Defensively
the interior is the one position imo not sure about. Not because I don’t think they can be better but we have no one with time coming back. Y’all can say what you want but I wish Big Sydir stayed. Only interior players coming back are Hills and January, which both could be good but as of now big question marks. Everywhere else I defense imo are players with just no experience
DE should be a strength. Simmons might be the best player on the team next season and possibly a Hendricks award finalist. You also have Burke, Vasek, Jackson (Fresh). I would hope Moore would come back, (seems like he got better as the year went on) think he can improve his numbers but even if he doesn’t think we should find someone in the portal.
LB should also be a strength, Hill possible is the best LB in the conference and country next season, has to be a leader and would love him to lead this defense and play with his physicality. Lefau, Smith and Barnes (incoming) , LB should definitely be a strength.
I will say this Gbenda wasn’t the most talented but he showed what the culture is!! Will Miss his heart out there. He went out on top last night.
Secondary will be a mystery, more so safety. Idk what Taaffe will do, but I didn’t see draft grades for him (which is crazy) but would love to get Taaffe back. Mukuba will be dearly missed man! What a fucking player. Between him and golden best portal pick ups. If Taaffe doesn’t come back we have Williams , McDonald and as the only players with time. I hope Filsaime and Rubell takes that next step. I think Johnna Williams can be special if Taaffe comes back that would be major! If not I think this is the position group that takes a major step back.
corner back, for this group to make the turnaround it did major props to the coaches. Barron is a dog and will be missed. Muhammad has to be that shutdown we feel like he can be. Heard nothing but good things about Black and Wilson coming back next season so hopefully one of them step up to take the opportunity opposite of Manny. But Manny has to be better than wat we seen towards the end. This is another position group I think may take a step back but that’s not necessarily a bad thing with how high of a level they played this season. One change I’d like to see is a battle at NB. Let Gilbeaux and Wardell Mack battle it out in the spring and fall camp. Gilbeaux was a liability imo and even if he doesn’t start that creates quality depth.
defense will be good, idk if they’re great due to inexperience but they will have talent to be. I think the coaches this year proved they can coach and develop so let’s hope for the defense sake this stays true.