NFL Power Rankings

With the three biggest phases of the offseason complete (free agency, the draft, and post-draft free agency), now's the right time to list my first NFL Power Rankings of 2014. This list ranks the 32 teams in order of best to worst, of course it's opinion based and since teams have only just had rookie minicamps, the rankings are certainly not set in stone.

1. Seattle Seahawks- I still feel that they did a subpar job in the draft, but they only lost two key players to free agency and were able to replace them. They remain atop the list due to their vicious ground game and top notch defense, but San Fran is nipping at their heels.
2. San Francisco 49ers- This is a talent-laden team that made huge strides through this year's draft. Their goal of winning the Super Bowl will rely on whether or not quarterback Colin Kaepernick can take his game to the next level and become an elite passer.
3. New England Patriots- The Patriots boast arguably the league's best cornerback duo in Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. A healthy Jerod Mayo and Vince Wilfork will provide a big boost to this unit. The chemistry between Tom Brady and his young receivers should be much improved this season. The Patriots are neck and neck with Denver as the best teams in the AFC. The reason the Pats rank higher is because they boast the better defense.
4. Denver Broncos- John Elway and co. know that Peyton Manning might not have many years left in him -- he's one big blindside hit away from retirement -- which is why they splurged in free agency and added playmakers through the draft. We all expect Denver and New England to face off in the AFC Championship for second year in a row.
5. Cincinnati Bengals- Hue Jackson was promoted to offensive coordinator and I think that's going to pay dividends for an offense that seems to underachieve. The loss of defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will hurt this defense significantly, but they have the talent to overcome it. On paper, they're easily the top team in their division, but Andy Dalton needs to take the next step if this team wants to win in the playoffs.
6. Arizona Cardinals- This club was very impressive last season, winning 10 games in the toughest division. Their best chance at a playoff berth is through one of the two wildcard spots because Seattle and San Fran are bound to be the top two teams in the division. Good free agent acquisitions and a solid draft have kept Bruce Arian's team in contention.
7. Green Bay Packers- I think Green Bay did the best job in this year's draft. Aaron Rodgers was given four new receivers to add to an already impressive arsenal and Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix is the rangy free safety they've lacked since Nick Collins' career-ending injury. Injuries always seem to be a problem for the Pack, but they're a team I expect to move up the rankings this year. 
8. Philadelphia Eagles- The surprising release of DeSean Jackson was just that- a surprise. But it didn't cause controversy within the locker room, proving just how much the players trust their head coach Chip Kelly. The offense will be one of the best in the league, and the additions on defense should result in better play on that side of the ball.
9. New Orleans Saints- Will Jimmy Graham hold out? According to Bleacher Reports' Matt Miller, a player who's assigned the franchise tag and signs his tender can still hold out until Week 12 of the regular season. Graham isn't happy about his current contract situation and I don't blame him, he's proven to be the best tight end in the league. The Saints' offense wouldn't be nearly as effective without him. The defense should continue to improve under Rob Ryan, and Jairus Byrd will join Kenny Vacarro to form a fierce safety duo.
10. Chicago Bears- A totally revamped defensive line headlines the Bears' offseason, adding Jared Allen and Lamarr Houston via free agency and drafting Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton. Personally, I don't think Jay Cutler is a good enough quarterback to lead this to team to the Super Bowl.
11. Baltimore Ravens- They retained a few very important players (Eugene Monroe, Dennis Pitta, Daryl Smith) and added serious talent to their defense through the draft. I'm still concerned about the lack of proven commodities at wide receiver.
12. Carolina Panthers- Cam Newton hasn't completed a regular season pass to any of the team's current wide receivers. However, that's not what concerns me. I'm concerned about the offensive line, particularly left tackle, where former defensive tackle Nate Chandler is currently listed as the starter and replacement for Jordan Gross. The defense is this team's strength, while the offense might go through some struggles early on.
13. San Diego Chargers- The secondary received a much needed boost when the team drafted Jason Verrett in the first-round. I still wonder why they didn't add a number two wide receiver to complement Keenan Allen. Quarterback Philip Rivers is coming off arguably his best season as a pro, but he wasn't provided any new weapons to throw to. It helps that they're the best team in the AFC West behind Denver at this point.
14. Atlanta Falcons- The Falcons had a tough go of things in 2013, but that's not who they really are. Why they didn't draft a wide receiver to provide depth should Julio Jones and/or Roddy White go down with an injury (like last season), is beyond me. They upgraded the offensive line signing free agent Jon Asamoah and drafting Jake Matthews and also added to their defensive line. They're not far behind their division foe, the Carolina Panthers. 
15. Pittsburgh Steelers- Ryan Shazier is a perfect fit for Dick LeBeau's defense and he's the kind of aggressive linebacker we've become accustomed to seeing in a Steelers' uniform. Big Ben has two new wide receivers to throw to. The team didn't draft a cornerback until the fifth-round, a decision that left me scratching my head.
16. Indianapolis Colts- Robert Mathis will miss the first four games of the season for using performance enhancing drugs. The offensive line needs to step up and do a better job of protecting Andrew Luck. And speaking of stepping up, Trent Richardson needs to take his game to another level and prove he's not a bust. Fortunately for the Colts, they play in the weakest division in the league.
17. New York Giants- While I've never considered Eli Manning to be an "elite" quarterback, he's definitely better than he played last season. He was atrocious, but so was the rest of the team. The Giants were very active in free agency signing more than thirteen players through the first month of free agency. They signed starters to come in and make an impact, and we'll see if it pays off.
18. Kansas City Chiefs- The Chiefs lost three of their starting offensive lineman, but they have good replacements. I'm still scratching my head, wondering why the Chiefs didn't draft a wide receiver. I'm sure they stuck to their board, selecting the best player according to their rankings, but this team seriously lacks talent at wide receiver.
19. St. Louis Rams- The Rams' first four picks in the draft are all set to make immediate impacts. They now boast the league's most talented defensive line and will continue to make life a living nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Jeff Fisher is banking on his young receivers to take the next step this season, choosing not to give his quarterback any new targets. The Rams would be ranked higher if they didn't play in the most competitive division.
20. Detroit Lions- Quarterback Matthew Stafford will be throwing to a few new faces in 2014, namely free agent signee Golden Tate and first-round pick Eric Ebron. Sure, that's great and all, but what about the defense? Specifically the secondary, which remains the team's primary weakness. They added safety James Ihedigbo and fourth round pick Nevin Lawson. For a team that plays the Bears and Packers at least twice a year, they certainly don't seem to be worried about it.
21. New York Jets- I like what the Jets did in both free agency and the draft. Second-year quarterback Geno Smith will have plenty of guys to throw the ball to this season after the team paid big money to Eric Decker, and drafted Jace Amaro, Shaq Evans, and Jalen Saunders. Rex Ryan's team is guaranteed to have a good defense, it's the offense that has hurt them in recent years.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Lovie Smith has been incredibly active since the Bucs hired him to be the team's head coach five months ago. By incredibly active, I mean signing more than thirteen free agents, five of which will be starting. Smith also realized that one of the league's worst offenses a year ago had to be improved, which is why all six of the team's 2014 draft picks were used on offensive players.
23. Miami Dolphins- Everybody and their grandmother knew the Dolphins were going to address their offensive line this offseason. They did just that, signing Branden Albert in free agency and drafting Ju'Wuan James and Billy Turner. Ryan Tannehill must be pleased, considering he was sacked more than any quarterback in 2013. This team has a lot of talented players, but I think a new coaching staff is in order.  
24. Dallas Cowboys- The spotlight is never off of the team formerly known as "America's Team." Injury prone linebacker Sean Lee suffered a torn ACL during voluntary OTAs last week, a huge blow to the defense. The team cut ties with DeMarcus Ware and didn't re-sign Jason Hatcher, but did sign Henry Melton in free agency and drafted Demarcus Lawrence to replace them. I have the 'Boys third in the NFC East, behind the Eagles and Giants, but I think Washington could potentially move ahead of them.
25. Tennessee Titans- It will be interesting to see if Jake Locker can shake the "bust" label under new head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who has had success turning quarterback's around-- look at Phillip Rivers last season. The defense is switching to a 3-4 scheme, meaning there are some guys -- defensive end Derrick Morgan -- who are out of place. This team isn't a threat just yet.  
26. Minnesota Vikings- The Vikings play in the competitive NFC North, which hurts their ranking, but this is a team on the rise. I think Mike Zimmer is going to be a very good head coach and he's added talent through free agency and the draft. The Vikings will be legitimate competition to their division rivals in the years to come, but I don't expect them to do much in 2014.
27. Washington- Can RGIII stay healthy? That's the million dollar question. The defense is still a liability, namely the cornerbacks. And why in the hell has the team name not been changed? The term "Redskin" is a considered a racial slur by many Native Americans -- which is why I omit it in my blog -- and therefore should not be permitted, plain and simple. The team could move ahead of the Cowboys in future rankings.
28. Buffalo Bills- This Bills team has a lot of talent, but this team is wet behind the ear. The AFC East goes through the Patriots, but the pieces are there for the Bills to make a push for second place, they just need to put it all together. This team is built for success in the years to come.
29. Cleveland Browns- The Browns are going to be in the news a lot during the offseason due to their second first-round draft pick, quarterback Johnny Manziel. The media loves to try and make a big deal of what he does with his personal time. Despite being a first-round pick, I think Brian Hoyer is going to be the starter come Week 1. The Browns will finish last place in their division, but at least they'll be in good position come time for the 2015 NFL Draft. 
30. Jacksonville Jaguars- Gus Bradley may be a former defensive coordinator, but he seriously revamped his offense through the draft. Selecting the Jaguars' quarterback of the future and providing him with receiving weapons. The defensive line features three new faces, including Bradley's former pupils Chris Clemons and Red Bryant.
31. Oakland Raiders- Like the Browns, the Raiders are the fourth best team in their division. I loved the first-round selection of linebacker/defensive end Khalil Mack, he should make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. Oakland is years from being a legitimate contender in the division, but the organization has come a long way under General Manager Reggie McKenzie.
32. Houston Texans- The quarterback situation in Houston is an ugly one. Rookie head coach Bill O'Brien has his work cut out for him in 2014 as I expect this offense to struggle mightily. At least the defense will be improved, led by the fierce duo of J.J. Watt and number one overall pick Jadeveon Clowney.