here: A major question mark surrounding Aaron Rodgers' future with the team has the Packers at a crossroads. With harmony between Rodgers and the organization, the Packers likely would crack our top three in these rankings, as there is an outstanding roster surrounding him. The Packers have won 26 regular-season games over the past two seasons, after all. But if Rodgers is gone, Jordan Love represents a significant question: Can he validate the organization's faith as Rodgers did before him, when he took over for Brett Favre? -- Yates
Biggest worry: Rodgers' time in Green Bay is coming to an end and Love's era is about to begin -- maybe even this season. How Love develops, along with what the Packers' front office does to keep the protection and weaponry surrounding him at a very high level, is what concerns me the most. There are many more questions than answers when it comes to Love, and for a team with historically high expectations from year to year, this is the most fascinating QB situation to watch going forward. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: The secondary will be ridiculously good in the coming years. Some coaches believe safety Darnell Savage is becoming the best post-safety tackler in the game. His ability to cover ground and either dislodge the ball or make the tackle to limit big gains is impressive. Safety Adrian Amos doesn't make many mistakes and premier corner Jaire Alexander is only getting better. This has a chance to be Green Bay's best secondary since the Favre era. -- Fowler
Stat to know: The idea that Rodgers hasn't gotten help is a myth, at least on the protection level. The Packers have had the highest pass block win rate in the league in each of the past two seasons. -- Walder
14. Tennessee Titans
Overall score: 78.2
Why they're here: It's easy to project an offensive core in Tennessee for the next three seasons that forces defensive coordinators into sleepless nights. Scoring should come easily with a wide receiver duo featuring A.J. Brown and Julio Jones, while defensive reinforcements added this offseason will go a long way in allowing Tennessee to earn a spot among the AFC's top tier. -- Yates
Biggest worry: For the Titans to make real noise, they need All-Pro level performances from two of their new additions this offseason on the defensive side of the ball: linebacker Bud Dupree and first-round cornerback Caleb Farley. Dupree is among the 25 highest-paid defensive players in the NFL despite recovering from an injury, and Farley was the best man-coverage corner in the 2021 draft but opted out of the 2020 season and is recovering from back surgery. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: The Titans should be able to keep the high-powered running game intact for a few more years thanks to a stout offensive line in front of Derrick Henry. Third-year guard Nate Davis played well last year, and the Titans are high on rookie tackle Dillon Radunz. Both of those players should help offset the eventual transition from Ben Jones and Rodger Saffold III, who are producing well into their 30s. Taylor Lewan turns 30 this month, too. -- Fowler
Stat to know: No team utilized play-action on a higher percentage of their pass plays than the Titans last season. Not only did the Titans have the fifth-highest expected points added per play-action play in the league last season, but it led them to the third-most-efficient passing offense, too. -- Walder
15. Miami Dolphins
Overall score: 77
Why they're here: There's so much to like about the Dolphins' organizational direction right now, with a coaching staff that squeezes the most out of players and a young core on defense that is particularly appealing. Tua Tagovailoa may only be entering his second pro season, but the pressure is on to validate his status as a potential franchise quarterback. If he does, Miami will be in the top 10 of this exercise next year; if not, the Fins are stocked with draft capital to explore another option. -- Yates
Biggest worry: It's Tua Time. That's what it has to be for the Dolphins to get to where they want to go, including the top of the AFC East. Coach Brian Flores must find a way to connect, communicate and then allow Tua to execute similar to the way Nick Saban and Steve Sarkisian were able to with him at Alabama. Or they are going to be making a change once again. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Miami might not have Patrick Mahomes, but its offense has a good chance to recreate Kansas City's Travis Kelce-Tyreek Hill dynamic. Mike Gesicki has Kelce and Darren Waller-like potential at tight end. His ability to expose mismatches and get vertical for big gains is already elite. If Tagovailoa makes a sizable jump, Gesicki will be the catalyst. And some trusted evaluators pegged speedy Jaylen Waddle the best player in the entire 2021 draft. -- Fowler
Stat to know: The Dolphins recorded the eighth-highest sack rate in the league without an elite pass-rusher last season. How did they do it? By generating pressure through blitzes. Miami blitzed at the third-highest rate in the league and ran Cover 0 blitzes 8% of the time, the second-highest rate in the league. -- Walder
16. Dallas Cowboys
Overall score: 76.4
Why they're here: Unlike the past couple of years, we know with absolute certainty that Dak Prescott will be in Dallas for the next three years. Stacked with arguably the league's best skill group on offense, the points should be easy to find. But the defense has a ways to go. The foundation was laid through a draft almost exclusively focused on defense and a new coordinator in Dan Quinn. The overall coaching was average last year in Dallas, and that needs to be better for this group to achieve more. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Is coach Mike McCarthy the man to lead this team to success? Does owner Jerry Jones actually let him do his job without significant interference? Has McCarthy made the necessary adjustments to his coaching staff, on the defensive side of the ball in particular, that will allow this team to meet or exceed lofty preseason expectations year after year? Or will the Cowboys disappoint yet again? -- Riddick
What could change for the better: The Cowboys are dedicated to solving the issues in the secondary. Trevon Diggs should fight through rookie struggles to become a high-level player, and Dallas loaded up with three corners in the 2021 draft. And don't be surprised if the Cowboys look for a real difference-maker; there were rumors this offseason that Dallas looked into Xavien Howard, who is unhappy with his deal in Miami. -- Fowler
Stat to know: Prescott is permanently underrated. Since he entered the league in 2016, Prescott ranks fifth among qualifying quarterbacks in QBR only behind Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Drew Brees and Deshaun Watson. Prescott will need defensive help if Dallas is going to be a title contender again, but offensively, the Cowboys should be in great shape. That starts with a QB in his prime who has been more efficient than Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers over the past five seasons. -- Walder
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Overall score: 75.7
Why they're here: One of the steadiest franchises in football enters an interesting phase: Ben Roethlisberger has just one year left on his deal and had to agree to a reduced salary to stick around for this year. It wouldn't be a surprise if 2021 is his final season in the NFL, which begs the question of what's next for the Steelers under center in the years of 2022, 2023 and beyond. The current pipeline is led by Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins, both of whom have much to prove. But you know this team will find ways to be competitive with Mike Tomlin as head coach. -- Yates
Biggest worry: While having some quality young players on the roster at receiver, running back, edge, linebacker and safety -- and a great head coach -- this team is terrible on the offensive line, and Roethlisberger is likely in his last season in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a lot of work to do and GM Kevin Colbert is year to year at this point in terms of deciding when to retire, which makes their outlook all the more uncertain. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: The offensive line is not hot trash, as projected in some media circles. The line got old fast last year and it had to get younger and more nimble. The team has big plans for third-round center Kendrick Green, second-year guard Kevin Dotson has toughness and fourth-round tackle Dan Moore Jr. is the classic developmental project that Pittsburgh usually turns into production. Left tackle Chukwuma Okorafor has elite feet, and he just needs the toughness of right tackle Zach Banner, who will help the running game. -- Fowler
Stat to know: In 2020, Pittsburgh recorded the highest pass rush win rate among all teams and the lowest completion percentage over expectation of all teams. That's a brutal combination for opposing offenses. With both ends of the defense anchored by young stars in T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh should stay dangerous. -- Walder
18. Washington Football Team
Overall score: 75.3
Why it's here: A loaded defense has a chance to be one of the best in the NFL for the next three seasons, particularly as Chase Young makes his rise. Washington's offense should be improved with Ryan Fitzpatrick signed up on a one-year deal, but the hardest part of the quest to secure a long-term answer under center is that the team should be good enough overall to not be drafting in the top 10-12 picks. That creates a challenge in finding a young starter, meaning free agency could be the likelier route. -- Yates
Biggest worry: This team is set to take off and be a real force in the NFC. It has all of the ingredients to do so. Well, except one: a long-term plan at QB. Fitzpatrick is not that guy, but I expect Washington to win the East this season because of the rest of the roster. After that, the search for a QB is on. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Washington is intent on keeping its vaunted defensive line together. The team is optimistic it will re-sign 2022 free-agent defensive end Jonathan Allen, while Young, Montez Sweat and Daron Payne are under contract for multiple years. Coach Ron Rivera is smartly prioritizing the big guys up front. -- Fowler
Stat to know: In the short term, Fitzpatrick actually offers intriguing upside. He ranked fifth in QBR last season in Miami and eighth the year before that -- all behind a shaky offensive line. Fitzpatrick should be quite the contrast to Alex Smith, who threw short of the sticks 80% of the time last season, well above the league average among qualifiers (51%). -- Walder
19. Minnesota Vikings
Overall score: 74.9
Why they're here: For years, we could count on the Minnesota defense to be reason enough to bet on the Vikings' short-term future. This past year was one to forget, but offseason moves give confidence that it can once again find its way under coach Mike Zimmer. Kirk Cousins is under contract for two more years, but he's yet to guide Minnesota to playoff success. If that doesn't happen this season, it's only natural to wonder whether speculation will start about when Kellen Mond takes over. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Zimmer has a way that he wants his team to play defensively, and it starts up front with an ability to rush the passer and affect the QB in a very significant way. The problem is that the Vikings don't have the manpower to do that, and unless defensive end Danielle Hunter can return from missing the entire 2020 season with a neck injury, they will once again be at or near the bottom of the league when out comes to relevant pass-rush metrics. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Minnesota has cap flexibility to go all-in or rebuild, whichever it chooses. The 2022 cap will be tight under Cousins' $45 million hit in the last year of his deal, but Minnesota has up to $133 million in space in 2023. This allows the Vikings to evaluate whether the Zimmer era regains its defensive footing over the next one to two years without overspending. -- Fowler
Stat to know: As a rookie, Justin Jefferson ranked second among wide receivers in completed air yards over expectation and yards after catch over expectation, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. He was a home run pick that should pay off for years to come. -- Walder
20. New York Jets
Overall score: 74.5
Why they're here: Potential for a steep rise is in play for the Jets with a young quarterback in place, a roster that already looks far deeper and more competitive under GM Joe Douglas and a coaching staff with an enthusiasm and energy that breathes life into a fan base. Douglas has plenty of draft capital left to tap into in future years, and the Jets have a healthy cap sheet, so targeting players should not be a major challenge. The hinge for this franchise: Zach Wilson. If he's as good as believed, the Jets will soar. -- Yates
Biggest worry: The Jets have done a nice job this offseason of methodically addressing the needs of their roster, specifically on the offensive line and at QB and receiver. It looks good on paper. It always looks good on paper. But can coach Robert Saleh and his staff make it work on the field and sustain that success? He has no track record, but I'm optimistic. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Saleh's defense should maximize the talents of at least two key players. Quinnen Williams is poised for a breakout, as Saleh will have him attacking uphill. He could be a double-digit sack guy soon enough. And C.J. Mosley can play the field general role that Fred Warner mastered in Saleh's San Francisco defense. Add safety Marcus Maye to that mix and the Jets have three bona fide anchors on that side. -- Fowler
Stat to know: The Jets' overall rank is buoyed by their draft, so here's a positive nugget on Wilson: He recorded the highest completion percentage over expectation last season among all FBS QBs, beating out Mac Jones, Justin Fields and Trevor Lawrence. And Sports Info Solutions credited the Jets' other first-rounder, Alijah Vera-Tucker, with just a single pressure allowed in 2019. -- Walder
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
Overall score: 74.3
Why they're here: From the keep-it-simple department, we could be talking about Jacksonville in a categorically different light by the middle of this season if Trevor Lawrence comes close to realizing his early potential. No one can alter the trajectory of a franchise like a rookie quarterback can, and Lawrence is about as qualified to do so as any quarterback over the past 23 years. The roster needs work around him, though. Jacksonville must hammer offensive line investments in future offseasons to keep Lawrence upright. -- Yates
Biggest worry: What happens regarding Urban Meyer's approach if he is not able to get things pointed in the right direction quickly? There are no doubts for me about how he philosophically views the game of football between the white lines, but he can't out-recruit and outwork everyone to a successful season like he could at Ohio State. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Jacksonville has heavily invested in defensive talent and could have a top-10 defense soon enough. The first-string defense features four recent first-round picks and five veterans who signed extensions or free-agent deals worth close to $210 million combined in the past 24 months. Jacksonville would have to work overtime to mess this up. -- Fowler
Stat to know: The Jags' pass defense ranked 31st in expected points added per play last season. The good news is they invested resources to fix it -- Shaquill Griffin arrived in free agency, Tyson Campbell and Andre Cisco were selected in the draft and CJ Henderson has a year under his belt. -- Walder
22. Arizona Cardinals
Overall score: 73.4
Why they're here: While the Cardinals do have a dynamic young quarterback in Kyler Murray who gives them a real shot at annual growth, the team plays in the most competitive division in the NFL and has several key veterans with a natural win-soon mentality. The roster doesn't possess a litany of major flaws, but the pathway to climbing in the NFC West is simply more difficult than for other teams with comparable roster tenets. -- Yates
Biggest worry: The evolution of the offense both schematically and on the field has to be done in lockstep if this team is to ascend to the top of the toughest division in football. I'll be watching how the new pieces are deployed and utilized, particularly on offense, and the maturity, health, and consistency of Murray. As these two areas go, so go the fortunes of this franchise over the next three seasons. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons could become the next great linebacker duo. Simmons had growing pains in Year 1, but he has a ton of talent. And Collins has a more traditional linebacker skill set, which should complement Simmons' hybrid ability. -- Fowler
Stat to know: DeAndre Hopkins and Murray own the out route. Hopkins' 282 yards on deep and short outs was the most in the league last season, and his 6.1 receptions over expectation on out routes was also a league best. -- Walder
23. Carolina Panthers
Overall score: 72.3
Why they're here: The Panthers made a calculated bet this offseason on Sam Darnold that will define the franchise's fate over the next three seasons. If Darnold fulfills the expectations that pushed him to the third pick in the 2018 draft, Carolina will have acquired him for a bargain, and an offense ready for liftoff elsewhere will be shining. If not, Carolina will have missed out on a key chance in this past draft, where both Justin Fields and Mac Jones were available when it picked at No. 8. Darnold has pressure on him, but he also has pieces around him. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Two big areas jump out. First, has Darnold been a victim of his circumstances? And second, is the coaching staff in Carolina, specifically Joe Brady, as good as everyone thinks it is at developing players, establishing relationships and putting a winning product on the field? These are the questions that I need answers to before believing that things truly are about to turn up on a consistent basis for the Panthers. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Brian Burns is positioned to be the NFL's next great edge rusher. He's a franchise pillar who has the attention of opposing teams after two years of growth. And one AFC coordinator recently compared rookie corner Jaycee Horn to Jalen Ramsey, saying he might never be as good but has Ramsey-like traits with length, physicality and speed. -- Fowler
Stat to know: In trading for Darnold, the Panthers are betting that Darnold's situation was the cause of his poor production. Darnold's statistics certainly don't compel confidence on their surface. He ranked dead last in QBR among qualifiers last season and has never finished better than 25th in the category. -- Walder
24. Denver Broncos
Overall score: 71.4
Why they're here: The Broncos have one of the league's best defenses -- filled with talented and feisty competitors -- a wide receiver group that is drenched with possible stardom and a dynamic tight end. The missing link, however, is a quarterback who can be counted on right now as the long-range answer. Drew Lock's inconsistent start to his career casts more questions than answers about his future, and the team bypassed two first-round quarterbacks at pick No. 9 this year. If Denver gets its hands on a QB solution, watch out. -- Yates
Biggest worry: I'm surprised that Denver did not address the QB position in the draft. While the Broncos have nice pieces at tight end and receiver, and they are continually building out the offensive line (Quinn Meinerz was a steal at the draft this year), they are not going to make up sustainable ground on the Chiefs in the AFC West until QB is a strength rather than a weakness. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Denver has a receiving corps that's enticing to future quarterbacks. If Lock is not the answer, another signal-caller would have no problem throwing to Noah Fant, Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick. Many around the league believe Deshaun Watson was intrigued by Denver before facing a league investigation into sexual assault allegations against him. -- Fowler
Stat to know: Jeudy's career got off to a rocky start. No receiver recorded fewer completed air yards over expectation in 2020 than Jeudy, at minus-188. In other words, based on the targets Jeudy received, we'd expect an average wideout to have recorded 188 more receiving yards through the air alone. -- Walder
25. New York Giants
Overall score: 71.2
Why they're here: The Giants proved in 2020 that they will not be pushed over. Coach Joe Judge immediately instilled a culture emblematic of his own tough, all-business approach to football. The floor for this franchise will be set by that, as the Giants should play quality defense and be disciplined in most areas. But the ceiling is set by Daniel Jones. Few players face the kind of pressure he does entering 2021, as a quantum leap from Jones would not only result in this franchise taking a huge step but also would turn questions next offseason from "Should the Giants find another quarterback?" to "How expensive will an extension for Jones be?" -- Yates
Biggest worry: It would be easy to point to Jones and Saquon Barkley as the things that concern me, but I think those two will play winning football. Instead, it is the offensive line that concerns me, as this unit has been miserable, particularly in pass protection. Without substantial improvements, this offense is not going to meet expectations. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: New York is getting the best out of highly regarded young talent -- particularly on defense, with Leonard Williams and Jabrill Peppers having standout years last season. The offensive pieces could catch up soon, with the pressure on Jones to thrive and Evan Engram likely to see less defensive attention since the Giants are deeper at the skill positions. Also, expect a Year 2 jump from offensive tackle Andrew Thomas. -- Fowler
Stat to know: The Giants recorded the worst pass block win rate in the league last season and look poised to put another weak offensive line in front of Jones. It's a tough way to evaluate a quarterback in what looks like a make-or-break season for the third-year signal-caller. -- Walder
26. Atlanta Falcons
Overall score: 69.6
Why they're here: With a new coach and general manager in place, the Falcons largely elected to play the long game this offseason. GM Terry Fontenot inherited limited resources to work with outside of the draft, as the team's cap situation was precarious and its star wideout wanted out. Coach Arthur Smith believes that QB Matt Ryan still has good football left in him, and should that prove true, the Falcons have a chance to retool on the fly rather than rebuild. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Did Fontenot and Smith make the right bet when they passed on drafting a QB and instead put their faith in Ryan? You have no way of knowing if/when this organization will be in a position to draft a franchise QB again. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Whoever quarterbacks the post-Ryan Falcons will be set up for success. Many league evaluators consider Calvin Ridley a true No. 1, one of the smoothest route-runners in the game and someone who can stand on his own without Julio Jones. Plus, Kyle Pitts, who might be a top-five tight end without playing an NFL down, is under contract for four seasons. -- Fowler
Stat to know: Here's an optimistic stat for the Falcons: Atlanta managed to be a top-five team in both run stop win rate and pass rush win rate. The Super Bowl champion Bucs were the only other team to do so. The Falcons' expected points added per play allowed against the run was also top five ... but they ranked 26th against the pass. Simply put, Atlanta needs better play from the secondary. -- Walder
27. Chicago Bears
Overall score: 69.1
Why they're here: The Bears have a clear and direct path to flying up these rankings in Justin Fields. If the former Ohio State quarterback meets the promise so many see in him, Chicago's fortunes turn immediately, and GM Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy likely continue to be the architects of this team going forward. If Fields does not pan out, this franchise could be headed for change next offseason -- and the future is a little less bright with a roster that includes limited cap flexibility, draft capital and some aging veterans. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Can Nagy get Fields on the field and help him become a productive, winning QB quick enough for him to keep his job? The offensive line is a concern for me with this team, and I have questions as to whether the Bears truly have enough firepower on the perimeter to help the young QB succeed early. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: A once-great but now-aging Chicago defense can retool on the fly while maintaining star power. Akiem Hicks will have trade value, Robert Quinn has an out in his contract in 2022 and Khalil Mack has a modest (for his standards) $12 million salary with a $5.5 million roster bonus next year. In fact, Chicago could move on from the contracts of Mack and safety Eddie Jackson after next season if it wants. The Bears can phase out certain players while building around promising young stars Roquan Smith and Jaylon Johnson. -- Fowler
Stat to know: Over the past two seasons, only DeVante Parker averaged less separation than Allen Robinson II among receivers with at least 100 receptions in the two-year span. But here's the thing: Robinson makes it work. His contested catch ability (plus-6% completion percentage over expectation over the past two years) is reliable, and that should help Fields. -- Walder
28. Las Vegas Raiders
Overall score: 68.9
Why they're here: When the Raiders shipped away Khalil Mack in a blockbuster deal, the thinking was that the team was now flush with both draft capital and cap flexibility to be aggressive in free agency and the draft. Simply put, the Raiders have not engineered those resources into enough value, failing to reach the postseason or record a winning season. While there are certainly pieces in place -- and quarterback Derek Carr remains underappreciated -- it's time for major steps forward. -- Yates
Biggest worry: I have always respected Jon Gruden as a coach. I played for him, and I know what he brings to the table. But something is not working out in Vegas regarding both the team-building and the on-field execution. The Raiders need to get it fixed, and quickly. That falls on Gruden. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Las Vegas has dynamic tight end Darren Waller under contract for the next three seasons at a total of $19.4 million. Waller will need a new deal eventually, but that's incredible value nonetheless. His base salaries are all in the $6 million range. -- Fowler
Stat to know: The Raiders are doing something right on offense. They finished fifth in offensive efficiency in 2019 and ninth in 2020. That's quite a positive sign going forward, because offense tends to be more consistent year to year than defense. But the Raiders will need that defensive unit to step up, as it finished bottom four in efficiency in each of the past two seasons. -- Walder
29. Cincinnati Bengals
Overall score: 68.1
Why they're here: Reasons for optimism in Cincinnati center around second-year quarterback Joe Burrow and a trio of receivers that reasonably could emerge as one of the best in the NFL. But the offensive line has been troublesome for several years, and this team has been devoid of defensive playmakers for too long. There are several roster holes that need to be addressed in a hurry to maximize the window of Burrow's contract. -- Yates
Biggest worry: The Bengals have to protect Burrow. No excuses. No explanations. That means by playcalling, play design, personnel upgrades, helping coach Burrow into getting rid of the ball quicker ... all of it. If Cincinnati can't accomplish that, this franchise will remain where it has been, at the bottom looking up. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: The secondary will eventually be good, as Cincinnati has spent big on corners and safeties in free agency. Vonn Bell, Chidobe Awuzie and Mike Hilton can all play, and the team hasn't given up on Trae Waynes, who should return stronger after missing last year due to injury. Pair these pieces with rising star Jessie Bates III at safety and Cincinnati should be a problem for offenses on the back end. -- Fowler
Stat to know: Burrow struggled with the deep ball in his rookie season. His 36.1 QBR on passes at least 20 yards downfield ranked third worst, and the Bengals recorded the lowest cumulative expected points added on deep passes (minus-7.9) among all teams. -- Walder
30. Philadelphia Eagles
Overall score: 66.4
Why they're here: The roster in Philly right now is a unique blend of veterans who can help you win (Lane Johnson, Fletcher Cox, Jason Kelce, Darius Slay, etc.) and a young core that could be the foundation for the future. With potentially three first-round picks next year, the Eagles can be aggressive if desired next offseason when a more palatable cap situation is upon them. New head coach Nick Sirianni has a chance to groom Jalen Hurts this year, but the roster has clear spots to upgrade on both sides of the ball. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Lack of philosophical alignment and relationship management between the coaching staff and front office is what sunk this team in recent years, and correcting it will go a long way toward getting this organization back on the path to competing for a Super Bowl. But do the Eagles have the right pieces in place? -- Riddick
What could change for the better: Philly finally has young, promising skill players on offense. The Eagles aged quickly on the perimeter, but a nucleus of Dallas Goedert, DeVonta Smith and Jalen Reagor will be a threat. Goedert is a top-10 tight end right now, and Smith has low-bust threshold. The man knows how to get open. -- Fowler
Stat to know: The Eagles' medium-term plan revolves around Hurts, but there is reason to be wary. Though Carson Wentz played poorly in 2020, Hurts actually posted a slightly worse QBR than him. It's no reason to panic -- we're talking about fewer than 150 pass attempts as a rookie -- but it's no guarantee Hurts ends up better than Wentz. -- Walder
31. Detroit Lions
Overall score: 65.1
Why they're here: Perhaps no franchise is positioned to play the patient game more than Detroit, as new general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell have little pressure on them this season or likely even next. Detroit has extra draft capital ahead with much better cap flexibility starting in 2022; it plans to build the roster through the trenches, as was evidenced through its 2021 draft class. This is going to take a while, but there appears to be a blueprint. -- Yates
Biggest worry: Campbell has done as good of a job of hiring a staff as you could possibly do in Detroit as a first-time head coach. Now, the question for me is how players will take to his leadership style. This is an intense guy who talked about biting kneecaps at his introductory news conference. Leadership comes in many different forms, and only time will tell if his style will pay off. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: The offensive line will be together for a while to support Jared Goff. The average age of the starting five is 24.8 years old, with Halapoulivaati Vaitai the only player over 27. Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell are under contract for at least the next four seasons. -- Fowler
Stat to know: The Lions had the worst expected points added per play allowed against the pass when employing man coverage and when employing zone coverage. A fresh start with a new coaching staff can only help. -- Walder
32. Houston Texans
Overall score: 60.6
Why they're here: Nick Caserio inherited a situation with fewer resources than virtually any other new general manager in recent history, including limited cap space to add impact players in free agency and severely depleted draft capital. The future of Deshaun Watson is unclear amid sexual assault allegations from 22 different women, casting doubt about his standing with the franchise separate and apart from his unhappiness that surfaced prior to the allegations. The roster lacks many blue-chip players, but Caserio is extremely astute and understands the challenge ahead. Patience, Texans fans. -- Yates
Biggest worry: David Culley walked into one-of-a-kind dysfunction in Houston, and for a first-time head coach who has waited a long time to get his opportunity, it appears that he has been set up to fail. Culley is a man of impeccable character and leadership skills, so if anyone can fix the culture in Houston, it is him. -- Riddick
What could change for the better: The possibilities are endless to rebuild any position, at any time. Caserio is not saddled by clunky long-term deals, with Watson and ILB Zach Cunningham the only players under contract past 2024. And Caserio finalized so many one-year deals this offseason that Houston is scheduled to have $124.8 million in 2023 cap space. -- Fowler
Stat to know: The Texans ranked 31st in defensive efficiency in 2020. Then they cut their best player on that side of the ball in J.J. Watt. Then they didn't draft a defensive player until the fifth round. Opposing offenses are going to feast on Houston. -- Walder