With first rush of free agency done, taking stock of AFC's elite

The initial free-agent push is starting to slow down as teams begin to lay the groundwork for the 2019 season. While the trade market and pre-draft process is heating up, we wanted to take a look at the AFC power structure now the first week of free agency is in the books. Here’s a snapshot — in no particular order — of where last year’s playoff teams stand as we near the end of March and begin the one-month countdown to draft weekend.

PATRIOTS
Re-signed: CB Jonathan Jones, WR Josh Gordon, CB Jason McCourty, EDGE John Simon, WR Phillip Dorsett, P Ryan Allen.
Additions: DE Michael Bennett (trade), WR Maurice Harris, WR Bruce Ellington, TE Matt LaCosse, DL Mike Pennel, DB/ST Terrence Brooks, RB/ST Brandon Bolden.
Losses: OT Trent Brown, DL Trey Flowers, WR/KR Cordarrelle Patterson, CB Eric Rowe, DL Malcom Brown, OL LaAdrian Waddle.
Unsigned: WR Chris Hogan, DT Danny Shelton, K Stephen Gostkowski, LB Albert McClellan, LB Ramon Humber.
What it all means: Some big-name losses in Flowers and Brown have been offset with the likes of Bennett, as well as returnees like McCourty and Dorsett. Expect at least one more trade, likely to add some depth at the wide receiver position. When it comes to their six picks in the top 100, New England heads into the draft in better shape than almost any defending Super Bowl champion — only the 1971 Cowboys had more high-value draft capital (nine in the top 100) than Bill Belichick and the Patriots do this year.