The NFL offseason is a crucial time for teams looking to upgrade their rosters through free agency and the draft. While every team makes some changes, only a handful truly transform their position groups from below average to potential powerhouse units. This analysis looks at the most improved position groups for the upcoming season, highlighting significant roster additions made by various teams.
Arizona Cardinals: A New Era for the Ground Attack
Last season, the Arizona Cardinals struggled significantly with their rushing game, finishing with the second-fewest rushing yards in the league and ranking 27th in rushing touchdowns. Leading the pack was Michael Carter, who managed just 333 rushing yards. Recognizing the need for improvement, the Cardinals made two key acquisitions: rookie Jeremiyah Love, whom they selected with the No. 3 overall pick, and Tyler Allgeier, who signed a two-year, $12.3 million contract.
Love, despite being a rookie, displayed immense potential at Notre Dame, averaging 6.7 yards per carry and showcasing his pass-catching ability with 55 receptions. The hope is that he can exceed Carter’s production before the season's first month concludes. On the other hand, Allgeier brings experience and reliability, already recording over 2,876 rushing yards in his first four seasons. The Cardinals' strategy seems clear: rely more heavily on a rejuvenated rushing attack to support newly-acquired quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Cincinnati Bengals: Fortifying the Defensive Line
The Cincinnati Bengals surprised many by trading the No. 10 overall pick to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II. Despite a down year consisting of only 31 tackles and a half-sack, Lawrence remains one of the premier interior defenders in the NFL, with three Pro Bowl selections in his career. Alongside him, the Bengals signed Jonathan Allen to a lucrative two-year contract worth $25 million. Allen, a three-down player, has an impressive track record of 167 pressures and 45.5 sacks over his nine-season career.
This defensive duo aims to reshape the Bengals' run defense, which last season was the worst in the league. With Lawrence's ability to disrupt rushing plays and Allen's leadership on the field, the Bengals are positioning themselves to have one of the most formidable defensive lines in the league.
Houston Texans: A Stable Offensive Line
The Texans’ offensive line garnered attention due to its stability while undergoing minimal changes. Despite losing Tytus Howard to the Browns, the Texans retained key players including Ed Ingram and added newly-acquired David Montgomery from the Lions. The introduction of first-round draft pick Keylan Rutledge is expected to bolster the team's run-efficiency.
Braden Smith, a savvy veteran tackle, joined the team to add depth and experience. Last season, Smith allowed only one sack in 471 pass-blocking snaps. If Rutledge transitions smoothly to center and the group clicks well together, the Texans' offensive line could easily evolve into one of the top-tier units in the league, boosting their run offense significantly.
Las Vegas Raiders: Reinvigorating the Linebacker Corps
The Raiders have long faced challenges with their linebacker group, but this offseason, they made strategic investments in players like Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean. Both linebackers were productive at the collegiate level, and Walker is known for making solid tackles, finishing all four seasons with over 102 tackles.
Dean has demonstrated versatility and efficiency, allowing a passer rating below 84 in three of his four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. With both players on the field, the Raiders look to improve tremendously in a position that has been a sore spot for them for years. If Dean fully recovers from injury, this linebacking tandem stands poised to provide the Raiders a much-needed boost on defense.
Los Angeles Rams: Strengthening the Secondary
Recognizing the necessity for defensive enhancements, the Rams acquired cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. McDuffie, who earned All-Pro honors, is noted for his versatility in the secondary, while Watson has excelled by allowing a passer rating below 80 in recent seasons.
With McDuffie's recent four-year, $124 million extension, the Rams hope to maximize his contributions. Under Coach Sean McVay's guidance, McDuffie is likely to fulfill a dynamic role that bolsters the Rams' defensive backfield significantly.
Washington Commanders: A Reconstructed Pass Rush
The Commanders focused heavily on their inadequate pass rush from last season, where they ranked 26th in pressure rate. By acquiring Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson, they aim to transform the effectiveness of their defense. Oweh and Chaisson both enter their prime years, with Oweh having demonstrated momentous growth toward the end of his last season.
They both possess the necessary skills to significantly enhance Washington's defensive capabilities, and their integration should help address a critical area that has plagued the team for seasons.
Tennessee Titans: Revamping the Defensive Core
Another team undergoing substantial changes is the Tennessee Titans, who revamped their defensive front under new head coach Robert Saleh. The team’s decision to acquire Jermaine Johnson II, John Franklin-Myers, Jacob Martin, and others highlights their commitment to building a stronger defensive line around Jeffery Simmons. These acquisitions bring a blend of youth and experience, with each player having demonstrated significant potential in previous seasons.
As they integrate these players into their system, the Titans target improved pass-rushing efficiency and a sturdier run defense.
In conclusion, this offseason has proven to be a pivotal time for several NFL teams as they seek to enhance areas of weakness from the previous year. From the Cardinals to the Titans, these strategic acquisitions have the potential to reshape their impending seasons, making the 2025 campaign one to watch.
