The final article in our 3 part preseason power rankings covering the final teams 21-32. A lot of these teams deserve better. Some are transitioning, some are building a brand new roster, and others are trying to collect pieces for a competitive roster. Each team deserves recognition for the improvements they’ve made.
21. Denver Broncos
This is the most complete Denver roster I’ve seen in awhile. I really like the trades for MLB Zach Thomas, CB Duane Starks and HB Steven Jackson. All these weapons should really give QB Ben Rothlesberger the best chance at getting back into the playoffs. I expect this to be the breakout season for WR Matt Jones and I expect the Broncos will be strong competitors in the AFC West. I put them at 21, but there a much better roster than that and I can expect them to be a strong playoff sleeper.
22. Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City has a new GM. They spent their offseason with eyes for the draft, taking LE Chris Long, RE Mike Rucker, and CB Aqib Talib. All spectacular picks making the Chiefs one of the teams with the best drafts this year. Aside, the draft, they didn’t do too much more and possibly an oversight for a big splash play to make more of an impact this season. I put the Chiefs at 22 this year, but could be at risk of falling lower. I think this is okay, as it appears they have eyes for the future and a better draft pick might suit them better.
23. Carolina Panthers
QB David Carr joins the Panthers this year. Along with DE John Abraham, DT Sam Adams and rookie LOLB Chris Chamberlain. All good additions to the team. Historically Carr has not shown his ability, but this year he will have an opportunity to flash throwing to both Sinorice Moss and Maurice Stovall. Panthers are in a spot to compete with the Falcons and could potentially reach higher in these rankings.
24. Seattle Seahawks
QB Alex Smith joins the Seahawks this year. After many seasons of topping the NFC West, the Seahawks join the youth trends of the Rams, 49ers and Cardinals with Smith at the helm. And in another great addition to the roster, the Seahawks traded up in the draft to grab HB Jonathan Stewart. Seattle now with a crowded backfield between Stewart and Alexander, it appears that Alexander will get the start and Stewart will be sprinkled in. I place the Seahawks at 24 because of the arrival of Alex Smith, but the weapons around QB are awesome and the Hawks have a good history of winning gameplans.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers
I like what the Steelers have done on the offseason. Additions like CB Sam Madison, SS Cory Chavous, WR Eric Moulds, and late addition QB Aaron Brooks. The rookie draft pick of Jordy Nelson is huge, and the addition of rookie HB Daren McFadden joins their roster. These are some big upgrades. I currently have the Steelers ranked at 25 but this was before the Brooks trade, so I’m afraid the 25th ranking will stick, but this roster is better than that. The Steelers have done some great moves to improve on last year’s roster and I think they will be strong competitors in the NFC North and I think the Bengals, Browns, and Ravens are in hotter waters now.
26. Green Bay Packers
Packers are giving off some different signals this year. With retirements at WR the Packers were able to bring on both WR Koren Robinson and WR Bryant Johnson, which puts QB Jake Delhomme in a better spot, but the also spent their first round pick on QB Matt Ryan. It should be noted that HB Adrian Peterson is coming off a fantastic rookie season and should be a great addition to their roster going forward. But, a more competitive NFC North with the Bears and Lions in the mix for first place, puts Packers in an awkward spot to see what they do with Matt Ryan on their roster. At the moment, I expect Delhomme to get the start, but a number of losses and we could see the roster change. Because of this, I’m putting the Packers #26 on my list, but historically have over performed each year. If Matt Ryan is their future, then im secretly hoping for early losses to begin his transition into a starting QB. If Delhomme performs well, then Matt Ryan could be trade fodder before the deadlines in week 12.
27. San Francisco 49ers
49ers with a ho-hum offseason. Its another crank of filling the roster, LB Scott Fujita and some new additions at O line. WR Malcom Kelly drafted in the first round. Another season marked with a younger roster and another year of experience under the belts of rookies and sophomores. They finished 7-9 last year. This seasons outlook doesn’t span farther than 8-8. *wet fart.
28. Baltimore Ravens
Ravens with a similar offseason to the 49ers, looking for their core team to improve with another year of experience. Additions of LG David Diehl and rookie LG Roy Schuening should help out their O line. Other small improvements to an otherwise solid, but young roster. Biggest challenges will be competing in this division with their young QB.
29. Miami Dolphins
Drew Stanton is in Miami, Tim Couch is out! Dolphins mark their offseason with a shift to a new era in Miami football. An aggressive offseason that included FS Dexter Jackson, CB Nick Harper, CB David Bennett, WR Rod Gardner, and rookie WR James Hardy. This will mark the 2nd season Miami selects incredible WR talent in the draft, Hardy will join WR Calvin Johnson. The biggest question to me is if HB Clinton Portis and WRs Johnson and Hardy will be enough for Drew Stanton to compete in the AFC East. It helps that the Buffalo Bills will be starting a new QB as well, but Patriots and Jets have strong defenses. Curious to see how it all plays out since the Chargers broke the rookie ceiling last year, anything is possible!
30. New York Giants
New York Giants continue to make progress with OLBs Joey Porter and Mike Vrabel, but I think the biggest addition is WR Michael Clayton. Historically Clayton has been a WR2/3, but will slide into the #1 role and could make a big improvement for QB Matt Schaub who has thrown to veterans in the past. Perhaps another big trade is needed to help the Giants become a powerhouse in the NFC East, I do think they are competitive and could be battling for top spot in that division. The very least, they’re gonna make it hard for the Eagles or Cowboys to take that division with ease.
31. Buffalo Bills
Rookie QB John David Booty has a good chance at succeeding in Buffalo. Surrounded by Quincy Morgan, Andre Davis and new addition WR David Boston, he has the tools to be a competitive rookie-led team. HB Rudi Johnson helps in the backfield, and CB Samari Rolle is a big addition to the defense. This year marks a transition past QB Steve McNair and that will hurt their chances at the playoffs. With eyes on the future, the Bills have a solid roster to surround their young QB now and going forward. A positive future in Buffalo.
32. Tampa Bay Bucs
The Buccaneers have been looking for an identity these last few seasons. Rookie QB Matt Leinart and a roster toward younger guys and now a shift toward veterans this season. This offseason was their most aggressive. RE Aaron Schobel, WR Donald Driver, LB Kevin Hardy, SS Chris Hope, FS Brodney Pool and WR LaTarence Dunbar all new additions to their roster. I'm confident that the Bucs will find a way to win, I do think there are still some gaps. That being said, this is the most complete Bucs roster and have made some great moves to get to this point. Keep building and perhaps an eager GM is looking to sell a CB and this roster becomes a strong competitor.
This is going to finish my power rankings. I ask who, which team do you think I ranked too low? Which team here do you think has the power to surprise? I wish the best of luck to each team.
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