Happy Friday everyone and welcome back to Harris’s Sports World. Finally, here are my Top 10 NFC teams for this season!
#5 - THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS - IS BEING GOOD, GOOD ENOUGH?
At number 5, the Seattle Seahawks have made notable improvements to their roster. With Geno Smith as their new quarterback, they managed to secure a playoff spot last year and had a respectable regular season. Building upon their success, they have strengthened their wide receiver core with the likes of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
In the first round of the draft, the Seahawks selected Jackson Smith-Njigba with the 20th pick. He brings great size and speed to the team, making him a potential deep threat down the field. Additionally, they also have Kenneth Walker III, who had an impressive rookie season and provided valuable support to Geno Smith by alleviating the need for constant passing.
Noah Fant serves as a reliable target for the Seahawks, offering a big presence on the field. However, the team's offensive line remains a major concern. The lackluster performance of the offensive line hindered the team's success during the previous season. While Charles Cross and Damian Lewis shine among the offensive linemen, the rest of the line is only average. This weakness will impacts the Seahawks' ranking, placing them at number five.
Turning to the defense, the Seahawks have made some intriguing additions. Devon Witherspoon was chosen with the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft to solidify their cornerback position. His lockdown abilities improve the team's depth, and paired with Tariq Woolen, they create a formidable duo. Furthermore, the acquisitions of Devin Bush and Bobby Wagner give the Seahawks a strong linebacking corps. Jordan Brooks and Nwosu further bolster the team's talent in this area.
The safety position is another strength for the Seahawks. They wisely signed Julian Love in free agency as a backup safety to provide depth behind superstar Jamal Adams, who has been prone to injuries. Additionally, Quandre Diggs adds to the quality of the safety group, making it even more impressive.
However, a weak point for the team lies in their defensive line. While Dre'Mont Jones was brought in as a temporary solution, it exposes the overall weakness of the line. Opposing offenses may exploit this vulnerability, potentially causing problems for the Seahawks. Overall, the Seattle Seahawks have a good chance of performing well this season. However, concerns about the effectiveness of their offensive line still linger.
Nevertheless, they proved last year that they are capable of achieving success despite their weaknesses.
#4 THE NEW YORK GIANTS - WILL STRONG OFF-SEASON MOVES BECOME THE SECRET SAUCE?
Coming in at number 4 are the New York Giants. After a successful season, the team made some major changes in the offseason to improve their roster. One of the biggest moves they made was signing their quarterback, Daniel Jones, to a 4-year, $160 million deal with $82 million guaranteed. This solidifies Jones as the team's long-term option at quarterback, and they believe he can continue to improve.
The Giants also placed the franchise tag on running back Saquon Barkley, which may have been a mistake. Barkley is a talented and young player, and not paying him could potentially be detrimental to the team's success. Other teams may be interested in signing him when he becomes a free agent after this season.
In terms of defense, the Giants signed cornerback Amani Oruwariye, who had a decent season with the Lions. While he may not be a star player, he provides depth to the Giants' cornerback position.
The team also focused on adding wide receivers in the offseason. They signed Jimmy Crowder from the Bills on a one-year deal, adding to their already talented group of wide receivers including Parris Campbell, Sterling Shepard, Wanda Robinson, and Isaiah Hodges. These additions provide quarterback Daniel Jones with a multitude of weapons to utilize in the passing game.
One of the most significant moves in the offseason was trading a third-round pick for tight end Darren Waller. Despite previous injury concerns, Waller is highly regarded as one of the top tight ends in the league. He will give Jones a reliable target and elevate the Giants' offense in the passing game.
In the NFL draft, the Giants made some solid picks. In the first round, they selected cornerback Deonte Banks, who will add depth to the quarterback room and learn from veteran Adoree Jackson. In the second round, they picked center John Michael Schmitz, addressing the need for stronger offensive line play. In the third round, they selected speedy wide receiver Jaylen Hyatt, adding another weapon for Jones.
On the defensive side, the Giants have standout players like defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and defensive end Leonard Williams. They also acquired linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, who showed promise in his rookie season. The addition of young safety Isaiah Simmons further strengthens the defense with his versatility and athleticism.
Overall, the Giants made significant offseason moves to improve their roster. With the additions of talented players on offense and defense, they have the potential to become a dominant team in the NFC. While there may be skepticism about their ranking, the offseason acquisitions and draft picks give them a chance to compete at a high level.
#3 THE DALLAS COWBOYS - SETTING THEIR SITES ON SUCCESS
the Dallas Cowboys, Coming in at number 3; is widely recognized as America's Team. This ranking might not come as a surprise to many, given the team's historical prominence and fan base. While quarterback Dak Prescott had a somewhat underwhelming season last year, there is no doubt that he still possesses the skills to lead this team to a high seed in the NFC.
One of the reasons for Prescott's potential success is the presence of running back Tony Pollard. Pollard is not only an exceptional runner but also a great pass catcher who alleviates the pressure on Prescott to constantly rely on throwing the ball. Additionally, the Cowboys boast a strong receiving corps, led by talented wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Lamb has shown consistent improvement each year, particularly in his ability to make catches in traffic, which is immensely valuable for any offense. Another notable receiver is Michael Gallup, who, despite having a relatively underwhelming season, remains a solid third option with impressive speed.
In an effort to strengthen their receiving core, the Cowboys made a remarkable trade by acquiring Brandin Cooks for a modest price of a fifth-round pick in the recent draft and a sixth-round pick next year. Cooks brings with him a track record of 1,000-yard seasons under different quarterbacks, proving his ability to excel regardless of the circumstances. His addition will undoubtedly enhance the explosiveness of the already formidable Dallas offense.
Furthermore, the Cowboys' recent draft picks on the offensive side, such as Luke Schoonmaker in the second round and Deuce Vaughn in the sixth round, are expected to have an immediate impact. Schoonmaker, in particular, will likely receive numerous targets due to favorable matchups against opposing defenses, potentially leaving him open more often than not. On the other hand, Vaughn's great speed, despite his smaller stature, will provide valuable depth to the team's running game.
Turning to the defensive side, the Cowboys made a significant trade, acquiring Stephon Gilmore for a mere fifth-round pick. The combination of Gilmore and Trevon Diggs in the secondary is nothing short of intimidating. Gilmore still has plenty left in the tank, and together with Diggs, they form a formidable cornerback duo. This acquisition also strengthens the team's depth at the position, making it more challenging for opponents to consistently find success through the air.
Furthermore, the Cowboys have a strong defensive line, anchored by standout player DeMarcus Lawrence, who consistently puts up impressive numbers each season. Additionally, the signing of Johnathan Hankins as a defensive tackle fills a much-needed role on the Cowboys' defensive front. Mazi Smith, drafted with the 26th pick in the first round, further bolsters the defensive line and adds another dangerous piece to the puzzle.
The real superstar on the defensive side is Micah Parsons. Parsons makes a tremendous impact every time he steps on the field. Not only is he effective at rushing the quarterback and stopping the run, but he also excels in coverage. Parsons possesses all the necessary tools and continues to exceed expectations year after year, continually improving his game. With a formidable defense like this, the Cowboys have the potential to be one of the top teams in the NFC.
Moving on to the linebackers, the Cowboys have a decent group. Leighton Vander Esch has consistently been an average or slightly above-average player, providing stability to the unit. Damone Clark and Devin Harper are reliable role players who fulfill their responsibilities effectively. In terms of safeties, Donovan Wilson, Jayden Kearse, and even Malik Hooker are all solid players, ranging from average to slightly above average. Their presence significantly enhances the play of the secondary.
The Dallas Cowboys are poised to make a profound impact on the NFC due to their equally potent offense and defense. With a talented roster, strong offensive weapons, and a formidable defensive lineup, this team has the potential to make their opponents uncomfortable and emerge as a top contender. Keep an eye on the Cowboys as they set their sights on success in the upcoming season.
THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS - A SOLID FOUNDATION IN THE BATTLE FOR TOP SPOT
Rallying into the 2nd spot, the San Francisco 49ers have experienced a setback in their talent levels after a series of successful seasons. However, they still possess several strengths on the offensive side of the field. One notable asset is their running back room, led by the exceptional Christian McCaffery. McCaffery's versatility in both running and catching the ball has been instrumental to the team's achievements. Furthermore, their backup, Elijah Mitchell, adds great speed and elusiveness to the mix.
The wide receiver corps of the 49ers boasts impressive players such as Debo Samuel, who consistently showcases his potential each year. Additionally, Brandon Aiyuk stands out for his exceptional route-running skills and ability to excel against coverage. Nevertheless, their standout receiver is undoubtedly George Kittle, a massive player who is difficult to bring down and possesses a wide catch radius. Kittle provides a reliable target for quarterback Brock Purdy.
Speaking of Purdy, he had an impressive season with the 49ers. He has the opportunity to replicate his success from last year and potentially even improve upon it. However, the team's biggest weakness lies in their offensive line. Despite having a standout tackle in Trent Williams, the rest of the offensive line is relatively weak. While the line is passable, it lacks the same level of talent and consistency exhibited by Williams.
On the defensive side, the 49ers made a significant addition in free agency by acquiring Javon Hargrave, a talented defensive tackle known for his ability to stop the run. Another solid contributor is Jake Jackson, a decent defensive player. Arik Armstead, another defensive tackle, consistently produces good numbers and remains productive. However, the true superstar of the defense is Nick Bosa, a powerful, agile, and quick defensive end. Bosa possesses all the qualities necessary to become a major threat and has already established an impressive resume and statistical records.
The linebacking corps of the 49ers is equally formidable. Dre GreenLaw has proven to be a solid player, consistently putting up strong stats. He serves as an excellent complement to middle linebacker Fred Warner, who possesses unmatched skills against the run while also excelling in pass coverage. Warner's strength and athleticism further elevate his contributions to the team's defensive efforts.
Unfortunately, the secondary is the weak point of the defense, with Charvarius Ward being the only standout player. Tyler Hufanga had a better season than anticipated and deserved a spot on the All-Pro team, but was ultimately overlooked. The 49ers also acquired Tayshaun Gibson Sr. from free agency. Although he may have some remaining potential, it is unlikely that he will make a significant impact on the team's defense.
Overall, the San Francisco 49ers are a talented team with a strong chance of having another successful season. They will undoubtedly face tough competition in the battle for the top seed. Despite their weaknesses, the team's strengths, particularly on offense and in key positions on defense, provide a solid foundation for continued success.
#1 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES - WILL THERE BE ANOTHER IMPACTFUL CAMPAIGN FOR THIS WELL-ROUNDED TEAM?
It should come as no surprise that the Philadelphia Eagles are ranked number one. This team is filled with talent, starting with their quarterback, Jalen Hurts. He has proven to be both a great runner and passer, continuously improving each year. The addition of D'Andre Swift to their running back room only strengthens their offense. The Eagles made a smart move by acquiring Swift for a fourth-round pick, as he is expected to thrive behind their exceptional offensive line. Additionally, the team has reliable backups in Rashaad Penny, Kenneth Gainwell, and Boston Scott, all equally gifted players.
The wide receiver corps has also been bolstered, particularly by the addition of AJ Brown. Brown proved to be a valuable asset last season, helping Hurts improve his game. Furthermore, DeVonta Smith, the 2021 draft pick, has shown continuous improvement throughout his career. Quez Watkins adds speed and excellent route-running skills to the mix. Lastly, Dallas Goedert, the talented tight end, offers both size and reliability for Hurts.
Moving on to the offensive line, it is undoubtedly one of the best in the NFC. Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson provide exceptional talent at the tackle positions. The interior line is just as impressive, with Jason Kelce anchoring as a great center, while Lando Dickinson and Cam Jurgens showcase their skills as guards.This offensive line will be tough to surpass, making them a formidable force in the league.
Transitioning to the defensive line, it becomes apparent that the Eagles possess a formidable group of players. Brandon Graham is a reliable role player who consistently gets the job done. They traded up in the draft to secure Jalen Carter, an athletic and powerful player who is highly regarded as one of the top prospects in his draft class . Alongside Carter is Jordan Davis, drafted last year, a dominant defensive tackle who excels at stopping the run. Fletcher Cox has proven his worth throughout his career, consistently showcasing productivity on the field. Completing the line is Josh Sweat, an outside player who applies significant pressure to opposing quarterbacks.
While the linebacker corps may have some uncertainties, there are players who contribute effectively. Zach Cunningham fulfills his role without any superstar potential, but he gets the job done. Nakobe Dean, a young talent, has ample space to grow and improve, requiring patience from the team. The addition of Nolan Smith in the first round provides versatility to the linebacking group, excelling in both pass defense and run-stopping. Haason Reddick, considered one of the best pass rushers last year, adds another layer of fear to this strong linebacker corps.
Moving to the secondary, the Eagles boast a talented group of players. James Bradberry performed above average last season, contributing significantly to the team's success. Darius Slay is a top-tier corner in the league, showcasing his expertise on the field. Avonte Maddox serves as a dependable backup, providing valuable depth at the cornerback position. Keelee Ringo, drafted in the fourth round, adds another promising talent to bolster their cornerback depth. While the safety position may be average with Terrell Edmunds and Reed Blankenship as solid role players, the overall strength of the team compensates for any weaknesses.
The Philadelphia Eagles have assembled a well-rounded team, making them the best team in the NFC. From top to bottom, there are no noticeable weaknesses within their lineup. With their eyes set on another successful season, it's no wonder they reached the Super Bowl last year. The Philadelphia Eagles are poised to make yet another impactful campaign.
There it is! My NFC rankings for this season. Who is your favorite NFC team and where did they fall in my rankings? Do you agree? Where did I get it right or what did I leave out? Share your comments!
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