NFL Power Rankings: Vikings, Rams rising via free agency/trades

The circus is almost over.

Sure, we'll see more free agents sign deals in the coming weeks and months. Ndamukong Suh's still out there. As is Kenny Vaccaro. Don't you worry about nothing, though, as Mike Glennon has already found a home. Which gives me an excuse to provide this hyperlink (Byyyyyy Glennon!).

But the true "free agency frenzy" has come and gone. Fans who are hyper-worried that their team didn't do enough during this period -- ahem, Cowboys -- must be patient, as so many organizations wait until the NFL draft theater plays out before moving on to those veterans who are still on the street.

No one seemed to be very patient when it came to wide receivers -- that market moved fast and furious. Allen Robinson was the headliner, but guys like Sammy Watkins, Michael Crabtree, Paul Richardson, John Brown, Taylor Gabriel, Danny Amendola and Donte Moncrief all found new employers in swift fashion. This, more than anything, reveals how much trust GMs have in this year's draft crop of receivers. And when it comes to Moncrief's former locale ...

The Colts are galloping henceforth, with the end of ranks tighter than before.

So, in the wake of free agency's opening wave -- talk about March madness ... -- we found it an appropriate time to reconfigure the ranks of NFL teams. Send your market corrections to @HarrisonNFL. Be nice.

Let the dissension commence!

  The 
 [Super Bowl](http://www.nfl.com/superbowl) champs aren't going to be chumps on the phone. That's what we learned this past week when it came out that the 
 [Cardinals](/teams/arizonacardinals/profile?team=ARI) 
 [lobbed a call](http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-free-agency/0ap3000000921343/Garafolo-Cardinals-called-Eagles-about-potential-Nick-Foles-trade) for 
 [Nick Foles](/player/nickfoles/2532842/profile). Howie Roseman laughs at your offer of a non-first-round pick. He scoffs. He doesn't bite. He gleams. OK, that last one didn't make sense, but you have to hand it to 
 [Eagles](/teams/philadelphiaeagles/profile?team=PHI) brass for the way they've managed their resources. Losing 
 [Patrick Robinson](/player/patrickrobinson/2508084/profile) hurts, as he was one of the most underrated players last season. Retaining 
 [Nigel Bradham](/player/nigelbradham/2532800/profile), on 
 [a don't-wanna-move discount](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000921159/article/nigel-bradham-eagles-agree-on-fiveyear-40m-deal), helps. Still No. 1. 

  Much hand-wringing these days about the 
 [Patriots](/teams/newenglandpatriots/profile?team=NE) plummeting after 
 [a tough Super Bowl loss](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018020400/2017/POST22/eagles@patriots), the 
 [unpopular benching](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000914519/article/malcolm-butler-patriots-gave-up-on-me-in-super-bowl) of a season-long starter and some free-agent defections. Not to defecate on the implosion theories, but those same skeptics should also realize that New England darn near won the 
 [Super Bowl](http://www.nfl.com/superbowl) without 
 [Julian Edelman](/player/julianedelman/238498/profile), and with 
 [Brandin Cooks](/player/brandincooks/2543498/profile) nearly missing the whole game. Unless 
 [Tom Brady](/player/tombrady/2504211/profile) hits a wall -- or legitimately gets disgruntled over the 
 [Malcolm Butler](/player/malcolmbutler/2550613/profile) benching and every other piece of gossip -- it's hard to downgrade these guys too much. Who in the AFC is better? 

  So much to like about this Jacksonville team, although no one is overly excited about the Jags occasionally trying to win in spite of the quarterback. No more 
 [Chad Henne](/player/chadhenne/252/profile) to fall back on, either. Yet, Jacksonville holds the three spot, as this group almost made the 
 [Super Bowl](http://www.nfl.com/superbowl) with 
 [Blake Bortles](/player/blakebortles/2543477/profile) at quarterback. Also of importance: 
 [importing guard Andrew Norwell](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000920814/article/guard-andrew-norwell-expected-to-sign-with-jaguars), the best player at his position on the market. 

  Hard to fault the 
 [Vikings](/teams/minnesotavikings/profile?team=MIN) so far this offseason. They upgraded at quarterback, even if 
 [Case Keenum](/player/casekeenum/2532888/profile) played as well as -- if not better than -- 
 [Kirk Cousins](/player/kirkcousins/2532820/profile) last season. Recall that Cousins endured injuries on the offensive line, a backfield of transient backs and his supposed WR1 ending up as the biggest bust in last year's free-agent class. Moreover, signing 
 [Sheldon Richardson](/player/sheldonrichardson/2540142/profile) only helps the top defense in the conference. And we haven't even gotten to 
 [Dalvin Cook](/player/dalvincook/2557991/profile) rehabbing. Dude. 

  While people point to 
 [the moves the Vikings](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000921809/article/vikings-sheldon-richardson-finalizing-1year-deal) 
 [and Rams have made](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000921989/article/ndamukong-suh-set-to-visit-with-los-angeles-rams), another of the NFC elite hasn't stood pat. Picking up 
 [Patrick Robinson](/player/patrickrobinson/2508084/profile) -- fresh off an excellent 2017 season -- and a steady leader at safety in 
 [Kurt Coleman](/player/kurtcoleman/494261/profile) will only help this football team. The 
 [Saints](/teams/neworleanssaints/profile?team=NO) are ready to win it all now, as they've got two years of 
 [Drew Brees](/player/drewbrees/2504775/profile) to grab that second ring. In win-now mode, New Orleans must look to the draft to shore up the offensive line, add some more juice at wideout and at least take a long look at acquiring another quarterback besides 
 [Tom Savage](/player/tomsavage/2543640/profile), just in case. 

  Are these guys the best outfit in the NFC? They're not far off. Amazing what GM Les Snead was able to pull off with the secondary, when it appeared a strong 2017 unit was going to be decimated by expiring contracts in 2018. The 
 [Rams](/teams/losangelesrams/profile?team=LA) instead made deals for 
 [Marcus Peters](/player/marcuspeters/2552488/profile) 
 *and* 
 [Aqib Talib](/player/aqibtalib/1302/profile), while surprisingly retaining 
 [Nickell Robey-Coleman](/player/nickellrobey-coleman/2540197/profile) for palatable dollars. Oh, and the offense is still good. Don't harangue me about the 
 [Sammy Watkins](/player/sammywatkins/2543457/profile) departure, either. Not a huge deal. Well, it was costly ... for the 
 [Chiefs](/teams/kansascitychiefs/profile?team=KC). 

  The 
 [Le'Veon Bell](/player/le'veonbell/2540175/profile) storyline is (thankfully) solved 
 [for now](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000919812/article/steelers-use-exclusive-franchise-tag-on-leveon-bell), although we will endure this whole rigmarole again next offseason if the organization and the star running back don't come to terms on a long-term deal. Ah, the joys of franchise-tagging. So sexy. That said, Bell's position on his position's pay is understandable: He's not 
 [Devonta Freeman](/player/devontafreeman/2543583/profile) -- or any other back in the league, for that matter. He's the queen on the chessboard for that offense, able to line up anywhere and beat who's across him. How many players like that are running around? 

  Slight dip for the 
 [Falcons](/teams/atlantafalcons/profile?team=ATL), who have taken it on the chin thus far in free agency. Nothing horrible, but losing 
 [Adrian Clayborn](/player/adrianclayborn/2495140/profile) and 
 [Taylor Gabriel](/player/taylorgabriel/2550617/profile) -- two solid and occasionally spectacular performers -- does put a dent in matters. ( 
 [SEE: Clayborn vs. Cowboys left tackles](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000876534/article/adrian-clayborns-six-sacks-earned-750k-pay-day). Holy guacamole.) Losing 
 [Dontari Poe](/player/dontaripoe/2533435/profile) also hurts. Atlanta should be fine, and more than capable of putting up 10 wins again. That said, the NFC South isn't getting any easier. Thomas Dimitroff wasn't expected to be a big player in free agency anyway. Other than, um, 
 [Brandon Fusco](/player/brandonfusco/2495283/profile). Calm down. 

  Whew doggie, the 
 [Jordy Nelson](/player/jordynelson/1032/profile) departure caught football folks off guard. 
 *It's [a sad part](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000921124/article/aaron-rodgers-honors-jordy-nelson-after-sad-day) of the business*, and, 
 *Well, better to get out on a player a year early than a year late.* What other crap did we hear about the Nelson ouster? Here's the bottom line: Nelson is coming off a season in which he averaged less than 10 yards per catch. He's entering Year 11. Then again, he fit in with the offense, quarterback and community. Not sure 
 [Jimmy Graham](/player/jimmygraham/497236/profile) did two out of those three while in Seattle. Maybe Graham was a system player in New Orleans whose athletic feats fit in perfectly with Sean Payton and 
 [Drew Brees](/player/drewbrees/2504775/profile) utilizing the seam route high-ball often. Interesting move. The new GM isn't afraid of making 'em, either. 

  Every other team in the AFC West has ferociously sounded the bugle since free agency kicked off last week. Not these dudes. The 
 [Chargers](/teams/losangeleschargers/profile?team=LAC) mostly stood pat, letting other teams parse out dollars and cents (sense?) for quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs. Hey, they signed 
 [Virgil Green](/player/virgilgreen/2495288/profile) and 
 [Caleb Sturgis](/player/calebsturgis/2539637/profile)! Get excited. Then GM Tom Telesco brought in former Dolphin center 
 [Mike Pouncey](/player/mikepouncey/2495216/profile). 
 [That's a large stroke](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000922084/article/chargers-mike-pouncey-agree-to-twoyear-contract). Maybe lightning will strike twice, as 
 [Russell Okung](/player/russellokung/497032/profile) was signed last year and ended up in the 
 [Pro Bowl](http://www.nfl.com/probowl). 

  Carolina feels like the perfect team for this spot in the rankings. Nobody really knows how good Ron Rivera's squad is, but these 
 [Panthers](/teams/carolinapanthers/profile?team=CAR) 
 *seem* fully capable of securing another playoff spot -- so long as 
 [Cam Newton](/player/camnewton/2495455/profile) is upright and healthy, and the defense keeps them in games. To that end, Carolina re-upped 
 [Julius Peppers](/player/juliuspeppers/2505010/profile), who will be heading into his 55th season in the National Football League. To think, he once sacked Bart Starr! Actually, his 11 sacks in 2017 -- on a one-year, $3.5 million deal -- made him one of the biggest bargains from last offseason's free-agent market. Retaining him on another one-year pact made sense for all parties. That said, this team must overcome some difficult defections, headlined by the top guard on the free-agent market: 
 [Andrew Norwell](/player/andrewnorwell/2550589/profile), who'll be lining up for the 
 [Jaguars](/teams/jacksonvillejaguars/profile?team=JAX) in 2018. 

  Everyone, including your hack writer, is excited to see 
 [Deshaun Watson](/player/deshaunwatson/2558063/profile) back in action. What that translates to is rather challenging to surmise at this point, yet with 
 [J.J. Watt](/player/j.j.watt/2495488/profile) and 
 [Whitney Mercilus](/player/whitneymercilus/2533049/profile) back in tow, the 
 [Texans](/teams/houstontexans/profile?team=HOU) should be back in bidness. Also exciting: 
 [The arrival of the Honey Badger](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000921889/article/texans-sign-safety-tyrann-mathieu-to-1year-7m-deal). If you haven't taken in Animal Planet lately, just know: 
 [You don't mess with those little guys](https://youtu.be/4r7wHMg5Yjg). Remember that this Houston defense was No. 1 in total defense in 2016, without the benefit of Watt for most of that season. Even if he's not the same player anymore, methinks Houston secures a wild-card spot in 2018. 

  People haven't been this jacked about the 
 [49ers](/teams/sanfrancisco49ers/profile?team=SF) since 
 [Jim Harbaugh's introductory press conference](http://www.nfl.com/videos/san-francisco-49ers/09000d5d81d8803b/Jim-Harbaugh-introduced) over seven years ago. Garoppolomania is approaching the Tebow stratosphere, with recent free-agent acquisitions only boosting the adrenalized exuberance over a team that finished the season with five straight wins. 
 [Carlos Hyde](/player/carloshyde/2543743/profile) could be a loss, although he was a peaks-and-valleys player for most of his career in Frisco. That said, you'd think 
 [Jerick McKinnon](/player/jerickmckinnon/2543715/profile) was the second coming of 
 [Marcus Allen](/player/marcusallen/null/profile), given the fans' reaction to his signing and 
 [the money the Niners are doling out for him](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000921148/article/niners-expected-to-sign-exvikings-rb-jerick-mckinnon). 

  Like what Tennessee's done in free agency. Bolster the secondary with a player who has much to prove in 
 [Malcolm Butler](/player/malcolmbutler/2550613/profile) (ya think?), while re-tooling the backfield with a more appropriate complement to 
 [Derrick Henry](/player/derrickhenry/2556075/profile) in the newly arrived 
 [Dion Lewis](/player/dionlewis/2495469/profile). Maybe the 
 [Titans](/teams/tennesseetitans/profile?team=TEN) got so tired of seeing the latter jitterbug his way through their linebackers 
 [in the playoffs](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2018011301/2017/POST19/titans@patriots) that they were willing to pay Jerick McKinnon-Niner money for New England's scatback. Wideout is still a major concern for this team, but it's hard to argue that the defections there will detract from the overall prospects of this team. Wonder what it's going to be like for 
 [Tom Brady](/player/tombrady/2504211/profile) to see 
 [his sixth ring](https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/02/05/malcolm-butler-benching-eagles-passing-scheme-super-bowl-52) out there playing corner when the Pats visit the 
 [Titans](/teams/tennesseetitans/profile?team=TEN) this year. 

  While it was weird seeing the 
 [Seahawks](/teams/seattleseahawks/profile?team=SEA) miss the playoffs last year, we might have to get used to it. Seattle took a hit or three in free agency (although I did like the 
 [Ed Dickson](/player/eddickson/497224/profile) signing). The offense should be alright -- even without 
 [Jimmy Graham](/player/jimmygraham/497236/profile) and 
 [Paul Richardson](/player/paulrichardson/2543491/profile) -- 
 *if* the offensive line adds a piece and doesn't lose a starter in preseason. The defense lost much, starting with No. 25. Was at a barbecue the other day where I spoke with Alice in Chains guitarist Jerry Cantrell. He is an unabashed 
 [Seahawks](/teams/seattleseahawks/profile?team=SEA) fanatic, complete with a 
 [Richard Sherman](/player/richardsherman/2495507/profile) 
 *road* jersey. He seemed less than enthused about his team than usual. 

  Depending on your perspective, the 
 [Ravens](/teams/baltimoreravens/profile?team=BAL) have either enjoyed a very fruitful or fruitless winter session. The team managed to energize the wide receiver corps with the speedy 
 [John Brown](/player/johnbrown/2543847/profile) and highly emotional 
 [Michael Crabtree](/player/michaelcrabtree/71269/profile). (Question 1: Did you see 
 [Aqib Talib was traded to the Rams](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000920326/article/denver-broncos-to-trade-aqib-talib-to-la-rams)? Question 2: 
 [When do the Ravens play the Rams next??](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000883156/article/aqib-talib-michael-crabtree-ejected-following-skirmish)) On the other hand, Brown is often hurt, while Crabtree is coming off his worst year since an abbreviated (post-Achilles surgery) 2013 campaign. Baltimore also lost center 
 [Ryan Jensen](/player/ryanjensen/2541159/profile) to free agency and there are additional questions -- health- and depth-related -- on the offensive line. Draft. 

  We know that the 
 [Lions](/teams/detroitlions/profile?team=DET) can hang their hat on Matt Stafford and a fairly talented stable of wideouts. Leggie Blount comes to town to add some oomph to the run game, a massive failure (and the biggest reason Detroit missed the playoffs) last season. The offensive line should be healthier, with 
 [Taylor Decker](/player/taylordecker/2555206/profile) ready to go from Day 1. Still, Detroit lost a few parts on the assembly line of the defense, a unit that wasn't all that strong to begin with in 2017. Look for GM Bob Quinn and new beard Matt Patricia to look hard at defensive line in the draft, potentially taking a DE and a DT in the first few rounds. 

  So much blabber about 
 [Patrick Mahomes](/player/patrickmahomes/2558125/profile) that the general public might be overlooking a major obstacle for 
 [Chiefs](/teams/kansascitychiefs/profile?team=KC) success in 2018: the defensive side of the ball. Kansas City needs help at corner, defensive line and in the pass rush. 
 [Marcus Peters](/player/marcuspeters/2552488/profile) is gone. The odd saga of 
 [Tamba Hali](/player/tambahali/2506883/profile) has reached its "all is lost" moment, while 
 [Dee Ford](/player/deeford/2543494/profile) has been as reliable as Elvis Grbac. 
 [Anthony Hitchens](/player/anthonyhitchens/2543592/profile) should help out. He's turned into a solid pro after a muddy start in Dallas. But all the 
 [Sammy Watkins](/player/sammywatkins/2543457/profile) signings in the world won't help the 
 [Chiefs](/teams/kansascitychiefs/profile?team=KC) stop 
 [Philip Rivers](/player/philiprivers/2506121/profile), 
 [Derek Carr](/player/derekcarr/2543499/profile) or even 
 [Case Keenum](/player/casekeenum/2532888/profile). 

  Welp, 
 [Bills](/teams/buffalobills/profile?team=BUF) fans -- some at least -- got what they wanted. No 
 [Tyrod Taylor](/player/tyrodtaylor/2495240/profile) under center for the first time since 2014. Don't get me wrong: I've seen few picketers with poster boards of 
 [The Neck Beard](http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/kyle-orton-retirement-buffalo-bills-veteran-quarterback-dallas-chiefs-broncos-bears-2005-draft/bse9k0885sx71ot5o6xt5ap6t) waltzing in concentric circles around Ralph Wilson Stadium. Yet, does that mean 
 [AJ McCarron](/player/ajmccarron/2543497/profile) is better than Kyle Orton or TT? Who knows. What the 
 [Bills](/teams/buffalobills/profile?team=BUF) Mafia 
 *does know* is the ceiling on Taylor's play, which McCarron might not surpass. Ah, but he 
 *could*. Therein lies the hope. Glad 
 [Kyle Williams](/player/kylewilliams/2506931/profile) is returning for another season. Not glad 
 [E.J. Gaines](/player/e.j.gaines/2543823/profile) is as good as gone. 

  No one seems too sure what Chucky and those 
 [Raiders](/teams/oaklandraiders/profile?team=OAK) are up to -- my colleague quipped that the team looked at a fantasy mag from three years ago and started making moves. 
 [Jordy Nelson](/player/jordynelson/1032/profile) and 
 [Doug Martin](/player/dougmartin/2532899/profile) aside, Oakland jettisoned kick-return ace 
 [Cordarrelle Patterson](/player/cordarrellepatterson/2540145/profile), 
 [shipping him to the Patriots,](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000921973/article/raiders-trade-wr-cordarrelle-patterson-to-patriots) who never do reclamation projects ... or is that 
 *always*. Hopefully that move turns out like the Randy Moss acquisition. Or not. 
 [Marshawn Lynch](/player/marshawnlynch/2495663/profile) is back for another year. Somewhat under the radar, Beast Mode was effective in spots. Perhaps Gruden can find a better way to use the masked mauler on the ground this time around. 

  It's March. Which means I have no idea how good (or bad) the 
 [Cowboys](/teams/dallascowboys/profile?team=DAL) are going to be. Contributors like 
 [Orlando Scandrick](/player/orlandoscandrick/2307/profile) and 
 [Anthony Hitchens](/player/anthonyhitchens/2543592/profile) are gone, a la 
 [Ronald Leary](/player/ronaldleary/2533454/profile), Doug Free and 
 [Barry Church](/player/barrychurch/494259/profile) last offseason. Granted, those were much larger departures -- literally and figuratively. Yet, if 
 [Dak Prescott](/player/dakprescott/2555260/profile) is not the answer, this team simply isn't strong enough to overcome his shortcomings. Talent outside is an issue, as Dallas has mulled over 
 [Dez Bryant](/player/dezbryant/497278/profile)'s immediate future. Going down the road, salary-cap problems are omnipresent for this group. Franchise-tagging 
 [DeMarcus Lawrence](http://www.nfl.com/player/demarcuslawrence/2543490/profile) is merely a bridge to next offseason for now, unless a long-term deal gets done. Then there's the issue of signing draft picks. Speaking of, call it appropriate that the draft is in Big D this year, because the great college trade fair is 
 *oh so important* for the Jones gang this time around. 

  Entering the 
 [Alex Smith](http://www.nfl.com/player/alexsmith/2506340/profile) era immediately provides the 
 [Redskins](/teams/washingtonredskins/profile?team=WAS) a leg up on the 
 [Cowboys](/teams/dallascowboys/profile?team=DAL) and the 
 [Giants](/teams/newyorkgiants/profile?team=NYG) at the quarterback position in the NFC East. Originally, Washington was going to be without 
 [Kirk Cousins](/player/kirkcousins/2532820/profile) this offseason, which translated to taking a dive off the deep end in the first-round quarterback pool. Then the organization 
 [traded for Smith,](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000912606/article/kansas-city-chiefs-trading-qb-alex-smith-to-redskins) who won't have to deal (hopefully) with a banged-up offensive line and running back stable. Also incoming: 
 [Paul Richardson](/player/paulrichardson/2543491/profile), who should bring much better returns than 
 [Terrelle Pryor](/player/terrellepryor/2531332/profile) did in 2017. 

  At the risk of going nutso, I am certifiably excited about the 
 [Bears](/teams/chicagobears/profile?team=CHI) this season. Let's talk free agency inside-baseball stuff. Chicago went out and grabbed an 'X' in 
 [Allen Robinson](/player/allenrobinson/2543509/profile), a 'Y' in 
 [Taylor Gabriel](/player/taylorgabriel/2550617/profile), kicking help in 
 [Cody Parkey](/player/codyparkey/2550380/profile), a relatively established QB2 in 
 [Chase Daniel](/player/chasedaniel/81284/profile) and a classic off-everyone's-radar signing in 
 [Aaron Lynch](/player/aaronlynch/2543650/profile). That's the kind of move nobody cares about until he's contributing to wins. Speaking of, improvement might not come courtesy of wins, given that the three other quarterbacks in the division are 
 [Kirk Cousins](/player/kirkcousins/2532820/profile), a healthy 
 [Aaron Rodgers](/player/aaronrodgers/2506363/profile) and a still-underrated 
 [Matthew Stafford](/player/matthewstafford/79860/profile). 
   

   

 **Trivia:** Other than 
 [Brandon Marshall](http://www.nfl.com/player/brandonmarshall/2495893/profile) and 
 [Alshon Jeffery](/player/alshonjeffery/2533039/profile), have the 
 [Bears](/teams/chicagobears/profile?team=CHI) ever had two receivers post 1,000 yards in the same season? If so, who? ( 
 [@HarrisonNFL](https://twitter.com/HarrisonNFL)) 

  Your guess is as off as mine. Could this be too low for the Bucs? Certainly. The spot here is indicative of the 
 [Bears](/teams/chicagobears/profile?team=CHI)' progress. Tampa shored up both lines, which is always wonderful -- that is, if you consider 98 years of data showing that being in contention on the line of scrimmage means contending in the standings. 
 [Extending](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000920426/article/mike-evans-agrees-to-fiveyear-825m-deal-with-bucs) 
 [Mike Evans](/player/mikeevans/2543468/profile) and 
 [re-signing](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000920679/article/bucs-signing-cameron-brate-to-sixyear-41m-deal) 
 [Cameron Brate](/player/cameronbrate/2550656/profile) was optimal, as well. The holes are still holes, however -- most notably at running back. 

  Much like the Bucs over in the NFC, what the 
 [Bengals](/teams/cincinnatibengals/profile?team=CIN) are is anybody's guess. As in, they can play with anybody (SEE: 
 [at Lambeau, 2017](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2017092411/2017/REG3/bengals@packers)) or get flattened just as easily (SEE: 
 [vs. Bears, 2017](http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2017121002/2017/REG14/bears@bengals)). There is still plenty of talent in the building, particularly at the skill positions. The 
 [Chris Baker](/player/chrisbaker/2507557/profile) 
 [signing](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000920071/article/chris-baker-signs-1year-deal-with-cincinnati-bengals) made sense, even if he projects as a mere rotational player. Loved Cincy going out and getting 
 [Preston Brown](/player/prestonbrown/2543814/profile). So many teams could use Brown at linebacker this season. 
 [Trading for](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000920708/article/buffalo-bills-trading-cordy-glenn-to-cincinnati-bengals) 
 [Cordy Glenn](/player/cordyglenn/2532849/profile) was nifty. Still, offensive line is a massive question mark. And the defense is devoid of major matchup problems for offensive coordinators. #WhoDey 

  The Broncos-Cardinals- 
 [Jets](/teams/newyorkjets/profile?team=NYJ) corridor in these Power Rankings was easily the toughest to arrange. Who cares, right? It's Nos. 26, 27 and 28. Well, where were the 
 [Jaguars](/teams/jacksonvillejaguars/profile?team=JAX) in 
 [these Free Agency Power Rankings last year?](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000792983/article/nfl-power-rankings-free-agency-pushing-giants-toward-no-1) How about the 
 [Eagles](/teams/philadelphiaeagles/profile?team=PHI)? Granted, those two teams probably enjoyed the two most productive offseasons of 2017, but you get the point. Often some franchise at the bottom of the heap surges. The 
 [Broncos](/teams/denverbroncos/profile?team=DEN) upgraded at quarterback with 
 [Case Keenum](/player/casekeenum/2532888/profile), who was more effective in Minnesota than 
 [Sam Bradford](/player/sambradford/497095/profile). They are also 
 *narrrrrowly* better than the Cards at the skill positions and much better than the 
 [Jets](/teams/newyorkjets/profile?team=NYJ) at QB-RB-WR. Defense? Still 
 [Von Miller](/player/vonmiller/2495202/profile)'s boys. 

  The 
 [Sam Bradford](/player/sambradford/497095/profile) 
 [acquisition](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000920953/article/sam-bradford-signs-1year-20m-deal-with-cardinals) provides hope for an organization that eked out a .500 record with 
 [Blaine Gabbert](/player/blainegabbert/2495441/profile), 
 [Drew Stanton](/player/drewstanton/2495748/profile) and a little bit of Carson Palmer last year. The 
 [Cardinals](/teams/arizonacardinals/profile?team=ARI) were without 
 [David Johnson](/player/davidjohnson/2553435/profile)'s services for most of the season, as well. You can lump 
 [Markus Golden](/player/markusgolden/2552273/profile) in that box. Yet, there is no getting around the massive loss of the front man for this franchise. Former head coach Bruce Arians was the beating heart of this football team. Honey Badger is also gone. And 
 [Larry Fitzgerald](/player/larryfitzgerald/2506106/profile) is 34 years old, with little in the way of a complement on the other side. 

  The 
 [Jets](/teams/newyorkjets/profile?team=NYJ) knocked the free agency period out of the park -- sort of. Call it a Mookie Wilson inside-the-park special. They tried, 
 [and failed](http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2018/03/nfl_free_agents_2018_jets_frustrated_they_didnt_ge.html), to get a sitdown with 
 [Kirk Cousins](/player/kirkcousins/2532820/profile). Which means that defenses will lunch on a McCown/Bridgewater sandwich 
 [like the rancor at Jabba's palace](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZy6G_vz_Ng). Yet, kudos for at least rolling the dice on 
 [Teddy Bridgewater](/player/teddybridgewater/2543465/profile), who looked to have many bright days ahead of him before that devastating knee injury two years ago. 
 [Trumaine Johnson](/player/trumainejohnson/2532877/profile) can play and, along with 
 [Jamal Adams](/player/jamaladams/2557979/profile) and 
 [Morris Claiborne](/player/morrisclaiborne/2533059/profile), gives the secondary some punch. 
 [The deal with the Colts](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000921905/article/jets-acquire-no-3-overall-pick-of-2018-draft-from-colts) was especially smart. Why not move up now and prepare for being able to land a top quarterback while putting pressure on other QB-needy teams? Drafting third overall should be enough to get a player the 
 [Jets](/teams/newyorkjets/profile?team=NYJ) covet ... or perhaps charge an even larger price for another team trying to sneak in the top three, if they so choose. Hey, stranger things have happened. 

  The 
 [Giants](/teams/newyorkgiants/profile?team=NYG) are ranked above the 
 [Dolphins](/teams/miamidolphins/profile?team=MIA) on the strength of 
 [Odell Beckham](/player/odellbeckham/2543496/profile) Jr.'s return and, frankly, not much else. Does Beckham make that kind of difference? Yep. Adding 
 [Nate Solder](/player/natesolder/2495232/profile) and 
 [Jonathan Stewart](http://www.nfl.com/player/jonathanstewart/949/profile) to the offensive set sure doesn't hurt, either. Look, the headline here is whether Big Blue will make a move for a quarterback in the draft. Perhaps the 
 [Giants](/teams/newyorkgiants/profile?team=NYG) will. Let's not gloss over the defections of 
 [Justin Pugh](/player/justinpugh/2540195/profile) and 
 [Weston Richburg](/player/westonrichburg/2543705/profile) on the offensive line, although neither was particularly healthy last year. Look for the 
 [Giants](/teams/newyorkgiants/profile?team=NYG) to hit this area on Day 2. Oh yeah, forgot to mention new head coach Pat Shurmur. Pat Shurmur. 

 *Remnants* of that 2016 playoff team remain, but the key pieces do not. Gone are 
 [Jay Ajayi](/player/jayajayi/2552582/profile), 
 [Jarvis Landry](/player/jarvislandry/2543488/profile), 
 [Mike Pouncey](/player/mikepouncey/2495216/profile) and 
 [Ndamukong Suh](/player/ndamukongsuh/496861/profile). The 
 [Dolphins](/teams/miamidolphins/profile?team=MIA) have cleaned house. 
 [Jermon Bushrod](/player/jermonbushrod/2507203/profile) also departed, with 
 [Josh Sitton](/player/joshsitton/4485/profile) -- late of the 
 [Bears](/teams/chicagobears/profile?team=CHI) -- moving in at guard. This is a huge year for young tackles 
 [Laremy Tunsil](/player/laremytunsil/2555201/profile) and 
 [Ja'Wuan James](/player/ja'wuanjames/2543755/profile). Especially with 
 [Ryan Tannehill](/player/ryantannehill/2532956/profile) and his healthy knee 
 [back under center.](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000918210/article/adam-gase-ryan-tannehill-is-dolphins-starting-qb) While no one misses 
 [Jay Cutler](/player/jaycutler/2495824/profile), what to anticipate from Tannehill is another matter. He hasn't played meaningful football since two Decembers ago. That, as much as the team makeover, accounts for this placeholder not too far from the bottom. 

  The 
 [Browns](/teams/clevelandbrowns/profile?team=CLE) haven't crept out of the cellar since the early days of the 2017 season. They pulled it off here thanks to a string of personnel maneuvers over the last couple of weeks. Cleveland acquired 
 [Tyrod Taylor](/player/tyrodtaylor/2495240/profile) and 
 [Jarvis Landry](/player/jarvislandry/2543488/profile) via trade, while signing contributors like CB 
 [T.J. Carrie](/player/t.j.carrie/2550164/profile), OL 
 [Chris Hubbard](/player/chrishubbard/2541716/profile), DE 
 [Chris Smith](/player/chrissmith/2543692/profile) and the most notable, RB 
 [Carlos Hyde](/player/carloshyde/2543743/profile). They're not done. 
 [Terrelle Pryor](/player/terrellepryor/2531332/profile) is still out there. A reunion could be in the works. Oh, and then there's the pile of high draft picks they're sitting on, including the first, fourth, 33rd, 35th and 64th overall selections. Those are all in the 
 *first two rounds.* Look out. 
   

   

 **[Hall of Fame](http://www.profootballhof.com/) talk/trivia:** Farewell to 
 [one of the very best players of this millennium, Joe Thomas](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000921217/article/joe-thomas-ends-legendary-yet-bittersweet-browns-career). Mark it now: This blind-side boss will be inducted into Canton with the Class of 2023. Can you name all of the 
 [Browns](/teams/clevelandbrowns/profile?team=CLE) offensive linemen currently in the 
 [Pro Football Hall of Fame](http://www.profootballhof.com/)? ( 
 [@HarrisonNFL](https://twitter.com/HarrisonNFL)) 

  Someone -- or some 
 *team* -- must be last. With the 
 [Colts](/teams/indianapoliscolts/profile?team=IND) making virtually no moves in free agency, 
 [Andrew Luck](/player/andrewluck/2533031/profile) yet to air it out and Indy losing a few folks (like linebacker 
 [Jon Bostic](/player/jonbostic/2539978/profile), corner 
 [Rashaan Melvin](/player/rashaanmelvin/2541200/profile) and wideout Donte Moncrief), Chris Ballard 
 [wants to build from the ground up](http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000922000/article/colts-gm-freeagent-price-tags-pushed-focus-to-draft). The old 
 [Colts](/teams/indianapoliscolts/profile?team=IND)/Packers/ 
 [Steelers](/teams/pittsburghsteelers/profile?team=PIT) method of "draft and develop." Can't blame the 
 [Colts](/teams/indianapoliscolts/profile?team=IND) GM for that. With Luck still grounded and a pretty barren roster, the draft will be like an Etch A Sketch for Indy. Edge rusher at sixth overall? 
 [Bucky Brooks says yes.](http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/mock-drafts/bucky-brooks/365900) But what if the 
 [Browns](/teams/clevelandbrowns/profile?team=CLE) trade out of the cleanup spot to a team in need of a quarterback and 
 [Saquon Barkley](http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/saquon-barkley?id=2559901) is still sitting there? 

*Follow Elliot Harrison on Twitter @HarrisonNFL. *