As the offseason unfolds, we anticipate several notable figures changing roles leading up to training camp. Nevertheless, with free agency slowing down and the 2023 NFL Draft now behind us, the bulk of the team-building process has been completed.
Some might argue that I’ve played it safe by selecting nine playoff teams from the previous season for my ranking of the most well-rounded NFL rosters at this moment, and I take full responsibility for that choice. Despite giving careful consideration to emerging teams like the Browns, I couldn’t quite bring myself to elevate a rising squad such as the Lions or Dolphins.
While these three didn’t quite make the cut, the following ten teams, in my view, possess the most talent, depth, and fewest lingering uncertainties. Until further notice, they represent the cream of the crop from top to bottom.
#1. Philadephia Eagles
Content Summery
There’s no reason to believe the Eagles’ roster isn’t as good as — if not better than — it was a year ago, despite the fact that they came up just short in Super Bowl LVII. Speaking of the Super Bowl, check out what the latest betting odds and predictions are on NFL playoff betting.
Runner-up for MVP A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert are excellent receiving options for the high-powered offense that Jalen Hurts is returning to lead (even though the tight end and wide receiver depth are a little shaky behind them). The offensive line is still largely intact thanks to Jason Kelce’s return, and when Isaac Seumalo left for free agency, there were a number of strong candidates to fill the empty right guard position.
After Miles Sanders’ departure, there might be some anxiety about the run game, but I highly doubt it. I think Kenneth Gainwell, Rashaad Penny, and D’Andre Swift can match the nearly 2,000 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns the team’s top three backs totalled last season, especially if the team plans to lessen Hurts’ workload as a runner. This is because of Sanders’ declining performance down the stretch and Gainwell’s rise to prominence.
The undisputed strength is upfront in terms of defense. Even after losing Javon Hargrave, the Eagles strengthened the league’s top pass rush in 2022 by bringing in Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith. Even though the run defense might use some work, they can send waves of rushers at their opponents. The rear part of the defense may be where a roster deficiency exists. While Philadelphia is in great shape at cornerback, there are some concerns at linebacker (where Nakobe Dean and Nicholas Morrow are likely starters) and safety (where Reed Blankenship and Terrell Edmunds are the leading contenders).
#2. Kansas City Chiefs
Any team can overcome roster weaknesses or make a Super Bowl run if Patrick Mahomes is healthy, but this Kansas City team is more than just a one-man show. Thanks to some recent strong draft classes and wise free-agent signings, the organization has done a great job of rebuilding the squad from the bottom up.
Even after losing JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman, there remain doubts at wide receiver once more, but there is still hope that the group can grow. While Kadarius Toney, who was used as a gadget player in the offense last year, maybe in line for a breakthrough season, Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a reliable performer. Skyy Moore showed some promise toward the end of the game, Rashee Rice, a second-round pick, is intriguing, and even Justyn Ross could earn a wild-card spot.
Travis Kelce, who had one of his best seasons last year, and Mahomes continue to be the focal points of the attack. Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire comprise a strong trio in the RB assault. Even with new tackles Donovan Smith and Jawaan Taylor, the Chiefs should be strong in the blocking department since they have probably the finest interior line in the league in Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith.
Chris Jones is a superstar for the Chiefs on defense, and they also have other strong players, but it’s their depth that really impresses them. Edge rushers Malik Herring, Mike Danna, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu, and Charles Karlaftis can all be rotated. After Khalen Saunders left, Jones will still be asked to play a lot of snaps inside, but Kansas City also has Derrick Nnadi, Tershawn Wharton is recovering from an ACL injury, and talented sixth-round pick Keondre Coburn might make a comeback.
The top four linebackers for the Chiefs are Nick Bolton, Willie Gay, Drue Tranquill, and Leo Chenal. Losing Juan Thornhill might not be a major issue because the secondary has recently been strengthened through the draft. Trent McDuffie and L’Jarius Sneed make a great cornerback duo, and Justin Reid and Bryan Cook are the top two at safety. By way of cover players like Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, Mike Edwards, and Deon Bush, among others, Kansas City’s secondary provides top-notch depth and versatility.
#3. San Francisco 49ers
The biggest uncertainty facing the 49ers right now might turn out to be a relative strength. Following Brock Purdy’s elbow injury, the quarterback is still somewhat of a problem, and it’s unclear when he will be able to return to action. The 49ers will be in excellent condition if Purdy can bounce back and show that his late-season run wasn’t an exception.
If Purdy can’t play in Week 1, Trey Lance will still have an opportunity to start again and rebuild his trajectory, which has drastically shifted over the last nine months or so. Sam Darnold is another option; he has made 55 NFL starts in his career, making him a respectable insurance option.
The roster doesn’t have any obvious gaps, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still issues to resolve. Colton McKivitz is currently the front-runner to succeed Mike McGlinchey at right tackle. But until it is shown otherwise, that is one of the few significant worries. The overall OL depth may be a little fragile and overly dependent on unknowable components and projections, but the group as a whole ought to be strong.
Several times, most notably by the Eagles in the NFC championship game, the Niners were gashed by the run. This should be a strong defensive interior, though, assuming high-profile free agent addition Javon Hargrave lives up to the hype, Arik Armstead recovers from a difficult season, and someone else (Javon Kinlaw? ) steps up. Nick Bosa, the current defensive player of the year, leads a furious rush on the outside. Drake Jackson is a potential candidate to take Charles Omenihu’s spot.
The 49ers are stacked with skill on both sides of the ball in other areas. Both on offense and defense, they have a wealth of playmakers who can be found in the backfield, out wide, and at tight end. Although San Francisco’s run/pass versatility with players like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Kyle Juszczyk, and others makes this attack incredibly difficult to game plan against, injuries always seem to bite into this club.
#4. Cincinnati Bengals
Given their roster’s talent, Cincinnati should be regarded as a top contender to win the Super Bowl, assuming everyone stays healthy. However, that final sentence is crucial since there are still a few exclusions that might ruin the Bengals’ season.
They chose not to bolster the running back and tight end positions, leaving those positions on the leaner side. After months of uncertainty, it now appears that Joe Mixon won’t be leaving for the time being after Samaje Perine left in free agency. Only Chris Evans, Trayveon Williams, and rookie Chase Brown represent viable alternatives. After passing up intriguing draft possibilities, they’ll probably stick with Irv Smith Jr. and others at tight end.
Again, there are some questions about the offensive line. Although the addition of Orlando Brown Jr. at left tackle helps, the right tackle situation is peculiar. Will Jonah Williams, who asked for a trade, return? Can La’el Collins recover from a damaged ACL fast (and effectively)? Additionally, both inside and out lack depth.
The biggest defensive issue is probably safety. Starting defensive backs Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates, who together played more than 98 per cent of the defensive snaps in 2022, left on their own accord. The anticipated starting lineup includes 2022 first-round picks Dax Hill and Nick Scott, as well as 2023 third-round pick Jordan Battle. But trying to predict what we’ll see from an unproven group is nothing more than wishful thinking.
Realistically, the Bengals could survive a serious injury to their defensive front seven. They have developed some high-quality depth in a number of places. Although the club did go 3-1 when Chase was sidelined with an injury last season, the backups to Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins constitute a significant decline.
#5. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has a lot of defensive talent and might produce a top-five defense. With the first-round selection of defensive tackle Mazi Smith, the Cowboys filled a void. The ‘Boys have a strong, skilled front when you include the pass-rushing tandem of Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence as well as some solid depth outside.
The secondary and linebacker positions are both well-stocked. Depending on preseason injuries, the back seven may have to make some difficult decisions. This unit is deep and dangerous thanks to the arrival of cornerback Stephon Gilmore and the late-season breakouts of linebacker Damone Clark and defensive back DaRon Bland.
However, there are depth issues at practically every position on offense. Dak Prescott just finished a difficult season, and the Cowboys likely can’t afford to have him miss another five games in 2023. Cooper Rush returned after successfully taking over for Prescott, but is he really a top-tier backup? At QB, that’s pretty much it.
After the trade for Brandin Cooks, who should broaden the offense, the depth at receiver is improved. But Dallas truly needs Michael Gallup, Jalen Tolbert, or someone person to take the lead. Ezekiel Elliott’s release hurt running back, and Tony Pollard’s recent fractured leg and high ankle sprain make the situation worse. Deuce Vaughn, a rookie, might be able to carve out a spot, but something is missing.
With the addition of second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker, the tight end is in good shape, but there are still some issues with the offensive line. The depth currently looks solid, but there might be some switching among the starters from last year.
Dallas must also locate a kicker. Overall, though, this NFL roster is among the greatest from top to bottom.
#6. Buffalo Bills
The Bills have a strong, well-rounded group that has enough elite talent to compete at the highest levels of the NFL.
It’s interesting to note that offensive may be the subject of more (small) worries than defense. Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs are the brains of an offense that has finished in the top five each of the last three seasons, but that unit had some issues toward the end of the season. Did the Bills contribute sufficient help? Dalton Kincaid, a rookie tight end, could be able to help Buffalo with their slot receiver issue, and Damien Harris and Latavius Murray, two running backs, should keep James Cook from working too hard. The biggest problem might be receiving depth. Gabe Davis is a lower-volume WR2, but Diggs is a star, and the possibilities behind him (Khalil Shakir, Deonte Harty, Trent Sherfield, Justin Shorter) aren’t incredibly exciting. We’ll probably see large 12-person crews with Kincaid and Dawson running together.
The offensive line is respectable but not very strong. The majority of the unit returns, while veterans Connor McGovern and David Edwards, along with second-round pick O’Cyrus Torrence, arrive to lend a hand.
All three levels of the Bills’ defense are deep. In November, Von Miller tore his ACL, so it will be interesting to see how he does in camp. With the help of Shaq Lawson, Boogie Basham, A.J. Epenesa, Greg Rousseau, and others, Buffalo could be able to hold on until Miller is fully recovered. The Bills now have a strong top three inside with Poona Ford joining Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones.
Tremaine Edmunds’ departure leaves a void at middle linebacker, but the Bills seem confident they can choose one of Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, A.J. Klein, and Tyrel Dodson to start opposite Matt Milano.
With Micah Hyde and Tre’Davious White both in good condition, and Kaiir Elam, and Christian Benford having played for a year, the secondary should be much deeper. With both safeties offering excellent depth and versatility, the Bills should be able to gradually reintroduce Damar Hamlin into the lineup as soon as he is ready thanks to the addition of Taylor Rapp.
#7. Baltimore Ravens
With Lamar Jackson’s new contract, the Ravens’ fortunes drastically shifted. If you include Odell Beckham Jr.’s signing and the Ravens’ typically strong draft class, April was a pretty solid month for the team.
A new offensive coordinator, paired with Jackson and a redesigned receiver room, might help the Ravens regain their prioritization on that side of the ball. We’ve run out of options there if the three largest new wideout signings (OBJ, Zay Flowers, and Nelson Agholor), or the healthy return of Rashod Bateman, don’t assist.
Due to the team’s recent injury problems, particularly those involving Jackson, depth has been a hot topic in Baltimore. Given how injured J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill have been, the Ravens could definitely use extra running back insurance. After a few veteran hires and the draft, the depth at the other offensive spots is anticipated to range from solid to good.
Baltimore may still need to check a few boxes on defense, though. The largest one might be near the intersection, where Marlon Humphrey and numerous exclamation points are present. What other outside starter is there? The slot is who? Rock Ya-Sin’s signing is helpful, and the Ravens could always re-sign Marcus Peters or Kyle Fuller, but I think more is required.
With Justin Madubuike, Broderick Washington, Michael Pierce, and Travis Jones as the top four defensive tackles, they may be set, but one more body would be good. Off the cuff, there’s still a chance that David Ojabo or Odafe Oweh (or both) will emerge with Tyus Bowser, but maybe they’ll be open to bringing in someone akin to Justin Houston before camp.
#8. New York Jets
Aaron Rodgers is unquestionably a risky signing, and he is by no means a long-term fix. But for now, the only logical position is to presume that Rodgers is a vast improvement over what Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, Mike White, and Chris Streveler produced to one of the NFL’s lowest-scoring offenses a year ago. Even while that action does not totally rectify the crime, there is still optimism that the remaining problems can now be reduced. The Jets at least appear to have sufficient individuals to compete for those spots, in addition to a few good pieces, on the offensive line, where there are competitions at center and right tackle that need to be resolved.
The situation at wide receiver isn’t fully resolved, but the additions of Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and backup weapon Mecole Hardman caused a significant change in the depth chart. The group might be deep enough for Denzel Mims and/or Corey Davis to be traded in August. Even if it isn’t a particularly exciting bunch yet, the tight end seems to be set as well.
Could a seasoned running back be added by the Jets? Sure. Breece Hall, Michael Carter, rookie Israel Abanikanda, and Zonovan Knight are all under 24 years old, giving them youth, but Hall is coming off a ruptured ACL, so there may not be a true horse behind him. Our only small complaint is that.
On defense, the Jets seem to have a solid foundation at cornerback and on the edge, but possibly less so at defensive tackle, linebacker, and safety. Will McDonald IV going in the first round was unexpected, but it provides Robert Saleh with a wide range of pass rushers to choose from.
Although we’d be a little surprised if the Jets didn’t add another defensive tackle—they signed veterans Al Woods and Quinton Jefferson in free agency but had little luck in the draft—none of their thinner position groupings are particularly concerning. They might also re-sign Kwon Alexander to play running back next season as another experienced linebacker addition.
All things considered, however, general manager Joe Douglas has done a good job of updating this roster over the previous few years. Now we’ll find out if he’s finally discovered the (shorter-term) quarterback Gang Green has been searching for.
#9. Seattle Seahawks
It’s fair to say that the Seahawks’ defensive line, especially on the back end, is still a bit thin, and there are still some pressing needs (like defensive tackle) that are rather concerning. Finding a revitalized Geno Smith was a significant development, and the talent at multiple positions, notably running back, the offensive line, and the secondary, has been restocked thanks to the previous two draft classes.
With DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and 2023 first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Smith arguably has one of the best three wide receiver groups in the league. The RB tandem of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet also has the potential to succeed. The offensive line is suddenly a youthful, rather competent team, but there are some duties to be clarified.
The ‘Hawks added veteran defensive tackles Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed as well as fourth-round draft pick Cameron Young. But is that sufficient? Even if the possibilities may not be too plentiful at this point in the offseason, adding one more veteran might be sufficient. At linebacker, they may also be a little thin and veteran-heavy, but Bobby Wagner’s return, an eight-time Pro Bowler, gives reason for optimism.
The secondary may not be quite ready for “Legion of Boom 2.0” status, but there is much to like about the potential of the top four cornerbacks—Tariq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, Coby Bryant, and Mike Jackson—as well as a highly compensated safety trio—Quandre Diggs, Jamal Adams, and Julian Love—that could eventually make this unit one of the best in the league.
#10. Los Angeles Chargers
A difficult decision went into selecting the final team. I really had five teams up for consideration for this place, the other four of which are listed below, and was on the verge of choosing Cleveland. Instead, I went with the Chargers, a group that consistently makes these offseason lists despite consistently appearing to underperform.
Although Los Angeles’ roster is far from ideal, it may have the fewest significant concerns of the other clubs. The Chargers take the tenth spot here because of Justin Herbert, a strong pass rush, and just enough other elite talent.
Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer, and first-round pick Quentin Johnston are all capable long-range weapons for Herbert, who is entering the prime of his career. Quentin Johnston might be an important component if Allen and Williams sustain further injuries. Even with Austin Ekeler entering the final year of his contract and having requested a trade, the backfield should be in fine shape for this season. One of the other backs—Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, or Larry Rountree III—stepping up to take on more of the load is still hoped for.
The Bolts could have truly found a solution to their O-line problems, health permitting. Jamaree Salyer is projected to start at right guard now that Rashawn Slater is back at left tackle, which could make this group a team strength by the end of the season.
The pass-rush unit, which is now deeper and is anchored by Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, is a top-tier unit. The group of defensive tackles is blue-collar but generally well-built. Linebacker observed the departure of two bodies (Troy Reeder and Drue Tranquill) and the entrance of two others (Eric Kendricks and rookie Daiyan Henley).
The secondary could be problematic, but if everything works out, it might be okay. Although J.C. Jackson’s rehabilitation and Nasir Adderley’s abrupt retirement are two factors that cannot be ignored, the Chargers currently have enough cornerbacks outside of Jackson in Asante Samuel Jr., Michael Davis, and Ja’Sir Taylor, as well as three starting-caliber safeties in Derwin James Jr., JT Woods, and Alohi Gilman.