NFL power rankings with the 2025 draft now complete (previous rank in parentheses):
1. Philadelphia Eagles (1): Even coming off a dominant Super Bowl triumph over an active dynasty, it very much feels like this team is positioned to achieve even more – which may be especially true given EVP/GM Howie Roseman somehow winds up with a player like LB Jihaad Campbell joining the roster at the end of the draft’s first round. Rich and richer, etc., etc.
5. Buffalo Bills (2): This slightly subdued ranking is less a suggestion that they’re dropping but more an acknowledgement that the other closely packed Super Bowl aspirants have improved more significantly – not to mention the likelihood that the AFC East probably won’t be the cakewalk it’s been in recent years. But we don’t mind you passing on wide receivers in the draft, Brandon Beane.
10. Houston Texans (18): Sure seems as if they’ll need to mount an exceptional effort … to not win the AFC South in 2025. That might explain some of their willingness to make so many fundamental changes to the offense, modifications surely aimed at much bigger objectives than obtaining another divisional crown.
12. Cincinnati Bengals (13): Their draft wasn’t especially inspiring. But this club’s primary obstacles still seem to be issues that must be solved from within – giving DE Trey Hendrickson the raise he deserves and avoiding another disastrous September start, problems that threaten to become disastrously intertwined.
15. Seattle Seahawks (12): Speaking of recalibrating, they could have five new starters on offense, most notably QB Sam Darnold and Kupp. If first-year coordinator Klint Kubiak can balance the unit – meaning sustained emphasis on the run, which is what HC Mike Macdonald wants – feasible chance they don’t wind up a tiebreaker shy of the playoffs again.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers (26): Despite an ongoing offseason of uncertainty, no one should suggest switching out Russell Wilson for Aaron Rodgers – assuming he ever signs a contract – is a lateral move at quarterback. Forward lateral? Maybe. But if the Steelers truly hope to punctuate another 9-8 season with a long-awaited postseason win, the most important components could be third-round RB Kaleb Johnson and a young offensive line that needs to fully coalesce.
22. Dallas Cowboys (20): Their draft was solidly promising – and Jerry Jones and Co. definitely seemed to follow the ‘best player available’ axiom rather than drafting for need. That said, the Cowboys have more work to do on this roster heading into next season and could be a team especially focused on reeling in some of the more notable free agents who have taken their time picking new destinations.
24. Miami Dolphins (21): Gotta commend them for targeting big guys in the draft … yet unclear if they targeted the optimal ones. The secondary still looms as a problematic issue, especially with the presumption CB Jalen Ramsey is on his way out of South Florida. It adds up to the daunting prospect of QB Tua Tagovailoa having to potentially drop back 40 times per game.
25. New York Jets (25): Clearly, the expectations in 2024 were too outsized (raises hand). Maybe the expectations in 2025 are too downsized (slowly raising hand?). But a largely measured approach to free agency and the draft signal an encouraging start for a new regime that seems fixated on keeping the main thing the main thing.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars (24): The arrival – at significant cost – of 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter could make them a curiosity they haven’t been since joining the league 30 years ago. But rookie HC Liam Coen must do for QB Trevor Lawrence what he did for Baker Mayfield in Tampa if the Jags are to become legitimately relevant again.
29. Cleveland Browns (27): Their surprising approach to the 2025 draft suggests they’re far more focused on the 2026 draft – and consequently worth wondering how far Joe Flacco or Shedeur Sanders or Otto Graham could carry this offense as currently constructed.
31. Tennessee Titans (31): History shows that a team drafting a quarterback No. 1 overall is going to struggle, though maybe it helps that Cam Ward won’t be saddled with the same weighty expectations Caleb Williams carried last year in Chicago. Simply limiting the turnovers that so often put this defense in bad spots in 2024 would be a good start for Ward.