NFL Power Rankings: Commanders Nearing Bottom?
The Washington Commanders look to bounce back after placing fourth in the NFC East and missing the playoffs by making roster moves, including adding seven rookies in the 2023 NFL Draft. Rookie minicamp is about to begin and it's an exciting time of possibilities around the franchise.
Now that the dust has settled on post-NFL Draft rosters, Sports Illustrated has released new power rankings and the Commanders land at No. 30. Why?
"Alas, it’ll be Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett in their QB room," SI writes. "There is a lot to love about first-round CB Emmanuel Forbes, who gives off some serious Antonio Cromartie vibes on tape; you just wonder whether teams are going to take advantage of his slighter frame and target him with bigger receivers and tight ends. But, this team still needs a lot of help."
Is No. 30 too low? Only the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans are below Washington.
The Commanders will be led by second-year pro Sam Howell, with Jacoby Brissett waiting in the wings. Washington's defense is their strength and should be improved by a solid draft, highlighted by selecting two defensive backs with their first two picks of the weekend. However, the team can only go as far as Howell can take them in a division that boasts Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott and Daniel Jones.
Washington has major NFC East division competition with the Philadelphia Eagles, who take the No. 1 spot in the rankings after drafting Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith in the first round.
SI says, "The Eagles appear to be the best all-around team in the NFL right now."
Oddsmakers don't agree, giving the Kansas City Chiefs the best odds to win Super Bowl LVIII.
Nothing stokes a season more than an Eagles team trying to usurp the champion Chiefs and a Commanders team looking to be relevant again. And the fun is just beginning …
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