17. New England Patriots
I think the addition of Bill O’Brien back to the Patriots’ staff is going to make a massive difference. The Patriots just desperately need wide receiver help. Jakobi Meyers just left for the Raiders and the Patriots traded Jonnu Smith to the Falcons. Mac Jones is currently throwing to…who, exactly?
18. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens franchise tagged Lamar Jackson, but it doesn’t really seem like he’s part of their long-term future. Usually, I am a huge fan of the way the Ravens do business but it really doesn’t make sense that they’re not building around Jackson properly. They have drawn a clear line in the sand.
19. Denver Broncos
The Broncos were one of the five worst teams in the NFL last season, so why are they in the top 20 here? Simply put, I believe Sean Payton makes this team much better. We’ll have to wait and see how Russell Wilson adjusts to life with his new coach in place, but I just think the floor for this team has been raised considerably by the addition of Payton into the mix.
20. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers assembled one of the best coaching staffs in the NFL in one fell swoop with Frank Reich and Ejiro Evero coming in, and with this team making a bold trade to move up into that no. 1 overall slot, we’re now going to see Scott Fitterer and his HC of choice building this thing the way they see fit. I’m not sure there’s a healthier environment for a rookie QB to step into than this one.