Ranking Every NFL Team’s Offensive Building Blocks Ahead of 2025 Offseason
NFL general managers should never be completely satisfied with their rosters because filling out the depth chart is an ongoing responsibility, but a core group of quality playmakers is a clear sign of a job well done.
Before roster turnover goes into full swing between free agency and the draft, we ranked each team's offensive building blocks.
In the rankings, building-block assets are highly productive players among the best at their position, established starting quarterbacks or recent and future top first-round picks with significant upside.
Teams can build an offense around these guys. They are essential contributors who change the complexion of a passing attack or the ground game. The offense would change dramatically for better or worse with or without them.
Players who are considering retirement or are well past their prime at the end of their careers don’t qualify as foundational roster pieces.
Let’s dive into the rankings and see which teams will be fielding prolific offensive attacks for years to come.
32. New England Patriots
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Building Blocks: 2025 Pick No. 4
The New England Patriots hope to see quarterback Drake Maye blossom into a franchise player, but he's not there yet. In his rookie term, he threw for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions with a 66.6 percent completion rate.
The 22-year-old doesn't have a high-level wide receiver or a stable offensive line, two areas the Patriots must address in the offseason. In the second half of the previous term, starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson lost touches to Antonio Gibson because of his ball-security issues.
New England could use the No. 4 overall pick to draft two-way 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter or wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan to boost the offense.
Maye has potential, but he isn't established and needs the most help among the league's quarterbacks, which is why the Patriots rank last in the rankings.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Building Blocks: WR George Pickens
Over the past several years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been a team led by their defense, fielding an offense that hasn't ranked higher than 12th in scoring or 23rd in total yards since 2018.
With quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields and running back Najee Harris headed to free agency, the Steelers don't have much other than George Pickens in terms of established playmakers under contract in 2025.
Even Pickens, who has eclipsed 900 receiving yards in one out of three seasons, isn't a high-level No. 1 wideout. That said, he gives the Steelers offense its only hope of stretching the field. The third-year wideout led the league in receiving yards per catch (18.1) in 2023.
The Steelers have a relatively young offensive line that could develop into one of the better units, though losing rookie Troy Fautanu in Week 2 of the season was a massive hit to the group.
On a positive note, rookie center Zach Frazier had a solid year and looks like a potential long-term starter, but he needs to cut down on committed penalties (five).
30. Las Vegas Raiders
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Building Blocks: TE Brock Bowers, 2025 No. 6 Pick
The Las Vegas Raiders have a lot of work to do on the offensive side of the ball. Brock Bowers broke multiple records while catching passes from three starting quarterbacks.
Without a doubt, the Raiders will shake up the quarterback room, and they also need an influx of playmakers at the skill positions. Their offense doesn't have a clear-cut No. 1 running back, and after trading Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers—a solid but not elite-level wideout—is the best receiver on the roster.
As rookies, guard Jackson Powers-Johnson and tackle DJ Glaze showed flashes this past season, but they're far from locks to start in the long term.
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29. New York Giants
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Building Blocks: WR Malik Nabers, 2025 No. 3 Overall Pick
The New York Giants must find someone who can get the ball to Malik Nabers in the passing game. They don't have a quarterback under contract for the 2025 term, so they could sign a veteran signal-caller and draft a passer with the No. 3 overall pick.
Nabers is the future of the Giants offense. He finished second among rookies in catches (109) and receiving yards (1,204) this past season despite the team's horrific quarterback situation with Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock.
Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. emerged as a pleasant surprise, racking up 1,123 scrimmage yards, but he had nearly as many fumbles (five) as touchdowns (six). He must take care of the ball to retain the lead role out of the backfield.
28. Carolina Panthers
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Building Blocks: RB Chuba Hubbard, RT Taylor Moton, 2025 Pick No. 8
In his first season as Carolina Panthers head coach, Dave Canales made an early switch at quarterback, benching Bryce Young for Andy Dalton.
Even though Young showed improvement in the second half of the campaign, he's headed into a prove-it year and hasn't solidified himself as a roster building block.
The Panthers made it clear Chuba Hubbard will have a significant role in the offense for the foreseeable future by signing him to a four-year, $33.2 million extension in November. He racked up the eighth-most rushing yards in the 2024 campaign.
Rookie running back Jonathon Brooks has torn the ACL in the same knee twice in 13 months. His lengthy recovery from a severe December injury will allow Hubbard to retain his workhorse role out of the backfield.
Taylor Moton is the longest-tenured offensive lineman on the roster, and he's on his second contract. The 30-year-old tackle is the team's most reliable player within the position group. Young needs him to stay healthy for quality pass protection.
The Panthers are on the lower end of the rankings because of their wide receiver corps. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker accumulated fewer than 500 receiving yards in their rookie campaign. Adam Thielen is Carolina's best wideout, and he's going to be 35 in August.
27. Cleveland Browns
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Building Blocks: WR Jerry Jeudy, G Wyatt Teller, 2025 Pick No. 2
Jerry Jeudy had an underwhelming four-year stretch with the Denver Broncos, but he broke out in a Pro Bowl campaign this past year with the Cleveland Browns.
After the Browns traded Amari Cooper, Jeudy flourished as the No. 1 option in the passing game. Remember, Cleveland signed him to a three-year, $52.5 million extension after it acquired him from the Broncos.
Center Joel Bitonio is no longer a building block along the offensive line as he contemplates retirement. Jack Conklin is severely injury-prone, missing 34 games over the last four terms. He allowed seven sacks this past season, per Pro Football Focus.
Teller is the only foundational player along Cleveland's offensive line. He's made the AFC Pro Bowl roster in three of the last four seasons.
The Browns are in the bottom quarter of the rankings because they need to regroup at quarterback and revamp their backfield.
Deshaun Watson has been an injury-prone and inefficient quarterback since Cleveland acquired him from the Houston Texans in 2022. With the Browns, he's averaged 177.1 passing yards, throwing for 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 19 contests. The 29-year-old has torn his Achilles twice since October.
Nick Chubb lost a step after suffering serious knee injuries in September 2023. He averaged a career-low 3.3 yards per carry and recorded just 332 yards and three touchdowns in eight games this past season. The 29-year-old running back is headed toward free agency.
26. Tennessee Titans
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Building Blocks: WR Calvin Ridley, 2025 Pick No. 1
Tennessee Titans head coach and offensive play-caller Brian Callahan needs more time to mold the roster in his vision. Additionally, the players will require an extended period to prove they're mainstays in his system.
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley doesn't have distinguishable accolades, but he's eclipsed 1,015 receiving yards in back-to-back terms since coming back from a yearlong gambling suspension. He also has a 1,374-yard receiving season from his time with the Atlanta Falcons. Without him, Tennessee doesn't have much in the passing game.
Tony Pollard didn't reach a new level of production in his move from Dallas to Tennessee. He's a versatile tailback who may be better in a tandem rather than as a lead ball-carrier, which is why Tyjae Spears may be able to see more touches if he stays healthy.
Last offseason, the Titans revamped their offensive line, though the unit is still a work in progress. None of the young linemen showed Pro Bowl potential, though former first-rounders JC Latham and Peter Skoronski can become long-term starters.
The Titans' No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft boosted them over six teams with units that also lack offensive talent.
25. Indianapolis Colts
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Building Blocks: RB Jonathan Taylor, LG Quenton Nelson
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard talked about bringing in competition for Anthony Richardson, showing the team isn't quite all-in on him as its franchise quarterback.
Three-time All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson and All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor are the fabric of Indianapolis' physical offensive attack.
Nelson has been an All-Pro or Pro Bowler every year since 2018. Taylor, the 2021 rushing champion, is coming off his second-best rushing season with 1,431 yards.
As key contributors to the ground game, Nelson, 28, and Taylor, 26, can take a lot of pressure off the quarterback.
Through five seasons, Michael Pittman Jr.'s receiving numbers have been a bit underwhelming, particularly his touchdown total (18).
This past season, the 27-year-old finished second on the team in catches (69) and receiving yards (808). Pittman is a solid receiver but not quite a building block yet.
24. New Orleans Saints
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Building Blocks: RB Alvin Kamara, WR Chris Olave
In two seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Derek Carr has been decent, throwing for 6,023 yards, 40 touchdowns and 13 interceptions with a 68.2 percent completion rate in 27 games, but he hasn't elevated the playmakers around him.
Despite general manager Mickey Loomis' "high level of confidence" in Carr, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that the team will decide on the veteran signal-caller's future "soon."
To help whoever starts at quarterback, the Saints have a five-time Pro Bowler in Alvin Kamara, who signed a two-year, $23.5 million extension in October. He will turn 30 in July, but he's the team's top contributor on offense, racking up 1,160 or more scrimmage yards in all eight seasons with the team.
Based on his first two seasons, recording 1,042-plus receiving yards, Chris Olave is on track to be a Pro Bowl player if he can stay healthy. Last season, he missed nine games because of a concussion.
Assuming he's back on the field next season, the 24-year-old will be the Saints' clear-cut go-to target in the passing game.
New head coach Kellen Moore must sort out the quarterback position, and one has to wonder how much longer Kamara can carry a heavy workload approaching 30, which is why this unit ranks outside the top 20.
23. New York Jets
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Building Blocks: RB Breece Hall, WR Garrett Wilson
The New York Jets announced they will move on from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt believes Tyrod Taylor is the favorite to take over the starting role.
Regardless of how the Jets' quarterback position shakes out, offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand must feature Hall and Wilson for a balanced attack.
Breece Hall has led Gang Green in scrimmage yards for back-to-back seasons. Despite sharing touches with Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, he eclipsed 1,358 scrimmage yards and finished third on the team in catches (57) this past year.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Jets could move on from wideout Davante Adams, Rodgers' two-time teammate, partly because of his massive cap number ($38.3 million).
While the Jets see Adams as expendable, Garrett Wilson has recorded 1,042-plus receiving yards in each of his three seasons and has a bright future. Even with Adams in the fold for the second half of the 2024 term, the 24-year-old recorded career highs in multiple receiving categories.
With Adams potentially on the way out and uncertainty at quarterback along with unproven (Olu Fashanu) and injury-prone (Alijah Vera-Tucker) key offensive linemen, Gang Green misses the top 20.
22. Jacksonville Jaguars
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Building Blocks: QB Trevor Lawrence, WR Brian Thomas Jr.
After a 2022 Pro Bowl year, Trevor Lawrence has regressed, and he missed seven games last year because of injuries. Still, he draws intrigue because of his physical tools and back-to-back 4,000-plus-yard passing seasons between 2022 and 2023.
Liam Coen, who left his position as Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator to become Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, may be able to help the 25-year-old reach his peak.
Lawrence has help on the perimeter. Brian Thomas Jr. led all rookies in receiving yards (1,282) and touchdown receptions (10) this past season. He's on track to be the Jaguars' No. 1 wideout for the foreseeable future. Fellow receivers Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis may be expendable because of him.
In 2024, running back Travis Etienne lost a grip on the featured role out of the backfield, and Tank Bigsby saw a significant increase in touches under former head coach Doug Pederson and his staff.
Coen used multiple running backs in Tampa Bay, so Etienne may not reclaim the lion's share of touches on the ground.
Lawrence's recent regression knocked the Jaguars down several spots in the rankings.
21. Atlanta Falcons
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Building Blocks: RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London, C Chris Lindstrom
The Atlanta Falcons will move forward with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as their starter. For now, Kirk Cousins is a backup, and Penix is unproven, with only three starts on his resume.
Under head coach Raheem Morris this past season, the Falcons featured Bijan Robinson as a building-block player. In 2023, he logged 272 touches. This past term, the 23-year-old finished second leaguewide in touches (365), racking up the fourth-most scrimmage yards (1,887).
Despite Cousins' struggles under center, Drake London proved he could post numbers that align with the production of a No. 1 wideout, logging career highs in catches (100), receiving yards (1,271) and touchdown receptions (nine).
Chris Lindstrom has become the anchor of the Falcons' offensive line, earning Pro Bowl nods in three consecutive terms.
Offensive tackle Jake Matthews is solid, but he hasn't made a Pro Bowl roster since 2018. The Falcons have a decision to make with his future because he has no guaranteed money left on his contract.
20. Chicago Bears
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Building Blocks: QB Caleb Williams, WR DJ Moore, WR Rome Odunze
Caleb Williams had an uneven rookie season with peaks and valleys, though he did enough to show he can be a franchise player on the pro level, throwing for 3,541 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions and rushing for 489 yards.
Remember, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick took a league-high 68 sacks, partially because he held the ball a little too long trying to make plays but primarily because of a below-average offensive line.
With former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson taking over as Chicago Bears head coach, Williams' upside gets a boost following a year in which he showed strong flashes.
As wideout Keenan Allen prepares for free agency, DJ Moore is the key wide receiver in the Bears offense. In seven years, he's shown consistency and big-play ability.
The 27-year-old has eclipsed 1,156 receiving yards in four of the previous six seasons, three of those with the Carolina Panthers. He led the Bears in catches (98) and receiving yards (966) this past season and could post Pro Bowl-worthy numbers if Allen goes elsewhere.
Chicago selected Rome Odunze with the ninth overall pick in last year's draft. So, he gets a mention as a building-block player even though his 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns aren't numbers that jump off the screen.
As a full-time starter, Williams showed more promise than Michael Penix Jr., who only has a few starts on his resume. So, the Bears' young unit cracks the top 20 over the Atlanta Falcons' core.
19. Arizona Cardinals
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Building Blocks: QB Kyler Murray, WR Marvin Harrison Jr., TE Trey McBride
If Kyler Murray builds a stronger rapport with Marvin Harrison Jr., the Arizona Cardinals could field one of the top passing attacks next season.
Harrison caught 62 passes for 885 yards and eight touchdowns, but he recorded a 53.4 percent catch rate.
In December, Murray told reporters that his connection with the rookie wide receiver is "not where this team needs it to be," which means the duo will likely work on trying to be on the same page more often for the 2025 campaign.
Murray is a two-time Pro Bowler, and the Cardinals selected Harrison with the No. 4 overall pick last year. They're primary building blocks for the offense.
Trey McBride has become a high-volume pass-catcher in the Cardinals' passing attack. In 2024, he led the team in receptions (111) and receiving yards (1,146) but only scored two touchdowns.
Still, the 25-year-old made the NFC Pro Bowl roster as one of the league's top pass-catching tight ends.
18. Washington Commanders
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Building Blocks: QB Jayden Daniels, WR Terry McLaurin
Jayden Daniels won 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year and made the NFC Pro Bowl roster with one of the most prolific seasons for a first-year quarterback in NFL history, leading the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship Game.
With the 24-year-old's passing numbers, 3,569 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions with a 69 percent completion rate, game-winning drives and accolades, the Commanders have found their franchise quarterback.
Daniels relied heavily upon Terry McLaurin, who has been a consistent playmaker on the perimeter for the last several years, racking up 1,002-plus receiving yards in five consecutive seasons. The 29-year-old earned his second Pro Bowl nod in 2024.
17. San Francisco 49ers
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Building Blocks: QB Brock Purdy, RB Christian McCaffrey, WR Brandon Aiyuk
The San Francisco 49ers have an aging offensive core that went through an injury-riddled 2024 season.
Christian McCaffrey missed 13 games. Brandon Aiyuk sat out 10 games, and according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, he's "uncertain" to be ready for the start of next season.
Trent Williams missed the last seven outings. McCaffrey is still a building-block player, but at 36, Williams doesn't qualify as a foundational piece anymore.
Despite the injuries around him, Brock Purdy posted decent passing numbers, throwing for 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 65.9 percent completion rate. He had a string of clunkers down the stretch, though, throwing for five touchdowns and four interceptions between Weeks 15 and 17.
The 49ers are prepared to sign the 25-year-old to an extension, solidifying him as their franchise quarterback. Still, this unit is a bit shaky because of the injuries and may need a couple of young skill position players (Ricky Pearsall and Isaac Guerendo?) to take leaps in development in 2025.
16. Denver Broncos
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Building Blocks: QB Bo Nix, WR Courtland Sutton, LG, Quinn Meinerz, LT Garett Bolles
Denver Broncos saw immediate returns from Bo Nix, who was selected with the No. 12 pick in last year's draft. He threw for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 66.3 percent completion rate and rushed for 430 yards and four touchdowns.
Nix's passing numbers are impressive because he played with a mediocre 16th-ranked rushing attack and only had one reliable receiver in Courtland Sutton, who recorded a career-high 81 catches.
On the flip side, Nix took snaps behind one of the league's best offensive lines. The Broncos have signed Bolles to two extensions, most recently last year. Meinerz earned his first All-Pro nod last season. Both are essential to Nix's pass protection.
Yes, quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Brock Purdy have the accolades and impressive passing numbers, but Nix has a stronger supporting cast, particularly a top-tier offensive line.
15. Miami Dolphins
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Building Blocks: QB Tua Tagovailoa, WR Tyreek Hill, RB De'Von Achane
The Miami Dolphins have a playmaking offensive trio that led a potent scoring attack. Remember, they fielded the No. 2-ranked scoring offense that accumulated the most yards in 2023, with Tua Tagovailoa healthy for an entire season while Tyreek Hill and De'Von Achane recorded 24 touchdowns combined.
This past season, Tagovailoa missed six games and Hill played through the campaign with a torn ligament in his wrist. As a result, the Dolphins offense sputtered in stretches.
Nonetheless, Tagovailoa's absence and Hill playing at well less than 100 percent highlighted how important it is for the offense to have that tandem operating at optimal levels. Miami's passing attack dropped from No. 1 to 15th in total yards between 2023 and 2024.
Achane is an explosive playmaker on the ground and in the passing game with a nose for the end zone, racking up 2,496 scrimmage yards and 23 touchdowns in two seasons. His ascension on the depth chart made Raheem Mostert expendable.
Turning 34 in July, having missed 22 games over the last four seasons, left tackle Terron Armstead is no longer a building-block asset. Miami must revamp its offensive line.
14. Seattle Seahawks
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Building Blocks: QB Geno Smith, WR D.K. Metcalf, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Klint Kubiak mentioned Geno Smith as a significant draw in accepting the offer to become the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator.
Based on his comments, expect the Seahawks to strike a new deal with Smith in the offseason. The 34-year-old signal-caller has no guaranteed money left on his contract.
In three seasons as the Seahawks' starting quarterback, Smith has won 2022 Comeback Player of the Year and made the Pro Bowl roster twice. He will likely be the centerpiece of Seattle's offense for the next few years.
Smith has one of the best wide receiver duos in the league. D.K. Metcalf is a two-time Pro Bowler who has eclipsed 1,047 receiving yards in three out of six seasons. He's also led the team in receiving yards in three of those campaigns.
The Seahawks selected Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first round of the 2023 draft. He broke out this past season, leading the team in catches (100), receiving yards (1,130) and touchdown receptions (six).
The Seahawks edged out the Miami Dolphins because they have a more reliable quarterback in terms of availability.
13. Green Bay Packers
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Building Blocks: QB Jordan Love, RB Josh Jacobs, OL Elgton Jenkins
At 26, Jordan Love only has 33 career starts because he sat for a couple of years behind Aaron Rodgers, though he's helped lead the Green Bay Packers to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
Last offseason, after a run to the NFC Divisional Round, Green Bay rewarded Love by signing him to a four-year, $220 million extension. The team sees him as its franchise player, but he needs help from a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver.
Josh Jacobs can provide balance on the ground. In 2024, he earned his second Pro Bowl nod, rushing for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Packers leaned on the ground game in the second half of the season, which indicated their trust in Jacobs over Love in a push to finish the campaign on a strong note.
Jacobs won the 2022 rushing title and recorded his second-highest season rushing yards total in 2024. The six-year veteran just turned 27 and could continue to see a heavy workload as the focal point of the offense if the Packers don't add a No. 1 wide receiver this offseason.
Elgton Jenkins hasn't made the NFC Pro Bowl roster since 2022, but he's still one of the league's top blocking offensive linemen, allowing just one sack while on the field for 1,069 snaps in 2024, per Pro Football Focus.
The 29-year-old is part of the reason why the Packers have a high-level offensive line and earned a boost into the top half of these rankings.
12. Minnesota Vikings
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Building Blocks: WR Justin Jefferson, WR Jordan Addison, LT Christian Darrisaw, RT Brian O'Neill
The Minnesota Vikings have to make a key decision at quarterback as Sam Darnold prepares for free agency.
The Vikings may let the 27-year-old sign elsewhere because of their confidence in the offensive core. Perhaps J.J. McCarthy gets off to a productive career start behind a quality offensive line and with high-end perimeter playmakers.
Pro Football Focus graded Christian Darrisaw as one of the league's top-three run-blocking left tackles. Even as a pass-blocker, he has shored up the Vikings offensive line. On the opposite side, Brian O'Neill is a two-time Pro Bowler who allowed just two sacks while on the field for 1,100 snaps in 2024, per PFF.
Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are a top-three receiver tandem.
Jefferson is a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro who has finished within the top four in receiving yards in four out of five seasons.
In 2023, Addison led all rookies in touchdown receptions with 10. In two terms, the 23-year-old has caught 133 passes for 1,786 yards and 19 touchdowns.
This past year, the Vikings' aerial attack operated at a high level without tight end T.J. Hockenson for several games, so he's not listed as a building-block asset.
Coming off a torn ACL, Hockenson hauled in 41 passes for 455 scoreless yards.
Despite a major question at quarterback, the Vikings' offensive core, which helped Darnold post career numbers this past season, ranks within the top 12. All 11 offensive cores ahead of this unit feature an established starting quarterback.
11. Los Angeles Chargers
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Building Blocks: QB Justin Herbert, WR Ladd McConkey, LT Rashawn Slater
Justin Herbert didn't match his gaudy passing numbers from the 2021 and 2022 seasons, but he had an efficient year under head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff.
The 26-year-old recorded a career-high passer rating of 101.7 and his second-best QBR (64.9).
Herbert immediately developed a rapport with Ladd McConkey, who caught 82 passes for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. The Chargers wideout finished within the top four in catches, receiving yards and touchdown receptions among 2024 rookies.
Rashawn Slater performed well in offensive coordinator Greg Roman's system, getting back into Pro Bowl form after an injury-riddled 2022 term and a solid 2023 campaign.
10. Houston Texans
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Building Blocks: QB C.J. Stroud, WR Nico Collins, LT Laremy Tunsil
C.J. Stroud didn't make a leap in his development, and some say he went through a second-year slump, but the 2023 Pro Bowler and Rookie of the Year is still regarded as one of the league's ascending young quarterbacks.
The 23-year-old has helped lead Houston to playoff victories in back-to-back terms.
The Texans may have to shuffle their personnel across the offensive line after Stroud took the second-most sacks (52) in 2024, but Laremy Tunsil is a keeper, putting together five Pro Bowl campaigns over the previous six years.
Last offseason, the Texans signed Nico Collins to a three-year, $72.8 million extension. He missed five games this past season but still made the AFC Pro Bowl roster, catching 68 passes for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns. At 25, his best football years may be in front of him.
Joe Mixon has only been with the Texans for one season, but he's a building-block player after posting Pro Bowl numbers in 2024.
Racking up 1,255-plus scrimmage yards in four consecutive campaigns, the 28-year-old still has a lot left in the tank as a three-down tailback.
9. Dallas Cowboys
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Building Blocks: QB Dak Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb, OL Tyler Smith
Dak Prescott has missed 14 games over the last three years. The Dallas Cowboys should be concerned with his injury history, but they signed him to a four-year, $240 million extension last offseason and added a no-trade clause. He's their franchise player.
Dallas also signed CeeDee Lamb to a contract extension last offseason, making him the second highest-paid wideout in average annual salary and total guarantees. He's earned it.
The 25-year-old has made the NFC Pro Bowl roster for four consecutive years and led the league in catches (135) in 2023.
As a rookie, Tyler Smith played well at left tackle and became a Pro Bowler at left guard in back-to-back terms. Because of his versatility and high level of play at two positions, he's an invaluable cog along the Cowboys' offensive line.
At 34 and headed to free agency, Zack Martin isn't on the list of Cowboys' building blocks. He's contemplating retirement after missing seven games because of an ankle injury this past season.
Yet the Cowboys rank one spot higher than the Texans' offensive unit because of the continuity Prescott has established with Lamb over the past five years. Also, Smith is younger than Laremy Tunsil, and he's racking up accolades earlier in his career.
8. Los Angeles Rams
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Building Blocks: QB Matthew Stafford, RB Kyren Williams, WR Puka Nacua
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Matthew Stafford wants a new contract. Don't expect the Los Angeles Rams to trade him, though.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler talked to people around the league who believe the 37-year-old and the Rams will work something out.
"People I've talked to with the Rams don't sound overly concerned about Stafford leaving, despite the tricky contract situation," he wrote.
Assuming Stafford returns, he'll have Puka Nacua as his unquestioned go-to receiver.
Wideout Cooper Kupp let everyone know the Rams intend trade him. Stafford could also lean on the ground game, which has featured Kyren Williams over the previous two years. Since 2023, the 24-year-old has rushed for 2,443 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Stafford needed time to think about his future, but he's an established quarterback who made the NFC Pro Bowl roster last year. The Rams fielded the 10th-ranked passing attack with him playing in 16 games through the 2024 term.
Though the quarterback's age knocked the Rams down a couple of spots, he has been more durable than Dak Prescott over the past few years, which pushes Los Angeles right above the Dallas Cowboys in the rankings.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Building Blocks: QB Baker Mayfield, WR Mike Evans, OT Tristan Wirfs
Going into his third term with the team, coming off back-to-back 4,000-plus-yard passing seasons, Baker Mayfield has solidified himself as the centerpiece of the Buccaneers offense.
At 31 years old, Mike Evans is still one of the league's most consistent wideouts, eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards in all 11 terms with the team. He's also coming off consecutive Pro Bowl years. His connection with Mayfield is the most potent aspect of the Tampa Bay offense.
Tristan Wirfs is an elite offensive lineman who's earned All-Pro recognition at left and right tackle. Based on average annual salary, he's the highest-paid player at his position, a well-deserved reward for his exceptional play on both sides of the line.
Even with the changes at offensive coordinator, the Buccaneers offense should be able to score at a high rate because of their core personnel on that side of the ball.
6. Cincinnati Bengals
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Building Blocks: QB Joe Burrow, WR Ja'Marr Chase
The Cincinnati Bengals have a dynamic quarterback-receiver tandem that's the engine of their offense.
Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase have a connection that dates back to their two years together at LSU, and they have continued to torch defenses on the pro level.
Burrow is a two-time Pro Bowler and 2024 Comeback Player of the Year. Though the Bengals missed the playoffs, he's coming off a campaign in which he led the league in passing yards (4,918) and touchdown passes (43). Meanwhile, Chase won the receiving triple crown.
Cincinnati has a few good players who aren't essential building-block assets: wideout Tee Higgins, running back Chase Brown and offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr.
While the Bengals will likely sign Chase to a massive extension this offseason, they may allow Higgins to walk in free agency or, as ESPN's Adam Schefter suggests, tag and trade him.
At tackle, Brown struggled in pass protection in his first year with the team and missed six games this past season. In the backfield, Brown needs another highly productive year to solidify himself in a Burrow-led offense.
5. Buffalo Bills
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Building Blocks: QB Josh Allen, RB James Cook, LT Dion Dawkins
Without an elite pass-catcher on the roster, Josh Allen put the offense on his back several times and won his first league MVP. He's one of the best at the position, and with him, the Bills will have a shot to win a Super Bowl.
Dion Dawkins has made the AFC Pro Bowl roster in four consecutive seasons. The Bills have signed him to two extensions in 2020 and 2024. He's Allen's top bodyguard and the Bills' best offensive lineman.
Sharing pass-catching duties with Ty Johnson and Ray Davis, James Cook saw fewer targets, but he tied Jahmyr Gibbs and Derrick Henry in rushing touchdowns (16) with far fewer touches than both tailbacks.
Three years into his career, Cook is already an established running back with two Pro Bowl campaigns.
Allen's MVP campaign pushed the Bills ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow-led offense.
4. Baltimore Ravens
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Building Blocks: QB Lamar Jackson, RB Derrick Henry, C Tyler Linderbaum
Lamar Jackson has won two league MVPs, and he's coming off a season in which he threw for career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdowns (41).
The 28-year-old signal-caller is one of the league's most prolific and established building blocks.
Derrick Henry turned 31 in January, but he hasn't shown signs of decline. In 2024, he finished second leaguewide in carries (325) and rushing yards (1,921) and tied Jahmyr Gibbs and James Cook for a league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns.
Even at his age, Henry changed the complexion of the Ravens offense.
Tyler Linderbaum has been a steady presence in the middle of the Baltimore offensive line, which had some turnover this past season, losing Kevin Zeitler, John Simpson and Morgan Moses in a trade and via free agency.
In three terms, Linderbaum, 24, put together two Pro Bowl seasons as the rock-solid anchor of the front line.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
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Building Blocks: QB Patrick Mahomes, C Creed Humphrey, OL Joe Thuney
Following an embarrassing Super Bowl loss, the Kansas City Chiefs must regroup, but they still have one of the league's best quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs need more perimeter playmakers, though. Xavier Worthy is the most reliable and explosive receiver within the pass-catching group. He hit his stride in the playoffs, catching 14 passes for 242 yards and three touchdowns between the AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl.
However, he has to show the ability to carry that momentum into 2025 after recording 59 receptions for 638 yards and six touchdowns in the regular season. Also, his role could change with the return of Rashee Rice and the addition of a veteran wideout.
Rice drew attention from the league because of hit-and-run and aggravated assault cases. In Week 4, he suffered a season-ending knee injury. One has to wonder if the Chiefs can rely on the second-year receiver. Regardless, Kansas City advanced to the Super Bowl without him.
Though Mahomes was under constant duress in Super Bowl LIX, Kansas City's key building blocks are along the offensive line. Creed Humphrey and Joe Thuney earned All-Pro honors this past season. The Chiefs should re-sign Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith, and they must address the left tackle spot.
Mahomes is the ultimate building block, and he's bested Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson in the playoffs. With his accolades and a high-level offensive line, the Chiefs are still in the top three despite their question marks at receiver and need for a more dynamic running back.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
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Building Blocks: QB Jalen Hurts, RB Saquon Barkley, WR A.J. Brown, WR DeVonta Smith, LT Jordan Mailata
The Philadelphia Eagles are atop the NFL hierarchy following a Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, and they're No. 2 in the offensive building-block rankings.
Hurts hasn't posted gaudy passing numbers, but he's a two-time Pro Bowler who helped lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl twice. The dual-threat signal-caller plays a significant role in Philadelphia's ground game, rushing for 3,133 yards and 55 touchdowns in five seasons. Also, he is a key part of the Eagles' signature short-yardage 'Tush Push' play.
In his first campaign with the Eagles, Barkley won the rushing title and ran for the most yards in NFL history between the regular season and the playoffs. Philadelphia can continue to build its run game around the 28-year-old ball-carrier.
Brown has experienced his ups and downs in the Eagles offense, which favors a heavy ground attack, but he's the go-to receiver who forces defenses to respect the Eagles' passing game.
A.J. Brown racked up 1,456 receiving yards in 2022 and 2023 and led the team in receiving yards for the 2024 term, averaging 16.1 yards per catch.
DeVonta Smith has the speed to stretch defenses and pick up yards after the catch. He's 1B to Brown's 1A at wide receiver, averaging about 1,000 receiving yards with 27 touchdown receptions in total through four seasons.
At 34, Lane Johnson is still one of the league's best right tackles, but the Eagles cannot build around a player at his age. At 27, Jordan Mailata is still in his prime with a bright future. He allowed just one sack while on the field for 801 snaps this past season, per Pro Football Focus.
1. Detroit Lions
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Building Blocks: QB Jared Goff, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, OT Penei Sewell, TE Sam LaPorta
The Detroit Lions might have lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears, but they still have the best offensive core in place.
Jared Goff played at his best in Johnson's offense, but he was a two-time Pro Bowler before the Lions acquired him from the Los Angeles Rams. He will line up behind one of the league's top offensive lines, which includes Penei Sewell, who's a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro at 24 years old.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is also a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, leading the Lions in catches and receiving yards in all four seasons with the team. Every year, he has seen an increase in his touchdown total.
This past season, Jahmyr Gibbs showed he could handle the lion's share of the workload out of the backfield, taking on a more prominent role while David Montgomery missed time because of a knee injury.
As a dynamic playmaker on the ground and as a pass-catcher, the 22-year-old led the league in touchdowns from scrimmage with 20.
In two seasons, Sam LaPorta has made the NFC Pro Bowl roster, catching 146 passes for 1,615 yards and 17 touchdowns. Because of St. Brown's production in the passing game, some may see LaPorta as a luxury playmaker, but he garners a ton of attention in the middle of the field, which often creates opportunities for other pass-catchers and softens the second-level of defenses for the ground attack.
The Lions took the No. 1 spot over the Philadelphia Eagles because all five of their building-block players earned Pro Bowl or All-Pro recognition in the last two years. The core unit's collective accolades clearly set it apart from the other groups.
Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.
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