The majority of free agency has come and gone, and the 2021 NFL Draft is a thing of the past. All sights are now set on the upcoming campaign. Some teams aggressively attacked the offseason, fortifying position groups that were once weaknesses. And PFF's Ben Linsey has you covered with which squads came out on top for the major position groups.
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Most Improved Receiving Corps
1. New York Jets
There have been times over the past two seasons when Jamison Crowder was the primary receiving option for the Jets. Crowder is a solid complementary piece to have in the slot, but he’s not exactly someone who will strike fear into defenses. And New York has added enough depth at wide receiver this offseason that Crowder could realistically be released in a move that would save the team over $10 million in 2021. … Read more
2. New York Giants
The Giants came into this offseason needing to add several pieces in the receiving corps and along the offensive line to give Daniel Jones a better opportunity to succeed heading into his third season. The latter has not materialized, but Jones will have a more talented group of pass-catchers at his disposal heading into 2021. … Read more
Most Improved Offensive Lines
1. Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles' offensive line ended the 2020 season at No. 32 in PFF’s end-of-the-year rankings. They were owners of a 48.8 PFF grade as a unit, lower than any other team in the NFL. The only group to post a worse overall grade across the past five seasons was Miami’s offensive line in 2019. … Read more
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ offensive line may have cost the team a Super Bowl last season. But the unit that took the field in Super Bowl 55 isn’t the same group they entered the season with. Injuries and opt-outs left them exceedingly thin heading into their final game. It seems as if the Chiefs have decided this offseason that they won't allow a lack of offensive line depth to cause the team any more problems. … Read more
Most Improved Defensive Lines
1. New England Patriots
The front seven was a focus for the Patriots in a busy free agency period. Not only did they retain Lawrence Guy and Deatrich Wise Jr., but they also brought in outside talent. … Read more
2. Cleveland Browns
The edge defender spot opposite Myles Garrett was a question mark coming out of the 2020 campaign due to Olivier Vernon being unlikely to re-sign with Cleveland after suffering a late-season injury. The Browns addressed that position in free agency with one-year deals handed out to Takkarist McKinley and Jadeveon Clowney. Both signings carry some risk, but they qualify as good bets for Cleveland to take on short-term contracts. … Read more
Most Improved Secondaries
1. Cleveland Browns
The Browns signed two starting members from the NFL's top defense last season: John Johnson III and Troy Hill — to play safety and slot cornerback, respectively. Johnson wore several hats within Los Angeles’ defense, including the helmet with the green dot. He brings a well-rounded game to Cleveland and has earned PFF grades above 80.0 in three of his four NFL seasons. … Read more
2. Denver Broncos
This is more of a 1A and 1B situation at the top of this list given how much talent Denver has added in the secondary. Five cornerbacks played at least 250 defensive snaps for Denver in 2020: Michael Ojemudia, Bryce Callahan, A.J. Bouye, Essang Bassey and De’Vante Bausby. The only one to grade above 60.0 was Callahan (84.1), who missed some time with injury. That group is going to look a whole lot different in 2021. … Read more
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