Biggest Question for Each NFL Team Coming Out of OTAs
Rosters are all but set for most of the 32 NFL franchises as the major waves of free agency and the 2016 NFL draft have wrapped up. Barring any late veteran acquisitions, the big playmakers and X-factors have been established. But even with all of these moves, each team still has remaining holes and question marks to address to find success coming out of OTAs.
Some questions and weaknesses aren’t as significant as others, but one key injury or dip in performance from an unexpected source can manifest quickly.
We have you covered for the biggest question remaining for your favorite team and its key rivals. How do you think each situation will play out? Make sure to leave your predictions in the comments section below.
Arizona Cardinals: Can Carson Palmer Perform in the Playoffs?
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There were stretches of games in 2015 when the Arizona Cardinals looked like the best overall team in the NFL. Their impressive depth on each side of the ball is made more effective by the handful of superstars and an elite coaching staff. The ingredients for a Super Bowl winner are in place, but the biggest question surrounding the team is whether quarterback Carson Palmer can be a reliable performer in the playoffs.
Palmer has been fantastic since joining the franchise in 2013. His 2015 season was MVP-worthy until he injured his right index finger in late December. His production immediately dropped to mediocre levels.
The finger injury seems to have caused some decline, but his penchant for injuries in general is a factor for this question mark. Palmer hasn’t stayed healthy the last few seasons, and his play in four career playoff contests was poor.
For the Cardinals to win the Super Bowl, Palmer must carry his regular-season form into the postseason. Anything less will lead to another disappointing elimination loss.
Atlanta Falcons: Will Matt Ryan Bounce Back from 2015 Struggles?
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A former No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft, quarterback Matt Ryan has been a productive but enigmatic player for the Atlanta Falcons. He’s put up over 4,000 yards and 21 or more touchdowns for five consecutive seasons, but he’s coming off a decline in per-play efficiency in the last three seasons. He was most notably worse in 2015.
Ryan defenders argue he needs more weapons around him. There’s no question he performed best when he had elite playmakers to help him, which is something every offense should strive for. But Ryan had another accomplished offensive coordinator in Kyle Shanahan, an improved running game and a superstar receiver last year, and he was mediocre at best.
Ryan’s downfield accuracy and consistency are a big concern. His arm appeared gassed at times, and his throwing motion often had too wide of a base, leading to poor throws. The 31-year-old needs to bounce back and be close to his 2012 self for the Falcons to be confident in both this season and Ryan’s future as the face of the franchise.
Baltimore Ravens: Can This Aging Roster Stay Healthy?
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For as much success as the Baltimore Ravens have enjoyed, this is a franchise that looks to be in a slump. Injuries to seemingly every key position on the field ruined the 2015 season, and some of these aging players likely will never be the same even if they stay healthy.
The Ravens could again finish as one of the worst teams in the league if injuries snowball. Quarterback Joe Flacco was just the tip of the injury iceberg; Baltimore placed 20 players on injured reserve by the end of the season. Linebacker Terrell Suggs, left tackle Eugene Monroe, wide receivers Breshad Perriman and Steve Smith Sr. all had significant soft-tissue injuries.
If the Ravens defy the odds and get 12 or more games from each of these players, then they could make a playoff push. But the evidence mounted creates a looming question over their heads. This team’s depth is likely to be tested throughout 2016.
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Buffalo Bills: Is Tyrod Taylor a Franchise Quarterback?
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Sometimes a little luck is needed in professional sports. When the Buffalo Bills signed quarterback Tyrod Taylor last offseason, the hope was for him to provide depth and a be quality backup after his stint in Baltimore. It turned out Taylor was the best quarterback on the roster and certainly a capable starter after his breakout 2015 campaign.
He has great mobility, a terrific deep ball and a certain poise in the pocket. The 26-year-old earned a Pro Bowl nod thanks to his 20 touchdowns and only six interceptions. While there’s room to improve his field vision and short accuracy, there’s a lot to like with Taylor so far.
The Bills want to see more in 2016 before committing to him as the franchise quarterback. That’s not an unfair expectation considering how well other less talented signal-callers have been paid in free agency recently. If Taylor can improve upon his first season as a starter, then the Bills may make the playoffs for the first time since 1999 and be more comfortable investing in Taylor for the long term.
Carolina Panthers: Will a Rookie Cornerback Provide an Impact?
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The Carolina Panthers have boldly bet on their scouting department and coaching staff this season when it comes to the cornerback position. After assembling what looked like one of the more talented units entering 2016, the team decided to release their two best players at the position this offseason. Both Josh Norman and Brandon Boykin were above-average cornerbacks, and each has terrific ball skills, yet the team decided to go cheap instead.
Carolina earned credit with its unlikely Super Bowl run last season, but this front office’s decision to suddenly cut bait with quality veteran talent is questionable. It’s not as if there are multiple individuals with a proven track record to replace them. This defense will now ask a lot from its three rookie cornerbacks.
If none of the Panthers' draft picks becomes an impact player, then this defense will suffer. The pass defense already ranked 11th in yards allowed, but starting young players who were mid-round picks is a sure way to drop. It’ll be nearly impossible to replicate their 2015 success unless the pass defense can find a rookie playmaker at corner.
Chicago Bears: Is This Secondary Too Young to Produce?
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The Chicago Bears have been as efficient filling roster holes over the last two years as any other team. General manager Ryan Pace and this coaching staff have completely changed the outlook of this roster thanks to smart free-agency acquisitions and maximizing draft capital. There’s just one positional group that has a major question mark entering 2016.
The defensive secondary is among the youngest positional groups throughout the league. This doesn’t mean they lack talent, but cornerbacks in particular get exposed when they’re asked to contribute before they’re prepared. 2014 first-round pick Kyle Fuller is a good example of a talented player who hasn’t quite found the play-to-play consistency the Bears are asking him to provide as a No. 1 cornerback.
Every defensive back expected to be in the mix as a starter besides Tracy Porter is under 26 years old and still on a rookie contract. Some safety or cornerback has to do more than just play lots of snaps. The Bears need an impact defensive back who forces turnovers.
Cincinnati Bengals: Has This Team Improved Since 2015?
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The Cincinnati Bengals showed more promise in the 2015 regular season from start to finish than any AFC team—until bad luck broke in the wrong direction for the franchise. The Super Bowl contenders were battling for the No. 1 overall seed and had their young talent playing the best football of their careers. Then quarterback Andy Dalton injured his thumb severely enough to miss the final three games of the regular season and the Wild Card Game.
As well as the Bengals have drafted and replaced talent that departs in free agency, their fiscally conservative nature is so extreme that it puts major pressure on this coaching staff to develop young players and not miss. Their aversion to augmentation through free agency may have cost this team the opportunity to improve from last season.
Losing receivers Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones, plus right tackle Andre Smith, puts significant focus on first- and second-year players at each spot. Smith may have been easier to stomach since he hasn’t played 16 games in the last two seasons, but the backup options are unproven at the NFL level. Cincinnati must show improvement or be at risk of sliding back to mediocrity.
Cleveland Browns: Will This Defense Improve?
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While all of the focus on the Cleveland Browns revolves around the quarterback position, it’s the other side of the ball with the bigger question mark. New head coach Hue Jackson has three signal-callers with enough talent to earn playing time. While none may end up being a long-term starter, the quarterback play in 2015 wasn’t what doomed the previous staff—it was the defense.
The Browns defense gave up a ghastly 379 yards per game (27th in the league). It would be one thing if the Browns had an explosive offense to counter with like the New Orleans Saints do, but they don’t. It’s hard to win when you're always playing from behind.
Cleveland invested heavily through the draft to help shore up both sides of the ball. Depth has been a major issue in recent years, but defensive coordinator Ray Horton should have plenty of horses to utilize throughout the season. The question is whether those individuals are talented enough to make a difference and if Horton can get a scheme to maximize their skills.
Dallas Cowboys: Is the Pass Rush Super Bowl-Caliber?
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There aren’t many teams that look as talented on paper as the Dallas Cowboys in 2016. Health permitting, they figure to challenge for the NFC East crown and be in the thick of the playoff conversation. The offense is stacked with impact talent, and quarterback Tony Romo returns from an injury-plagued season with a full offseason to heal.
The big question that remains for the Cowboys has to do with the pass-rushers. While Demarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory are talented players, each has been suspended for the first four games of the season. Can they be reliable upon their eventual returns to produce sacks and help this secondary be more effective?
The answer to that question could be the difference in Dallas being a real contender or sitting at home in January as a pretender. Its depth along the defensive line is razor-thin and filled with young, unproven players behind the starters. Dallas may end up regretting taking linebacker Jaylon Smith in the second round and quarterback Dak Prescott in the fourth, as it could have continued to bolster more pressing areas with immediate help.
Denver Broncos: Were the Free-Agency Losses Too Much?
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It’s normal for Super Bowl champions to be ravaged by free agency in the subsequent offseason. Championship rings are made possible by excellent players, and high-caliber athletes get paid handsomely on the open market. It’s become a yearly tradition to see the salary cap impact strong rosters and force difficult decisions.
The Denver Broncos suffered considerable losses on both sides of the ball that have drastically altered the core of this team. Chances are high the Broncos will begin 2016 with a rookie quarterback at the helm and new faces throughout the rest of the lineup. No fewer than seven positions are guaranteed to see a new starter.
Will it be too much to ask that these new faces instantly replace their predecessors? Most likely it’s too tall of a task. Then the big question is whether the replacements can still allow the Broncos to operate at a high enough level to keep them as a Super Bowl contender.
Detroit Lions: Is the Trench Play Fixed?
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The big key for the Detroit Lions to find more success in 2016 than previous seasons was to shore up the offensive and defensive line play. Previous investments in the trenches have given the Lions a good amount of talent between both units, but the glaring weaknesses were consistent drive-killers in 2015. The Lions recognized they needed improvements at offensive tackle and along the defensive line to win more games this year.
First-round pick Taylor Decker will be a massive upgrade over Cornelius Lucas and Michael Ola if he ends up at right tackle. Detroit allowed the 10th-most sacks with 44 in 2015, but its running game suffered even more from the porous play. They Lions were last in total yards despite having a talented rookie in Ameer Abdullah at their disposal.
The defensive line features star defensive end Ezekiel Ansah and then some question marks around him. Health will be important at the tackle position, where there’s solid depth with Tyrunn Walker, A’Shawn Robinson, Caraun Reid and Haloti Ngata. The Lions must find the right rotation there, as well as a legitimate starting weak-side defensive end from the duo of Devin Taylor and Wallace Gilberry.
Green Bay Packers: Who Stands Out at Wide Receiver?
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The Green Bay Packers quickly learned a hard lesson in 2015 after star receiver Jordy Nelson tore his ACL. Instead of plugging in one of many young receivers to replace Nelson and finding success, the Packers offense bogged down. The usual spacing was gone as defenses were able to win with single coverage.
The results featured a neutered version of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who couldn’t create the big plays that have defined his career. His 6.7 average yards per throw was easily the lowest mark since he earned the starting job, and it was a direct result of the lackluster receiver play.
Even with Nelson back in the fold, he may not ever be the dominant force he once was in his prime. The pressure is on Randall Cobb and the plethora of under-25 receivers on the roster to elevate their performances. If this passing game doesn’t return to its previous high level, then the Packers will lose another year of Rodgers’ prime.
Houston Texans: Will Wholesale Changes Fix This Offense?
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During the Houston Texans' unlikely playoff run and AFC South divisional crown in 2015, it was the defense doing the heavy lifting. Houston’s defense ranked in the top 10 in all major categories except sacks, but the impact of defensive end J.J. Watt and outside linebackers Whitney Mercilus and Jadeveon Clowney was considerable even when they didn’t reach the quarterback. Head coach Bill O’Brien knew his offense needed to provide more impact for 2016.
This offseason was all about the offense. There’s a new starting quarterback, running back, center and two wide receivers in the mix. It’s rare to see so many assets go to one side of the ball, but the Texans didn’t need much help on defense to make this a hard decision.
The big question isn’t whether the decision to overhaul the offense was the right thing to do, but rather if the changes will instantly bring results. Integrating so many new faces at once will likely cause growing pains. If the organic growth comes quickly, then the Texans may be a sleeper to make a deep playoff run.
Indianapolis Colts: Who Shines as Defensive Playmaker?
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The early returns on Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson’s first few drafts were a mixed bag. While he hit on stars like quarterback Andrew Luck and wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, the Colts roster is largely void of impact players at running back and along the defense. Grigson’s recent strategy change to find better athletes with higher upside is a major step in the right direction for this team.
The Colts' 2016 NFL draft haul was loaded with plus athletes, including each of their first five picks ranking highly at his position at the NFL Scouting Combine. Although all great players aren’t elite athletes, it’s far more likely that an impact player meets certain positional thresholds. Indianapolis has become more data-centric in the last two years based on its picks.
2015 third-round pick Henry Anderson and 2016 fourth-round pick Hassan Ridgeway are potential steals for their draft slots, as each has playmaker potential. But who else will play well? Right now, the Colts' best defensive playmaker is cornerback Vontae Davis, which doesn’t bode well for this defense. It’s rare for good defensive units to have their best player be a secondary member without having great pass-rushers, which the Colts lack.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Is This Young Roster Ready for Heightened Expectations?
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Every offseason, there are a handful of teams that splurge in free agency only to bust when the regular-season games start. This doesn’t mean free agency is a bad thing, but too often teams will overlook positional fits and character, leading to subpar returns. The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to avoid that label as a free-agency champion.
The Jaguars began this offseason with almost $70 million in cap space. They seemingly invested wisely by staying young with their acquisitions. This defense received a huge facelift on all three levels.
Signing defensive end Malik Jackson, cornerback Prince Amukamara and safety Tashaun Gipson complements a terrific draft class. But it also raises the expectations for this roster, front office and coaching staff. Failing to make a playoff push could lead to big changes after ownership forks over tens of millions of dollars to improve the roster.
Kansas City Chiefs: How Quickly Will This Young Offensive Line Jell?
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For the Kansas City Chiefs to replicate a run like their 11-game winning streak in 2015, they’ll have to win in the trenches again. Losing star outside linebacker Justin Houston with a torn ACL was a bad start to the calendar year, but there’s reason for hope. The Chiefs rebuilt this offensive line using a handful of recent draft picks and a big free-agent signing.
The 2015 offensive line for the Chiefs was mediocre at best, but the entire offense was productive. Quarterback Alex Smith took advantage of the deep running back rotation and star wide receiver Jeremy Maclin to help the team outperform expectations.
But changing three starters at offensive line could be a challenge as the unit jells. Right tackle Mitchell Schwartz was a coup in free agency and will be a huge upgrade, but the interior guards are considerable question marks. 2014 sixth-round pick Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and 2016 fourth-round pick Parker Ehinger are the early favorites to land starting jobs. Their successes or struggles will have a major impact on the Chiefs' 2016 fate.
Los Angeles Rams: Does Jared Goff Have Enough Help?
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The Los Angeles Rams made a bold, franchise-altering move to trade up for quarterback Jared Goff. The cost was significant, but it was a good deal as long as Goff becomes the franchise player the team expects him to be. The 6’4”, 215-pounder is a talented pocket passer who should immediately provide a spark to this team while also having long-term potential to be a great starter.
With Goff in the fold, the Rams devoted most of their remaining draft assets to fixing their limited receiving corps. Along with Goff and second-year running back Todd Gurley, the Rams must ensure Goff has enough weapons. This is where the franchise failed Sam Bradford previously.
This young corps of receivers and offensive line has to continue improving and find more consistency to properly build around Goff. It’ll be tough to develop all of these players on rookie contracts without veteran players in place to assist the coaching staff. Expect this offense’s play to resemble rolling hills, with many high peaks and low valleys as the Rams iron out rough patches.
Miami Dolphins: Has This Defense Been Properly Addressed?
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After entering the 2015 season with playoff aspirations, the Miami Dolphins quickly spiraled downward after firing head coach Joe Philbin one month into the season. Despite the flashy free-agent signings, Miami’s roster was exposed as flawed deeply on both sides of the ball. This offseason was an opportunity to replenish an aging defense that finished 25th in yards allowed.
Instead of devoting available draft resources to revamp the defense, Miami spent multiple mid-round picks to add situational role players on offense, such as Kenyan Drake and Jakeem Grant. That strategy would have made more sense if the Dolphins had built more depth on their weak defense, but the unit will rely on unproven and oft-injured players. The same approach cost Miami dearly last year once a few starters were lost.
Questionable players slated to start include middle linebacker Kiko Alonso—who hasn’t looked the same since suffering major injuries with the Buffalo Bills—rookie cornerback Xavien Howard and strong-side linebacker Koa Misi. The depth behind each player and at pass-rusher is suspect. Just a few missed games could cost this team dearly if backups aren’t capable of holding their own.
Minnesota Vikings: Who Starts at Right Tackle?
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The Minnesota Vikings were on the cusp of making the NFC divisional round of the 2015 playoffs despite having one of the most imbalanced rosters in the postseason. The Vikings defense is among the best in the league, and it’s aided by a coaching staff that maximized its effectiveness. On the other side of the ball, things weren’t as rosy.
Yes, the Vikings offense has future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson, but that was about it last season. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was constantly under duress, and it’s a testament to his talent that he took only the seventh-most sacks. He could have finished much higher than that.
In an effort to keep Bridgewater upright and accelerate his growth as a young passer, the Vikings invested heavily around him. He has a new No. 1 receiver in Laquon Treadwell, who should help. But the big question comes at right tackle.
There are three options to start at right tackle. Incumbent T.J. Clemmings had to start last year, but he was terrible. The man he replaced was Phil Loadholt, who is coming off another major injury but is a good player when 100 percent. Free-agent signing Andre Smith may be the favorite just in terms of pure talent, as he was a reliable player for the Cincinnati Bengals throughout his seven-year career.
New England Patriots: Will the Offensive Line Improve?
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New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has been a pioneer in the coaching industry for many reasons, but what he and his staff pulled off in 2015 was amazing. Rotating offensive linemen based on the situation and drive is unprecedented. The common theory is that continuity will generate more success than raw talent.
The Patriots tested that theory and ultimately almost made another Super Bowl appearance with the strategy. Facing the elite pass-rushing talent from Denver overwhelmed what the Patriots had available, which included two rookie guards and a backup tackle. Their rotation didn’t fail, but there is a need for improvement from this young group.
Whether the development comes from incumbents Shaquille Mason and Tre' Jackson or newly acquired Jonathan Cooper or Joe Thuney, the Patriots need to keep quarterback Tom Brady free from pressure as much as possible. If one of these young players can either lock down a starting job full time or be an impact pass protector that would dramatically improve this unit.
New Orleans Saints: Have Recent Draft Picks Developed?
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The New Orleans Saints have been one of few exceptions in the quarterback-driven league over the past four seasons. Even with future Hall of Famer Drew Brees continuing his great play, the Saints have finished above .500 just once in that span. Their 2012, 2014 and 2015 seasons each featured a 7-9 record.
This stemmed from a ravaged roster due to cap mismanagement and missed draft picks from prior seasons. The lack of talent from top to bottom on the roster was enough to hold Brees and head coach Sean Payton back from the playoffs. This has left the Saints with a tough situation, as rookies and young players must now outproduce their draft slots and develop quickly for the team to plug other holes.
On paper, the Saints had strong 2015 and 2016 draft classes, as they found impact players who could see the field early in their careers. Now they must prove it on the field. If the 2016 class can produce three or more starters, the Saints could make a playoff push as early as this season.
New York Giants: Was the Free-Agency Splurge Worth It?
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After wrapping up another disappointing season in 2015, the New York Giants had the opportunity to blow the entire organization down to the ground and rebuild with fresh voices at every level. They passed and decided that former offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo was the right head coach for the team. McAdoo was successful working with quarterback Eli Manning, so keeping that continuity in place was a good decision at least.
General manager Jerry Reese put together an expensive and flashy offseason to help give McAdoo the talent he needs to produce a winning team. Upgrades along the defensive line and secondary weren't cheap or easy, but the Giants should no longer be a pushover on that side of the ball. The big question the team must answer is whether the big-money deals in free agency were worth it.
For the Giants to be clear offseason winners, they’ll have to earn a playoff spot in 2016. Having impact veterans at key positions like quarterback, defensive end and cornerback is a big step toward being a Super Bowl contender since those are the premium positions. It’s unlikely Reese will continue in his role if the team fails to live up to the expectations that come with the money he spent.
New York Jets: Who Starts at Quarterback?
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It’s uncommon to see a playoff contender allow its quarterback to sit on the free-agent market for long, if at all, but the New York Jets are experiencing a unique situation. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick tried to cash in off a career year with the Jets in 2015, but few teams were ever interested in the journeyman’s services. His talent fits best in the comfortable confines of Jets offensive coordinator Chan Gailey’s system.
The 33-year-old’s absence hasn’t worried Gailey yet, per Rich Cimini of ESPN. But the team also hasn’t hit the critical training camp stage where every rep matters. The pressure will rise significantly once the Jets see the trio of Geno Smith, Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty splitting first-team snaps.
If Fitzpatrick remains unsigned or heads elsewhere, the Jets will be shrouded in clouds throughout the preseason as they sort through this quarterback controversy. It’s not like Fitzpatrick is a much better option, but the veteran has at least proved his floor is acceptable for an NFL starter. That much certainty and familiarity would bring some peace of mind to this team.
Oakland Raiders: Does This Young Roster Find Consistency?
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Like the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Oakland Raiders decided to make it rain in free agency to expedite their rebuilding process. The timing worked out well for general manager Reggie McKenzie, who had over $70 million to spend on upgrades. Hitting on a star pass-rusher and quarterback in the 2014 NFL draft class was a tremendous way to set the stage for this offseason.
The Raiders continued to invest in talent in their primes, including guard Kelechi Osemele, cornerback Sean Smith and linebacker Bruce Irvin. Each of those players also has playoff experience that will help the youth on the roster. But will it be enough to help this team jump from 7-9 to a division winner?
The negative with such spending is the expectations that come with acquiring household names. The pressure to perform is higher than many of the players on this team have ever experienced. It’ll take an improved week-to-week consistency for the Raiders to flourish like their talent suggests is possible.
Philadelphia Eagles: How Long Does Carson Wentz Sit?
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Few teams have had as dramatic of a franchise transformation as the Philadelphia Eagles. The offseason started with a bang as the head coaching search landed on an Andy Reid disciple, Doug Pederson. After jettisoning all ties to former head coach Chip Kelly as much as the roster could handle, the Eagles tripled down on the quarterback position. Now there’s an awkward situation, as the Eagles have a combined $23.6 million committed to three signal-callers.
The most notable storyline and biggest question revolves around No. 2 pick Carson Wentz. The former FCS quarterback has many of the tools to become a great player, but he needs time to improve certain nuances of the position. But when the franchise invests significant assets to move up and take a quarterback, it’s hard to keep him off the field.
Incumbent starter Sam Bradford knows the writing's on the wall, which is what prompted him to ask for a trade. He’s since relented, but it won’t take long for the Eagles to sit Bradford for Wentz. If the Eagles dip under .500 after the first half of the season, then we’ll see the future of the franchise sooner than later.
Pittsburgh Steelers: What’s the Identity of This Defense?
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Over the past few offseasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers have committed significant assets to their defense in an effort to become more athletic and dynamic. Recent draft picks Bud Dupree, Ryan Shazier and Stephon Tuitt are helping usher in a new era for the once-feared Steelers defense. There are still some weak spots as the transition continues—most notably in the defensive backfield.
After drafting cornerbacks who thrive playing off the line of scrimmage in zone coverage in Senquez Golson and Doran Grant in 2015, the Steelers seemingly reversed course in the 2016 draft. First-round pick Artie Burns is more of a press-man and zone corner. Second-round safety Sean Davis is a versatile piece who can be moved into different roles, but he should challenge at strong safety to start.
Pittsburgh’s defense played better than expected in 2015, as it thrived off forcing the third-most interceptions in the NFL. If it continues to be a bend-don’t-break unit, it’ll need to decide quickly on the coverage schemes it’ll run. Otherwise the Steelers will ask these young cornerbacks to overcome weaknesses, which will make it hard to succeed.
San Diego Chargers: Can the Young Talent Carry This Defense?
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It’s become rare for a team with a superstar quarterback end up with one of the top-three picks in the NFL draft, but the San Diego Chargers managed to accomplish that. Injuries spread like a disease on this roster last year, forcing the team to spread its draft assets on both sides of the ball. There are plenty of opportunities for drafted and undrafted players alike to challenge for a final roster spot.
The Chargers have drafted well in early rounds in recent years, which should finally pay off this season if the players are as good as advertised. While the offense features veterans and young players, the defense is incredibly young. The only starters not on a rookie contract are nose tackle Brandon Mebane, defensive end Corey Liuget, cornerback Brandon Flowers and safeties Jahleel Addae and Dwight Lowery. That leaves more than half of the unit in the hands of players not even in their physical primes yet.
If San Diego is going to make a run in the deepest division in the NFL (AFC West), then this defense must quickly establish itself as legitimate. Quarterback Philip Rivers doesn’t need an elite defense to keep opposing offenses off the scoreboard, but he does require an average supporting cast. Their 21st-ranked scoring defense in 2015 just wasn’t good enough.
San Francisco 49ers: How Quickly Can Chip Kelly Develop Talent?
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Now on their third head coach in as many years, the San Francisco 49ers are hoping the recover from a painful 5-11 campaign in 2015. New head coach Chip Kelly didn’t get the last laugh in Philadelphia, but the innovative offensive mind inherited a moldable piece of clay made up of young, underdeveloped talent. If he can accelerate the players' growth as individuals, the team may quickly regain its playoff form even though the names have changed.
The 49ers defense has a respectable amount of talent to work with. With front-seven talent such as defensive ends DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead, nose tackle Ian Williams, and a deep linebacker corps, it’s reasonable to expect this unit to be closer to the league average in 2016. It finished 18th in points allowed per game, but a dreadful offense aided that number.
Where Kelly’s influence should be felt the most is at quarterback and the passing game. The quarterback tandem of Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert is back again despite posting just 14.9 points per game, which was easily last in 2015. Kelly must implement a scheme good enough to help mask a limited offensive line and maximize a talented but young group of wide receivers.
Seattle Seahawks: Is the Offensive Line Better Than We Think?
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There will always be positional needs and weaknesses on a roster because of salary-cap limitations and free agency. NFL general managers have a difficult task in finding and prioritizing talent at certain positions over others. The most peculiar case of this is in Seattle, where Seahawks general manager John Schneider has taken a unique but dangerous strategy when it comes to the offensive line.
Most teams invest early-round picks to find starting-caliber offensive linemen, but the Seahawks have rarely spent more than a Day 2 pick to form their projected starters. Only 2016 first-round pick Germain Ifedi and 2014 second-round pick Justin Britt have been drafted before Day 3. Britt has also changed positions three times due to his poor play at tackle and guard.
Quarterback Russell Wilson thrives when the play breaks down and he’s able to scramble to buy time for his receivers. But it’s not a sustainable game plan, especially if the goal is to keep Wilson upright and available for 16 games plus the playoffs. This offensive line could be the worst we’ve seen in Seattle during Schneider’s tenure. The O-line must quickly jell and prove that possibility wrong for the team to compete for a Super Bowl again.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: How Does Dirk Koetter Handle First NFL Head Coaching Job?
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After multiple successful stints around the NFL as an offensive coordinator working with young quarterbacks, Dirk Koetter now has to prove his head coaching chops. The first-year head coach is a familiar face for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as he was promoted this offseason. His presence will be a positive for an offense that features a dynamic young trio of talent to build around.
Second-year quarterback Jameis Winston showed significant in-season growth under Koetter’s tutelage last season, and there’s no reason to think he’ll slow down anytime soon. Keeping the offensive verbiage and scheme the same just makes sense. If Winston eventually successfully develops into a superstar quarterback, then chances are high the Buccaneers will be a Super Bowl contender for years to come.
With Koetter in charge of the entire team, how he handles the rest of his newfound responsibilities is important. Some first-time head coaches overwhelm themselves because they have to manage the organization in addition to paying special attention to their favored side of the ball. The Buccaneers' success in 2016 will hinge on many things, but this is the big question that can swing their season positively or negatively.
Tennessee Titans: Is Mike Mularkey the Right Head Coach?
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The argument for hiring an in-house candidate can easily be made, especially in a situation like what the Tennessee Titans were facing this past offseason. Firing Ken Whisenhunt in November 2015 was surprising because of how few games he had to coach his handpicked quarterback, Marcus Mariota. But promoting offensive coordinator and interim head coach Mike Mularkey was done with Mariota’s best interest in mind.
One concern with the Mularkey promotion is his struggle in 2015 as the interim head coach. The Titans actually played worse after he took over, which was partially due to Mariota’s sprained MCL that caused him to miss six games. Even on defense, the team was a bad, though, so it’s fair to question the decision to pass on a more qualified candidate even if it meant teaching Mariota a new system.
The Titans have a young roster that has stagnated at many positions over the last few seasons. On paper, this should be closer to a .500 team than the worst in the NFL. We’ll find out in 2016 whether or not Mularkey can lead this team.
Washington Redskins: Is the Defense Ready for a Playoff Run?
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In an unlikely NFC East divisional crown and playoff run, the Washington Redskins showed the traits of a budding roster looking to become long-term contenders. The Redskins have solid coaching, a legitimate front office that can acquire talent via the draft and enough pieces on both sides of the ball to give them a chance at winning most matchups. The major question remaining about this team for 2016 is the defense.
Most of the Redskins' assets have gone toward the offensive side of the ball in recent years, and it showed on the field last year. Despite playing the eighth-easiest schedule in the NFL, the Redskins defense finished 28th in yards allowed per game. That’s a bad predictor of what will happen when their schedule increases in difficulty in 2016.
Adding cornerback Josh Norman was the lone significant addition to the unit, although pass-rusher Junior Galette is another potential game-changer if he’s healthy. With the defensive line aging and limited with talent, the Redskins offense will likely have to carry major weight on its shoulders most weeks. If the defense doesn’t prove to be closer to average, the Redskins could be in for a regression after their breakout season.
All stats used are from Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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