These are my second annual Pre-Draft Roster Rankings; the link to last year's can be found here. The process in devising these rankings is imperfect, and inarguably subjective. Inevitably, certain teams will perform better than I anticipate during the upcoming season. Others will do worse.



Please keep in mind that the rankings are a projection for 2014, not a regurgitation of last year's results. I make plenty of references to 2013 in the Offensive and Defensive Overviews, but there has been a lot of player movement since last season ended, and the idea is to get a feel for where every team stands heading into May's draft. Quarterbacks and defensive line -- with a special nod to pass rush -- weigh heavily into the rankings because they can mask or compensate for flaws and deficiencies elsewhere on a team.



* = Offseason Addition.



1. Seattle Seahawks



QB: Russell Wilson

RB: Marshawn Lynch

WR: Percy Harvin

WR: Doug Baldwin

TE: Zach Miller

TE: Luke Willson

LT: Russell Okung

LG: James Carpenter

C: Max Unger

RG: J.R. Sweezy

RT: Michael Bowie



Offensive Overview: The Seahawks don't have the prettiest offense on paper, but play a distinct brand and effectively identify players who fit that philosophy. Lynch is the centerpiece of OC Darrell Bevell's unit, which has ranked first and second in rushing attempts in Wilson's two years as a starter, and 32nd and 31st in pass attempts. Depth is strong at the skill positions, with rugged third-down back Robert Turbin and mega-talent Christine Michael behind Lynch. Jump-ball specialists Jermaine Kearse and Sidney Rice back up Baldwin and Harvin. Michael and athletic freak Willson are 2014 breakout candidates. The Seahawks were quiet in free agency, but Harvin is essentially an addition after appearing in just one regular season game last year. Expect GM John Schneider to supplement the line in May's draft, and target a potential alpha-type receiver.



LE: Michael Bennett

RE: Cliff Avril

NT: Brandon Mebane

DT: Tony McDaniel

MLB: Bobby Wagner

WLB: K.J. Wright

SLB: Bruce Irvin

LCB: Richard Sherman

RCB: Byron Maxwell

FS: Earl Thomas

SS: Kam Chancellor



Defensive Overview: Defense is where Seattle butters its bread. The Seahawks are loaded up front, with 2013 third-round DT Jordan Hill, versatile DE/DT Greg Scruggs, "Monstar" Jesse Williams, and 2013 preseason star Benson Mayowa behind a standout first team. Super Bowl 48 MVP Malcolm Smith is the fourth linebacker. If Seattle has question marks on defense, they're at slot cornerback with Walter Thurmond III gone to the Giants, and "five-technique" end with Red Bryant off to Jacksonville after Schneider made him a cap casualty. The Seahawks have the best defense in football, but could afford to upgrade their depth at the second and third levels.



2. Denver Broncos



QB: Peyton Manning

RB: Montee Ball

WR: Demaryius Thomas

WR: Wes Welker

WR: Emmanuel Sanders*

TE: Julius Thomas

LT: Ryan Clady

LG: Orlando Franklin

C: Manuel Ramirez

RG: Louis Vasquez

RT: Chris Clark



Offensive Overview: Denver returns eight starters from an offense that led the NFL in per-game points (37.9), yards (457.3), and plays (72.3). LG Zane Beadles and tailback Knowshon Moreno are easy to replace, though No. 2 wideout Eric Decker's red-zone efficiency will be missed. From a fantasy perspective, it could force more scoring onto the Thomases' plate. As Manning will be 38 1/2 years old when the season starts, the Broncos plan to lean more on the run with Ball as a candidate to approach 300 carries. Sanders is an excellent crossing-route runner, a staple in OC Adam Gase's attack. The O-Line figures to be better than last year, when Clady missed all but two games with a Lisfranc fracture. Clark was stretched at times at left tackle, and should be more comfortable on the right side. Peyton is likely to experience natural regression off his 2013 stats, but this should remain the NFL's best offense for one more year.



LE: Derek Wolfe

RE: DeMarcus Ware*

DT: Sylvester Williams

NT: Terrance Knighton

MLB: Nate Irving

WLB: Danny Trevathan

SLB: Von Miller

LCB: Chris Harris

RCB: Aqib Talib*

FS: Rahim Moore

SS: T.J. Ward*



Defensive Overview: Jack Del Rio's defense will receive major talent injections at all three levels this season, with Miller due back healthy, fellow edge-bender Ware signed to book end him in sub-packages, and 2013 Pro Bowlers Talib and Ward added in the back end. Expect GM John Elway to use an early-round pick at middle linebacker, upgrading on Irving. In terms of depth and talent, the Broncos can rival Seattle for the NFL's most fearsome front seven. Beyond the starters listed here, Denver has beastly third-year pro Malik Jackson, trusty utilitymen Mitch Unrein and Kevin Vickerson, and sophomore sleeper Quanterus Smith, who "redshirted" his rookie season.



3. San Francisco 49ers



QB: Colin Kaepernick

RB: Frank Gore

FB: Bruce Miller

WR: Michael Crabtree

WR: Anquan Boldin

TE: Vernon Davis

LT: Joe Staley

LG: Mike Iupati

C: Daniel Kilgore

RG: Alex Boone

RT: Anthony Davis



Offensive Overview: Similar to division-rival Seattle, San Francisco plays run-foundation offense with a dual-threat quarterback who offers big-play ability but is primarily tasked with avoiding turnovers. In Kaepernick's first full season as a starter, the 49ers ranked third in rushing attempts and last in pass attempts. That run-first approach won't change this year, even with potential transition in the backfield. Kendall Hunter and sophomore Marcus Lattimore will push 31-year-old Gore for carries. 4-of-5 starters return from arguably the league's sturdiest offensive line. The 49ers are big and physical with YAC ability at wideout, but lack a vertical stretcher capable of fully capitalizing on Kaepernick's cannon arm. GM Trent Baalke will likely target one in the draft.



RE: Justin Smith

LE: Ray McDonald

NT: Glenn Dorsey

ILB: Patrick Willis

ILB: Michael Wilhoite

OLB: Aldon Smith

OLB: Ahmad Brooks

LCB: Tramaine Brock

RCB: Chris Cook*

FS: Eric Reid

SS: Antoine Bethea*



Defensive Overview: It's fair to wonder if San Francisco's defense could take a fairly significant step back this season. Aldon Smith's off-field transgressions may result in a lengthy suspension, and "Cowboy" Justin Smith turns 35 in September. Not listed here due to ACL and MCL tears, ILB Navorro Bowman isn't due back before midseason. Baalke has 11 picks, and will have to attack cornerback in the draft. One could argue the 49ers need a new starter to play opposite Brock, as well as a nickel package slot defender. Chris Culliver can't be counted on following his March 28 hit-and-run arrest, while listed starter Cook is a chronic underachiever.



4. New England Patriots



QB: Tom Brady

RB: Shane Vereen

WR: Julian Edelman

WR: Danny Amendola

WR: Aaron Dobson

TE: Rob Gronkowski

LT: Nate Solder

LG: Logan Mankins

C: Ryan Wendell

RG: Dan Connolly

RT: Sebastian Vollmer



Offensive Overview: The Pats have injury issues to sort out at tight end and receiver, and the coaching staff understandably lost confidence in primary early-down back Stevan Ridley due to ball-security woes last season. But New England returns the top six members of one of the league's top offensive lines, including G/T Marcus Cannon, and a future first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback. Despite an incredible amount of adversity, the 2013 Patriots finished No. 7 in total offense and No. 3 in points scored. This remains an elite NFL offense even as it experiences a transitional phase. Look for the Patriots to use an early-round pick on a "move" tight end, adding multiplicity to OC Josh McDaniels' unit by giving him flexibility to use diverse personnel packages.



RE: Chandler Jones

LE: Rob Ninkovich

NT: Vince Wilfork

DT: Tommy Kelly

MLB: Jerod Mayo

WLB: Jamie Collins

SLB: Dont'a Hightower

LCB: Darrelle Revis*

RCB: Brandon Browner*

FS: Devin McCourty

SS: Duron Harmon



Defensive Overview: The Patriots' secondary is as deep and talented as it's been in many years following the additions of Revis and Browner. Collins flashed three-down promise as a rookie down last season’s stretch. Mayo's return from a right pectoral tear that cost him all but six games in 2013 will give this impressive back seven another big boost. New England is shakier in the front four, where only Jones and Ninkovich return as bankable starters. Wilfork is entering his age-33 season and tore his Achilles' tendon late last September. Kelly is 33 and coming off a torn ACL. Young reserve DTs Joe Vellano and Chris Jones may benefit from having played more snaps than intended, but New England's defensive front badly needs an interior difference maker.



5. New Orleans Saints



QB: Drew Brees

RB: Pierre Thomas

FB: Erik Lorig*

WR: Marques Colston

WR: Kenny Stills

TE: Jimmy Graham

LT: Terron Armstead

LG: Ben Grubbs

C: Tim Lelito

RG: Jahri Evans

RT: Zach Strief



Offensive Overview: Sean Payton is laying the groundwork for a truly balanced offense, moving on from "satellite" back Darren Sproles and toward a traditional under-center run game featuring Khiry Robinson and Mark Ingram. Thomas will stay involved due to his versatility, but I like Robinson's chances of leading the 2014 Saints in carries. New Orleans' top three offseason additions were a fullback (Lorig) and two defensive players (Champ Bailey, Jairus Byrd), and I expect them to continue to supplement Payton's revised strategy in May's draft. A powerful early-round center would be a particularly telling addition. The Saints' passing game may lose volume, but returns an elite skill-position corps of Brees, Graham, Colston, and sophomore Stills, who combined efficiency with big-play ability as a rookie and is a candidate for a sizable year-two leap.



RE: Cameron Jordan

LE: Akiem Hicks

NT: Brodrick Bunkley

ILB: Curtis Lofton

ILB: David Hawthorne

OLB: Junior Galette

OLB: Victor Butler

LCB: Champ Bailey*

RCB: Keenan Lewis

FS: Jairus Byrd*

SS: Kenny Vaccaro



Defensive Overview: Rob Ryan's 2013 unit ranked No. 4 in both total defense and points allowed, and looks better on paper than it finished last season. Byrd and Vaccaro give the Saints arguably the league's premier safety tandem, while rising youngsters DE Glenn Foster, DT John Jenkins, and ILB Kevin Reddick will push for more front-seven snaps. The wild card "addition" is Butler, who possesses intriguing pass-rush ability and will be more than 12 months removed from last June's ACL tear when training camp begins. I'm not sure what Bailey has left at age 36, but I do know he had a much better 2012 season than people think, before an injury-ruined 2013. I expect New Orleans to use its first-round pick on defense, either at corner or outside linebacker.



6. Green Bay Packers



QB: Aaron Rodgers

RB: Eddie Lacy

WR: Jordy Nelson

WR: Randall Cobb

WR: Jarrett Boykin

TE: Andrew Quarless

LT: David Bakhtiari

LG: Josh Sitton

C: J.C. Tretter

RG: T.J. Lang

RT: Bryan Bulaga



Offensive Overview: Even with arguable deficiencies at tight end and the interior line, there are not many offenses in football with more talent than Green Bay's. There may be none. This is the strength of GM Ted Thompson's roster, bolstered by the returns of Rodgers, Cobb, and Bulaga, who combined to miss 33 games last season. The Packers should lose nothing replacing James Jones with Boykin at third receiver, while sophomore Bakhtiari figures to improve in his second year on Rodgers' blind side. Lacy is a battering ram in the backfield, capable of wearing down defenses and putting away games in the fourth quarter. Look for Thompson to explore early-round additions at tight end and center or guard. Say those positions were not upgraded; I still think the Packers have an assembly to push for the top offense in the league.



RE: Julius Peppers*

LE: Datone Jones

NT: B.J. Raji

ILB: A.J. Hawk

ILB: Brad Jones

OLB: Clay Matthews

OLB: Nick Perry

LCB: Tramon Williams

RCB: Sam Shields

FS: Morgan Burnett

SS: Micah Hyde



Defensive Overview: The Packers have been annual defensive underachievers under Dom Capers, from whom Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy refuse to move on. Over the past three years, Green Bay has finished 32nd, 11th, and 25th in total defense, and 19th, 11th, and 25th in points against. I don't think the Packers' defensive failings have necessarily been due to a lack of talent, though injuries have played a role. I am surprised 64-year-old Capers has gotten such a long leash. Green Bay has plenty of theoretical pass rushers and run stoppers, and one of the deepest cornerback depth charts in football, especially with 2012 star rookie Casey Hayward returning healthy. Although the Packers are commonly linked to safeties in mock drafts, they are quite high on sophomore Hyde, and by no means ready to give up on $26 million man Burnett.



7. Cincinnati Bengals



QB: Andy Dalton

RB: Giovani Bernard

WR: A.J. Green

WR: Marvin Jones

TE: Jermaine Gresham

TE: Tyler Eifert

LT: Andrew Whitworth

LG: Clint Boling

C: Mike Pollak

RG: Kevin Zeitler

RT: Andre Smith



Offensive Overview: The Bengals are widely considered one of football's most talented teams -- and they are -- but shortcomings at quarterback and positions where impact players left in free agency keep them behind New England, New Orleans, and Green Bay for me. Cincinnati's 2014 offense will be coordinated by Hue Jackson, a proven talent maximizer who believes in a run foundation complemented by vertical shot plays. In Jackson's last stop, he coaxed career-best performances out of Darren McFadden, Jason Campbell, Michael Bush, Denarius Moore, and Darrius Heyward-Bey, among others. Jackson's 2010-2011 Raiders offenses ranked fourth and seventh in the NFL in rushing attempts. Expect much less volume for Dalton and a potential breakout season for Bernard, assuming the Bengals don't use an early-round draft pick at running back.



RE: Carlos Dunlap

LE: Wallace Gilberry

NT: Domata Peko

DT: Geno Atkins

MLB: Rey Maualuga

WLB: Vontaze Burfict

SLB: Emmanuel Lamur

LCB: Terence Newman

RCB: Leon Hall

FS: Reggie Nelson

SS: George Iloka



Defensive Overview: The Bengals' three most notable free agent losses were LT Anthony Collins, RE Michael Johnson, and WR Andrew Hawkins. Johnson's replacement figures to be targeted in the draft, while cornerback is a glaring need as Newman enters his age-36 campaign, nickel back Pacman Jones goes on 31, and Hall attempts to return from his second Achilles' tear in three seasons. Cincinnati brings back some excellent pieces, but this defense has holes, and the departure of DC Mike Zimmer is sure to be felt. Zimmer was a master at getting the most out of players. The Bengals may need a homerun draft to avoid a fairly sizable regression on defense.



8. Philadelphia Eagles



QB: Nick Foles

RB: LeSean McCoy

WR: Jeremy Maclin

WR: Riley Cooper

TE: Brent Celek

TE: Zach Ertz

LT: Jason Peters

LG: Evan Mathis

C: Jason Kelce

RG: Todd Herremans

RT: Lane Johnson



Offensive Overview: Chip Kelly fielded the NFL's most efficient 2013 offense, leading the league in both yards per pass (8.7) and yards per rush (5.1). Only three teams scored more points. Philly's lone significant offseason loss was DeSean Jackson, whom the coaching staff seems to believe will be easily replaced. With Maclin back healthy and second-year breakout candidate Ertz ascending, the Eagles can continue to run a big-play passing attack with multiplicity, excelling out of various personnel groupings. The unsung heroes of Kelly's offense play up front. 5-of-5 starters return from an offensive line that Pro Football Focus graded as the league's best run-blocking group by a wide margin. The foundation of Kelly's offense will remain the McCoy-led run game.



RE: Fletcher Cox

LE: Cedric Thornton

NT: Bennie Logan

ILB: Mychal Kendricks

ILB: DeMeco Ryans

OLB: Trent Cole

OLB: Connor Barwin

LCB: Bradley Fletcher

RCB: Cary Williams

FS: Malcolm Jenkins*

SS: Nate Allen



Defensive Overview: Billy Davis deserves credit for coordinating a defense that stayed competitive throughout 2013 despite a below-average assembly of players, particularly excelling versus the run. The unit still needs upgrades at all three levels. Cole is no longer a franchise pass rusher going on age 32, while Barwin is a better cover guy and edge setter than threat to enemy quarterbacks. The secondary played well as a unit last year, but lacks a high-end starter. The Eagles could use a bulkier nose tackle to take snaps off undersized Logan's plate. I think this defense remains a work in progress, and I expect Philly's draft approach to confirm they agree.

Story continues



9. Indianapolis Colts



QB: Andrew Luck

RB: Trent Richardson

WR: T.Y. Hilton

WR: Hakeem Nicks*

TE: Dwayne Allen

TE: Coby Fleener

LT: Anthony Castonzo

LG: Donald Thomas

C: Khaled Holmes

RG: Hugh Thornton

RT: Gosder Cherilus



Offensive Overview: Ryan Grigson has been extremely aggressive entering his third full season as the Colts' GM, often to a fault. Upper management and coaching staff blunders have been regularly masked by Luck's playmaking ability and penchant for erasing deficits, engineering eight fourth-quarter comebacks and 11 game-winning drives through 32 regular season starts. Luck has helped Indianapolis overcome both in-game and supporting-cast adversity, as the team lost Allen, Reggie Wayne, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Thomas to year-ending injuries last season while fielding an oft-putrid run game, Pro Football Focus' No. 25 pass-blocking unit, and a sub-average defense. Like it or not, franchise quarterbacks weigh heavily into these rankings because they compensate for deficiencies elsewhere. And there is no better example of that than the Colts.



RE: Arthur Jones*

LE: Cory Redding

NT: Josh Chapman

ILB: Jerrell Freeman

ILB: D'Qwell Jackson*

OLB: Robert Mathis

OLB: Erik Walden

RCB: Vontae Davis

LCB: Greg Toler

FS: Delano Howell

SS: LaRon Landry



Defensive Overview: Grigson's latest free agent splashes are Jones and Jackson, signed to upgrade the NFL's 26th-ranked run defense. Jones should also add pass-rush juice from the interior in sub-packages. The Colts do not have a top-50 pick and need a sophomore leap from 2013 first-rounder Bjoern Werner, who struggled in all phases as a rookie and failed to supplant underwhelming Walden. Toler was a 2013 free agent disaster, while third-year safety Howell is penciled in as a starter after appearing in only four games on defense last season. Thankfully due to Luck's presence, Indianapolis does not need a dominant defense to win the AFC South and get back into the playoffs. Grigson & Co. need to do a better job to get the Colts atop the NFL mountain.



10. Chicago Bears



QB: Jay Cutler

RB: Matt Forte

WR: Brandon Marshall

WR: Alshon Jeffery

WR: Marquess Wilson

TE: Martellus Bennett

LT: Jermon Bushrod

LG: Matt Slauson

C: Roberto Garza

RG: Kyle Long

RT: Jordan Mills



Offensive Overview: What a difference a year makes. In one season under coach Marc Trestman, the Bears transitioned from a defensive- to offensive-oriented team. We'll get to the defense in a minute, but the offense is a precisely-orchestrated, high-octane engine that returns all 11 starters after finishing second in the league in points scored. GM Phil Emery places a premium on big wide receivers, which translates to exceptional red-zone efficiency, and Forte has proven an ideal schematic fit in Trestman's pass-first scheme. The offensive line has quickly gone from a major weakness to a strength. 6-foot-3, 194-pound sophomore Wilson is a 2014 breakout candidate. As is Cutler, who was on pace for career-best statistics in his first season under quarterback whisperer Trestman before ankle and groin injuries largely ruined his second half.



RE: Jared Allen*

LE: Lamarr Houston*

NT: Stephen Paea

DT: Jay Ratliff

MLB: D.J. Williams

WLB: Lance Briggs

SLB: Shea McClellin

LCB: Tim Jennings

RCB: Charles Tillman

FS: Chris Conte

SS: Ryan Mundy*



Defensive Overview: Defense is the obvious weakness of Emery's team, but he did well to patch holes in free agency and can enter the draft with a passable front seven in place. Allen's snaps need to be scaled back at age 32, but he is coming off an 11.5-sack season and can still cause havoc if managed properly. Houston will be an enormous run defense upgrade and likely kick inside on nickel downs. McClellin failed at defensive end, but has all the tools to be a functional Sam 'backer. Look for Emery to invest two early-round draft picks at defensive back, targeting a Week 1 starting safety and 33-year-old Tillman's heir apparent. As is, this defense remains a bottom-15 unit, but isn't remotely the league-worst group it finished last season as.



11. Detroit Lions



QB: Matthew Stafford

RB: Joique Bell

WR: Calvin Johnson

WR: Golden Tate*

TE: Brandon Pettigrew

TE: Joseph Fauria

LT: Riley Reiff

LG: Rob Sims

C: Dominic Raiola

RG: Larry Warford

RT: LaAdrian Waddle



Offensive Overview: I didn't list Reggie Bush as a starter because I don't think he'll be the lead back for new coach Jim Caldwell. I think Bush will end up playing nearly 50% of the Lions' offensive snaps, but anticipate Bell pacing the team in 2014 carries. Caldwell and rookie OC Joe Lombardi will employ an older-school, under-center rushing attack utilizing I-formations and lead blocker Jed Collins to clear alleys for skilled inside runner Bell. I expect Bush to be used like Darren Sproles. As Lombardi hails from New Orleans, expect the pass game to incorporate Sean Payton elements with diverse personnel packages, Tate in the move-receiver role, and Megatron often aligned in the slot. The Lions' offense is quite close to a finished product with all five O-Line starters returning, depth at tailback, and a franchise quarterback in place. My best guess is Detroit will use its first-round pick on defense, although I wouldn't rule out North Carolina TE Eric Ebron.



RE: Ziggy Ansah

LE: Jason Jones

DT: Ndamukong Suh

DT: Nick Fairley

MLB: Stephen Tulloch

WLB: DeAndre Levy

SLB: Ashlee Palmer

LCB: Chris Houston

RCB: Darius Slay

FS: Glover Quin

SS: James Ihedigbo*



Defensive Overview: The fact that Detroit wasn't an annual playoff team under ex-coach Jim Schwartz despite a dominant defensive line and high-powered offense spoke to their need for change. No team in football has underachieved as badly over the past half-decade. New DC Teryl Austin, formerly Baltimore's secondary coach, inherits a unit returning ten starters from a defense that finished No. 6 versus the run and combines an explosive edge presence in Ansah with one of the premier interior duos in the game. The Lions have theoretical talent at cornerback, but were plagued by injuries and inconsistent performance during the Schwartz era. Ihedigbo is best suited as a third safety/special teamer, so Detroit may explore using the No. 10 pick on Alabama's Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Even without major draft upgrades, this is an above-average defense on paper.



12. Baltimore Ravens



QB: Joe Flacco

RB: Ray Rice

WR: Torrey Smith

WR: Steve Smith*

TE: Dennis Pitta

TE: Owen Daniels*

LT: Eugene Monroe

LG: Kelechi Osemele

C: Jeremy Zuttah*

RG: Marshal Yanda

RT: Rick Wagner



Offensive Overview: The Ravens are undergoing a fairly major philosophical change in 2014, transitioning from pass-first Jim Caldwell to run-heavy mind Gary Kubiak as coordinator. Whether their personnel matches Kubiak's style of play remains to be seen. Flacco isn't a bootleg quarterback as Kubiak historically prefers, and both Rice and Bernard Pierce are coming off terribly disappointing seasons. The offensive line can't possibly be worse -- and will benefit from the addition of Zuttah as well as Osemele's healthy return -- but needs a new starter at right tackle. I'd rank the Ravens' offensive assembly in the bottom half of the league, probably somewhere in the low teens or high 20s. To execute Kubiak's scheme, a rusher must step forward as a foundation back. There's a decent chance Baltimore will supplement its backfield in the draft.



RE: Chris Canty

LE: Haloti Ngata

NT: Brandon Williams

ILB: Daryl Smith

ILB: Arthur Brown

OLB: Terrell Suggs

OLB: Elvis Dumervil

LCB: Lardarius Webb

RCB: Jimmy Smith

FS: Darian Stewart*

SS: Matt Elam



Defensive Overview: Defense is the strength of GM Ozzie Newsome's roster, where every critical piece save DE Arthur Jones and SS James Ihedigbo returns from a group that finished top 12 in both points and yards allowed, 11th in run defense, and 12th versus the pass. The Ravens could stand to improve via sophomore leaps from Brown, Williams, Elam, OLB John Simon, and DE Kapron Lewis-Moore. While Baltimore arguably needs upgrades at free safety and nickel corner, the first team is impressive and there is potential for the Ravens to field one of the NFL's deepest defenses. They stop the run, rush the passer, and play effective man coverage.



13. Kansas City Chiefs



QB: Alex Smith

RB: Jamaal Charles

WR: Dwayne Bowe

WR: Donnie Avery

TE: Anthony Fasano

TE: Travis Kelce

LT: Eric Fisher

LG: Jeff Allen

C: Rodney Hudson

RG: Rishaw Johnson

RT: Donald Stephenson



Offensive Overview: In LT Branden Albert (Dolphins), RG Geoff Schwartz (Giants), and OG Jon Asamoah (Falcons), free agency cost the Chiefs 28 offensive line starts from their 2013 playoff team, and they'll presumably replace those players in-house with only one draft pick in the top 85. That pick (No. 23) is expected to be used either at wideout or safety. Even though he turns 30 years old next month, Smith was an ascending passer by the end of last season as coach Andy Reid opened up Kansas City's offense, and Smith showed a career-most willingness to pull the trigger on intermediate and vertical throws. The Chiefs were still the NFL's only team whose running back led them in targets, receptions, receiving yards, and receiving scores. Sophomore Kelce is an intriguing breakout candidate, as Reid figures to continue to try expanding Smith in his pursuit of a more multi-dimensional offense. Line play is the biggest concern here.



RE: Vance Walker*

LE: Mike DeVito

NT: Dontari Poe

ILB: Derrick Johnson

ILB: Joe Mays*

OLB: Tamba Hali

OLB: Justin Houston

LCB: Brandon Flowers

RCB: Sean Smith

FS: Husain Abdullah

SS: Eric Berry



Defensive Overview: Whereas Reid's offense made strides over the course of 2013, DC Bob Sutton's defense took steps back. I tend to attribute the regression to injuries rather than personnel. The Chiefs have one of only a handful of NFL defenses capable of collapsing the pocket with both inside pressure (Poe) and a fearsome edge-rush duo. It's a lethal combination when everyone is healthy. I like the additions of Walker and Mays as cost-effective role-playing run stoppers, and the secondary returns as above average, even if Kansas City doesn't find a starting free safety in the draft. I don't think the Chiefs are anywhere near Super Bowl contention, but there is every reason to believe this team can continue to push for Wild Card appearances.



14. San Diego Chargers



QB: Philip Rivers

RB: Ryan Mathews

WR: Keenan Allen

WR: Eddie Royal

TE: Antonio Gates

TE: Ladarius Green

LT: King Dunlap

LG: Chad Rinehart

C: Nick Hardwick

RG: Jeromey Clary

RT: D.J. Fluker



Offensive Overview: Among the teams I sold short in my 2013 preseason team rankings, the Chargers stand out as particularly underestimated. Not only was first-year coach Mike McCoy a QB whisperer when it came to widely-written-off Rivers, his offense coaxed career-best years out of Mathews, Green, Dunlap, and Rinehart while spotlighting strengths and camouflaging weaknesses. For instance, Rivers' defining attribute is no longer his vertical arm. So McCoy essentially turned him into Peyton Manning, picking apart the short and intermediate sections while controlling games at the line of scrimmage. I expect San Diego's 2014 offense to push for the NFL lead in rushing attempts with a three-deep tailback corps, two-tight end "12 personnel" packages that dare defenses to play dime, and Fluker drive-blocking opponents in the trenches.



RE: Corey Liuget

LE: Kendall Reyes

NT: Sean Lissemore

ILB: Manti Te'o

ILB: Donald Butler

OLB: Dwight Freeney

OLB: Melvin Ingram

LCB: Shareece Wright

RCB: Richard Marshall

FS: Eric Weddle

SS: Marcus Gilchrist



Defensive Overview: Chargers DC John Pagano's defense is far from a finished product -- San Diego currently has the weakest cornerback depth chart in football and is in desperate need of a two-gap nose -- but I think this unit could improve markedly if GM Tom Telesco nails a second straight draft. The biggest reinforcements are at rush linebacker, where Freeney (quad) and Ingram (ACL) combined to miss 24 games last season. Liuget and Reyes both showed stretch-run improvement in their first season with Pagano at the helm, while Te'o is finally 100 percent after battling a foot injury throughout his rookie year. This is a bottom 8-10 group on paper as it stands, but rediscovering a pass rush can be the surest path to a quick defensive fix.



15. Washington Redskins



QB: Robert Griffin III

RB: Alfred Morris

FB: Darrel Young

WR: Pierre Garcon

WR: DeSean Jackson*

TE: Jordan Reed

LT: Trent Williams

LG: Shawn Lauvao*

C: Kory Lichtensteiger

RG: Chris Chester

RT: Tyler Polumbus



Offensive Overview: Offensive-minded Jay Gruden waltzed into a favorable situation. While they were in Washington, the Shanahans drafted legit franchise players at left tackle and running back, signed a No. 1 wideout, and also drafted potential franchise players at quarterback and tight end. Gruden and returning GM Bruce Allen have supplemented Griffin's firepower with Jackson, who can blow the lid off of defenses and keep a safety occupied on vertical routes. With a healthy RG3, the Redskins should have little trouble bouncing back offensively. The Skins could afford to add an immediate offensive line starter in the draft. Gruden has been working to make the front five bigger with designs on implementing more power runs.



RE: Jason Hatcher*

LE: Chris Baker

NT: Barry Cofield

ILB: Perry Riley

ILB: Darryl Sharpton*

OLB: Brian Orakpo

OLB: Ryan Kerrigan

RCB: David Amerson

LCB: DeAngelo Hall

FS: Ryan Clark*

SS: Brandon Meriweather



Defensive Overview: The Redskins boast an above-average defensive front seven, which they presumably hope will mask a secondary that got torched throughout last season and did little this offseason to improve. Clark is entering his age-35 campaign and generated scant free agent interest after a poor season in Pittsburgh. New nickel back Tracy Porter was also toward the bottom of the free agency barrel, and hasn't been an effective cover man in years. The team will hope for a sophomore leap from Amerson, a gifted prospect who took his lumps as a rookie. The Redskins can hang their hat on Hatcher, Orakpo, Cofield, and Kerrigan as disruptive presences up front. They are light on depth at all three levels and will likely address that issue in the draft.



16. Pittsburgh Steelers



QB: Ben Roethlisberger

RB: Le'Veon Bell

WR: Antonio Brown

WR: Markus Wheaton

WR: Lance Moore*

TE: Heath Miller

LT: Kelvin Beachum

LG: Ramon Foster

C: Maurkice Pouncey

RG: David DeCastro

RT: Marcus Gilbert



Offensive Overview: Pittsburgh's offensive outlook quietly seems to be trending up with a respectable starting front five established, Bell entrenched as a three-down bellcow back, and Miller likely to be more effective after appearing slowed by his December 2012 triple-knee-ligament tear last season. Roethlisberger is still only 32, and coming off one of his better NFL seasons, having set four-year highs in completion rate (64.2) and passing yards (4,261) and throwing the second most touchdown passes (28) of his career. The Steelers have reportedly promised Big Ben a "big receiver" in the draft, which could be a major boon to Pittsburgh's red-zone efficiency. None of the team's current top three wideouts are above 5-foot-11 or 190 pounds.



LE: Cam Thomas*

RE: Cameron Heyward

NT: Steve McLendon

ILB: Lawrence Timmons

ILB: Vince Williams

OLB: Jason Worilds

OLB: Jarvis Jones

LCB: Cortez Allen

RCB: Ike Taylor

FS: Mike Mitchell*

SS: Troy Polamalu



Defensive Overview: Pittsburgh's 2013 defensive meltdown was its team undoing, as Dick LeBeau's unit finished 21st against the run and 27th in sacks. Parting with ILB Larry Foote, RE Brett Keisel, OLB LaMarr Woodley, and FS Ryan Clark, the Steelers have made a concerted effort to get younger. 34-year-old Taylor took a whopping $4.25 million pay cut to keep his roster spot, but is likely to lose his starting job to a first-round pick. The Steelers need a new starting outside corner and are dangerously thin on the line. I'd expect this defense to be better than last year, but the talent in place is no better than average, and there are lasting run-defense concerns.



17. Carolina Panthers



QB: Cam Newton

RB: DeAngelo Williams

FB: Mike Tolbert

WR: Jerricho Cotchery*

WR: Tiquan Underwood*

TE: Greg Olsen

LT: Byron Bell

LG: Amini Silatolu

C: Ryan Kalil

RG: Garry Williams

RT: Nate Chandler



Offensive Overview: The Panthers have Newton, Olsen, Ryan Kalil, and then not a whole lot else on offense. OC Mike Shula orchestrates a run-based attack, and top tailback Williams is 31 with an annually declining yards-per-carry average. The wideout corps is the weakest in football. The line isn't far off, with only center settled entering May's draft. Coach Ron Rivera, then-rookie GM Dave Gettleman, and the Panthers' players all deserve credit for last season's 2013 finish, but will have to work some serious magic to come anywhere near a repeat with a decaying, startlingly talent-deficient offensive cast. Gettleman has only three draft picks in the top 125. He must emerge with at least two starters on offense -- ideally a left tackle and a playmaking wide receiver.



RE: Greg Hardy

LE: Charles Johnson

NT: Star Lotulelei

DT: Dwan Edwards

MLB: Luke Kuechly

WLB: A.J. Klein

SLB: Thomas Davis

RCB: Melvin White

LCB: Antoine Cason*

FS: Charles Godfrey

SS: Roman Harper*



Defensive Overview: The Panthers' roster strength is its dominant front seven, which keyed last year's league-high 60 sacks and No. 2 total defense. Only Seattle allowed fewer points. Carolina can go four-deep at both tackle and end. Sophomore leaps from Klein, White, and 2013 second-rounder Kawann Short would give the Panthers a chance to repeat as the NFC's second-best defense, though their offensive predicament makes any defensive step back worrisome in an NFC South sure to be better than last season. Regardless of how well Gettleman does in the draft, I think Carolina would do well to get back to 9-10 wins, pushing for a Wild Card spot. Realistically, they are a prime regression candidate that could return to mediocrity or worse.



18. Arizona Cardinals



QB: Carson Palmer

RB: Andre Ellington

WR: Larry Fitzgerald

WR: Michael Floyd

TE: Rob Housler

TE: John Carlson*

LT: Jared Veldheer*

LG: Jonathan Cooper

C: Lyle Sendlein

RG: Earl Watford

RT: Bobby Massie



Offensive Overview: The Cards surprised a lot of people by finishing 10-6 last year and overtaking the Rams for third place in the NFL's best division. I attribute the overachievement more to good coaching, and less to overwhelming talent. Palmer can still keep an offense moving and power the ball downfield when well protected, but is 34 years old and likely in his last season with Arizona. As much as we all love Ellington, he isn't an NFL feature back. Neither of the Cards' tight ends is a proficient blocker, which is the foremost requirement of tight ends in Bruce Arians' offense. Arizona's right-side offensive line starters combined to play 50 snaps in 2013. I like the Cardinals' receiver corps, and the addition of Veldheer combined with Cooper's healthy return gives the front five a significant lift. In terms of sheer talent, however, this is a sub-average group.



RE: Calais Campbell

LE: Darnell Dockett

NT: Dan Williams

ILB: Daryl Washington

ILB: Kevin Minter

OLB: John Abraham

OLB: Matt Shaughnessy

LCB: Patrick Peterson RCB: Antonio Cromartie*

FS: Tyrann Mathieu

SS: Rashad Johnson



Defensive Overview: Defense is the strength of Arizona’s roster. The Cards return 6-of-7 starters from a front seven that keyed Arizona’s No. 1 finish against the run and No. 6 ranking in sacks. Pairing Cromartie (6’2/208) with Peterson (6’0/219) gives them a Seattle-like look on the perimeter. There are question marks, though. Abraham turns 36 in May, and Arizona lacks an edge rusher to compensate if he misses time or breaks down physically. Washington pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in March and may face a lengthy suspension. Mathieu tore his left ACL and LCL in Week 14, and is questionable for Opening Day. Difference-making ILB Karlos Dansby is gone. Dockett is going on age 33. In all likelihood, this unit will take a 2014 step back, barring high-impact rookie additions. Just how far a step back may determine the Cardinals’ fate.



19. New York Giants



QB: Eli Manning

RB: Rashad Jennings*

WR: Victor Cruz

WR: Rueben Randle

WR: Jerrel Jernigan

TE: Adrien Robinson

LT: Will Beatty

LG: Geoff Schwartz*

C: J.D. Walton*

RG: Chris Snee

RT: Justin Pugh



Offensive Overview: The Giants were the NFL's busiest team in free agency, executing 26 signings or re-signings between March 12 and April 28. While they did not grossly overpay anyone, large-scale roster churning could be a sign GM Jerry Reese has begun feeling uneasy about his job. His recent drafts have certainly disappointed. New York's offense looks better than it finished last season, but the Giants still have big question marks at "X" receiver, tight end, and at least two positions on the line. New OC Ben McAdoo hails from Green Bay, where the Packers mostly played quarterback-centric offense with three-wide "11 personnel" as their base package. I think McAdoo would have a tough time playing that way with the Giants' current cast.



RE: Jason Pierre-Paul

LE: Damontre Moore

DT: Cullen Jenkins

NT: Johnathan Hankins

MLB: Jon Beason

WLB: Spencer Paysinger

SLB: Jameel McClain*

LCB: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie*

RCB: Prince Amukamara

FS: Stevie Brown

SS: Antrel Rolle



Defensive Overview: I hate to sound like I'm reducing an entire side of the ball to one player, but do believe a large percentage of New York's 2014 defensive outlook hinges on Pierre-Paul rediscovering past form. Wracked by shoulder and back injuries last season, and allegedly poor conditioning the year before, the Giants' defensive catalyst has managed two sacks over his last 18 games after posting 16.5 during the 2011 season alone. I like how the secondary has come together on paper, and am intrigued by the potential of young linemen Hankins and Moore, but ultimately all of those complementary players will be more effective with Pierre-Paul operating at his peak. For now, I'm taking a glass-half-full approach and would recommend buying low on JPP in Dynasty IDP leagues. Pierre-Paul avoided offseason surgery, and is still only 25 years old.



20. Miami Dolphins



QB: Ryan Tannehill

RB: Knowshon Moreno*

WR: Mike Wallace

WR: Brian Hartline

WR: Brandon Gibson

TE: Charles Clay

LT: Branden Albert*

LG: Shelley Smith*

C: Mike Pouncey

RG: Nate Garner

RT: Dallas Thomas



Offensive Overview: The fact that Miami's 2013 offense was functional at all is a huge credit to Tannehill considering its utter lack of pass protection, anemic run game, and vanilla-to-be-kind scheme. Last year's Dolphins were poorly coached and even more poorly constructed. OC Mike Sherman and GM Jeff Ireland both deservedly lost their jobs, and were replaced by ex-Eagles QBs coach Bill Lazor and former Bucs personnel director Dennis Hickey, respectively. Lazor tutored Nick Foles in Philly, and witnessed first-hand Chip Kelly's success with a run-foundation offense. Hickey bought the line a new left side in free agency, and needs at least one right-side starter in the draft. Tannehill is ascending entering just his third straight full season at quarterback after converting from college receiver. The rest of this offense is a work in progress.



RE: Olivier Vernon

LE: Cameron Wake

DT: Randy Starks

NT: Earl Mitchell*

MLB: Dannell Ellerbe

WLB: Philip Wheeler

SLB: Koa Misi

LCB: Brent Grimes

RCB: Cortland Finnegan*

FS: Louis Delmas*

SS: Reshad Jones



Defensive Overview: Ireland's 2013 linebacker swap backfired spectacularly, as Ellerbe and Wheeler both turned in miserable seasons while departures Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett each had excellent years for their new teams. Miami's defensive line remains strong and deep, with Jared Odrick and Dion Jordan headlining the reserves. The back seven is suspect beyond Grimes. Theoretically, the Fins return enough pass-rush talent to help camouflage weaknesses in the back end, and both of their safeties are generally sturdy in run support. A concern for Miami's secondary is Delmas and Jones' lack of ideal range, which may force playcaller Kevin Coyle to lean heavily on off coverage, giving enemy receivers cushion. Ultimately, I think this is a pretty average defense. Combine an unfinished offense, and you get the league's 20th-ranked roster.



21. Dallas Cowboys



QB: Tony Romo

RB: DeMarco Murray

WR: Dez Bryant

WR: Terrance Williams

TE: Jason Witten

TE: Gavin Escobar

LT: Tyron Smith

LG: Ronald Leary

C: Travis Frederick

RG: Mackenzy Bernadeau

RT: Doug Free



Offensive Overview: The Cowboys return at least four quality O-Line starters and one of the top skill-position corps in the league. They also have depth, with the ability to go three wide featuring Bryant, Williams, and Cole Beasley, or attack in “12 personnel” with either Escobar or James Hanna alongside Witten. Unfortunately, the Cowboys are built in an incredibly lopsided manner with what should be a shoo-in top-ten offense that will likely be forced to carry one of football’s weakest defenses. We’ll get to the latter in a minute. New OC Scott Linehan’s Lions offenses ranked sixth, third, first, first, and fifth in pass attempts over the last five seasons. Linehan embraces decidedly pass-first offense, and is very likely to continue to employ one as Dallas leans on its pass game in attempts to erase deficits created by the other side of the ball.



RE: Jeremy Mincey*

LE: George Selvie

DT: Henry Melton*

NT: Terrell McClain*

MLB: Sean Lee

WLB: Bruce Carter

SLB: DeVonte Holloman

LCB: Brandon Carr

RCB: Orlando Scandrick

FS: Jeff Heath

SS: Barry Church



Defensive Overview: We know Dallas’ defense was bad last year -- historically bad -- and don’t have to revisit that. The product on paper here isn’t much better. Salary cap constraints forced the Cowboys to cut top defender DeMarcus Ware, while Mincey (two years, $3 million), McClain (three years, $3 million), and Melton (one year, $3.5 million) were bargain-bin offseason pickups. That isn’t to suggest those players won’t make 2014 impacts -- Melton has the best shot -- but there’s a reason their free agency markets weren’t busier. The linebackers are suspect to be kind beyond injury-riddled Lee. The secondary got burnt to a crisp last season and returns fully intact. Dallas has three top-80 picks in May’s draft. I expect at least two to be used on defenders.



22. Atlanta Falcons



QB: Matt Ryan

RB: Steven Jackson

WR: Julio Jones

WR: Roddy White

WR: Harry Douglas

TE: Levine Toilolo

LT: Sam Baker

LG: Justin Blalock

C: Joe Hawley

RG: Jon Asamoah*

RT: Lamar Holmes



Offensive Overview: The Falcons are positioned similarly to Dallas in that they return quality skill-player talent -- and look good on paper from a fantasy football perspective -- but are far more deficient than the Cowboys at offensive line, tight end, and running back. Although Atlanta is rumored to be considering a trade up for Jadeveon Clowney, its roster composition suggests a trade down would be in GM Thomas Dimitroff’s best interest. The Falcons do not have one of the league’s bottom-ten rosters only because they have a franchise quarterback. Elsewhere, they compare similarly or worse to teams like the Vikings and Texans. The O-Line is littered with turnstiles, there isn’t a pass-catching tight end on the team, and the top tailback is a broken-down player going on age 31. Dimitroff has ten draft picks, but could use even more.



RE: Osi Umenyiora

LE: Tyson Jackson*

NT: Paul Soliai*

DT: Jonathan Babineaux

MLB: Paul Worrilow

WLB: Sean Weatherspoon

SLB: Kroy Biermann

RCB: Desmond Trufant

LCB: Robert Alford

FS: Dwight Lowery*

SS: William Moore



Defensive Overview: Dimitroff and personnel director Lionel Vital deserve major kudos for nailing 2013 draft picks Trufant and Alford, who both look like ten-year starters after promising rookie campaigns. The Falcons' alleged interest in moving up for Clowney does make sense from the standpoint that failing to supply young cornerbacks with pass-rush support is a potentially damaging undertaking. Umenyiora, entering his age-33 season, is currently Atlanta's best pass rusher. Jackson and Soliai were signed to fortify the run defense, while I found Lowery to be a savvy under-the-radar addition. He is only 28 and was a quality starter before last September's year-ending concussion in Jacksonville. Ultimately, however, this is a defense in need of vastly improved line play, at least one starting linebacker, and an immediate impact defensive back.



23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers



QB: Josh McCown*

RB: Doug Martin

WR: Vincent Jackson

WR: Louis Murphy*

TE: Brandon Myers*

TE: Tim Wright

LT: Anthony Collins*

LG: Carl Nicks

C: Evan Dietrich-Smith*

RG: Jamon Meredith

RT: Demar Dotson



Offensive Overview: The Bucs' offense is deficient to the extreme with a journeyman who'll turn 35 before the season at quarterback, a goose egg at No. 2 wideout, one of the worst tight end depth charts in football, and needs at one or both guard positions, depending on Nicks' health. New coach Lovie Smith demonstrated zero aptitude for offense in Chicago, while new OC Jeff Tedford has never coached in the NFL before. That's a glass-half-empty take to be sure, but I think there are real concerns. Smith promises to run a Ground 'N Pound, run-oriented attack featuring Martin with competent reserve backs Mike James and Bobby Rainey around to provide breathers. I think the Bucs will need creativity from Tedford and definitely better blockers to avoid a two-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust run game. Tampa also has only three draft picks in the top 140.



RE: Michael Johnson*

LE: Adrian Clayborn

DT: Gerald McCoy

NT: Akeem Spence

MLB: Mason Foster

WLB: Lavonte David

SLB: Jonathan Casillas

RCB: Alterraun Verner*

LCB: Johnthan Banks

FS: Dashon Goldson

SS: Mark Barron



Defensive Overview: Whereas I'm worried about Tampa Bay's offense, I'm excited about their defense, which could push Carolina to be the best in the division, and perhaps a top-five NFC group. The Bucs finally have a stable of pass rushers and defensive line depth, with "sub-rusher" DT Clinton McDonald likely to replace Spence on passing downs, and power end William Gholston as a run-stopping role player. The linebacker corps is headlined by David, a sideline-to-sideline striker who perfectly fits Lovie's Tampa 2. Verner is capable of excelling in both man and zone technique, and will be Smith's new Charles Tillman. There is a lot of talent on this side of the ball, and it will be well coached. Even with a limited pass game, the Bucs should be competitive week in and week out with a run-oriented offense complemented by a potentially superb defense.



24. St. Louis Rams



QB: Sam Bradford

RB: Zac Stacy

WR: Kenny Britt*

WR: Stedman Bailey

TE: Jared Cook

TE: Lance Kendricks

LT: Jake Long

LG: Brandon Washington

C: Scott Wells

RG: Rodger Saffold

RT: Joseph Barksdale



Offensive Overview: The Rams are commonly perceived as a team on the way up -- or at least they used to be -- but they've failed to make the playoffs in each of Jeff Fisher's first two years, and fell to fourth in their division last season, getting leapfrogged by Arizona. St. Louis' 2013 acquisitions of Cook and Tavon Austin flopped, while third-year GM Les Snead's drafts have left much to be desired despite a surplus of selections from the 2012 Robert Griffin III trade. Bradford is entering his fifth NFL season as a seemingly shell-shocked and ultimately mediocre quarterback from whom the franchise will have to move on in 2015 if he doesn't take a major 2014 step. Not helping Bradford's cause is a shaky pass-catching corps and sub-par line, though it could easily be argued that Bradford's limitations exacerbate those perceived flaws. The Rams' most bankable offensive asset is Zac Stacy, who averaged 3.89 yards per carry as a rookie.



RE: Robert Quinn

LE: Chris Long

DT: Michael Brockers

DT: Kendall Langford

MLB: James Laurinaitis

WLB: Alec Ogletree

SLB: Jo-Lonn Dunbar

LCB: Trumaine Johnson

RCB: Janoris Jenkins

FS: Rodney McLeod

SS: T.J. McDonald



Defensive Overview: Fisher and Snead have had a lot more success building up this side of the ball, although it's worth noting they "inherited" both Quinn and Long from former GM Billy Devaney's drafts, as well as Laurinaitis. Regardless of who picked whom, St. Louis returns every starter from a defense that finished No. 9 against the run and No. 3 in sacks. The Rams do have some relatively minor holes to fill -- free safety needs an upgrade, and they could use a better slot corner -- but all in all this defense is a strength. St. Louis would come in higher in these rankings if I felt confident Bradford was a franchise quarterback, and if the Rams had a better offensive line.



25. Cleveland Browns



QB: Brian Hoyer

RB: Ben Tate*

WR: Josh Gordon

WR: Andrew Hawkins*

TE: Jordan Cameron

TE: Jim Dray*

LT: Joe Thomas

LG: Jason Pinkston

C: Alex Mack

RG: John Greco

RT: Mitchell Schwartz



Offensive Overview: The Browns aggressively upgraded the skill positions in free agency, poaching Hawkins on a four-year, $13.6 million offer sheet and giving Tate one of the offseason's better running back deals. This offense obviously isn't a finished product, needing a quarterback, legit every-down second wideout, and arguably one more lineman. They're the team best suited to take on Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel. New OC Kyle Shanahan worked with another dual-threat signal caller in Washington, Manziel has big hands to play in inclement weather, and in Gordon the Browns already have a Type-A wide receiver in place. (Gordon is actually a talent upgrade on Manziel's college go-to guy, Mike Evans.) The "ifs" are many in Cleveland -- and I admittedly felt similarly about them last offseason -- but I think this team has a chance to take a 2014 leap.



LE: Ahtyba Rubin

RE: Desmond Bryant

NT: Phil Taylor

ILB: Karlos Dansby*

ILB: Craig Robertson

OLB: Paul Kruger

OLB: Jabaal Sheard

LCB: Joe Haden

RCB: Buster Skrine

FS: Tashaun Gipson

SS: Donte Whitner*



Defensive Overview: The Browns are short at multiple key positions on offense. The same can only be said on defense for right corner, where returning starter Skrine would be best suited to a sub-package role. Rookie GM Ray Farmer has ten draft picks, including six in the top 106, and I fully expect him to use at least one at cornerback. Otherwise, this group looks ready to play with a strong starting lineup and impressive depth. Not even listed here are OLBs Barkevious Mingo and Quentin Groves, and useful DLs John Hughes, Billy Winn, and Ishmaa'ily Kitchen. Cleveland comes in low in these pre-draft rankings in large part because they lack a quality long-term starting quarterback. It's really that simple. They'll move way up when/if they establish one.



26. New York Jets



QB: Michael Vick*

RB: Chris Johnson*

WR: Eric Decker*

WR: David Nelson

WR: Jeremy Kerley

TE: Jeff Cumberland

LT: D'Brickashaw Ferguson

LG: Brian Winters

C: Nick Mangold

RG: Willie Colon

RT: Breno Giacomini*



Offensive Overview: There seem to be two diametrically opposed viewpoints on how the Jets should build their team. One posits New York is better off conceding its shortcomings at quarterback, attempting to play run-first football featuring Johnson and Chris Ivory, and leaning on Rex Ryan's defense to stay competitive on a weekly basis. Vick would likely be the Jets' starter in this scenario, with the No. 18 overall pick devoted to tight end, offensive line, or defense. The other viewpoint hopes the Jets draft a first-round wide receiver to supplement playcaller Marty Mornhinweg's "weapons," and lets Geno Smith continue to take sophomore lumps. My guess is the Jets would be a better 2014 team employing the former strategy, though one could argue the latter is a superior long-term approach. Both viewpoints seemingly agree the Jets currently have one of the league's most limited offenses. They simply differ on how to build it up.



LE: Sheldon Richardson

RE: Muhammad Wilkerson

NT: Damon Harrison

ILB: David Harris

ILB: Demario Davis

OLB: Quinton Coples

OLB: Calvin Pace

RCB: Dimitri Patterson*

LCB: Dee Milliner

FS: Antonio Allen

SS: Dawan Landry



Defensive Overview: The Jets' defense is obviously much closer to being a unit on which GM John Idzik can hang his hat, when compared to Mornhinweg's offense, but it's also far from a finished product. The Jets need an edge rusher to push or even supplant 33-year-old Pace, a press corner on the perimeter to allow Patterson to focus on slot coverage, and a rangy center fielder to patrol the deep half for Ryan. Allen and Landry are both natural strong safeties. The Jets have up-front personnel to eliminate opposing run games, but are vulnerable to the pass. With a flawed, limited offense and holes in the defensive back eight, this is a bottom-seven NFL roster.



27. Buffalo Bills



QB: E.J. Manuel

RB: C.J. Spiller

WR: Stevie Johnson

WR: Mike Williams*

WR: Robert Woods

TE: Scott Chandler

LT: Cordy Glenn

LG: Chris Williams*

C: Eric Wood

RG: Kraig Urbik

RT: Erik Pears



Offensive Overview: If there seems to be a recurring theme toward the back end of these rankings, it's because there is: These low-rated teams either don't have a quarterback, are stuck in quarterback purgatory, or their quarterback in place has yet to establish himself as a quality starter. The Bills fall somewhere between the second and third categories. Buffalo returns an average to above-average line, and more than enough talent at receiver and running back, yet this side of the ball will remain a huge question mark until Manuel demonstrates durability and comfort in control of Buffalo's offense. I'm not particularly optimistic after Manuel's rookie season, but at least he showed flashes. He deserves 16 more games to prove whether or not he's the solution.



LE: Mario Williams

RE: Jerry Hughes

NT: Kyle Williams

DT: Marcell Dareus

MLB: Brandon Spikes*

WLB: Kiko Alonso

SLB: Keith Rivers*

RCB: Stephon Gilmore

LCB: Leodis McKelvin

FS: Corey Graham*

SS: Aaron Williams



Defensive Overview: The Bills are in a similar position to the Browns with regard to their QB dilemma, but intriguing rest of the roster. Buffalo lost top safety Jairus Byrd in free agency, but still returns an impressive unit equipped with multiple impact edge rushers, two outstanding defensive tackles, plus starting linebackers, and a secondary long on talent. I expect a 2014 breakout from Gilmore. Graham arguably gives the Bills more options than Byrd with an ability to cover slot receivers in sub-packages and man safety on early downs. Spikes won't play in nickel and dime packages, but will thump against the run. Buffalo can afford to add another outside rusher and defensive back, but ultimately new DC Jim Schwartz inherits a well-constructed group.



28. Minnesota Vikings



QB: Matt Cassel

RB: Adrian Peterson

FB: Jerome Felton

WR: Greg Jennings

WR: Cordarrelle Patterson

TE: Kyle Rudolph

LT: Matt Kalil

LG: Charlie Johnson

C: John Sullivan

RG: Brandon Fusco

RT: Phil Loadholt



Offensive Overview: The Vikings are yet another team that's "a quarterback away," but offensively can keep the chains moving with a solid line and first-ballot Hall of Fame tailback. The run game, as a unit, can carry this offense until OC Norv Turner gets his next signal caller ready. The reason Minnesota is especially low in these rankings is I'm not sold on the defense, which we'll get to shortly. As for a potential 2014 breakout player, I'm looking less at the popular Patterson and more at Rudolph, who seems like he's been in the NFL for a long time but is still only 24. Due to inevitable pass-game limitations, I can envision Rudolph being the go-to receiver in Turner's historically tight end-friendly scheme. I like his chances of flirting with double-digit TDs.



LE: Brian Robison

RE: Everson Griffen

DT: Sharrif Floyd

NT: Linval Joseph*

MLB: Audie Cole

WLB: Gerald Hodges

SLB: Chad Greenway

LCB: Xavier Rhodes

RCB: Captain Munnerlyn*

FS: Harrison Smith

SS: Jamarca Sanford



Defensive Overview: Defensively, I think the best thing Minnesota has going for itself is the addition of Mike Zimmer, who has displayed a marvelous knack for maximizing player talent throughout his coaching career. As for whether he has personnel in place to fully execute his defense in year one, I'm skeptical. Floyd was a disappointment as a rookie, and the Vikings hinted at their concerns by pursuing Henry Melton in free agency. Griffen oozes ability, but is wholly unproven as a full-time player. The linebackers are weak, and so is strong safety. Munnerlyn is an impact slot defender, but you don't want him playing much outside. GM Rick Spielman has gotten an awfully long leash in Minnesota. He has five draft picks in the top 108, and needs them to hit.



29. Houston Texans



QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick*

RB: Arian Foster

WR: Andre Johnson

WR: DeAndre Hopkins

TE: Garrett Graham

TE: Ryan Griffin

LT: Duane Brown

LG: Ben Jones

C: Chris Myers

RG: Brandon Brooks

RT: Derek Newton



Offensive Overview: The Texans are a quarterback away from fielding an above-average to legitimately good NFL offense, though plenty of QB-less teams could make the same case. The top-two wideouts are excellent, the tight ends have potential -- particularly sophomore Griffin -- and Foster's overworked but still only 27-year-old body should be refreshed after sitting out the second half of last season. On the line, three plus starters return in Brown, Myers, and Brooks. Houston could use upgrades at left guard, right tackle, slot receiver, and obviously signal caller. As alluded to previously, teams that lack franchise quarterbacks get bumped down significantly in these rankings, regardless of how you might feel about the rest of the players on offense.



LE: J.J. Watt

RE: Jared Crick

NT: Jerrell Powe*

ILB: Brian Cushing

ILB: Jeff Tarpinian

OLB: Whitney Mercilus

OLB: Brooks Reed

LCB: Kareem Jackson

RCB: Johnathan Joseph

FS: Chris Clemons*

SS: D.J. Swearinger



Defensive Overview: Watt, Cushing, and Joseph are big-name players, giving this unit the appearance of being closer to a finished product than it is. Realistically, it has a long way to go to. New DC Romeo Crennel's defense won't function without a two-gap nose tackle, and he currently doesn't have one. Crennel's scheme has also historically relied on outside linebackers to generate pressure -- not down linemen like Watt -- and Mercilus has been a major disappointment through two seasons. Houston needs a franchise outside rusher, an interior anchor, a slot corner to play between Jackson and Joseph, and an inside linebacker to bookend Cushing. It's possible, if somewhat unlikely, that those latter two needs could be filled in-house by Brandon Harris and listed outside linebacker Reed, who’d likely kick inside if the Texans draft Jadeveon Clowney.



30. Jacksonville Jaguars



QB: Chad Henne

RB: Toby Gerhart*

FB: Will Ta'ufo'ou

WR: Cecil Shorts

WR: Ace Sanders

TE: Marcedes Lewis

LT: Luke Joeckel

LG: Zane Beadles*

C: Mike Brewster

RG: Will Rackley

RT: Austin Pasztor



Offensive Overview: I waffled between Jacksonville and Houston as the 29th-ranked roster, ultimately giving the Texans the nod because they have more high-end offensive talent. The Jaguars are closer to being a well-rounded team, and I expect them to have moderate 2014 success with a run-based offense as GM Dave Caldwell continues to build in the Seahawks' likeness. The Jags lack a franchise quarterback, need at least one new offensive line starter, and remain in limbo regarding Justin Blackmon's availability. Regardless of whether it's a rookie or Henne under center, I expect Jacksonville to be a high-volume rushing team that feeds Gerhart north of 250 carries. The Jags are at least a year away from fielding a formidable passing attack.



RE: Chris Clemons*

LE: Red Bryant*

DT: Sen'Derrick Marks

NT: Roy Miller

MLB: Paul Posluszny

WLB: Geno Hayes

SLB: Dekoda Watson*

RCB: Alan Ball

LCB: Dwayne Gratz

FS: Josh Evans

SS: Johnathan Cyprien



Defensive Overview: I like what the Jags have cooking on defense. Add Andre Branch, Jason Babin, Tyson Alualu, Ziggy Hood, and Abry Jones to the first-team line listed here, and Jacksonville boasts a deep rotation that won't ask any one individual to play too many snaps. It's another Seahawkian approach. And I think they'll draft Buffalo's Khalil Mack to fill the "Leo" pass-rush role. The linebackers are fairly weak, but the secondary offers a ton of promise with Gratz, Evans, and Cyprien all entering their second years. Ball quietly graded out as a top-20 corner in Pro Football Focus' 2013 ratings. This group is far from complete, but I think Jacksonville could field a sneaky top 12-15 defense in 2014. Again, I expect the Jaguars to be a team that leans on a voluminous running game, plays stingy defense, and competes every week.



31. Oakland Raiders



QB: Matt Schaub*

RB: Maurice Jones-Drew*

FB: Marcel Reece

WR: James Jones*

WR: Rod Streater

TE: Mychal Rivera

LT: Donald Penn*

LG: Khalif Barnes

C: Stefen Wisniewski

RG: Austin Howard*

RT: Menelik Watson



Offensive Overview: Oakland's weakness will continue to be its offense, where headline acquisition Schaub has a 13:19 TD-to-INT ratio with five pick-sixes over his last 16 games. "Top" tailbacks Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden combined to rush 348 times for 1,182 yards (3.40 YPC) last season. I didn't list Denarius Moore because he's fallen out of favor and will likely be traded during the draft. Jones is best suited to a No. 2 receiver role, and Streater to No. 3. I do think there is room for optimism on the line, where position coach Tony Sparano has a knack for coaching up players. At age 31, Penn should still have a season of above-average starts left in him. Howard has the potential to be a mauling right guard. Wisniewski is one of Oakland's few quality young starters. 2013 second-rounder Watson offers upside if he can stay off the shelf.



LE: Justin Tuck*

RE: LaMarr Woodley*

DT: Antonio Smith*

NT: Pat Sims

MLB: Nick Roach

WLB: Kevin Burnett

SLB: Sio Moore

LCB: Carlos Rogers*

RCB: Tarell Brown*

FS: Charles Woodson

SS: Tyvon Branch



Defensive Overview: I'd call the Raiders a sneaky bet to flirt with 8-8 if they didn't face a brutal schedule, consisting of 12 dates with teams that finished last year .500 or better. Although Oakland has little to no depth throughout its defense, first-teamers Woodley, Tuck, Smith, and Moore should be able to generate pass rush, and Branch's healthy return will give the back end a boost. I don't have 2013 first-rounder D.J. Hayden penciled in as a starter after his disappointing rookie season, but the Raiders are certainly hoping for a year-two leap. The linebacker corps is solid and should supply competitive run defense. Ultimately, I think whether this can be a quiet top-15 defense will come down to unpredictable injury luck, based on the Raiders' lack of depth.



32. Tennessee Titans



QB: Jake Locker

RB: Shonn Greene

WR: Kendall Wright

WR: Justin Hunter

WR: Nate Washington

TE: Delanie Walker

LT: Michael Roos

LG: Andy Levitre

C: Brian Schwenke

RG: Chance Warmack

RT: Michael Oher*



Offensive Overview: The Titans lack both a franchise quarterback and franchise tailback. They are changing defensive schemes with several questionable 3-4 fits. Their best player on offense is a 5-foot-10, 196-pound slot receiver who managed two touchdowns among 94 catches last year. GM Ruston Webster's roster is not completely devoid of talent, but it is most certainly among the league's bottom five, and in the basement for me when you consider a rookie tailback will likely be the centerpiece of new coach Ken Whisenhunt's offense. Why did Whiz choose the Titans over the Lions' job again? It's also worth noting Webster has only six draft picks, and just two in the top 110. I expect Tennessee to bring up the rear in the NFL's worst division this year.



RE: Jurrell Casey

LE: Ropati Pitoitua

NT: Al Woods*

ILB: Zach Brown

ILB: Wesley Woodyard*

OLB: Derrick Morgan

OLB: Akeem Ayers

LCB: Jason McCourty

RCB: Blidi Wreh-Wilson

FS: Michael Griffin

SS: Bernard Pollard



Defensive Overview: Defense is this roster's theoretical strength -- the Titans ranked a respectable 14th in yards allowed last year, and 16th in points against -- but they lost top corner Alterraun Verner in free agency without a replacement, and the defense currently lacks a two-gap nose tackle. It's a critical position in new DC Ray Horton's 3-4, and especially so for a team with undersized inside linebackers who will get engulfed by guards with no space eater to protect them. Casey and Morgan were great 4-3 linemen, but will be forced out of position under Horton. Converted Sam 'backer Ayers, 33-year-old Shaun Phillips, and Kamerion Wimbley, whose sack totals have dropped in three straight seasons, will be counted on to supply pass rush. The Titans will try to compete in 2014, but I think they will have to undergo a full-on rebuild by next offseason.