When analyzing NFL rosters, it's important to remember that it's all relative. It's easy to say a team is in "good shape" or "loaded" at a particular position, but the fact is, each unit is only as good as it is relative to the league's other 31 teams.
That might seem like common sense, but you'd be surprised what you can learn and how your opinions are adjusted by actually sitting down and objectively grading and/or ranking each positional unit of all 32 teams. This is a project I've done (and kept updated) each of the past several offseasons, which has led to many interesting revelations, including the likely breakouts of teams such as the 2016 Raiders, 2017 Chargers, 2017 Jaguars, 2017 Eagles, 2018 Browns and 2020 Buccaneers.
Here are position-by-position unit rankings for all 32 teams covering the 10 key offensive and defensive positions. At the end, an overall ranking is shown, which is a weighted consensus based on positional importance. For example, being elite at quarterback is obviously more important than being elite at running back. Also included for each position is a brief outlook on the best and shakiest units, as well as one intriguing unit worth keeping a close eye on. Note that these are 2021 rankings, not long-term outlooks.
Jump to:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OL
DT | EDGE | LB | CB | S
Overall outlook
QUARTERBACK UNITS
Best: Kansas City Chiefs
It's cool if I simply update what I wrote here last preseason, right? League MVP? Check. Super Bowl MVP? Check. Multiple Super Bowl starts? Check. Highest paid player in league history? Check. Rating of 99 in Madden? Check. You get it. In only three full NFL seasons, Patrick Mahomes has a résumé few quarterbacks manage for a career. He's the league's best QB and most valuable player.
Shakiest: Houston Texans
Needless to say, this exercise assumes that Deshaun Watson will not play for Houston this season. In his absence, the Texans will turn to some combination of 32-year-old Tyrod Taylor, third-round rookie Davis Mills and perhaps journeyman Jeff Driskel. Taylor adds value with his legs and protects the ball very well, but he has barely seen the field the past three seasons (121 pass attempts) and simply doesn't move the needle much.
Unit to watch: New Orleans Saints
For the first time since 2005, Drew Brees is not the Saints' franchise quarterback. Instead, coach Sean Payton is sorting out a camp battle between Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston. Hill was fine in a few relief starts in place of Brees in 2020 but is best served in a role as a versatile offensive weapon. Winston, meanwhile, didn't see much of the field last season after a volatile 2019 campaign in which he threw for 5,109 yards, 33 touchdowns and 30 interceptions. The winner of this battle has big shoes to fill.
RUNNING BACK UNITS
Best: Cleveland Browns
The Browns, once again, lead this category, as they undoubtedly have the league's best one-two punch in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Chubb ranks first in yards per carry (5.2) and second in average yards after contact (2.3) since he was drafted in 2018, whereas Hunt is averaging 4.6 yards per carry and leads the NFL after contact (2.4) since he was drafted in 2017. The Cleveland backfield ranked top-five in nearly every category last season, including rushing yards, yards per carry and yards after contact.
Shakiest: New York Jets
New York clearly deprioritized the running back position this offseason, signing Tevin Coleman as veteran competition for journeymen Ty Johnson and La'Mical Perine and then waiting until the fourth round of April's draft to select Michael Carter. Carter is an intriguing prospect, but he's also an unknown commodity and best suited for a committee role at 5-foot-10 and 199 pounds. Don't be surprised if the Jets add a veteran back prior to Week 1.
Unit to watch: Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars hit a home run when they stumbled upon James Robinson as an undrafted free agent last offseason. Though the Illinois State product was effective in a No. 1 role as a rookie (1,414 yards and 10 touchdowns), new coach Urban Meyer wanted more firepower at the position and spent a first-round pick on Travis Etienne back in April. Both 22-year-old backs will be heavily involved in the Jacksonville offense.
WIDE RECEIVER UNITS
Best: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers' offense was very good last season, but it didn't peak until Antonio Brown returned from suspension and teamed up with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to create the league's best wide receiver trio. From Week 9-17, all three receivers were top-27 at the position in receiving yards. They went on to total 517 yards and five touchdowns during the team's Super Bowl run in the playoffs. All three are back in 2021, and the unit has good depth with Scotty Miller, Tyler Johnson and rookie Jaelon Darden.
Shakiest: Detroit Lions
Seven wide receivers combined to play 2,576 snaps and handle 234 targets for the Lions last season. Of that group, only Quintez Cephus (35 targets on 348 snaps) remains on the 2021 roster. The 2020 fifth-round pick will be joined on the depth chart by Tyrell Williams (missed all of 2020 due to injury), journeyman Breshad Perriman and fourth-round rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Unit to watch: Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals entered April's draft with one of the league's best slot receivers in Tyler Boyd and one of the league's top young wideouts in 2020 second-round pick Tee Higgins. That's a pretty solid duo, but apparently not quite enough firepower for the Bengals, as they spent the fifth overall pick on Ja'Marr Chase. Chase hasn't played since 2019, but the 21-year-old super prospect is ticketed for a full-time role out of the gate in Zac Taylor's wide-receiver-friendly scheme. This trio very well could emerge as the league's best unit as soon as 2022.
TIGHT END UNITS
Best: Kansas City Chiefs
You could easily make the case that there are teams with better depth at tight end, but none of those teams has Travis Kelce. The 32-year-old has finished no lower than seventh in snaps and no lower than second in receptions and yards at the tight end position in each of the past five seasons. Blake Bell is back as solid depth, and fifth-round rookie Noah Gray is already generating hype.
Shakiest: Arizona Cardinals
I could've gone with Arizona or Jacksonville here, but at least Jacksonville made an attempt to improve the position by adding Luke Farrell in the fifth round of April's draft. Arizona, meanwhile, moved on from Dan Arnold during the offseason, leaving the likes of Maxx Williams, Darrell Daniels and Demetrius Harris to handle the bulk of the snaps. Needless to say, the position remains a low priority in Kliff Kingsbury's scheme.
Unit to watch: New England Patriots
Eighteen receptions, 254 yards and one touchdown. That's the combined receiving line of the Patriots' tight ends last season, which ties the 2016 Jets for second worst in a single season over the past decade. Clearly not amused, Bill Belichick signed the top two free agents at the position in Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry. New England, which also has 2020 third-round pick Devin Asiasi on the depth chart, will almost assuredly jump from dead last (3%) in multiple tight end sets to near the top of the league.
OFFENSIVE LINE UNITS
Best: Cleveland Browns
It wasn't hard to see coming based on the personnel that was in place, but the Browns' offensive line was the breakout unit of 2020. Jack Conklin was a home run free-agent signing at right tackle, and first-round pick Jedrick Wills Jr. was solid at left tackle. Guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller and center J.C. Tretter were dominant on the interior. All five starters were above average (if not elite) in pass block win rate last season, and all are back for 2021.
Shakiest: Pittsburgh Steelers
A longtime powerhouse, the Steelers' offensive line suddenly has more questions than answers following an aggressive offseason overhaul. Gone are starters Alejandro Villanueva, Matt Feiler, Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCastro, with right tackle Chukwuma Okafor (who showed poorly in Pro Football Focus grade, as well as pass block and run block win rate) the only returning lineman who played more than 340 snaps for the team last season. Recent Day 3 picks Kevin Dotson, Zach Banner and Kendrick Green are now projected starters along with Trai Turner, who was PFF's second-lowest-graded lineman (out of 203) in 2020.
Unit to watch: Minnesota Vikings
Offensive line has long been a problem area for Minnesota, but the team has aggressively addressed it via the draft in recent years. This season, the unit could feature five players selected during the first three rounds of the past four drafts. That list includes rookie left tackle Christian Darrisaw, left guard Ezra Cleveland, center Garrett Bradbury, rookie right guard Wyatt Davis and right tackle Brian O'Neill. This unit may be a year away from a breakout, but the talent is here for a big leap.
INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE UNITS
Best: Pittsburgh Steelers
Whereas the Steelers' offensive line is a work in progress, its defensive front remains elite. Cameron Heyward (PFF's sixth-highest-graded interior defensive lineman) and Stephon Tuitt (11.0 sacks) each played over three quarters of the defensive snaps last season, and nose tackle Tyson Alualu (who almost departed for Jacksonville) was dominant in a situational role. The likes of Chris Worley, Isaiah Buggs, Carlos Davis and rookie Isaiahh Loudermilk add depth.
Shakiest: Dallas Cowboys
Defensive tackle is, once again, a major question mark for Dallas. Neville Gallimore (currently sidelined with an injury) is perhaps the team's best option inside despite failing to make much of an impact as a third-round rookie in 2020. Veterans Brent Urban and Carlos Watkins were signed after playing fewer than half the snaps as backup/rotational players in struggling Tennessee and Houston defenses, respectively, last season. Rookies Osa Odighizuwa (third round) and Quinton Bohanna (fifth) figure to be busy, especially with 2019 second-round pick Trysten Hill on his way back from a torn ACL.
Unit to watch: Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota's 2021 defense is going to look almost completely different from the one we saw struggle throughout 2020. One of the unit's major overhauls came along the defensive line. Dalvin Tomlinson and Sheldon Richardson were impact free-agent signings, and Michael Pierce is back after opting out last season. What was a clear weakness last season is now one of the league's best trios. Especially considering the uncertainty opposite Danielle Hunter along the edge, expect Mike Zimmer to get creative in utilizing all three defensive tackles together.
EDGE RUSHER UNITS
Best: Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett is one of the league's top defenders and ranks no lower than sixth in sacks, pass rush wins and pass rush win rate since he was drafted in 2017. His new running mate this season is the polarizing Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney's sacks have dwindled as he has dealt with injuries in recent seasons, but he continues to generate pressure, ranking 17th in pass rush win rate in 2020 after top-five showings in 2018 and 2019. The two former first-overall picks will be joined by underrated Takkarist McKinley, as well as Porter Gustin and Curtis Weaver.
Shakiest: Atlanta Falcons
Dante Fowler Jr. is the Falcons' top edge rusher after an underwhelming first season in which he was held to 3.0 sacks. Fowler is generally a solid player, but the major issue here is a lack of depth. Journeyman Steven Means is back as a potential running mate (he also had 3.0 sacks in 2020), with Jacob Tuioti-Mariner and fifth-round rookie Adetokunbo Ogundeji among those also in the mix. New coordinator Dean Pees may need to get creative with the likes of John Cominsky and Marlon Davidson (among others) in order to generate some pressure from the edge.
Unit to watch: Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders' defense continues to be torn down and rebuilt during the Jon Gruden era, and that includes at edge rusher. Las Vegas made one of the league's top free-agent signings when it snagged Yannick Ngakoue from Baltimore. Ngakoue is one of only five players in NFL history with 8.0-plus sacks in each of his first five seasons. The other four? Aaron Donald, Derrick Thomas, DeMarcus Ware and Reggie White. Ngakoue's running mate will be Maxx Crosby, who sits 14th in the league with 17.0 sacks over the past two seasons. Clelin Ferrell, Carl Nassib and third-round rookie Malcolm Koonce are the top depth options for an ascending group.
OFF-THE-BALL LINEBACKER UNITS
Best: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This one was tougher than some others. Several teams have one elite off-ball linebacker, but few have multiple quality options. The Buccaneers get the slight edge over the Vikings, with longtime standout Lavonte David and third-year Devin White operating as every-down players. David has reached 100 tackles in eight of his nine seasons. White made noise with 97 tackles and 9.0 sacks last season, but the 2019 first-round pick remains a work in progress in coverage and against the run. Kevin Minter, Joe Jones and rookies K.J. Britt and Grant Stuard are the depth.
Shakiest: Los Angeles Rams
The Rams check in at the bottom of this category for the second consecutive season, as they've still yet to successfully replace Cory Littleton. Micah Kiser, Kenny Young and Troy Reeder are all back after underwhelming on just over 500 snaps apiece last season. (Kiser and Young were two of PFF's lowest-graded linebackers.) Travin Howard returns after missing all of 2020 due to injury and could factor in, as could third-round rookie Ernest Jones.
Unit to watch: Arizona Cardinals
Arizona has selected an off-ball linebacker in the first round of each of the past two drafts, adding Isaiah Simmons eighth overall in 2020 and Zaven Collins with the 16th pick this past April. The versatile Simmons was limited to 34% of the snaps as a rookie but is in line for a larger role and potential breakout in 2021. Collins, meanwhile, is expected to immediately replace Jordan Hicks as an every-down player. The Simmons/Collins duo has elite upside.
CORNERBACK UNITS
Best: Baltimore Ravens
Quality and quantity have been priorities for the Ravens at cornerback for quite some time, so it's no surprise that they check in with the league's top unit. Marlon Humphrey is one of the NFL's best corners, can play inside and out and is still somehow only 25 years old. Marcus Peters racked up five interceptions as an every-down perimeter corner last season. Jimmy Smith remains a solid depth option at age 33, and slot man Tavon Young is back after a pair of injury-plagued campaigns. Baltimore added even more depth during the draft by adding Brandon Stephens in the third round and Shaun Wade in the fifth.
Shakiest: New York Jets
The Jets are here for the second consecutive season. New York ranked among the worst five defenses in completions, passing yardage and passing TDs allowed in 2020 but failed to aggressively address the cornerback position during the offseason. A sixth-round pick back in 2019, Bless Austin has been thrown to the wolves as an every-down perimeter corner and remains the team's top player at the position. Bryce Hall (2020 fifth-round pick) and slot corner Javelin Guidry (2020 undrafted free agent) were Austin's running mates late last season, and both very well could start again in 2021. That's the case after the team's top offseason additions were Day 3 picks Michael Carter II, Jason Pinnock and Brandin Echols.
Unit to watch: Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota burned first-round (Jeff Gladney) and third-round (Cameron Dantzler) picks on cornerbacks last season, and if someone told you then that neither may start in 2021, you'd likely expect the team's corner situation to be a disaster. Instead, it could prove a strength, after the Vikings signed Patrick Peterson, Bashaud Breeland and old friend Mackensie Alexander during the offseason. Gladney has been released, but Dantzler played well as a rookie and will certainly have a significant role. Peterson will need a bounce-back after a down season, but this unit has the talent and pedigree for a much better showing in 2021.
SAFETY UNITS
Best: Denver Broncos
A second-team All-Pro in 2019, Justin Simmons was terrific again last season and has emerged as one of the league's best safeties. His running mate is versatile standout Kareem Jackson. The two combined to miss five of the team's 1,042 defensive snaps, and both were top-eight graded safeties at PFF last season. Jackson's age is a bit of a concern (33), but the team did add some depth on Day 3 of the draft with Caden Stearns and Jamar Johnson.
Shakiest: Detroit Lions
Tracy Walker had the look of a future star after showing well off the bench as a third-round rookie in 2018 and then a full-timer in 2019. But the wheels fell off last season to the point that he was demoted to backup duties behind Jayron Kearse. Walker is eyeing a bounce-back season as he flips back to free safety in Aaron Glenn's new-look scheme. His running mate isn't clear right now, with 2019 third-rounder Will Harris and veterans Dean Marlowe and C.J. Moore among those battling for snaps after not seeing the field much last season.
Unit to watch: Washington Football Team
Landon Collins is entering Year 3 of a six-year, $84 million contract after missing half of the 2020 season with a torn Achilles. The good news is that he appears healthy and ready to roll for 2021, but the question is how will the secondary snaps play out after Kamren Curl's strong play in Collins' place? It's a good problem to have, and the team should also be better at free safety with veteran Bobby McCain added to compete with Deshazor Elliott, Jeremy Reaves and rookie Darrick Forrest.
OVERALL
Best: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Try this on for size. Last season, 19 Buccaneers played at least 59 defensive snaps (13,908 combined). All 19 remain on the roster. Last season, 16 Buccaneers played at least 220 offensive snaps (12,802 combined). All 16 remain on the roster. Considering the number of free agents this team had entering the offseason, the lack of turnover is incredible, especially for the defending Super Bowl champs. Tampa Bay's roster doesn't have a glaring weakness and perhaps is even a little bit better than last season after the additions of Giovani Bernard and first-round pick Joe Tryon. Expect Tom Brady & Co. to be in the mix for yet another Lombardi Trophy.
Shakiest: Houston Texans
This ranking assumes Deshaun Watson will not play for Houston this season, but even if he does, it doesn't change the outlook much. Houston is below average or poor at nearly every position and has arguably the league's worst offense and defense on paper. Standouts J.J. Watt, William Fuller V and Benardrick McKinney are among the key offseason departures, and the game plan for restoring the team with talent was seemingly to add as many journeymen as possible while not spending on high-end producers. It also didn't help that the Texans were the only team without a first- or second-round draft pick. Houston is in the very early stages of what figures to be a lengthy rebuild.
Teams to watch: Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings
The Bucs were my pick for breakout team last season, and they went on to win the Super Bowl. This year, my pick is the Browns. I wrote at length about why I feel the Browns are legitimate Super Bowl contenders this season, but in a nutshell, this is a well-coached team with an ascending quarterback, elite offensive line and a defense that was transformed from a weakness to a strength after an aggressive offseason. Top to bottom, the Browns have arguably the AFC's best roster on paper, which is saying a lot with the Ravens, Chiefs and Bills also in the conference.
The 2021 Vikings are also an extremely fascinating team. Minnesota has an intriguing, high-pedigree offensive line, as well as near-completely overhauled interior defensive line and cornerback units. That defense will also have standouts Anthony Barr and Danielle Hunter back after the duo missed all but a combined 91 snaps last season due to injury. As if that's not enough, stars Eric Kendricks (who also missed time last year) and Harrison Smith are sure to make a big impact. Coach Mike Zimmer is known for elite defense, and following a rough 2020, he now has the team on paper to get back to that in 2021. QB Kirk Cousins remains a polarizing player, but he played well last season and led Minnesota to the fifth-most offensive touchdowns. He has plenty of support in the form of Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson and Irv Smith Jr. Minnesota is on the rise.