2011 NFL Power Rankings: Pre-Training Camp Edition

Before free agency begins with the hopeful ending of the NFL lockout soon, we are taking a look at ranking the best teams in the NFL pre-training camp—which means the team as it stands today, including those players franchise tagged and obvious to re-sign.

Remember, this is a super early look at each team as they stand before free agency. Obvious re-signings like Alex Smith in San Francisco were included, but others like Santonio Holmes in New York are not, because no one knows what will happen there.

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32. Washington Redskins

2010 Record: 6-10

The Washington Redskins enter free agency without having found an answer at quarterback and without a clear replacement for Carlos Rogers at cornerback.

Washington and Mike Shanahan are expected to go after wide receiver Santonio Holmes heavily, but who will throw him the ball with Donovan McNabb on his way out of town?

If camp started tomorrow, John Beck would be the man in Washington. Which is why we see the Redskins have the NFL's worst record in 2011.

31. Tennessee Titans

2010 Record: 6-10

The Titans have a talented roster, but they also have a ton of question marks.

Quarterback Vince Young will be cut and replaced by a rookie in Jake Locker. The team will also be hoping that wide receiver Kenny Britt can keep himself out of jail long enough to contribute during Mike Munchak's rookie season as a head coach in the NFL.

Tennessee is young on both sides of the ball, but there is some talent here. Finding an established veteran quarterback to handle the reigns while Locker learns would be ideal.

30. Carolina Panthers

2010 Record: 2-14

The Carolina Panthers had the NFL's worst record in 2010, which gave them the first choice in the 2011 NFL draft.

The Panthers selected Cam Newton, who may be asked to start from day one on Ron Rivera's team. A new head coach and a new rookie quarterback will keep Carolina in the bottom of the NFC South for at least the 2011 season.

29. Cincinnati Bengals

2010 Record: 4-12

It sounds like the Bengals will lose quarterback Carson Palmer this summer—he asked to be traded and will retire if the team doesn't move him. In replacing Palmer Cincinnati drafted Andy Dalton, a fiery quarterback from TCU who may be ready to step in as a starter right now.

Dalton will have his hands full, but at least, he will have plenty of targets on offense with A.J. Green, Jordan Shipley, Jermaine Gresham and Cedric Benson all returning on offense.

28. Arizona Cardinals

2010 Record: 5-11

The only thing keeping Arizona from contending in a weak NFC West is the play at quarterback. If Arizona can trade for Kevin Kolb or Kyle Orton, they would be much better next year.

Since neither can happen yet, we have to look at Arizona as they stand today—which isn't very good.

The team needs help along the offensive line to protect whomever they find at quarterback, and they must find a consistent running back.

Until they do that, no one can expect good things in Arizona this fall.

27. Buffalo Bills

2010 Record: 4-12

Buffalo missed out on the one player they really needed in the 2011 NFL draft when Von Miller was selected No. 2 overall. Instead, Buffalo drafted Marcell Dareus, who may be a great building block but will not have an impact like Miller.

Buffalo needs to address issues on both lines and find someone who can really get after the passer on defense—right now, they are depending on Shawn Merriman.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars

2010 Record: 8-8

Jacksonville has good enough last season to finish second in the AFC South, but their chances of repeating that performance are slim.

The team drafted Blaine Gabbert to learn behind David Garrard, so the pressure is on the veteran to perform well early on in 2011. Jacksonville still needs help at receiver and would love to find defensive ends who can routinely pressure the quarterback.

The biggest issue in Jacksonville, and it's a huge issue, is the secondary.

Jacksonville's pass defense was horrible in 2010, and they did nothing to address the positions through the draft.

25. Minnesota Vikings

2010 Record: 6-10

The Vikings have a lot of talent, some of it depending on which free agents re-sign, but the big question mark will be who starts at quarterback?

The team drafted Christian Ponder to take over under center, but he may not be ready to go in his first season, and even if he is, the Vikings cannot expect many wins with a rookie under center.

If Minnesota can sign an attractive veteran quarterback to fill in until Ponder is ready, we'll consider moving them up.

The good news is that they still have the NFL's best running back in Adrian Peterson.

24. San Francisco 49ers

2010 Record: 6-10

Many would tell you that the problems in San Francisco can all be solved with a good quarterback.

While that's partially true, adding a franchise quarterback would help immensely; the problems in San Francisco are more complex.

The team needs to develop talent at receiver and on the offensive lines while adding solid players along the defensive line and at cornerback.

Until they do that, the 49ers streak of years without a playoff appearance will continue.

23. Cleveland Browns

2010 Record: 5-11

The Browns may get better in a few seasons, but in the meantime, things could get rough for the Dawg Pound.

Cleveland has their quarterback of the future in Colt McCoy and a damn good running back in Peyton Hillis, but the defense is incredibly weak, and there are many questions at wide receiver.

The Browns will be leaning heavily on at least three rookies (Greg Little, Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard) to make big plays in 2011.

22. Denver Broncos

2010 Record: 4-12

The Denver Broncos should be much better in 2010 with the addition of Von Miller and the healthy return of Demaryius Thomas and Elvis Dumervil.

The big question is, who will start at defensive tackle in John Fox's 4-3 defense?

The Broncos have young players ready to step in at almost every position, except the most important one in a 4-3 defense.

Denver has the talent to make a run in 2011 toward a playoff spot, but they must find two starters at defensive tackle before we can take them seriously.

21. Seattle Seahawks

2010 Record: 7-9

The Seahawks rode a weak NFC West title to the playoffs last year where they shocked the New Orleans Saints and gave fans hope for the upcoming season.

Seattle has many questions to answer before they can be considered a threat, though.

Who will start at quarterback with Matt Hasselbeck a free agent? Is the running game fixed? What will the team do to shore up weaknesses along the defensive line and at cornerback?

Until Pete Carroll finds answers to those questions, we cannot take Seattle seriously.

20. Miami Dolphins

2010 Record: 7-9

The Miami Dolphins could be one of the surprise teams of the 2011 season...or they could fall flat on their faces and put forth another subpar season under Tony Sparano.

It all hinges on how well Chad Henne plays next year. The Dolphins have the offensive line and receivers for the offense to succeed, but Henne has to play like a starting quarterback for the team to do well this fall.

If Henne struggles there is no one to fall back on, something that could cost Sparano his job if the Dolphins fail to contend for a playoff spot.

19. Oakland Raiders

2010 Record: 8-8

The Oakland Raiders are a hard team to read, as is expected with an owner like Al Davis.

Oakland has a good stable of talent, particularly on offense, but there are also enough question marks to keep Oakland down on our pre-training camp power rankings.

At quarterback the team is trusting an average quarterback to be outstanding, and on defense, the team will rely on many young and unproven players in the back seven.

This doesn't add up to a playoff run for Oakland, but things are looking better than in the past.

18. Detroit Lions

2010 Record: 6-10

The excitement in Detroit is building as the 2011 season seems like a reality now that a new CBA is around the corner.

With a healthy Matthew Stafford and the addition of Nick Fairley to an already amazing defensive line, there is real hope in Detroit for a playoff berth.

The Lions are close, and if either Chicago or Green Bay stumble, the Lions may have a chance at a wildcard spot in 2011.

If they can keep everyone healthy.

17. St. Louis Rams

2010 Record: 7-9

All the pieces are in place for the St. Louis Rams to take back the NFC West in 2011.

Sam Bradford leads a talented offensive unit featuring an All-Pro caliber back (Steven Jackson) and a very underrated offensive line.

The pressure will be on the defense to hold up their end of the deal this season. If the Rams hope to make a playoff run, something I think they can do, the defense has to play better every week.

16. San Diego Chargers

2010 Record: 9-7

San Diego has a very talented roster, particuarly on offense, but are they as good as we all assume they should or could be?

They have Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates and Marcus McNeill...but that's about it. San Diego has not been the talented team we all imagine since losing Michael Turner and LaDainian Tomlinson.

It gets worse on defense, where San Diego will lose many key players to free agency and have struggled to replace them with draft picks. Poor draft choices, like Larry English, are starting to add up.

15. New York Giants

2010 Record: 10-6

How will the New York Giants replace Mathias Kiwanuka and Osi Umenyiora on defense?

That is but one big question mark heading into the 2011 season. New York has a good defensive line, so losing Umenyiora will only hurt a little, but losing both Osi and Kiwanuka is a blow the Giants will certainly feel.

On offense, the Giants continue to be underwhelming, as Eli Manning has never developed into the star quarterback so many expected.

New York is good enough to fight for a playoff spot, but that's about it.

14. Indianapolis Colts

2010 Record: 10-6

Before the Colts fans rise up and form a lynch mob to attack me, consider a few things.

1. Peyton Manning has had two offseason neck surgeries and has yet to throw a football this offseason.

2. Manning, due to injury, has not led the Colts in offseason workouts.

3. The Colts will start two rookies on the offensive line who will go through a hurried offseason and have not had offseason workouts to learn the offense.

That's why we predict a down year for Manning and the Colts. Honestly, Indy wasn't that good last year. Things will only be worse due to the reasons listed above.

13. Dallas Cowboys

2010 Record: 6-10

This is taking a little leap of faith that Tony Romo will return to his 2009 form, which will turn mean a better Miles Austin and a better running game.

Dallas has the pieces to win a Super Bowl, I honestly believe that, they just have to come together and gel as a unit before the season.

If they cannot do that, Dallas will remain an incredibly talented team who cannot win football games.

12. Houston Texans

2010 Record: 6-10

The Houston Texans have an offense built to win a Super Bowl; it's their defense that worries us.

The Texans spent their first three draft picks adding J.J. Watt, Brooks Reed and Brandon Harris to a defense that needed a shot in the arm. They also added defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who will install a 3-4 defense designed to pressure the quarterback.

Time will show if the moves were worthwhile and if Houston can finally beat the Colts for the AFC South title.

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2010 Record: 10-6

Josh Freeman is the real deal. As are LeGarrette Blount and Mike Williams. As are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

No team in the NFL has a more talented roster of young players on the verge of exploding onto the NFL scene. Tampa features young stars and up-and-comers at almost every position group.

It's that youth, and the cool confidence of Josh Freeman, that has us liking Tampa Bay a lot during the 2011 season.

10. New Orleans Saints

2010 Record: 11-5

Previously, I had said the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would take second place in the NFC South and make the playoffs.

I'm backing off that, if only a little.

I do think the Bucs will make the playoffs but not as a higher seed than the Saints.

Why the change of heart? Drew Brees.

Brees is the heart and soul of this franchise, and his work during the lockout to assemble his team and workout together has been enough to change my opinion of how well the Saints will perform in the 2011 season.

9. Kansas City Chiefs

2010 Record: 10-6

The Kansas City Chiefs face a much tougher schedule in 2011 as the reigning AFC West champions, which means they may struggle to match their 10 wins from the 2010 season.

That doesn't mean they will not be one of the best teams in the NFL, no matter if they match their 2010 record or not.

Kansas City has the pieces in place to be very good for the next several seasons. Beating the other top teams in the NFL is one way to prove their worth.

The fact that they play elite teams Green Bay and Pittsburgh at home certainly helps.

8. Chicago Bears

2010 Record: 11-5

The Bears were good enough to make the NFC Championship game last season. With a roster that will feature almost zero turnover, the Bears look ready to make another run at a Super Bowl appearance.

With one more year under his belt in Mike Martz' offense, Jay Cutler should be even better in 2011, especially if either Earl Bennett, Johnny Knox or a free agent addition step up as a No. 1 wide receiver.

Ignore the talk about Cutler quitting on his team. His teammates love him, and the Bears will be a tough game for everyone in 2011.

7. New York Jets

2010 Record: 11-5

The New York Jets could take the next step toward taking the AFC East crown from the Patriots in 2011, or they could lose three key free agents and take a step back in the division.

Both are pretty possible at this point.

The Jets will hope to re-sign Antonio Cromartie, Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards once free agency starts back up.

If they cannot and it appears they will face stiff competition for all three players, the Jets will struggle to fill their spots and could see a decrease win total in 2011.

6. Philadelphia Eagles

2010 Record: 10-6

How good could the Eagles be in 2011? Well, really good.

The Eagles return almost everyone from a team that was getting better each week. They also added some smart draft choices who could contribute in key roles as rookies.

And of course, since the Eagles are one of the NFL's best teams, they will be a hotbed of activity on the free agent market if they choose to be.

Should Philadelphia land cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, there really are few teams who could line up with them and hope to win.

5. Baltimore Ravens

2010 Record: 12-4

The Baltimore Ravens have made the playoffs the last three years. Will 2011 be the year they finally win a playoff game and make a Super Bowl run?

Maybe.

Baltimore is still weak at cornerback and could benefit from a real threat as a No. 2 receiver. They are also in need of a right tackle to replace Jared Gaither if he leaves in free agency.

The roster in Baltimore is as good as any in the NFL, how they fare in free agency and respond to injuries throughout the season could make the difference.

4. Atlanta Falcons

2010 Record: 13-3

The Atlanta Falcons were almost my choice as the No. 3 team, but I can't justify putting them ahead of the three teams rated ahead of them. Yet.

Matt Ryan is perhaps my favorite quarterback to watch in the NFL today, and the talent around him just keeps getting better.

How Atlanta does re-signing their three starting offensive linemen who are free agents (Justin Blalock, Tyson Clabo and Harvey Dahl) will be a key factor in the Falcons' 2011 success.

Equally as important is locking up Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes and signing a defensive end to line up opposite of John Abraham.

3. New England Patriots

2010 Record: 14-2

The team with the NFL's best regular season record last season does not start out the 2011 offseason atop our rankings. And it has everything to do with the playoffs.

Tom Brady will probably lead the talent-rich Patriots to the NFL's best record again in 2011 but can he overcome the playoff slump that has haunted the team since losing the Super Bowl to the New York Giants?

Brady and co. feature a ton of talented players, but finding a pass-rusher and continuing to get better at receiver are keys to the season.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

2010 Record: 12-4

The Steelers represented the AFC in the Super Bowl last season, and they have the talent to get back in 2011.

The Steelers lose very little in free agency, had a smart if underwhelming draft and will be a quiet bidder in free agency, but they will still be one of the best overall teams in the NFL due to the coaching of Mike Tomlin and Dick LeBeau.

The roster is set for Pittsburgh to win a Super Bowl within the next few seasons.

1. Green Bay Packers

2010 Record: 10-6

To be the best you have to beat the best. That's our motto, at least.

The Packers brought the Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers to win the Super Bowl. Many believe they could pull off a repeat this fall.

Green Bay will return all of their key players on both offense and defense, plus they return injured running back Ryan Grant and will add rookies Derek Sherrod, Randall Cobb and Alex Green to an already loaded roster.

The Packers should open the season as everyone's favorite to win the Super Bowl again this year.