NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo, QB
Very similar to the Indianapolis Colts, the Dallas Cowboys fell into shambles without their quarterback. Backed by perhaps the league’s best offensive line the Cowboys have the pieces to succeed, yet it comes back to the play of Romo as he has to be able to stay on the field for this team to have any chance.
New York Giants: Erik Flowers, DE
Following a shaky rookie season Flowers showed improvement down the stretch. Drafted to become a rock at left tackle for the G-men for years to come, it is time for Flowers to cement himself in that role. With a subpar rushing attack the Giants must rely on Manning to throw the ball and having been one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the league over the past few seasons the timing just is not there. Solid play for Flowers can ultimately push this offense to the next level.
Philadelphia Eagles: Erick Rowe, CB
Philadelphia is searching for a shutdown corner, same story different season. The Eagles secondary group is a less than stellar one, having been in search for a shutdown corner ever since the days of Asante Samuel and Lito Sheppard. Rowe will be given every chance to hold down the starter spot. The rest of the pieces including Cox, Hicks, and Jenkins are in place. All the defense is missing is that shutdown corner. If Rowe can prove to be that corner this defense holds plenty of potential.
Washington Redskins: Matt Jones, RB
With Alfred Morris now residing in Dallas the Redskins find themselves in need of a new running attack. With rookies being excluded from this list it leaves incumbent Matt Jones with the duties of leading the rushing attack. Although Kirk Cousins proved to be quite the gunslinger Matt Jones will have to pick up quite the load and exhibit some of that big play potential he flashed last season.
NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears: Danny Trevathan, LB
Fresh off of a Super Bowl win and big offseason pay day, the Bears defense will rely heavily on the play of Trevathan. A tackling machine and a solid playmaker Trevathan should bring a sense of stability to the Bears defense that has been in a constant rotation. Trevathan holding down the inside linebacker position will allow the Bears to build upon a defense that gave up 121 rush yards a game last season.
Detroit Lions: Golden Tate, WR/Punt Receiver
Following the retirement of Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate officially steps into the role of number one receiver for the Lions. A role that may warrant an adjustment period. With Johnson gone the Lions will look to rely heavily on Tate, how he responds though can play a big role on the season.
Green Bay Packers: Jordy Nelson, WR
A position that proved to be in dire need of help last season will be breathing a sigh of relief upon Jordy Nelsons return. Giving Rodgers back one of his favorite weapons in Nelson can change the whole outlook of this offense.
Minnesota Vikings: Eric Kendricks, LB
One of the more complete teams in the league, the Vikings sport an enormous amount of young talent. The duo of Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks is right in the middle of that young talent. Barr already been a proven talent in the league is just part of the core of one of the NFL’s best defenses. Continued progression of Kendricks’ can go a long way in Vikings development as a unit.
