This is always the thing that no one really talks about. If you stunk at a position last year and don’t add a high-priced free agent you’re going to stink there again. But that’s why we play the long game with draft picks.
First on the list, to no one’s surprise, would have to be Dominique Easley. I think it will be pretty clear from the get-go if his explosiveness has returned.
Obviously, Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler are guys that we really need to step up this year, but it’s hard to really get a read on cornerbacks until the real games. Was anyone really blown away by Revis or Browner in the preseason last year?
Lastly I’d put Sealver Siliga on there, assuming he’s recovered from injury. He’s certainly had his moments in the first two seasons that show potential, but he just hasn’t been able to string them all together due to various injuries. Can he step up and be the primary space eater inside now with Wilfork gone? Remember Wilfork wasn’t exactly the dominant player he became right out of the gate. I still have hope Siliga will be a significant part of the front this year.
Obviously there are quite a few others I am curious to see, but I think those four are the ones we most NEED to step up.