The 2016 NFL season started this week as Organized Team Activities (OTA’s) have now begun for 31 of the 32 NFL teams. The Los Angeles Rams will begin theirs on May 31st. The 2016 NFL Draft has concluded and team workouts have begun, so now it’s time to find out which teams may come out on top when the playoffs come around.
Five NFL Teams to Watch in 2016
New York Jets
Despite the New York Jets quarterback uncertainty, they are expected to be among the twelve teams that advance to the NFL playoffs this season. Last season the Jets, who went 10-6, missed the playoffs by the skin of their teeth. Ryan Fitzpatrick’s contract may be at a stand-still but head coach Todd Bowles and the rest of the team, including the 2016 draft picks, will enter the 2016 season with a fighting chance to really succeed for the first time since 2010.
Notable 2016 draftees: Darron Lee, Christian Hackenberg, Jordan Jenkins, Charone Peake.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have been a franchise on the rise for a couple years despite various weaknesses in their roster. After Chip Kelly’s firing in January, the Eagles hired head coach Doug Pederson who seems to have made a positive impact on the team so far.
Notable 2016 draftees: Carson Wentz, Jalen Mills.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans struggled for years at the quarterback position, but this off-season they obtained former Denver Bronco’s signal caller, Brock Osweiler, in free agency. The Texans also managed to fill in other roster holes through the draft and there is a strong chance that they join the playoff race once the postseason arrives.
Notable 2016 draftees: Will Fuller, Nick Martin, Braxton Miller, Tyler Ervin.
Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders have been putting in the effort to become a NFL threat in the NFL in recent years. In the past few drafts they have selected some star-studded players such Derek Carr, Khalil Mack, and Amari Cooper. In 2015 the Raiders franchise saw a change in the right direction when new head coach Jack Del Rio seemed to light a fire under his team and their record improved from 3-13 in 2015 to 7-9 last season.
Notable 2016 draftees: Karl Joseph, Connor Cook, Jihad Ward.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the top of nearly everyone’s list of potential top teams for the upcoming season. They have taken steps this off-season, though free agency (signed Malik Jackson and Chris Ivory among others) and the draft, to potentially make a big leap in 2016.
Notable 2016 draftees: Jalen Ramsey, Myles Jack, Sheldon Day, Brandon Allen, Jonathon Woodward.
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