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2019 NFL Power Rankings: Who heads into summer at No. 1?

By Ian Cummings

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 23: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 23: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 09: (L-R) General manager Brian Gutekunst, head coach Matt LaFleur and President and CEO Mark Murphy of the Green Bay Packers speak to the media during a press conference introducing Matt LaFleur as head coach at Lambeau Field on January 09, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 09: (L-R) General manager Brian Gutekunst, head coach Matt LaFleur and President and CEO Mark Murphy of the Green Bay Packers speak to the media during a press conference introducing Matt LaFleur as head coach at Lambeau Field on January 09, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

No. 15 – Green Bay Packers

The NFC North is wide open this year, and a team like the Packers could ultimately wind up on top. But for now, we’re going to remain lukewarm on Green Bay. The cheese isn’t melting just yet.

Packers general manager Brian Gutenkunst went all-in on defensive talent in the 2019 offseason. In free agency, he formed the Smith and Smith law firm with Preston and Za’Darius, imploring them to exact judicious terror on opposing offensive linemen. The Packers needed the edge boost; their best edge rusher before free agency was Kyler Fackrell, who somehow lucked his way into double-digit sacks in 2018.

The Packers also swiped away Adrian Amos from the Bears. Amos serves the dual function of both a playmaker and a safety blanket, and he could be the final piece to a young, exciting secondary comprised of players like Jaire Alexander, Josh Jackson, and rookie first-round pick Darnell Savage.

With those additions, plus versatile lineman Rashan Gary, the Packers’ defense is looking better and better. But there are questions surrounding how head coach Matt LaFleur will mesh with Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers particular nature with offensive schemes has been well-documented in the past, and LaFleur, who wasn’t very productive in his short time as an offensive coordinator with Tennessee, still has a lot to prove. This ranking reflects the acclimation period that might occur between those two, but if LaFleur’s offense ends up striking a chord in Green Bay, then Rodgers and company could be in for an explosive bounce-back season.

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