With March’s foray into free agency leaving the shelves of the veteran market stripped clean, the NFL “offseason” has reached something of a pause – though word hasn’t reached the Bills and Texans yet. Regardless, anticipation is quickly building toward one of the league’s marquee events, the 2024 draft set to commence just three weeks from today in Detroit.
The draft is sure to change the complexion of the football landscape anew as teams utilize their final major opportunity to shape rosters heading into the upcoming season. But as we await the dispersal of rookies, seems like a good time to see how the clubs currently stack up (previous rank in parentheses):
1. Kansas City Chiefs (1): Fairly smooth offseason thus far for the two-time defending champions … at least until WR Rashee Rice’s apparent ‘Fast & Furious’ moment in Texas over the weekend. Otherwise? All-Pro DT Chris Jones was extended, while CB L’Jarius Sneed was effectively swapped out for speedy WR Hollywood Brown. A question remains at left tackle, and there could be further tinkering at wideout. Doesn’t feel remotely premature to pencil K.C. in for a ninth straight AFC West crown – at minimum.
2. San Francisco 49ers (2): They’ve advanced at least as far as the conference title game three years running. Yet whenever this franchise gets tantalizingly close to its sixth Lombardi Trophy, it seems a catastrophic injury is around the corner – though maybe the overtime loss in Super Bowl 58 will ward off the injury bug after the catastrophic emotional blow suffered by the Niners. Recent heartbreaking history aside, the NFC champs remain nicely positioned for another title run in what will likely be QB Brock Purdy’s final year on his criminally cheap rookie contract … and maybe WR Brandon Aiyuk’s final year in the Bay Area. Won’t hurt to have six picks in the draft’s first four rounds.
3. Baltimore Ravens (4): They took a collective hit in free agency without seemingly suffering an irreplaceable loss. They also appeared to add the perfect bellcow in two-time league rushing champ Derrick Henry, whose presence could catapult QB Lamar Jackson to a third MVP trophy. Still some holes to fill – whether internally, via the draft or unemployed vets – but this team is going to remain a serious problem and, with Henry aboard, one unlikely to again stray from its identity at the worst possible time.
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7. Philadelphia Eagles (10): They’ve subbed out inexperienced coordinators for proven ones (OC Kellen Moore, DC Vic Fangio). They’ve lost legendary team leaders Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox to retirement – their estimable wisdom couldn’t save the 2023 squad – but have young talent ready to step in. And the additions of RB Saquon Barkley, DE Bryce Huff, WR3 DeVante Parker and DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson should more than offset the departure of LB Haason Reddick and others. And, naturally, EVP/GM Howie Roseman has an extra second-rounder at his disposal. If this team underachieves again, it won’t be for a lack of ability.
8. Houston Texans (9): The roster around breakout QB C.J. Stroud appeared marginally improved (if far more expensive) following free agency, the major arrivals being veteran DE Danielle Hunter and RB Joe Mixon. Then WR Stefon Diggs was acquired Wednesday, likely further bolstering Houston’s chances to reach the AFC championship game for the first time. However no first-round pick here after trading it during last year’s draft to get DE Will Anderson Jr. and subsequently sending the final Round 1 selection obtained in the Deshaun Watson deal to Minnesota.
10. Los Angeles Rams (8): If they’re not already at a weird intersection, it’s quickly approaching. After a surprising 2023 revival, legendary DL Aaron Donald has flexed into the sunset, QB Matthew Stafford seems to be in year-to-year mode himself and Cooper Kupp may now be WR2. But a team set to welcome a first-rounder for the first time since 2016 should remain a legit NFC threat … at least for 2024.
12. New York Jets (15): The trade for Reddick appears like the latest deft move by GM Joe Douglas, who’d already revamped his offensive line during free agency before signing WR Mike Williams. Douglas is wheeling and dealing for his job (plus HC Robert Saleh’s) and still has the 10th pick of the draft, which should bring another premium player to a high-ceiling/low-floor roster – which, naturally, remains dependent on Rodgers, who’s now 40.
14. Dallas Cowboys (7): They could be forgiven for sitting out the first wave of free agency. But HC Mike McCarthy’s seat has to feel that much hotter as his roster effectively remains in salary cap gridlock with scant draft capital to enlist reinforcements.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers (17): They seemed to upgrade significantly at quarterback after adding Russell Wilson and, shortly thereafter, Justin Fields. But the debate about whom to play is already afoot while wondering if either can elevate the Steelers beyond the postseason’s fringes.
25. Tennessee Titans (31): A highly aggressive offseason approach – one that’s so far brought the likes of Sneed, WR Calvin Ridley and RB Tony Pollard, among others – perhaps illustrates the lack of philosophical alignment between GM Ran Carthon and former HC Mike Vrabel. A pretty penny should mean a more competitive product, assuming sophomore QB Will Levis takes to Callahan’s playbook.
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Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter @ByNateDavis.