NFL Power Rankings: Every team's biggest question entering training camp
With NFL training camps set to kick off, we assess each team's biggest question (rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors).
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / GettyPost-draft rank: 1
How does the WR pecking order shake out? Luckily for the Chiefs, all their WRs will catch passes from Patrick Mahomes. Unfortunately, some will catch more passes than others. Kansas City has a logjam at receiver with Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, Rashee Rice, Richie James, and Justyn Ross in the mix. Toney, Valdes-Scantling, and Moore will likely make up the top three, but what happens in the back half of the depth chart is anyone's guess.
2. Philadelphia EaglesPost-draft rank: 2
Are the linebackers good enough? With T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White gone, the Eagles are banking on Nakobe Dean to shine as their No. 1 inside linebacker. After falling to the third round in 2022 due to medical concerns, Dean - one of the top defenders of his draft class - is expected to be a cornerstone of Philly's defense. Nicholas Morrow is the front-runner to start next to him, with Christian Elliss presumably also an option. It'll be interesting to see if new defensive coordinator Sean Desai can maximize the talents of unproven players in his care.
3. Cincinnati BengalsPost-draft rank: 3
Who steps up at safety? The Bengals have two gigantic holes at safety after losing Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell this offseason. Two starters will emerge out of a group that consists of Dax Hill, Nick Scott, and Jordan Battle, but the departure of Bates and Bell leaves a huge amount of experience and talent to replace.
4. San Francisco 49ersPost-draft rank: 4
When will Brock Purdy return? Purdy took the NFL by storm and helped San Francisco reach the NFC title game after the team turned to him under center in Week 13. However, he completely tore the UCL in his throwing elbow in January, and it's unclear if he'll be ready for Week 1. Purdy is expected to be San Francisco's QB1 when he's cleared to play, but Trey Lance or Sam Darnold will lead the offense until Purdy returns.
5. New York Jets
Rich Schultz / Getty Images Sport / GettyPost-draft rank: 6
Where does Mekhi Becton figure in? Aaron Rodgers will dominate the headlines throughout training camp, but the Jets have another pressing issue. What do they do with Becton? The former No. 11 pick has played in just one game since 2021. He likely won't land the left tackle gig, but there will be a lot of competition for the right tackle job with Becton, Max Mitchell, and Billy Turner in the mix.
6. Miami DolphinsPost-draft rank: 8
What can be made of the offensive line? There is a lot in limbo on the Dolphins' O-line. Mainly, there's no clear answer as to who will emerge as the starting left guard and right tackle. Liam Eichenberg is the front-runner at LG, but newcomer Isaiah Wynn could seriously challenge him. The versatile Wynn could also figure into the RT battle between Austin Jackson and Cedric Ogbuehi.
7. Buffalo BillsPost-draft rank: 5
Is the Stefon Diggs issue in the rearview mirror? According to Josh Allen, the Diggs drama was overblown by the media. But it was abundantly clear throughout the offseason that there were issues to work out between the Bills and their top receiver. Head coach Sean McDermott says everything has been resolved, but we'll see if that holds true throughout training camp.
8. Baltimore RavensPost-draft rank: 12
How will the offense jell? The Ravens were serious about getting their offense right for Lamar Jackson. Not only did they make him $260 million richer, but they also brought in dynamic wideouts Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers while also replacing offensive coordinator Greg Roman for Todd Monken. Expectations will be sky-high for the Monken-led offense.
9. Dallas CowboysPost-draft rank: 7
What to expect from the new-look offense? The Cowboys parted ways with running back Ezekiel Elliott and tight end Dalton Schultz and traded for receiver Brandin Cooks. Plus, the team let coordinator Kellen Moore go, leaving head coach Mike McCarthy in charge of play-calling duties. McCarthy had a similar role in his previous stint with the Packers but left Green Bay under heavy criticism due to his uncreative offense. He'll be under a lot of pressure in 2023.
10. Los Angeles Chargers
Rob Carr / Getty Images Sport / GettyPost-draft rank: 9
Can Kellen Moore bring Justin Herbert to new heights? The Chargers moved on from Joe Lombardi after his offense regressed in scoring. To replace him, they brought in Moore, who pushed the Cowboys to the top of the league in scoring in two of his four seasons as offensive coordinator. His task will be to replicate that success with Herbert and the rest of the Chargers' offense. Herbert is no stranger to big numbers, but he's still searching for his first playoff win after L.A. infamously imploded last postseason.
11. Seattle SeahawksPost-draft rank: 10
When will Jamal Adams and Jordyn Brooks return? Unlike last year, Seattle starts training camp without contract drama, so key veterans' health is its biggest question. Adams underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn quadriceps tendon after Week 1 in 2022, and there's some optimism the star safety could be ready for the start of camp. The Seahawks are also waiting for Brooks, whose return timetable is uncertain after the linebacker tore his ACL in January.
12. Jacksonville JaguarsPost-draft rank: 13
Can Calvin Ridley regain his form? The Jaguars took a big risk in acquiring Ridley from the Falcons while he was suspended. He's now reinstated and ready to catch passes from Trevor Lawrence, one of the highest-rising quarterbacks in the league. But can Ridley, who has been out of action since halfway through the 2021 campaign, be the dynamic receiver he was in Atlanta? If he can, he'll be able to take this Jaguars' offense to the next level.
13. Detroit LionsPost-draft rank: 15
Was Detroit right about its rookie class? The Lions stole the headlines in this year's draft by selecting a running back (Jahmyr Gibbs) and an off-ball linebacker (Jack Campbell) in the top 20. In what could be great steals, Detroit then scooped tight end Sam LaPorta and safety Brian Branch in Round 2. Their draft haul also includes third-round quarterback Hendon Hooker, who likely would've been drafted higher if he hadn't suffered a torn ACL in November. It'll be fascinating to see what Detroit gets from its rookies in their first training camp.
14. New York GiantsPost-draft rank: 11
Will Saquon Barkley attend? The deadline for teams to sign franchise-tagged players to multi-year extensions passed, and Barkley doesn't have a new deal. That means N.Y. will most likely start camp without its top offensive playmaker. Barkley, who's coming off one of the best campaigns of his career, can either play on a one-year deal or sit out for the season - an option he hasn't ruled out.
15. Cleveland Browns
Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / GettyPost-draft rank: 18
How will Deshaun Watson look in Year 2? Watson's first year in Cleveland was below average, if not disappointing. He completed under 60% of his passes for seven touchdowns and threw five picks. The Browns gave him a few more receivers in Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman hoping that it'll help Watson regain his Pro Bowl form.
16. Pittsburgh SteelersPost-draft rank: 16
Who will be the starting LT? The Steelers will have a lot of new faces on their revamped offense but, in training camp, a majority of the eyes will be on the man who protects Kenny Pickett's blind side. The two competitors fighting for that title are first-round pick Broderick Jones and third-year pro Dan Moore Jr. The rookie might have a leg up in the battle, but don't discount Moore entering Week 1 as the starter.
17. Minnesota VikingsPost-draft rank: 14
What can we expect from Brian Flores' defense? Minnesota hired Flores as coordinator this season after ranking 28th in points allowed in 2022. But it's unclear if the Vikings are talented enough defensively, given the unit's lack of star power and depth after losing Za'Darius Smith and Dalvin Tomlinson. Plus, Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter's future with the team remains uncertain.
18. New Orleans SaintsPost-draft rank: 17
Will Michael Thomas be a full-go? New year, old problem. New Orleans will start camp without knowing how healthy its most accomplished receiver is. Injuries limited Thomas to 10 regular-season appearances in the last three seasons. With Chris Olave coming off a 1,000-yard rookie season, the Saints could have one of football's premier WR duos if Thomas is fully healthy.
19. New England PatriotsPost-draft rank: 20
Will Mac Jones rebound? The 2022 season was difficult for the former 2021 first-round pick. As expected, Jones struggled to take the next step without a true offensive coordinator as Matt Patricia handled play-calling. Patricia is now gone and Bill O'Brien has stepped in as the official offensive coordinator, which the Patriots hope will get Jones back on track.
20. Denver Broncos
Matthew Stockman / Getty Images Sport / GettyPost-draft rank: 22
Can Sean Payton fix Russell Wilson? It was an overly bumpy ride for the Broncos and Wilson in 2022 as the veteran set new career lows in completion percentage, passing touchdowns, and passer rating. Denver got Wilson a new co-pilot in the hopes of addressing the problem. That new leader is none other than Payton, who has earned his reputation as one of the brightest offensive minds the NFL has ever seen. There's a lot riding on Wilson regaining his form, but Payton could be the perfect person to help him.
21. Tennessee TitansPost-draft rank: 25
Is the pressure on for Ryan Tannehill? Tannehill has been the Titans' starter for the better portion of the last four seasons and still hasn't won a playoff game since his first year. Making matters worse, the 2022 campaign was his least productive year in Tennessee and the Titans drafted passer Will Levis in the second round. So, in the final year of his contract, just how long a leash will Tannehill have? At least the veteran will have a new No. 1 weapon as he tries to bounce back: Tennessee recently signed DeAndre Hopkins to a two-year contract.
22. Washington CommandersPost-draft rank: 19
Are Sam Howell and Eric Bieniemy ready? Washington will have a new quarterback and offensive coordinator in Howell and Bieniemy, respectively, and they both have a lot to prove. Howell, a fifth-round rookie in 2022, has only one start on his resume, while Bieniemy joined the Commanders this offseason after several years in Kansas City. With support from Andy Reid and Mahomes, Bieniemy helped the Chiefs build a juggernaut. Now he has a chance to call plays and help an inexperienced QB build a sparkling new offense.
23. Carolina PanthersPost-draft rank: 26
How ready is Bryce Young? All eyes will be on Young at camp. The Alabama stud enters the NFL surrounded by sky-high expectations as this year's first overall pick. The 21-year-old doesn't have many flaws in his game, but some around the league believe his frame - he weighs in at 5-foot-10 and 204 pounds - will be an issue in the pros. Training camp will give us a better idea of what to expect from Young, who turned heads at minicamp.
24. Las Vegas RaidersPost-draft rank: 23
How is Jimmy Garoppolo's health? Garoppolo's foot injury from last season is still lingering into 2023, and the Raiders included a provision in his contract that allows them to release him if he doesn't pass a physical. Expectations aren't high for Las Vegas this season, but if Garoppolo doesn't pass his medicals, this squad could be comically bad.
25. Chicago Bears
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPost-draft rank: 31
Where will the pass rush come from? Everyone will be looking at the Justin Fields-led offense during the season, but Chicago's biggest question at camp is actually on the defensive side. Safety Jaquan Brisker led the team with four sacks in 2022, but the Bears didn't add any big-time pass-rushers this year. The club's edge rusher depth chart currently doesn't have any player with more than eight single-season sacks: it features DeMarcus Walker, Rasheem Green, Trevis Gipson, and Dominique Robinson, among others. Chicago did use a pair of Round 2 picks on interior linemen Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens, but pressuring opposing QBs may be an issue for the Bears.
26. Green Bay PackersPost-draft rank: 27
What should we expect from Jordan Love? The Love era in Green Bay kicks off with plenty of uncertainty, and training camp will give us an idea of the inexperienced fourth-year passer's comfort level with Matt LaFleur's offensive system. The 2020 first-round pick has started only one game in his NFL career. He now has to replace Rodgers in an offense that doesn't roster any wide receiver with more than a year of NFL experience.
27. Los Angeles RamsPost-draft rank: 21
Can the rookies step up? The Rams currently roster more than 30 rookies, and their depth chart will mostly feature unproven players in 2023, including an all-rookie group of special teams. Yes, Aaron Donald, Matthew Stafford, and Cooper Kupp are still there, but all of them are coming off injury-plagued campaigns and their health will also be in question at camp. A good mix of youth and experience is crucial, so training camp will show if the Rams - who went 5-12 last season - are on the right path.
28. Atlanta FalconsPost-draft rank: 28
What will the offense look like? Desmond Ridder is taking over as QB1 with several exciting playmakers around him. The Falcons used a top-10 pick on Bijan Robinson, adding him to a backfield that also features Tyler Allgeier - a 1,000-yard rusher last year - and Cordarrelle Patterson, a versatile weapon in both the passing and running game. Out wide, Drake London and Kyle Pitts headline a receiving room that welcomed Scott Miller, Mack Hollins, and Jonnu Smith this year. Arthur Smith now has to figure out how to use all of his weapons.
29. Tampa Bay BuccaneersPost-draft rank: 24
Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask? After three years with Tom Brady, Tampa Bay enters training camp with major questions at quarterback, as Mayfield and Trask compete for the starting role. Mayfield - the 2018 first overall pick - is trying to revive his career on his fourth different team in three seasons, while Trask has attempted only nine passes since being drafted in 2021. This competition didn't look very exciting for Bucs fans earlier this offseason.
30. Indianapolis Colts
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyPost-draft rank: 29
How long until we see Anthony Richardson under center? It's not a matter of if but when Richardson will take over the starting job. Though he entered the league labeled as a true project, the easiest way to get him up to speed is giving him valuable experience. It's not like the obstacle in front of him is insurmountable, as the former Florida prospect will only be competing against Gardner Minshew.
31. Houston TexansPost-draft rank: 30
How will the highly anticipated newcomers perform? For the first time in a long time, there's serious buzz around the Texans, and the reason for that is the new faces around the team. On the sideline, DeMeco Ryans takes over as head coach after a stellar performance as the 49ers defensive coordinator. On defense, third overall pick Will Anderson gives Houston a serious edge rusher. But the biggest addition was No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud, the Texans' biggest quarterback prospect since Deshaun Watson.
32. Arizona CardinalsPost-draft rank: 32
Who steps up in the WR depth chart? This is one of many questions for the Cardinals, who hired a rookie head coach in Jonathan Gannon and aren't expected to have Kyler Murray available at the start of the season. But Arizona's biggest roster question is at wide receiver. Marquise Brown is taking over the No. 1 role and has big shoes to fill after the Cardinals released Hopkins. Then there's a battle for the No. 2 spot involving Rondale Moore, Greg Dortch, and third-round rookie Michael Wilson, among others.
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