Ranking the offseason for all 32 groups: Why the Browns are on prime
The 2019 NFL offseason work has concluded. With coaching camp set to open in late July, we have a look again at how groups fared.
NFL Nation charges every workforce in its offseason efforts and appears at its greatest query nonetheless to be answered.
Here is how all 32 groups fared with grades:
Elite
Offseason targets: The Browns positioned a precedence on surrounding budding franchise quarterback Baker Mayfield with extra weapons, connecting on the blockbuster commerce for All-Professional wideout Odell Beckham Jr. from the New York Giants. GM John Dorsey additionally took an opportunity by signing working again Kareem Hunt, who may make a major influence down the stretch after he serves an eight-game suspension. In addition they wished to offer their defensive cornerstone, finish Myles Garrett, with further assist up entrance.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: With so many large personalities and new faces, how will these Browns mesh underneath rookie head coach Freddie Kitchens? There is not any query the expertise is there for Cleveland to make a run to the playoffs. Nevertheless it has been a very long time since this franchise has confronted the extent of scrutiny and stress it’ll this season. — Jake Trotter
Above common
2 Associated
Offseason targets: The Payments’ aim for the offseason was clear: Construct the offense round quarterback Josh Allen. That meant addressing wants at each talent positions and the offensive line. In whole, the Payments signed 14 offensive free brokers, drafted 4 offensive gamers and will have as many as seven new starters on that aspect of the ball.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Is Allen ok for his revamped offensive forged to matter? Coming into his second season, Allen confirmed flashes of high-level potential final season, equivalent to his Week 17 finale by which he scored 5 touchdowns (three passing, two dashing) and posted the franchise’s second-highest Complete QBR since ESPN started monitoring the stat in 2006. However his general shaky play as a rookie leaves unanswered whether or not he can stand up and lead the offense to the following degree. — Mike Rodak
Offseason targets: The Lions wanted to improve the offense and likewise add a move rush after a season when the Lions lacked an elite pass-rusher, with Ezekiel Ansah constantly injured, and received nothing out of the tight finish place. These have been the rapid targets after a primary season that went awry for Matt Patricia, with a 6-10 report on the sector and a number of gaffes off of it. On paper no less than — which suggests little as soon as the season will get right here — Detroit dealt with these items. The Lions revamped the tight finish place and signed Trey Flowers to bolster the line of defense. Patricia additionally has appeared extra comfy throughout his podium periods, which is his conduit to talking with the workforce’s fan base, than he did at any level final yr.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Who’s taking part in cornerback reverse Darius Slay? Slay stayed away all through the offseason, giving Detroit ample time to take a look at Rashaan Melvin and Teez Tabor as doable outdoors nook choices. Melvin has been largely quiet, which is not horrible for a nook, whereas Tabor has had some standout performs and likewise some struggles in a essential offseason for the previous second-round decide. Neither choice has made sufficient of a splash but to make Detroit really feel comfy there. — Michael Rothstein
Offseason targets: Led by All-Professional rookie linebacker Darius Leonard, the Colts shocked many by being an overachieving protection that completed 11th general final season. However the Colts need the protection to be a top-10 unit to associate with their top-10 offense. The Colts used seven of their 10 draft picks on defensive gamers and added defensive finish Justin Houston, who has 78.5 sacks in his profession, in free company. Houston was one in all solely three outdoors free brokers the Colts used salary-cap area on. They wished to have the ability to re-sign their very own gamers whereas being selective when it got here to outdoors free brokers.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Is the addition of Houston sufficient to assist a move rush that completed 19th within the NFL in sacks (38) final season? The Colts had higher hope so, contemplating that is the checklist of quarterbacks they’re going to be going through this season: Philip Rivers, Derek Carr, Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, Cam Newton, Matt Ryan and Jameis Winston. — Mike Wells
Offseason targets: The Jaguars needed to repair an offense that scored two touchdowns within the last 5 video games of 2018 by upgrading at quarterback. Nick Foles, who received a Tremendous Bowl MVP with Philadelphia after the 2017 season, was one of the best free-agent quarterback out there. The Jaguars signed him to a four-year deal value $91 million, with a franchise-record $50.125 million assured. Is he an elite quarterback? No, however he is a serious improve over Blake Bortles. In his 13 begins (together with postseason) with the Eagles, Foles accomplished 67% of his passes with 21 TDs and 11 INTs. No Jaguars starter has accomplished greater than 64.5% of their passes over a season.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: What can the Jaguars count on out of RB Leonard Fournette? Offensive coordinator John DeFilippo mentioned Fournette shall be “a serious purpose the place our offense goes” in 2019, and government VP of soccer ops Tom Coughlin and coach Doug Marrone have been adamant of their perception of a run-first assault. Marrone mentioned Fournette confirmed up in nice form to voluntary offseason conditioning at 226 kilos. He has to show he can keep wholesome and that he has matured and dedicated to changing into knowledgeable. — Mike DiRocco
Offseason targets: It has been a two-step aim: 1. Say goodbye to an period mired in mediocrity, Band-Help fixes and a dangerous win-now imaginative and prescient with strikes equivalent to eliminating coach Adam Gase, GM Mike Tannenbaum and QB Ryan Tannehill, together with largely sitting out the free-agent interval. 2. Train endurance for an impending rebuild and make strikes to arrange the group for long-term success beginning in 2020 with strikes equivalent to hiring coach Brian Flores with a five-year assured deal, amassing a bounty of 2020 draft picks and making Xavien Howard the highest-paid cornerback.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: When will Dolphins discover their franchise quarterback? A nifty commerce for Josh Rosen provides Miami an choice to guage throughout the 2019 season, however there’s nonetheless a superb probability the Dolphins will not have a agency reply as soon as the season ends. Not one of the Dolphins’ offseason progress towards long-term success will matter till Rosen or anyone else (possible within the 2020 draft) steps up at quarterback. — Cameron Wolfe
Offseason targets: A very powerful mission for the Saints is to show they’ll recover from one other devastating playoff defeat, however we can’t actually be capable of gauge that till the season will get underway. Within the meantime, the most important repair they want make on the sector is reviving a passing sport that cratered down the stretch. Including TE Jared Prepare dinner ought to assist fairly a bit. He was a go-to man all through organized workforce actions and minicamp and has a noticeable presence in the midst of the sector.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Have they got sufficient move rush? The Saints have one of many NFL’s greatest defensive ends in Cameron Jordan, and so they’re anticipating a pleasant Yr 2 leap from edge rusher Marcus Davenport. However they’ve some depth issues after dropping veteran starter Alex Okafor in free company and dropping standout DT Sheldon Rankins to a torn Achilles in January. Ideally, Rankins shall be wholesome by midseason, however they’re going to want others to step up too. — Mike Triplett
2:03
Stephen A. Smith goes off on Le’Veon Bell speaking about successful Tremendous Bowls with the Jets after leaving the Steelers.
Offseason targets: Recognizing they’ve a younger quarterback with thrilling potential — a rarity for this franchise — the Jets’ No. 1 goal was to construct round Sam Darnold. They employed Adam Gase, their first offense-minded head coach since 1996, and so they signed essentially the most dynamic offensive participant in free company, working again Le’Veon Bell. He is their greatest working again since Thomas Jones (2009) and his potential as a prolific receiver will elevate Darnold’s completion proportion by no less than 5 factors. Drawback is, a restricted offensive line may forestall this group from reaching its potential.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: They’ve just one confirmed starter at cornerback (Trumaine Johnson), and that could be a scary proposition for a Gregg Williams-coached protection that can blitz rather a lot and put its corners in man-to-man conditions. The Jets are relying on CB2 Darryl Roberts and CB3 Brian Poole to overachieve whereas ready for one of many younger gamers to develop quicker than anticipated. Do not be shocked if first-year GM Joe Douglas trades for a nook earlier than the beginning of the season. — Wealthy Cimini
Offseason targets: Arrange quarterback Carson Wentz for achievement. They added a deep risk receiver in DeSean Jackson, bolstered the backfield by drafting Miles Sanders and buying and selling for Jordan Howard, and spent their first-round decide on left deal with Andre Dillard. Wentz could by no means have a supporting forged as proficient as this once more.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Can they generate sufficient stress off the sting? Their two most efficient defensive ends from a yr in the past, Chris Lengthy and Michael Bennett, are now not with the workforce. With the unit seemingly brief on depth, they want big-time seasons from Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett. — Tim McManus
zero:42
Domonique Foxworth says Ben Roethlisberger must be elite once more and elevate the gamers round him for the Steelers to seek out success this season.
Offseason targets: Cleanse the locker room of complications, determine supporting gamers on the sides (receiver, cornerback) and clear up the within linebacker downside as soon as and for all. Receiver Antonio Brown needed to go, and now the locker room can give attention to cohesion. Receiver Donte Moncrief and cornerback Steven Nelson are dependable free-agent additions at affordable prices. Buying and selling up for linebacker Devin Bush may give Pittsburgh a defensive chief for the following decade.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: How do the Steelers change two All-Execs in Brown and working again Le’Veon Bell? This query dominated Pittsburgh’s offseason, and the reply is discovered underneath middle. Ben Roethlisberger mentioned he is enthusiastic about his batch of weapons, however the onus is on Large Ben to make it work with out two gamers who dominated the ball. The Steelers want him to have one in all his greatest seasons — perhaps an MVP-type efficiency — to re-enter the playoff race. — Jeremy Fowler
Offseason targets: Discover a approach to maximize quarterback Marcus Mariota underneath first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The offense was inconsistent final season, particularly the passing sport. The Titans lacked weapons and a constant participant to maneuver the chains in third-down conditions.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Can the offense do sufficient to enrich what seems to be a shutdown protection? Below coordinator Dean Pees, the Titans’ protection completed as a top-three scoring unit. Many of the key items return and the workforce’s identification stays protection first. If the offense can rating factors extra constantly, issues will work nicely for the Titans. All of it begins with Mariota, however having Derrick Henry and the working sport firing on all cylinders will add to their efficiency. — Turron Davenport
Common
Offseason targets: The principle targets this offseason have been to repair the protection and revamp the offensive line. That is nonetheless a piece in progress. Whereas the Bengals did draft first-round decide Jonah Williams, additionally they re-signed Bobby Hart, who struggled final yr, to play proper deal with. As for the protection, they launched linebacker Vontaze Burfict, re-signed Darqueze Dennard and drafted linebacker Germaine Pratt. Did that really make the protection higher? It is positively going to be the query of the summer time.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: What is going to the Bengals’ offense appear to be underneath first-year head coach Zac Taylor? The previous Rams assistant has tried to make issues just a little extra enjoyable throughout offseason exercises, and that figures to hold over into his offensive playcalling. That ought to profit quarterback Andy Dalton, who’s signed by the 2019 season and desires a bounce-back yr after an injury-shortened 2018. — Katherine Terrell
• Ranking the offseasons for all 32 NFL groups
• Teammates impressed by Kyler Murray
• What they’re saying about first-round QBs
• Large Ben: Good to return to ‘normalcy’
• Daniel Jones impresses, Eli nonetheless No. 1
Offseason targets: Hold their very own. The Cowboys have been in a position to re-sign DeMarcus Lawrence to a five-year, $105 million deal and keep away from a June franchise tag showdown. They’ve had talks with QB Dak Prescott and WR Amari Cooper and are open to getting a deal performed with RB Ezekiel Elliott too, however nothing is shut. Maybe as soon as coaching camp begins issues will begin to warmth up, however the Cowboys want to have the Prescott and Cooper offers performed earlier than Week 1 of the common season if doable.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: How rapidly can issues come collectively? Tight finish Jason Witten is again after a one-year stint within the Monday Evening Soccer sales space. Sean Lee is switching positions to strongside linebacker. Travis Frederick is returning after a yr off due to Guillain-Barre syndrome. Lawrence (shoulder) and Byron Jones (hip) have a aim to be prepared from offseason surgical procedures by the season opener. That is a variety of snaps from starters who both didn’t play in 2018 or didn’t participate within the offseason program due to accidents. With a troublesome near the common season, the Cowboys want a quick begin in the event that they wish to make the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the primary time since 2006-07. — Todd Archer
Offseason targets: After ending 12-Four and struggling an embarrassing loss to the New England Patriots within the playoffs, the Chargers are in win-now mode. They didn’t make an enormous splash in free company, as a substitute shoring up weak areas of an already-loaded roster by including veteran linebacker Thomas Davis and backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor. The Bolts additionally expect a leap in manufacturing with injured gamers equivalent to tight finish Hunter Henry, cornerback Trevor Williams and linebackers Denzel Perryman and Kyzir White returning to the energetic roster. Together with these gamers, the Chargers ought to get a lift from this yr’s draft picks on protection in deal with Jerry Tillery, security Nasir Adderley and linebacker Drue Tranquill. “We’ve a superb group, nevertheless it’s not, ‘Oh, we’ll simply decide up the place we left off,'” Philip Rivers mentioned. “We’ve to recreate that bond, love and combat that you’ve got for each other with each other.”
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Determining the well being standing of Russell Okung shall be a essential a part of the Chargers’ lead-up to coaching camp. The Professional Bowl left deal with missed necessary minicamp with an undisclosed damage, and coach Anthony Lynn mentioned he doesn’t know if Okung shall be prepared for coaching camp. Though the Bolts’ offensive line helped pave the best way for a productive working sport and, for essentially the most half, stored Rivers upright, they struggled with execution on the finish of final season. If Okung is unavailable, the Chargers would transfer Sam Tevi from proper deal with to left deal with and put Trent Scott into the beginning lineup at proper deal with. — Eric D. Williams
Offseason targets: Determine participant strengths and set up an identification on protection with the additions of out of doors linebacker Clay Matthews, security Eric Weddle and rookie defensive deal with Greg Gaines. In addition they wanted to combine first-year starters Brian Allen and Joseph Noteboom on the offense line and discover methods to evolve and contain extra playmakers on offense.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Todd Gurley. The star working again was sidelined for the ultimate two video games of the common season due to his left knee, then returned for the playoffs however was beneath common within the NFC Championship Recreation and Tremendous Bowl. Gurley didn’t take part in on-field drills throughout the offseason program and it stays unsure if the Rams should alter how he’s used all through the season. — Lindsey Thiry
Offseason targets: Restock for one more Tremendous Bowl run after taking some large hits in free company (DE Trey Flowers to Detroit, OT Trent Brown to Oakland) and with tight finish Rob Gronkowski retiring from an offensive unit that had restricted choices within the passing sport by the top of 2018.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: How does the tight finish place take form with out Gronkowski, particularly with veteran Benjamin Watson serving an NFL suspension for the primary 4 video games? Matt LaCosse, Stephen Anderson and Ryan Izzo are subsequent on the depth chart. — Mike Reiss
Offseason targets: Bolster the move rush, add receiving assist, enhance the secondary, get wholesome. The Niners checked the primary two bins with the numerous additions of edge rushers Nick Bosa and Dee Ford and spent early draft capital on wideouts Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd. The latter two points will stay up for debate till the season begins and, possible, during it.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Is the secondary as much as the duty? The heavy investments within the protection largely ignored the defensive backfield, save for a flier on talented-but-injury-prone cornerback Jason Verrett. The Niners are relying on the amped-up move rush to make the whole unit higher however want a secondary stuffed with incumbents to take a serious step ahead in 2019 with a view to make a major defensive leap. — Nick Wagoner
Too quickly to inform
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Dan Orlovsky dissects Kyler Murray’s talent set and explains why he has the potential to take the league by storm like Patrick Mahomes did final season.
Offseason targets: Discover a approach to enhance on Three-13. The Cardinals tried to do this by firing coach Steve Wilks and changing him with Kliff Kingsbury, after which by drafting quarterback Kyler Murray and buying and selling Josh Rosen. The strikes have been made as a result of workforce president Michael Bidwill wished an offense-minded head coach who may compete with the Rams, who’re led by one other younger offensive thoughts in Sean McVay. Will it work? We’ll quickly discover out.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: There are two going through the Cardinals: Will Kingsbury’s offense work within the NFL, and the way will Murray adapt to being a professional quarterback? One does not essentially beget the opposite. There are nonetheless many unknowns about how Kingsbury’s Air Raid offense will work within the NFL, similar to there are various questions on whether or not the 5-foot-10 Murray can succeed within the professional sport like shorter quarterbacks Drew Brees and Russell Wilson have. — Josh Weinfuss
Offseason targets: Shore up the offensive line. The Falcons struggled to guard quarterback Matt Ryan final season and could not decide up a easy yard in short-yardage conditions, which made addressing the offensive line a prime precedence. The Falcons chosen offensive linemen Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary within the first spherical of the draft. Each appeared to maneuver nicely throughout OTAs and minicamp, however the true take a look at comes once they put the pads on. The man who may make the most important rapid influence is veteran James Carpenter at left guard.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Can the Falcons generate a consist move rush? There are nonetheless loads of questions surrounding 2016 sack champion Vic Beasley Jr., who hasn’t been the identical participant. Beasley and Takkarist McKinley should play like first-rounders coming off the sting, whereas the Falcons hope contract points haven’t got a damaging influence on their greatest defensive lineman, deal with Grady Jarrett. — Vaughn McClure
Offseason targets: Construct the offense round franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson. Baltimore has gone all-in on Jackson. The Ravens traded away Joe Flacco. They promoted Greg Roman to offensive coordinator due to his artistic sport plans with cellular quarterbacks (Colin Kaepernick and Tyrod Taylor). They signed free agent Mark Ingram II, a confirmed runner and chief. They usually used three of their first 4 draft picks on offensive talent place gamers (vast receivers Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin in addition to working again Justice Hill).
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: The place is the move rush coming from? The Ravens watched their all-time sack chief (Terrell Suggs) and their sack chief from final season (Za’Darius Smith) go elsewhere in free company. Baltimore failed to accumulate an enormous identify (Justin Houston, Ezekiel Ansah and Gerald McCoy) in free company. That leaves the Ravens attempting to fill that void with rookie third-round decide Jaylon Ferguson and veterans Pernell McPhee and Shane Ray. — Jamison Hensley
Offseason targets: Getting quarterback Cam Newton prepared for coaching camp after his second shoulder surgical procedure in three offseasons, retool an offensive line that misplaced key starters to offer Newton extra safety, and transition from a Four-Three to Three-Four entrance defensively to place extra stress on the quarterback after ending 27th within the NFL in sacks final season.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Can Newton keep wholesome? He threw the ball some in minicamp, and all indicators are he’ll be prepared for the common season. He appeared prepared in 2017 too, after the primary surgical procedure after which skilled soreness early in camp, leading to his throwing being scaled again. The success of the offensive line depends upon whether or not second-round decide Greg Little may be an environment friendly starter at left deal with and middle Matt Paradis can change the management of Ryan Kalil. — David Newton
Atone for the draft:
• Decide-by-pick evaluation »
• Kiper’s grades » | McShay’s greatest picks »
• Group-by-team evaluation » | Takeaways »
Atone for free company:
• Greatest influence strikes for all 32 groups »
• Winners and losers of free company »
• Barnwell: Grades » | Classes from FA »
Extra on the draft » | Extra on FA »
Offseason targets: Discover a kicker. The Bears have to interchange Cody Parkey, who missed eight kicks final yr, together with the notorious double-doink in Chicago’s dwelling playoff loss to Philadelphia. The Bears had eight kickers attend rookie minicamp in Might. Three (Eddy Pineiro, Elliott Fry and Chris Blewitt) made it to organized workforce actions and minicamp, however the Bears launched Blewitt on June 12. For now, Pineiro and Fry are scheduled to report back to coaching camp in late July.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Will quarterback Mitchell Trubisky take one other step? Trubisky had a strong yr in 2018, however the 24-year-old might want to play higher if the Bears wish to win playoff video games. Chicago has been very excessive on Trubisky’s offseason, and he seems to have a greater deal with on coach Matt Nagy’s offense, however you possibly can solely inform a lot by watching non-padded practices. — Jeff Dickerson
Offseason targets: After lacking the playoffs in three consecutive seasons since their Tremendous Bowl 50 victory, the Broncos opened the offseason with their third teaching change prior to now 4 seasons. Vic Fangio wants to assist settle issues down in a company that appeared lots wobbly after 5-11 and 6-10 finishes over the previous two years. It begins with getting issues straightened out on offense, the place a parade of quarterbacks have struggled in a scheme that by no means fairly appeared to suit its personnel.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: In his first season as a playcaller within the NFL, can offensive coordinator Wealthy Scangarello get issues cranked up once more? Scangarello has labored in any respect ranges of soccer, has been educated nicely (significantly in his time as Kyle Shanahan’s quarterbacks coach with the 49ers) and appears to grasp learn how to assault defenses in all areas of the sector. The Broncos have to guard the quarterback higher than they’ve in current seasons if they’re going to end extra drives with touchdowns. — Jeff Legwold
Offseason targets: Get QB Aaron Rodgers and coach Matt LaFleur on the identical web page. After a season stuffed with disconnect between the quarterback and coaches, LaFleur was employed to get Rodgers again to an MVP degree. Whereas he is solely 39 and has one yr as an NFL playcaller, the Packers preferred his work with Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan and their offensive techniques, and admired what LaFleur did with Matt Ryan in Atlanta. Now, it has to translate into an impressed Rodgers, who regarded something however that final season.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Does Rodgers have sufficient weapons? Based mostly on what Brian Gutekunst did in free company and the draft — signing two pass-rushers (Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith) and a security (Adrian Amos) and selecting one other edge rusher (Rashan Gary) and a security (Darnell Savage Jr.) together with his two first-round picks — the second-year GM should suppose he does. He have to be banking on the return of Geronimo Allison, the advance of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a wholesome Jimmy Graham and a dedication to working Aaron Jones. He added solely two offensive talent place gamers of observe: third-round tight finish Jace Sternberger and sixth-round tight finish Dexter Williams. — Rob Demovsky
Offseason targets: Discover a approach to shield Deshaun Watson. No matter why Watson is getting hit — whether or not it is as a result of poor offensive line play or as a result of his common time to throw final season ranked third amongst certified quarterbacks — the Texans want to determine learn how to preserve their franchise quarterback wholesome. Houston hopes they’ve taken a step towards undertaking that aim by drafting deal with Tytus Howard within the first spherical and deal with Max Scharping within the second and signing Matt Kalil in free company.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Who will play left deal with? This has been the query because the Texans traded Duane Brown to the Seahawks in 2017. Houston made some strikes this offseason, however whether or not or not the offensive line has improved will rely upon whether or not Howard can step in and play nicely in his rookie season. — Sarah Barshop
Offseason targets: Defensive enchancment. It is troublesome accountable the Chiefs’ efforts. They modified the defensive teaching workers and the bottom system and purchased as many as seven new defensive starters, together with security Tyrann Mathieu and finish Frank Clark. How rapidly the Chiefs can match all the things collectively shall be a key to their season. They do not must be nice on protection, given the offense’s potential to attain factors. They only must be aggressive.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Will Tyreek Hill play for the Chiefs in 2019? Hill was so productive final season that it is troublesome to image the Chiefs being as potent on offense if he is suspended or launched due to his potential function in an ongoing little one abuse case. The specter of his absence, even when for under a part of the season, diminishes the Chiefs’ prospects as a Tremendous Bowl contender. — Adam Teicher
Offseason targets: Repair the offense and QB Kirk Cousins. The Vikings took each measure this offseason to bolster the supporting forged round Cousins. They retained Kevin Stefanski as offensive coordinator, employed Gary Kubiak to tailor an offensive system round Cousins’ strengths, added a number of new items to the offensive line — together with first-rounder Garrett Bradbury — prolonged veteran TE Kyle Rudolph and introduced in additional playmakers by way of the draft. Cousins has all the things he must be profitable in Yr 2, when spectacular stats alone will now not lower it if the Vikings fail to make the playoffs.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Can Cousins take his sport to the following degree? Cousins, who admitted to being a “.500 quarterback in my profession to this point,” is aware of that he’ll be judged extra critically on wins and losses as he goals to take the following step. Seasons of Four,000 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions do not imply something if he can not help the Vikings get again to the playoffs. — Courtney Cronin
Offseason targets: Discover a long-term reply at quarterback. It was time to get the succession plan for Eli Manning in movement. The Giants did not fiddle within the draft, choosing Daniel Jones at No. 6 general. The early returns have been optimistic. He threw the ball nicely this spring and displayed spectacular athleticism.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Can the protection be any good with so many younger gamers? The Giants traded Olivier Vernon and allowed Landon Collins to stroll. The Giants simply may have six first- or second-year gamers on the sector defensively on the similar time when the season begins and not using a true defensive difference-maker. That appears to be a tricky approach to function. — Jordan Raanan
Offseason targets: After one more tear down and rebuild, the Raiders are in that unusual break up world by which Oakland remains to be dwelling however Las Vegas beckons. Although the Raiders received youthful and quicker, coach Jon Gruden insists they received higher, which was the offseason aim. However will that translate to wins? A strong draft with much more strong residents was teamed with Oakland taking possibilities on polarizing vets equivalent to receiver Antonio Brown, linebacker Vontaze Burfict and offensive lineman Richie Incognito. By means of all of it, actual and particular roster wants have been addressed. It is simply that the schedule is brutal.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: If the Raiders get off to a poor begin and Brown just isn’t getting the variety of targets he needs and expects, how will he react? QB Derek Carr wants time to get the ball to Brown after he was sacked 51 occasions final season. Brown and Carr have gotten alongside famously this offseason, with a number of highlight-reel throws and catches. How lengthy the honeymoon lasts relies upon upon how a lot time Carr has to ship Brown the ball. — Paul Gutierrez
Offseason targets: Lengthen Russell Wilson, enhance the move rush and add draft capital to assist change the newest wave of star departures. The Seahawks received the primary one out of the best way early, signing Wilson to a $140 million extension in April. Wilson’s deal has allowed the workforce to show its focus to extensions for LB Bobby Wagner and/or DT Jarran Reed, however neither has occurred. Normal supervisor John Schneider turned a league-low 4 draft picks into 11, together with three receivers, a defensive finish and a security. Seattle wanted to restock these positions after shifting on from Doug Baldwin, Frank Clark and Earl Thomas.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Have they got sufficient pass-rushing firepower? The Seahawks drafted finish L.J. Collier with the first-round decide (No. 29 general) they acquired within the Clark commerce, however current historical past tells us there’s solely a lot first-year manufacturing to be anticipated from pass-rushers drafted outdoors the highest 15. Ziggy Ansah can be a wild card due to the uncertainty together with his surgically repaired shoulder. Whereas the Seahawks do not suppose Reed was only a one-year surprise together with his 10.5 sacks final season, it is arduous for inside defensive linemen to maintain that degree of pass-rush manufacturing. — Brady Henderson
Offseason targets: Restore a successful mentality for a Bucs workforce that has had double-digit losses in seven of the previous 10 seasons. New coach Bruce Arians will attempt to solidify quarterback Jameis Winston because the chief of the offense, set him as much as take the following step in a vital Yr 5 and enhance a protection that has surrendered a 72.5% completion proportion to opposing quarterbacks final yr and 68.Four% over the previous 5 seasons.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Jason Pierre-Paul contributed one-third of the protection’s sacks final season (32.9%) and practically half of its defensive pressures (43.eight%), in keeping with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Greatest-case state of affairs for his neck fracture is 5 to 6 months of restoration, and that is if he is ready to return in any respect this season. Can outdoors linebackers Shaquil Barrett and Noah Spence and DE Carl Nassib step as much as fill that void together with first-round LB Devin White? — Jenna Laine
Offseason targets: Discover a quarterback. After Alex Smith injured his leg, the Redskins knew they wanted a long-term alternative and drafted Dwayne Haskins within the first spherical. Haskins’ arm expertise was apparent to anybody watching spring exercises. Now it is as much as the Redskins to develop him, or they’re going to resume this search in a number of years.
Greatest query nonetheless to be answered: Will the offensive line stay wholesome? The Redskins’ line, till two years in the past a steady group, has been decimated the previous two seasons — and it has impacted Washington’s offense. The Redskins wish to run the ball and play robust protection; an unhealthy or ineffective line will power them into an offensive type they’re ill-equipped to play. They usually don’t need the pocket-passing Haskins taking part in behind a gaggle that may’t shield him — John Keim