2015 NFL Future Power Rankings - ESPN

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http://espn.go.com/nfl/insider/story/_/id/13129838/ranking-nfl-teams-1-32-based-their-outlook-next-three-seasons-nfl#CIN

 

 

To project which NFL franchises are in the best shape for the next three seasons, we asked our panel of experts -- John Clayton, Louis Riddick and Mike Sando -- to rate each team on a scale of 0-100 in five categories: roster (excluding quarterback), quarterback, draft, front office and coaching.

After averaging the results from the panelists, each of the five categories was weighted to create the overall score -- roster (30 percent), quarterback (20 percent), draft (15 percent), front office (15 percent) and coaching (20 percent). The result is a comprehensive rankings based on how well each team is positioned for the future.

We had a change at the top this year, along with having a perennial Super Bowl contender fall all the way to No. 14 and another team jump from 28th to sixth. Read through the full file 1-32, or jump to your favorite team using the quick links below.

AFC

BAL | BUF | CIN | CLE | DEN | HOU | IND | JAC | KC | MIA | NE | NYJ | OAK |PIT | SD | TEN

NFC

ARI | ATL | CAR | CHI | DAL | DET | GB | MIN | NO | NYG | PHI | SEA | SF |STL | TB | WAS

1. Green Bay Packers

2014 record: 12-4 (Lost in NFC championship)

NFC North future rank: 1st

Overall score: 91.3

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: The Packers moved up one spot from a year ago, overtaking Seattle. What was the key? Green Bay's drafting improved from 11th to first, while holding on to the top spots in the quarterback and front office categories. Immediate contributions from the 2014 draft class helped the Packers' standing. Safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, receiver Davante Adams, center Corey Linsley and tight end Richard Rodgers were all key rookie contributors as Green Bay reached the NFC Championship Game. That is tremendous immediate impact for a team that was already a contender. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: The Packers are incredibly well positioned over at least the next two seasons in terms of having most of their core players under contract on both offense and defense. The lone exception is along the offensive line, where Josh Sitton, T.J. Lang, David Bakhtiari and JC Tretter are all set to become unrestricted free agents following the 2016 season. How will the offense, which finished fifth, eighth and first in scoring from 2012-14, respond to having a new playcaller (Tom Clements) for the first time since Mike McCarthy became the head coach in 2006? This is the big question going forward, as it was situational play calling that arguably cost the Packers a berth in Super Bowl 49. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: General manager Ted Thompson is the best homegrown farmer in the NFL. He's the master of getting three or four starters out of every draft -- and signing most to second contracts. The Packers' top overall ranking is two-fold -- Aaron Rodgers and a roster built almost exclusively with players who started their careers in Green Bay. Thompson drafted an offensive line that has become one of the top three units in football. Eddie Lacy, a 2013 second-rounder, has been the beneficiary thus far, and another monster year looks to be on the horizon. This team is loaded. --John Clayton

2. Seattle Seahawks

2014 record: 12-4 (Lost in Super Bowl)

NFC West future rank: 1st

Overall score: 89.7

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: Seattle improved its overall score from 2014 but not enough to avoid trading places with the Packers. This is the third consecutive year the Seahawks have placed in the top three. They joined the Packers and Patriots as the only teams to post top-five rankings in all six categories (counting overall ranking). In fact, the Seahawks rank among the two best teams in every category except quarterback (eighth overall). The lack of a young backup behind Russell Wilson is hurting them a bit in the QB department. The assumption is that Wilson, who's entering the last year of his rookie deal, will stay in Seattle -- either as a franchise player or under a long-term deal. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: The future for Seahawks is all about how to they manage their team-building process and salary-cap discipline when Wilson -- their Super Bowl-winning franchise quarterback -- no longer counts just $1.69 million against the cap, as he does in 2015. Properly valuing Wilson is not as easy as it seems, which is a good thing for the QB, and not so good for Seattle. LinebackerBobby Wagner is set to become a free agent in 2016 and will likely be looking for a deal that averages about $9 million per year. And maybe most importantly, the Seahawks need to start preparing for life after Marshawn Lynch, whose desire to play will be reevaluated seemingly every offseason. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: The draft has been the Seahawks' backbone as they've gone 36-12 over the past three seasons. The 2012 class, in particular -- which included Wagner, Wilson, J.R. Sweezy and Bruce Irvin -- propelled the franchise to nearly winning its second consecutive Super Bowl last season. Seattle might have snagged two more eventual starters in this year's draft, wide receiver Tyler Lockett and defensive end Frank Clark (provided Clark can stay out of trouble). --John Clayton

3. New England Patriots

2014 record: 12-4 (Won Super Bowl)

AFC East future rank: 1st

Overall score: 87.1 

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: The Patriots climbed two spots from last year thanks to a 20-spot gain to No. 5 in the drafting category. Did New England's long-entrenched leadership suddenly overhaul its approach to the draft? Of course not, but recent results appear positive. Linebacker Jamie Collins (2013 draft) further established himself as a front-line player, and the 2014 draft produced starting center Bryan Stork, plus Cameron Fleming and Zach Moore. Selecting Jimmy Garoppolo as a potential successor to Tom Brady also showed foresight and could pay dividends if Brady's four-game suspension isn't overturned or reduced on appeal. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: Last year, I wrote about how the secondary, particularly corner, could quickly become a problem position following the 2014 season. Well, it's now 2015, and cornerback is officially an issue. Gone are Darrelle Revis,Brandon Browner and Kyle Arrington, having been replaced by Bradley Fletcherand Derek Cox -- both of whom are average when playing their very best and poor when playing true to form. Bill Belichick will need the front seven to set the tone for the secondary. That's ideally how you want it to go when building your defense, especially without much developmental talent in the secondary (other than Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler). --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: Belichick and the Patriots have won 63 games the past five seasons -- seven more than the next-best team (Green Bay) -- despite getting only one or two starters on average from the past five drafts. This franchise's unparalleled consistency is driven by its coach and quarterback, but the recent youth movement along the front seven has helped the Patriots' cause, too. Collins is emerging into a star, while La'el Collins(21), Travis Frederick (24), Zack Martin (24) and Doug Free (31) are all under contract for at least two more seasons. The Cowboys drafted three first-round quality players this year -- cornerback Byron Jones, pass rusher Randy Gregoryand Collins, who's in the mix for the starting left guard job. --John Clayton

7. Minnesota Vikings

2014 record: 7-9 (3rd in NFC North)

NFC North future rank: 2nd

Overall score: 75.7

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: The Vikings climbed 19 spots in the overall rankings as voters' initial optimism for coach Mike Zimmer firmed up following a successful initial season. That included a league-best, 14-spot climb to 15th in quarterback outlook thanks to Teddy Bridgewater's strong rookie campaign. Recent first-round picks Anthony Barr and Xavier Rhodes also look like good fits. The organization appears squared away in key spots with a defensive-minded head coach, a strong offensive coordinator who is unlikely to bolt for another job (Norv Turner), a workhorse running back and a young quarterback. These developments reflect well on general manager Rick Spielman, which is why Minnesota jumped from 23rd to 11th among front offices. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: Zimmer must find a way to successfully repair the relationship between Adrian Peterson and Vikings management to the point where Peterson again becomes an irreplaceable asset through the remainder of his contract (expires after 2017). The positive effect this will have on the continued development of Bridgewater is immeasurable. It will open throwing windows on the second and third level, which, in turn, will directly benefit tight end Kyle Rudolph and newly acquired wide receiver Mike Wallace. As I said a year ago, making sure that Bridgewater has everything he needs to be successful is in everyone's best interest, and the key to that going forward rests on Peterson's shoulders. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: Spielman built his roster, which ranked sixth overall in this project, the old-fashioned way: through the draft. His 2012 and 2013 classes netted impact players in the secondary, Harrison Smith, Josh Robinson, Robert Blanton and Rhodes. Left tackle Matt Kalil, the fourth overall pick in 2013, had offseason surgery on both his knees, but if he can make a full recovery, the homegrown offensive line has good potential. Bridgewater could be the real deal at quarterback. And the defense, led by Trae Waynes, Barr, Smith, Rhodes and others, has the look of a young, exciting unit that could make the Vikings playoff contenders for the foreseeable future. --John Clayton

8. Cincinnati Bengals

2014 record: 10-5-1 (Lost in wild card)

AFC North future rank: 3rd

Overall score: 73.8

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: The Bengals moved up five spots overall, but that was more through attrition than any significant perceived gains by Cincinnati. Teams such as Philadelphia, San Diego, Chicago and St. Louis moved backward, clearing the way for the Bengals to move forward even though their rankings for quarterback, coaching and drafting remained almost identical, while their ranking for non-QB roster slipped five spots to No. 9. The organization's No. 7 ranking for front office would have seemed unfathomable several years ago, but the Bengals have consistently reached the playoffs in recent seasons. On-field results determine the fine line between whether a team appears unambitious or stable. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: Cincy has to figure out a way to get the regular season version ofAndy Dalton (career 1.5 TD/INT rate and a 52.4 Total QBR) to show up in the postseason (1 TD, 6 INTs, 18.0 Total QBR and zero wins in four games). If they don't, all of the praise they rightfully receive for being one of the best drafting teams in the league will be unfulfilling for a fan base that hasn't seen a playoff win since 1991. The Bengals are able to get out from under Dalton's contract with ease following this upcoming season, so it is safe to say this is a make-or-break season for the QB. Simply making the playoffs isn't enough anymore for the Bengals; it's time to win a game or two once they get there. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: Few give Duke Tobin, Cincy's director of player personnel, credit for doing an incredible job building this roster, but the Bengals have more of their own draft choices on their team than any franchise in football. The 2012 class was quietly special in terms of adding roster depth. They drafted guard Kevin Zeitler, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, safety George Iloka and wide receivers Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones, while signing undrafted linebackers Vontaze Burfict and Emmanuel Lamur. Ironically, Kirkpatrick, the first-rounder, has been the slowest to develop, but if he turns the corner this season, watch out. --John Clayton

9. Kansas City Chiefs

2014 record: 9-7 (2nd in AFC West)

AFC West future rank: 1st

Overall score: 73.7

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: The Chiefs rose five spots into the top 10 thanks to improvements in drafting (19th to 13th), front office (17th to ninth) and non-QB roster (18th to 13th). Our voters saw the Chiefs as the team best positioned to overtake Denver in the AFC West now that the end appears very near for Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. The coming season will determine to what extent San Diego and Oakland belong in that conversation. The Chiefs appear stable with a very good coach (Andy Reid), a top-flight running back (Jamaal Charles), a productive wide receiver (Jeremy Maclin), an average quarterback (Alex Smith) and a strong defense. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: The sports talk in Kansas City is currently dominated by the pending contract negotiation between the Chiefs and franchised OLB Justin Houston. But the real dilemma facing the Chiefs in the short and long term is whether Smith's production has been handcuffed by his lack of receiving weapons -- or visa versa. By giving Maclin $22.5 million fully guaranteed, moving Manti Te'o and Allen was Telesco's best, but this year's first-round choice, Melvin Gordon, also has great potential. The Wisconsin product is the franchise's first true No. 1 back since LaDainian Tomlinson left town. If all goes as planned, Gordon could take some pressure off Rivers and help the Chargers eclipse 10 wins for the first time since 2009. --John Clayton

14. Denver Broncos

2014 record: 12-4 (Lost in divisional round)

AFC West future rank: 3rd

Overall score: 71.2

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: The Broncos fell 10 spots from last year for two primary reasons. First, the coaching rank dropped from 11th to 19th even though Gary Kubiak was successful in Houston previously. And second, the quarterback category went from fourth to 23rd after Peyton Manning ranked 13th in Total QBR over the Broncos' final 10 games, counting playoffs. Manning might not be finished, but he finally appears to be a player in decline, to the point that the Broncos coaxed a reduction in pay from him. The team's future at the position is murky beyond this season. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: It's a near certainty that within the next three seasons, we will no longer see Manning in an NFL uniform, which means the time is now for the Broncos to start gauging the readiness of backup Brock Osweiler. Does the franchise truly feels Osweiler is capable of being a championship-level QB? The Broncos' long-term future hinges on that question. When you then factor the offensive line being in a state of transition -- and the offense as a whole undergoing a scheme change -- it's no certainty that the Broncos will win the AFC West for the fifth consecutive season. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: When the Broncos decided to go all-in last year, signing a star-studded free agent class (T.J. Ward, Emmanuel Sanders,DeMarcus Ware and Aqib Talib), it severely hampered their ability to retain some of their homegrown talent. Julius Thomas, Nate Irving, Orlando Franklinand Rahim Moore all relocated this offseason -- only Von Miller and Virgil Greenremain from the 2011 draft class. The Broncos should see the true value of the 2012 draft his season with Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson starting at defensive end in the 3-4 and Danny Trevathan starting at inside linebacker. --John Clayton

15. Philadelphia Eagles

2014 record: 10-6 (2nd in NFC East)

NFC East future rank: 2nd

Overall score: 69.6

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: The Eagles' seven-spot drop from one year ago reflected significant drops in rankings for quarterback (12th to 22nd), non-QB roster (fifth to 14th) and front office (10th to 19th). Chip Kelly and the other coaches actually moved ahead three spots to sixth, and there was no change in the rank for drafting. The key question is whether the Eagles were smart in handing over personnel power to Kelly, a change that preceded and possibly enabled the decisions to trade away Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy while Jeremy Maclin left in free agency. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: I said a year ago that Kelly is a program builder whom I admire, and the personnel decisions that he made going forward were going to be the key to his success. Now that he's in total control of the roster, Kelly has continued to send the old regime's players packing as he builds a team in his image with new additions. Of all the moves he made this offseason, the one that will define his future is the trade for quarterback Sam Bradford. I like DeMarco Murray, the team loves Ryan Mathews, and Byron Maxwell is a player that I touted long before he received $25 million in guarantees from the Eagles this offseason, but it all hinges on the knees of Bradford. Can he stay healthy, can the revamped offensive line keep him upright, and can Chip scheme up the opponent week after week to help keep Bradford out of danger? That's what we are all waiting to see. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: Kelly's roster is still a work in progress. Part of the reason for that: He had to use first-, a second- and a third-round picks over the past two years to replace departed receivers DeSean Jackson, Maclin and Jason Avant. Lane Johnson, the fourth overall pick in 2013, has turned into a great left tackle, but if Earl Wolff loses his strong safety job, Johnson would the only non-receiver starter from the 2013/14 drafts. --John Clayton

16. Indianapolis Colts

2014 record: 11-5 (Lost in AFC championship)

AFC South future rank: 1st

Overall score: 69

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: The Colts improved four spots thanks to an 11-spot jump in their drafting rank (32nd to 21st). Jack Mewhort, Donte Moncrief and Jonathan Newsome made solid contributions from the 2014 class. The decision to use a 2015 first-round pick on wide receiver Phillip Dorsett mystified some, but at worst, the Colts committed another resource toward arming the NFL's most gifted young quarterback. Low rankings for the front office (28th) and coaching (25th) reflect an unsettled future in those areas. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: QB Andrew Luck will be just 26 years old as he heads into his fourth season, with the Colts in "win now or bust" mode for 2015. That puts the strategy of acquiring numerous 30-plus-year-old players -- Frank Gore, Andre Johnson, Todd Herremans, Trent Cole -- under the microscope as it pertains to future employment GM Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano. If rumors of a strained working relationship between Grigson and Pagano are in fact true, this is a franchise that could see significant change at the key management positions in the very near future. Such upheval always coincides with a roster overhaul, leaving open the possibility that many of Luck's prime years could be spent with the team in rebuilding mode, and that work will be done with Luck making plenty more against the cap than he does now. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: Grigson hit it big in 2012, drafting six players who ended up starting. With Luck at the top and T.Y. Hilton in the third round, the Colts had one of the top five draft classes of the past decade. But the past couple of drafts haven't produced many starters. Linebacker Bjoern Werner, a first-rounder in 2013, started 15 games last year because of Robert Mathis' injury, but no other defensive starter has emerged from the draft. The Colts have used three choices on the offensive line in the past two drafts, but Mewhort appears to be the only true starter. There is excitement at wide receiver, though, with Moncrief (2015) and Dorsett (2014) filling out a talented pass-catching group. --John Clayton

17. St. Louis Rams

2014 record: 6-10 (4th in NFC West)

NFC West future rank: 3rd

Overall score: 68.4

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: The Rams slipped five spots overall mainly because of their decline in the front-office (eighth to 13th) and coaching categories (10th to 17th). The team made no significant changes in either area (switching from Brian Schottenheimer to Frank Cignetti at offensive coordinator would not seem to account for a full reassessment of the coaching situation). This team would seem to have many of the right pieces in place, but the lack of enthusiasm could simply reflect frustration with a lack of progress in the standings. The Rams have gone from 7-8-1 to 7-9 to 6-10 in three seasons under the current leadership, and it is unclear whether they have a long-term quarterback on the roster. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: The Rams have again pushed the reset button at quarterback. It was just a year ago that I said Sam Bradford would hold the key to the Rams' future. Now it is the combination of QB Nick Foles and Cignetti, a first-time NFL offensive coordinator who will get a crack at trying to get the Rams over the top in the NFC West. This is a team that has had every resource imaginable at their disposal from a player personnel acquisition standpoint since 2012, and their results on the field have been average at best and mediocre at worst. The defense looks spectacular on paper, with a defensive line that could be the best in the NFL for years to come, but if this organization does not get it right at QB, does it really matter? --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: The Rams have assembled the most interesting youth study in the game. With the picks acquired from the Robert Griffin III trade, St. Louis drafted Michael Brockers, Alec Ogletree, Greg Robinson, Janoris Jenkins,Stedman Bailey and Isaiah Pead. That's quite a haul. They also snagged Tavon Austin, Aaron Donald and Todd Gurley with their own first-round picks -- and picked up safety Mark Barron, the seventh overall pick in 2012, in a cheap trade. That's seven No. 1s on the Rams' roster from the past four drafts. No team in football comes close to that. --John Clayton

18. New Orleans Saints

2014 record: 7-9 (2nd in NFC South)

NFC South future rank: 2nd

Overall score: 68.3

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: The past couple of seasons have exposed the Saints as a team sorely in need of a roster overhaul. That overhaul is underway, but it is unclear what the results will be. That explains why the Saints declined by at least seven spots in every category, producing a 12-spot drop in the overall rankings. That was the third-largest decline in the league (Chicago fell 14 spots and San Francisco fell 19). Even Sean Payton and Drew Brees took significant hits as New Orleans fell from fourth to 11th in coaching and from third to 12th at quarterback. And no team suffered a larger drop in the non-QB roster category, where New Orleans went from eighth to 25th. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: Brees will be 37 years old at the end of the 2015 season and will carry a gigantic $27.4 million cap number into the final year of his deal in 2016. The front office spent a third-round pick this year on Garrett Grayson, who they hope could be Brees' eventual replacement. So yeah, things could getreal interesting going forward. With $10.8 million of Brees' 2016 salary becoming fully guaranteed soon after Super Bowl 50, the next three years could look totally different for this franchise. This team is looking at a terrible cap situation a year from now with Brees on the roster. There's a reason Payton is trying to transform this team into a more physical, balanced offensive unit, and that's because the writing is on the wall. Change is coming at quarterback. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: Payton realized it was time to shake up his roster. He dangled veterans for draft choices and went back to the philosophies that led the Saints to success starting in 2006. Andrus Peat, New Orleans' first-round choice, starts the process of getting the offensive line younger and bigger. He added play-making ability to the linebacking corps by selecting Stephone Anthony andJa'Wuan James and Billy Turnercoming from the 2014 draft -- and 2011 first-rounder Mike Pouncey is a stud at center. But so far Dallas Thomas, a third-rounder in 2013, hasn't worked out at guard. The Dolphins have completely rebuilt the receiving core. Jarvis Landry, a 2014 second-rounder, looks promising. This year's first-round choice DeVante Parker has a ton of talent, but he won't be available until the start of the regular season because of foot surgery. Overall, the Dolphins have gotten some decent starters out of the draft. --John Clayton

24. Houston Texans

2014 record: 9-7 (2nd in AFC South)

AFC South future rank: 2nd

Overall score: 64.1

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: The Texans seem to have gotten the coaching hire right. A 13-spot gain to 10th in that category helped them move up three spots overall. They were flat in every other category, and they cannot know whether their long-term quarterback is on the roster, which is obviously a big concern for the future. Possibly whiffing on Jadeveon Clowney with the No. 1 overall pick in 2014 while failing to secure a quarterback has made it tougher for the Texans to gain traction overall. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: It all comes down to the quarterbacks. Having a strong showing in OTAs/minicamps is a good start, but can Bill O'Brien get his stable of passers ready for the regular season? The guy who needs to win this job is Brian Hoyer, a player I had hoped could turn out to be a playoff-caliber QB. His chances of success in Houston are much greater than what they were in Cleveland, where they were waiting for him to fail. What would really make things interesting going forward: If QB Tom Savage can make a significant second-year leap and outplay both Hoyer and Ryan Mallett. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: The Texans recovered from a horrible 2013 draft with O'Brien and general manager Rick Smith working together on fitting players into the scheme. O'Brien wants bigger offensive and defensive linemen and more angular corners for man coverage. This should bode well for the future. <a data-ipb="nomediaparse" data-cke-saved-href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/16801/xavier-su"href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/16801/xavier-su" a-filo"="">Xavier Su'a-Filo should be a force at right guard.  Louis Nix III has the perfect mentor at nose tackle in Vince Wilfork, and O'Brien should get a lot out of the remaining 10-player 2014 draft class, provided Clowney recovers from his knee injury.Kevin Johnson, taken in the first round this year, completes the cornerback group. --John Clayton

25. Chicago Bears

2014 record: 5-11 (4th in NFC North)

NFC North future rank: 4th

Overall score: 63.1

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: The Bears' 14-spot fall in the overall rankings was the second-largest drop from one year ago. They moved up three spots to 13th in coaching with the hire of John Fox, but every other category suffered a double-digit dip as voters reassessed where Chicago stood after a disappointing 2014 season. Are the Bears really that much worse off, or was the previous assessment too rosy? It had to be the latter. Few would say Chicago is appreciably worse off in the front office or in its drafting with so little to go on at this point. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: The McCaskey family hired Fox for a reason: to mold this team in the image of past great Bears teams, which thrived off physical play and defense. But is the personnel equipped to make that change overnight? A few key players to keep an eye on: rookie Eddie Goldman (nose tackle) and free-agents Pernell McPhee (outside linebacker) and Antrel Rolle (free safety). If these three can outperform expectations, the turnaround for this once-proud franchise could occur sooner than expected. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: Wondering why the Bears have had to hit the free-agent market to find starters the past two off-seasons? Easy: They have no starters left from the 2011 class and only one (Alshon Jeffery) from the 2012 class. This year's switch to the 3-4 could create more fallout. LB Shea McClellin(2012 first-rounder) and DT Will Sutton (2014 third-rounder) might have a hard time fitting into the new scheme. Jonathan Bostic needs to scramble to win the starting job at inside linebacker. --John Clayton

26. Buffalo Bills

2014 record: 9-7 (2nd in AFC East)

AFC East future rank: 4th

Overall score: 62.4

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: The Bills improved four spots overall largely because they jumped from 29th to 16th in the front-office category. They also moved from 16th to 10th in non-QB roster. It's just tough to climb up too much in the overall standings with Matt Cassel, EJ Manuel and Tyrod Taylor at quarterback. Buffalo ranked tied for last with Cleveland in that critical category. Because the front office has done a good job of setting up the roster overall, the Bills can make a big jump overall next year, provided they find more stability behind center (no easy task). --Mike Sando

The dilemma: Every franchise and every fan base gets unreasonably optimistic whenever there's a new regime in town. Add in the fact that Buffalo's coach is Rex Ryan, and managing expectations becomes critical for the organization. This team that has one of the worst quarterback situations in the league, which means if the Bills are going to make the playoffs for the first time since 1999, Ryan will have to do the best coaching job of his career. One thing that gives Buffalo fans a little hope: This roster is very strong outside of QB, particularly on defense and at the skill positions on offense. But if the expectations remain unrealistic and the team gets off to a slow start, things could get a little ugly. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: Except for the issues at quarterback, Ryan fell into a playoff-caliber roster, thanks to some great draft choices. Ryan has to be thrilled with six starters, who were drafted between 2012-14, playing on their rookie contracts. Stephon Gilmore, Cordy Glenn, Nigel Bradham, Robert Woods,Sammy Watkins and Preston Brown form a nice core group of young players that could get even better if third-rounder John Miller ends up starting at guard. It would just help if Manuel would develop into a decent starter. --John Clayton

27. Washington Redskins

2014 record: 4-12 (4th in NFC East)

NFC East future rank: 4th

Overall score: 59.3

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: The Redskins slipped three spots in the overall rankings almost entirely because there is much less optimism for Robert Griffin III and the quarterback situation. The Redskins dropped from 18th to 30th in QB outlook, but nothing much has changed in that area. Their hiring of GM Scot McCloughan was well-received as they saw a boost in front office (27th to 14th) and drafting (31st to 23rd). While the Redskins remain in the bottom seven for coaching (27th) and roster (26th), their roster figures to improve if McCloughan is a good fit for the long term. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: RG III's inability to stay on the field has severely hampered his development as a passer. And while I love just about everything this team has done from a player acquisition standpoint since McCloughan took over, exercising Griffin's fifth-year option for 2016 at $16.15 million is a huge risk, given his injury history. I'd be worried every time Griffin broke the pocket and ran with the football. This season will go a long way toward determining whether Griffin has a long-term future in Washington. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: Any youth movement was doomed when the new collective bargaining agreement started in 2011. The NFL penalized the Redskins $36 million in cap dollars for two years for deals done during the uncapped year. Then, in 2012, the Redskins traded three first-round picks and a second-rounder to St. Louis for Griffin, which made it nearly impossible for Washington to get many quality starters out of the draft. The result: Only the Buccaneers had fewer wins over the past two seasons than the Redskins' seven. --John Clayton

28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2014 record: 2-14 (4th in NFC South)

NFC South future rank: 4th

Overall score: 57.8

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: Drafting Jameis Winston improved the chances for long-term success at quarterback, but the Buccaneers plummeted by double digits in every other category, led by a 25-spot drop in drafting to 30th overall. The No. 5 ranking from one year ago seems laughably high in retrospect, and the current assessment could be a little too harsh. This team remains tough to figure out after falling flat in 2014 following what seemed like a promising offseason. The Buccaneers are no longer getting the benefit of the doubt. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: I said it before, during and after the draft: The Bucs' organizational structure and developmental plan at quarterback will make all the difference in the world for Winston as it relates to his on-field success. The unknown is whether Winston and Dirk Koetter can form the necessary bond between QB and coordinator. The Bucs have done everything in their power to surround Winston with good protection (they drafted Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet) and down-field weapons (Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson). But it's now up to Winston to do right by his teammates and coaches. If he can do that, Tampa will have found its first difference-maker at quarterback since Brad Johnson led them to a Super Bowl win in 2003. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: Lovie Smith is trying to dig the Bucs out of the holes created by the 2011 and 2012 drafts, which produced just two current starters -- running back Doug Martin and linebacker Lavonte David. Consider the last two drafts a good start. Winston drew plenty of praise during the OTAs and minicamp. Wide receiver Mike Evans has been moved to split end, giving him a chance to become the QB's No. 1 option, and the Bucs are still hopeful Austin Seferian-Jenkins turns into a star at tight end. --John Clayton

29. Oakland Raiders

2014 record: 3-13 (4th in AFC West)

AFC West future rank: 4th

Overall score: 56.5

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: The Raiders climbed three spots overall after jumping from 26th to 16th in the quarterback category, a vote of confidence in Derek Carr. It seems surprising that the Raiders actually dropped two spots to 31st in drafting after landing Carr, Khalil Mack, Amari Cooper and others, but it's also true that the team's promising young players are not yet proven difference makers. The Raiders' remained 32nd in front office outlook, which seems fair given the Raiders' overall organizational instability. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: There's no doubt Carr needs to improve in his second season, but the key to the Raiders' future rests equally on the shoulders Cooper. The fourth overall pick in 2015, Cooper shines both on and off the field, and has everything you want from the face of the franchise. (He reminds me a little of former Raider great Cliff Branch in that sense.) In totality, Cooper is one of the best wide receiver prospects I have ever scouted, and for him not to deliver early -- and in a big way -- would be a major disappointment. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: General manager Reggie McKenzie has put together two solid drafts, but this is still a roster with plenty of holes. The reason? Only three draftees remain from the 2011 and 2012 classes, and none are starters. In fact, the Raiders have given second contracts to only three draft choices since 2007. You'd expect that to change in the not-too-distant future: Mack and Cooper are two elite prospects, while Carr showed some promise as a rookie. --John Clayton

30. Cleveland Browns

2014 record: 7-9 (4th in AFC North)

AFC North future rank: 4th

Overall score: 54.9

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: Not much new to see here. The Browns slipped one spot to 30th in the overall rankings after falling from 24th to 31st in quarterback outlook.Josh McCown is a bridge starter at best, and Johnny Manziel is coming out of rehab after hardly playing as a rookie. Cleveland ranks 28th or worse in every category except non-QB roster, where a No. 23 ranking reflects a two-spot drop from last year. --Mike Sando

The dilemma: The Browns must to find a way to salvage the futures of both their 2014 first-round picks, CB Justin Gilbert and Manziel. There's an accepted philosophical scouting belief that it's OK to occasionally miss when evaluating a prospect's on-field talent, but it's never acceptable to miss on a prospect from a character perspective. That's especially true in the cases of Gilbert and Manziel, who had red sirens going off concerning their ability to handle the pro game off the field. If they are unable to turn things around, the Browns will feel the effects for years to come. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: Coaching and management changes have hindered the Browns' ability to build a solid young foundation. If Danny Shelton beats outPhil Taylor at nose tackle, Cleveland will have only three starters from its 2011-14 draft classes -- guard Joel Bitonio, tackle Mitchell Schwartz and linebackerBarkevious Mingo. The Browns would be in big trouble if wasn't for their ability to find decent players in the later rounds and off the street -- safety Tashaun Gipson (undrafted), linebacker Craig Robertson (undrafted), wide receiverTaylor Gabriel (undrafted), defensive end Billy Winn (sixth round) and running back Isaiah Crowell (undrafted). --John Clayton

31. Tennessee Titans

2014 record: 2-14 (4th in AFC South)

AFC South future rank: 3rd

Overall score: 54.5

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

The overview: This ranking seems low for a team excited about selecting quarterback Marcus Mariota with the second overall pick, but a disastrous 2-14 record in 2014 affected how voters perceived the Titans' leaders. It's tough to know where the organization is headed in the long term while a potential ownership change looms. Thanks to Mariota, Tennessee improved from 32nd to 21st in quarterback outlook, the second-largest gain in that category behind the 14-spot improvement from Minnesota. But the Titans fell six spots overall after suffering double-digit drops in drafting (32nd), front office (31st), coaching (29th) and non-QB roster (32nd). --Mike Sando

The dilemma: Early indications are that Mariota is adapting more quickly than his critics had expected, which should not come as a surprise if you scouted him with the proper context at Oregon. The real question at this point: Can Ken Whisenhunt and his offensive staff extract the maximum performance out of Mariota, given what he was used to doing in college? It has been a long, long time since the Titans have been relevant. If coached right, Mariota could change the fate of the franchise.. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: The Titans have been playing catch-up after three sub-par drafts from 2011-13. Mariota is trying to fix the failure of Jake Locker from the 2011 draft. Wide receiver Kendall Wright is the lone prize from the 2012 class (although Coty Sensabaugh is a decent cornerback). The continued development of guard Chance Warmack and center Brian Schwenke -- both 2013 draftees -- would go a long way toward setting up Mariota to succeed. --John Clayton

32. Jacksonville Jaguars

2014 record: 3-13 (3rd in AFC South)

AFC South future rank: 4th

Overall score: 53.2

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category. Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

 

The overview: The Jaguars commanded accolades in recent years for taking a long-term view toward rebuilding, but how much better are their prospects? Jacksonville fell from 10th to 19th in drafting -- the second-largest drop for any team -- and 13th to 27th in front-office, which tied for the second-largest drop. Their non-QB roster held steady at 31st. Optimism for Blake Bortles remains muted, as reflected in the Jaguars' No. 27 ranking in quarterback outlook (down one spot from a year ago). --Mike Sando

The dilemma: Bortles reportedly spent the offseason working with biomechanics guru Tom House to address the deterioration of his game during his rookie season. These changes are somewhat easy to implement in the offseason, but the real test comes once the regular season begins. Players typically revert to their instincts when under pressure, and the Jaguars staff cannot afford for Bortles to struggle again. They need to win, and win now. --Louis Riddick

The youth movement: The Jaguars can't catch a break. Dante Fowler Jr., the third pick in the draft, would have been the best player on their roster, but he blew out his ACL and is done for the season. They thought they had the answer at wide receiver in Justin Blackmon but he has spent more time on the suspended list than he has on the field. Jacksonville is in the vicious cycle of drafting players, losing 11-13 games and ending up without any players worth signing to a second contract. General manager Dave Caldwell may end up getting as many as 10 starters from the 2013 and 2014 drafts, but they have a long way to go before the Jaguars find themselves in the playoff hint. --John Clayton

 

[|Numbers|]

It's a good piece of writing IMHO. Nails it perfectly in regards to Andy Dalton. Whether you're an Andy Dalton fan or not, this could be his last year if we lose again in the playoffs.

[BengalRugby]

It's a good piece of writing IMHO. Nails it perfectly in regards to Andy Dalton. Whether you're an Andy Dalton fan or not, this could be his last year if we lose again in the playoffs.

 

 

I believe Black Jesus is far more accountable for the Bengals playoff woes.

 

Dalton is thrown under the bus far too often, especially considering the injured players during the most recent one and done...

[|Numbers|]

I believe Black Jesus is far more accountable for the Bengals playoff woes.
 
Dalton is thrown under the bus far too often, especially considering the injured players during the most recent one and done...

As the article states; " The Bengals are able to get out from under Dalton's contract with ease following this upcoming season... "

You may be right. Dalton will not be the only person on the bus out of town.

[Le Tigre]

Blah, blah, blah..same Stealer and Rat-loving crap (didn't see them listed up there, but figured they were between 3-7).    

[BengalRugby]

As the article states; " The Bengals are able to get out from under Dalton's contract with ease following this upcoming season... "

You may be right. Dalton will not be the only person on the bus out of town.

 

I agree with the Bengals being able to get away from Dalton, and that they would do that much sooner than casting stones at Mrvin Lewis. I was simply noting where much more of the true blame resides, yet Dalton is again the scapegoat.

 

[|SF2|]

 

 

I believe Black Jesus is far more accountable for the Bengals playoff woes.

 

Dalton is thrown under the bus far too often, especially considering the injured players during the most recent one and done...

He had his chance against San Diego.  Third year here, all of his weapons available, playing against a very average at best San Diego team at home.  He utterly shit himself.  

 

You can say what you want about last years Colt game but even with all of his weapons, I simply don't think he steps up and wins that game.

[HairOnFire]

It's a good piece of writing IMHO. Nails it perfectly in regards to Andy Dalton. Whether you're an Andy Dalton fan or not, this could be his last year if we lose again in the playoffs.

 

Hard to find an article that doesn't mention how this could be Dalton's last year as a Bengal.

 

It won't be.

 

Riddick says the Bengals can get out of Dalton's contract with ease.

 

They won't.

 

Sando finds a way to move the Bengals up 5 spots without giving them any credit and then wonders aloud if enviable franchise stability is really a sign of lack of ambition. 

 

He can eat a dick.

 

Finally, John Clayton calls the Bengals 2012 draft "special" and gushes over the drafting prowess of Duke Tobin but over the next three years the team is projected to be the 3rd best team in the AFCN for reasons not mentioned.

 

Not impressed with the rest of the team breakdowns either.

 

For one example, Cowboy analysis improperly included in the breakdown of the Patriots.

 

For another, Saints breakdown suddenly starts talking about Dolphin players.

 

Lazy cut and paste stuff.

[Jason]

They might be "able to" get away from Dalton, but I'm still not convinced they will.  Even if he pulls another 1 and done, or does not make the playoffs.

 

I have said it before, and I will say it again, we are in a bad position to upgrade the QB position with any level of certainty.

 

QBs better than Dalton rarely make it to free agency.  Especially in this era of the passing NFL.

 

I'm also not convinced yet that any of the QBs in this draft are "Franchise" caliber guys.  And if one of them does turn out to be, he will be gone before we pick.  How many draft picks are you willing to give up to move up? 

 

Are you willing to give the nod to AJ M and hope he is either better than Dalton, or bad enough to net a top 5/10 pick?

[|SF2|]

They might be "able to" get away from Dalton, but I'm still not convinced they will.  Even if he pulls another 1 and done, or does not make the playoffs.

 

I have said it before, and I will say it again, we are in a bad position to upgrade the QB position with any level of certainty.

 

QBs better than Dalton rarely make it to free agency.  Especially in this era of the passing NFL.

 

I'm also not convinced yet that any of the QBs in this draft are "Franchise" caliber guys.  And if one of them does turn out to be, he will be gone before we pick.  How many draft picks are you willing to give up to move up? 

 

Are you willing to give the nod to AJ M and hope he is either better than Dalton, or bad enough to net a top 5/10 pick?

Andy Dalton is becoming this era's Kenny Anderson.  He may stay around forever and have an occasional great season.  Just remember this:  In 16 years here, Anderson won 2 playoff games all in the same year.   If that is something you can live with...fine.  

 

I have said this on many occasions, the biggest problem with Andy is he doesn't suck.

[JBandJoeyV]

He had his chance against San Diego.  Third year here, all of his weapons available, playing against a very average at best San Diego team at home.  He utterly shit himself.  
 
You can say what you want about last years Colt game but even with all of his weapons, I simply don't think he steps up and wins that game.

The first half of the SD game is actually why I do have faith he can step up and play well in the playoffs. And actually his first half against the colts was solid too.

Obviously his second half (after the Gio fumble and the Oline starting to let everyone through) turned into a disaster, but he has at least shown he can play good football for a half or two.

Obviously he needs to turn that from one half into one game then into multiple games, but point is I think he has it in him. But I understand why people would focus more on the second half of that game.

If we make the playoffs and AD goes out and plays like he did in the first half of the SD playoff game and maybe we get a big play on D too and take like a 10-14 point lead into the half, who knows what might happen. I truly think they just need to play that one really good playoff game on both sides of the ball and win that first game and then things will take off from there. But well see. I wouldn't give him much past this season either if he doesn't get it done.

[Arkansas Bengal]

The first half of the SD game is actually why I do have faith he can step up and play well in the playoffs. And actually his first half against the colts was solid too.

Obviously his second half (after the Gio fumble and the Oline starting to let everyone through) turned into a disaster, but he has at least shown he can play good football for a half or two.

Obviously he needs to turn that from one half into one game then into multiple games, but point is I think he has it in him. But I understand why people would focus more on the second half of that game.

If we make the playoffs and AD goes out and plays like he did in the first half of the SD playoff game and maybe we get a big play on D too and take like a 10-14 point lead into the half, who knows what might happen. I truly think they just need to play that one really good playoff game on both sides of the ball and win that first game and then things will take off from there. But well see. I wouldn't give him much past this season either if he doesn't get it done.

 

The WHOLE TEAM sucks in the second half of playoff games (and usually prime time games).

 

Marvin and his staff are FAMOUS for getting outcoached in the second halves.  Our lack of adjustments is an absolute disgrace.

[|SF2|]

 
The WHOLE TEAM sucks in the second half of playoff games (and usually prime time games).
 
Marvin and his staff are FAMOUS for getting outcoached in the second halves.  Our lack of adjustments is an absolute disgrace.

The defense did not suck in the second half of the San Diego game. The only huge play was when they put 11 in the box in desperation time and got burned.

[B.A.B.]

You guys seriously trying to convince yourselves that Andy can make that step. Still? Just stop. Stop. If it happens fine. But it most likely isn't.

[JBandJoeyV]

You guys seriously trying to convince yourselves that Andy can make that step. Still? Just stop. Stop. If it happens fine. But it most likely isn't.

Go watch the first half of the SD game. If he can do that in a half he can do it in a full game and hopefully more.

Key to the next playoff game is going to be getting a lead. If we can go into half time with a 7-10 point lead and wear them down with hill and gio I think dalton is more than capable of putting the game away.

Assuming we make it back...