The following is a worst-to-first team-by-team pre-camp NFL power ranking.\u00a0 This is a three part series: Part 1 (32-22), part 2 (21-11), part 3 (10-1).\u00a0 All statistics are courtesy of NFL.com unless otherwise noted.<\/p>\n
Offense:<\/strong>\u00a0 The Browns only averaged 13.6 points per game (30th<\/sup>) in 2011, so could it be any worse in 2012?\u00a0 It could be, the Browns decided to improve their offense by drafting RB Trent Richardson (#3) and QB Brandon Weeden (#22) who is set to replace former starter Colt McCoy.\u00a0 Unfortunately Weeden won\u2019t have much talent in the passing game as second year receiver Greg Little has ability but is unreliable catching <\/a>the ball.\u00a0 LT Joe Thomas and Center Alex Mack are excellent but they\u2019ll be counting on rookie Mithchell Schwartz (drafted #37) to play RT.<\/p>\n Defense:<\/strong>\u00a0 There is some talent here but losing second year DT Phil Taylor <\/a>to injury will hurt an already weak run defense (147.7 YRS per, 30th<\/sup>).\u00a0 Strong-side LB Scott Fujita\u2019s three game suspension<\/a>, bounty-gate, doesn\u2019t help either.\u00a0 Second year DE Jabaal Sheard will look to improve on his 8.5 sack performance.\u00a0 MLB D\u2019Qwell Jackson had 158 tackles\/3.5 sacks and CB Joe Haden is a solid defender.<\/p>\n Analysis:<\/strong>\u00a0 The Browns play in a difficult division with a tough schedule.\u00a0 Their defense was 5th <\/sup>(19.2) in points per but they will be on the field to often as rookie Richardson can\u2019t carry the team alone and Weeden will surely have his rookie struggles especially with the lack of prime targets.\u00a0 Just wonder what Matt Barkley looks like in Brown?<\/p>\n Offense:<\/strong>\u00a0 Finished last season 28th<\/sup> in points scored (15.2) and 32nd<\/sup> (136.2) in passing yards.\u00a0 Second year QB Blaine Gabbert started 14 games last year was sacked 40 times and had a quarterback rating (QBR) of 65.5.\u00a0 The Jaguars drafted WR Justin Blackmon (#5) and added veteran WR Laurent Robinson <\/a>to help their anemic passing attack.\u00a0 RB Maurice Jones-Drew led the league in rushing (1,606 YRS) and was the primary reason the Jags won 5 games.\u00a0 He is unhappy with his contract <\/a>so maybe the combination of wear\/tear and lack of motivation will cause a down year.<\/p>\n Defense:<\/strong>\u00a0 Like the Browns the Jags defense is not bad they ranked 6th<\/sup> (313 YRS per) but they\u2019ll be on the field a lot as well.\u00a0 They only had 31 sacks in 2011 lead by Jeremy Mincey\u2019s eight.\u00a0 The defense is simple not dynamic enough to carry a weak offense.<\/p>\n Analysis:<\/strong> \u00a0Gabbert will have to step-up big time for the Jags to stay out of the AFC South cellar, just don\u2019t expect it.\u00a0 Wouldn\u2019t be surprised to see ex-Dolphins QB Chad Henne before the year is over.\u00a0 Maybe they can beat the Colts in their division but their schedule doesn\u2019t show many wins.<\/p>\n Offense:<\/strong>\u00a0 Lose a franchise QB gain another, they hope, as the Andrew Luck era begins. The Colts helped out the #1 overall pick by drafting ex-Stanford teammate TE Coby Fleener, TE Dwayne Allen and re-signing veteran WR Reggie Wayne<\/a>.\u00a0 The Colts lost long time offensive line anchor center Jeff Saturday <\/a>but added RT Winston Justice <\/a>who could single handedly end Luck’s career.\u00a0 The Colts do have some options on the o-line but it will be a work in progress.\u00a0 Donald Brown will be the feature RB for now as new head coach Chuck Pagano will want to run the ball to protect his future star QB.\u00a0 Round five pick RB Vick Ballard could see some significant time since he is considered a power runner.<\/p>\n Defense:<\/strong> \u00a0Pagano and new defensive coordinator Greg Manusky will be changing the team from a base 4-3 to a 3-4<\/a>.\u00a0 As most Jets fans know this can be a difficult process.\u00a0 The current defensive personnel does not fit this scheme but they will implement it.\u00a0 The Colts defense gave up almost 27 points per game last season, so even with a transition it shouldn\u2019t get worse.<\/p>\n Analysis:<\/strong> \u00a0The Colts may have lucked out, no pun intended, getting the top QB prospect in years but the team is certainly rebuilding.\u00a0 Job one is to protect and grow Luck as they put the pieces in place to contend again.\u00a0 The Colts will fight to stay ahead of Jacksonville in the AFC South.<\/p>\n Offense:<\/strong>\u00a0 While QBs Matt Moore and David Garrard will fight to see who starts the season the Dolphins didn\u2019t use the #8 overall pick to leave Ryan Tannehill on the bench for long, besides they only averaged 192.3 yards per game passing last year with Moore\u2019s 12 starts.\u00a0 Not that any of these QBs have someone the throw to as the Phins traded their best receiver Brandon Marshall <\/a>(81 REC, 1,214 YRS).\u00a0 They did acquire WR Chad Ochocinco <\/a>who couldn\u2019t put up numbers with Tom Brady throwing to him. RB Reggie Bush could easily lead the team in receptions this season.\u00a0 The offensive line gave up 52 sacks last year but they will replace the entire right side with veteran OG Artis Hicks and draft pick (#42) OT Jonathan Martin.\u00a0 Maulers like LT Jake Long and C Mike Pouncey will be playing new head coach Joe Philbin\u2019s zone-blocking schemes, round peg in square hole?<\/p>\n Defense:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 Here\u2019s a theme, round peg in square hole, Philbin and new defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle will be switching the defense from a base 3-4 to a 4-3.<\/a>\u00a0 Karlos Dansby seems to fit the MLB role and Cameron Wake had 8.5 sacks last season and should fit at DE.\u00a0 Where the rest fall is anyone\u2019s guess?\u00a0 They\u2019re pass defense ranked 25th<\/sup> in 2011 and there is no sign that will improve.<\/p>\n Analysis:<\/strong>\u00a0 The Dolphins have changed their offense\/defense and will be breaking in a rookie QB at some point, the growing pains will show.\u00a0 Their schedule is not bad but it will be difficult for them to stay out of the AFC East basement.<\/p>\n Offense:<\/strong>\u00a0 Ex-Jets coach Brian Schottenheimer will be running the Rams offense along with new head coach Jeff Fisher that finished last in points scored (12.1) in 2011.\u00a0 QB Sam Bradford was sacked 36 times in only 10 games as the Rams gave up 55 sacks total.\u00a0 While they picked up veteran center Scott Wells <\/a>from Green Bay they haven\u2019t done much more to improve their line.\u00a0 Hopefully Fisher is smart enough to keep Bradford out of harm\u2019s way this season before his is looking left and right not down field.\u00a0 RB Steven Jackson and\u00a02nd round pick Isaiah Pead should see lots of carries as Fisher will override Schottenheimer if he gets pass happy.<\/p>\n Defense:<\/strong>\u00a0 The Rams could not stop the run last season giving up over 150 yards rushing per game.\u00a0 They drafted DT Michael Brockers (#14) and added veteran DL Kendall Langford<\/a> to help the run defense.\u00a0 DE Chris Long led the team with 13 sacks and LB James Laurinaitis had 142 tackles in 2011.\u00a0 They also added veteran CB Cortland Finnegan<\/a> and drafted CB Janoris Jenkins (#39).<\/p>\n Analysis:<\/strong> \u00a0Fisher is a quality coach who understands how to build a team.\u00a0 The Rams are improved just by having him.\u00a0 Sam Bradford seems like a good fit for Schottenheimer\u2019s short pass offense which will protect him from hits and the defense should be good enough to hold their own.\u00a0 The Rams will most likely end up last in the NFC West again but will be a tougher out and should improve on last season\u2019s 2-14 record.<\/p>\n Offense:<\/strong> \u00a0Second year QB Christian Ponder will be called upon to carry the offense more than usual with Adrian \u201cAll-Day\u201d Peterson still recovering from a knee injury<\/a>.\u00a0 Fortunately Toby Gerhart is a competent replacement but he Vikings may not be able to rush for almost 145 yards per game like last year.\u00a0 While the Vikings lost OG Steve Hutchinson <\/a>they drafted LT Matt Kalil (#4) and picked-up veteran OL Geoff Schwartz <\/a>as the line gave up 49 sacks last season.\u00a0 If Ponder is to progress he\u2019ll need to be upright to do so and the Vikings have the potential for a solid line.\u00a0 They also picked up WR Jerome Simpson<\/a>, who will miss 3 games due to suspension, to go along with Percy Harvin and Michael Jenkins as Ponders main receivers.\u00a0 The Vikings also acquired TE John Carlson<\/a>.<\/p>\n Defense:<\/strong>\u00a0 The Vikings ranked 31st<\/sup> in points allowed (28.2) along with giving up over 250 yards passing per game.\u00a0 All of this with Jared Allen amassing 22 sacks during the season.\u00a0 They used three draft choices to bolster the secondary safety Harrison Smith (#29), CB Josh Robinson (#66) and DB Robert Blanton (#139).<\/p>\n Analysis:<\/strong>\u00a0 If the Vikings o-line can give Ponder some time and rush the ball effectively if\/when Peterson returns their offenses could be formidable.\u00a0 There have been reports the Vikings feel confident Ponder can take the next step<\/a>.\u00a0 The defense will need to get production out of their rookies right away.\u00a0 The Vikings play in arguably the most difficult division and there are some winnable match-ups on the schedule but even a six win season will likely have Minnesota at the bottom of the NFC North.<\/p>\n Offense:\u00a0 <\/strong>In 2010 QB Josh Freeman throw 25 TD \u2013 6 INT, in 2011, 16 TD -22 INT, so will the real Josh Freeman please stand up.\u00a0 The offense struggled as a whole only scoring about 18 points per game.\u00a0 New head coach Greg Schiano will implement a run first mentality as Tampa drafted RB Doug Martin (#31) to lead their rushing attack.\u00a0 They also acquired one of the best guards in football Carl Nicks <\/a>to bolster the line.\u00a0 The Bucs line would seem to thrive under Schiano\u2019s power running attack.\u00a0 They also added veteran WR Vincent Jackson <\/a>who has played his career with elite QBs. \u00a0Wonder if he can elevate his game to help Freeman?\u00a0 WR Mike Williams (65 REC, 771 YDS) will play alongside Jackson.\u00a0 Schiano decided to ship-out TE Kellen Winslow<\/a>, who led the team in receptions (75), and replace him with the aging Dallas Clark<\/a>.<\/p>\n Defense:<\/strong>\u00a0 Tampa gave up the most points per game last season (30.9), was terrible against the run (156.1 YDS per) and only recorded 23 sacks.\u00a0 It looks like second year DE Da\u2019Quan Bowers will miss the entire season <\/a>with an Achilles tear but run stuffing DT Gerald McCoy <\/a>should be back after missing much of last season to injury.\u00a0 Second year DE Adrian Clayborn did have 7.5 sacks and DE Michael Bennett was solid as well.\u00a0 The Bucs drafted safety Mark Barron (#7) and LB Lavonte David (#58) in an effort to improve their struggling defense.<\/p>\n Analysis:<\/strong>\u00a0 The Bucs need to improve on both sides of the ball they have talent but QB play needs to get back to 25\/6 not 16\/22 and the defensive back 7 have to play at a higher level as the defensive line is solid.\u00a0 Their schedule is tough enough as the NFC South produced two playoff teams last year.\u00a0 Maybe the Bucs can squeeze out another win or two but they will be at the bottom of their division.<\/p>\n Offense:<\/strong> \u00a0Was the trade for Carson Palmer worth it?\u00a0 It is hard to judge Palmer on last season but now with a full off-season we\u2019ll all get an idea of where he is at.\u00a0 The Raiders do have weapons on offense WRs Darrius Heyward-Bay and Denarius Moore along with RB Darren McFadden make up the strength of the team\u2019s fire-power.\u00a0 Losing workhorse RB Michael Bush <\/a>will leave the majority of carries to the often injured McFadden.\u00a0 They also lack a proven pass catching TE as they had to release former starter Kevin Boss.<\/a><\/p>\n Defense:<\/strong> \u00a0The Raiders lost some key defensive players including DE\/OLB Kamerion Wimbely <\/a>(7 sacks) and CB Stanford Routt <\/a>this off-season.\u00a0 MLB Rolando McClain <\/a>is heading to prison for 180 days and should receive a lengthy suspension from the NFL.\u00a0 Given the losses it is hard to see much of an improvement from the 27.1 (29th<\/sup>) points per game from 2011.<\/p>\n Analysis:<\/strong> \u00a0The Raiders struggled to get under the salary cap and lost some key players in the process.\u00a0 They also didn\u2019t have a draft pick till the very end of round three because of the Palmer trade.\u00a0 Hopefully they give new head coach Dennis Allen more than one year, no matter what the record, as the revolving door of coaches can\u2019t help a team who hasn\u2019t made the playoffs since 2002.\u00a0 The Raiders will finish the season at the bottom of the AFC West.<\/p>\n Offense:<\/strong>\u00a0 The Hawks look to improve on their 28th<\/sup> (303.8 YDS) ranked offense.\u00a0 There big pick-up former Green Bay Packers back-up QB Matt Flynn <\/a>who has started two games in his career and is a clear favorite to win the job over Tarvaris Jackson.\u00a0 It was strange that Dolphins coach Joe Philbin, Flynn\u2019s former coordinator, didn\u2019t make a strong run at him, red flag anyone?\u00a0 Seattle\u2019s o-line gave up 50 sacks last year because keeping the starting five on the field has been a problem.\u00a0 The offense does feature RB Marshawn Lynch over 1200 yards rushing in 2011.\u00a0 WRs Mike Williams only had 18 receptions last year and deep threat Sidney Rice played 9 games.\u00a0 They did acquire TE Kellen Winslow to replace the departed John Carlson and slot receiver Doug Baldwin led the team (51 REC for 788 YRS) in 2011.<\/p>\n Defense:<\/strong> \u00a0The Hawks only allowed 19.7 points per game good for 7th<\/sup> in the league but only had 33 sacks.\u00a0 They drafted rush DE Bruce Irvin (#15) in hopes of increasing that number as DE Chris Clemons led with 11 sacks last season.\u00a0 They lost LB David Hawthorne <\/a>and his 115 tackles to the Saints.\u00a0 Free agent pick-up Barrett Ruud <\/a>and second round draft pick Bobby Wagner (#47) will try and replace Hawthorne.\u00a0 The Seahawks have a descent secondary led by SS Kam Chancellor (97 tackles, 4 INT) and Pro-Bowl FS Earl Thomas (98 tackles 2 INT).<\/p>\n Analysis:<\/strong> \u00a0The Seahawks are what they are, play well at home, but usually faultier on the road.\u00a0It seems their offensive problems will continue even with Flynn and the defense, while not bad, does not pressure the QB enough to carry the lack of offense, so don\u2019t expect\u00a0much improvement over last season.<\/p>\n Offense:<\/strong>\u00a0 The Skins hope they have found the answer at QB drafting Robert Griffin III trading up to grab him second overall.\u00a0 Washington\u2019s offense was 16th<\/sup> in yards per game (336.7) but only 26th<\/sup> in points scored (18).\u00a0 Last Season QB Rex Grossman\/John Beck and their 24 interceptions helped the Redskins to a minus 14 turnover ratio.\u00a0 Hopefully Griffin can get the team into the end-zone more and keep the interceptions down even as a rookie.\u00a0 Veteran receivers like Santana Moss, newly acquired Pierre Garcon <\/a>and Josh Morgan <\/a>along with second year WR Leonard Hankerson give Griffin plenty of targets.\u00a0 Let\u2019s not forget TEs Fred Davis (59 REC, 796 YRS) and Chris Cooley along with RBs Roy Helu, 640 YRS in 5 games started, and Tim Hightower.\u00a0 The offensive line gave up 41 sacks last season but you\u2019d figure Griffin\u2019s scrambling ability would help reduce that number as Grossman\/Beck were statues.<\/p>\n Defense:<\/strong>\u00a0 Considering the number of turnovers the defenses 13th<\/sup> ranking isn\u2019t so bad and 21st<\/sup> in points allowed (22.9) is a little less egregious.\u00a0 LB London Fletcher had 166 tackles, even at 36, last season while second year player DE\/OLB Ryan Kerrigan and book-end Brian Orakpo had 16.5 sacks between them.<\/p>\n Analysis:<\/strong> Coach Mike Shanahan may finally have a team that can make some noise this season and beyond.\u00a0 The Skins are in a tough division and will have to deal with breaking in a rookie QB but they have enough talent to be respectable and should improve over last season.<\/p>\n Offense:<\/strong> \u00a0Question one is who will start at QB, John Skelton (5-2) or Kevin Kolb (3-6)?\u00a0 One of Kolb\u2019s wins came when he left after an injury in the first quarter against the 49ers.\u00a0 Skelton led the team to victory going 19-28, 282 YRS, 3 TD, 2 INT.\u00a0 The Cards traded <\/a>CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2012 second round pick to acquire Kolb from the Philadelphia Eagles.\u00a0 They then signed Kolb to a five year $64 million contract, so they have much invested in him to succeed.\u00a0 2010 fifth round pick Skelton proved to be the better QB down the stretch of 2011 as Kolb dealt with a multitude of injuries including concussions<\/a>.\u00a0 The Cards did draft WR Michael Floyd (#13) to play with All-Pro WR Larry Fitzgerald (80 REC, 1,411 YRS).\u00a0 The Cardinals offensive line gave up 54 sacks last season and they did little to address the o-line problems but RB Beanie Wells did have over 1,000 yards in 14 games.<\/p>\n31) Jacksonville Jaguars<\/h2>\n
30) Indianapolis Colts<\/h2>\n
29) Miami Dolphins<\/h2>\n
28) St. Louis Rams<\/h2>\n
27) Minnesota Vikings<\/h2>\n
26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/h2>\n
25) Oakland Raiders<\/h2>\n
24) Seattle Seahawks<\/h2>\n
23) Washington Redskins<\/h2>\n
22) Arizona Cardinals<\/h2>\n