Every NFL Team's To-Do List Heading into Training Camp
We’ve reached the dead period in the NFL offseason, where teams and players are preparing for the massive grind of the regular season. Training camp will be the next set of organized team events, and it also signals that football is back. Teams enter training camp with a to-do list as they head into the summer to ensure they’re fully prepared for the year.
Staying healthy throughout training camp is important for all teams, but players who suffered recent injuries are especially at risk. We’ll see numerous mentions of key players who must return to 100 percent from an injury. Some will surely be back to their previous form, but it’s not a guarantee that all will.
What do you think needs to be on your favorite team’s to-do list for training camp? Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32
To-Do List
Get Carson Palmer back to 100 percent.
Find the starting right tackle for 2015.
Determine status of ILB Daryl Washington.
Analysis
The Arizona Cardinals’ 2015 season rests on the health of quarterback Carson Palmer. Coming off an ACL injury, the 35-year-old quarterback must bring the right blend of consistency and playmaking back to the Cardinals offense. It is imperative Arizona allows Palmer to fully recover, as another major injury could lead to a disastrous season.
A key to protecting Palmer is quality play from the right tackle position. Incumbent starter Bobby Massie was decent last year, but first-round pick D.J. Humphries will challenge him. This battle will be interesting to watch unfold.
On defense, the Cardinals could get a major difference-maker back from suspension. Inside linebacker Daryl Washington is one of the more talented linebackers in the NFL, but his status is still up in the air. A return for training camp would be a huge addition.
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
To-Do List
Solidify the offensive line.
Choose a starting running back.
Prepare for defensive sub-packages.
Analysis
To help ease the pressure off quarterback Matt Ryan, the Atlanta Falcons need a healthy offensive line. The unit as a whole looks good on paper, with the exception of left guard. For the Falcons to have a standout group, either free-agent addition Chris Chester or Mike Person must be relatively decent.
Running behind the line will either be Devonta Freeman or Tevin Coleman. Although both will be part of an important tandem, the lead back must be reliable and explosive enough to warrant more playing time. Anything less than one back taking the clear lead in training camp will be disappointing.
The Falcons have added numerous pass-rushers this offseason. Rookies Vic Beasley and Grady Jarrett bring great speed and pass-rushing prowess to the defense but might require specific packages early in their careers. Plus, the Falcons should want to get linebacker Justin Durant on the field with Beasley as often as possible to vary their defensive looks.
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
To-Do List
Determine the status of TE Dennis Pitta.
Figure out the wide receiver depth chart.
Acclimate to new secondary talent.
Analysis
For the Baltimore Ravens offense to take the next step, it’ll need its receiving weapons to be on point. If veteran Dennis Pitta is able to play, he could greatly help the tight end position. He’s "optimistic" about playing this year, per Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com, but the team shouldn’t rush him into a starting job if his hip flares up.
There’s as much clutter at wide receiver as tight end. Rookie receiver Breshad Perriman should work his way into a starting job with Steve Smith. But the battle for the No. 3 through No. 5 receiver spots will include young players like Marlon Brown, Michael Campanaro, Jeremy Butler and Kamar Aiken.
The Ravens boosted the talent in their secondary with the additions of safety Kendrick Lewis and cornerback Kyle Arrington. Both will see a lot of playing time, so the rest of the defense must grow comfortable with them.
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Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
To-Do List
Find the starting quarterback.
Break Cyrus Kouandjio in at right tackle.
Keep RB LeSean McCoy fresh.
Analysis
There aren’t many, if any, major questions about the Buffalo Bills defense. The same cannot be said for the offense. Buffalo will be looking to mitigate the workload its quarterback will face by running the ball a lot. Keeping star running back LeSean McCoy fresh is a must.
Despite having three uninspiring options at quarterback, the Bills need to determine a starter sooner rather than later. Giving training camp snaps to a veteran like Matt Cassel won’t help him as much as it would EJ Manuel or Tyrod Taylor. Each brings a different play style, though, so the Bills must identify what they want to be on offense.
Another weakness of the Bills offense is at right tackle. Incumbent starter Seantrel Henderson could be on the roster bubble, leaving second-year tackle Cyrus Kouandjio as the starter. Kouandjio was a major disappointment in his first season with the team, so he’ll need extra attention during training camp.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
To-Do List
Get WR Devin Funchess up to speed.
Find a starting right tackle.
Determine the starting strong-side defensive end.
Analysis
When opening day comes around, the Carolina Panthers will have one of the more physically imposing receiver duos in the NFL. Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess are both at least 6’4”, providing quarterback Cam Newton with a large target area to throw into. Being a rookie, Funchess must be a priority for the Panthers as he prepares to be a major part of this offense.
At right tackle there will be a battle between three players. Veterans Mike Remmers and Nate Chandler are looking to hold off rookie Daryl Williams. Don’t be surprised if Williams eventually takes over with his punishing downhill style that fits the Panthers’ running mentality.
Looking at the defense, the right defensive end spot is open for competition. Wes Horton wasn’t very effective creating a pass rush last season, and second-year end Kony Ealy should be ready to overtake him. Ealy’s power should fit well there as a run supporter with occasional pass-play contributions.
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
To-Do List
Set QB Jay Cutler up for success.
Keep RB Matt Forte fresh.
Create a defensive identity.
Analysis
The Chicago Bears decided to keep quarterback Jay Cutler this past offseason amid trade rumors, so it’s up to new offensive coordinator Adam Gase to make the marriage work. Gase helped engineer a potent offense in Denver with Peyton Manning, but Manning’s talent and football intelligence likely made Gase’s job easier. He’ll prove a lot if he can elevate Cutler’s play this year.
Another key player for the Bears offense is running back Matt Forte. Forte is one of the most talented and well-rounded backs in the NFL. His ability to stay healthy through training camp is vital.
On defense, the Bears must figure out what type of defense they want to be. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio only sent a blitz on 22 percent of plays with the 49ers in 2014, which was 26th, per Pro Football Focus. With Pernell McPhee and Jared Allen as outside linebackers, Fangio should turn the heat up more often.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
To-Do List
Address QB Andy Dalton’s inconsistency.
Ensure WR A.J. Green is healthy.
Get CB Dre Kirkpatrick ready to start.
Analysis
Despite having a deep and talented roster, the Cincinnati Bengals haven’t been successful in the playoffs. The lack of consistent explosive plays from quarterback Andy Dalton held the team back again in 2014, and the team must see improvement soon. Dalton’s ability to make tight throws in crunch time will again make or break this team come playoff time.
One playmaker who wasn’t quite himself last year was receiver A.J. Green. Green battled through injuries and had respectable numbers, but he wasn’t the difference-maker we’re used to seeing every Sunday. A fully healthy Green will boost Dalton’s effectiveness and the Bengals’ running game.
On defense, the Bengals are breaking in cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick to start. Kirkpatrick played well in limited snaps last year, but he’ll need as many reps as possible in training camp. Moving up from the fourth to second cornerback will be a big challenge for the fourth-year corner.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
To-Do List
Determine the starting quarterback.
Find explosive receivers.
Rotate pass-rushers.
Analysis
The Cleveland Browns have one of the more impressive rosters in the NFL. Their biggest issue is similar to a few other teams, though. The quarterback position has been severely void of playoff-caliber talent. The Browns need Johnny Manziel or Josh McCown to firmly grasp the starting job and help guide them to the playoffs.
Cleveland is also lacking explosiveness at the receiver spot. Slot options Taylor Gabriel and Andrew Hawkins have great quickness but are limited to short and intermediate routes. Starters Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline are coming off poor seasons elsewhere, and each lacks downfield burst. Rookie Vince Mayle or newly signed Terrelle Pryor must step up as a downfield threat for the Browns.
To help build their pass rush, the Browns added Nate Orchard in the draft, and that’s a potentially great move. Outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo hasn’t progressed into a good pass-rusher yet, so the Browns need to continue giving other talented players a chance in case the light bulb doesn’t come on for him.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
To-Do List
Find the starting running back.
Get DE Randy Gregory up to speed.
Determine long-term position for DB Byron Jones and OL La’el Collins.
Analysis
Coming off perhaps the best NFL draft of any franchise, the Dallas Cowboys are a dangerous team once again in 2015. Their offensive line and quarterback Tony Romo were tremendous last year and figure to be so again this season. But the hole at running back is significant, as neither Darren McFadden nor Joseph Randle has proved much in the NFL.
The Cowboys defense would greatly benefit from second-round pick Randy Gregory being an impact player early on. Losing defensive end Greg Hardy to suspension hurts, as Gregory and Demarcus Lawrence are under the microscope to be impact performers. If one can fill the void and create consistent pressure across from Jeremy Mincey, this defense will improve from last season.
Finally, the Cowboys need to determine the long-term positions for Byron Jones and La’el Collins. This is important, as each shouldn’t be cross-trained at multiple positions before he masters one spot. Pick one position for each, have him gain confidence and comfort there and then move on to the next spot later on.
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
To-Do List
Extend WR Demaryius Thomas.
Prepare for a more balanced offense.
Adjust to a 3-4 defense.
Analysis
As the Denver Broncos prepare for another postseason run, they need to address some housekeeping issues first. Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas hasn’t signed a long-term extension yet, but the Broncos should prioritize him. Thomas is a building block for this offense's future.
Speaking of the offense, quarterback Peyton Manning must reduce his workload. He’s already without left tackle Ryan Clady, and the team failed to adequately add quality offensive depth in free agency and the draft. It’s time to run the ball more and protect Manning.
On defense, the Broncos will be aligning in the 3-4 more often. This will put Brandon Marshall and Von Miller into new positions for the first time. If things aren’t going well, the Broncos must show the willingness to put the players into a position to succeed by moving back to the 4-3.
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
To-Do List
Figure out defensive tackle rotation.
Prepare TE Eric Ebron for a bigger role.
Help QB Matthew Stafford even out performance.
Analysis
Losing star defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley to free agency will inevitably sting for the Detroit Lions defense. But they might have added a potential star in Tyrunn Walker. Walker is the best candidate to start alongside Haloti Ngata and provide a pass rush, but he’s not used to a full-time role. The Lions must prepare second-year tackle Caraun Reid in case Walker needs to split reps.
On offense, the stagnated growth of quarterback Matthew Stafford should be a huge concern. Instead of improving his erratic decision-making and accuracy, Stafford has been more conservative to reduce the number of turnovers. Finding a balance between the gunslinger he was in past seasons and the overly cautious version is key.
Tight end Eric Ebron will play a big role in 2015. He had costly drops throughout his rookie season, which is a big concern. If he can get past those troubles, then he’ll be pegged as the Lions’ third-best receiving option.
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
To-Do List
Keep players healthy.
Determine starting linebackers.
Prepare CB Casey Hayward for boundary corner.
Analysis
The Green Bay Packers have been extremely unlucky with injuries the last few years. Losing key cogs for long stretches has become the unfortunate norm for the Packers. Green Bay would benefit from regressing to the mean in this area.
On the defensive side of the ball, Green Bay needs to decide where Clay Matthews will line up. If he’s at middle linebacker again, then is Nick Perry ready to start all season? If there is a better option to keep Matthews outside until obvious pass plays, the Packers must try it.
Losing cornerback Tramon Williams to free agency could be a major subtraction if Casey Hayward can’t succeed in his place. The Packers selected two nickelbacks in the draft in Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins, so they no longer need Hayward there. But he absolutely must be an effective boundary corner for Green Bay's defense to be at its best in 2015.
Houston Texans
13 of 32
To-Do List
Pick a starting quarterback.
Keep RB Arian Foster healthy.
Prepare OLB Jadeveon Clowney for a full-time role.
Analysis
Coming off a promising 9-7 season in 2014, the Houston Texans have major positives to build off of. Houston’s running game with Arian Foster is still elite, and the defense looks much improved if healthy. But the quarterback position is still murky.
Whether the Texans go with Ryan Mallett or Brian Hoyer, the position's future is unsettled. Neither has shown competence as a starter, so it’s hard to be optimistic for the pair. Houston must give each a fair shot to prove which is better, though, to help the team attempt to repeat its 2014 win total.
Getting a full season from outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney would be a nice boost. The No. 1 overall pick in 2014 was limited last season but has had a full offseason to recover from microfracture knee surgery. The Texans need another pass-rusher, and Clowney had the talent to be tremendous before his knee injury.
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
To-Do List
Create a pass-rushing rotation.
Prepare D’Joun Smith for an eventual starting role.
Get OL Jack Mewhort ready for right tackle.
Analysis
To prepare for a Super Bowl run in 2015, the Indianapolis Colts added several veterans to boost their short-term play. One of those spots is at outside linebacker. Thirty-two-year-old Trent Cole will join 34-year old Robert Mathis as the team’s primary pass-rushers. Uninspiring options that include Bjoern Werner, Erik Walden and Jonathan Newsome make up the rest of the group. The Colts must find some productivity between the five players.
The starting cornerback position across from Vontae Davis is another major concern. Veteran cornerback Greg Toler wasn’t nearly good enough to start for a quality defense last year, allowing eight touchdowns and a 102.6 quarterback rating when targeted, per Pro Football Focus. The Colts need rookie D’Joun Smith to live up to his draft status quickly.
Moving from left guard to right tackle is not an easy feat, but Jack Mewhort is projected by Ourlads to do just that. Mewhort was an average guard but struggled playing right tackle last season. He allowed two sacks and three hurries in two starts there last year. He must be better prepared this season for the full-time role.
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
To-Do List
Choose an offensive identity.
Help young wide receivers with consistency.
Find a pass rush.
Analysis
One of the biggest questions about the Jacksonville Jaguars this season is their offensive identity. 2014 was a disaster because the offense wasn’t tailored to quarterback Blake Bortles, and the offensive line stunk. The Jaguars have invested to fix both of those issues, and now they can create an identity to help Bortles.
Another plus for Bortles’ development would be better wide receiver play. The Jaguars had the third-highest drop percentage last season, per Sporting Charts, which is unacceptable. Second-year receiver Allen Robinson is promising, but will the rest of the group make a jump in performance?
The loss of rookie edge-rusher Dante Fowler Jr. is a major one for the Jaguars. Now they must again rely on the aging Chris Clemons, 33, and pressure from the defensive tackle position. That’s far from ideal, so someone must step up.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
To-Do List
Extend OLB Justin Houston.
Become more explosive on offense.
Sort out talented secondary.
Analysis
The key cog of the Kansas City Chiefs defense, linebacker Justin Houston, has more than earned a contract extension. The 2014 sack leader is the premier edge-rusher in the NFL, and the Chiefs should be willing to make him the face of the franchise for the next half-decade. Plus, extending Houston sends a good message to their other up-and-coming stars who are working hard to produce.
Behind Houston on the defense is a very talented secondary. Cornerbacks Sean Smith, Marcus Peters, Philip Gaines and Steven Nelson could form the best group in the NFL. The Chiefs must figure out who plays where for the regular season.
On offense, the Chiefs have several great playmakers. Unfortunately, their signal-caller has been inept at finding them with downfield passes. Alex Smith must become more willing to make tough throws for this offense to be at its best.
Miami Dolphins
17 of 32
To-Do List
Find a viable starting left guard.
Get LT Branden Albert 100 percent.
Determine starting strong-side linebacker.
Analysis
The Miami Dolphins overhauled their offensive weapons this offseason but failed to get a proven left guard. This could be costly, as incumbent Dallas Thomas was horrible last year. Either rookie Jamil Douglas or free agent Evan Mathis—who the Dolphins are interested in, according to Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel—should be given the chance to win this job.
Miami’s 2014 MVP was arguably left tackle Branden Albert. Pro Football Focus ranked the Dolphins offensive line 15th in pass blocking before his ACL tear. Post-injury, the Dolphins plummeted to last. He is the key for this Dolphins offense.
Another potential weak spot on this roster could be the strong-side linebacker position. Miami’s two top options are Chris McCain and Spencer Paysinger. Neither has proved to be worthy of a full-time role, so Miami must prepare one for a massive snap increase.
Minnesota Vikings
18 of 32
To-Do List
Ensure LT Matt Kalil’s confidence is back.
Find a role for WR Cordarrelle Patterson.
Get DT Sharrif Floyd in midseason form.
Analysis
The Minnesota Vikings could be playoff-bound after a strong offseason. One major factor in fulfilling their potential is protecting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Since a Pro Bowl season in his rookie year, left tackle Matt Kalil has been terrible. He must become more confident and get back to a high level of play.
Another offensive goal should be to figure out the future of 2013 first-round pick Cordarrelle Patterson. The wide receiver hasn’t been able to become a consistent playmaker. 2015 could be his last chance to develop in Minnesota.
One of the best defenders in the second half of the 2014 season was defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd. Floyd’s ability to disrupt the passing game is highly valuable, and the Vikings defense becomes much better when he is helping defensive end Everson Griffen create pressure.
New England Patriots
19 of 32
To-Do List
Find viable starting cornerbacks.
Sort out deep running back situation.
Determine defensive tackle rotation.
Analysis
It’s not uncommon for Super Bowl champions to lose significant talent the following offseason, and the New England Patriots know this well. After losing cornerbacks Darrelle Revis, Kyle Arrington and Brandon Browner, the Patriots are lacking starting-caliber talent at the position. Their top goal should be finding a quality starter on the current roster.
New England has invested multiple draft picks into the defensive line the last two years, and it’s time for that to pay off. The Patriots didn't re-sign Vince Wilfork, leaving unproven options to be full-time players. Which two will rise to be starters?
The Patriots have impressive running back depth, with numerous roster-worthy players. But the team is likely to carry four backs, so there will be tough cuts. New England must find the four best players to complement its offense.
New Orleans Saints
20 of 32
To-Do List
Groom TE Josh Hill for a big role increase.
Find a spot for OL Andrus Peat.
Prepare for 2015 as if without OLB Junior Galette.
Analysis
The New Orleans Saints made the boldest move of the offseason when they traded All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham. Now there is immense pressure on the Saints to replace his production. The player they’ve pegged as a potential star is tight end Josh Hill. Hill is unproven, though, so he’ll need as many reps as possible.
Rebuilding the offensive line is also key. 2015 first-round pick Andrus Peat is a natural tackle, but the Saints already had two good tackles in Terron Armstead and Zach Strief. New Orleans must decide whether to put Peat or Strief at guard so it can play its five best players.
Depending on the outcome of a video that appears to be Junior Galette striking a woman, the Saints defense could be in big trouble. The unit was horrible in 2014, and it would have been even worse without Galette’s pass-rushing prowess. Someone must fill the void in case the league suspends him.
New York Giants
21 of 32
To-Do List
Prepare OTs Ereck Flowers and Marshall Newhouse.
Make sure Victor Cruz is 100 percent.
Find a starting free safety.
Analysis
Entering a crucial season for the future of head coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning, the New York Giants haven’t had good fortune so far. Losing left tackle William Beatty for five months is a major blow, as rookie Ereck Flowers now must fill a massive gap. Beatty's injury also all but guarantees Marshall Newhouse will start at right tackle, and he hasn't been a full-time starter at tackle since 2012.
In other injury-related news, receiver Victor Cruz could be ready for the season. Coughlin does not expect him to start training camp on the physically unable to perform list, per the New York Post's Paul Schwartz, which is great news for his recovery. Manning will need Cruz at his best.
On defense, the Giants did well to fill several holes in the draft and free agency. One sore spot is still at free safety, though. Cooper Taylor, Mykkele Thompson or Nat Berhe must prove to be a capable player, or else it’ll be a major weakness.
New York Jets
22 of 32
To-Do List
Help QB Geno Smith succeed.
Find playing time for DE Leonard Williams.
Create edge pressure.
Analysis
The New York Jets were major offseason winners, adding significant talent on both sides of the ball. Their coaching staff was also upgraded, specifically with offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. It’s now up to Gailey to maximize quarterback Geno Smith’s talent.
Looking at the Jets defense, the defensive line talent is incredible. A rotation of Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Leonard Williams should be devastating for offenses to block. New York must find the optimal amount of time to play Williams as a rookie.
The only weakness of the defense seems to be where the edge pressure will come from. Veteran Jason Babin was decent in 2014, but he’s also 35 years old. He shouldn’t be the primary pass-rusher from the edge. Someone else must step up, or the Jets will need to bring a lot of blitzes.
Oakland Raiders
23 of 32
To-Do List
Have QB Derek Carr assume more offensive responsibility.
Determine the third-best receiver.
Create pressure from the defensive line.
Analysis
The Oakland Raiders added good receiving weapons this offseason for quarterback Derek Carr. Now it’s time to allow Carr to grasp the offense and play with more freedom to attack defenses. A new offense should help, as Carr was limited in what he was asked him to do in 2014.
Adding two new starters in Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree will be a huge boost to the receiving group. But a quality third option emerging will be important as well. Veterans Kenbrell Thompkins, Rod Streater and Andre Holmes will be involved in an interesting battle for that playing time.
The biggest concern for the Raiders defense is where the pressure will come from the defensive line. The overall pass-rushing prowess from defensive tackles Dan Williams, Justin Ellis and Stacy McGee is basically nil, and rookie end Mario Edwards Jr. is also a run-stopper. Star linebacker Khalil Mack will need help creating pressure from his linemen.
Philadelphia Eagles
24 of 32
To-Do List
Keep QB Sam Bradford healthy.
Determine cornerback playing time.
Create offensive line depth.
Analysis
For the Philadelphia Eagles to contend in 2015, it is imperative that quarterback Sam Bradford stays healthy. He’s talented enough to be their franchise quarterback, but his long injury history is troublesome. Keeping Bradford upright as much as possible must be the top offensive goal in training camp.
Who will be protecting Bradford is key too. Releasing left guard Evan Mathis could bite the Eagles hard if one lineman gets hurt this year, as the Eagles lack any type of depth. They'll need to develop their backup linemen in training camp.
Philadelphia built its cornerback depth well this offseason and now must figure out who will play the most. Byron Maxwell is surely the No. 1 moving forward, but rookie Eric Rowe will compete with Nolan Carroll and Walter Thurmond for the other starting job. The Eagles will be happy they acquired more depth at such a crucial position.
Pittsburgh Steelers
25 of 32
To-Do List
Prepare young pass-rushers for a big role.
Find the best outside cornerbacks.
Get WR Martavis Bryant ready for a full-time role.
Analysis
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive rebuild is fully underway. With young pass-rushers and cornerbacks ready to be broken in, the future is exciting for the team. Of course, that could mean growing pains will happen.
Rookie edge-rushers Bud Dupree and Anthony Chickillo could be major factors for the Steelers’ front seven. Each must refine his technique to complement his athletic upside. The same can be said for cornerbacks Senquez Golson and Doran Grant.
Things are as promising on offense for the Steelers. With receiver Markus Wheaton officially moving to the slot, Martavis Bryant will be on the outside. Bryant was electric in limited playing time last year, and a bigger role could bring even more excitement.
San Diego Chargers
26 of 32
To-Do List
Figure out where OL D.J. Fluker is playing.
Help RB Melvin Gordon get ready to start.
Improve the inside linebacker play.
Analysis
There aren’t many weaknesses on the San Diego offense if the Chargers handle the offensive line properly. The free-agent signing of Joe Barksdale could greatly help the Chargers line if D.J. Fluker is moved to guard. Barksdale is a punishing run-blocker, while Fluker’s pass-protection talent would be a major upgrade at guard.
This move would also help rookie Melvin Gordon get off to a good start. Gordon is coming from a power system where his mammoth linemen made huge running lanes for him. Not only would a Fluker-Barksdale help the passing game, but it would also help Gordon’s ability to produce.
On defense, the middle linebacker group has been lacking a playmaker. The addition of Denzel Perryman in the second round of the draft could be the missing piece of the puzzle. His ability as a downhill tackler is a huge improvement over what Manti Te’o has done the last two seasons.
San Francisco 49ers
27 of 32
To-Do List
Help QB Colin Kaepernick overcome his inconsistency.
Determine starting right tackle.
Get OLB Aldon Smith ready for a big season.
Analysis
To recover from a strange offseason, the San Francisco 49ers must settle in with quarterback Colin Kaepernick. A strong season from the signal-caller would be huge for his and the team’s future. He must improve his footwork and accuracy issues to be San Francisco's long-term starting quarterback.
Losing Anthony Davis to a hiatus could be damaging. The 49ers will likely try both Erik Pears and Alex Boone at right tackle. For the sake of familiarity, San Francisco should determine who will start sooner rather than later.
The defense is still talented even after losing several veterans. The key cog is outside linebacker Aldon Smith. Smith’s career has stalled the last two seasons after injury and suspension issues. He’ll need to be a massively productive player for the 49ers to reach the playoffs.
Seattle Seahawks
28 of 32
To-Do List
Fill offensive line holes.
Become more dynamic at receiver.
Create a backup plan for CB Cary Williams.
Analysis
The Seattle Seahawks’ formula for offensive success is unlikely to change in 2015, especially with running back Marshawn Lynch still headlining their running attack. Adding tight end Jimmy Graham will help as well. Seattle will need an explosive receiver to complement Graham and keep defenses honest. Rookie Tyler Lockett could be the key, as he is an excellent route-runner with great speed (4.40 40-yard dash).
Seattle’s offensive line is a major concern. Instead of acquiring more proven talent, Seattle is trying to out-athlete other teams and hope it can teach the proper technique. Offensive line coach Tom Cable will need to work overtime to make this unit respectable.
The secondary has long been a strong suit for the Seahawks, and that’s unlikely to change. The second cornerback spot is a possible weak spot with Cary Williams there. Williams was responsible for five touchdowns with the Eagles last year. Seattle will need better production from Williams or a good replacement plan.
St. Louis Rams
29 of 32
To-Do List
Rest RB Todd Gurley.
Help QB Nick Foles improve accuracy.
Determine starting offensive line.
Analysis
There aren’t many concerns about the defense in St. Louis. The same cannot be said about the Rams offense, where arguably their two best players play the same position—running back. Expect rookie Todd Gurley to sit until he’s fully healthy, and Tre Mason is more than capable of handling the load.
The Rams’ quarterback situation is a major concern. Foles’ effectiveness in an extremely friendly system in Philadelphia was exposed once defenses adjusted to him in 2014. He’ll need to be more accurate and decisive with the Rams than he was with the Eagles.
After adding four offensive linemen in the draft, St. Louis has a lot of bodies for two offensive line openings. The right guard and tackle spots remain unsettled, although Jamon Brown and Rob Havenstein are the favorites based on their draft position.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32
To-Do List
Prepare rookie offensive linemen.
Get QB Jameis Winston up to speed.
Find edge pressure from someone.
Analysis
For rookie quarterback Jameis Winston to succeed, he’s going to need help from his offensive line. Tampa Bay added two new starters via the draft. Tackle Donovan Smith and guard Ali Marpet both have great natural talent, but it’s key for the Buccaneers to have them playing like seasoned pros early on.
Winston will inevitably have growing pains. All rookie quarterbacks do. Tampa Bay should give him every first-team rep possible so his mind settles and his arm trusts his eyes.
Defensively, the Buccaneers are going to struggle creating pressure. Without a major acquisition to the front seven, Tampa Bay will need to manufacture pressure from someone.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
To-Do List
Prepare QB Marcus Mariota to start.
Help WR Justin Hunter find success.
Determine the starting right tackle.
Analysis
For the sake of the franchise’s future, the Tennessee Titans’ focus should be on developing Marcus Mariota. They should tailor everything to his skill set, including play calls, packages and the talent around him. Anything less is poor coaching. Training camp is where the Titans can experiment.
After adding four receivers between the draft and free agency, incumbent Justin Hunter is in do-or-die time as a Titans receiver. He must find success in 2015, or else his career is in serious jeopardy.
The other major area of concern for the Titans is at right tackle. Rookie Jeremiah Poutasi plays more like a guard than a tackle, as he lacks the anchor and technique against pass-rushers that he needs. Veteran Byron Bell might be the best option for this season
Washington Redskins
32 of 32
To-Do List
Keep QB Robert Griffin III healthy.
Figure out cornerback playing time.
Determine the starting right guard.
Analysis
The future of the franchise lies with quarterback Robert Griffin III’s health. Another injury-riddled season could mean the end of Griffin and head coach Jay Gruden in Washington. Griffin is talented, but we haven’t seen him 100 percent for a while. To bounce back, he needs to be healthy.
Figuring out the starting right guard is crucial to the first to-do goal. Former third-round pick Spencer Long will battle rookie Arie Kouandjio to start. Washington should anoint whichever one shows more as a pass-blocker the first-team starting position.
Most of the Redskins defense is set for 2015. With DeAngelo Hall returning from injury and the addition of Chris Culliver, the Redskins must decide who will play in the slot. Second-year cornerback Bashaud Breeland has promise but probably fits best outside.
All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com and Pro Football Focus unless noted otherwise.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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