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Now that free agency and the draft are over, and OTAs and mandatory minicamp have started, let’s take a look at the best acquisitions of the offseason in each division.
AFC East
Martellus Bennett | TE
Tom Brady and the Patriots offense were granted a tight-end tandem with the addition of Bennett. With him and Rob Gronkowski together, it’s hard to believe that they won’t score. It’s a big move that bolsters up the best team in the division. Even though he’s coming off a disappointing season in Chicago, Bennett was coming off of a rib injury that landed him on IR. Three years previously he improved in receptions, was consistent in yards per catch, and played every game. Now he is healthy and ready to contribute to an already strong Patriots team.
AFC North
Robert Griffin III | QB
I know what you’re thinking. RGIII, say what?! But look, I truly believe RG3 can get back to Pro Bowl status with the Browns. Washington sat Griffin for the 2015 season even after recovering from his injury. They believed Kirk Cousins fit their scheme better, but at the same time hung RG3 out to dry. The team gave up on him after one disappointing season. RGIII can get back to being an explosive quarterback with the right coaching staff and great morale around him. In Cleveland, he’s been welcomed with open arms and they believe he fits the offense they want to run.Â
AFC South
Jack Conklin | OT
The Tennessee Titans went and got Conklin at pick eight in the first round. He’s a starter they can plug into their offensive line immediately and allow their rising quarterback, Marcus Mariota, more time to work in the pocket. With Harry Douglas and Kendall Wright on opposite sides of the field to throw to, the Titans possess that deep threat in the passing game. Jack Conklin’s addition boosts this team and can really help them win games.
AFC West
Bruce Irvin | LB
The Oakland Raiders buffed up their pass rush by bringing in Irvin. He was one of the best defensive players available in free agency. He joins his former linebacker coach, and now defensive coordinator of the Raiders, Ken Norton, Jr, whom he won a Super Bowl with in Seattle. Irvin brings a winning mentality and veteran leadership to the locker room, which is really going to help this young and talented team. With Irvin and Khalil Mack on both sides of this stout defensive line, offenses are going to have a hard time moving the ball down the field!
NFC East
Josh Norman | CB
This has got to be the most important acquisition in this division. The Redskins went out and signed Norman to a five-year, $75 million deal, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the league. Norman has every intention of getting back to the Super Bowl, and he can if he plays as well as he did with Carolina. Norman can lock down one side of the field with his ability to change direction quickly and find the ball in the air while in coverage. His hunger and tenacity for football will be significant to the locker room and can help the Redskins get back to winning football.
NFC North
Marvin Jones | WR
With the retirement of Calvin Johnson, arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL of the last five years, the Detroit Lions had to replace him quickly. They brought in Marvin Jones, one of the top wide receivers in free agency. He was a staple in the Cincinnati Bengals offense, starting opposite A.J. Green, and the Lions believe they can groom him to be a focal point in their offense. He’s improved in receptions and yards each year he’s been in the league, except for 2014 when he couldn’t play due to injury. With his ability to go and get the deep ball, and a chance at being a No.1 receiver, I see Jones blossoming in this offense.
NFC South
Alex Mack | C
This move to add the Pro Bowler and arguably the best center in the league will help sure up the Atlanta Falcons dismal offensive line. Matt Ryan hasn’t had time to work in the pocket for years, and Mack should help to change that. The Falcons have a lot of weapons and if they are able to get up the field and score, they can definitely get back to the playoffs.  Mack has started in 101 games since being in the league, missing only 11 games in 2014 due to injury. He brings leadership, intellect, and experience to some of the young guys as an eight-year veteran. Having been with the Cleveland Browns, a team that hasn’t been good in a long time, his whole career, I believe he will play even better than he did there, with the Falcons because of the pieces they have.
NFC West
Chandler Jones | LB
The Arizona Cardinals needed a pass rusher and they traded to get their guy, Chandler Jones. This move helps an already good team, coming off of a loss in the NFC Championship, get even better. Jones knack for getting to the quarterback landed him 12.5 sacks this season and into the Pro Bowl. If he can have the year he had previously, the Cardinals will be back in the playoffs and have a great chance to get back to the NFC Championship.
