Post-Draft Power Rankings: The Cardinals and Dolphins Are Already Looking at Next Year

The draft is in the books, and now it's time to see what all those moves actually mean. Here's how the bottom tier of the league stacked up after teams made their final additions.

Arizona Cardinals (Down 1): Electric Talent, But the QB Problem Won't Solve Itself

The Cardinals grabbed some serious playmakers. They landed electric RB Jeremiah Love and what will be a starting guard in Chase Bisontis. The additions in free agency, Seumalo and Allgeier, show they're trying to build something. But here's the thing: is there really a huge gap between having Geno or Brissett under center? Because without a legitimate QB, it doesn't matter how talented Love is. The NFCW doesn't give you grace periods. Love might have a year similar to what we saw before, and by this time next year we'll all be wondering if this group can finally put it together.

Miami Dolphins (Down 1): A Smart Reset That Feels Like a Throwaway

Miami is taking a different approach. This is a reset year, plain and simple. New HC Jeff Hafley has his QB and presumably a year of grace to exceed low expectations. Unlike some teams panic spending, the Dolphins wisely maxed out their draft picks instead of overpaying free agents. The problem? They're stuck in a hard division and face two rough divisions in their schedule. Add in the dead money crippling their cap and it's clear 2026 is about building for 2027.

New York Jets (Up 2): All the Draft Picks in the World Can't Fix No QB

This one's simple. The Jets are a bad team with a bad coach in an even worse roster position than last year. Their free agent additions, Geno, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Demario Davis, are aging vets that can't be the foundation of a winning team. Two of the best teams in the AFC are in their division. They play two of the better divisions in football this year. They did solid work in the draft, replacing lost defense and getting an incredible tight end, plus at least one WR to complement Garrett Wilson. But without a QB capable of taking them to the next level? No QB equals no hope. Aaron Glenn won't be able to compensate for that.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.