Post-draft Power Rankings: Patriots, Panthers remain on top7:30 AM ETESPN.comDan Graziano breaks down the latest release of the ESPN.com NFL Power Rankings, which were voted on by a group of ESPN's NFL experts.Everyone always says that the smartest NFL teams use the draft as a means of improving their spot in the early-May Power Rankings. So here they are, hot off the post-draft presses.Yes, it has been a long time since the post-Super Bowl Power Rankings we did in early February. Back then, Calvin Johnson was still in the league, the Broncos still had quarterbacks and the top two picks in the draft belonged to the Titans and Browns.A lot has happened this NFL offseason. So ESPN's NFL staff threw all 32 teams into the Power Rankings blender and came up with this delectable springtime smoothie. Here are my thoughts on the results. Enjoy.
by anti java, on Flickr1. New England Patriots2015 record: 12-4Post-free agency ranking: No. 1The top two teams have switched places since we did this in February, which tells you our voters are huge fans of either Josh Norman or Jimmy Garoppolo. Seriously, the Pats have averaged 12.5 wins a year for the past 13 years, so no one's going broke assuming they'll be good. But ... pass rush? Running game? The 2nd Circuit Court? Has this New England offseason really been that great?2. Carolina Panthers2015 record: 15-1Post-free agency ranking: No. 2It's easy to forget how good the Panthers were last year, mainly because no one ever seemed to buy it while it was happening. This is a team that could lose four games off its 2015 win total and still win its division by three. But Cam Newton should be fine with these rankings as long as he can't overhear any Patriots players explaining why they're ranked No. 1.3. Green Bay Packers2015 record: 10-6Post-free agency ranking: No. 6Key additions: DT Kenny Clark, OT Jason Spriggs. Key losses: Eddie Lacy's gut. Last year's Packers won 10 games without Jordy Nelson and more or less without Lacy. There are worse bets than Aaron Rodgers turning it around in 2016.4. Seattle Seahawks2015 record: 10-6Post-free agency ranking: No. 4Seattle Seahawks: Using three of your 10 draft picks on running backs doesn't scream, "We're sold on Thomas Rawls!" and it's hard to see how Russell Wilson can thrive behind this offensive line. But they didn't have Marshawn Lynch or a line last year, either, and Wilson led the league in passer rating because he's the NFL's Harry Potter.5. Arizona Cardinals2015 record: 13-3Post-free agency ranking: No. 3How are they not No. 1? What's not to like here? Just because Carson Palmer is 36 and went Full Delhomme in the NFC Championship Game doesn't change the fact that no team is both deeper and better coached. Underestimate now, but don't act all shocked in September when you look up and no one can cover all of their receivers.29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers2015 record: 6-10Post-free agency ranking: No. 28The Bucs fired their coach after their franchise quarterback's first season -- a move that looks patient by the Titans' standards but makes you wonder how close they believe themselves to be. If nothing else, this could be a fun developmental year for Jameis Winston and his receivers -- as long as the line can protect him.For the complete list.... http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15493927/nfl-power-rankings-new-england-patriots-carolina-panthers-top-green-bay-packers-behind
