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NFL 2017 preview: Looking at strengths, weaknesses and X-factors for all 32 teams

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Apr 28, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns first round picks defensive lineman Myles Garrett and defensive back Jabrill Peppers and tight end David Njoku display their jerseys to the media at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns first round picks defensive lineman Myles Garrett and defensive back Jabrill Peppers and tight end David Njoku display their jerseys to the media at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns

2016 Record: 1-15, Fourth Place in the AFC North

It’s weird to say it, but the Cleveland Browns may actually be on the rise after a very successful NFL Draft.

OK, just because a team is on the rise doesn’t mean its far from the bottom. The Browns are still bad, very bad. But looking at some of the draft additions leaves a lot of room for hope.

Cleveland didn’t do anything dumb with the first overall pick and wisely selected the best player in this year’s draft, Texas A&M EDGE Myles Garrett. Taking former Michigan safety Jabrill Peppers at No. 25 overall might have been somewhat of a reach. But he’s an upgrade over almost anything the Browns can boast right now.

But look at tight end David Njoku as a possible impact player. He might wind up being the favored target for new quarterback DeShone Kizer, who may actually wind up starting at some point this season.

Strengths

There still aren’t too many of which to boast. But head coach Hue Jackson has a vision, and it’s starting to come into place.

Garrett will need some help along Cleveland’s defensive front. But it shouldn’t be too long for his presence to be felt. The Browns have needed an impact player on this side of the ball for some time. Garrett provides that.

Weaknesses

Cleveland is still full of holes, and it’s going to take at least a few seasons to address the majority of them.

Even with Kizer in camp, the Browns’ quarterbacking situation likely falls on Cody Kessler early in 2017. That’s far from perfect. And outside of Njoku, he won’t have too many weapons at his disposal.

X-Factors

Njoku could wind up being a spark for Cleveland’s offense. Tight ends are always a favorite for quarterbacks on bad teams.

We could say Kizer is an X-factor here, but he probably doesn’t end up starting until halfway through the regular season.

But all eyes will be on Garrett. Does he justify the first overall pick in the draft? Or does he fall in line with all too many of Cleveland’s other NFL Draft disappointments?