Several blockbuster trades and notable free agent signings have transpired since our last edition of the 2024 NFL power rankings.
And with the draft drawing closer, it’s the perfect time to dive into a new batch of power rankings. So without further ado, let’s dive into our “preparing for the draft” edition.
Lets take a look at the 2024 NFL Power Rankings: “Preparing For The Draft”
32. Carolina Panthers (32)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 05: A detail view of a Carolina Panthers helmet before the game between the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
The Panthers don’t have a first-rounder this year, but they own two early second-round selections in the No. 33 and No. 39 picks.
The trade for Diontae Johnson was a nice piece of work and all, but you gotta think one of those two second-rounders will be used on a WR, right? Can’t help but picture the idea of Bryce Young throwing to Johnson, Adam Thielen and other prospects like Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell or Keon Coleman…
31. Denver Broncos (30)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: The helmet and gloves of Will Parks #34 of the Denver Broncos · rests on the field before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
With limited draft capital, the Broncos are unlikely to trade up. The real question is if they’ll reach for a QB like Oregon’s Bo Nix or Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., or if Sean Payton will confirm his master plan to tank for Shedeur Sanders…
Jarrett Stidham is currently the top QB on the Broncos’ depth chart. If competition isn’t added at the draft, then just go ahead and pencil the Broncos down for a top-five pick next year.
30. New England Patriots (31)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 22: A New England Patriots helmet on the bench during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
First, it was Drake Maye going to Washington at No. 2 overall. Then Jayden Daniels. Now apparently JJ McCarthy is in the running? Hmm…
The assumption is that the Patriots will stay at No. 3 and take one of those remaining quarterbacks. But if Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf aren’t keen on whichever QBs are available, then look for the Pats to trade down.
29. New York Giants (29)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 19: A New York Giants helmet sits on the bench before the start of the Giants and Washington Commanders game at FedExField on November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Giants hold the No. 6 pick, and GM Joe Schoen has all sorts of choices with it. Some believe he’ll look to take a quarterback to succeed Daniel Jones, but odds are high that the “big four” QB prospects will be gone by then.
If it’s not a QB, then you gotta think the G-Men will take a wide receiver here. Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers. At least one of them will be available when it’s New York’s turn to pick.
28. Arizona Cardinals (27)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 24: A detail view of an Arizona Cardinals helmet before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field on December 24, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Cardinals in this weeks NFL power rankings are at #28. Arizona GM Monti Ossenfort recently stated that his team is open for business regarding the No. 4 pick.
The Redbirds may find it hard to pass on a prospect like Marvin Harrison Jr. if he’s there at 4, but a QB-needy team just might propose an offer that’s too hard to pass up on. Remember, Ossenfort traded in the first round twice a year ago.
The Cardinals are the real wild-card team in this year’s draft. Who knows how they’ll use the No. 4 pick? All we DO KNOW is that they aren’t taking a quarterback with Kyler Murray in the fold.
27. Minnesota Vikings (26)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: A detail of a Minnesota Vikings helmet prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Vikings are also on QB watch heading into the NFL Draft. They’re reportedly smitten with JJ McCarthy, but would Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. be an option if they can’t trade up for the Michigan signal-caller?
Minnesota has two firsts this year, so they have the assets to move up for a top QB if necessary.
But don’t be surprised if a blockbuster deal doesn’t happen until draft day, because Minny will have to see how the first three selections play out before deciding on if they want a quarterback.
26. Tennessee Titans (28)
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 22: A player rests on a Tennessee Titans helmet before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Titans in this weeks NFL power rankings have them at #26.The Titans move up two spots here thanks to their trade for ex-Chiefs star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. If he comes as advertised, Sneed will single-handedly transform the dynamic of that Tennessee secondary.
Signing Calvin Ridley and trading for Sneed shored up two major weaknesses for the Titans. It seems like every mock draft these days has them taking an offensive lineman at No. 7. Don’t you think Will Levis would love a Peter Skoronski-Joe Alt tandem protecting him for years to come?
25. Washington Commanders (25)
ASHBURN, VA – MARCH 17: A view of a Washington Commanders helmet on display during a press conference to introduce quarterback Carson Wentz at Inova Sports Performance Center on March 17, 2022 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Commanders aced the early stages of the offseason with a series of savvy free agent signings. But the real excitement will begin once they turn over their card and announce a QB at No. 2.
It’s either Maye, Daniels or McCarthy. Bottom line:, Washington is getting a budding star signal-caller to usher a new era of Commanders football. Hard not to be excited in DC right now.
24. Los Angeles Chargers (22)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 08: Los Angeles Chargers helmets on the bench prior to the start of the NFL preseason game the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
As we said in our last edition of the power rankings, the Bolts seem content to begin a rebuild under the new regime of Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz. The departures of Mike Willams, Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler certainly suggest so.
With the No. 6 pick, we’d love to see the Chargers pair Justin Herbert with Marvin Harrison Jr. or Rome Odunze…
23. Las Vegas Raiders (24)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 22: A detail of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 22, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Raiders seem to like Aidan O’Connell, and Gardner Minshew is a suitable insurance option. But Antonio Pierce reportedly loves Jayden Daniels, so you can only wonder if the Raiders are trying to move up for the Heisman Trophy winner.
If a QB in round one isn’t an option, then look for the Raiders to address the defense. Standout corners Quinyon Mitchell and Terrion Arnold make sense here.
22. Seattle Seahawks (23)
RENTON, WASHINGTON – FEBRUARY 01: A general view of the press conference stage, microphone, backdrop and Seattle Seahawks helmet after Mike Macdonald spoke to media after he was announced as the new Seattle Seahawks head coach at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on February 01, 2024 in Renton, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The seahawks in this weeks NFL power rankings we have them at #23. The Seahawks’ two biggest moves thus far were re-signing star defensive lineman Leonard Williams and trading for QB Sam Howell.
It’s easy to link the ‘Hawks to local kid Michael Penix Jr. It’d be a fun story and all, but it also feels like a stretch with Howell and Geno Smith on the QB depth chart.
Seattle has holes in the secondary and on the o-line, especially with Damien Lewis gone. This could be a “best player available” pick for Mike Macdonald and John Schneider.
21. New Orleans Saints (21)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 19: A New Orleans Saints helmet on the bench before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Aside from the signing of Chase Young, it’s been an awfully quiet offseason for New Orleans. And that indicates that they want to run it back with the same aging core. Playing with fire much? We’d say so.
New Orleans only picks twice in the top 149, so don’t be surprised if they trade down to stockpile more picks. If they stay at No. 14, we’re going to guess an offensive lineman or potentially a QB like Bo Nix if he’s still available.
20. Indianapolis Colts (20)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: A Indianapolis Colts helmet sits on the bench before the start of the Colts and Baltimore Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Aside from extending Grover Stewart and Kenny Moore, and from swapping out Gardner Minshew for Joe Flacco, it’s been a quiet offseason in Indy.
What we do know is this: The Colts have their QB in Anthony Richardson. With no glaring roster holes, it feels like Chris Ballard will go with the best player available here at No. 15 — though trading down is very much in play as well.
19. Chicago Bears (19)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 25: A detail of a Chicago Bears helmet prior to the game against the Houston Texans at Soldier Field on September 25, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Landing Keenan Allen and D’Andre Swift as new offensive weapons made for a great start to the offseason. But the real champagne-popping moment will come when Roger Goodell announces that the Bears are taking Caleb Williams first overall.
Stay patient, Bears fans. The franchise-changing day is drawing closer.
18. Jacksonville Jaguars (17)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 21: A Jacksonville Jaguars helmet rests on a heater prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 21, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
The Jaguars are another mushy middle team, henceforth it’s difficult to project where they’ll go with the No. 17 pick.
If they stay put at 17, Trent Baalke could target a cornerback to address a leaky secondary. But adding another offensive lineman for Trevor Lawrence wouldn’t be the worst move, either…just saying.
17. Los Angeles Rams (18)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 19: A detailed view of a Los Angeles Rams helmet prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 19, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Rams 24-12. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Rams move up a spot after signing former Bills superstar cornerback Tre’Davious White to a one-year deal. Injuries derailed his final years with the team, but White is an all-world difference-maker when on the field.
And for the first time since 2016, the Rams are slated to pick in the first round with the No. 19 pick. They could go anywhere there, but you DO wonder if Sean McVay is intrigued by the idea of drafting Matthew Stafford’s successor…Hmmm…
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (16)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 25: Detail of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. The Buccaneers defeated the Cardinals 19-16 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
With four picks in the top 92, the Bucs have limitless options heading into the draft. The only virtual guarantee is they won’t take a QB. Not after extending Baker Mayfield.
History suggests they’ll address the front seven early again, which makes sense following Shaq Barrett’s departure. The Carlton Davis trade to Detroit also strongly suggests the Bucs will draft another corner to replace the ball-hawking stalwart who played a key role in their Super Bowl 55 championship-winning season.
15. Atlanta Falcons (25)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 17: Isaiah Prince #75 of the Atlanta Falcons helmet on the sides lines during the third quarter in the game against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Falcons have moved up 10 spots in this NFL power rankngs. Just about every mock draft has the Falcons addressing the defense — and rightfully so.
Kirk Cousins’ arrival means the offense is geared up and ready for takeoff. Now let’s just bring in one more game-wrecking defensive player in round one to put a cherry on top of a grade-A offseason.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (17)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 16: A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet sits on the field prior to a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Steelers’ facelift continued with the signing of Pro Bowl return man Cordarrelle Patterson. Keep in mind that Pittsburgh OC Arthur Smith was the head coach who turned Patterson into a do-it-all star back in 2021, so this signing could pay off big-time in Steel City.
Adding Russell Wilson and Justin Fields made this offseason near-perfect in Pittsburgh. We’d like to see them get one more pass-catching weapon in one of the early rounds to complete the offensive makeover.
13. Miami Dolphins (9)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: A detailed view of a Miami Dolphins helmet before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)Aside from Raheem Mostert’s two-year contract extension, it’s been a quiet last couple of weeks in South Beach.
Given his quiet activity on the trade market and in free agency, we can only guess that GM Chris Grier is ultra-confident that he’ll shore up the team’s remaining weaknesses in the draft. With the No. 21 pick, Miami will likely address the o-line or the front seven after losing Christian Wilkins and Jerome Baker.
12. Buffalo Bills (8)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 24: A detailed view of a Buffalo Bills helmet prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 24, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
You know the meme where Mr. Bean is staring at his watch? Waiting and waiting until finally deciding to lie down for a nap? We’re kind of at that point with the Bills now.
Curtis Samuel was their big notable signing, and even he was an overpay at $24 million. With only two picks in the top 127, the Bills aren’t exactly in a good position to replace the many big-named talents they lost this offseason.
Buffalo only ranks this high because they have a top-5 QB in Josh Allen, who’s used to carrying the team on his back. But as we said before, this team is much closer to missing the playoffs in 2024 than a Super Bowl championship.
11. Dallas Cowboys (10)
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 14: A Dallas Cowboys helmet at AT&T Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Speaking of memes, feel free to send your best one to us about Jerry Jones’ idea of going “all in” this offseason.
The one silver lining we can think of? The Cowboys usually crush it at the draft, so maybe Jerry is saving his best for last. On another note, how about going ahead and extending Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb already?
10. New York Jets (16)
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 15: A New York Jets helmet sits on an equipment case during the second half of an NFL preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Since our last power rankings were posted, the Jets added to their dangerous defense by acquiring superstar pass-rusher Haason Reddick in a trade with the Eagles.
Reddick. Tyron Smith. Mike Williams. Perfect short-term win-now moves by GM Joe Douglas, who can put the final stamp on a superb offseason with the No. 10 pick.
9. Green Bay Packers (8)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 04: A detail of a Green Bay Packers helmet during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 04, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Packers in this weeks NFL power rankings are at #9. The Packers made their big free agent moves already by signing Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney. So expect GM Brian Gutekunst to lay low until the draft — where the Packers’ brass seem to always do their best work.
Thanks to the Aaron Rodgers and Rasul Douglas trades, the Pack will select FIVE times in the top-91. That’s a scary thought for a team coming off an Elite Eight appearance, huh?
8. Cleveland Browns (9)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 05: A detail view of a Cleveland Browns helmet before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Because of the Deshaun Watson trade, the Browns won’t pick until 54th overall…and they only have five picks altogether.
Not to worry THAT much. This is a team in win-now mode that got even better with the acquisition of Jerry Jeudy anyway. And Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley were savvy pickups to replace Joe Flacco.
It’s really just a matter of the Browns STAYING HEALTHY.
7. Cincinnati Bengals (7)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: A Cincinnati Bengals helmet sits on the field before Super Bowl LVI against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The longer the Tee Higgins situation drags on, it feels the more likely he stays with the Bengals. Not that Joe Burrow will complain…
With a compensatory pick in their back pockets, the Bengals have four picks in the top 100. If they’re not confident in keeping Higgins long-term, don’t be surprised if Duke Tobin takes a wide receiver with one of his first two picks.
6. Houston Texans (5)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 11: A detail of a Uvalde Strong decal on a Houston Texans helmet prior to the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Having traded their first-round pick to Minnesota, the Texans aren’t slated to make a selection until No. 42.
Not that we’d worry, though. The Texans have already won the offseason by bringing in Danielle Hunter, Denico Autry, Azeez Al-Shaair and Joe Mixon. This team is locked in and ready to compete for a Super Bowl following a surprising Elite Eight appearance last year.
5. Philadelphia Eagles (6)
TEMPE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 09: A detailed view of a Philadelphia Eagles helmet lays on the field in a practice session prior to Super Bowl LVII at Arizona Cardinals Training Center on February 09, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona. The Kansas City Chiefs play the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023 at State Farm Stadium. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Philly resolved the Haason Reddick drama by dealing the star pass-rusher to the New York Jets. That move was expected following the extension of Josh Sweat and the signing of Bryce Huff.
Don’t be surprised if Howie Roseman wheels-and-deals at the draft, as he usually does. But for now, they have three picks in the top-53. The signings of Huff, Saquon Barkley and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson have already made for a great offseason in Philly anyway.
4. Baltimore Ravens (4)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 31: A detailed view of a Baltimore Ravens helmet is seen prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
The Ravens in this weeks NFL power rankings are at #4. The Ravens have lost a lot more than they gained this offseason, but we’re trying not to worry TOO MUCH because of two things:
1) They signed Derrick Henry
2) The draft hasn’t come yet, and no team drafts better than the Ravens.
Still plenty of room for Eric DeCosta to fill out his roster holes. As long as they have Lamar Jackson under center, the Ravens will remain a Super Bowl threat.
3. Detroit Lions (3)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 12: A detailed view of a Detroit Lions helmet on the field before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Seeing how close they were to reaching the Super Bowl last year, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell are certainly doing the right thing in not tinkering with the roster too much.
The Lions pick three times in the top-73. Plenty of options are here for Holmes, who’s never shy in moving up-or-down on draft day. The Lions could go anywhere with their picks, but we’d like to see them take another corner in the early rounds.
2. San Francisco 49ers (2)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 21: A San Francisco 49ers helmet on the bench during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 21, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Like the Bengals with Higgins, everyone is keeping an eye on the Brandon Aiyuk situation in San Fran. Will he be extended? Traded? Or play out the last year of his deal?
The reigning NFC champs need to decide quickly. If they end up trading Aiyuk, then the 9ers HAVE to get a wide receiver in the first round.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (1)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 02: Details of Kansas City Chiefs helmet before Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Our #1 NFL power rankings spot is held by the reigning Super Bowl champions have been able to lay low since extending Chris Jones, landing Marquise Brown and trading L’Jarius Sneed to Tennessee.
We’ve seen the Chiefs find quality cheap replacements for old stars like Tyreek Hill, Tyrann Mathieu and Juan Thornhill. We have no doubt they’ll ace the draft as usual, too.
As long as Patrick Mahomes is here, the Chiefs are the team to beat.
