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Ranking the 2023 offseason for the NFL’s 2022 last-place teams

By Russell S. Baxter

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 02: Houston Texans introduce DeMeco Ryans as head coach at NRG Stadium on February 02, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 02: Houston Texans introduce DeMeco Ryans as head coach at NRG Stadium on February 02, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – APRIL 27: (L-R) Bijan Robinson poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected eight overall by the Atlanta Falcons during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station on April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – APRIL 27: (L-R) Bijan Robinson poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected eight overall by the Atlanta Falcons during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station on April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

2. Atlanta Falcons (NFC South)

The Falcons have not been to the playoffs since 2017 and have posted five consecutive losing campaigns after reaching the postseason in back-to-back years prior to that. The team earned a lot of credibility during free agency with some outstanding veteran additions, namely defensive lineman Calais Campbell, safety Jesse Bates III, and unsung pass-rusher Kaden Elliss.

Offensively, head coach Arthur Smith will go with second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder. A solid offensive front will be blocking for rookie running back Bijan Robinson. Jonnu Smith comes over from the Pats via trade and he and Kyle Pitts make for a potent two tight end combo. Wide receiver Drake London comes off a solid debut campaign.

1. Houston Texans (AFC South)

There’s an air of real optimism for a team that has really hit the skids as of late. From 2011-19, the Texans reached the Playoff six times and each time as AFC South champions. Since 2020, Houston has had a problem winning, combining for an 11-38-1 record.

The new head coach is former Texans’ Pro Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans, who comes over from San Francisco. The new veteran additions include wide receivers Robert Woods and Noah Brown, tight end Dalton Schultz, linebackers Cory Littleton and Denzel Perryman, and safety Jimmie Ward, to name just a few.

The team would wind up with both the second and third overall picks in April’s draft and added quarterback C.J. Stroud and edge rusher Willie Anderson Jr.

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