All 32 NFL teams graded on their five-year potential

D GRADES:

Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars: (Arrow Level)

Jacksonville hasn’t seen postseason play since 2008 and it won’t for a few more years. Quarterback Blake Bortles is about to get his shot to lead this team — we’ll see how he does. If Bortles can play to his potential over the next few seasons he may get the Jaguars back into contention by the 2018 season, if they add the right pieces. If not, this team will continue to be the floor mat of the AFC South. Either way, do not expect a run to the Super Bowl put together by the Jaguars anytime soon.

Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings: (Arrow Level)

The Vikings were poised to have a lethal offense for years to come. But between running back Adrian Peterson’s troubling off the field issues (and suspension) and prior interest in joining with the Dallas Cowboys at some point, it’s safe to say his future in Minnesota is unclear. Without Peterson, stud wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson will be the focal point of defensive game-plans, potentially limiting his effectiveness. Not to mention the Vikings are set to hand over the reins to a young and unproven quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater. It may be a rough few years in Minnesota.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants: (Arrow Down)

The Giants have absolutely imploded. In the last two seasons they’ve played .500 ball and are looking even more rough this year. Their defense lacks explosiveness and the promise of young players developing into stars. Eli Manning cannot throw the ball to the right team and his best football is certainly not in front of him. The Giants will either continue with him as he ages or let him go and rebuild around a new quarterback. We’ll find out in the next couple seasons what they will decide to do. Either way it’ll be awhile before the G-Men are contenders again.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Oakland Raiders: (Arrow Up)

Oakland has had a tough go of it in recent years, not seeing the playoffs since 2003. There is hope though, with young quarterback Derek Carr the Raiders could be a bit better in a few years. Their current roster lacks weapons for Carr to use and I don’t see him leading them to the postseason anytime soon. By 2017-18 they should be getting better with a chance at the playoffs, if they get Carr some more weapons that is. The perennially rebuilding Raiders will stay so for at least a few more season.

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

St. Louis Rams: (Arrow Up)

It must be tough being a Rams fan at the moment; everything finally seemed to be lining up. They boast an incredible defensive line, some talent at the skill positions, and quarterback Sam Bradford was healthy. Until he wasn’t anymore, as he’s out for the season again. It’s a bad break for him, the fans, and the organization. It’s time they go a different direction at quarterback, which means rebuilding. Look for a lot of growing pains over the next few years. If somehow Bradford impressively bounces back from this injury (hoping so) then the Rams could make something out of the near future. That’s a massive ‘if’ though.

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (Arrow Level)

Tampa Bay seems like a team that was close to turning things around, but fell short. They began the year with Josh McCown at quarterback, who isn’t a long term solution at age 35. Second year quarterback Mike Glennon has continued to learn the game. Glennon showed promise as a rookie and may be getting his next shot at leading this team in the coming days. Whether or not he eventually will lead this team to greatness, it won’t be for quite some time. The Buccaneers do have a nice stable of wide receivers at the moment in Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans. For their sake hopefully they hang on to those guys for awhile.