2023 Pre-Draft Power Ranks

[Laimbeer40]

Thought it would be fun to take an early look at power rankings and then re-visit after draft and FA. Positional scoring on scale of 1-10 except TE which is 1-5.

AFC EAST

Buffalo
QB: 1 (This has to be a position of focus as Jameis is the best option at this point)
RB: 5.5 (Obviously J.Taylor is an A+ at one starting spot but he might be the only one getting carries on this roster)
WR: 5 (Tee Higgins is super solid. Can Chark bounce back? Can Hodgins continue to build on his strong finish? Agholor and Bourne are nice flex depth)
TE: 5 (Assume Mark Andrews keeps up his solid production but a lot changing in BAL. Juwan Johnson a nice TE2)
DEF: 8.5 (Studs include J.Bosa, Dugger, D.Buckner, Gardner-Johnson... D.Wise coming off career year and James Houston could be a gem)
Capital: 3 (Come into the season with zero draft picks and $22m in cap. GM has one year under her belt and made solid moves after inheriting a strong team)
TOTAL: 28

Indianapolis
QB: 6.5 (Daniel Jones ranked 11th last year. Was it for real? You can do worse than Jacoby Brissett as your backup)
RB: 6 (Nick Chubb is underrated. Brian Robinson, Chuba, Gus Edwards all add flex depth. Not sure a true RB2 is here)
WR: 2 (Parris Campbell can maybe be a WR2 but there isn't much else here)
TE: 2.5 (Noah Fant is a mid-range TE with some upside)
DEF: 7.5 (Studs include Cam Jordan, Jalen Ramsey, M.Judon and V.Miller. Jaelen Phillips is ascending)
Capital: 5 (13th pick in each round and $28m in cap. New GM to this league counts as an unknown quantity)
TOTAL: 29.5

Miami
QB: 7.5 (Dak is a strong starter who had injury shortened seasons in 2020 and 2022. Assuming he is healthy they are in good shape here)
RB: 5.5 (Mostert can hopefully be a starter but could be in a time share. Damien Harris has competition for snaps as well. D.Foreman was a nice pick up)
WR: 8 (Kupp is a true WR1 even coming back from injury. I have high hopes for Ridley to return strong. Agnew brings value as a returner. A.Pierce has a nice rookie yr)
TE: 3.5 (Texans TE's rarely do much but maybe Dalton Schultz can break that pattern back to the days of Owen Daniels. Tremble is a solid TE2)
DEF: 8.5 (Best DT's in the world with A.Donald and J.Simmons. Other studs include Pitre, Logan Wilson, F.Oluokun and Josh Allen)
Capital: 3 (Traded all of their picks and $17m in cap. Never seen Seannyboi in anything other than a rebuild so this will be interesting)
TOTAL: 36

New England
QB: 6.5 (On the unlikely chance Tua stays healthy this could be way low as a rating)
RB: 3 (Don't like D.Singletary's prospects sharing with D.Pierce in HOU. Poor CEH, his stock has plummeted. Z.Moss is maybe a Flex option)
WR: 7.5 (Super deep here. Amari Cooper is a WR1 in this deep of a league. Heck, Hollywood might be too. Z.Jones, R.Woods and Mooney all battle for WR3)
TE: 1.5 (All respect to Will Dissly but he is the backup on SEA at this point)
DEF: 6 (Roquan Smith is a stud. Then you have Anzalone & Kirksey to form a nice LB group. But DL is suspect and DB's have Demond King as the only reliable guy)
Capital: 2 (A couple of 5th rounders and only $4m in cap space. But you can expect the crafty GM to shake things up)
TOTAL: 26.5 

Tennessee
QB: 9.5 (Lamar Jackson has to find somewhere to play this season right? RIGHT? Even if he doesn't Geno can hold down the fort)
RB: 5 (Mixon should be solid if he manages to stop shooting trespassers. Zeke has to end up somewhere right? RIGHT?? Jeff Wilson should get carries in MIA)
WR: 5 (T.Lockett just keeps doing his thing. Underrated. Thielen will have every chance to step up as a WR2. V.Jefferson, N.Brown and T.Thornton are flex types with upside)
TE: 4.5 (Kittle looked like he re-gained his old form last season)
DEF: 10 (A ton of talent here including H.Reddick, B.Wagner, A.Highsmith, C.Young, J.Jewell and T.Hufanga. Some of the bench guys could easily start on other teams)
Capital: 5 (Got a mid-2nd pick and $5m in cap. Doesn't sound like much but they get a bump for having on of the GOAT GM's on the site)
TOTAL: 39

Outlook
TEN 39
MIA 36
IND 29.5
BUF 28 
NE 26.5

[Laimbeer40]

AFC CENTRAL

Baltimore
QB: 6 (Jordan Love is an unknown quantity but should get every opportunity to play)
RB: 7 (D.Pierce had an excellent rookie campaign. Cam Akers was a roller coaster. And R.Penny would be huge if he could just stay healthy. Decent young fliers here too)
WR: 3 (A lot of cross your fingers types. Maybe Jakeem Grant and J.Ross can come back from injury. And C.Wilson gets traded. And Velus Jones gets more targets)
TE: 1.5 (Maybe foolish to ever hope OJ Howard figures it out)
DEF: 7 (They underperformed last season but J.Bosa, D.Greenlaw, M.Rodriguez, J.Bates, Derwin James is a pretty good young core. Some good prospects here too)
Capital: 9.5 (Pick 1.9 plus six 2nds and three 3rds. Likely to trade up into the 1st. Plus $32m in cap. And if you don't know JB's resume, then get familiar)
TOTAL: 34

Cincinnati
QB: 10 (Josh Allen is a Top 3 QB in the league)
RB: 3.5 (No depth but Josh Jacobs is a strong starter)
WR: 3.5 (Mike Evans is a WR1 but then the only other pulse here belongs to Josh Reynolds)
TE: 1 (CJ Uzomah. Yuck)
DEF: 2 (Jerome Baker is solid. C.Campbell still strong at his age. But after that it's real sketchy)
Capital: 8 (Three 1sts along with multiple picks in later rounds. $21m in cap. Someone gave them some smelling salts)
TOTAL: 28

Cleveland
QB: 8 (Aaron Rodgers fell off a bit last year but is still dangerous. Sam Howell could win a job too)
RB: 1 (Eno Benjamin might get into a platoon somewhere. Gio Bernard for $7m? Yuck.
WR: 5.5 (A couple of fine 2nd yr guys with C.Watson and T.Burks. J.Palmer had a big opportunity last year and was just ok.
TE: 3.5 (Njoku coming off a bounce back season and T.Conklin is a decent TE2)
DEF: 6.5 (J.Sweat, DeMario Davis, Q.Walker and D.Lloyd are a good group. Sauce Gardner is legit. Maybe Ogbah can provide a spark off injury. But depth issues here)
Capital: 5.5 (Pick 1.8 and all their picks in later rounds. Plus $18m in cap. But a GM that disappears in regular season)
TOTAL: 30

Houston
QB: 9.5 (J.Hurts had a breakout season. I have a bad feeling about Philly this season though)
RB: 9.5 (D.Henry has to have another big season in him. J.Conner is an all-time underrated dynasty RB. D.Montgomery is an amazing RB3)
WR: 8 (D.Hopkins trade destination matters. Can Juju perform in NE? C.Samuel had a nice year as well. Some okay depth too)
TE: 3 (Dulcich had some nice games but also disappeared in some)
DEF: 6 (A ton of depth here but not a lot of studs.
Capital: 3.5 (No picks until Rd 3 and only $6m in cap space. But with what JSK did with this team I think he will make the most of those assets)
TOTAL: 39.5

Pittsburgh
QB: 10 (J.Herbert is one of the top dynasty QB's)
RB: 7 (Najee Harris seemed like he was having a down year but finished well. J.Williams could be big in NOLA. K.Drake making $6.3m? Yuck)
WR: 9 (Very good group here with M.Williams, D.Johnson, R.Moore and Bateman. R.Gage and other provide good depth)
TE: 3 (Friermuth didn't break out like I expected last year but he was still a solid option)
DEF: 6 (Mmm, Micah Parsons! There is some potential breakout talent here like J.Tryon and Boogie)
Capital: 3.5 (No picks until the 4th but at least they have $35m in cap. But they also have to remember Herbert could be due a big extension next yr)
TOTAL: 38.5

Outlook
HOU 39.5
PIT 38.5
BAL 34
CLE 30
CIN 28

[Laimbeer40]

AFC WEST

Denver
QB: 9 (T.Lawrence put up 24 ppg and could be even better this season)
RB: 6.5 (Etienne burst onto the scene last season and will be a force. Allgeier came on late in the season and ended up with over 1k yds rushing. There is a lot of young depth as well)
WR: 4.5 (Drake London should be in line for a big season. Gabe Davis is a big play threat who had 9 drops LY. There doesn't appear to be much else)
TE: 4 (Kmet developed a nice chemistry with Fields. A.Hooper is a nice TE2. N.Gray and J.Fortson are both capable of double digit performances)
DEF: 9 (A lot of good young talent here. Really they just need another DE to step up)
Capital: 6 (Pick 1.19 and $22m should be enough to fill some holes. This is a GM that knows how to develop depth)
TOTAL: 39

Kansas City
QB: 10 (Mahomes is QB1 in the entire league)
RB: 6 (Ekeler is a sure thing. Fingers crossed K.Hunt lands a gig. Chiefs in big need of RB depth)
WR: 10 (Sheesh. T.Hill, Amon-Ra and C.Kirk are a great trio. H.Renfrow adds nice depth)
TE: 1 (Not sold on Albert O)
DEF: 5 (Could really use a bounce back year from Shaq Leonard. Plenty of serviceable talent but few studs and zero depth)
Capital: 2 (No picks and $5m in cap space. Sooner is going to have to get creative)
TOTAL: 34

LA Chargers
QB: 4 (Falcons swear they are going with Ridder. Not sure I'm buying it)
RB: 6.5 (Pacheco is a hard runner and James Cook finished strong. Gainwell gets touches in Philly. Eagles have been talking up Trey Sermon too)
WR: 7 (Olave and M.Pittman are good young options. High hopes for T.Patrick coming off injury. C.Davis is at least a flex option)
TE: 2 (Not sure how the Gesicki signing affects H.Henry but I'm worried)
DEF: 6 (Chubb, M.Sweat and Thibodeaux are all capable of big seasons. R.Jenkins had a big year for the Jags. But also some holes to fill)
Capital: 6.5 (Pick 1.12 and $26m in cap with a GM who has a proven track record)
TOTAL: 32

Oakland
QB: 7 (D.Carr is a starter who has a solid track record. But coming off a down year the question is whether it's reversible)
RB: 8 (A lot of risk here with Saquon and Dalvin both having injury histories. Does Fournette find a spot to land?)
WR: 6.5 (Davante is a sure thing. DPJ should hold down another starting spot. But after that it's rough and OAK is relying on kick returners)
TE: 5 (Kelce is the pinnacle and Gesicki is overkill)
DEF: 5 (This is a studs and duds lineup at this point. They have nothing on DL at this point)
Capital: 3.5 ($9m in cap and picked up a late 1st. Bama will need to be creative)
TOTAL: 35

Seattle
QB: 8 (Cousins gets it done as a fantasy QB and Mac Jones is excellent depth)
RB: 1 (Matt Breida or Ronald Jones is the top option here. Eww.)
WR: 1 (This definitely has the look of a team that liquidated all their assets)
TE: 1 (Again just not a lot here)
DEF: 4.5 (Overall a weak group outside of some bangers at safety)
Capital: 7 (Pick 1.7 and $20m in cap. 10 addl picks in Rd 2 thru 4. GM is a good pilot but a long way to go here)
TOTAL: 22.5

Outlook
DEN 39
OAK 35
KC 34
LAC 32
SEA 22.5

[Laimbeer40]

NFC EAST

Arizona
QB: 8 (Kyler needs to be re-signed by the new owner but if he returns he is capable of being a top fantasy guy. If his head is on straight)
RB: 1 (Not so much as a flex play here)
WR: 10 (As good as it gets with J.Jefferson, Lamb, Claypool and OBJ)
TE: 4 (Waller is in a new location but we have seen him challenge to be an upper echelon TE in the past)
DEF: 5.5 (Plenty of point scorers but outside of some strong plays in the secondary we are looking at an average group)
Capital: 4 (We will see how the cap looks after all the extensions are in. 15th pick in each round. A brand new owner is always a wild card)
TOTAL: 32.5

Dallas
QB: 1 (I am sure they will acquire one but currently Matt Corral is the guy here)
RB: 4.5 (Miles Sanders secures one starting spot. There is some hope for Rachaad White. And McKinnon produces when he plays but will anyone sign him with the RB surplus in the NFL?)
WR: 4.5 (Pickens looks like a stud. This is a make or break year for T.Marshall. Will be interested to see how Giants use Wan'Dale)
TE: 3 (H.Hurst and T.McBride both have some upside but they certainly have some ceilings)
DEF: 5 (Some solid young talent here coming off down years. But a complete lack of depth raises concern. Huge get with Brian Burns)
Capital: 9.5 (A lot of ammo here with four 1sts including 1.1 and several other picks. Over $40m in cap)
TOTAL: 27.5

New York
QB: 8 (Fields had some HUGE games in fantasy and could arguably be a 10. Taking the cautious approach here)
RB: 4 (K.Walker was exciting when he took over as the starter and will hold down the RB1 spot. K.Vaughn and L.Perine will be in the flex mix)
WR: 7.5 (DJ Moore has a chip on his shoulder this season. T.Boyd is solid and Skyy Moore looks to build on an uneven rookie season)
TE: 3.5 (Evan Engram bounced back last season. We will see if it was a fluke. There is a lot of depth here)
DEF: 3 (Cam Hayward is a top DT and J.Alexander is a very good CB. But after that these guys need help)
Capital: 7 (10th pick in each round and a late 1st plus $28m in cap space. Will the GM convert this war chest into contributing pieces?)
TOTAL: 33

Philadelphia
QB: 5 (The jury is still out on Stafford's shoulder. I wouldn't want to put all my eggs in that basket)
RB: 8 (Pollard has a huge opportunity. A.Gibson is finally out of Rivera's doghouse. And Mattison is one of the league's top backups.)
WR: 10 (Silly amount of talent here with J.Chase, D.Smith, J.Jeudy as starters with solid young depth that could make the leap)
TE: 5 (Hockensen and Pitts is pretty filthy if ATL ever decides to throw to Pitts)
DEF: 10 (You can tell that J2K has done the work to cultivate a complete team by looking at this defense)
Capital: 7.5 (How do yall let this machine stack up 1sts like this? Albeit late 1sts. And they can do a lot with almost $12m in cap)
TOTAL: 45.5

Washington
QB: 6 (Pickett has the ascending arrow and Minshew should get some snaps in Indy)
RB: 1 (Unless you like 3rd stringers)
WR: 3 (We like Garrett Wilson. Westbrook-Ikhine is a decent hand. Not much else here)
TE: 1 (Nothing here)
DEF: 4 (Fully staffed but most of these guys are mid)
Capital: 7 (Pick 1.5 and another late 1st plus $25m in cap can certainly get the ball rolling on a long rebuild)
TOTAL: 22

Outlook
PHI 45.5
NYG 33
ARI 32.5
DAL 27.5
WAS 22

[Laimbeer40]

NFC CENTRAL

Chicago
QB: 0 (No QB rostered)
RB: 1 (Only Kyle Juszkzkzk)
WR: 6.5 (Deebo is obviously the big name here. Berrios could be interesing for MIA. R.McCloud adds value as a returner. K.Raymond and C.Austin add depth)
TE: 1.5 (I like D.Bellinger but the Waller trade was not good for him)
DEF: 2 (Jordan Hicks might be the only sure thing on the entire defense)
Capital: 6 (Pick 1.2 should be a guy to build on. Several 2024 picks as this will be a clear kick the can season for CHI)
TOTAL: 17

Detroit
QB: 1 (There is a small chance Davis Mills could start this season)
RB: 2 (K.Herbert should at least be in a platoon in CHI. J.Hasty is a potential flex guy)
WR: 4 (KJ Osborn had a nice season in 2022. Will be interesting to see M.Hardman outside of KC. Guys like K.Shakir and Shi Smith attempt to add depth)
TE: 1 (Traded Z.Ertz away and now only has theoretical talent at the position)
DEF: 4.5 (Got a lot of washed guys but added Okereke and K.Gordon in trade and that will help)
Capital: 8 (Three first rounders w/ an extra 2nd and extra 3rd. $33m in cap space. That's the kind of stuff that can set a team up for the future)
TOTAL: 20.5

Green Bay
QB: 10 (Burrow is a top dynasty QB. Sam Darnold has the best hairline in the 49ers QB room)
RB: 3 (AJ Dillon is such a tease. If anyone almost dies on the field, then Nyheim Hines is a must start.
WR: 7.5 (Solid group here led by Godwin. Can K.Toney continue to develop in KC? A.Robinson and D.Parker have seen better days. I.McKenzie is a wild card)
TE: 1 (I thought Brevin Jordan would break out last year. Maybe there is still time)
DEF: 4.5 (They have the toughest position accounted for with S.Hubbard and G.Rousseau at DE. Just need to focus on LB)
Capital: 4 (Almost $21m in cap and the 14th pick in Rds 2-5. Knowing Kyle the 2024 1st will get traded for some immediate help)
TOTAL: 30

Minnesota
QB: 6 (Tannehill is still the starter in TEN unless they trade up and pick the heir apparent)
RB: 2.5 (A ton of bodies here but none of them look like potential starters)
WR: 10 (Easiest rating out of all the teams. S.Diggs, AJ Brown and Scary Terry are big timers. Plus they have Nico Collins who could break out this yr)
TE: 2.5 (Gerald Everett is perfectly fine)
DEF: 8 (A lot of ballers here. Really just need some depth and it could be an easy 10)
Capital: 4 (20th pick in each round but only $4m in cap)
TOTAL: 33

Tampa Bay
QB: 3 (I have zero faith in Kyle Trask to win the Bucs job. Purdy coming off of surgery. Who knows when to expect him back?)
RB: 3 (None of these guys are assured of carries. Ty Chandler looks really good but he is buried on MIN. Job seems with open in TB so maybe Chase Edmonds can get some touches)
WR: 4 (Again just a mass of bodies who hope to contribute. They did give up most of their draft picks for Aiyuk)
TE: 2.5 (Dawson Knox came on a bit to close the season. I'm interested to see how Tonyan fares outside of GB)
DEF: 10 (Bucs have really focused on getting studs on defense and the strategy has paid off)
Capital: 2 (No picks and only about $8m in cap space. Bucs will find a way to improve but the ceiling seems limited)
TOTAL: 24.5

Outlook
MIN 33
GB 30
TB 24.5
DET 20.5
CHI 17

[4sFull]

Ha. TB playoff team even better coming into ‘23. 24.5 is just a massive pour of haterade. See you in the playoffs

[Laimbeer40]

You better get busy on Slack then with the wheeling and dealing because right now Tampa’s ceiling is the 6th seed.

[thepetis]

Still selling over here if you need some reinforcements!

[Laimbeer40]

NFC WEST

Atlanta
QB: 7 (Certainly we know D.Watson has a ceiling of a 10 but he looked horrible last year. We will see if he knocked the dust off)
RB: 7.5 (Breece Hall looked like a stud last year. D.Swift for some reason can't get a stranglehold on the DET job. Love Javonte but his injury could cause him to be on PUP list)
WR: 1 (When Tutu Atwell is your best chance for targets you know you have some work to do)
TE: 1.5 (Parham is an amazing XFL player but it hasn't translated to fantasy success)
DEF: 5 (Strong safeties in J.Hollans and M.Williams. Like Karlaftis' potential. LB group is pretty mid)
Capital: 9 ($50m in cap space and Pick 1.4 should make a big difference. As should 9 add'l picks in Ads 2-5)
TOTAL: 31

Carolina
QB: 5.5 (Jimmy G is the only sure starter but he is made of glass. Perhaps Trey Lance can win the job in SF and realize his potential)
RB: 2.5 (JK Dobbins is a solid starter for them but none of the other guys look to have a role)
WR: 6.5 (I am high on Dotson and the change of scenery should help E.Moore while Jakobi is underrated. Could use some better depth)
TE: 1 (Good chance Vannett doesn't even make the team for NYG)
DEF: 8 (Some great young talent here. The positions in need of help - DT & CB - are usually easy to fill)
Capital: 7 (Pick 1.6 and $29m in cap along with two extra 2nds but this team might need a GM at this point)
TOTAL: 30.5

Jacksonville
QB: 4.5 (Heineke and Mayfield are both below average starting options but maybe they have landed in better spots)
RB: 2 (S.Perine might actually get a lot of run in DEN but currently he is the only RB on this team)
WR: 6 (Waddle has been really good and Jameson Williams hopefully will have a big year when he returns from suspension. Gallup maybe overrated but is a solid WR3)
TE: 3.5 (Two young TE's here who are hot picks to have breakout seasons)
DEF: 4 (Solid at LB but booty just about everywhere else)
Capital: 8 (Pick 1.3 and $41m in cap space will help foster improvement for sure)
TOTAL: 28

LA Rams
QB: 7.5 (Goff had a really nice year after people wrote him off. I think he can continue that path)
RB: 3.5 (Aaron Jones is a sure thing but nothing else on the roster)
WR: 7.5 (Cooks, Lazard and Courtland are all worthy of starting spots. R.James hopes to provide quality depth)
TE: 3.5 (The Higbee acquisition helps. He should be able to start over Jonnu Smith on this team)
DEF: 7 (Defense is a Rams calling card but some of their bg producers like R.Evans and John Johnson are currently unemployed)
Capital: 1 (No picks until Rd 4 only $2m in cap space)
TOTAL: 30

New Orleans
QB: 7.5 (Hopefully Sean Payton is a good sous chef that can help Russ cook)
RB: 9 (The only thing keeping this from a 10 is uncertainty over Kamara's legal issues)
WR: 7 (DK Metcalf is a stud. K.Allen is excellent when healthy. M.Thomas is a wild card who hasn't been healthy in 3 years)
TE: 3.5 (Z.Ertz could be a huge addition here. Logan Thomas should produce but he seems to be slowing down)
DEF: 4 (Maxx Crosby is good. The rest of the D is pedestrian)
Capital: 4.5 (Got a mid round pick in the first 3 rounds and $14m in cap. It's enough to fill a couple of gaps)
TOTAL: 35.5

Outlook
New Orleans 35.5
Atlanta 31
Carolina 30.5
LA Rams 30
Jacksonville 28