Zak Drapeau's NFL Offseason Review Part 1: Ranking Every NFL Team's 2023 Offseason
The 2023 NFL Draft has come and go and we are now only 3 months away from the return of NFL Football! The 2023 NFL Offseason began only 2 months ago with the Kansas City Chiefs being crowned champions for the second time in four years. The last 3 months have been somewhat grounded compared to previous offseasons but was still filled with mayhem, confusion and excitement as each of the NFL's 32 teams gear up for a run at Super Bowl 58.
With the NFL Draft being over, we thought it would be a good time to look over all the events that have transpired since February and rank each team's progress it's made. Some teams were VERY active while other teams took a more submissive approach, mostly depending on last year's success and salary cap maneuverability.
For these rankings, we will be weighting player personnel movements, including free agency and trade acquisitions as well as draft picks against the team's player departures to see how the team got better or worse over the offseason. We have attached a grade to each team where 80 is average, (team didn't get better or worse) while anything above means the team did better and vice versa.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is not a list projecting power rankings for the 2023-24 season, it is just a list showing how team's faired in the offseason improving or declinging their roster.
Let's get right to it!
1. Atlanta Falcons Grade 87
Key Acquisitions: Safety Jessie Bates III, Defensive Tackle David Onyemata, Tight End Jonnu Smith, QB Taylor Heinicke, DT Calais Campbell, CB Mike Hughes and Edge Bud Dupree
Key Departures: CB Casey Heyward and Edge Rusher Dante Fowler Jr.
Key Draft Picks: RB Bijan Robinson, OT Matthew Bergeron, CB Clark Phillips III and SAF DeMarcco Hellams
The Falcons have taken our gold medal and have to be absolutely over the moon with their offseason. Free Agency was their bread and butter, signing multiple defensive players that will make an immediate impact for their defense which ranked 25th in passing and 23rd in rushing. They also lost very little value in Free Agency.
Adding Bijan Robinson will give an instant playmaker to first year starter Desmond Ridder while snagging two draft steals in the secondary in Phillips and Hellams will improve their defense this year while guaranteeing growth for seasons to come.
Well Done!
2. Philadelphia Eagles Grade 85.3
Key Acquisitions: RB D'Andre Swift, SAF Terrell Edmunds and CB Greedy Williams
Key Departures: SAF Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, DT Javon Hargrave and RB Miles Sanders
Key Draft Picks: DT Jalen Carter, Edge Nolan Smith and CB Kelee Ringo
The Rich Get Richer! The Eagles were the kings of the NFL Draft this year and everyone should take note of Howie Roseman over the last two years. The Eagles have snagged Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, AJ Brown and D'Andre Swift on draft night in the last two years and are certainly gearing up for another Super Bowl run.
While they did lose A LOT in free Agency, they went out and replaced all positions that suffered and then some! Look for their Early Super Bowl Odds to be Top 3 this year.
3. Seattle Seahawks Grade 84.3
Key Acquisitions: LB Devin Bush, DL Dre'Mont Jones and LB Bobby Wagner
Key Departures: DT Shelby Harris, RB Rashad Penny and DT Poona Ford
Key Draft Picks: CB Devon Witherspoon, CB Jaxon Smith-Njigba Edge Derrick Hall, RB Zach Charbonnet and C Olusegun Oluwatimi
The Seahawks take our bronze medal but this is no consolidation prize. Seattle had a huge splash in the draft while also retooling their defense in Free Agency, a defense that ranked 25th last year. The finality of the Russell Wilson trade has been reached and in total the Seahawks made out with three offensive starters and possibly three more on defense, while still acquiring a third round pick for next year.
Time will tell how far Geno Smith can take this team but be sure their Super Bowl window is now and Pete Carroll and company have taken full advantage of it.
4. Houston Texans Grade 84
Key Acquisitions: OG Shaq Mason, WR Robert Woods, TE Dalton Schultz, RB Devin Singletary, DT Sheldon Rankins and SAF Tyree Gillespie
Key Departures: WR Brandin Cooks, TE OJ Howard and OG AJ Cann
Key Draft Picks: QB CJ Stroud, Edge Will Anderson Jr. and LB Henry To'o To'o
Two words can sum up the Texans this offseason: All in. The Texans grabbed the future of their franchise on both sides of the ball in the draft while also bolstering their offense in Free Agency. The Texans had to trade a lot of draft capitol to get Will Anderson Jr but if he lives up to his potential, the cost will definitely be worth it.
Especially in the AFC South, The Texans seem to planning a major playoff run in only a season or two thanks to this offseason. New Head Coach Demeco Ryans has wasted no time building this team and should improve his defense with his tutelage alone, and was very smart to help his offense this offseason.
5. Carolina Panthers Grade 83.7
Key Acquisitions: RB Miles Sanders, SAF Von Bell, WRs DJ Chark and Adam Thielen and TE Hayden Hurst
Key Deartures: WR DJ Moore and RB D'Onta Foreman
Key Draft Picks: QB Bryce Young, WR Jonathan Mingo and SAF Jammie Robinson
Trading up to the number one pick was a bold first move for new Head Coach Frank Reich, but if he found his franchise QB it'll be worth it in the long run. Bryce Young was a great start to their rebuild especially under a guru like Reich, while also adding Sanders, Chark, Thielen and Mingo for weapons.
This team is very underrated and went 5-6 even after trading McCaffrey last season. A possible NFC South title is in reach for this team, with a decade of Bryce Young promising more than that. Rounding out the top-5 is a great start and the Panthers seem to be ready for more progress with $27 million in cap still to spend next season.
6. New England Patrios Grade 83.7
Key Acquisitions: WR Juju Smith-Schuster, TE Mike Gesicki and RB James Robinson
Key Departures: WR Jakobi Meyers, OT Isaiah Wynn, RB Damien Harris and FS Devin McCourty
Key Draft Picks: CB Christian Gonzalez, Edge Keion White and WR Kayshon Boutte
The New England Patriots had a great offseason. Adding multiple pieces on offense for Mac Joones including a true offensive coordinator in Bill O'Brien in Free Agency, while stacking defensive and special teams players through the draft, the Patriots almost made improvements on every single position on their roster. Drafting Christian Gonzalez at 17 may turn out to be the steal of the draft seeing how Bellichick develops defensive backs, while getting Juju, Gesicki and James Robinson should give Mac Jones the recipe for the breakout season Patriot fans are praying for.
With the retirement of Bill Bellichik looming, this team is looking for results very soon. Unfortunately for them, the AFC East might eb the most talented division in the NFL now, and with the Patriots looking like possible bottom-dwellers in it this was a great step to fight off irrelevance.
7. Dallas Cowboys Grade 83
Key Acquisitions: WR Brandin Cooks, CB Stephon Gillmore and RB Ronald Jones
Key Departures: RB Ezekiel Elliot and LB Anthony Barr
Key Draft Picks: DT Mazi Smith, LB Demarvion Overshown and Villiami Fehoko
When originally making this list I thought the Cowboys would rank much lower. Without doubt, the free agency acquisitions of Brandin Cooks and Stephon Gillmore were tremendous, but it didn't really seem like they did anything else.
What I didn't realize at first glance, was the positional value and lack of lost talent the Cowboys were able to utilize. The only players that departed the team were either a salary concern or somehow hurt the team with their play. They replaced both key departures in free agency and would draft well with multiple players that while not ready to start yet, do project to be above average players for their careers.
8. New York Jets Grade 83
Key Acquisitions: QB Aaron Rodgers, WRs Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman and OG Wes Schweitzer
Key Departures: OLs Connor McGovern and Nate Herbig, DL Sheldon Rankins and WR Elijah Moore
Key Draft Picks: Edge Will McDonald IV, C Joe Tippman and OT Carter Warren
Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Rodgers. The Jets had one clear objective this offseason and it came to fruition just over a week ago for considerably less than what we thought it would. The Jets would me much higher on this list if not for a few head-scratching moves in the draft.
Memes everywhere will be calling this team the New York Packers due to their signing of 6 Packers offensive players. Their defense was already top tier and with their offensive acquisitions this offseason, look for the Jets to be a complete team with HIGH playoff hopes.
9. Denver Broncos Grade 83
Key Acquisitions: OT Mike McGlinchey, DL Zach Allen and WR Marquez Calloway
Key Departures: OG Dalton Risner, LB Alex Singleton and SAF Kareem Jackson
Key Draft Picks: LB Drew Sanders, SAF JL Skinner and WR Marvin Mims Jr.
The Broncos are one of the most puzzling rosters in all of football for the last wto seasons now. On paper, this team is easily a top-5 roster in the NFL with almost all of the questions laying on Russell Wilson. Hopefully for Broncos fans with new coaching staff led by Sean Payton, Wilson will be able to get back to his MVP-caliber way and this team will reach their potential.
The Broncos were able to replace every piece that left this offseason while adding an All-Pro Left tackle in McGlinchey and a couple defensive draft picks that are likely to anchor their side of the ball for years to come.
10. Arizona Cardinals Grade 82.7
Key Acquisitions: WR Zach Pascal and LB Krys Barnes
Key Departures: CB Byron Murphy, C Rodney Hudson, Edge Markus Golden, DL Zach Allen, OG Cody Ford and WR Greg Dortch
Key Dratf Picks: 2024 HOU 1st and 3rd Picks, OT Paris Johnson Jr., Edge BJ Ojulari and CB Garret Williams
The Cardinals win the award for best start to a rebuild this offseason. Arguably the winners of the draft, Arizona made out with two incredibly valuable picks next year, (Houston's 1st and 3rd round picks) while also getting the premier Left Tackle in Paris Johnson and a terrific edge rusher in BJ Ojulari.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals had to relinquish a lot of key players specifically on the defensive side of the ball. They will no doubt be looking to hit home runs in next year's draft but have started the ball rolling in the right direction.
11. New Orleans Saints Grade 82.3
Key Acquisitions: QB Derek Carr, RB Jamaal Williams and WR Bryan Edwards
Key Departures: DT David Onyemata, Edge Marcus Davenport and WR Marquez Calloway
Key Draft Picks: DT Bryan Breese, Edge Isaiah Foskey and A.T. Perry
The Saints have taken the Free Agency approach this offseason and it seems to have done the trick. The Saints are certainly a year or two away from contention but have made key moves in salary cap switches for rookies while adding Derek Carr to man the ship.
Holders of the 13th best draft class but 10th best free agency, the Saints were just above average this year and in similar fashion to the other members of the NFC South on this list, have a division title in their sights in 2024.
12. Baltimore Ravens Grade 82.3
Key Acquisitions: WRs Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholar and CB Trayvon Mullen
Key Departures: CB Marcus Peters and DT Calais Campbell
Key Draft Picks: WR Zay Flowers, LB Trenton Simpson and CB Kyu Blu Kelly
Flashes and Waves were the story of the Ravens this offseason. The resigning of Lamar Jackson to the richest contract in NFL history with the additions of Odell Beckham Jr and Zay Flowers, the Ravens ended the season with possibly the most questions in the league and now their Super Bowl contenders once again.
The real question for the Ravens is how their defense will fair after losing some of the most important veteran players like Peters and Campbell. The Ravens have historically been a hard-nosed, veteran based defense but have transitioned to a very young and finesse-based style. This could be interesting.
13. Washington Commanders Grade 82
Key Acquisitions: OT Andrew Wylie QB Jacoby Brissett and CB Cameron Dantzler
Key Departures: QBs Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke OL Wes Schweitzer and RB JD McKissic
Key Draft Picks: CB Emmanuel Forbes, SAF Jartavius Martin, C Ricky Stromberg and Edge KJ Henry
The Commanders get a grade just above average thanks to their departures being of little to no consequence this year. Going into a season with Jacoby Brissett is usually a sign the team is rebuilding but the Commanders may have other plans. With the best defensive line in football and an offensive line that isn't too far away from the top-10, this team may only be a superstar or two away from supremacy.
The Commanders are in a tricky position with the Eagles and Cowboys likely to run their division for years and the Giants seemingly moving up the ladder as well. However if Washington is able to get a Quarterback in next year's offseason, look for them to be instant competitors under a possible new coach in Eric Bieniemy, the new OC and expected HC next year.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers Grade 82
Key Acquisitions: CB Patrick Peterson, DB Keanu Neal and OGs Nate Herbig and Isaac Seumalo
Key Departures: SAF Terrell Edmunds, CB Cam Sutton and LBs Devin Bush and Myles Jack
Key Draft Picks: OT Broderick Jones, CB Joey Porter Jr., DT Keeanu Benton, Edge Nick Herbig and CB Cory Trice
Another team with a grade just above average grade was saved by their draft class this year. The Steelers always seemed to have a "next-man-up" mentality and wither their way to a positive record, but this season may be different. While their draft class ranked number two in the entire league, their free agency ranked 25th with 4 very important starters leaving for other teams.
For this team to reach a .500 record again, they will need an immediate impact from their rookies and a significant step up from Kenny Pickett and Najee Harris. But with one of the best assemblies of receiving talents in the league, that could be possible.
15. Buffalo Bills Grade 82
Key Acquisitions: SAF Taylor Rapp, RB Damien Harris and C Conner McGovern
Key Departures: LB Tremaine Edmunds and Jamison Crowder
Key Draft Picks: TE Dalton Kincaid, OG O'Cyrus Torrence and LB Dorian Williams
The Bills may very well be the best roster in the league, so all they needed to do was not do too terrible this offseason. Well they managed to do a bit better than plateau meaning they will be even better for next year. The Bills are all about depth and rotation and that is exactly what they've added along with a couple playmakers like Rapp and the rookie Kincaid.
Being able to keep what they needed to and bring in new personnel to fill gaps while still having $5 million in cap to spare was the true reason their offseason is graded above average.
16. Indianapolis Colts Grade 82
Key Acquisitions: WR Isaiah McKenzie, Edge Samson Ebukam and K Matt Gay
Key Departures: Edge Yannick Ngakoue, CB Stephon Gillmore and QB Matt Ryan
Key Draft Picks: QB Anthony Richardson, CBs Julius Brents and Darius Rush, WR Josh Downs and Edge Tomi Adebawore
The Colts are in serious rebuild mode and had a great start with their 2023 draft. With a different starting quarterback for 8 season surely going to continue this year, the Colts have finally taken a step back and decided to retool. Their draft was stellar but their grading was hurt by a lack of free agent signings.
The Colts have always been a low risk-low reward team and have always suffered because of it. Their biggest Free Agency signing after a 4-12-1 season was a Kicker Matt Gay. Their drafting of Anthony Richardson was a good step for the team but they will need to take a few chances if they want to be true contenders anytime soon.
17. Cincinnati Bengals Grade 81.7
Key Acquisitions: OT Orlando Brown, SAF Nick Scott, Irv Smith jr. and OG Cody Ford
Key Departures: SAF Jessie Bates III, SAF Von Bell and TE Hayden Hurst
Key Draft Picks: Edge Myles Murphy, CB DJ Turner and SAF Jordan Battle
This is perhaps my hottest take of this list ranking the Bengals at 17. Again I have to stress that I graded them above an average offseason but no where near where other people are ranking them. The Bengals took serious hits in their secondary and didn't fill those holes in free agency but in the draft where it is always riskier.
Offensive additions on the O-Line helped bump their grade up with long term deals that have solidified a group that was suspect only two year ago. Now that their trenches are firmly tied up, the Bengals will need to rebuild their secondary, which was already started with players like Turner, Battle and Rams safety Nick Scott. If this team wants to go back to a Super Bowl, they'll have to do a bit more next offseason.
18. Miami Dolphins Grade 81.7
Key Acquisitions: CB Jalen Ramsey, SAF Dashon Elliot and WR Chosen Anderson
Key Departures: Edge Melvin Ingram, CB Byron Jones, TE Mike Gesicki and Eric Rowe
Key Draft Picks: CB Cam Smith, RB Devon Achane and OT Ryan Hayes
With their 1st round pick being forfeited, the Dolphins were stuck trying to add depth in the draft and look to free agency for any immediate help. They struck gold acquiring Jalen Ramsey but unfortunately lost a lot or personnel to free agency.
The Dolphins success will depend on Tua's health again this year, but the team around him is certainly good enough to do so. Valued picks in the draft will help even out certain spots in the draft giving the team a JUST above average grade throughout the offseason.
19. New York Giants Grade 81.3
Key Acquisitions: TE Darren Waller, LB Bobby Okereke and WR Jamison Crowder
Key Departures: WR Kenny Golladay and SAF Julian Love
Key Draft Pick: CB Deonte Banks, C John Michael Schmitz and WR Jalin Hyatt
The Giants will always be the Giants. They were the surprise of the league last year earning 5 more wins from the previous season, while continuing success through a draft class that seemed to hit every need this team had. Overall on paper, the Giants had a pretty outstanding offseason.
EXCEPT...
The handling of Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley has definitely had a negative outlook by fans. Paying Daniel Jones $160 milllion and seemingly failing to guarantee Saquon's Franchise Tag has the Giants "identity" in turmoil. If Jones pans out and Barkley returns this team should easily better themselves from last year. If neither happens, New York fans could be in for a tough 4 years.
20. Chicago Bears Grade 81
Key Acquisitions: WR DJ Moore, LBs Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards, TE Robert Tonyan and RB D'Onta Foreman
Key Departures: RB David Montgomery and OGs Dakota Dozier and Riley Reiff
Key Draft Picks: OT Darnell Wright, DL Gervon Dexter and CB Tyrique Stevenson
The Chicago Bears' offseason can be closely compared with the Texans and Cardinals' as far as a rebuild is concerned. The Bears were able to get great compensation for their #1 pick including a 2024 1st and 4th, a 2025 and and DJ Moore. They were also able to sign Tremaine Edmunds for arguably too much, but will have their Mike-backer for 4 years now. Those are the positives.
Now for the negatives... Almost everything else.
The Bears seemingly reach for a number of their draft picks, they lost offensive line pieces and don't have a solid RB 1 in their run-heavy offense. The Bears perhaps stayed the same from a roster-perspective but in the midst of a rebuild, not improving can be looked at as a failure, but instead we'd look at it as the beginning of a long road ahead.
21. Las Vegas Raiders Grade 81
Key Acquisitions: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, WR Jakobi Meyers and TEs Austin Hooper and OJ Howard
Key Departures: QB Derek Carr, TE Darren Waller and Edge Clellin Ferrell
Key Draft Picks: Edge Tyree Wilson, TE Michael Mayer and SAF Christopher Smith III
The Raiders were the epitome of "staying the same" this offseason. Replacing Derek Carr with Jimmy G, Replacing Darren Waller with Austin Hooper and replacing Clellin Ferrell with Tyree Wilson.
Something they did get right was their second round pick of Michael Mayer. The All purpose tight end may turn out to be a starter within the year even above the likes of Hooper and Howard. The Raiders have a new identity with Jimmy but it seems as if their ceiling is no higher than it was a year ago.
22. Cleveland Browns Grade 80.7
Key Acquisitions: SAF Juan Thornhill, DT Dalvin Tomlinson and WR Elijah Moore
Key Departures: SAF John Johnson, LBs Bobby Okereke and Jadeveon Clowney and QB Jacoby Brissett
Key Draft Picks: WR Cedric Tillman, DT Siaki Ika, OT Dawand Jones, Edge Isaiah McGuire and C Luke Wypler
The Browns are the first team on this list we are saying took a step back this offseason. Quite frankly they just didn't replace the players that left this offseason. While they're draft was actually top-10 in the league based on their ability to make value without a pick in rounds 1 or 2, their free agency haul left a lot to be desired.
Their roster is still very capable of winning an AFC North title, but they will need a lot of help from Deshaun Watson this year, who looked sloppy in his six games of play last year. The Browns lost a lot of key contributors on the defensive side of the ball so look out for plenty of shootouts in Cleveland this year.
23. Kansas City Chiefs Grade 80.3
Key Acquisitions: OT Jawaan Taylor, Edge Charles Omenihu and SAF Mike Edwards
Key Departures: DT Frank Clark, OT Orlando Brown, OG Andrew Wylie, SAF Juan Thornhill and WRs Juju Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman
Key Draft Picks: Edge Felix Anudike-Uzmomah, WR Rashee Rice and OT Wanya Morris
The reigning Super Bowl champs are amongst those we are saying regressed over the offseason, a feat that is not uncommon amongst champions. Their departures for a second year in a row seem monumental, but some of them were able to be filled with the likes of Jawaan Taylor and Mike Edwards.
The Chiefs have excelled at drafting late the last couple of years and possibly did so again with Day 3 picks of Wanya Morris and Keondre Coburn. Unfortunately it seems the receiving core has taken a regression for the second year in a row. Fortunately this didn't matter for them last year, let's see if they can continue the magic in 2024.
24. Los Angeles Chargers Grade 80.3
Key Acquisitions: LB Eric Kendricks
Key Departures: SAF Nasir Adderley
Key Draft Picks: WR Quentin Johnston, Edge Tuli Tuipulotu and LB Daiyan Henley
The Chargers get a slightly negative grade here just because they were almost completely absent from the entire process. The surprise retirement of Nasir Adderley certainly didn't help and the addition of Eric Kendricks bolsters an already stacked LB crew.
The Chargers draft class was at times amazing with valued picks but odd at times with Quenin Johnston at 21. Johnston is seemingly the heir apparent for either Keenan Allen or Mike Williams, but which one is the question? Overall this team did nothing to truly improve their team, and seem fine with 2nd or 3rd place in the West.
25. Detroit Lions Grade 80
Key Acquisitions: CBs Chauncey Gardner-Johnson Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley and RB David Montgomery
Key Departures: RBs D'Andre Swfit and Jamaal Williams, CBs Jeff Okudah and Mike Hughes, WR DJ Chark and SAF Dashon Elliot
Key Draft Picks: LB Jack Campbell, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, DB Brian Branch, QB Hendon Hooker and TE Sam LaPorta
The Lions have gotten the best offseason grade by many analysts this year and I'm here to tell you why they are wrong. They're complete overhaul of DBs and RBs may be good in the long run but should take some transitioning. The Lions rebuild has been very good but should have been done this season, and isn't. Instead they will be a year off and maybe even better for it.
The Lions surprisingly went 9-8 last season under a Jared Goff that looked similar to his heyday in Los Angeles. Unfortunately for them it's unlikely Goff will be the man that can carry them to a Super Bowl. Also the gambling suspensions of Jameson Williams and others hurts their grade.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars Grade 79.7
Key Acquisitions: None
Key Departures: OT Jawaan Taylor, CB Shaquil Griffin, RB James Robinson and DL Taven Bryan
Key Draft Picks: OT Anton Harrison, RB Tank Bigsby, Edges Ventrell Miller and Yasir Abdullah and WR Parker Washington
We were very surprised to see the Jaguars fall so low on the list after seeing their upward trajectory as a team over the last two seasons. The Jaguars only have Trevor Lawrence under a rookie deal for two years and need to take advantage of that right away. Not signing any Free Agents of note is not how you are able to do that.
They did hit some good picks in the draft and resigned some major stars but to literally not add anything in the offseason is troublesome to say the least. The Jags should easily win the AFC South this year but they haven't made any major improvements to get to a Super Bowl and are likely banking on Trevor Lawrence taking another leap which isn't totally out of the question.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Grade 79
Key Acquisitions: QB Baker Mayfield, RB Chase Edmonds and K Chase McLaughlin
Key Departures: OG Shaq Mason, SAF Mike Edwards, RB Leonard Fournette, OT Donovan Smith, TE Cameron Brate and WR Julio Jones
Key Draft Picks: DT Calijah Kancey, OT Cody Mauch and WR Trey Palmer
The Buccaneers are learning what the Patriots learned 3 years ago, life after Tom Brady isn't very fun. The buccaneers are favorited to get the #1 pick next April and their offseason certainly showed why. Losing 5 offensive starters and choosing Baker Mayfield as your starting QB basically guarantees a "Tank for Caleb" year from the Buccs.
They did draft some good pieces, mainly Calijah Kancey who will instantly solidify what was already a fantastic front 7 and Cody Mauch who should instantly replace Donovan Smith. This is the first year of a rebuild and those are always hard to grade so it's safe to say the jury is still out.
28. Tennessee Titans Grade 79
Key Acquisitions: CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, OT Andre Dillard, Edge Arden Key and LB Azeez Al-Shaair
Key Departures: Edges Bud Dupree and David Long, OL Taylor Lewan and Nate Davis, LB Zach Cunningham and TE Austin Hooper
Key Draft Picks: OT Peter Skoronski, QB Will Levis, RB Tyjae Spears and OT Jaelyn Duncan
The Titans are the one team in the league that seem to have zero identity. They now have Ryan Tannehill, Malik Willis and Will Levis under contract at QB. They have no superstar on defense. They are also in the weakest division in the sport with a head coach some feel may be on the chopping block this season.
All that being said, they did have a pretty decent draft, with a possible decade-long offensive lineman and maybe franchise QB being drafted. That can't take away from the fact the Titans need to figure out what they are doing and fast.
29. Minnesota Vikings Grade 78.3
Key Acquisitions: Edge Marcus Davenport and CB Byron Murphy
Key Departures: CBs Cameron Dantzler and Patrick Peterson, LB Eric Kendricks, DLs Dalvin Tomlinson and Jarran Reed and WR Adam Thielen
Key Draft Picks: WR Jordan Addison WR, CB Mekhi Blackmon, DL Jacquelin Roy, QB Jaren Hall and RB DeWayne McBride
The Vikings seemingly lost their entire defense. A group that had defined this team for the better part of the last 15 years lost 6 starters through Free Agency. Not to mention the Vikings did little to find Kirk Cousins much-needed replacement besides wasting a 6th-round pick on it.
Additions of Davenport, Murphy and Addison are good pieces but the Vikings clearly lost so much more than they gained this offseason. With Dalvin Cook being rumored to be shopped around throughout the whole process as well, one has to wonder if the plan will be rebuilding around Justin Jefferson in the near future.
30. San Francisco 49ers Grade 77
Key Acquisitions: DT Javon Hargrave, OL Jon Feliciano and K Zane Gonzalez
Key Departures: OT Mike McGlinchey, Edge Charles Omenihu, CB Emmanuel Moseley and QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Key Draft Picks: SAF Ji'Ayir Brown and TE Cameron Latu
The best roster in football lost a few key pieces this offseason and most likely had the worst draft in the league. They still are one of the best teams in the league and have top-4 odds for Super Bowl 58 but there are glaring holes in this team for 2024.
The defense will continue to be extremely dominant especially with Nick Bosa playing in a contract year. Their offense on the other hand, has problems with their offensive line and plan to start a third year QB who has made only 4 starts in the NFL. Lance should pan out until Brock Purdy is healthy where the team will have to decide from then where they will go in the future.
31. Green Bay Packers Grade 75.3
Key Acquisitions: None
Key Departures: QB Aaron Rodgers, SAF Adrian Amos, WRs A Lazard and R Cobb and TEs Robert Tonyan and Merceds Lewis
Key Draft Picks: Edge Lukas Van Ness, TEs Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft, DL Colby Wooden, DL Karl Brooks and QB Sean Clifford
The Jordan Love era begins and the Packers still do not draft any 1st round receivers. The Packers seem to believe Jordan Love can win with this team even though half of their receivers went with Aaron Rodgers to New York but that is a tall task.
The Packers did build their defense through the draft however staying true to patterns since the LaFleur administration took over. Jordan Love has fewer games started and passing attempts than Trey Lance with a year more experience since being drafted. The Packers have certainly put all their eggs in Love's basket.
32. Los Angeles Rams Grade 75
Key Acquisitions: None
Key Departures: CB Jalen Ramsey, SAFs Taylor Rapp and Nick Scott, LB Bobby Wagner, WR Allen Robinson II, QB Baker Mayfield, Edge Leonard Floyd and K Matt Gay
Key Draft Picks: OG Steve Avila, CB Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson
Our wooden spoon has been given to none other than the most disappointing team of 2023 the LA Rams. After a Super Bowl win in Matthew Stafford's first year, the superstar was injured all season and the Rams went from 12-5 to 5-12 in the span of a year.
To follow up this disappointment, in part due to their salary problems and lack of draft picks they had to skin most of their defense and make zero signings through free agency. This outcome wasn't exactly unexpected; everyone knew the Rams would have to be gutted sooner or later thanks to their many trades that led to their 2022 championships so the fact they made several 7th round draft steals to mitigate their defensive losses actually was a pleasant surprise.