Projected starters
Published: May 21, 2024 at 3:39 PM
Greg Rosenthal
Over de NFL Podcast Co-host
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See Also
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Chicago's
| CRIME | PLAYER | DEFENSE | PLAYER |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Caleb Williams | Rand | Montez sved |
| RB | D'André Swift | DT | Gervon Dexter sr. |
| WR | DJ Moore | DT | Zach Pickens |
| WR | Keenan Allen | Rand | DeMarcus Walker |
| WR | Rom Odunze | POND | T.J. Edwards |
| OF | Cole Kmet | POND | Tremaine Edmunds |
| LT | Braxton Jones | CB | Jaylon Johnson |
| LG | Bitch Jenkins | CB | Tyrique Stevenson |
| C | Coleman Shelton | CB | Kyler Gordon |
| RG | Nate Davis | S | Jaquan Brisker |
| RT | Darnell Wright | S | Kevin Byard III |
- I like the depth everywhere in this offense except the backfieldCaleb Williams.Tyson Bagentprofiles as a nice long-term backup, but Williams could use someone with more experience in the quarterback room.
- But seriously:the depth. It's hard to believe this is a Chicago Bears offense.Khalil HerbertInRoschon Johnsonget insurance by running backD'André Swift. The receiving trio could do thatrival anyone in football. Close endGerard Everettis an experienced backup forCole Kmet.
- Even the offensive line has options, with trade acquisitionsRyan Batescould contribute at center or at guard. ElaborationRom Odunze, a difference-maker receiver who is also a future No. 1 pick, ninth overall made sense because Chicago's tackle options were solid enough.
- The reception areas remainSoflexible. Odunze,Keenan AllenInDJ Moorecan all play inside and outside, although Allen mainly ends up in the slot.
- For me it's more about the defense. It was great last season, but analysts and fans are fooled every year by hot defensive plays. Such trajectories are not so predictable – or at least notonlymore predictable than the mediocre numbers coach Matt Eberflus put up in the first year and a half of his tenure.
- The defensive line is the biggest concern. The Bears need their 2023 draft pick (second roundGervon Dexter sr.and third roundsZach Pickens) to perform at defensive tackle, andMontez sved, a major midseason acquisition last year, needs more help in a thin edge group.
- T.J. EdwardsInTremaine Edmundsestablished himself as an excellent linebacker down the stretch last season. Since taking over in 2022, Chicago general manager Ryan Poles has invested heavily in the secondary, and the young cornerback group should be great.
- It was a surprise to seeKevin Byard IIIreceives a generous contract (two years, $15 million) and an assumed starting role after competing for two teams last season.
- Caleb Williams is worth the hype. He has plenty of help around him. But Eberflus still has to prove he can keep up before we put the Bears ahead of the Lions or Packers.
Detroit Lions
| CRIME | PLAYER | DEFENSE | PLAYER |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Jared Goff | Rand | Aidan Hutchinson |
| RB | Jahmyr Gibbs | DT | Alim McNeill |
| WR | Amon-Ra St. Brown | DT | DJ Reader |
| WR | Jameson Williams | Rand | James Houston |
| WR | Donovan Peoples-Jones | POND | Alex Anzalone |
| OF | Sam LaPorta | POND | Derrick Barnes |
| LT | Taylor Decker | CB | Carlton Davis |
| LG | Graham Glasgow | CB | Terrion Arnold |
| C | Frank Ragnow | CB | Brian Tak |
| RG | Kevin Zeitler | S | Kerby Jozef |
| RT | Penei Sewell | S | Ifeato Melifonwu |
- Jared Goffis newcontract extensionsolidifying his future in Detroit. I also love that the Lions have a high-quality backup optionHendon whor*, a third-round draft pick last year.
- It is difficult to implementaltin low season. The front office has done a good job re-signing the Lions' core and addressing their secondary. That said, it is surprisingDonovan Peoples-JonesInKalif Raymondstill fighting for the third receiver job.
- The team is also betting on itJameson Williams, which has shown enough to make one believe an outbreak may be brewing. His role is somewhat diminished by how good the TE isSam LaPortain RBJahmyr Gibbsis in the passing game.
- There's every reason to believe Gibbs will end up with more accents thenDavid Montgomerythis season, although Montgomery was even better than expected in 2023. The remaining position remains a committee.
- The offensive line must remain a strength. The device must work in new additionKevin ZeitlerBut the depth isn't quite what it used to be, which could be an issue if an injury occurs.
- It's anyone's guess who will start oppositeAidan Hutchinsonon the edge.Marcus Davenporthas the talent to produce, but he can't stay on the field.James Houstoncomes to the passerby, andJohn Cominskyis a great role player. And the Lions haven't given up on the 2022 second-round pickJos. Paschal, or. This group has looked better on paper than on the field for a while now.
- signature of a veteranDJ Reader's recovery of hissecond torn quadis something to see. However, the Lions are well protected with quality depth at defensive tackle:Brodric Martin,Levi Onwuzurikeand possibly a newcomerWing Match.
- I'm projecting last yearOther things(non-Jahmyr Gibbs) first round pick,Jac Campbell, to come off the bench as part of a solid three-man rotation at linebacker.
- Cornerback in Detroit was targeted as aggressively as any other position in football. ThatCarlton Davisexperience can be a rollercoaster ride, but it's worth it. Both first round picksTerrion Arnoldand second roundsEnnis Rakestraw jr.has adult games that need to transition to the pros.
- Brian Takmay play more purely at safety this year, but he has proven to be so good at a slot corner that the Lions may not want to move him.
- It could be that the offensive line drops slightly and the defensive line doesn't rise. But I find it difficult to see this team not being able to maintain its level of excellence. Overall, the squad is one of the best in the league, with a mix of youth, continuity and talent.
Green Bay Packers
| CRIME | PLAYER | DEFENSE | PLAYER |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Jordan love | Rand | Rashan Gary |
| RB | If Jacobs | DT | Kenny Clark |
| WR | Jayden Reed | DT | Devonte Wyatt |
| WR | Romeo Doubs | Rand | Preston Smit |
| WR | Dontayvion Wicks | POND | Kade Walker |
| OF | Lucas Musgrave | POND | Edgerin Cooper |
| LT | Rasheed Walker | CB | Jair Alexander |
| LG | Elgton Jenkins | CB | Carrington Valentine |
| C | Josh Myers | CB | Keisean Nixon |
| RG | Jordan Morgan | S | Xavier McKinney |
| RT | Zak Tom | S | Javon Bullard |
- It hurt to leave at firstDontayvion Wicksfrom this listChristian Watson, so I changed the projection at the end. walls'route walkedand ball-winning pop off the screen and had to nod.
- Jayden ReedHis role is the most closed. He can become oneAmon-Ra St. Brown-type player for Matt LaFleur, starternot .Romeo Doubswas the most consistent outside option last year and was a monster in the playoffs. Watson may never be a complete receiver, but he can add an explosive element if he stays healthy.
- The Packers are also young and deep at tight end, where bothLucas MusgraveInTucker Kraftblinked at the end of their rookie season last year.
- First round pickJordan Morganshallwork on the left side initially; he was probably appointed to eventually take over the place. But I wouldn't be surprised if, in typical Packers fashion, they turn him into a guard this year as they search for the best fit.
- Every violation of the law causes damage. Few teams can handle this better than the Packers, except at quarterback. Seventh round pickMichael Pratthas a chance to beJordan love's back-up.
- MetKenny Clark(28) as he got older, the Packers could use more consistency from his tag team partner,Devonte Wyatt, after a big uptick in usage for Wyatt last year.T.J. Slatonalso gets starter schnapps.
- The fringe group is largely the same. The workload of last year's first round,Lucas Van Ness, stood up at the end of last season and he was able to join usPreston Smithis job in the end. Smith is somehow the only player over 30 on this list.
- As a second round pickEdgerin Cooperstarting as a rookie, the Packers will have a linebacker group as fast as any in football.
- They believeiCarrington Valentine, a 2023 seventh-round pick who played well late last season. There are several options on the sofa (Erik Stokes,Corey Ballentine), but cornerback is the most vulnerable position on the team. Packers needJair Alexanderbounce back from aseason marked by injuries.
- The largest personnel change in defense concerns security. I loveXavier McKinneysignature. Second round pickJavon Bullardhas a chance to start as a rookie.
- The biggest changeGeneralis with the coordinator. New DC Jeff Hafley is a relative unknown, with his recent experience at Boston College and Ohio State. This group underperformed its talent for years under Hafley's predecessor Joe Barry.
- It's hard not to get excited about this offense, which may be the youngest in football. The Packers came closer to the Super Bowl last season than anyone expected, and they can absolutely dethrone the Lions in the division.
Minnesota Vikings
| CRIME | PLAYERS | DEFENSE | PLAYERS |
|---|---|---|---|
| QB | J.J. McCarthy | Rand | Jonathan Groenard |
| RB | Aaron Jones | DT | Harrison Philips |
| WR | Justin Jefferson | Rand | Andrew Van Ginkel |
| WR | Jordan Addison | Rand | Dallas Turner |
| WR | Trent Sherfield sr. | POND | Blake Cashman |
| OF | T.J. Hockenson | CB | Byron Murphy jr. |
| LT | Christian Darrisaw | CB | Mechi Blackmon |
| LG | Blake Brandel | CB | Jack Griffin |
| C | Garrett Bradbury | S | Harrison Smit |
| RG | Ed Ingram | S | Camryn Bynum |
| RT | Brian O'Neill | S | Jos Metellus |
- J.J. McCarthyended up in the perfect situation. The line is largely solid, the receivers are elite and the coaching is inventive.
- His competition as a quarterback (Sam Darnold) is also too inconsistent in the game's action. Even if Darnold starts Week 1 as the starter, McCarthy will want to overtake him early in the season.
- Beware ofJustin Jefferson'Scontract negotiations, which could last into the summer.
- Jordan Addisonis arguably one of the best No. 2 receivers in football. I'm less concerned about the number 3 spot (Brandon Powellis also a possibility) becauseT.J. Hockensonwill essentially fill that role once he isback from a torn cruciate ligament.
- Aaron Jonesended his senior year in Green Bay looksAaron Jones. Still, I hope Kevin O'Connell uses backupTy Chandlergenerously to keep Jones healthy.
- The guard spots could be better, so don't be surprised if the Vikings add another veteran in free agency.
- Coordinator Brian Flores' inventive defense showed cracks at the end of last season. That's why I love the pass-rush investment the team has made. Flores shouldn't have to pitch the house as often this year as he will in 2023.
- I named three wingers as starters becauseAndrew Van Ginkelshould find a way to get more snaps than any real nose tackle. That said, the Vikings aren't that good at defensive tackle.
- Can the trio leave?Jonathan Groenard, Van Ginkel and rookieDallas Turnerbe special? If so, this defense has a chance.
- If the team doesn't generate enough pressure up front, problems at the back can have an impact.
- Blake Cashmanwas a nice signing at linebacker.Ivan Pace, not included in the lineup above, had a strong rookie season in 2023.
- I named six defensive backs as starters because Flores was lined up so often and the coordinator loves his three safeties. Corner cap space could be an issue, as it is for so many teams.
- The Vikings won seven games last season despite starting four quarterbacks. This roster is set for the playoffs in Year 3 under this regime, but being stuck in the NFC's best division makes it difficult to fulfill that potential.
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