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NFL Power Rankings: A Post-2017 NFL Draft Look at All 32 Teams

By Peter Panacy

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (right) as he is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Youngstown defensive end Derek Rivers speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Youngstown defensive end Derek Rivers speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Patriots. 1. team. 47. . 14-2.

Key NFL Draft Additions: EDGE Derek Rivers, OT Antonio Garcia

The New England Patriots still stand atop our NFL power rankings despite not having but five selections in the draft.

In fact, a good chunk of their picks were traded away before, or during, the draft itself.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. New England picked up speedy wide receiver Brandin Cooks from the New Orleans Saints, and adding pass-rusher Kony Ealy should help the defensive front seven.

Edge rusher Derek Rivers is there in case Ealy doesn’t contribute well enough. And adding offensive tackle Antonio Garcia is a nice move with veteran lineman Nate Solder’s long-term future with the team in question.

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The Patriots didn’t need a home-run NFL Draft to stay atop NFL power rankings. They’re still there because, well, no one seems to have the power to usurp them just yet.

Until proven otherwise, New England remains the top dog in our rankings.

Next: Biggest 49ers Winners & Losers from the NFL Draft

And it’s easy to see why the Pats remain favorites to win Super Bowl LII when the 2017 season comes to a close.