Sunday, May 19, 2024

New England Patriots 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the New England Patriots in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 30

Most improved: Quarterback

Signing veteran Jacoby Brissett as a placeholder until No. 3 pick Drake Maye is ready to take over seems to have the Patriots better positioned than they were last season -- with Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe at the reins -- when they finished tied for last in points scored per game (13.8). Zappe and sixth-round pick Joe Milton III (Tennessee) round out the QB depth chart. Brissett has started 48 career games, and Maye's upside sparks promise for the future if New England can develop him properly. -- Mike Reiss

NFL.com -- Rank: 31

You wouldn't know Bill Belichick wasn't with the Patriots anymore if you looked solely at their 2024 draft haul. New England's rookie class feels eerily similar to recent groups brought in under Belichick, where many of the prospects were selected a round to a round-and-a-half before they were typically projected (save for an interesting Day 3 pick or two). That said, I don't think Belichick would've taken Drake Maye at No. 3 overall if his pre-pick analysis of the young QB is any indication. Have to think Belichick would've traded down, as was his MO. Let the record show that I am a Maye fan. But what scares me about the situation the UNC passer has landed in is the seemingly inevitable external pressure for him to play if the Pats struggle. Maye still needs some QB finishing school, and the offense overall still needs three to four quality contributors. Jerod Mayo and Co. need to navigate the young QB's development prudently.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 30

They drafted Drake Maye to be their franchise quarterback. The question now is when he starts. It could be Jacoby Brissett for a while.

USA Today -- Rank: 30

They're pretty much running it back with a team that went 4-13, aside from changes at quarterback and head coach. OK, so not really running it back. But, aside from whatever the plan becomes behind center, this team's success (or lack thereof) will likely stem from how it adjusts to its radically altered environment.

The Athletic -- Rank: 24

The Patriots had the good fortune to be picking third in a draft that had three highly regarded quarterback prospects. And they had the good sense to simply take North Carolina's Drake Maye instead of trading the pick. New England signed Jacoby Brissett in free agency, so it can afford to give Maye plenty of time to get ready before throwing him into an offense that isn't good enough to help him as a rookie.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 29

You've got to love the vibes coming out of the draft. The Pats restocked their offense in one weekend, and now we wait to see how well it translates. The early guess is that it's not going to look as easy as it does on paper. Is Drake Maye even going to start right away over Jacoby Brissett? How quickly can these rookie receivers and linemen hit the ground running? The safe bet is there are bound to be growing pains for all these young players.

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Philadelphia Eagles 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Philadelphia Eagles in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 5

Most improved: Secondary

The Eagles signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency to bolster the safety spot and then used their first two picks in April's draft on defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. All told, they could have three new starters in the defensive backfield this season. Philadelphia finished 31st in passing touchdowns allowed last season with 35. With corners Darius Slay and James Bradberry both north of 30 years old, the Eagles needed to address the corner position for the short and long term, and they accomplished that this offseason. -- Tim McManus

NFL.com -- Rank: 5

One of the more surprising developments of Round 1 was Philadelphia getting its pick of the cornerback litter without needing to trade up. GM Howie Roseman has inherited a reputation for being aggressive for good reason, and he showed that side in the brilliant Day 2 trade-up for Cooper DeJean. Knowing when to go bold and when to hold back is a drafting art, and Roseman appears to get this as well as anyone. The Eagles' first two picks were a clear demonstration of that. And, for good measure, they also took their usual approach to the remainder of the proceedings, mixing in a couple of interesting, unusual project picks (edge Jalyx Hunt and WR Johnny Wilson) with some rock-solid selections (RB Will Shipley, LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., OG Trevor Keegan) to round out a typically impressive draft haul.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 10

They had a nice draft, adding two much-needed secondary players, and the Super Bowl hangover is a thing of the past. The pressure is on for a bounce-back season for this group.

USA Today -- Rank: 6

New RB Saquon Barkley, provided he remains healthy, will be this squad's main delta in 2024. But getting DBs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean with its first two draft picks should remedy what truly ailed Philly during 2023's late-season collapse ... though relative inactivity from the reigning NFC East champion Cowboys sure doesn't appear to hurt.

The Athletic -- Rank: 11

After grabbing two of the top corners early in the draft, Philadelphia added some potential high-reward players in Round 3 and later. Edge rusher Jalyx Hunt out of Houston Christian (6-4, 252 pounds) is a perfect example. Hunt started his career as an Ivy League safety, but he had the fifth-longest arms of any edge rusher in this class and is an explosive athlete who could turn into a steal.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 2

Clearly, last season's collapse left a sour taste in Howie Roseman's mouth. The Eagles general manager has pulled every lever this offseason. The Birds added Saquon Barkley to an already-amazing offense, and they replenished the defensive depth chart with signings like Bryce Huff and C.J. Gardner-Johnson, not to mention big-time draft picks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. No excuses in Philly if Jalen Hurts & Co. can't improve on last year's lousy finish.

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New York Giants 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the New York Giants in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 28

Most improved: Edge rusher

The Giants essentially subbed in Brian Burns for Jihad Ward, which instantly improved the unit. Burns, acquired via trade from the Carolina Panthers, ranked seventh with a 21.6% pass rush win rate in 2023. Ward, on the other hand, had a 2.3% PRWR, the second lowest of any qualifying edge rusher. -- Jordan Raanan

NFL.com -- Rank: 27

It seems like Daniel Jones received a reprieve when the Giants were unable to move up for Drake Maye on Thursday night. Jones clearly must produce this season, or the Giants will likely end up going through "90 Day Fiancé: QB Edition" again nine months from now. I give GM Joe Schoen credit for not overspending and reaching on a passer for whom he didn't have conviction. Plus, what's one of the best ways to give Jones a chance to be successful? Provide him with Malik Nabers. He's the most exciting Giants wideout since prime Odell Beckham Jr., and the two former Tigers have some overlap in their games. After a disappointing 2023 campaign, Brian Daboll needs to reverse the franchise's fortunes this season. Providing Jones with a stronger supporting cast always felt like the best route to achieve that.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 29

They passed on a quarterback in the draft, which means it's all on Daniel Jones. If he doesn't play well, there will be big changes in New York.

USA Today -- Rank: 31

Alright, Daniel Jones — here's a reinforced offensive line and an actual game-breaking wide receiver (first-rounder Malik Nabers) this team hasn't had since LSU predecessor Odell Beckham Jr. was shipped out five years ago. Make it work, bud, or we're not bypassing your replacement next year.

The Athletic -- Rank: 27

The Giants passed on an opportunity to get out of the Daniel Jones business and really shake up the draft by taking a quarterback with the sixth pick. Instead, they went with dynamic wide receiver Malik Nabers in hopes he'll help lift Jones to another level. If that doesn't work, New York can exit Jones' contract pretty easily after this year. It did bring in Drew Lock as a veteran contingency plan.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 30

My theory is the Giants are laying the groundwork for 2025. Malik Nabers is going to give their offense some much-needed juice, and they made some smart offensive line signings. But no matter how this might look with Daniel Jones or Drew Lock, I feel comfortable betting that it'll all set the stage for a new QB next year.

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San Francisco 49ers 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the San Francisco 49ers in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 2

Most improved: Defensive end

In 2023, the 49ers traded for Randy Gregory and Chase Young in an effort to finally find a complement to Nick Bosa. It didn't work, and ends not named Bosa managed a combined 11 sacks and 49 pressures. San Francisco made addressing that a priority in free agency, signing veteran Leonard Floyd (who has had at least nine sacks in each of the past four seasons) and promising youngster Yetur Gross-Matos, whom the Niners envision playing multiple spots on the line. -- Nick Wagoner

NFL.com -- Rank: 2

I thought there was a chance Ricky Pearsall could be a top-40 selection, so the Florida receiver going to the 49ers at No. 31 isn't the reach some want to make it. In fact, I had him ranked as my No. 31 overall prospect. Even still, you can't analyze this pick fairly without mentioning the receiver drama, which has ensnared Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. At first, the Niners were dealing with Aiyuk and his contract demands; then Deebo's name surfaced in some interesting trade rumors as the draft was unfolding. So here we are, and it's not clear what the next steps will be in Santa Clara. This is a team that has been on the doorstep of a championship a few times in recent years, so hanging onto the WR pair for this coming season feels like the most likely route to take as the Niners take another crack at breaking on through to the other side.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 2

The nucleus of the team that went to the Super Bowl last season is back. They are the favorites in the NFC once again.

USA Today -- Rank: 2

Feels like they're just a player away from that elusive sixth Lombardi Trophy. As well as 2023 WR3 Jauan Jennings played in Super Bowl 58, could first-round WR Ricky Pearsall, if not second-round CB Renardo Green, make all the difference, next season — especially now that it seems the questions surrounding WR2 Brandon Aiyuk have been put to bed ... for 2024 anyway?

The Athletic -- Rank: 2

Did the 49ers take Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall because they plan to trade Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel? Or did they did do it because coach Kyle Shanahan just wants another tough-as-nails wide receiver to terrorize defenses? We don't know yet, but they did strengthen their defense with two defensive backs (Renardo Green and Malik Mustapha) who will help right away.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 3

Niners fans might bristle at getting passed up by the Eagles, but there are (small) causes for concern in the Bay. For starters, there's going to be speculation about Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel's futures for the rest of the offseason. On top of that, the defense is without two underrated pieces: Arik Armstead was released at the start of the league year, and Dre Greenlaw is still recovering from his Achilles tear in the Super Bowl. The 49ers are clearly still contenders, but these are issues worth worrying about.

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New England Patriots 2024 Fantasy Football Projections

Our Fantasy Football Projections will soon be viewable by both position and team.

Below you will find our 2024 fantasy football projections for the New England Patriots.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams

QUARTERBACKS

PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Drake Maye411.7251.1277914.4111.1252.9224.82.65184.94
Jacoby Brissett137.287.8905.54.392.214.859.20.8560.4

Drake Maye: The Patriots drafted Maye third overall, and it's obvious he's the team's quarterback of the future. But will that future begin in Week 1? Currently, I project Jacoby Brissett to make roughly a quarter of the team's starts. With one of the league's least dynamic receiving corps, the passing numbers will likely be modest whether he starts Week 1 or takes over later in the year. Even so, his mobility and rushing upside could make him a viable streaming option.

Jacoby Brissett: Back with the team that drafted him in 2016, Brissett will play for his fifth team in five seasons. Across 48 career starts, Brissett has averaged only 208.2 passing yards and one passing touchdown per game. He lacks fantasy upside, even if he begins the year as the starter.

RUNNING BACKS

PlayerAtt.YardsTDRec.YardsTDPoints
Rhamondre Stevenson191.4813.55.2646.6359.21.4180.53
Antonio Gibson127.3528.33.0634.7267.11.3123.05
Kevin Harris24.398.40.734.129.50.119.82
JaMycal Hasty5.522.80.152.920.30.17.26

Rhamondre Stevenson: New England had one of the league's worst offenses — 30th in total offense, 29th in yards per play and 31st in scoring offense — in 2023, and now they will most likely give most of their snaps to a rookie quarterback. The situation limits his ceiling, but Stevenson is a solid RB2 in fantasy. He's two years removed from a 1,461-yard and 69-reception season.

Antonio Gibson: While he exceeded 1,000 scrimmage yards and scored double-digit touchdowns in each of his first two seasons, Gibson set career lows in touches (113), scrimmage yards (654) and touchdowns (three) in 2023. On a positive note, he gets a fresh start in New England.

WIDE RECEIVERS

PlayerRec.YardsTDRushYardsTDPoints
Demario Douglas50.8657.73.15.326.50.27114.04
Ja'Lynn Polk50650.33000108.03
Kendrick Bourne43.75252.61.560.0690.91
JuJu Smith-Schuster21.2221.11.200039.91
Javon Baker14.1178.70.900030.32
K.J. Osborn6.477.40.500013.94
Jalen Reagor2.227.60.10004.46

Demario Douglas: Although he failed to score a touchdown, Douglas had 49 catches for 561 yards as a late-round rookie (210th overall) last season. Douglas had at least five targets in his final nine games, and he averaged 4.3 catches for 46.4 yards on 6.9 targets per game over that stretch.

Ja'Lynn Polk: Polk doesn't have the elite long-term upside of his former Washington Huskies teammate Rome Odunze (92/1,640/13), but he has excellent ball skills and body control and was highly productive in his final collegiate season (69/1,159/9). The Patriots used a high second-round pick (37th overall) on Polk, and he has the potential to lead the team's receiving corps in fantasy production.

TIGHT ENDS

PlayerRec.YardsTDRushYardsTDPoints
Hunter Henry43.2469.8300086.58
Austin Hooper15.1160.31.100030.18
Jaheim Bell2.223.90.20004.69
Mitchell Wilcox1.716.60.20003.71

Hunter Henry: Through three seasons in New England, Henry has finished with 41 to 50 catches, 419 to 603 yards, and two to nine touchdowns. Henry's primary fantasy success will be tied to his TD production — will the number be closer to the two or nine ends of that range?

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Saturday, May 18, 2024

Miami Dolphins 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Miami Dolphins in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 7

Most improved: Pass-rush depth

Although the Dolphins' top two pass-rushers are about as good a tandem as you get in the NFL, their depth behind Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb left something to be desired. Miami released Emmanuel Ogbah and lost Andrew Van Ginkel to free agency, but general manager Chris Grier signed veteran Shaquil Barrett this offseason, then doubled down on pass-rushers in the draft -- taking Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara in the first and fifth rounds, respectively.

The rookies might be asked to contribute early in the season if Chubb and Phillips have not fully recovered from their season-ending injuries suffered in 2023, but once those two are healthy, Miami has to feel good about its pass-rush depth in 2024. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

NFL.com -- Rank: 11

I completely understood the rationale of taking edge Chop Robinson in the first round. The Dolphins were gutted when Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb and Andrew Van Ginkel all went down with injuries down the stretch last season, and Christian Wilkins, Emmanuel Ogbah and Van Ginkel are now playing elsewhere. Plus, they can't count on Phillips and Chubb being fully healthy to start the season. Robinson profiles similarly to Danielle Hunter when he came out, lacking quality college production but possessing all the pass-rush traits NFL teams are seeking. The rest of Miami's draft was fine. I really liked the middle three picks of RB Jaylen Wright, edge Mohamed Kamara and WR Malik Washington, but none of the three are going to significantly push Miami closer to a Super Bowl in 2024.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 15

The Dolphins lost some key players in free agency, but they have done a nice job of filling in for their losses. Oh, and they added more speed.

USA Today -- Rank: 17

After taking some broadsides in free agency, they got good players in the draft. Yet their overlap with some already strong areas of the depth chart, combined with degradation in the middle of each line, portend potential pitfalls for a team riding a 23-season streak without a playoff win — currently the league's longest.

The Athletic -- Rank: 16

Mike McDaniel is committed to the bit. The head coach of the NFL's fastest team traded up to take the second-fastest running back in this year's draft in Round 4 (Tennessee's Jaylen Wright) and then drafted a high school sprinting state champion — Virginia wide receiver Malik Washington — in the fifth round. Give him credit, too, for getting big guys in the first two rounds in edge Chop Robinson and offensive tackle Patrick Paul.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 16

I worry about the Dolphins. The skill positions are as good as it gets, but I'm not sold that they improved the offensive line, which was their downfall last year. On defense, they lost Christian Wilkins, and both Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are coming off major injuries. Past versions of this team haven't been able to hold up over the grind of an 18-week season, and I have my doubts about this one.

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Las Vegas Raiders 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Las Vegas Raiders in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 25

Most improved: Defensive tackle

Signing an elite free agent in Christian Wilkins, who brings 20.5 career sacks with him to Las Vegas, does more than improve the position from a pass-rush perspective -- it makes the Raiders' defense potentially a top-10 unit. Wilkins, who had a career-high 9.0 sacks for the Dolphins last season, had more sacks in 2023 than fellow Raiders DTs John Jenkins (3.5), Matthew Butler (0.5), Byron Young (0) and Nesta Jade Silvera (0) have combined in their careers. But DT Adam Butler had 5.0 of his 22.0 career sacks for Las Vegas last season. Adding Wilkins should also stop offensive lines from double-teaming Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby so much. -- Paul Gutierrez

NFL.com -- Rank: 23

Once six quarterbacks -- namely Michael Penix Jr. -- went off the board ahead of the Raiders' pick, it really streamlined their options. But getting Brock Bowers at No. 13? That's a steal to me, until proven otherwise. Maybe Penix would have qualified as the all-time honorary Al Davis selection if the Raiders had taken a first-round gamble on him, but as a high-upside athletic playmaker, Bowers isn't far off. Bowers can help this team, and people freaking out about having multiple quality tight ends (Bowers and Michael Mayer) will hopefully see that down the road. The QB duo of Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell might not be the most spine-tingling combination, but giving them a decent cast of targets can't hurt. The defense also should carry a fairly heavy share of the load. No, this isn't yet a Super Bowl-caliber roster, but the Raiders have gotten better this offseason.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 24

Is it Gardner Minshew or Aidan O'Connell at quarterback? By failing to land a quarterback in the draft, that's what they are left with in a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.

USA Today -- Rank: 24

They remain a quarterback away, seemingly by their own admission. Yet they won't be pushovers, either, bridge QB Gardner Minshew II — a Pro Bowler in 2023 for whatever that's worth anymore — a good Sin City bet to roll from a very hot table on many weeks ... and be a cooler on others.

The Athletic -- Rank: 25

The Raiders were rumored to be in the quarterback trade market but stayed in their draft slot and took the best player available — Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. It was a very un-Vegas move. Then they compounded the common sense by taking offensive linemen with their next two picks.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 28

There's too much talent in Las Vegas for a ranking this low. The Raiders have a feisty defense, now headlined by Christian Wilkins along with Maxx Crosby. Davante Adams is still a top-tier receiver. But how high can the ceiling really be without a better option at quarterback? Gardner Minshew was good enough to nearly win the AFC South, but something tells me that's not going to happen in Patrick Mahomes' division.

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Jacksonville Jaguars 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Jacksonville Jaguars in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 13

Most improved: Defensive line

Signing Arik Armstead and drafting Maason Smith (second round) and Jordan Jefferson (fourth round) significantly upgrades the defensive tackle rotation and should improve the team's run defense. That was one of the biggest problems during the team's 1-5 record over the final six weeks: The Jaguars gave up 44.4 more yards per game rushing in Weeks 13-18 than they did in Weeks 1-12. Armstead also provides an interior pass-rush presence the team lacked last season, in part because of DaVon Hamilton's back injury. -- Michael DiRocco

NFL.com -- Rank: 14

The Jaguars hoovered up an SEC-heavy class that arguably improved the offense, defense and special teams, and there appeared to be solid value throughout. Trading back six spots in Round 1 and nabbing receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was a strong first move, and I'd challenge anyone saying that defensive tackle Maason Smith was a reach in Round 2. Four DTs came off the board in a five-pick span near the top of the round, so Smith wasn't lasting much longer than where he went (No. 48 overall). Plus, if you watched Smith down the stretch last season, he started looking more like he did before he tore his ACL in 2022. I could have used a little more help at cornerback, and drafting a kicker (Cam Little) -- especially one who must beat out two veterans to make the team -- is always risky business. But all told, the Jags had themselves a productive draft weekend.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 12

They flopped midway through the season in 2023 because they weren't ready to handle the challenge. It didn't help that Trevor Lawrence was playing hurt. They will push Houston in the division after a nice draft.

USA Today -- Rank: 21

Are they much better prepared to protect QB Trevor Lawrence? Are they much better prepared to shut down opposing passers? Is there any reason to believe they've kept pace with the Texans and Colts this offseason?

The Athletic -- Rank: 26

The Jaguars like LSU players, and they don't much care what everyone else thinks of their new players. Jacksonville started the draft by taking wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., the first of three Tigers it drafted. The next eight players all ranked among some of the biggest reaches in the draft based on consensus mock draft rankings.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 18

Adding Brian Thomas Jr. offsets the loss of Calvin Ridley. The rookie — together with Gabe Davis, Christian Kirk, Evan Engram and Travis Etienne — gives Trevor Lawrence a solid group of weapons. I'm still concerned about the Jags' offensive line. And even with Josh Allen signed for the long-term, I'm not convinced this defense got much better.

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Green Bay Packers 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Green Bay Packers in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 10

Most improved: Safety

The Packers essentially started over here by making a huge free agent splash with Xavier McKinney (four-year, $68 million contract) and then drafting three safeties: Javon Bullard (second round), Evan Williams (fourth) and Kitan Oladapo (fifth) after they moved on from Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens and Rudy Ford -- a trio that combined to play nearly 2,000 snaps last season. -- Rob Demovsky

NFL.com -- Rank: 8

The biggest question coming out of the draft might be where first-rounder Jordan Morgan ends up playing next season. Does he compete for the starting left tackle job? Or is a move inside a better fit for his skill set? I'm in the "try him at tackle" camp, having watched Morgan enough to believe his lack of prototypical length shouldn't be an issue, and I am not sure he's ideal at guard, where his lack of elite power might actually hinder his growth. This might be heresy, but I referred to Morgan as a poor man's David Bakhtiari at one point. We'll see. Protecting Jordan Love is, of course, the highest priority now. Green Bay watched the quarterback blossom into near stardom down the stretch of last season, completely flipping the midseason script after some early struggles. This is a team that reasonably can go a long way, but that left tackle spot is worth monitoring.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 6

With Jordan Love showing he can be their guy for the long run last season and a lot of talented receivers, they will score. The defense will have a new look -- and it will be better.

USA Today -- Rank: 5

After taking an unexpected quantum leap in 2023, they added first-round LT Jordan Morgan, second-round ILB Edgerrin Cooper and second-round S Javon Bullard — and all should be upgrades at their respective positions. The apparent absence of an elite offensive weapon — and new RB Josh Jacobs isn't quite that — might be the only thing holding this ascendant Pack back.

The Athletic -- Rank: 6

While everyone's draft focus was on the Falcons saying they were trying to turbocharge the Packers' quarterback succession model, Green Bay might have quietly done it again. The Packers picked Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt in the seventh round. The 6-foot-3, 217-pound Pratt might have to wait a long time if he's going to succeed Jordan Love, but he's more than worth the gamble at pick No. 245 after starting 44 college games and throwing 90 career touchdowns.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 6

So much of the Packers' success will hinge on Jordan Love and all of his young pass-catchers continuing to ascend. But adding Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney to a team that finished 2023 on a red-hot run looks awfully appealing. It would also be great if new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley can coax more production out of that defense.

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Los Angeles Rams NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Los Angeles Rams in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 14

Most improved: Secondary

The Rams did a lot to improve their defensive front in the draft, but they still had Aaron Donald on their roster at the end of the 2023 season. Last season, Los Angeles had 10 interceptions -- tied for 23rd in the NFL. Improving the secondary was a focus during free agency and the draft, with the Rams signing cornerbacks Tre'Davious White and Darious Williams and safety Kamren Curl and selecting safety Kamren Kinchens in the fifth round. -- Sarah Barshop

NFL.com -- Rank: 17

This figured to be a blue-collar draft of sorts, especially when it came to rebuilding the post-Aaron Donald defensive line. I sat next to Rams linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi on my flight back from the draft and asked him about GM Les Snead's haul. "D-line, my goodness," Fatukasi said. "That's how you do it." Four picks, because no one man can replace A.D., with two inside (Braden Fiske in Round 2 and Tyler Davis in Round 6) and two on the edge (Jared Verse in Round 1 and Brennan Jackson in Round 5). The cost to move up for Fiske (a 2025 second-rounder) was steep, but he and his former running mate at Florida State, Verse, could be terrific alongside last year's strong rookie duo of Byron Young and Kobie Turner. I also loved L.A. grabbing running back Blake Corum in Round 3 as a complement to Kyren Williams; that pair will be a pain in the rump for defenses to corral. The Rams couldn't check off every box, but I can't find much fault in their overall approach.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 9

They had a terrific draft, but the retirement of Aaron Donald will be felt by the defense. Even so, Sean McVay will have them pushing the 49ers for the division title.

USA Today -- Rank: 12

Though it seems like this team is getting increasingly younger on the heels of what could be a banner draft — and Aaron Donald's retirement — its two oldest players are QBs Matthew Stafford (36) and Jimmy Garoppolo (32).

The Athletic -- Rank: 12

Jared Verse must feel special. That's whom Los Angeles picked with its first first-round pick since 2016 (which it spent on Jared Goff). Verse, and his former Florida State teammate Braden Fiske, a defensive tackle, will help a defense that finished 22nd last year in points allowed (22.2). Now if they can keep quarterback Matthew Stafford happy (he wants a contract adjustment with more guaranteed money, NFL Network reported during the draft), they'll be a sleeper NFC title game candidate.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 11

I love so much about what the Rams have done this year. Re-signing Kevin Dotson and bringing in Jonah Jackson has their offensive line looking formidable. Kamren Curl and Tre'Davious White are nice, affordable signings on defense. They added some exciting draft picks. But you're just not going to climb in the power rankings when a legend like Aaron Donald retires. Even if the young talent on defense looks promising, there's no replacing a force like Donald.

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New York Jets 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the New York Jets in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 17

Most improved: Offensive line

The Jets were the only team last season to rank in the bottom four in both pass block win rate (50%, 30th) and run block win rate (67.7%, 29th), so they had to do something to beef up Aaron Rodgers' protection. And they did, acquiring three veteran starters (LT Tyron Smith, LG John Simpson and RG Morgan Moses) and drafting LT Olu Fashanu in the first round. The return of RG Alijah Vera-Tucker (Achilles) will help too. Smith and Moses, both 33, aren't long-term answers, and Simpson is a middling player, but the line is in better shape than last season. The depth, led by Fashanu, is better too. -- Rich Cimini

NFL.com -- Rank: 21

The Jets were having a good weekend. They got their tackle at No. 11 overall in Olu Fashanu -- he was not my favorite of the options they had, but he was not far off. They also passed on the sizzle pick (Brock Bowers) to do so. GM Joe Douglas looks like a man hell-bent on making sure this offensive line finally works. Rounds 3 through 5 landed them some prospects I really liked, even though doubling up at running back with Braelon Allen in the fourth round felt a little redundant. All in all, it looked like a productive weekend. But then I saw the trade of John Franklin-Myers to Denver, and I didn't like it. Look, I get why the Jets did it: they gave themselves some cap relief and had a surplus up front. But if there ever was a time to push all their chips in, with Aaron Rodgers perhaps in his swan-song season, isn't this it? Maybe I'm leaning too much on my "theatre kid" past here, but don't underestimate the locker-room effect that comes with moving JFM.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 11

It's go-time for the Jets. With Aaron Rodgers coming back at age 40, this has to be the year. They have all the pieces.

USA Today -- Rank: 10

All due respect to new QB2 Tyrod Taylor, this team is one Aaron Rodgers injury away from a 14th consecutive season finishing shy of the playoffs — which would extend the current NFL mark of futility. Yet reloaded and reinforced, it's also one vintage Rodgers performance from its first Super Bowl appearance in 56 years.

The Athletic -- Rank: 17

The Jets drafted an Aaron Rodgers support staff, getting offensive tackle Olu Fashanu, wide receiver Malachi Corley and running back Braelon Allen with their first three picks. Fashanu might not start right away, but he has that kind of talent, and Corley should join Mike Williams and Garrett Wilson in the starting lineup immediately.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 13

Counting on the health of a 40-year-old quarterback recovering from an Achilles tear is a scary place to be. That said, I think the Jets have done all the right things to get ready for Aaron Rodgers' second attempt in New York. Beefing up the offensive tackle spot with Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses was an amazing decision, and I'm so proud of general manager Joe Douglas for insuring those guys with No. 11 overall pick Olu Fashanu. Douglas even signed a competent backup quarterback in Tyrod Taylor. That's how you protect an aging QB. We know the defense will be top-notch. Now, if Rodgers can just deliver the rest.

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Detroit Lions 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Detroit Lions in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 4

Most improved: Secondary

It's no secret that Detroit needed help in the secondary after allowing 28 passing touchdowns last season -- which was the sixth worst in the league. So the Lions drafted two DBs -- Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. -- with their first two picks of the draft, which is a first for the team during the common draft era (i.e., since 1967). The rookies join free agent signees Carlton Davis III and Amik Robertson. After loading up at the position, GM Brad Holmes noted there will be plenty of competition for the starting jobs. On paper, it's a major upgrade. -- Eric Woodyard

NFL.com -- Rank: 4

The entire draft weekend in Detroit felt like a celebration of the Lions, and rightfully so. After signing foundational pieces Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell to extensions, the Lions swung up on draft day to pluck one of the top two cornerbacks on the board. Terrion Arnold might not walk into the building in Allen Park as a ready-made shutdown corner, but he has that potential and fills a pretty big necessity for a team that should very much be in the Super Bowl mix this coming season. Doubling up at the position with Ennis Rakestraw Jr. was outstanding. Corner was Detroit's biggest need, and they landed two of my top six in this draft class. Their two sixth-rounders -- DT Mekhi Wingo and OG Christian Mahogany -- definitely could make the final roster, too. The Lions attacked the draft like a team that believes it can and will compete for the Lombardi Trophy in the 2024 campaign, and who am I to doubt them?

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CBS Sports -- Rank: 4

The Lions showed how good they were last season by coming within a whisker of getting to the Super Bowl. Now comes the tough part: Dealing with being a hunted team.

USA Today -- Rank: 4

They still project as the class of the NFC North, especially after bringing in three quality corners (Carlton Davis III and rookies Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.) for a 27th-ranked pass defense. But this division looks a heckuva lot tighter and will almost certainly be the class of the conference, if not the league, in 2024.

The Athletic -- Rank: 3

Detroit was 28th last season in defensive passing EPA so it used its first two picks on cornerbacks. Sensible enough. Then the Lions returned to their contrarian form by using their third pick (a fourth-rounder, which they acquired by trading away a 2025 third-rounder) on a Tongan offensive tackle from Canada (Giovanni Manu) whom Brugler projected as a priority free agent. That's the wacky Brad Holmes-Dan Campbell Lions we've come to love here.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 4

The Lions return almost the exact same offense that lit up the league last season, complete with major extensions for Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell. The defense looks vastly upgraded, with D.J. Reader manning the middle of the defensive line and three new corners in the secondary. On paper, the Lions look better than the team that fell oh-so short of the Super Bowl, and they should be eager to prove it.

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Seattle Seahawks 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Seattle Seahawks in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 21

Most improved: Defensive line

The Seahawks used the 16th pick to draft Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, whom they considered the best defender in this year's draft. They previously signed veteran nose tackle Johnathan Hankins on a one-year deal to be an early-down run-stuffer. Murphy is a three-down player, but between his addition and that of Hankins, as well as a full season of Leonard Williams and new coach Mike Macdonald's scheme, Seattle should be better against the run after allowing the most rushing yards (4,906) of any team over the past two seasons. -- Brady Henderson

NFL.com -- Rank: 24

I'd caught wind that the Seahawks might be leaning defense in Round 1, even after all the offensive line talk leading up to the draft, but I had the wrong position -- and I'm not mad about it at all. As president of the Byron Murphy Fan Club, I fully endorse the selection. He was a top-10 player to me, size concerns be damned. Sometimes you just fall for a guy, and he's that guy. Mike Macdonald now can have some fun with his DL combinations. Say what you will about the actual results the past few seasons, but the Seahawks have some dudes up front. There are some things to figure out on the second level, but the secondary also should be pretty nice. I admit this ranking doesn't exactly scream that I'm in love with the Seahawks, but if they can squeeze one more quality year out of Geno Smith, they might be far better than this slot indicates.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 25

New coach Mike Macdonald will get the defense playing much better. But this is a big year for Geno Smith after his play leveled off last season.

USA Today -- Rank: 25

Hard to know what to make of this team until we see how it adapts to new HC Mike Macdonald's philosophy and defensive scheme — not to mention new OC Ryan Grubb's approach — even while predecessor Pete Carroll's roster remains widely in place.

The Athletic -- Rank: 19

Seattle's first two picks weigh a combined 614 pounds, so we know general manager John Schneider, in his first draft post-Pete Carroll, wanted to rebuild the Seahawks' trenches. Defensive tackle Bryron Murphy II (6-foot, 297 pounds) might end up being the best defensive player in this draft, and guard Christian Haynes (6-3, 317) will provide immediate offensive line depth and a possible Day 1 starter.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 20

I really love Seattle's first two draft picks. Byron Murphy II and Christian Haynes could potentially make the Seahawks much better on the lines. I still wonder what Mike Macdonald's long-term vision is, because this feels like a team that could transition in 2025.

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