Predicting Every Team’s Record After The 2015 NFL Draft By Jerry Landry ← Tip: Use keyboard arrows to navigate → PREV NEXT Predicting Every Team’s Record After The 2015 NFL Draft Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports In an NFL regular season barring ties, there are 256 victories and 256 defeats. Unlike the moral fiber reamed down your brain chute in non-sports programming, the NFL is all about wins and losses. It’s getting ahead so you're not left behind. The 2015 NFL Draft was the first big step toward any team staking claim at the 256 available wins, and unfortunately, a possible pitfall into accumulating losses. Here's how these win-shares shake out after the draft. Predicting Every Team’s Record After The 2015 NFL Draft In an NFL regular season barring ties, there are 256 victories and 256 defeats. Unlike the moral fiber reamed down your brain chute in non-sports programming, the NFL is all about wins and losses. It’s getting ahead so you're not left behind. The 2015 NFL Draft was the first big step toward any team staking claim at the 256 available wins, and unfortunately, a possible pitfall into accumulating losses. Here's how these win-shares shake out after the draft. Arizona Cardinals Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports The Cardinals’ draft was so average, it has little affect on Arizona’s projected regular season outcome. What we need to know is if Carson Palmer will be effective, that’s it, that’s all that matters. I’ll assume Palmer puts up one more year, but it’ll be marginal. Projected 2015 Record: 7-9 Arizona Cardinals The Cardinals’ draft was so average, it has little affect on Arizona’s projected regular season outcome. What we need to know is if Carson Palmer will be effective, that’s it, that’s all that matters. I’ll assume Palmer puts up one more year, but it’ll be marginal. Projected 2015 Record: 7-9 Atlanta Falcons Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports The Falcons made valiant attempts to bolster the pass rush in drafting Vic Beasley from Clemson and Beasley’s teammate, Grady Jarrett. Atlanta wants to win now and I think they have the talent to do so, as long as Matt Ryan can play from platform in a reliable pocket. Projected 2015 Record: 9-7 Atlanta Falcons The Falcons made valiant attempts to bolster the pass rush in drafting Vic Beasley from Clemson and Beasley’s teammate, Grady Jarrett. Atlanta wants to win now and I think they have the talent to do so, as long as Matt Ryan can play from platform in a reliable pocket. Projected 2015 Record: 9-7 Baltimore Ravens Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports Baltimore stayed gritty by getting nothing but real gamers in their 2015 draft class. Buck Allen should be a nice complement to Justin Forsett and I really like the late-round pickup in Darren Waller, a 6-foot-6 project the Ravens and John Harbaugh could undoubtedly develop. Projected 2015 Record: 10-6 Baltimore Ravens Baltimore stayed gritty by getting nothing but real gamers in their 2015 draft class. Buck Allen should be a nice complement to Justin Forsett and I really like the late-round pickup in Darren Waller, a 6-foot-6 project the Ravens and John Harbaugh could undoubtedly develop. Projected 2015 Record: 10-6 Buffalo Bills Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports Rex Ryan is an interesting fit for an interesting franchise. Ryan is a coach you’d “drink a beer with” but I don’t think he’d make a great leader of an outfit. Expect Ryan to get the most from his players early on but once again lead another franchise into a brush fire. I do like the selection of Nick O’Leary though, a tight end that doesn’t need receiver gloves to showcase great hands. Projected 2015 Record: 6-10 Buffalo Bills Rex Ryan is an interesting fit for an interesting franchise. Ryan is a coach you’d “drink a beer with” but I don’t think he’d make a great leader of an outfit. Expect Ryan to get the most from his players early on but once again lead another franchise into a brush fire. I do like the selection of Nick O’Leary though, a tight end that doesn’t need receiver gloves to showcase great hands. Projected 2015 Record: 6-10 Carolina Panthers Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports The Panthers are trying to become the “Linebacker U” of the NFL by adding Shaq Thompson to the tandem of Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis, but the more the merrier, right? Also, watch for Cam Newton to finally go next level in 2015. Projected 2015 Record: 9-7 Carolina Panthers The Panthers are trying to become the “Linebacker U” of the NFL by adding Shaq Thompson to the tandem of Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis, but the more the merrier, right? Also, watch for Cam Newton to finally go next level in 2015. Projected 2015 Record: 9-7 Chicago Bears Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports Transition is hitting Chi Town like a stiff wind off the back of Willis Tower. Nicknames and landmark diction aside, the Bears drafted well. Kevin White is a solid athlete with solid potential at receiver, oh and White is incredibly fast, so there’s that. John Fox will have Chicago again trending upward and will figure out how to temper Jay Cutler’s attitude. Projected 2015 Record: 8-8 Chicago Bears Transition is hitting Chi Town like a stiff wind off the back of Willis Tower. Nicknames and landmark diction aside, the Bears drafted well. Kevin White is a solid athlete with solid potential at receiver, oh and White is incredibly fast, so there’s that. John Fox will have Chicago again trending upward and will figure out how to temper Jay Cutler’s attitude. Projected 2015 Record: 8-8 Cincinnati Bengals Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports The Bengals are another “No matter what” team, as in: No matter what Cincinnati does, the Bengals will win 10 games. Projected 2015 Record: 10-6 Cincinnati Bengals The Bengals are another “No matter what” team, as in: No matter what Cincinnati does, the Bengals will win 10 games. Projected 2015 Record: 10-6 Cleveland Browns Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports I like Danny Shelton’s attitude and I like how Shelton unabashedly attempted to disconnect Roger Goodell’s spine under the guise of a “bear hug.” Although the Browns have figured out how to redesign their defensive line and their uniforms, Cleveland still hasn’t figured out their quarterback. Projected 2015 Record: 6-10 Cleveland Browns I like Danny Shelton’s attitude and I like how Shelton unabashedly attempted to disconnect Roger Goodell’s spine under the guise of a “bear hug.” Although the Browns have figured out how to redesign their defensive line and their uniforms, Cleveland still hasn’t figured out their quarterback. Projected 2015 Record: 6-10 Dallas Cowboys Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports No coach in the NFL has a better attitude than Jason Garrett. With a vote of confidence from Jerry Jones, Garrett has silently re-built a Dallas Cowboys’ team that resembles America’s Team of the early 90s. The ‘Boys have an offensive line again and made a diligent attempt to solve the secondary. Expect big things from Big D. Projected 2015 Record: 11-5 Dallas Cowboys No coach in the NFL has a better attitude than Jason Garrett. With a vote of confidence from Jerry Jones, Garrett has silently re-built a Dallas Cowboys’ team that resembles America’s Team of the early 90s. The ‘Boys have an offensive line again and made a diligent attempt to solve the secondary. Expect big things from Big D. Projected 2015 Record: 11-5 Denver Broncos Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Either the Broncos are the oldest good team in football or Denver is the best old team in football. By week 6, we should know. Shane Ray should be a good fit both on and off the field, but the Broncos’ welfare depends on Peyton Manning and if the sheriff can complete another NFL season. Projected 2015 Record: 8-8 Denver Broncos Either the Broncos are the oldest good team in football or Denver is the best old team in football. By week 6, we should know. Shane Ray should be a good fit both on and off the field, but the Broncos’ welfare depends on Peyton Manning and if the sheriff can complete another NFL season. Projected 2015 Record: 8-8 Detroit Lions Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports I don’t think I’ll forgive the Lions for passing on DT Malcom Brown. Also, I’ve never appreciated the win last, whine always culture seemingly ingrained into the Ford Field carpet. I'm predicting yet another plateau for a talented Detroit team that’s so misguided. Projected 2015 Record: 6-10 Detroit Lions I don’t think I’ll forgive the Lions for passing on DT Malcom Brown. Also, I’ve never appreciated the win last, whine always culture seemingly ingrained into the Ford Field carpet. I'm predicting yet another plateau for a talented Detroit team that’s so misguided. Projected 2015 Record: 6-10 Green Bay Packers Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports The Packers basically followed the book and remained risk-adverse by meeting needs through Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins for the secondary; then selecting Ty Montgomery to deepen the ranks at wide receiver. In other words, the Packers will be fine in 2015, R-E-L-A-X. Projected 2015 Record: 11-5 Green Bay Packers The Packers basically followed the book and remained risk-adverse by meeting needs through Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins for the secondary; then selecting Ty Montgomery to deepen the ranks at wide receiver. In other words, the Packers will be fine in 2015, R-E-L-A-X. Projected 2015 Record: 11-5 Houston Texans Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports I really don’t care who the Texans drafted, Houston still doesn’t have a quarterback. Ryan Mallett? Okay, go ahead and let me know how that works out. You don’t win a Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer anymore (no offense to Dilfer). Projected 2015 Record: 5-11 Houston Texans I really don’t care who the Texans drafted, Houston still doesn’t have a quarterback. Ryan Mallett? Okay, go ahead and let me know how that works out. You don’t win a Super Bowl with Trent Dilfer anymore (no offense to Dilfer). Projected 2015 Record: 5-11 Indianapolis Colts Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports So what if the Colts drafted another speedy wide receiver? Andrew Luck is a once-in-a-generation talent so you surround this QB with as much talent as possible. The Colts could be super in 2015. Projected 2015 Record: 13-3 Indianapolis Colts So what if the Colts drafted another speedy wide receiver? Andrew Luck is a once-in-a-generation talent so you surround this QB with as much talent as possible. The Colts could be super in 2015. Projected 2015 Record: 13-3 Jacksonville Jaguars Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports The Jaguars snagged Dante Fowler a couple spots above popular projection and also selected skill players T.J. Yeldon and Rashad Greene, both of whom I believe are tremendously overrated. Sadly it’s another year of Gus Bradley seeing his shadow in Jacksonville. Projected 2015 Record: 2-14 Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars snagged Dante Fowler a couple spots above popular projection and also selected skill players T.J. Yeldon and Rashad Greene, both of whom I believe are tremendously overrated. Sadly it’s another year of Gus Bradley seeing his shadow in Jacksonville. Projected 2015 Record: 2-14 Kansas City Chiefs Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports A productive wide receiver was a unicorn in Narnia for the Chiefs in 2014 — something both scarce and hopeless. Signing Jeremy Maclin and adding Chris Conley through the draft could change things, but then again just a single touchdown would technically be a step in the right direction. Projected 2015 Record: 10-6 Kansas City Chiefs A productive wide receiver was a unicorn in Narnia for the Chiefs in 2014 — something both scarce and hopeless. Signing Jeremy Maclin and adding Chris Conley through the draft could change things, but then again just a single touchdown would technically be a step in the right direction. Projected 2015 Record: 10-6 Miami Dolphins Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports I’m high on DeVante Parker but I’m still not sold on selling out for Ndamukong Suh. Suh is just one man on a 53-man roster. Projected 2015 Record: 7-9 Miami Dolphins I’m high on DeVante Parker but I’m still not sold on selling out for Ndamukong Suh. Suh is just one man on a 53-man roster. Projected 2015 Record: 7-9 Minnesota Vikings Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports Many believe Trae Waynes was the best DB prospect in the draft, and Waynes was certainly the fastest (among defensive backs and with a 4.31/40). If Adrian Peterson returns to form or the Vikings find a semi-adequate replacement, Minnesota could run up the NFC North. Projected 2015 Record: 9-7 Minnesota Vikings Many believe Trae Waynes was the best DB prospect in the draft, and Waynes was certainly the fastest (among defensive backs and with a 4.31/40). If Adrian Peterson returns to form or the Vikings find a semi-adequate replacement, Minnesota could run up the NFC North. Projected 2015 Record: 9-7 New England Patriots Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports You could forecast continued success just from watching the Patriots steal DT Malcom Brown at the end of the first round. As long as Tom Brady keeps eating his avocado ice cream, New England will be just fine. Projected 2015 Record: 12-4 New England Patriots You could forecast continued success just from watching the Patriots steal DT Malcom Brown at the end of the first round. As long as Tom Brady keeps eating his avocado ice cream, New England will be just fine. Projected 2015 Record: 12-4 New Orleans Saints Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports I’d hate to say this, but I think the New Orleans Saints have started regressing back to “The Ain’ts” again. Andrus Peat is a well-needed pass protector, but the Saints' needs extend well beyond the offensive line. Projected 2015 Record: 4-12 New Orleans Saints I’d hate to say this, but I think the New Orleans Saints have started regressing back to “The Ain’ts” again. Andrus Peat is a well-needed pass protector, but the Saints' needs extend well beyond the offensive line. Projected 2015 Record: 4-12 New York Giants Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Regardless of draft grades, metrics and thoughts about Eli Manning’s helmet size, I’m going Grady Little here and following my hunch that the Giants will be a playoff team in 2015. Projected 2015 Record: 10-6 New York Giants Regardless of draft grades, metrics and thoughts about Eli Manning’s helmet size, I’m going Grady Little here and following my hunch that the Giants will be a playoff team in 2015. Projected 2015 Record: 10-6 New York Jets Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports In the premature spirit of being “way too early,” I’m starting to accrue confidence that Todd Bowles may be for real. In the first three rounds, Bowles addressed deficiencies like a maven, importing the best defensive end in the draft (Leonard Williams), an OLB loaded with upside (Lorenzo Mauldin) and a burner out wide in Devin Smith. Bowles also showed it’s not Geno Smith’s job to lose by drafting the soon-to-be-unsung Bryce Petty. Projected 2015 Record: 8-8 New York Jets In the premature spirit of being “way too early,” I’m starting to accrue confidence that Todd Bowles may be for real. In the first three rounds, Bowles addressed deficiencies like a maven, importing the best defensive end in the draft (Leonard Williams), an OLB loaded with upside (Lorenzo Mauldin) and a burner out wide in Devin Smith. Bowles also showed it’s not Geno Smith’s job to lose by drafting the soon-to-be-unsung Bryce Petty. Projected 2015 Record: 8-8 Oakland Raiders Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports The Jack Del Rio era is up and chugging, the Raiders gave Derek Carr a target to throw to (Amari Cooper) and drafted a perfect and prototypical Raiders’ run-stuffer in Mario Edwards Jr. Oakland fans, get excited! Projected 2015 Record: 9-7 Oakland Raiders The Jack Del Rio era is up and chugging, the Raiders gave Derek Carr a target to throw to (Amari Cooper) and drafted a perfect and prototypical Raiders’ run-stuffer in Mario Edwards Jr. Oakland fans, get excited! Projected 2015 Record: 9-7 Philadelphia Eagles Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports Chip Kelly has treated his roster like an Etch-a-Sketch, but is slowly cranking a masterpiece. Replacing Jeremy Maclin with Nelson Agholor and then attacking defensive shortcomings by committee via Eric Rowe, Jordan Hicks, JaCorey Shepherd and Randall Evans. Philadelphia could be poised for the playoffs. Remember, Kelly is the guru that almost took Sanchez to the postseason in 2014. Projected 2015 Record: 11-5 Philadelphia Eagles Chip Kelly has treated his roster like an Etch-a-Sketch, but is slowly cranking a masterpiece. Replacing Jeremy Maclin with Nelson Agholor and then attacking defensive shortcomings by committee via Eric Rowe, Jordan Hicks, JaCorey Shepherd and Randall Evans. Philadelphia could be poised for the playoffs. Remember, Kelly is the guru that almost took Sanchez to the postseason in 2014. Projected 2015 Record: 11-5 Pittsburgh Steelers Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Le’Veon Bell will miss three games barring successful appeal, but will be a big boost down the stretch of the season. Ben Roethlisberger will likely extract one more peak year and will have a new third-round prospect to throw to in Sammie Coates. Why is a third-round Steelers WR so special? Because Pittsburgh has also selected Emmanuel Sanders, Mike Wallace and Hines Ward from that round. NBD Projected 2015 Record: 11-5 Pittsburgh Steelers Le’Veon Bell will miss three games barring successful appeal, but will be a big boost down the stretch of the season. Ben Roethlisberger will likely extract one more peak year and will have a new third-round prospect to throw to in Sammie Coates. Why is a third-round Steelers WR so special? Because Pittsburgh has also selected Emmanuel Sanders, Mike Wallace and Hines Ward from that round. NBD Projected 2015 Record: 11-5 San Diego Chargers Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports I’m really excited about the Melvin Gordon pick. The Chargers drafted a nearly fail-proof running back and addressed a massive need in a depleted area of the roster. Philip Rivers is rapidly approaching career twilight, but with the Broncos in projected decline, this could be San Diego’s striking window -- will the Bolts strike? Projected 2015 Record: 8-8 San Diego Chargers I’m really excited about the Melvin Gordon pick. The Chargers drafted a nearly fail-proof running back and addressed a massive need in a depleted area of the roster. Philip Rivers is rapidly approaching career twilight, but with the Broncos in projected decline, this could be San Diego’s striking window -- will the Bolts strike? Projected 2015 Record: 8-8 San Francisco 49ers Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Does the Bill Simmons “Ewing Theory” apply when your team has lost nearly everything? Linebackers have retired, coach Jim Harbaugh left and the iron-sided Frank Gore left for Indianapolis. In this specific case, I don’t think so. Projected 2015 Record: 3-13 San Francisco 49ers Does the Bill Simmons “Ewing Theory” apply when your team has lost nearly everything? Linebackers have retired, coach Jim Harbaugh left and the iron-sided Frank Gore left for Indianapolis. In this specific case, I don’t think so. Projected 2015 Record: 3-13 Seattle Seahawks Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Just like at USC, Pete Carroll doesn’t rebuild, but reload. The Seahawks added Jimmy Graham and drafted Tyler Lockett in restitution for Golden Tate. In my mind, the NFC West is actually in flux (St. Louis Rams trending up, 49ers down, Cardinals stagnating), and Seattle should clinch again. Projected 2015 Record: 13-3 Seattle Seahawks Just like at USC, Pete Carroll doesn’t rebuild, but reload. The Seahawks added Jimmy Graham and drafted Tyler Lockett in restitution for Golden Tate. In my mind, the NFC West is actually in flux (St. Louis Rams trending up, 49ers down, Cardinals stagnating), and Seattle should clinch again. Projected 2015 Record: 13-3 St. Louis Rams Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports Jeff Fisher apparently used the “Brute Force Algorithm” to meet the Rams’ needs across the offensive line. St. Louis drafted four offensive linemen in all and hopefully one of them will stick. Projected 2015 Record: 8-8 St. Louis Rams Jeff Fisher apparently used the “Brute Force Algorithm” to meet the Rams’ needs across the offensive line. St. Louis drafted four offensive linemen in all and hopefully one of them will stick. Projected 2015 Record: 8-8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Jameis Winston is pro-ready in talent but how about in mind? I think so. Winston is a smart kid, in spite of his magnified mistakes. Lovie Smith isn’t a terrible coach relative to league average and I’m expecting the Buccaneers to bump up as Winston flourishes. Projected 2015 Record: 6-10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jameis Winston is pro-ready in talent but how about in mind? I think so. Winston is a smart kid, in spite of his magnified mistakes. Lovie Smith isn’t a terrible coach relative to league average and I’m expecting the Buccaneers to bump up as Winston flourishes. Projected 2015 Record: 6-10 Tennessee Titans Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Unlike Winston, I’m not sure Marcus Mariota is pro-ready, and speaking of pro-ready, neither is Ken Whisenhunt. How the Cards went to a Super Bowl under Whisenhunt remains one of the divine mysteries. Projected 2015 Record: 4-12 Tennessee Titans Unlike Winston, I’m not sure Marcus Mariota is pro-ready, and speaking of pro-ready, neither is Ken Whisenhunt. How the Cards went to a Super Bowl under Whisenhunt remains one of the divine mysteries. Projected 2015 Record: 4-12 Washington Redskins Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports The Redskins signed RG III to an extension (D'oh!), are still run by Daniel Snyder (double D'oh!), and had to bring promising prospect Brandon Scherff into this mess. The NFC East is getting stronger for 2015, but only if you omit the team from Washington. Projected 2015 Record: 2-14 Washington Redskins The Redskins signed RG III to an extension (D'oh!), are still run by Daniel Snyder (double D'oh!), and had to bring promising prospect Brandon Scherff into this mess. The NFC East is getting stronger for 2015, but only if you omit the team from Washington. Projected 2015 Record: 2-14 The Projected Winners Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports Dallas Cowboys: 11-5 Green Bay Packers: 11-5 Indianapolis Colts: 13-3 New England Patriots: 12-4 Philadelphia Eagles: 11-5 Pittsburgh Steelers: 11-5 Seattle Seahawks: 13-3 The Projected Winners Dallas Cowboys: 11-5 Green Bay Packers: 11-5 Indianapolis Colts: 13-3 New England Patriots: 12-4 Philadelphia Eagles: 11-5 Pittsburgh Steelers: 11-5 Seattle Seahawks: 13-3 The Projected Losers Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Denver Broncos: 8-8 Detroit Lions: 6-10 Houston Texans: 5-11 Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-14 New Orleans Saints: 4-12 San Francisco 49ers: 3-13 Washington Redskins: 2-14 The Projected Losers Denver Broncos: 8-8 Detroit Lions: 6-10 Houston Texans: 5-11 Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-14 New Orleans Saints: 4-12 San Francisco 49ers: 3-13 Washington Redskins: 2-14 PREV NEXT Share You May Also Like Related Stories Ole Miss' Chad Kelly Caught Sleeping On Live Television During NFL Draft — Later Becomes 'Mr. Irrelevant' Mike Mayock Hilariously Threatens To Walk Off NFL Network Set As Orangutan Makes Colts Selection 2017 NFL Draft: DeShone Kizer Pick Somewhat Puzzling for QB-Starved Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Hometown Cancer Survivor James Conner in Second Round Did Roger Goodell Just Wipe a Booger on a Little Girl With One Leg? 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