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Wow. This has got to be one of the worst researched pieces.
Enjoy!
http://espn.go.com/nfl/insider/stor...anking-rosters-all-32-teams-2016-depth-talent
For the third straight year, Pro Football Focus is ranking each roster in the league. Check out the 2015 rankings here, and the 2014 rankings here.
To determine the rankings, we took the past two years of PFF data and, giving the 2015 season more weight, averaged out the grades for each roster. Then we added a closer evaluation for added context, which allowed us, for example, to reward teams that have an excellent quarterback situation but a relative hole along the defensive line when it came to run defense.
We have also included a list of the top five players on each roster, plus a look at starters who aren't up to par.
1. New England Patriots
Top five players: TE Rob Gronkowski, QB Tom Brady, LB Dont'a Hightower, LB Jamie Collins, S Devin McCourty
Starters who should be upgraded: OG Shaq Mason, OC Bryan Stork, LB Rob Ninkovich, RB LeGarrette Blount
The Brady-Gronkowski connection continues to be one of the best in the game, but the unique collection of smaller, quick receivers who can operate within a horizontal-based passing attack are all important players for the Patriots. The one weakness is the offensive line, where they have yet to be able to nail down five reliable performers. New England, however, is unusually qualified to mitigate this issue with the offense it runs and the speed at which Brady can get the ball out of his hands, consistently among the quickest in the league.
The defense has been rebuilt countless times over the past few seasons but remains a strength with key players in important areas. The Patriots have found gems in players such as Malcolm Butler, who not only won them a Super Bowl with a miraculous play, but then followed it up with a solid season in 2015. This is the most talented top-to-bottom roster in the league, but the next teams on our list aren't far behind.
2. Green Bay Packers
Top five players: QB Aaron Rodgers, OG T.J. Lang, OG Josh Sitton, DT Mike Daniels, WR Jordy Nelson
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Sam Barrington, OT David Bakhtiari, LB Jake Ryan, DE Letroy Guion, TE Jared Cook
If Green Bay hits on its 2016 draft class, it could jump to No. 1. That would mean incoming draft picks replacing weak links sooner rather than later. Rodgers is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and with Nelson back, he has a legitimate No. 1 receiver to throw to. The Packers' interior offensive line is among the best in the league, and if rookie Jason Spriggs can prove to be an upgrade over Bakhtiari at left tackle, it could become one of the best units in the league, period.
On defense, the secondary is young and talented. They have been adding pieces to the front, but that remains a work in progress. The Packers are in danger of ruining Clay Matthews with position switches, and Daniels needs more help than they have given him so far on the line, but the talent is there to play better than they have.
Green Bay will be carried by its offense, and it should look significantly better than it did last season, when injuries took a deep bite out of the roster.
3. Carolina Panthers
Top five players: LB Luke Kuechly, QB Cam Newton, TE Greg Olsen, DT Kawann Short, LB Thomas Davis
Starters who should be upgraded: OT Michael Oher, CB Robert McClain, DE Kony Ealy
The Panthers ran into a buzz saw in the Super Bowl against the Broncos, but they are well positioned to make a return trip. Kelvin Benjamin returning after missing all of 2015 should make a big difference to the receiving corps, and their skill position players form a balanced and dangerous group -- if they can stay healthy. The Panthers' offensive line played far better than expected a year ago and would be an excellent unit if they could find a pair of reliable tackles. Their quirky run game, aided by Newton's unique ability to run between the tackles like a fullback, only makes things easier on the line because the scheme stretches defenses like few in the league.
On the other side of the ball, the Panthers have two of the best defensive players in the league in Kuechly and Short. Losing cornerback Josh Norman is a blow, but they do get back Bene Benwikere and invested heavily in the position in the draft.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Top five players: WR Antonio Brown, QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Le'Veon Bell, LB James Harrison, DE Cameron Heyward
Starters who should be upgraded: OT Alejandro Villanueva, CB William Gay, S Robert Golden, LB Bud Dupree
Even without wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who is suspended indefinitely, the Steelers have one of the most talent-rich offenses in the NFL. In Roethlisberger, Brown and Bell, the Steelers have the best "triplets" in the league. The offensive line is a pretty good unit, too, with only one question mark: left tackle. The only thing that slowed down Brown last season was Roethlisberger missing from the lineup -- Brown was virtually uncoverable otherwise.
On defense, the Steelers actually unearthed some talent, even in the secondary, but it took most of the season to find it. Replacing the underperforming members of the secondary should help immediately. The defensive front has some impressive talent, too, with timeless Harrison still among the better outside linebackers in the league. He notched 45 total pressures in 2015 and was by far the best of the Steelers' edge players, showing up first-round draft picks Dupree and Jarvis Jones.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
Top five players: DE Fletcher Cox, OT Jason Peters, S Malcolm Jenkins, DE Brandon Graham, QB Sam Bradford
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Nigel Bradham, OG Allen Barbre, WR Nelson Agholor, LB Jordan Hicks, CB Nolan Carroll
The Eagles imploded around Chip Kelly, but the roster still has a lot of good players, and more may see the field after the organization's offseason of personnel moves designed to move away from Kelly's way of doing things as fast as possible. Cox has been a monster and could improve with a transition to a four-man line, in which he will no longer have two-gap responsibilities, allowing him to simply attack gaps and wreak havoc in the backfield. Graham and Vinny Curry are both able edge rushers, and Bennie Logan should be a fine nose tackle in a 4-3 scheme, giving the Eagles a formidable front. On paper, Jenkins and Rodney McLeod look to be one of the league's best safety tandems, and if Eric Rowe can take a step forward, this defense looks very impressive.
There are still a lot of pieces in place on offense. The line has talent, but it has been inconsistent. Skill position players Zach Ertz, Darren Sproles and Jordan Matthews provide dangerous weapons from their roles. Second-year receiver Agholor needs to be much better in 2016. Plus, there's the quarterback competition, which will be the headline grabber, but Bradford played pretty well in 2015.
6. Cincinnati Bengals
Top five players: OT Andrew Whitworth, WR A.J. Green, DT Geno Atkins, OG Kevin Zeitler, CB Adam Jones
Starters who should be upgraded: WR Brandon LaFell, OC Russell Bodine, CB Dre Kirkpatrick, DE Michael Johnson, DT Domata Peko
The Bengals have had a fine roster for several years now, and it looked as if it was finally going to pay off in 2015 with an improved Andy Dalton. But the quarterback got injured and missed the biggest games of their season. Cincinnati lost some talent to free agency, but it has reloaded in the draft and could potentially upgrade at those spots, particular wide receiver. The offensive line remains a solid unit anchored by one of the league's most underrated players in Whitworth.
On defense, Atkins was back to his devastating best last season, notching 82 total pressures and trailing only Aaron Donald among defensive tackles in PFF grade. He needs a little more help up front, and there are some weak links in the chain overall, but this is once again one of the better rosters in the league. The Bengals can contend for a Super Bowl title if Dalton repeats his 2015 performance -- and stays healthy.
7. Oakland Raiders
Top five players: DE/OLB Khalil Mack, OL Kelechi Osemele, CB Sean Smith, OT Donald Penn, DT Dan Williams
Starters who should be upgraded: TE Clive Walford, LB Malcolm Smith, LB Ben Heeney, FB Marcel Reece
There may be no more improved team in football than the Raiders, who had been moving slowly in the right direction for a few seasons under general manager Reggie McKenzie but kicked it into overdrive this offseason. Between free agency and the draft, the Raiders added some excellent pieces, with Osemele in particular giving them arguably the best offensive line in the league-- on paper (yes, even above Dallas). Quarterback Derek Carr took a big step forward in his second season, and wide receiver Amari Cooper gives them an elite receiver to target, if he lowers his drops from his rookie season (18).
Mack has quickly become one of the best defensive players in football, but he has help surrounding him now, with Williams, Mario Edwards Jr. and Bruce Irvin all adding to the defensive front. On the back end, Sean Smith could be a huge addition at cornerback, while safety Reggie Nelson was a solid improvement. If David Amerson continues the form he showed last season, rather than the performances he had in Washington, this secondary could become one of the better units in the league in the space of one offseason.
8. Arizona Cardinals
Top five players: DB Tyrann Mathieu, DE Calais Campbell, QB Carson Palmer, OG Evan Mathis, WR Larry Fitzgerald
Starters who should be upgraded: TE Jermaine Gresham, LB Kevin Minter, CB Justin Bethel
This Arizona roster is peppered with elite players, but there are issues with depth. Mathieu is a game-changer in the secondary, as is Patrick Peterson, allowing the Cardinals to match up against some of the best receiving weapons in the game. Fitzgerald turned back the years, and Palmer had a ludicrous season before his playoff implosion. Campbell remains an excellent player on the inside of the defense. Adding Mathis to the O-line gives them another potentially elite player to add to those already mentioned, but their stud players have to overcome some depth issues elsewhere.
Linebacker has been an issue since losing Daryl Washington to suspension, and the cornerback depth chart looks bare outside of Peterson. The tight ends -- Gresham and Darren Fells -- do not inspire confidence, while the offensive line has some potential weak links at center and right tackle, in particular.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Top five players: OLB Justin Houston, LB Derrick Johnson, OLB Tamba Hali, OT Mitchell Schwartz, RB Jamaal Charles
Starters who should be upgraded: OT Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, OT Eric Fisher, LB Josh Mauga, OG Zach Fulton
The Chiefs are another team that has been heading in the right direction for a few seasons now, and they are really only held back by a questionable offensive line, despite the upgrade at right tackle with the free-agent acquisition of Schwartz. Alex Smith might never be an all-pro quarterback, but he can run an offense and win games if surrounded with enough help, and the Chiefs have been adding to his supporting cast each season. Charles, Travis Kelce and Jeremy Maclin provide three effective weapons, and if any young players take a step forward, the offense will get even better.
Houston remains one of the league's best pass-rushers when healthy, and cornerback Marcus Peters showed ballhawking ability as a rookie (eight INTs). He will have a lot asked of him in his second season with no Sean Smith on the other side, but this defense has a lot of talent in place.
10. Minnesota Vikings
Top five players: S Harrison Smith, LB Anthony Barr, DT Linval Joseph, DE Everson Griffen, RB Adrian Peterson
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Chad Greenway, OT Matt Kalil, S Andrew Sendejo
The Vikings actually slipped in this list from a year ago despite an improved record and a playoff berth, mostly due to the offensive line's struggles last season. They added pieces in free agency, but none of them have played their best football since 2012, and that leaves the Vikings with a lot of pieces but no clear production up front. At receiver, the pressure is on rookie Laquon Treadwell, who needs to be able to provide the effective weapon alongside Stefon Diggs.
The defense is what makes this roster, though, with studs at every level, including Smith, Barr and Joseph. Xavier Rhodes and Sharrif Floyd are capable of taking that next leap, too, and the defensive scheme helps the Vikings wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
11. Denver Broncos
Top five players: CB Chris Harris Jr, WR Emmanuel Sanders, OLB Von Miller, LB Brandon Marshall, DT Derek Wolfe
Starters who should be upgraded: OT Donald Stephenson, QB Mark Sanchez, OG Max Garcia
Moving from Peyton Manning to Sanchez was always going to provide a hit, even if the 2015 version of Manning was a far cry from his usual greatness. Further blows came from the free-agency exodus that occurred on defense, but this roster still contains a lot of talent, including many key players from Denver's Super Bowl-winning side.
Miller might be the best pure pass-rusher in the game, averaging 7.5 total pressures per game in last season's playoffs. The Broncos can still run three-deep at corner and lock down in coverage, and they still have depth at pass-rusher with players such as Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett likely to get an increased role. Like many teams, Denver's offensive line is at best a work in progress and the team's biggest issue.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Top five players: OT Tyron Smith, OG Zack Martin, OC Travis Frederick, LB Sean Lee, QB Tony Romo
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Anthony Hitchens, CB Morris Claiborne
In the opposite trend to most NFL teams, the Cowboys have no worries along the offensive line, boasting all-pros in multiple positions. La'el Collins had several highlight-reel pancake blocks as a rookie, but he was only average overall. If Collins develops and irons out those negatives, he could quickly become another all-pro.
There are significant holes elsewhere, however, especially at cornerback, where former first-round pick Claiborne appears likely to start again despite four straight seasons of negative PFF grading and no year in which he allowed lower than 61.5 percent of targets sent his way. Depth remains an issue on the defensive front, as the Cowboys let Greg Hardy walk this offseason, while DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory are facing four-game suspensions to start the season.
13. Seattle Seahawks
Top five players: QB Russell Wilson, CB Richard Sherman, DE Michael Bennett, WR Doug Baldwin, LB K.J. Wright
Starters who should be upgraded: OT J'Marcus Webb, OT Garry Gilliam, OL Justin Britt, OG Mark Glowinski
Two straight seasons leading this ranking have given way to a significant drop for the Seahawks, who now find themselves with a roster that has a few cracks and weak spots.
Despite a major turnover, somehow Seattle's offensive line looks worse on paper than the unit that was its Achilles' heel all 2015. Wilson and Marshawn Lynch hid a lot of problems in the blocking, and while Wilson is back, Lynch has retired. Rookie Thomas Rawls performed an able imitation of Lynch, but the Seahawks' backfield is a committee of rookies and Rawls and will have its work cut out to find running room.
Seattle's once-spectacular defense is starting to show some cracks, especially when it comes to depth. Even studs such as Bobby Wagner have not played at their best for a while, and as talented as this team is, it looks like a unit that is slipping, at least until another wave of young players fully emerges to replace those who have faded.
14. Buffalo Bills
Top five players: DT Marcell Dareus, OG Richie Incognito, OT Cordy Glenn, CB Ronald Darby, DE Jerry Hughes
Starters who should be upgraded: OG John Miller, OT Jordan Mills, WR Robert Woods, LB Preston Brown
There is a lot to like about the Bills. Tyrod Taylor's 2015 season was a huge boost to a team that previously had one of the worst quarterback situations in the league. He was far from perfect as a passer, but he looked more than viable in his first year starting. He also added 405 rushing yards while scrambling and another 151 on designed carries.
The defense could be even better than it looks if their top three draft picks make an immediate impact. Pass-rusher Shaq Lawson has already undergone surgery to repair a damaged shoulder, but linebacker Reggie Ragland and defensive tackle Adolphus Washington could both plug huge gaps with a good debut season.
15. Houston Texans
Top five players: DE J.J. Watt, WR DeAndre Hopkins, OT Duane Brown, CB Johnathan Joseph, OLB Whitney Mercilus
Starters who should be upgraded: TE C.J. Fiedorowicz, OG Xavier Su'a-Filo, LB Brian Cushing
The Texans are no longer Watt's one-man band. Jadeveon Clowney was impressive in limited time (573 snaps) last season after fighting through injuries, even if his 4.5 sacks don't look impressive on paper. Mercilus seemed to take that as inspiration to have his best season to date, finally showing the talent that made him a first-round draft pick. When the three were on the field together, they gave Houston a truly formidable front to make life easier for a secondary that has some decent players.
The Texans' offense is the big question mark, however. Their success will be defined by the decision to hand quarterback Brock Osweiler a $72 million contract based on seven games of starting experience. If he pans out, Houston can go places, but if he fails, there isn't enough around him to drag the team to success.
16. New Orleans Saints
Top five players: QB Drew Brees, OT Terron Armstead, DE Cameron Jordan, DT Nick Fairley, CB Delvin Breaux
Starters who should be upgraded: LB James Laurinaitis, LB Dannell Ellerbe, LB Stephone Anthony
The Saints are not what they once were, but they still have enough talent to do damage, especially when Brees is playing well. Armstead has quietly become one of the best left tackles in the league, addressing a problem area for the Saints. The emergence of Breaux as a legitimate top cornerback was one of the stories of last season.
The good parts of this Saints roster are very good, but the bad parts are still crippling the team. Linebacker play has been a major issue for years, and it is unlikely to improve with the free-agent addition of Laurinaitis. Anthony had a poor rookie season and needs to completely reverse his play, while the defensive front has Jordan -- and not much else.
17. Baltimore Ravens
Top five players: OG Marshal Yanda, WR Steve Smith Sr., S Eric Weddle, NT Brandon Williams, OLB Elvis Dumervil
Starters who should be upgraded: OT Rick Wagner, RB Justin Forsett
The Ravens have been up and down in these rankings over the past few seasons, highlighting the inconsistent nature of several of their players. No one highlights that inconsistency more than quarterback Joe Flacco, who can look elite in some games and completely replaceable in others. Yanda is the best guard in the league at the moment, but he is more and more alone on an offensive line that has lost talent and saw a complete nose dive in performance from some players. Rookie Ronnie Stanley needs to hit the ground running to improve this group, and recent draft history of linemen suggests that is unlikely.
The Ravens' defense still has talented players, but many of them did not back it up on the field in 2015. Cornerback Jimmy Smith and linebacker C.J. Mosleyhad notable down seasons. The addition of Weddle gives Baltimore one of the league's most complete safeties, even at age 31.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Top five players: DT Gerald McCoy, WR Mike Evans, DE Robert Ayers, OT Demar Dotson, RB Doug Martin
Starters who should be upgraded: OC Joe Hawley, OG J.R. Sweezy, OT Donovan Smith, TE Luke Stocker, S Bradley McDougald
Jameis Winston showed the transformative effect a viable quarterback can have on a team's fortunes, but he can't hide every ill on a team that still has significant holes. The offensive line is an issue, and PFF does not see Sweezy as a player who will improve it. He has graded negatively in each of his four seasons in the league, getting progressively worse over the past three. He allowed five sacks and 35 total pressures in 2015.
The defense has added talent, but PFF is again at odds with the general perception when it comes to linebacker Kwon Alexander, who is among the most athletically gifted players at his position, but parlays that to being out of position quicker than almost any other linebacker in the NFL. Alexander was graded negatively last season, and he led all linebackers with 27 missed tackles.
19. Atlanta Falcons
Top five players: WR Julio Jones, CB Desmond Trufant, QB Matt Ryan, OC Alex Mack, OT Ryan Schraeder
Starters who should be upgraded: CB Jalen Collins, LB Sean Weatherspoon, LB Paul Worrilow, WR Mohamed Sanu, TE Jacob Tamme
It seems every offseason the Falcons attempt to remake their roster in a new image. The offensive line has improved, especially with the offseason signing of Mack. But their latest wide receiver additions to try to give Jones some help are questionable. Sanu's best attribute might be his throwing arm -- not ideal for a wideout -- and Justin Hardy didn't show much as a rookie.
Defensively, the front four is a group of solid if unspectacular players, with Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley the cause for optimism heading into their sophomore seasons. The Falcons are thin at linebacker, and in the secondary, only Trufant is able to consistently win his matchups.
20. Tennessee Titans
Top five players: DT Jurrell Casey, TE Delanie Walker, S Da'Norris Searcy, LB Wesley Woodyard, OLB Brian Orakpo
Starters who should be upgraded: OG Chance Warmack, OT Jeremiah Poutasi, LB Avery Williamson, CB Brice McCain
The Titans are another team with fortunes largely tied to the development of young players. They passed up the opportunity to take the best player in the draft by trading out of the No. 1 spot to collect more picks, and instead picked offensive tackle Jack Conklin in the middle of the first round. Quarterback Marcus Mariota, wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham and rookie safety Kevin Byard, in particular, could be key players who determine how good this roster looks in the future, but at the moment, there are too many unknown quantities to rank any higher.
The Titans' defense has had an injection of young talent, but they are subpar at cornerback. The defensive front needs support and is still too reliant on Casey.
21. Washington Redskins
Top five players: OT Trent Williams, CB Josh Norman, TE Jordan Reed, DE Chris Baker, OLB Ryan Kerrigan
Starters who should be upgraded: OC Kory Lichtensteiger, LB Perry Riley, LB Mason Foster
Washington landed one of the coups of the offseason when Norman unexpectedly became available in April. He adds a legitimate, elite-level coverage player to a secondary that has shown ability, particular in the development of Bashaud Breeland. The Redskins' front seven has several good players, and overall, this defense could be an impressive unit in 2016.
On offense, Kirk Cousins cemented himself as the starter at quarterback, and there is enough talent for this team to be very good. Rookie wideout Josh Doctson has the ability to become an elite target, but he'll need time. The only major issue is in the middle of the offensive line, where Lichtensteiger was poor and banged up in 2015, causing major problems to the offense as a whole. The Redskins could move up this list rapidly if he can find his best form again, or if they can find an upgrade.
22. San Diego Chargers
Top five players: CB Jason Verrett, QB Philip Rivers, CB Casey Hayward, WR Keenan Allen, LB Denzel Perryman
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Manti Te'o, OT D.J. Fluker, S Jahleel Addae, S Dwight Lowery, DE Corey Liuget
San Diego has some talent, but several starters are average at best. Verrett, for instance, is one of the league's best young corners, while Perryman was excellent against the run as a rookie. On offense, Allen is an excellent receiver and Matt Slauson should be a good acquisition at center, but there are issues in other spots. Rivers, meanwhile, just isn't capable of elevating enough players for it to matter.
Adding Joey Bosa has the potential to be a big boost for the defense, and if nothing else, cutting loose some of their poorer players can't hurt, but this is a team with a long way to go to contend in the tough AFC West.
23. New York Jets
Top five players: DE Muhammad Wilkerson, DT Sheldon Richardson, DT Leonard Williams, WR Brandon Marshall, CB Darrelle Revis
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Erin Henderson, OT Breno Giacomini, OG Brian Winters, QB Geno Smith, LB Lorenzo Mauldin, CB Buster Skrine
The strength of this team is still up front, despite the departure of defensive tackle Damon Harrison in free agency. Wilkerson, Richardson and Williams give the Jets three versatile, talented disruptive players.There are some pieces around them, too, including Revis, who is still a fine player despite an inevitable decline.
The Jets' offense is held back by issues up front and at quarterback, which is not likely to be solved by the addition of rookie Christian Hackenberg, who had negative PFF grades in all three years at Penn State.
24. Detroit Lions
Top five players: CB Darius Slay, DE Ezekiel Ansah, WR Golden Taint, RB Theo Riddick, NT Haloti Ngata
Starters who should be upgraded: OC Travis Swanson, TE Eric Ebron, S Rafael Bush, CB Nevin Lawson
Calvin Johnson's retirement is a huge loss for the Lions. He was their best player and is the type of weapon who can't be replaced. Ansah and Slay are both talented, young players on the cusp of greatness, but there is too much poor play surrounding them on defense.
Offensively, the O-line has some solid young pieces, but it hasn't shown cohesion yet. If each linemen develops and plays to his potential, this unit actually has the ability to be much better. It's a problem right now, however, making life more difficult for quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is not the kind of passer who can overcome consistent pressure. In 2015, Stafford's passer rating under no pressure was 108.7, but it tumbled almost 40 points to 69.3 when he felt heat. He was pressured on 35 percent of his dropbacks.
25. New York Giants
Top five players: WR Odell Beckham Jr., DE Olivier Vernon, DT Damon Harrison, DE Jason Pierre-Paul, DT Johnathan Hankins
Starters who should be upgraded: OT Ereck Flowers, OG John Jerry, OT Marshall Newhouse, TE Larry Donnell, DE Devon Kennard, LB Keenan Robinson, S Landon Collins
The Giants are all-in on the 2016 season after the biggest free-agent spending spree in the league earlier this offseason. They have brought in a lot of talent -- and upside -- but the bust potential of this group is high. Last season, Vernon played like a candidate for defensive player of the year in the final eight games of the season, but that stretch is a massive departure from his career baseline. In the first half of last season, he notched only 24 total pressures.
The biggest issue is on the offensive line, however. Flowers, playing on a bad ankle, was a disaster as a rookie on the left side. The ankle may be better heading into 2016, but he remains at left tackle, giving the Giants one of the most worrying pair of tackles in the NFL in Flowers and Newhouse. The two combined to surrender 10 sacks and 120 total pressures last season. For comparison, the entire Dallas O-line allowed just 108.
26. Miami Dolphins
Top five players: DT Ndamukong Suh, S Reshad Jones, DE Cameron Wake, WR Jarvis Landry, QB Ryan Tannehill
Starters who should be upgraded: OG Billy Turner, TE Jordan Cameron, LB Jelani Jenkins, DT Earl Mitchell
The issue with Miami was always going to be what Suh's mammoth contract -- which included almost $60 million guaranteed -- did to the rest of the roster. He played arguably his best football in Miami last season, but he will never be J.J. Watt and will never come close to justifying that deal. Miami is now squeezed against the cap and needs to make decisions that make financial sense, which will hurt the team on the field.
The defense features multiple reclamation projects such as Mario Williams on the D-line, Kiko Alonso at linebacker and Byron Maxwell at cornerback, while some of the recent additions to the offense have yet to fulfill their promise. Running back Lamar Miller was underused in Miami, but his departure still marks a notable drop in talent at the position.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars
Top five players: DL Malik Jackson, WR Allen Robinson, OT Kelvin Beachum, CB Prince Amukamara, RB Chris Ivory
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Paul Posluszny, S Johnathan Cyprien, OG Mackenzy Bernadeau, OG A.J. Cann
The Jaguars were No. 32 on this list a year ago, but they have made major additions to the roster since then. They could soar up the rankings over the next few years, but because much of the added talent is in the form of rookies or unknown quantities -- such as former No. 3 overall pick Dante Fowler Jr. -- we simply can't credit them for the improvement just yet. If Fowler, Jalen Ramsey, Myles Jack & Co. all play to their potential, the Jaguars have added a series of dynamic studs to complement free-agent acquisition Malik Jackson, but right now, that remains a big "if."
Whether that group reaches its potential, the team has not done enough to improve the offensive line. Its best player, Beachum, is coming off a torn ACL.
28. Indianapolis Colts
Top five players: CB Vontae Davis, WR T.Y. Hilton, OG Jack Mewhort, OT Anthony Castonzo, OLB Trent Cole
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Erik Walden, OG Hugh Thornton, LB D'Qwell Jackson, DT David Parry
The strategy of Andrew Luck carrying a lackluster roster came off the rails in a major way in 2015. The team's free-agency strategy of collecting aging former studs also failed to pay dividends, with only running back Frank Gore providing much value. There were a few bright spots, however. Rookie Henry Andersonwas having an excellent season before injury ended it prematurely, and players such as Hilton, Davis and Castonzo are still quality starters. They just need a little more help.
29. Los Angeles Rams
Top five players: DT Aaron Donald, DE Robert Quinn, DE William Hayes, RB Todd Gurley, CB Trumaine Johnson
Starters who should be upgraded: OT Greg Robinson, OC Tim Barnes, LB Alec Ogletree, OG Jamon Brown
In Donald, the Rams have the top player in PFF's 2015 Top 101, but like the Texans and Watt, one man doesn't make a roster. The quarterback problem could be solved quickly if Jared Goff proves to be the guy, but outside of him and Gurley, there is practically nothing of proven quality on offense. Robinson has been one of the biggest draft busts of recent memory, surrendering 43 total pressures last season. He has also given up 10 sacks and been flagged 26 times over the past two years.
The defensive line is still a strong unit, but depth is an issue.
30. Chicago Bears
Top five players: LB Pernell McPhee, WR Alshon Jeffery, LB Jerrell Freeman, LB Danny Trevathan, OL Kyle Long
Starters who should be upgraded: OG Ted Larsen, OT Bobby Massie, TE Rob Housler, OT Charles Leno
The Bears might be expected to be higher on this list, but the negatives on this roster are fatal flaws. The offensive line was a disaster a year ago and might not be much better this year. Long being back at guard should at least help. Kevin White could make a major impact at receiver, but at the moment, he is a complete unknown.
The defense is moving in the right direction, but it is weakest in the most important area -- coverage. Kyle Fuller might be their best player in the secondary, and he has been average at best so far in his career, allowing five touchdowns in each of his first two seasons.
31. Cleveland Browns
Top five players: OT Joe Thomas, OG Joel Bitonio, OG John Greco, RB Duke Johnson Jr., TE Gary Barnidge
Starters who should be upgraded: OL Cameron Erving, LB Demario Davis, LB Christian Kirksey, LB Paul Kruger
This roster will be defined by its rookie class -- all 14 of them. The Browns are in a major rebuilding mode with a completely new power structure in the front office, and all we can tell about that strategy at the moment is that they are casting the net far and wide.
There are glimmers of hope for quarterback Robert Griffin III, who will get to work with Hue Jackson, but Griffin needs to show major improvement from the end of his tenure in Washington. Thomas remains the best left tackle in the league, but there is precious little proven talent anywhere else on the roster. PFF was a fan of several of the players the Browns drafted, so this roster could turn around in a hurry. On paper, however, it is an ugly-looking roster.
32. San Francisco 49ers
Top five players: OT Joe Staley, LB NaVorro Bowman, NT Ian Williams, DE Arik Armstead, LB Aaron Lynch
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Ahmad Brooks, OT Erik Pears, OC Daniel Kilgore, QB Blaine Gabbert, LB Michael Wilhoite, WR Quinton Patton
The 49ers aren't far removed from having one of the league's best rosters. They were once being complimented for being so loaded that they could essentially draft "redshirt" prospects like running back Marcus Lattimore. That depth -- and talent -- unraveled in a hurry and has not been helped by a series of retirements by some of their best players. DeForest Buckner has the potential to make an immediate impact and turn around the defensive front, but he's only a rookie. The rest of the defense is in turmoil, too, with Bowman the only tried and tested performer. He was far from good a year ago despite racking up tackle numbers.
The offensive line, once the bedrock of the offense, is now really just Staley and a collection of below-average starters. Rookie Josh Garnett could add some quality eventually. At quarterback, Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick will battle, which speaks for itself as to how far the 49ers
Enjoy!
http://espn.go.com/nfl/insider/stor...anking-rosters-all-32-teams-2016-depth-talent
For the third straight year, Pro Football Focus is ranking each roster in the league. Check out the 2015 rankings here, and the 2014 rankings here.
To determine the rankings, we took the past two years of PFF data and, giving the 2015 season more weight, averaged out the grades for each roster. Then we added a closer evaluation for added context, which allowed us, for example, to reward teams that have an excellent quarterback situation but a relative hole along the defensive line when it came to run defense.
We have also included a list of the top five players on each roster, plus a look at starters who aren't up to par.
1. New England Patriots
Top five players: TE Rob Gronkowski, QB Tom Brady, LB Dont'a Hightower, LB Jamie Collins, S Devin McCourty
Starters who should be upgraded: OG Shaq Mason, OC Bryan Stork, LB Rob Ninkovich, RB LeGarrette Blount
The Brady-Gronkowski connection continues to be one of the best in the game, but the unique collection of smaller, quick receivers who can operate within a horizontal-based passing attack are all important players for the Patriots. The one weakness is the offensive line, where they have yet to be able to nail down five reliable performers. New England, however, is unusually qualified to mitigate this issue with the offense it runs and the speed at which Brady can get the ball out of his hands, consistently among the quickest in the league.
The defense has been rebuilt countless times over the past few seasons but remains a strength with key players in important areas. The Patriots have found gems in players such as Malcolm Butler, who not only won them a Super Bowl with a miraculous play, but then followed it up with a solid season in 2015. This is the most talented top-to-bottom roster in the league, but the next teams on our list aren't far behind.
2. Green Bay Packers
Top five players: QB Aaron Rodgers, OG T.J. Lang, OG Josh Sitton, DT Mike Daniels, WR Jordy Nelson
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Sam Barrington, OT David Bakhtiari, LB Jake Ryan, DE Letroy Guion, TE Jared Cook
If Green Bay hits on its 2016 draft class, it could jump to No. 1. That would mean incoming draft picks replacing weak links sooner rather than later. Rodgers is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and with Nelson back, he has a legitimate No. 1 receiver to throw to. The Packers' interior offensive line is among the best in the league, and if rookie Jason Spriggs can prove to be an upgrade over Bakhtiari at left tackle, it could become one of the best units in the league, period.
On defense, the secondary is young and talented. They have been adding pieces to the front, but that remains a work in progress. The Packers are in danger of ruining Clay Matthews with position switches, and Daniels needs more help than they have given him so far on the line, but the talent is there to play better than they have.
Green Bay will be carried by its offense, and it should look significantly better than it did last season, when injuries took a deep bite out of the roster.
3. Carolina Panthers
Top five players: LB Luke Kuechly, QB Cam Newton, TE Greg Olsen, DT Kawann Short, LB Thomas Davis
Starters who should be upgraded: OT Michael Oher, CB Robert McClain, DE Kony Ealy
The Panthers ran into a buzz saw in the Super Bowl against the Broncos, but they are well positioned to make a return trip. Kelvin Benjamin returning after missing all of 2015 should make a big difference to the receiving corps, and their skill position players form a balanced and dangerous group -- if they can stay healthy. The Panthers' offensive line played far better than expected a year ago and would be an excellent unit if they could find a pair of reliable tackles. Their quirky run game, aided by Newton's unique ability to run between the tackles like a fullback, only makes things easier on the line because the scheme stretches defenses like few in the league.
On the other side of the ball, the Panthers have two of the best defensive players in the league in Kuechly and Short. Losing cornerback Josh Norman is a blow, but they do get back Bene Benwikere and invested heavily in the position in the draft.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Top five players: WR Antonio Brown, QB Ben Roethlisberger, RB Le'Veon Bell, LB James Harrison, DE Cameron Heyward
Starters who should be upgraded: OT Alejandro Villanueva, CB William Gay, S Robert Golden, LB Bud Dupree
Even without wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who is suspended indefinitely, the Steelers have one of the most talent-rich offenses in the NFL. In Roethlisberger, Brown and Bell, the Steelers have the best "triplets" in the league. The offensive line is a pretty good unit, too, with only one question mark: left tackle. The only thing that slowed down Brown last season was Roethlisberger missing from the lineup -- Brown was virtually uncoverable otherwise.
On defense, the Steelers actually unearthed some talent, even in the secondary, but it took most of the season to find it. Replacing the underperforming members of the secondary should help immediately. The defensive front has some impressive talent, too, with timeless Harrison still among the better outside linebackers in the league. He notched 45 total pressures in 2015 and was by far the best of the Steelers' edge players, showing up first-round draft picks Dupree and Jarvis Jones.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
Top five players: DE Fletcher Cox, OT Jason Peters, S Malcolm Jenkins, DE Brandon Graham, QB Sam Bradford
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Nigel Bradham, OG Allen Barbre, WR Nelson Agholor, LB Jordan Hicks, CB Nolan Carroll
The Eagles imploded around Chip Kelly, but the roster still has a lot of good players, and more may see the field after the organization's offseason of personnel moves designed to move away from Kelly's way of doing things as fast as possible. Cox has been a monster and could improve with a transition to a four-man line, in which he will no longer have two-gap responsibilities, allowing him to simply attack gaps and wreak havoc in the backfield. Graham and Vinny Curry are both able edge rushers, and Bennie Logan should be a fine nose tackle in a 4-3 scheme, giving the Eagles a formidable front. On paper, Jenkins and Rodney McLeod look to be one of the league's best safety tandems, and if Eric Rowe can take a step forward, this defense looks very impressive.
There are still a lot of pieces in place on offense. The line has talent, but it has been inconsistent. Skill position players Zach Ertz, Darren Sproles and Jordan Matthews provide dangerous weapons from their roles. Second-year receiver Agholor needs to be much better in 2016. Plus, there's the quarterback competition, which will be the headline grabber, but Bradford played pretty well in 2015.
6. Cincinnati Bengals
Top five players: OT Andrew Whitworth, WR A.J. Green, DT Geno Atkins, OG Kevin Zeitler, CB Adam Jones
Starters who should be upgraded: WR Brandon LaFell, OC Russell Bodine, CB Dre Kirkpatrick, DE Michael Johnson, DT Domata Peko
The Bengals have had a fine roster for several years now, and it looked as if it was finally going to pay off in 2015 with an improved Andy Dalton. But the quarterback got injured and missed the biggest games of their season. Cincinnati lost some talent to free agency, but it has reloaded in the draft and could potentially upgrade at those spots, particular wide receiver. The offensive line remains a solid unit anchored by one of the league's most underrated players in Whitworth.
On defense, Atkins was back to his devastating best last season, notching 82 total pressures and trailing only Aaron Donald among defensive tackles in PFF grade. He needs a little more help up front, and there are some weak links in the chain overall, but this is once again one of the better rosters in the league. The Bengals can contend for a Super Bowl title if Dalton repeats his 2015 performance -- and stays healthy.
7. Oakland Raiders
Top five players: DE/OLB Khalil Mack, OL Kelechi Osemele, CB Sean Smith, OT Donald Penn, DT Dan Williams
Starters who should be upgraded: TE Clive Walford, LB Malcolm Smith, LB Ben Heeney, FB Marcel Reece
There may be no more improved team in football than the Raiders, who had been moving slowly in the right direction for a few seasons under general manager Reggie McKenzie but kicked it into overdrive this offseason. Between free agency and the draft, the Raiders added some excellent pieces, with Osemele in particular giving them arguably the best offensive line in the league-- on paper (yes, even above Dallas). Quarterback Derek Carr took a big step forward in his second season, and wide receiver Amari Cooper gives them an elite receiver to target, if he lowers his drops from his rookie season (18).
Mack has quickly become one of the best defensive players in football, but he has help surrounding him now, with Williams, Mario Edwards Jr. and Bruce Irvin all adding to the defensive front. On the back end, Sean Smith could be a huge addition at cornerback, while safety Reggie Nelson was a solid improvement. If David Amerson continues the form he showed last season, rather than the performances he had in Washington, this secondary could become one of the better units in the league in the space of one offseason.
8. Arizona Cardinals
Top five players: DB Tyrann Mathieu, DE Calais Campbell, QB Carson Palmer, OG Evan Mathis, WR Larry Fitzgerald
Starters who should be upgraded: TE Jermaine Gresham, LB Kevin Minter, CB Justin Bethel
This Arizona roster is peppered with elite players, but there are issues with depth. Mathieu is a game-changer in the secondary, as is Patrick Peterson, allowing the Cardinals to match up against some of the best receiving weapons in the game. Fitzgerald turned back the years, and Palmer had a ludicrous season before his playoff implosion. Campbell remains an excellent player on the inside of the defense. Adding Mathis to the O-line gives them another potentially elite player to add to those already mentioned, but their stud players have to overcome some depth issues elsewhere.
Linebacker has been an issue since losing Daryl Washington to suspension, and the cornerback depth chart looks bare outside of Peterson. The tight ends -- Gresham and Darren Fells -- do not inspire confidence, while the offensive line has some potential weak links at center and right tackle, in particular.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Top five players: OLB Justin Houston, LB Derrick Johnson, OLB Tamba Hali, OT Mitchell Schwartz, RB Jamaal Charles
Starters who should be upgraded: OT Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, OT Eric Fisher, LB Josh Mauga, OG Zach Fulton
The Chiefs are another team that has been heading in the right direction for a few seasons now, and they are really only held back by a questionable offensive line, despite the upgrade at right tackle with the free-agent acquisition of Schwartz. Alex Smith might never be an all-pro quarterback, but he can run an offense and win games if surrounded with enough help, and the Chiefs have been adding to his supporting cast each season. Charles, Travis Kelce and Jeremy Maclin provide three effective weapons, and if any young players take a step forward, the offense will get even better.
Houston remains one of the league's best pass-rushers when healthy, and cornerback Marcus Peters showed ballhawking ability as a rookie (eight INTs). He will have a lot asked of him in his second season with no Sean Smith on the other side, but this defense has a lot of talent in place.
10. Minnesota Vikings
Top five players: S Harrison Smith, LB Anthony Barr, DT Linval Joseph, DE Everson Griffen, RB Adrian Peterson
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Chad Greenway, OT Matt Kalil, S Andrew Sendejo
The Vikings actually slipped in this list from a year ago despite an improved record and a playoff berth, mostly due to the offensive line's struggles last season. They added pieces in free agency, but none of them have played their best football since 2012, and that leaves the Vikings with a lot of pieces but no clear production up front. At receiver, the pressure is on rookie Laquon Treadwell, who needs to be able to provide the effective weapon alongside Stefon Diggs.
The defense is what makes this roster, though, with studs at every level, including Smith, Barr and Joseph. Xavier Rhodes and Sharrif Floyd are capable of taking that next leap, too, and the defensive scheme helps the Vikings wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
11. Denver Broncos
Top five players: CB Chris Harris Jr, WR Emmanuel Sanders, OLB Von Miller, LB Brandon Marshall, DT Derek Wolfe
Starters who should be upgraded: OT Donald Stephenson, QB Mark Sanchez, OG Max Garcia
Moving from Peyton Manning to Sanchez was always going to provide a hit, even if the 2015 version of Manning was a far cry from his usual greatness. Further blows came from the free-agency exodus that occurred on defense, but this roster still contains a lot of talent, including many key players from Denver's Super Bowl-winning side.
Miller might be the best pure pass-rusher in the game, averaging 7.5 total pressures per game in last season's playoffs. The Broncos can still run three-deep at corner and lock down in coverage, and they still have depth at pass-rusher with players such as Shane Ray and Shaquil Barrett likely to get an increased role. Like many teams, Denver's offensive line is at best a work in progress and the team's biggest issue.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Top five players: OT Tyron Smith, OG Zack Martin, OC Travis Frederick, LB Sean Lee, QB Tony Romo
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Anthony Hitchens, CB Morris Claiborne
In the opposite trend to most NFL teams, the Cowboys have no worries along the offensive line, boasting all-pros in multiple positions. La'el Collins had several highlight-reel pancake blocks as a rookie, but he was only average overall. If Collins develops and irons out those negatives, he could quickly become another all-pro.
There are significant holes elsewhere, however, especially at cornerback, where former first-round pick Claiborne appears likely to start again despite four straight seasons of negative PFF grading and no year in which he allowed lower than 61.5 percent of targets sent his way. Depth remains an issue on the defensive front, as the Cowboys let Greg Hardy walk this offseason, while DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory are facing four-game suspensions to start the season.
13. Seattle Seahawks
Top five players: QB Russell Wilson, CB Richard Sherman, DE Michael Bennett, WR Doug Baldwin, LB K.J. Wright
Starters who should be upgraded: OT J'Marcus Webb, OT Garry Gilliam, OL Justin Britt, OG Mark Glowinski
Two straight seasons leading this ranking have given way to a significant drop for the Seahawks, who now find themselves with a roster that has a few cracks and weak spots.
Despite a major turnover, somehow Seattle's offensive line looks worse on paper than the unit that was its Achilles' heel all 2015. Wilson and Marshawn Lynch hid a lot of problems in the blocking, and while Wilson is back, Lynch has retired. Rookie Thomas Rawls performed an able imitation of Lynch, but the Seahawks' backfield is a committee of rookies and Rawls and will have its work cut out to find running room.
Seattle's once-spectacular defense is starting to show some cracks, especially when it comes to depth. Even studs such as Bobby Wagner have not played at their best for a while, and as talented as this team is, it looks like a unit that is slipping, at least until another wave of young players fully emerges to replace those who have faded.
14. Buffalo Bills
Top five players: DT Marcell Dareus, OG Richie Incognito, OT Cordy Glenn, CB Ronald Darby, DE Jerry Hughes
Starters who should be upgraded: OG John Miller, OT Jordan Mills, WR Robert Woods, LB Preston Brown
There is a lot to like about the Bills. Tyrod Taylor's 2015 season was a huge boost to a team that previously had one of the worst quarterback situations in the league. He was far from perfect as a passer, but he looked more than viable in his first year starting. He also added 405 rushing yards while scrambling and another 151 on designed carries.
The defense could be even better than it looks if their top three draft picks make an immediate impact. Pass-rusher Shaq Lawson has already undergone surgery to repair a damaged shoulder, but linebacker Reggie Ragland and defensive tackle Adolphus Washington could both plug huge gaps with a good debut season.
15. Houston Texans
Top five players: DE J.J. Watt, WR DeAndre Hopkins, OT Duane Brown, CB Johnathan Joseph, OLB Whitney Mercilus
Starters who should be upgraded: TE C.J. Fiedorowicz, OG Xavier Su'a-Filo, LB Brian Cushing
The Texans are no longer Watt's one-man band. Jadeveon Clowney was impressive in limited time (573 snaps) last season after fighting through injuries, even if his 4.5 sacks don't look impressive on paper. Mercilus seemed to take that as inspiration to have his best season to date, finally showing the talent that made him a first-round draft pick. When the three were on the field together, they gave Houston a truly formidable front to make life easier for a secondary that has some decent players.
The Texans' offense is the big question mark, however. Their success will be defined by the decision to hand quarterback Brock Osweiler a $72 million contract based on seven games of starting experience. If he pans out, Houston can go places, but if he fails, there isn't enough around him to drag the team to success.
16. New Orleans Saints
Top five players: QB Drew Brees, OT Terron Armstead, DE Cameron Jordan, DT Nick Fairley, CB Delvin Breaux
Starters who should be upgraded: LB James Laurinaitis, LB Dannell Ellerbe, LB Stephone Anthony
The Saints are not what they once were, but they still have enough talent to do damage, especially when Brees is playing well. Armstead has quietly become one of the best left tackles in the league, addressing a problem area for the Saints. The emergence of Breaux as a legitimate top cornerback was one of the stories of last season.
The good parts of this Saints roster are very good, but the bad parts are still crippling the team. Linebacker play has been a major issue for years, and it is unlikely to improve with the free-agent addition of Laurinaitis. Anthony had a poor rookie season and needs to completely reverse his play, while the defensive front has Jordan -- and not much else.
17. Baltimore Ravens
Top five players: OG Marshal Yanda, WR Steve Smith Sr., S Eric Weddle, NT Brandon Williams, OLB Elvis Dumervil
Starters who should be upgraded: OT Rick Wagner, RB Justin Forsett
The Ravens have been up and down in these rankings over the past few seasons, highlighting the inconsistent nature of several of their players. No one highlights that inconsistency more than quarterback Joe Flacco, who can look elite in some games and completely replaceable in others. Yanda is the best guard in the league at the moment, but he is more and more alone on an offensive line that has lost talent and saw a complete nose dive in performance from some players. Rookie Ronnie Stanley needs to hit the ground running to improve this group, and recent draft history of linemen suggests that is unlikely.
The Ravens' defense still has talented players, but many of them did not back it up on the field in 2015. Cornerback Jimmy Smith and linebacker C.J. Mosleyhad notable down seasons. The addition of Weddle gives Baltimore one of the league's most complete safeties, even at age 31.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Top five players: DT Gerald McCoy, WR Mike Evans, DE Robert Ayers, OT Demar Dotson, RB Doug Martin
Starters who should be upgraded: OC Joe Hawley, OG J.R. Sweezy, OT Donovan Smith, TE Luke Stocker, S Bradley McDougald
Jameis Winston showed the transformative effect a viable quarterback can have on a team's fortunes, but he can't hide every ill on a team that still has significant holes. The offensive line is an issue, and PFF does not see Sweezy as a player who will improve it. He has graded negatively in each of his four seasons in the league, getting progressively worse over the past three. He allowed five sacks and 35 total pressures in 2015.
The defense has added talent, but PFF is again at odds with the general perception when it comes to linebacker Kwon Alexander, who is among the most athletically gifted players at his position, but parlays that to being out of position quicker than almost any other linebacker in the NFL. Alexander was graded negatively last season, and he led all linebackers with 27 missed tackles.
19. Atlanta Falcons
Top five players: WR Julio Jones, CB Desmond Trufant, QB Matt Ryan, OC Alex Mack, OT Ryan Schraeder
Starters who should be upgraded: CB Jalen Collins, LB Sean Weatherspoon, LB Paul Worrilow, WR Mohamed Sanu, TE Jacob Tamme
It seems every offseason the Falcons attempt to remake their roster in a new image. The offensive line has improved, especially with the offseason signing of Mack. But their latest wide receiver additions to try to give Jones some help are questionable. Sanu's best attribute might be his throwing arm -- not ideal for a wideout -- and Justin Hardy didn't show much as a rookie.
Defensively, the front four is a group of solid if unspectacular players, with Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley the cause for optimism heading into their sophomore seasons. The Falcons are thin at linebacker, and in the secondary, only Trufant is able to consistently win his matchups.
20. Tennessee Titans
Top five players: DT Jurrell Casey, TE Delanie Walker, S Da'Norris Searcy, LB Wesley Woodyard, OLB Brian Orakpo
Starters who should be upgraded: OG Chance Warmack, OT Jeremiah Poutasi, LB Avery Williamson, CB Brice McCain
The Titans are another team with fortunes largely tied to the development of young players. They passed up the opportunity to take the best player in the draft by trading out of the No. 1 spot to collect more picks, and instead picked offensive tackle Jack Conklin in the middle of the first round. Quarterback Marcus Mariota, wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham and rookie safety Kevin Byard, in particular, could be key players who determine how good this roster looks in the future, but at the moment, there are too many unknown quantities to rank any higher.
The Titans' defense has had an injection of young talent, but they are subpar at cornerback. The defensive front needs support and is still too reliant on Casey.
21. Washington Redskins
Top five players: OT Trent Williams, CB Josh Norman, TE Jordan Reed, DE Chris Baker, OLB Ryan Kerrigan
Starters who should be upgraded: OC Kory Lichtensteiger, LB Perry Riley, LB Mason Foster
Washington landed one of the coups of the offseason when Norman unexpectedly became available in April. He adds a legitimate, elite-level coverage player to a secondary that has shown ability, particular in the development of Bashaud Breeland. The Redskins' front seven has several good players, and overall, this defense could be an impressive unit in 2016.
On offense, Kirk Cousins cemented himself as the starter at quarterback, and there is enough talent for this team to be very good. Rookie wideout Josh Doctson has the ability to become an elite target, but he'll need time. The only major issue is in the middle of the offensive line, where Lichtensteiger was poor and banged up in 2015, causing major problems to the offense as a whole. The Redskins could move up this list rapidly if he can find his best form again, or if they can find an upgrade.
22. San Diego Chargers
Top five players: CB Jason Verrett, QB Philip Rivers, CB Casey Hayward, WR Keenan Allen, LB Denzel Perryman
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Manti Te'o, OT D.J. Fluker, S Jahleel Addae, S Dwight Lowery, DE Corey Liuget
San Diego has some talent, but several starters are average at best. Verrett, for instance, is one of the league's best young corners, while Perryman was excellent against the run as a rookie. On offense, Allen is an excellent receiver and Matt Slauson should be a good acquisition at center, but there are issues in other spots. Rivers, meanwhile, just isn't capable of elevating enough players for it to matter.
Adding Joey Bosa has the potential to be a big boost for the defense, and if nothing else, cutting loose some of their poorer players can't hurt, but this is a team with a long way to go to contend in the tough AFC West.
23. New York Jets
Top five players: DE Muhammad Wilkerson, DT Sheldon Richardson, DT Leonard Williams, WR Brandon Marshall, CB Darrelle Revis
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Erin Henderson, OT Breno Giacomini, OG Brian Winters, QB Geno Smith, LB Lorenzo Mauldin, CB Buster Skrine
The strength of this team is still up front, despite the departure of defensive tackle Damon Harrison in free agency. Wilkerson, Richardson and Williams give the Jets three versatile, talented disruptive players.There are some pieces around them, too, including Revis, who is still a fine player despite an inevitable decline.
The Jets' offense is held back by issues up front and at quarterback, which is not likely to be solved by the addition of rookie Christian Hackenberg, who had negative PFF grades in all three years at Penn State.
24. Detroit Lions
Top five players: CB Darius Slay, DE Ezekiel Ansah, WR Golden Taint, RB Theo Riddick, NT Haloti Ngata
Starters who should be upgraded: OC Travis Swanson, TE Eric Ebron, S Rafael Bush, CB Nevin Lawson
Calvin Johnson's retirement is a huge loss for the Lions. He was their best player and is the type of weapon who can't be replaced. Ansah and Slay are both talented, young players on the cusp of greatness, but there is too much poor play surrounding them on defense.
Offensively, the O-line has some solid young pieces, but it hasn't shown cohesion yet. If each linemen develops and plays to his potential, this unit actually has the ability to be much better. It's a problem right now, however, making life more difficult for quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is not the kind of passer who can overcome consistent pressure. In 2015, Stafford's passer rating under no pressure was 108.7, but it tumbled almost 40 points to 69.3 when he felt heat. He was pressured on 35 percent of his dropbacks.
25. New York Giants
Top five players: WR Odell Beckham Jr., DE Olivier Vernon, DT Damon Harrison, DE Jason Pierre-Paul, DT Johnathan Hankins
Starters who should be upgraded: OT Ereck Flowers, OG John Jerry, OT Marshall Newhouse, TE Larry Donnell, DE Devon Kennard, LB Keenan Robinson, S Landon Collins
The Giants are all-in on the 2016 season after the biggest free-agent spending spree in the league earlier this offseason. They have brought in a lot of talent -- and upside -- but the bust potential of this group is high. Last season, Vernon played like a candidate for defensive player of the year in the final eight games of the season, but that stretch is a massive departure from his career baseline. In the first half of last season, he notched only 24 total pressures.
The biggest issue is on the offensive line, however. Flowers, playing on a bad ankle, was a disaster as a rookie on the left side. The ankle may be better heading into 2016, but he remains at left tackle, giving the Giants one of the most worrying pair of tackles in the NFL in Flowers and Newhouse. The two combined to surrender 10 sacks and 120 total pressures last season. For comparison, the entire Dallas O-line allowed just 108.
26. Miami Dolphins
Top five players: DT Ndamukong Suh, S Reshad Jones, DE Cameron Wake, WR Jarvis Landry, QB Ryan Tannehill
Starters who should be upgraded: OG Billy Turner, TE Jordan Cameron, LB Jelani Jenkins, DT Earl Mitchell
The issue with Miami was always going to be what Suh's mammoth contract -- which included almost $60 million guaranteed -- did to the rest of the roster. He played arguably his best football in Miami last season, but he will never be J.J. Watt and will never come close to justifying that deal. Miami is now squeezed against the cap and needs to make decisions that make financial sense, which will hurt the team on the field.
The defense features multiple reclamation projects such as Mario Williams on the D-line, Kiko Alonso at linebacker and Byron Maxwell at cornerback, while some of the recent additions to the offense have yet to fulfill their promise. Running back Lamar Miller was underused in Miami, but his departure still marks a notable drop in talent at the position.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars
Top five players: DL Malik Jackson, WR Allen Robinson, OT Kelvin Beachum, CB Prince Amukamara, RB Chris Ivory
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Paul Posluszny, S Johnathan Cyprien, OG Mackenzy Bernadeau, OG A.J. Cann
The Jaguars were No. 32 on this list a year ago, but they have made major additions to the roster since then. They could soar up the rankings over the next few years, but because much of the added talent is in the form of rookies or unknown quantities -- such as former No. 3 overall pick Dante Fowler Jr. -- we simply can't credit them for the improvement just yet. If Fowler, Jalen Ramsey, Myles Jack & Co. all play to their potential, the Jaguars have added a series of dynamic studs to complement free-agent acquisition Malik Jackson, but right now, that remains a big "if."
Whether that group reaches its potential, the team has not done enough to improve the offensive line. Its best player, Beachum, is coming off a torn ACL.
28. Indianapolis Colts
Top five players: CB Vontae Davis, WR T.Y. Hilton, OG Jack Mewhort, OT Anthony Castonzo, OLB Trent Cole
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Erik Walden, OG Hugh Thornton, LB D'Qwell Jackson, DT David Parry
The strategy of Andrew Luck carrying a lackluster roster came off the rails in a major way in 2015. The team's free-agency strategy of collecting aging former studs also failed to pay dividends, with only running back Frank Gore providing much value. There were a few bright spots, however. Rookie Henry Andersonwas having an excellent season before injury ended it prematurely, and players such as Hilton, Davis and Castonzo are still quality starters. They just need a little more help.
29. Los Angeles Rams
Top five players: DT Aaron Donald, DE Robert Quinn, DE William Hayes, RB Todd Gurley, CB Trumaine Johnson
Starters who should be upgraded: OT Greg Robinson, OC Tim Barnes, LB Alec Ogletree, OG Jamon Brown
In Donald, the Rams have the top player in PFF's 2015 Top 101, but like the Texans and Watt, one man doesn't make a roster. The quarterback problem could be solved quickly if Jared Goff proves to be the guy, but outside of him and Gurley, there is practically nothing of proven quality on offense. Robinson has been one of the biggest draft busts of recent memory, surrendering 43 total pressures last season. He has also given up 10 sacks and been flagged 26 times over the past two years.
The defensive line is still a strong unit, but depth is an issue.
30. Chicago Bears
Top five players: LB Pernell McPhee, WR Alshon Jeffery, LB Jerrell Freeman, LB Danny Trevathan, OL Kyle Long
Starters who should be upgraded: OG Ted Larsen, OT Bobby Massie, TE Rob Housler, OT Charles Leno
The Bears might be expected to be higher on this list, but the negatives on this roster are fatal flaws. The offensive line was a disaster a year ago and might not be much better this year. Long being back at guard should at least help. Kevin White could make a major impact at receiver, but at the moment, he is a complete unknown.
The defense is moving in the right direction, but it is weakest in the most important area -- coverage. Kyle Fuller might be their best player in the secondary, and he has been average at best so far in his career, allowing five touchdowns in each of his first two seasons.
31. Cleveland Browns
Top five players: OT Joe Thomas, OG Joel Bitonio, OG John Greco, RB Duke Johnson Jr., TE Gary Barnidge
Starters who should be upgraded: OL Cameron Erving, LB Demario Davis, LB Christian Kirksey, LB Paul Kruger
This roster will be defined by its rookie class -- all 14 of them. The Browns are in a major rebuilding mode with a completely new power structure in the front office, and all we can tell about that strategy at the moment is that they are casting the net far and wide.
There are glimmers of hope for quarterback Robert Griffin III, who will get to work with Hue Jackson, but Griffin needs to show major improvement from the end of his tenure in Washington. Thomas remains the best left tackle in the league, but there is precious little proven talent anywhere else on the roster. PFF was a fan of several of the players the Browns drafted, so this roster could turn around in a hurry. On paper, however, it is an ugly-looking roster.
32. San Francisco 49ers
Top five players: OT Joe Staley, LB NaVorro Bowman, NT Ian Williams, DE Arik Armstead, LB Aaron Lynch
Starters who should be upgraded: LB Ahmad Brooks, OT Erik Pears, OC Daniel Kilgore, QB Blaine Gabbert, LB Michael Wilhoite, WR Quinton Patton
The 49ers aren't far removed from having one of the league's best rosters. They were once being complimented for being so loaded that they could essentially draft "redshirt" prospects like running back Marcus Lattimore. That depth -- and talent -- unraveled in a hurry and has not been helped by a series of retirements by some of their best players. DeForest Buckner has the potential to make an immediate impact and turn around the defensive front, but he's only a rookie. The rest of the defense is in turmoil, too, with Bowman the only tried and tested performer. He was far from good a year ago despite racking up tackle numbers.
The offensive line, once the bedrock of the offense, is now really just Staley and a collection of below-average starters. Rookie Josh Garnett could add some quality eventually. At quarterback, Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick will battle, which speaks for itself as to how far the 49ers
