NFL Future Power Rankings

[PntherPryd]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9387680/nfl-future-power-rankings-projecting-every-franchise-entering-2016-season

 

 

If there is anything more futile than "Power Rankings" it is "Future Power Rankings".  Especially when the experts include Herm Edwards and Mel Kiper Jr..  It was still an interesting article and indicative of where the Panthers are viewed Right Now in the NFL hierarchy.  And it ain't pretty.  We are viewed as having the least future potential of any team in our division.  Ranked 23rd in the league.

 

Most interesting is realizing how low down the totem pole we are this year versus the pervasive optimism both here and in the locker room for a strong start to the new season.  Who is right?  

 

 

 

It is an insider article so here are some tidbits;

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Long-term, sustainable success. It's the goal of every NFL franchise. And while some have realized it in recent years -- the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, New York Giantsand New England Patriots, to name a few -- it has proved equally elusive to others who have chased football's biggest prize with a short-term, win-now mindset only to butt-fumble away their long-term growth (see: Jets, New York).

 

ESPN Insider's NFL Future Power Rankings are an attempt by our expert analysts to measure the confidence they have in each franchise as it projects three seasons ahead. It is not a predicted order of finish for the 2016 season, but rather a barometer tracking where each franchise is heading. And from our first installment of the project last summer to now, we've already seen some organizations make great strides towards becoming a Super Bowl contender, while others have slipped back towards square one.

 

In evaluating each team, our analysts broke down five facets deemed critical to the long-term health of a franchise

 

• The roster (minus the QB) as it projects in 2016, emphasizing players 27 and younger
• The franchise quarterback as he projects in 2016
• The strength of a team's 2013 draft picks and their available picks in future drafts
• The reputation and performance of the front office
• The stability and acumen of a team's coaching staff

 

 

Our experts -- Herm Edwards, Mel Kiper, Mike Sando, Gary Horton, Matt Williamson and Field Yates -- ranked each franchise from 1-10 across the five categories, then provided a breakdown for each team. Former NFL GM Bill Polian abstained from the ranking, but offered his insights for the front office analysis below. Using a weighted formula (explained briefly in the sidebar to the right, and in more detail here) we generated our final rankings.

 

Here is Panthers ranking;

 

 

 

 

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category.
Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

 

 

Roster: The defensive line has the makings of a force after adding two talented tackles in the draft to play between Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson, but the secondary is depleted of talent. A quality offensive line leads the way for a crowded backfield, but Carolina needs to find its feature back rather than loading up on backs to split carries. Quality over quantity should be the rule for this backfield. -- Yates

 

 

Quarterback: Cam Newton was either brilliant or horrible in about half the Panthers' games last season. That was understandable for a young quarterback on a team that was picked first overall in 2011 for a reason. This coming season should be about reintroducing Newton as a passer first and less as a read-option player. That is how he must take the next step. Newton is signed through the 2014 season. He will most likely still be the starter in 2016, but it's a longer shot whether the current coaching staff will stick that long. Instability affects quarterbacks, a consideration with Newton. -- Sando

 

 

Draft: The previous administration was pushed out because of consistently poor drafting. Dave Gettleman smartly addressed the defensive line in the 2013 draft, and the Panthers' talent level is on the rise after a 2012 draft that was strong at the top. The key going forward will be finding value down the board. That simply hasn't happened in recent years. The Panthers have all their picks in 2014 and 2015, save for a 2014 seventh they dealt to the 49ers. -- Kiper

 

 

Front office: New GM Gettleman is from the George Young/Ernie Accorsi school. That means solid players on both lines, coupled with a top-flight defense and led by a big-play QB. They are already most of the way there on defense. The offensive line still needs some work and will be a focus going forward, although the return from injury of center Ryan Kalil is huge. The question mark remains Newton. -- Polian

 

 

Coaching: This is a big season for Ron Rivera, his third as head coach of the Panthers. Carolina finished strong last season, winning five of six, but this organization must show it can make the playoffs under Newton. Mike Shula takes over the offense this season and must make sure that Newton has success and is comfortable early on. If not, it could be a short leash for Rivera. -- Edwards

 

 

[SCP]

Herm Edwards is one blow to the head shy of repeatedly shouting "Beans and Franks!!!" When asked a question.

That said, I too am not overly optimistic but my reason's are coaching, secondary, LT, and coaching.

[jamos14]

 

 

 The question mark remains Newton. -- Polian

 

 

 

 

What a joke.  The only question is how great he will be, not if he can be successful.

 

 

I'd be interested if you posted the other info from NFC South teams so I can get angry reading them inflate our rivals potential.

[KJ89]

[usmcpanthers]

even in newton's bad games I never saw it as terrible. He had us in every game. The two blowouts he never had a chance. And of course he did lose two games for us, but we always had a chance to win with him.

[PntherPryd]

•  
• 6

Atlanta Falcons

LAST SEASON: 13-3 (first place NFC South)

 

 

 

 

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category.

Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

 

 

Roster: GM Thomas Dimitroff has shown himself to be one of the best talent evaluators in the NFL, and the defense has really rounded into form in recent offseasons. The secondary will be strong with William Moore and a pair of top draft choices in tow, and the list of receiving options on offense is one of the best in football. This is an explosive roster. -- Yates

 

 

Quarterback: Matt Ryan played like a top-five quarterback last season, carrying an offense that struggled to get much going on the ground (3.7 yards per carry, No. 27 ranking in expected points added by rushing). Ryan trailed only Peyton Manning, Brady and Kaepernick in Total QBR. He's in line for a contract extension and there's no way the Falcons will let him get away. They can win championships with him. -- Sando

 

 

Draft: Few GMs are as aggressive as Dimitroff when it comes to targeting the players he wants on draft day. He once again moved up in a draft this year to grab cornerbackDesmond Trufant out of Washington, two years after a trade to net the Falcons Julio Jonesturned into a major coup. Depth concerns, particularly in the defensive front seven, are present, but the Falcons haven't dealt away any future picks, so Dimitroff is in a good place to continue to be aggressive and maximize a window of elite quarterbacking that should keep his team a Super Bowl contender.

 

 

Front office: Dimitroff & Co. have built a Super Bowl contender. All of their focus is now (correctly in my opinion) on filling immediate needs, which will get them to the top as soon as possible. Ryan's contract will get done, which will limit their flexibility in the future. But Atlanta fans need not worry. The way to deal with those spending limitations is through the draft, at which Dimitroff and his team excel. -- Polian

 

 

Coaching: Going into his sixth season, Mike Smith has done a fantastic job in Atlanta. The team seems to get better each year, and finally took the next step by winning a playoff game last year. With Ryan at QB, along with Jones and Roddy White on offense, they have a potent unit. Smith trusts his players on game day, and while he keeps his composure on the sideline, he'll get after them behind closed doors. Atlanta has been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL the last couple seasons and there's no reason to think that won't continue. -- Edwards

 

[PntherPryd]

• 10

New Orleans Saints

LAST SEASON: 7-9 (third place NFC South)

 

 

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category.

Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

 

 

Roster: We know the offense will be explosive and well-coached, as Marques Colstonremains effective and Jimmy Graham is among the best receiving weapons in all of football. How will the defense adjust to new coordinator Rob Ryan's 3-4 scheme? Moreover, will the additions of Keenan Lewis and Kenny Vaccaro lay the foundation for an improved secondary after 2012's woeful performance? -- Yates

 

 

Quarterback: Drew Brees will be 37 and under contract in 2016. Brees resembles Kurt Warner in his ability to make quick decisions and anticipate with his throws. Warner was still a productive player when he retired at age 38 and Brees should enjoy similar longevity. He's got an iron will and the smarts to compensate as he ages. Brees has taken sacks on only 3.3 percent of drop-backs over the past five seasons. Only Peyton Manning has a lower rate (2.5 percent) among 28 qualifying quarterbacks. -- Sando

 

 

Draft: Recent drafts have not delivered enough impact, and the combination of that and the painful draft penalties handed down by the league, which further gutted the 2012 draft, will have a lingering effect on the talent level of this roster. Thankfully, the Saints have their full arsenal of picks again in 2014. They have momentum after a 2013 draft that I think will end up netting them at least three starters. The future looks better than it did at the height of the bounty scandal, but the Saints could be tasked with drafting their next franchise QB in the next two seasons. -- Kiper

 

 

Front office: No one should underplay the loss, for half a season, of Mickey Loomis and Joe Vitt. The loss for the entire season of head coach Sean Payton, the driving force behind this team, was fatal. His return provides direction, discipline and determination to everyone in the organization. Offensively, there is no reason to believe, despite the loss of Jermon Bushrod and Chris Ivory, that they will not remain potent. The combination of Payton and Brees is as explosive as there is in offensive football. The question for the Saints is how quickly new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan can install a system compatible with the talent available to him. -- Polian

 

 

Coaching: The difference in coaching was clear when Payton wasn't on the sideline last season. Getting him back will be huge for New Orleans. The offense should be as potent as ever with Brees and Payton calling plays, but this defense needs to step up. The Saints hired Ryan for his aggressive defensive playcalling and ability to force turnovers. As long as Payton is on the sidelines and Brees is at QB, this team will be a threat in the NFC. -- Edwards

 

[La Pantera]

Herm Edwards is one blow to the head shy of repeatedly shouting "Beans and Franks!!!" When asked a question.

That said, I too am not overly optimistic but my reason's are coaching, secondary, LT, and coaching.

There are questions about those areas. But I think if the coaching improves we can be a very successful team. We've lost like 4 games by more than a touchdown in two seasons. We are so close to getting there.

[PntherPryd]

• 
• 18

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

LAST SEASON: 7-9 (fourth place NFC South)

 

 

The bar graphs reflect the average rating given by the voters for each category.

Category averages are weighted by importance to generate overall score.

 

 

Roster: Few teams have as much exciting young talent as the Bucs, who also added the best defensive player in football (when healthy) in Darrelle Revis this offseason. The secondary is loaded with talent, Doug Martin is a dynamic dual threat in the backfield and this offensive line is stacked with power players. The Bucs have a chance to become special if Josh Freeman (or another quarterback) develops into a consistent starter. -- Yates

 

 

Quarterback: Freeman hasn't been consistent enough and that could prove costly with his contract up after this season. The way he finished 2012 -- eight INTs in Weeks 15 and 16 combined -- revived old doubts about whether he's the future of this team. The Buccaneers fueled those doubts by using a third-round pick for quarterback Mike Glennon, then suggesting everyone would have to compete for their jobs. Freeman should be better in his second season running Mike Sullivan's offense and there were high points in 2012. He had nine games last season with a QBR score of at least 60. Only Peyton Manning (13), Brady (12), Ryan (11) and Rodgers (10) had more. Having both Freeman and Glennon on the roster improves the outlook for the longer term. -- Sando

 

 

Draft: A stellar 2012 draft class has this team headed in the right direction. The 2013 draft was in part defined by the addition of Revis, and that will play into 2014 as well, as the Bucs could also lose a third-round pick to the Jets. They have, however, acquired a conditional pick from Philadelphia that could create a little more value based on howArrelious Benn performs. There are questions about the current roster, but the Bucs know what they're doing in April. -- Kiper

 

 

Front office: Coach Greg Schiano stays with his pedigree: Defense, defense, defense. The additions of Revis and Dashon Goldson are very likely the best pickups of the 2013 offseason in terms of system fit and efficiency. The return of Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers to top health should help the pass rush, and Johnthan Banks is a good addition to the secondary. Whether or not there's enough receiving talent to take the pressure offVincent Jackson remains to be seen. All of that said, Freeman's contract situation is the big issue ahead for this front office. -- Polian

 

 

Coaching: Schiano inherited a good young team in Tampa Bay, but he also changed the culture by instilling discipline. Coming from Rutgers, he understands the importance of a strong defense and needs to continue to build one in Tampa Bay. A tougher football team under Schiano, the Bucs will still only go as far as Freeman can take them. This is Freeman's year to prove he is a franchise QB. -- Edwards

 

[Kurb]

The stain of the Hurney's last fews seasons (aka the DumbTimes) is strong in media.

 

The SECOND the Panthers enter the playoffs with Cam at the helm we will become media darlings.

[SCP]

even in newton's bad games I never saw it as terrible. He had us in every game. The two blowouts he never had a chance. And of course he did lose two games for us, but we always had a chance to win with him.

I agree. I can't point to a "horrible" Cam game. Shows how much tape these dolts watch.

[PntherPryd]

Here are total rankings;

 

 1)    San Francisco

 2)    Green Bay

 3)    Seattle

 4)    Baltimore

 5)    New England

 6)    Atlanta

 7)    New York Giants

 8)    St Louis

 9)    Indianapolis

10)   New Orleans

11)   Denver

12)   Kansas City

13)   Cincinnati

14)   Pittsburgh

15)   Houston

16)   Washington

17)   Philadelphia

18)   Tampa

19)   Minnesota

20)   Miami

21)   Detroit

22)   Chicago

23)   Carolina

24)   Dallas

25)   San Diego

26)   Arizona

27)   Cleveland

28)   Tennessee

29)   Buffalo

30)   London.....errrr... Jacksonville

31)   Oakland

32)   New York Jets

[SCP]

Here are total rankings;

1) San Francisco

2) Green Bay

3) Seattle

4) Baltimore

5) New England

6) Atlanta

7) New York Giants

8) St Louis

9) Indianapolis

10) New Orleans

11) Denver

12) Kansas City

13) Cincinnati

14) Pittsburgh

15) Houston

16) Washington

17) Philadelphia

18) Tampa

19) Minnesota

20) Miami

21) Detroit

22) Chicago

23) Carolina

24) Dallas

25) San Diego

26) Arizona

27) Cleveland

28) Tennessee

29) Buffalo

30) London.....errrr... Jacksonville

31) Oakland

32) New York Jets

Based on what we have seen, what teams ahead of us on this list do you think should be behind us? I think we are just about right when you factor in everything. By everything I mean: Schedule, Talent, Coaching, Home field advantage, road game venues

Edit: Obviously I'm only considering 2013 so maybe its a moot point when talking future power rank

[PntherPryd]

Based on what we have seen, what teams ahead of us on this list do you think should be behind us? I think we are just about right when you factor in everything. By everything I mean: Schedule, Talent, Coaching, Home field advantage, road game venues

 

 

Keep in mind that I was not agreeing or disagreeing with the ranking, only pointing out the difference in the reality of this "Future" ranking with the optimistic tilt of many offseason threads and team quotes from OTA's.

 

Last year I bought into the hype, I am resisting the force this year.

 

Also keep in mind that this is not a ranking for this year but for where we will be in 2016.  To me, that is a depressing scenario if accurate.

 

The one glaring point is Tampa ranked ahead of us.  I fully expected Atlanta in top 10 and the media love hangover for the aint's explains where they are.