Preseason is a time for looking ahead, but as we unleash the latest version of the 2021 NFL Power Rankings, we're looking way ahead. That means looking into the future to see whose status could be in jeopardy if they don't step it up this season. Whether it's judging who might be looking for a new team next year, who might be in danger of a demotion or who might lose their NFL employment for good, we're breaking out the hot seat.
We're not just talking about players, though there are plenty who qualify to be on the hot seat -- especially at quarterback. (There are 11 QBs listed below, including a certain defending league MVP.) The hot seat is an across-the-board phenomenon that also includes coaches (young and old) who need to win to keep their jobs and general managers who need to see some of their draft picks start to pan out so they can make more in the future.
How we rank: Our power panel -- a group of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities -- evaluates how teams stack up throughout the season.
30. New York Jets
Post-draft ranking: 28
Person on the hot seat: TE Chris Herndon
The fourth-year tight end has regressed since showing promise as a rookie in 2018. He's off to a slow start in his third offensive system in four years, raising questions about his role. In the preseason opener, he got only seven reps with the starters, compared with 15 for fellow tight end Tyler Kroft. Herndon would be in serious jeopardy if the Jets were stacked at tight end, but that is hardly the case. Still, with a new coaching staff, anything is possible. -- Rich Cimini
www.espn.com
We're not just talking about players, though there are plenty who qualify to be on the hot seat -- especially at quarterback. (There are 11 QBs listed below, including a certain defending league MVP.) The hot seat is an across-the-board phenomenon that also includes coaches (young and old) who need to win to keep their jobs and general managers who need to see some of their draft picks start to pan out so they can make more in the future.
How we rank: Our power panel -- a group of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities -- evaluates how teams stack up throughout the season.
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
30. New York Jets
Post-draft ranking: 28
Person on the hot seat: TE Chris Herndon
The fourth-year tight end has regressed since showing promise as a rookie in 2018. He's off to a slow start in his third offensive system in four years, raising questions about his role. In the preseason opener, he got only seven reps with the starters, compared with 15 for fellow tight end Tyler Kroft. Herndon would be in serious jeopardy if the Jets were stacked at tight end, but that is hardly the case. Still, with a new coaching staff, anything is possible. -- Rich Cimini
Preseason NFL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, plus who's on the hot seat for every team
Kliff Kingsbury needs a playoff berth. Odell Beckham Jr. needs a healthy season. Aaron Rodgers needs a little respect.
