NFL teams are susceptible to big swings from one year to the next. For dreamers, one popular exercise has been projecting which teams are most likely to go from bottom dweller to Super Bowl contender. The Patriots were an example last season.
Alternatively, there is the path that the Commanders took: going from the NFC Championship game during the 2024 season to the No. 7 overall selection. The catalyst for that regression was the injury to quarterback Jayden Daniels. Considering the four teams representing the AFC and NFC in the conference championship and beyond, how would the Patriots, Broncos, Seahawks and Rams rank, from least likely to most likely to pick in top-10 overall in the 2027 NFL Draft?
No team has improved more than the Rams since last season concluded. They took an NFC title roster and added All-Pros Trent McDuffie, Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald. The secondary has gone from a weakness to a strength, and the unit should benefit from increased pressure from the front.
Los Angeles has one of the oldest rosters in the league, which could make them more susceptible to injuries. General manager Les Snead has done well building contingencies into the roster. They brought back Tutu Atwell at receiver.
They used the No. 13 overall selection on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson rather than attacking a position of greater need this season. If Simpson is forced into action, there is every reason to believe Sean McVay, who got Baker Mayfield ready on a day's notice, will have the rookie up to speed. The offensive line is a bit of a concern from a talent perspective, but the team has always been able to mitigate a lack of talent through the scheme.
There is a lot of confidence in head coach Mike Macdonald, who reminds me of a young Bill Belichick. Macdonald's defensive accomplishments do not rely solely on a schematic advantage. He has a forward way of thinking that should allow him to remain on the front foot as team personnel and the league evolves around him.
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