NFL Power Rankings: Pre-Draft Roundup

A quick roundup of recent NFL Power Rankings from around the web. Despite losing so many players in free agency, the Seattle Seahawks are still near the top.

With free agency over and the NFL draft rapidly approaching, it is time to survey how the Seattle Seahawks are viewed in recent Power Rankings from various media outlets. Overall, Seattle is still viewed in a positive light, but they’ve clearly slipped a bit from when they were the undisputed top team in the NFL.

ESPN

The worldwide leader’s NFL staff voted on their power rankings, and they’ve currently got Seattle sitting at 4th. Above them are Arizona, Carolina and New England.

"The Seahawks lost three offensive linemen this offseason (and added one). This is either a bad thing or a good thing. Russell Wilson has been sacked 164 times in his career, second most since 2012."

It is interesting that they suggest that Seattle dumping their top offensive linemen might end up being a good thing. I’ll have to touch on that in another article.

CBS Sports

Pete Prisco has the Seahawks currently ranked 5th. Above them are Cincinnati, Carolina, Arizona and New England.

"They feel confident about their offensive line, even after Russell Okung and J.R. Sweezy left in free agency. Losing linebacker Bruce Irvin hurts too."

It is interesting that Prisco mentions Irvin but not Brandon Mebane. While both are big losses for the defense, I’d argue that losing Mebane hurts more.

NFL Spin Zone

Maurice Moton, who covers the Raiders for FanSided’s all-NFL site, has the Seahawks ranked 6th. Above them are Denver, Green Bay, Arizona, Carolina and New England.

"Barring contract distractions, Seattle will field another top-five defense equipped to shorten games and create turnovers with the offensive engine in the trenches going through transition."

Motion has concerns about Seattle’s offensive line (duh), and also wonders if Rawls is ready to replace Lynch for a full 16-game season.

Overall Reaction

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the Seahawks are still viewed as one of the NFL’s top teams. Much of the talent that won them a Super Bowl is still intact. Russell Wilson hasn’t gone anywhere, and neither has most of the defensive talent.

Next: Remembering Seattle's 2012 draft class

It is interesting that there is some very cautious optimism about Seattle’s offensive line coming from ESPN and CBS. It is easy to see the turnover and be worried, but both seem to think that Seattle will end up ok there when all is said and done.