Future N.F.L Power Rankings 2016

The panthers #23?

If there is anything more futile than "Power Rankings" it is "Future Power Rankings". Especially when the experts include Herm Edwards and Mel Kiper Jr.. It was still an interesting article and indicative of where the Panthers are viewed Right Now in the NFL hierarchy. And it ain't pretty. We are viewed as having the least future potential of any team in our division. Ranked 23rd in the league.

Most interesting is realizing how low down the totem pole we are this year versus the pervasive optimism both here and in the locker room for a strong start to the new season. Who is right?

Long-term, sustainable success. It's the goal of every NFL franchise. And while some have realized it in recent years -- the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, New York Giantsand New England Patriots, to name a few -- it has proved equally elusive to others who have chased football's biggest prize with a short-term, win-now mindset only to butt-fumble away their long-term growth

ESPN Insider's NFL Future Power Rankings are an attempt by our expert analysts to measure the confidence they have in each franchise as it projects three seasons ahead. It is not a predicted order of finish for the 2016 season, but rather a barometer tracking where each franchise is heading. And from our first installment of the project last summer to now, we've already seen some organizations make great strides towards becoming a Super Bowl contender, while others have slipped back towards square one.

In evaluating each team, our analysts broke down five facets deemed critical to the long-term health of a franchise

• The roster (minus the QB) as it projects in 2016, emphasizing players 27 and younger
• The franchise quarterback as he projects in 2016
• The strength of a team's 2013 draft picks and their available picks in future drafts
• The reputation and performance of the front office
• The stability and acumen of a team's coaching staff


Our experts -- Herm Edwards, Mel Kiper, Mike Sando, Gary Horton, Matt Williamson and Field Yates -- ranked each franchise from 1-10 across the five categories, then provided a breakdown for each team. Former NFL GM Bill Polian abstained from the ranking, but offered his insights for the front office analysis below. Using a weighted formula (explained briefly in the sidebar to the right, and in more detail here) we generated our final rankings.

Roster: The defensive line has the makings of a force after adding two talented tackles in the draft to play between Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson, but the secondary is depleted of talent. A quality offensive line leads the way for a crowded backfield, but Carolina needs to find its feature back rather than loading up on backs to split carries. Quality over quantity should be the rule for this backfield. -- Yates


Quarterback: Cam Newton was either brilliant or horrible in about half the Panthers' games last season. That was understandable for a young quarterback on a team that was picked first overall in 2011 for a reason. This coming season should be about reintroducing Newton as a passer first and less as a read-option player. That is how he must take the next step. Newton is signed through the 2014 season. He will most likely still be the starter in 2016, but it's a longer shot whether the current coaching staff will stick that long. Instability affects quarterbacks, a consideration with Newton. -- Sando


Draft: The previous administration was pushed out because of consistently poor drafting. Dave Gettleman smartly addressed the defensive line in the 2013 draft, and the Panthers' talent level is on the rise after a 2012 draft that was strong at the top. The key going forward will be finding value down the board. That simply hasn't happened in recent years. The Panthers have all their picks in 2014 and 2015, save for a 2014 seventh they dealt to the 49ers. -- Kiper


Front office: New GM Gettleman is from the George Young/Ernie Accorsi school. That means solid players on both lines, coupled with a top-flight defense and led by a big-play QB. They are already most of the way there on defense. The offensive line still needs some work and will be a focus going forward, although the return from injury of center Ryan Kalil is huge. The question mark remains Newton. -- Polian


Coaching: This is a big season for Ron Rivera, his third as head coach of the Panthers. Carolina finished strong last season, winning five of six, but this organization must show it can make the playoffs under Newton. Mike Shula takes over the offense this season and must make sure that Newton has success and is comfortable early on. If not, it could be a short leash for Rivera. -- Edwards

 

Teams that IMO will be the new (giants, Patriots, ravens etc)

1: Panthers
2. Raiders
3. Eagles
4. Colts

 

Teams to regress

1. Pats
2. Ravens
3. Broncos
4. Texans

 

Thanks for nothing.

 

You are welcome boy.

 

49ers, Seahawks? In three years those QBs will be fucking monsters.

 

I wasn't trying to be obvious. Although I believe both of those qbs are overrated. Both are products of the system/talent of the team they are on.

 

I will say that karma is a ************ and I expect Denver to be a complete mess in 2-3 years. And yeah, there's no reason not to expect SF or Seattle to be a force for years.


What Carolina becomes probably depends on Cam's progression. I still think the guy can be about as good as he wants to be.

 

He wants to be good at being in ads