2012 NFL Power Rankings | Pre-NFL Draft Edition
NFL fans want to know the state of their favorite team at all times. That’s just their nature. It’s especially the case when they came up short for the Super Bowl the previous season. That desire to know if they’re one step closer to glory increases after free agency, intensifies after the NFL Combine, and erupts into a frenzy when the NFL Draft finally begins.
We’re still a few days away from the volcano coming. But even then you won’t have all the answers you’re looking for. No, you’ll still have months and months of waiting, researching, observing, and even hoping.
But for today, Earth Day, no less, we’ll take a look at where your beloved roster of gridiron warriors stand. After all, free agency is a thing of the past and most of the scouting is done. So, for the moment, we know who made up some ground, and who still has their work cut out for them.
Here’s my current take on how each team fits into our 2012 NFL Power Rankings prior to the 2012 NFL Draft:
Note: Records listed from last season (2011).
1.
Green Bay Packers (15-1)
They were the best team in the league and still are. The brutal truth is they sat their starters in week 16, had a bye, and came in against the Giants half asleep. They’ll remember that all off-season.
2.
New England Patriots (13-3)
I’m not the least bit worried about their offense. It’s making sure their defense plays like it did in the playoffs for all of 2012 is what I’m worried about.
3.
New York Giants (9-7)
They’re not a regular season team. Get it in your head. And that’s why they’re not number one. They may finish number one every now and then, but they’re not a dominant team for about 75% of the year.
4. 
San Francisco 49ers (13-3)
Their passing game was a little suspect, so they added Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. They also held onto Alex Smith, who was pretty darn good for almost all of 2011. But the biggest plus continues to be Jim Harbaugh. This guy really knows what he’s doing.
5.
Baltimore Ravens (12-4)
They’re aging and could come crumbling down at any moment, but as they stand, they’re still true contenders. Adding some fresh legs at linebacker and safety would be a fantastic idea, though.
6.
New Orleans Saints (13-3)
Who doesn’t love their talent? The problem is, Drew Brees isn’t under contract and Sean Payton can’t talk to his team until next February. It may not cripple them, but it certainly doesn’t help them, either.
7.
Houston Texans (10-6)
Matt Schaub returning to health is great, but losing Mario Williams isn’t. On the docket: finding an extra pass-rusher for the rotation, as well as a quality receiver to take some pressure off of Andre Johnson.
8.
Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
Pittsburgh regressed down the stretch last year and showed their age. They’ll have to add some youth and overall depth at key positions in this year’s draft to avoid missing a beat again.
9.
Detroit Lions (10-6)
As long as Matthew Stafford stays healthy, the sky is the limit for this offense. The rest hangs on a defense that should only be getting better.
10. 
Atlanta Falcons (10-6)
Atlanta is extremely talented, but I still view them as a very soft team. They belong in the top-10, but you never know how long they’ll actually stay there.
11. 
Chicago Bears (8-8)
Jay Cutler got a new toy in Brandon Marshall and the Bears signed Matt Forte-holdout-insurance in Michael Bush. A few depth adds on defense, and Chicago could possibly be taking another trip to the NFC title game.
12.
Denver Broncos (8-8)
Getting Peyton Manning is a pretty big deal. On paper, they’re title contenders right away as long as he stays healthy.
13. 
Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)
Philly made DeSean Jackson happy, which is a good omen for the offense in 2012. Now they just have to fix that sloppy defense.
14. 
San Diego Chargers (8-8)
Losing Vincent Jackson definitely hurts, but they added some new pieces and are still one of the most talented teams from an overall stand-point. Regardless, this is Norv Turner’s last chance to make it happen.
15.
Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
Tony Romo stepped away from the golf course and it finally looks like he and his teammates are truly dedicated to making a deep run.
16.
New York Jets (8-8)
I like the addition of Tim Tebow, but this team is going nowhere if they don’t stick with just one quarterback. Commit to Tebow now, or forever hold your peace.
17. 
Carolina Panthers (6-10)
Cam Newton and this offense are very much on the rise. Whether this team makes any real noise in 2012, however, hinges completely on the defense progressing.
18. 
Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)
I believe in Andy Dalton, A.J. Green, and a balanced defense. I’m not sold on suddenly unproven rushing attack, though.
19. 
Arizona Cardinals (8-8)
The defense is ready and willing, and the offense has some nice pieces. It all comes down to Kevin Kolb living up to his insane contract.
20.
Tennessee Titans (9-7)
I love Jake Locker. He should beat out Hasselbeck and keep the Titans in the mix for a wild card spot for the second year in a row. The real Chris Johnson returning in 2012 wouldn’t hurt, either.
21. 
Buffalo Bills (6-10)
If Mario Williams and Mark Anderson can’t fix this pathetic pass-rush, nothing will.
22. 
Seattle Seahawks (7-9)
Their defense keeps rising and Marshawn Lynch is back. If Matt Flynn can prove to be the real deal (and I think he will), then Pete Carroll and co. might contend for another NFC West title.
23. 
Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)
Love the defense. Love the running game. Intrigued by the talent at wide receiver. Hate the quarterback.
24. 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12)
Landing Vincent Jackson in free agency will really open up this offense. At the very least, we’ll see which version of Josh Freeman over the past two years is the one we’re getting for the long haul. Probably.
25. 
Miami Dolphins (6-10)
The defense is OK and the offensive line will allow them to run well again. But no Brandon Marshall and a bunch of average quarterbacks spell an ultimate defeat. They must get their franchise quarterback in this draft.
Washington Redskins (5-11)27. 
Oakland Raiders (8-8)
I like the new regime, but I don’t love their chances of being competitive for the third year in a row. They have some talent on offense, but it’ll be a shock to see 50% of their play-makers stay healthy for most of the year.
28. 
Minnesota Vikings (3-13)
29. 
St. Louis Rams (2-14)
Jeff Fisher alone keeps this team out of the bottom three. Sam Bradford’s progress in his third offense in three years will tell us the rest.
Indianapolis Colts (2-14)31. 
Cleveland Browns (4-12)
They lost Peyton Hillis and they still don’t have a single reliable offensive play-maker. Solving that in the draft could bump them up a few spots.
32. 
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)
Is Blaine Gabbert still their starting quarterback? Yeah, that’s what I thought.
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