Our panel of ESPN NFL experts is looking ahead over the next two weeks, identifying teams and players poised to dominate in the future, as we lead up to the unveiling of our new Future Power Rankings. Our panel will answer a question every day.
The topics our panel has hit so far (click the links to see the answers):
2018 was defined by the league's offensive explosion. What will be the story of the 2019 season?
We're starting a PPR fantasy league for 2022. Who's your prediction to be the No. 1 overall pick?
Patrick Mahomes won an MVP in his first season as a starter. How many will he win for his career?
The NFL changes quickly. Who will be the league's best defender in 2022?
Which rookie would you plant your flag on being a future star?
What's the storyline everyone will be talking about in July 2020?
Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: The continued dominance of the quick passing game in the NFL, and how it will impact roster construction during the offseason. Expect more of an emphasis to be put on quarterbacks who can throw from multiple platforms, O-linemen with athleticism to play in space and wide receivers with catch-and-run ability.
Mike Clay, fantasy writer: The future of the Saints. Following the retirement of reigning Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees, New Orleans' status as one of the league's premier teams and offenses could change drastically. The pressure will be on Sean Payton to win without the future Hall of Famer, and probable replacement Teddy Bridgewater will have to show that he's a capable NFL starter.
Dan Graziano, national NFL writer: Rookie quarterbacks, of course. All the attention will be on Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, Jake Fromm and others as they begin preparation for their first training camps in ... I don't know ... let's say Miami, Tennessee and Cincinnati, to pick three spots.
Mina Kimes, NFL writer: The Patrick Mahomes megadeal. Though the Chiefs could wait until 2021, before Mahomes' fifth season, to sign their star quarterback to a long-term extension, I wouldn't be surprised if they try to get something done next summer. I also won't be surprised if it's an absolutely jaw-dropping figure -- our Adam Schefter reported earlier this year that it could reach $200 million -- as I expect Mahomes to continue thriving.
Jason Reid, The Undefeated senior writer: The Patrick Mahomes contract. If Kansas City decides to lock up Mahomes early, will he become the first NFL player to break the $200 million threshold?
Kevin Seifert, national NFL writer: By July 2020, the NFL and its fans will be debating the imminent future of replay review. The 2019 expansion, which now includes pass interference calls and no-calls, is for one season only. If there are no major gaffes, the expansion will be permanent and will possibly expand further. It could also be scrapped and returned to pre-2019 levels. In other words, we'll be wringing our hands about more replay -- or the fear of a repeat of the 2018 NFC Championship Game.