Ravens Insider: Way-too-early 2025 NFL power rankings: Ravens still among the elite

[ExtremeRavens]

With the Philadelphia Eagles’ 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59 on Sunday, the 2024 NFL season is officially over. Now it’s time to turn the page to 2025.

But before we even get to the draft and free agency, here’s a way-too-early look at where all 32 teams stack up entering next season. Regular-season unit rankings (by FTN Fantasy’s DVOA), notable pending unrestricted free agents and projected draft picks (via Tankathon) are included.

1. Philadelphia Eagles

How 2024 ended: 14-3, Super Bowl champion

Unit rankings: No. 13 offense, No. 1 defense

Notable free agents: LB Zack Baun, G Mekhi Becton, EDGE Josh Sweat, DT Milton Williams, EDGE Brandon Graham, RB Kenneth Gainwell

Draft picks: Nos. 32, 64, 96, 129, 162, 166, 169

The Eagles left little doubt that they’re the best team in the league with a dominant Super Bowl victory over the two-time defending champs. With Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown returning on offense and Vic Fangio remaining as defensive coordinator to lead a unit that just embarrassed Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, there’s a good chance that Philadelphia hoists the Lombardi Trophy again next year. Baun, Becton, Sweat and Williams might have become too expensive to keep after their respective performances this season, but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem for a team that consistently finds talented players in the draft and free agency. This could be the beginning of a new dynasty.

2. Ravens

How 2024 ended: 12-5 regular season, AFC divisional round loss

Unit rankings: No. 1 offense, No. 6 defense

Notable free agents: LT Ronnie Stanley, OL Patrick Mekari, CB Brandon Stephens, FB Patrick Ricard, WR Nelson Agholor, CB Tre’Davious White, LB Malik Harrison

Draft picks (projected compensatory selections marked with *): Nos. 27, 59, 91, 128, 136*, 176*, 178*, 185, 205, 213*, 245

Maybe 2025 is finally the year that Lamar Jackson and company win that elusive title. With relatively few holes to fill on the roster, the return of running back Derrick Henry and the retention of coordinators Todd Monken and Zach Orr, the Ravens should once again be in Super Bowl contention behind their MVP-caliber quarterback. How aggressive they are this offseason when it comes to seeking upgrades (perhaps trading for a wide receiver like Cooper Kupp, Deebo Samuel or DK Metcalf or a pass rusher like Jadeveon Clowney) and retaining expensive veterans (such as cornerback Marlon Humphrey and tight end Mark Andrews) will ultimately determine Baltimore’s ceiling. But as long as the Ravens keep putting a solid roster around him, it seems like only a matter of time before Jackson gets over the hump in the postseason.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

How 2024 ended: 15-2, Super Bowl loss

Unit rankings: No. 8 offense, No. 12 defense

Notable free agents: G Trey Smith, S Justin Reid, LB Nick Bolton, WR Marquise Brown, WR DeAndre Hopkins, RB Kareem Hunt, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, EDGE Charles Omenihu, DT Tershawn Wharton

Draft picks: Nos. 31, 63, 66, 95, 132, 256

With dreams of the NFL’s first three-peat crushed pretty much by halftime Sunday, the Chiefs will have a long offseason to stew over delivering their worst performance of the season at the worst possible time. With several key contributors entering free agency and tight end Travis Kelce undecided about returning, Kansas City’s roster could look much different next year. Mahomes and Reid will enter every season as championship contenders as long as they’re together, but this is the first time since a 31-9 loss to Tom Brady and the Buccaneers in Super Bowl 55 that the Chiefs face questions about how they’ll bounce back, especially on the offensive line.

MVP quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills have to find a way to beat Kansas City in the postseason. (Jeffrey T. Barnes/AP)

4. Buffalo Bills

How 2024 ended: 13-4, AFC championship game loss

Unit rankings: No. 2 offense, No. 11 defense

Notable free agents: WR Amari Cooper, CB Rasul Douglas, S Damar Hamlin, DT Austin Johnson, WR Mack Hollins, FB Reggie Gilliam, RB Ty Johnson

Draft picks: Nos. 30, 56, 62, 108, 131, 171*, 175*, 179, 206, 208

What will the next iteration of the Bills look like after yet another playoff defeat against Kansas City? Von Miller could be a salary cap casualty after a relatively disappointing stint in Buffalo, opening the door for more pass rush help, while the search continues for another playmaker to complement reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Josh Allen and running back James Cook. It might be time for the Bills to make another big swing (Myles Garrett? Cooper Kupp? Deebo Samuel?) to try and vanquish the rival Chiefs.

5. Detroit Lions

How 2024 ended: 15-2, NFC divisional round loss

Unit rankings: No. 3 offense, No. 5 defense

Notable free agents: G Kevin Zeitler, CB Carlton Davis, EDGE Marcus Davenport, DT Levi Onwuzurike, WR Tim Patrick, OT Dan Skipper, CB Emmanuel Moseley, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu

Draft picks: Nos. 28, 60, 101*, 132, 198, 227, 230, 246

With the return of star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson and better health next season, the young and talented Lions are expected to once again compete for a Super Bowl title. But after losing coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn to head coaching opportunities, it might be a bumpy ride. There’s also some added anxiety about whether quarterback Jared Goff is the long-term answer after a disappointing postseason performance. Keeping the team on track and in the hunt for the NFC’s top seed again will be coach Dan Campell’s toughest test yet.

6. San Francisco 49ers

How 2024 ended: 6-11

Unit rankings: No. 9 offense, No. 13 defense

Notable free agents: DT Javon Hargrave, CB Charvarius Ward, LB Dre Greenlaw, S Talanoa Hufanga, CB Isaac Yiadom

Draft picks: Nos. 11, 43, 75, 99*, 112, 138*, 139*, 189, 228, 232, 255*

Brock Purdy has cemented himself as the quarterback of the future. The only question is how much he’s worth. While an extension appears likely, the 49ers can wait another year if they want to make some win-now moves while Purdy is still cheap. Left tackle Trent Williams and tight end George Kittle aren’t getting any younger, but there’s still plenty of talent in the building led by a coach in Kyle Shanahan who has a proven track record of success. The return of Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator should help stabilize that unit, too.

The future looks bright for the Commanders and quarterback Jayden Daniels. (Seth Wenig/AP)

7. Washington Commanders

How 2024 ended: 12-5, NFC championship game loss

Unit rankings: No. 6 offense, No. 23 defense

Notable free agents: LB Bobby Wagner, S Jeremy Chinn, TE Zach Ertz, CB Benjamin St-Juste, CB Noah Igbinoghene, EDGE Dante Fowler Jr., WR Olamide Zaccheaus, WR Dyami Brown, WR Noah Brown, EDGE Clelin Ferrell, P Tress Way, K Zane Gonzalez, QB Marcus Mariota

Draft picks: Nos. 29, 61, 79, 148, 207, 238, 249

Led by the selection of star quarterback Jayden Daniels and some shroud veteran signings, the Commanders have nailed the rebuild under coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters. But a lot of those veterans are hitting the open market again, creating some holes across the roster. Keeping offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury for another year should help Daniels thrive, though it’s clear that the Offensive Rookie of the Year needs some help along the offensive line and at wide receiver opposite Terry McLaurin. This offseason will be just as important as last year’s in shaping the direction of the franchise.

8. Green Bay Packers

How 2024 ended: 11-6, NFC wild-card round loss

Unit rankings: No. 4 offense, No. 7 defense

Notable free agents: C Josh Myers, RB A.J. Dillon, CB Eric Stokes, LB Isaiah McDuffie, LB Eric Wilson, K Brandon McManus

Draft picks: Nos. 23, 54, 87, 123, 160, 200, 239, 251*

The Packers have been consistently good under coach Matt LaFleur, who is still seeking a postseason breakthrough. GM Brian Gutekunst has put together some strong drafts over the years to fill out a talented young roster, but Green Bay has routinely failed to find a true difference-maker in the first round and will be without Christian Watson (torn ACL) for most of the season. Perhaps an aggressive trade (Garrett? Maxx Crosby?) or a splashy free agent signing (Tee Higgins? Chris Godwin?) could help the offense take the next step behind quarterback Jordan Love or help secure an impact pass rusher they’ve long been seeking.

9. Minnesota Vikings

How 2024 ended: 14-3, NFC wild-card round loss

Unit rankings: No. 15 offense, No. 2 defense

Notable free agents: QB Sam Darnold, LT Cam Robinson, CB Byron Murphy, S Cam Bynum, S Harrison Smith, CB Stephon Gilmore, RB Aaron Jones, QB Daniel Jones, G Dalton Risner, CB Shaquill Griffin, EDGE Patrick Jones II

Draft picks: Nos. 24, 97*, 140, 161

A dream season for quarterback Sam Darnold ended with two poor performances, perhaps signaling that the Vikings should pivot to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. Whoever ends up under center will have a strong supporting cast, led by one of the top wide receiver duos in the league in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and reigning Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell. Brian Flores remains the defensive coordinator, which is crucial for a unit that faces a lot of turnover and could use an infusion of young talent.

10. Los Angeles Rams

How 2024 ended: 10-7, NFC divisional round loss

Unit rankings: No. 10 offense, No. 26 defense

Notable free agents: LT Alaric Jackson, WR Demarcus Robinson, LT Joseph Noteboom, EDGE Michael Hoecht, CB Ahkello Witherspoon, WR Tutu Atwell, DT Bobby Brown III, LB Christian Rozeboom

Draft picks: Nos. 26, 90, 100*, 126, 203, 204

All signs point to quarterback Matthew Stafford returning next season, but wide receiver Cooper Kupp is likely on his way out. That would put even more pressure on Puka Nacua to stay healthy after showing flashes of brilliance in his first two injury-hampered seasons. Chris Shula has helped build an ascending defense and a healthy Stafford with coach Sean McVay is always a threat, but the Rams have to once again thread the needle in the draft and free agency to keep this roster in Super Bowl contention.

The Bengals and quarterback Joe Burrow will seek to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season. (Jeff Dean/AP)

11. Cincinnati Bengals

How 2024 ended: 9-8

Unit rankings: No. 5 offense, No. 27 defense

Notable free agents: WR Tee Higgins, DT B.J. Hill, CB Mike Hilton, RT Trent Brown, EDGE Joseph Ossai, LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, TE Mike Gesicki, RB Khalil Herbert

Draft picks: Nos. 17, 49, 81, 118, 154, 195

It can’t get any worse than last year, right? The Bengals are counting on new defensive coordinator Al Golden to help transform a unit that held back one of the best offenses in the league. But even the offense has question marks, most notably in the form of Tee Higgins’ looming free agency. While Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are good enough to keep Cincinnati in the playoff hunt every year, there’s plenty of work to do this offseason and beyond to build a more complete team around them.

12. Denver Broncos

How 2024 ended: 10-7, AFC wild-card round loss

Unit rankings: No. 16 offense, No. 4 defense

Notable free agents: DT D.J. Jones, RB Javonte Williams, LB Cody Barton, CB Ja’Quan McMillian, LB Justin Strnad, FB Michael Burton

Draft picks: Nos. 20, 51, 85, 121, 193, 199, 209

Coach Sean Payton reminded everyone why the Broncos traded for him in the first place, helping quarterback Bo Nix put together a solid rookie season and pushing Denver back into the playoffs for the first time since they won the Super Bowl with Peyton Manning. The defense was perhaps even more impressive, with cornerback Pat Surtain II winning Defensive Player of the Year honors to anchor a unit that also led the league in sacks. It’s tough to compete with the Chiefs in the AFC West, but the Broncos’ outlook is bright.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

How 2024 ended: 10-7, NFC wild-card round loss

Unit rankings: No. 7 offense, No. 16 defense

Notable free agents: WR Chris Godwin, LB Lavonte David, EDGE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, EDGE Anthony Nelson, DT Greg Gaines, G Ben Bredeson, LB K.J. Britt, WR Sterling Shepard

Draft picks: Nos. 19, 53, 84, 120, 158, 237

The Buccaneers have quietly become one of the steadiest organizations in the league, transitioning from the Tom Brady era to win a fourth straight NFC South title. The loss of offensive coordinator Liam Cohen means that Baker Mayfield will once again have to learn a new offense after the departure of Dave Canales last offseason, but he’s earned enough trust to keep that unit on track. Whether Godwin returns and Mike Evans continues to play at a high level are the biggest questions for an offense now led by play-caller Josh Grizzard.

14. Houston Texans

How 2024 ended: 10-7, AFC divisional round loss

Unit rankings: No. 26 offense, No. 3 defense

Notable free agents: WR Stefon Diggs, WR Robert Woods, DT Folorunso Fatukasi, S Eric Murray, G Kendrick Green

Draft picks: Nos. 25, 58, 89, 127, 167, 243

While the Diggs trade didn’t work out, the offensive line crumbled and quarterback C.J. Stroud took a relative step back after a breakout rookie season, the Texans still returned to the divisional round thanks in large part to an exceptional defense. Led by a stellar young secondary and standout pass rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., coach DeMeco Ryans’ unit should remain near the top of the league. But after firing offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and hiring Nick Caley, the Texans’ focus should be on improving the offensive line and finding another receiver to complement Nico Collins. If they do, Houston will be a serious threat.

15. Los Angeles Chargers

How 2024 ended: 11-6, AFC wild-card round loss

Unit rankings: No. 12 offense, No. 9 defense

Notable free agents: EDGE Khalil Mack, CB Asante Samuel Jr., RB J.K. Dobbins, DT Morgan Fox, CB Kristian Fulton, C Bradley Bozeman, CB Elijah Molden, WR Josh Palmer, DT Poona Ford, LB Denzel Perryman, DT Teair Tart

Draft picks: Nos. 22, 55, 86, 124, 159, 177*, 183, 201, 215*, 220, 253*

Coach Jim Harbaugh’s first season was a huge success before a playoff meltdown against the Texans. While that performance can be chalked up to an uncharacteristically bad day for Justin Herbert, it showed that the Chargers need to pour more resources into improving the infrastructure around their talented quarterback. Whether it’s investment at running back, wide receiver or tight end, they could use more playmakers on offense, as well as some impact pieces on coordinator Jesse Minter’s ascendant defense.

Coach Mike Macdonald has the Seahawks poised to take another step forward next season. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images/TNS)

16. Seattle Seahawks

How 2024 ended: 10-7

Unit rankings: No. 18 offense, No. 10 defense

Notable free agents: LB Ernest Jones, DT Jarran Reed, G Laken Tomlinson, CB Josh Jobe, DT Johnathan Hankins

Draft picks: Nos. 18, 50, 82, 137*, 173*, 187, 212*, 236

When coach Mike Macdonald had a chance to settle in and figure things out midseason, the Seahawks took off, winning six of their last eight games to almost sneak into the playoffs. While the defense is expected to improve, especially if Seattle can find a reliable linebacker and another pass rusher, new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is tasked with building a more consistent unit around veteran quarterback Geno Smith. With wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba set to take on a larger role, what the team decides to do with DK Metcalf will be fascinating.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

How 2024 ended: 10-7, AFC wild-card round loss

Unit rankings: No. 19 offense, No. 8 defense

Notable free agents: QB Russell Wilson, QB Justin Fields, RB Najee Harris, LT Dan Moore Jr., CB Donte Jackson, LB Elandon Roberts

Draft picks: Nos. 21, 52, 83, 122, 163, 225, 231, 247

Team owner and president Art Rooney II said that he would prefer to sign Fields or Wilson while acknowledging that it’s unlikely the team signs both. No matter who returns, the Steelers need to figure out who’s going to be touching the ball with Harris hitting free agency and wide receiver George Pickens becoming even more unreliable. A strong defense and an improved offensive line with 2024 first-round pick Troy Fautanu back in the mix should keep coach Mike Tomlin’s team relevant, as always, but Pittsburgh might need to be more aggressive this offseason to become a legitimate contender.

18. Arizona Cardinals

How 2024 ended: 8-9

Unit rankings: No. 11 offense, No. 14 defense

Notable free agents: LB Kyzir White, C Evan Brown, RT Kelvin Beachum, EDGE L.J. Collier, EDGE Baron Browning, WR Zay Jones, K Matt Prater, DT Roy Lopez

Draft picks: Nos. 16, 47, 78, 114, 153

A 2-4 start followed by a 2-5 finish kept Arizona off the national radar, but the Cardinals quietly took a major step forward in Year 2 under coach Jonathan Gannon. Quarterback Kyler Murray enjoyed a bounce-back season, Trey McBride became one of the league’s best tight ends and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. flashed his immense potential, creating plenty of optimism for next season. If GM Monti Ossenfort can find a few more impact players in the draft and put more than $70 million in cap space to good use, the Cardinals could be a playoff team.

19. Dallas Cowboys

How 2024 ended: 7-10

Unit rankings: No. 25 offense, No. 24 defense

Notable free agents: G Zack Martin, EDGE Demarcus Lawrence, LB Eric Kendricks, WR Brandin Cooks, CB Jourdan Lewis, DT Osa Odighizuwa, RB Rico Dowdle

Draft picks: Nos. 12, 44, 76, 150, 170*, 172*, 174*, 190, 211*, 250

It turned out to be a lost season for Dallas once quarterback Dak Prescott got injured, and it led to Brian Schottenheimer taking over as coach for Mike McCarthy. While it was probably time for that regime to end, it’s not guaranteed that the Cowboys will be back in the playoff mix just because they changed their staff. How Schottenheimer fills out an offense in need of a featured running back, a No. 2 wide receiver opposite CeeDee Lamb and a potential replacement for a future Hall of Famer at right guard in Martin will determine Dallas’ ceiling.

The Bears made the splashiest coaching hire of the offseason, luring Ben Johnson away from the division rival Lions. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

20. Chicago Bears

How 2024 ended: 5-12

Unit rankings: No. 27 offense, No. 22 defense

Notable free agents: WR Keenan Allen, G Teven Jenkins, C Coleman Shelton, G Matt Pryor, EDGE Darrell Taylor

Draft picks: Nos. 10, 39, 41, 72, 149, 197, 235, 242

The Bears made the splashiest hires of the offseason, luring Ben Johnson away from the division rival Lions to build a contender around promising quarterback Caleb Williams and signing former Saints coach Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator. If Chicago can nail its early draft picks and find some reliable contributors on both the offensive and defensive lines — not to mention use its nearly $54 million in cap space to fill out the roster — there’s a chance that it can go from worst to first in perhaps the league’s toughest division.

21. Miami Dolphins

How 2024 ended: 8-9

Unit rankings: No. 22 offense, No. 19 defense

Notable free agents: S Jevon Holland, DT Calais Campbell, LB Tyrel Dodson, DE Emmanuel Ogbah, G Robert Jones, C Liam Eichenberg, S Jordan Poyer

Draft picks: Nos. 13, 48, 98*, 115, 135*, 151, 156, 226, 233, 252*

Another concussion suffered by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa contributed to a disastrous 2-6 start that ultimately ruined the Dolphins’ season. With the former Alabama star entering the second year of a $212.4 million extension, Miami can only hope that he stays healthy long enough for the offense to return to form. It looks like Tyreek Hill is staying, too, which puts pressure on coach Mike McDaniel and GM Chris Grier to retool the roster and make the Dolphins a legitimate playoff contender. This team, as presently constructed, is running out of excuses.

22. Jacksonville Jaguars

How 2024 ended: 4-13

Unit rankings: No. 17 offense, No. 31 defense

Notable free agents: S Andre Cisco, G Brandon Scherff, QB Mac Jones

Draft picks: Nos. 5, 36, 70, 88, 106, 125, 143, 184, 196, 223

After firing coach Doug Peterson and longtime GM Trent Baalke and then hiring Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Cohen, there’s some optimism that the Jaguars can turn things around quickly. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence should benefit from a scheme that helped transform Tampa Bay’s running game, while Brian Thomas Jr. has the look of an elite wide receiver. If Jacksonville can use its bounty of draft picks to shore up its offensive line and add some key pieces on defense, it could contend for the AFC South title.

23. Atlanta Falcons

How 2024 ended: 8-9

Unit rankings: No. 14 offense, No. 29 defense

Notable free agents: EDGE Matt Judon, S Justin Simmons, WR Rondale Moore, EDGE Lorenzo Carter, CB Mike Hughes, CB Dee Alford, C Drew Dalman

Draft picks: Nos. 15, 46, 117, 244

With quarterback Kirk Cousins expected to be cut or traded, the Falcons will turn to 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. to lead the franchise. Running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and a solid offensive line form a strong supporting cast, and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson should have much more of the playbook at his disposal with a quarterback who can actually move. If coach Raheem Morris can improve his defense with the addition of a stud pass rusher and a few new starters in the secondary, Atlanta should be in the mix to win the NFC South.

The Patriots have the cap space and draft picks to rebuild quickly around promising young quarterback Drake Maye. (Greg M. Cooper/AP)

24. New England Patriots

How 2024 ended: 4-13

Unit rankings: No. 30 offense, No. 30 defense

Notable free agents: CB Jonathan Jones, QB Jacoby Brissett, EDGE Deatrich Wise, RT Chukwuma Okorafor, TE Austin Hooper, K Joey Slye

Draft picks: Nos. 4, 38, 69, 77, 105, 145, 219, 222, 240

The hiring of coach Mike Vrabel should raise the Patriots’ floor, especially if quarterback Drake Maye takes an expected step forward in his first full season as the starter. But there is plenty of work to do to improve the roster, most notably finding a No. 1 wide receiver, an impact pass rusher and several new starters on the offensive line. A projected $112 million in cap space and a bounty of high draft picks allow New England to build a competitive team around its budding young star Maye.

25. Carolina Panthers

How 2024 ended: 5-12

Unit rankings: No. 24 offense, No. 32 defense

Notable free agents: S Xavier Woods, CB Michael Jackson Sr., WR David Moore, TE Tommy Tremble, S Jordan Fuller, CB Caleb Farley

Draft picks: Nos. 8, 57, 74, 110, 113, 141, 147, 164, 229

After being benched early in the season, quarterback Bryce Young showed tremendous improvement down the stretch to solidify his status as the starter. Whether the 2023 No. 1 overall pick can play at a consistently high level over a full season remains to be seen, but the Panthers at least have some optimism for the first time in a while. On defense, they need a lot of help to fix a unit that fell to the bottom of the league.

26. Indianapolis Colts

How 2024 ended: 8-9

Unit rankings: No. 20 offense, No. 15 defense

Notable free agents: C Ryan Kelly, G Mark Glowinski, S Julian Blackmon, LB E.J. Speed, EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo, TE Kylen Granson, TE Mo Alie-Cox, QB Joe Flacco

Draft picks: Nos. 14, 45, 80, 116, 152, 191, 234

First and foremost, the Colts need to determine what they have in quarterback Anthony Richardson and whether he can be the franchise leader they envisioned when they picked him fourth overall in 2023. Giving him another pass catcher — perhaps a rookie tight end such as Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland — will be key in his evaluation as the franchise seeks some quarterback stability for the first time since Andrew Luck retired.

27. Las Vegas Raiders

How 2024 ended: 4-13

Unit rankings: No. 29 offense, No. 18 defense

Notable free agents: S Trevon Moehrig, EDGE Malcolm Koonce, LB Robert Spillane, DT Adam Butler, LB Divine Deablo, CB Nate Hobbs, RB Alexander Mattison

Draft picks: Nos. 6, 37, 68, 73, 107, 144, 182, 214*, 218*, 224

The addition of veteran coach Pete Carroll and the increasingly larger presence of part-owner Tom Brady in football operations adds some legitimacy to a franchise that has been mostly irrelevant since losing the Super Bowl in the 2002 season. With several high draft picks and a projected $85 million in cap space, there’s a chance the Raiders get back to being competitive sooner than later. Who they decide to target at quarterback, either in the draft or around the league, will be fascinating.

28. New York Jets

How 2024 ended: 5-12

Unit rankings: No. 21 offense, No. 20 defense

Notable free agents: EDGE Haason Reddick, CB D.J. Reed, DT Javon Kinlaw, TE Tyler Conklin, LT Tyron Smith, RT Morgan Moses, S Chuck Clark

Draft picks: Nos. 7, 42, 92, 109, 146, 157, 188, 210

With the Jets reportedly expected to move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, new coach Aaron Glenn and GM Darren Mougey have a blank slate to work with as they seek to end the longest playoff drought in American professional sports. Tyrod Taylor is under contract and could get another chance to start, or perhaps a veteran like Russell Wilson, Derek Carr or Jameis Winston will make their way to New York. Either way, there are several holes to fill on both sides of the ball as some high-priced veterans hit the open market.

29. New Orleans Saints

How 2024 ended: 5-12

Unit rankings: No. 23 offense, No. 21 defense

Notable free agents: EDGE Chase Young, TE Juwan Johnson, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, CB Paulson Adebo, EDGE Payton Turner, LB Willie Gay Jr., S Will Harris, G Lucas Patrick

Draft picks: Nos. 9, 40, 71, 93, 111, 130, 186, 254*

Perhaps no team feels more adrift than the Saints, who once again face a bloated cap sheet (projected $59 million over the cap) and have few core building blocks on both sides of the ball. There’s a reason they’re the last team to hire a coach, with Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore reportedly expected to take the job after the Super Bowl. What happens with Carr will signal how willing New Orleans is to rebuild the roster.

30. Tennessee Titans

How 2024 ended: 3-14

Unit rankings: No. 31 offense, No. 17 defense

Notable free agents: LB Jerome Baker, S Quandre Diggs, RT Dillon Radunz, WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR Tyler Boyd, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, K Nick Folk, QB Mason Rudolph

Draft picks: Nos. 1, 35, 102, 119, 142, 169, 180, 241

With the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft, the Titans have an opportunity to accelerate their rebuild. But will they pick a quarterback, a potential two-way star in Travis Hunter or a dynamic pass rusher like Abdul Carter? Coach Brian Callahan and new GM Mike Borgonzi should get some time to figure things out, but ownership seems to be impatient after pushing out Vrabel and then firing GM Ran Carthon after just one season. Maybe a veteran quarterback like Rodgers or Darnold is the preference to get things back on track.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski faces a challenging rebuild. (Sue Ogrocki/AP)

31. Cleveland Browns

How 2024 ended: 3-14

Unit rankings: No. 32 offense, No. 25 defense

Notable free agents: RB Nick Chubb, WR Elijah Moore, LT Jedrick Wills, QB Jameis Winston, LB Devin Bush, RT Germain Ifedi

Draft picks: Nos. 2, 33, 67, 94, 103, 165, 181, 194, 202, 216*, 217*, 257*

Garrett’s trade request explains just how badly things have gone for Cleveland since making the ill-fated deal for Deshaun Watson, who is not even in next season’s plans after tearing his Achilles tendon twice. With the Browns a projected $38 million over the cap, the draft is their best hope of rebuilding the roster and perhaps finding a long-term answer at quarterback. Coach Kevin Stefanski and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz are two of the best in the business, but they’re facing an uphill battle to make this team competitive next season.

32. New York Giants

How 2024 ended: 3-14

Unit rankings: No. 28 offense, No. 28 defense

Notable free agents: WR Darius Slayton, G Greg Van Roten, S Jason Pinnock, CB Adoree’ Jackson, EDGE Azeez Ojulari, QB Drew Lock, LB Isaiah Simmons

Draft picks: Nos. 3, 34, 65, 104, 134*, 155, 221, 248

There’s a world in which the Giants find a competent quarterback and enjoy a dramatic turnaround next season with a healthy roster, but all signs are pointing toward coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen being out of a job at this time next year. Even if the front office can replicate the success it had in last year’s draft, there are simply too many question marks across the roster to believe in New York’s viability to compete in a division with three much better teams.

Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon.

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