We made it. It was a long, arduous journey, but the acquisition period of the 2023 NFL offseason is finally behind us. The latest NFL Draft, a sheer spectacle in its own right at this point, capped the spring before teams break for the summer soon.
But before teams eventually return for warm-weather training camp fun, it’s time to take stock of where the league stands after both free agency and the draft. And there’s no need to beat around the bush. Honesty is the best policy, after all.
Some of the expected heavyweights, like the (ahem) defending Super Bowl champions, didn’t move the needle much and probably didn’t have to. Others started their rebuilds perfectly as they looked ahead to bright futures later this decade. But, as we all know, fortune favors those who draft well (and get really lucky sometimes).
Here are For The Win’s NFL power rankings after the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft.
32
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Post-free agency rank: 32
Tampa’s top two quarterbacks remain Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask. Each loss will push them closer to the top overall draft pick and a shot at Caleb Williams. That should be the focus for now.
31
Indianapolis Colts
Post-free agency rank: 30
The Colts got the quarterback with the highest ceiling in the draft, Anthony Richardson, and, between Michael Pittman Jr., Jonathan Taylor, and Alec Pierce, have given him a great cupboard of skill players to work with. Now it’s about developing Richardson to get him to reach his potential.
30
Arizona Cardinals
Post-free agency rank: 31
Arizona picked up good value by trading back from No. 3 (then gave some of it right back to trade up and select Paris Johnson Jr.). 2023 is a table-setting year for the Cardinals, and every loss helps speed along what looks like a long rebuild.
29
Cleveland Browns
Post-free agency rank: 29
A big-bodied possession receiver like Cedric Tillman is a great value, but the Browns were limited otherwise in draft resources because of their trade for Deshaun Watson, who once had more than 20 accusations of sexual misconduct in what the NFL would later deem “predatory behavior.” This team sinks or swims based on what Watson does in 2023.
So far, it’s been sinking.
28
Tennessee Titans
Post-free agency rank: 24
Peter Skoronski and Tyjae Spears will make a difference. Will Will Levis? He’ll have time to adjust to the NFL behind Ryan Tannehill and was a worthy gamble at No. 33, but I don’t think anyone quite knows what Tennessee’s future will look like. Aside from a ton of handoffs, of course.
27
Houston Texans
Post-free agency rank: 27
If C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson pan out as dual faces of the franchise, the Texans will be an AFC power player for a long time. But Houston is at the start of a rebuild, with a lot of work still needed on its thin roster. This franchise is years away from the biggest stages. At least the two most important foundational pieces are in place.
26
Los Angeles Rams
Post-free agency rank: 26
Aaron Donald and Ernest Jones are the only returning defenders to have started at least 10 games last season. At least if Matthew Stafford gets hurt, we’ll get some quality* Stetson Bennett time (*quality not guaranteed).
25
Las Vegas Raiders
Post-free agency rank: 28
The Raiders needed an heir apparent to Chandler Jones. They have that in the uber-athletic Tyree Wilson. The Raiders needed a Darren Waller replacement. They have that in Michael Mayer, who can also bash around defenders in the run game. Las Vegas has some pothole-size holes, especially on the defensive backend, but you can’t fault the potential long-term impact of its latest draft class. Now, if only Jimmy Garoppolo can create magic with Josh McDaniels.
24
New Orleans Saints
Post-free agency rank: 25
New Orleans clearly thinks it can compete in the NFC South; they wouldn’t have signed Derek Carr to a nine-figure contract otherwise. A draft class filled with high-floor prospects will only embolden that thinking. Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey can immediately revitalize the Saints’ front seven, while Kendre Miller and A.T. Perry will have a chance to work their way into bigger roles as the season wears on. This team might be caught in the no-man’s land between contention and a top 10 draft pick, but in this version of the South that doesn’t disqualify you from the postseason.
23
Denver Broncos
Post-free agency rank: 20
The Broncos are another organization with all its eggs in the basket on a quarterback trade. Thanks to Russell Wilson, Denver had few doors to walk through when it came to draft capital. Coming away with talents like receiver Marvin Mims Jr. and off-ball linebacker Drew Sanders should go a long way. Sean Payton may well get this orange-crush train back on track.
22
Carolina Panthers
Post-free agency rank: 23
They’ve got a quarterback (Bryce Young) and enough receiving talent to ease his transition to the pros (DJ Chark, Adam Thielen, Laviska Shenault, Terrace Marshall and second-round pick Jonathan Mingo). That might not be enough to make the Panthers a contender in 2023, but paired with a solid defense it could be enough to take down a division crown in the depleted NFC South.
21
Atlanta Falcons
Post-free agency rank: 22
The Falcons will be one of the NFC’s more underrated teams in 2023. Heck, when all is said and done, they might even win a weak NFC South. But questions remain about Desmond Ridder’s viability as Atlanta’s future quarterback. But throwing Bijan Robinson into an offensive supporting mix that already features fellow top-10 picks in Kyle Pitts and Drake London does give Ridder quality support.
20
Chicago Bears
Post-free agency rank: 21
The Bears got a plug-and-play right tackle in Darnell Wright. He’ll be tasked with reducing Justin Fields’ 13.7 percent sack rate as a pro. Chicago needed talent just about everywhere and beefed up on both sides of the ball. Day 3 picks Noah Sewell and Terell Smith could emerge as sneaky-good playmakers after solid college careers.
19
Washington Commanders
Post-free agency rank: 16
As the Commanders prepare to wash themselves of the stink of Dan Snyder, the on-field football product grows in promise. Led by Jonathan Allen, Washington might have the NFL’s top defensive line. New first-round ballhawk Emmanuel Forbes should be poised to take advantage of all the pressure the guys in front will create.
18
Green Bay Packers
Post-free agency rank: 18
Let’s focus on the most important pick of the Packers’ draft.
Anders Carlson’s arrival means Green Bay may no longer be beholden to Mason Crosby’s occasional and complete lapses in ability (though, to his credit, Crosby’s ability to kick in subzero temperatures is stunning). Also, Jordan Love’s wideout/tight end corps has four different guys who could play significant roles in the offense this fall. Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave give Matt LaFleur the chance to run two-tight end sets all day. Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks are both useful receivers who could earn valuable supporting spots if either Christian Watson or Romeo Doubs can emerge as a true WR1.
17
Pittsburgh Steelers
Post-free agency rank: 17
In his second draft at the helm of Pittsburgh, general manager Omar Khan killed it. Broderick Jones will be a Day 1 starter on a Steelers offensive line that’s suddenly looking a lot more formidable. Meanwhile, Joey Porter Jr. should live up to his dad’s legacy, while Keanu Benton might give the Steelers’ defensive front more juice.
In other words, Mike Tomlin’s streak of non-losing seasons probably lives on this fall.
16
New England Patriots
Post-draft free agency rank: 19
Christian Gonzalez is a stud cornerback who does exactly what the Patriots need as a big outside cornerback and, somehow, he slipped to them at No. 17. Keion White will make a strong pass rush even more fierce. Drafting approximately 14 interior linemen will clear space for Rhamondre Stevenson and help keep Mac Jones upright long enough to execute Bill O’Brien’s offense. There’s a lot to like about the Pats draft, with the exception of trading up to draft a fourth-round kicker.
15
Minnesota Vikings
Post-free agency rank: 14
Jordan Addison is a fine receiving complement to Justin Jefferson, but the Vikings’ defense is still a sieve. Maybe third-round secondary investments in Mehki Blackmon and Jay Ward help, but don’t bet on it. This clear 2022 paper tiger needs a face lift before it reaches those heights again.
14
New York Giants
Post-free agency rank: 13
It looked like the fates might keep the Giants from drafting an impact rookie wideout; then they traded up in round three to select reigning Biletnikoff Award winner Jalin Hyatt. That, paired witih Deonte Banks and John Michael Schmitz gave New York a shotgun blast of young, talented players who can have an immediate impact and build last year’s playoff surprise into a postseason streak.
13
Los Angeles Chargers
Post-free agency rank: 12
After blowing it in historic fashion during last year’s playoffs, it’s clear Brandon Staley doesn’t want to mess around anymore. It’s time to maximize Justin Herbert and let him take the Chargers to the promised land. New bona fide No. 1 receiver (in potential) Quentin Johnston should help a lot with those goals. Also, don’t discount the impact of someone like Tuli Tuipulotu as Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa age.
12
Baltimore Ravens
Post-free agency rank: 15
Lamar Jackson is locked in for the foreseeable future and, more importantly, he gets to throw to Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers along with Mark Andrews and whatever healthy production can be coaxed from Rashod Bateman. Flowers’ ability to consistently win and beat double teams will be an asset for the Ravens. Third round pick Trenton Simpson, a missile masquerading as an off-ball linebacker, may wind up being the pick who shows out the most in 2023.
11
Detroit Lions
Post-free agency rank: 10
The Lions have the kind of mostly-loaded roster where they could probably afford luxury picks like taking a running back and linebacker in the first round. So, after drafting Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell, that’s precisely what they did! But the said approach continues to be perplexing. Because even with free-agent investments in C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Cam Sutton, secondary questions remain. And just who is Jared Goff going to throw to besides Amon-Ra St. Brown?
10
New York Jets
Post-free agency rank: 11
Giving Aaron Rodgers’ 2023’s best center (Joe Tippmann) and ANOTHER home run-hitting young tailback in Israel Abanikanda will go a long way in reviving his career. Even so, he’s 40 years old and coming off the least efficient season of his career. Fortunately, 2022 was proof that mere competency behind center is enough to make the Jets a playoff team.
9
Seattle Seahawks
Post-free agency rank: 9
The Seahawks and Geno Smith were a dark horse surprise playoff team in 2022. After adding Devon Witherspoon to pair with Tariq Woolen and Jaxon Smith-Njigba to slot in (pun intended) alongside D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, Seattle is catching no one off guard this year.
8
Jacksonville Jaguars
Post-free agency rank: 8
The 2023 Draft was about contingency plans for Jacksonville — Anton Harrison in case of Cam Robinson’s PED-related suspension, Brenton Strange in case Evan Engram leaves after 2023 (or turns back into a pumpkin), and Tank Bigsby because running backs get hurt all the time. That’s the kind of draft you can have when your rebuild is ahead of schedule, and you’re set to run the AFC South for the foreseeable future.
7
Dallas Cowboys
Post-free agency rank: 5
A complete Dallas approached the draft with one ambition: eat more space and improve itself on the edges.
Bulldozing run-stuffer Mazi Smith fills the first niche, while tight end Luke Schoonmaker is the de facto Dalton Schultz replacement. A late-round addition like Deuce Vaughn could also play a key role on an offense still looking for more players to share touches with. Hey, CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard can’t do it all by themselves!
6
Miami Dolphins
Post-free agency rank: 7
Lost amidst the concern for Tua Tagovailoa’s health is that he had a breakthrough year in 2022, leading the league in passer rating thanks to offensive upgrades and a Mike McDaniel offense. If he’s truly healthy he’ll have the Dolphins ready to compete once more — especially if Devon Achane can fulfill McDaniel’s vision of fielding the league’s fastest offense. The 25th-ranked passing defense, however, remains a concern.
5
San Francisco 49ers
Post-free agency rank: 6
The 49ers might think they lost the NFC title game to the Eagles because Brock Purdy got hurt. They actually lost because Philadelphia bullied their porous interior offensive line, and A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith ripped their secondary apart (for as much as they needed to play in a blowout, anyway). It’s a good thing San Francisco drafted just one defensive back in the first four rounds, no interior linemen, and instead took a kicker … in the third round.
4
Buffalo Bills
Post-free agency rank: 4
Buffalo had limited draft assets (six picks) but snagged 2023’s first tight end and bolstered the interior of the offensive line with O’Cyrus Torrence — a first-round talent who slid to Day 2. Concerns linger in a secondary limited by injuries last fall, but the Bills remain a major player in the AFC — even if Stefon Diggs still lacks a clear WR2 to help Josh Allen thrive.
3
Philadelphia Eagles
Post-free agency rank: 3
Philadelphia left the free agency a mess after it couldn’t possibly afford to retain all of its talent. It left the draft with two Georgia wrecking balls — Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith — a versatile corner in Sydney Brown, and another fantastic Bulldog value in Kelee Ringo. In case it wasn’t clear, the defending NFC champions are staying at the top of the league. Howie Roseman would simply never let this group slip up.
2
Cincinnati Bengals
Post-free agency rank: 2
The Bengals made common sense moves to fill the holes in their defense with players who can immediately slide into starting roles. But picking up Chase Brown in the fifth round to serve as Joe Mixon’s successor? That could be the most valuable move Cincinnati made at this year’s draft.
1
Kansas City Chiefs
Post-free agency rank: 1
The Chiefs’ draft haul doesn’t pop off the page in many noticeable ways, but it doesn’t have to. As constructed, this Kansas City team with Patrick Mahomes, youth, depth, and athleticism across the board remains a huge favorite to repeat as Super Bowl champion. Guys like edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah should be instrumental in the defense of the Chiefs’ title belt, though.
