With the 2020 draft now history, the current NFL power rankings have the Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints at the top 2 spots.
An unprecedented NFL draft which saw 255 players selected is all said and done. There’s still plenty of work ahead for all 32 clubs. So is it too early to talk 2020 NFL Power Rankings?
Not really. Here’s a look at where the teams stand only at the moment. It’s a review of each organization’s biggest addition as well as an offseason review. Combine that with a little recent history and you have the list as it stands at the moment. And as can be predicted, these rankings will certainly change as times wears on.
32
Carolina Panthers
2020 Key Additions: The team as a new head coach in Matt Rhule, a new offensive coordinator in Joe Brady and a new defensive leader in Phil Snow. There’s also been a change at quarterback in veteran Teddy Bridgewater, late of the rival New Orleans Saints. The club was fairly active in free agency, with Robby Anderson one of many wide receivers signed by the team. The Panthers dealt for tackle Russell Okung and picked up linebacker Tahir Whitehead after he was cut by the Raiders. The team stressed defense early in the draft, adding interior presence Derrick Brown (Auburn) with the seventh overall pick.
Offseason Review: Bridgewater takes over for Cam Newton, cut loose by the franchise after nine seasons – the last two plagued by injuries. The Panthers dropped their final right games after a 5-3 start this past season. The defense has declined in recent years and is now minus retired middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, defensive tackle Vernon Butler (Bills) and cornerback James Bradberry (Giants) – to name just a few pieces. Rhule is the first offensive-minded head coach in the history of this franchise and hopes to fix a club that is a combined 12-20 the past two seasons after finishing 11-5 and reaching the playoffs in ‘17.
31
Cincinnati Bengals
2020 Key Additions: The club began its second year under head coach Zac Taylor being busier than usual during the free agency. The Bengals added the likes of defensive tackle D.J. Reader, safety Vonn Bell, former Minnesota Vikings’ cornerback Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander and linebacker Josh Bynes. And with the first overall pick in the draft, Cincinnati secured the services of Heisman Trophy winner and 2019 national champion quarterback Joe Burrow and the team also added wide receiver Tee Higgins (Clemson) in the second round. The club was in dire need of linebacker help and added three in the draft.
Offseason Review: It’s going to be interesting to see what’s ahead for quarterback Andy Dalton, whose time has obviously run out in the Queen City. The club’s veteran additions in free agency, particularly on defense, should provide help immediately. Reader is an underrated performer and should upgrade the NFL’s worst run defense from a year ago. It’s been an unfortunate fall from grace for a club that was in the playoffs for five consecutive years (2011-15) and has followed that up for four straight losing seasons. If Burrow can make his presence felt from Day One, this team will at least be interesting on offense.