Brightest Lights

SUMMARY: This article highlights the player on each roster that is under the most pressure to perform this season.

Scale Measurements: Light Pressure, Moderate Pressure, Heavy Pressure

Detroit Lions:

JAMESON WILLIAMS (WR):

Jameson Williams seemingly is the easiest choice for the title of having the most pressure on the team to perform. The former 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft never has had a full season of play either due to his ACL recovery his rookie year, or from being suspended for the season’s first six games this past year. The guy truly can fly and adds a dynamic dimension as a serious deep ball threat. Many plays this year showed promise whether that be the deep ball he hauled in against Tampa or the highlight reel end around he had against the 49ers in the NFC Championship game, but we need to see a full season of these explosive game changing plays from the young man. If all this potential is fulfilled he would enhance an offense that has seemingly unlimited talent to go around. 

Pressure:Moderate

Chicago Bears:

CALEB WILLIAMS (QB):

The young rookie QB is everywhere. He’s Hollywood, he’s Mahomes, he’s everything the franchise needs, which truly has never been the case for a QB in the Windy City. I think his expectations are way too high this season even with Moore, Odunze, and Keenan at wideout. I think Williams has the wrong attitude coming into the league and that the division is going to absolutely sock him right in the jaw. It’s not PAC 12 or BIG 12 football anymore and now it’s time to play big boy defenses. Some games he played last season on tape were glaringly bad, especially the game against the Fighting Irish in South Bend. That tape was akin to watching Justin Fields in his rookie season try to navigate behind an atrocious offensive line, which the Bears have slightly improved. Also D’Andre Swift at running back, who never has played behind a bad offensive line, might not give much production in the run game and is extremely injury prone. I say this as a fan of his game. I think Caleb seriously could get some of the punishment Justin Fields got playing in Chicago and don’t foresee a great rookie season for the confident gunslinger. 

Pressure:Heavy (Media is all over him)

Green Bay Packers:

CHRISTIAN WATSON (WR):

This guy’s profile is something that you normally envision with a superstar wideout with a 6’4” frame and a 4.36 forty yard dash, yet so far his career has been underwhelming. Injuries have plagued his career, but there have been occasional flashes of his potential like when he dismantled my Lions in Ford Field on Thanksgiving Day. His combination of speed and ability to high point passes is something that truly could take Jordan Love to an MVP level of play when paired with the two young stud wideouts Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks who both are pretty off the radar talents. Romeo Doubs is also a beast. You just have to mention his game. Watson is the last straw to take this offense into elite top tier status and I think the play action game that will come with the addition of Josh Jacobs could truly allow Watson to make a statement of biblical proportions this season. I love the direction LeFleur has taken with his offensive scheme and think Watson is the last piece of the puzzle so long as he can stay on the football field.

Pressure: Moderate to Heavy

Minnesota Vikings:

JJ MCCARTHY (QB):

This is a situation I’m scared of quite honestly. I don’t really think anyone could logically conclude the guy would be a top ten selection in the NFL Draft from his career at Michigan. He was heavily carried by Michigan’s defense and run game, which with Aaron Jones won’t be there for him in the NFL. I think Darnold beats him out for the starting role and even if he gets a shot to play I think he’ll transition roughly to playing NFL defenses. His one hope is that his defense will be very good with Greenard and Dallas Turner as well as having the best wide receiver in the NFL, Justin Jefferson. He never faced great defenses in college and I think that’s my biggest knock against the guy. Being a completely unproven rookie quarterback in a loaded division just automatically gives him an uphill battle that would be too hard to overcome. This guy being a franchise quarterback is something I never think is going to happen. He has the ceiling to prove me wrong but will he reach it? Michigan’s offense leaned on the run game and really limited McCarthy’s pass attempts. Kevin O’Connell needs to dial up an offense catered to JJ’s intangible tools he displayed against a decrepit BIG 10 conference last season.

Pressure: Heavy (Entrusted as the franchise guy)

Washington Commanders:

JAYDEN DANIELS (QB):

Here’s the issue that Jayden Daniels is up against. He has no offensive line, an alright running back room and a serviceable wide receiver core consisting of Jahan Dotson, Terry Mclaurin and now Luke McCafferey. Although Scary Terry is a great talent that can make jaw dropping catches I don’t think he’s the best wide receiver one for a quarterback like Daniels. They are missing the consistent deep threat to throw it to that most elite offenses have and their defense is dreadful on the other side of the ball. I think all these issues combined with Daniels light frame and just having one good season in college have me worried for the Commanders franchise. I can see him not playing well in Washington D.C considering he’s going from one of the best offensive lines in college to one of the NFL’s worst. I don’t understand why you choose Daniels over Maye considering Daniels had an ideal situation in college while Maye had a situation that was less than ideal. I think Maye looks like the better option for now, but Daniels has the ability to extend plays and throw deep balls with touch, which allows for him to prove me wrong. Right now I think he’s near certain to be a bust.

Pressure: Heavy (2nd pick)

Dallas Cowboys:

DAK PRESCOTT (QB):

This is an issue that is an age old conundrum at this juncture. I mean what is Jerry Jones doing at the helm for this team? Ezekiel Elliot, Deuce Vaughn, and Rico Dowdle as your RB room means one thing. Your offense is a guaranteed one dimensional air raid offense in Dallas now and I love Ceedee, but along with Dak and also Micah Parsons they are on contract years. This is the year Dallas has to at least make a playoff push to at least have some success with this core, but Dak in the playoffs has been an atrocity to date. He has to be one of the most hot and cold players I’ve ever seen. Beginning of last season, especially against the Niners, I questioned if he was really a starting QB, but he definitely improved as the year went on. I just think this team farms playing in a terrible division every regular season and come playoff time they show their head, which is comparable to a deer in headlights or a dog with a tail between its hind legs. I feel for Dak slightly given that he gets torn apart by the media, but that is what you sign up for as Dallas’ starting QB. This franchise is on the verge of imploding next offseason, which is a truly scary thought. I don’t believe Prescott has what it takes to even win his division this year given how the Eagles destroyed their offseason. Yikes.

Pressure: Immensely heavy

New York Giants: 

BRIAN BURNS (EDGE) or DANIEL JONES (QB):

For Daniel Jones my issue is that he’s a turnover machine that makes Jameis Winston’s turnover numbers look measly. It’s just crazy how bad his offensive line and wide receiver room really has been. Hopefully Jones and his colossally massive contract can be justified by a wild card appearance with Malik Nabers now in The Apple. I just think Jones forgot how to read a football field and now plays in constant fear of injury. He made Tyrod Taylor look like a good option for the Giants and I’m afraid he is at his floor right now. Devin Singletary too is an embarrassing replacement for Saquon of old. Much like Jones’ huge contract with little upside comes that of Brian Burns. If he doesn’t fulfill a role that justifies $141 million over the next five years then this franchise is just going to be in shambles for years to come. The upside for Burns is that he is a great edge player in the NFL, but would a trio of Burns, the young Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Dexter Lawerence be enough for the G men to contend. I don’t know, but Okereke and Micah McFadden on the Giants last year seemingly were the only defenders that came to play outside of Dex. With as many holes as the Giants have on their roster it’s hard to see a future in New York where the fans aren’t booing the product on the field. Nabers needs to be a hall of famer at minimum for this team to make noise.

Pressure: COLOSSAL

Philadelphia Eagles:

JORDAN DAVIS (DT):

Fletcher Cox hangs up his cleats and now here’s Jordan Davis’ role to fill. So far out of Georgia conditioning has been a major red flag for the highly touted defensive juggernaut prospect. He made high motor plays in college, but in the NFL he never really sees the field and does little with the time he’s been given. He needs to carve out a role in this defense to take the Eagles defensive line to the next level that would complement their fortification of secondary pieces they got in this year’s NFL Draft. I think the Eagles are bound to bounce back and Sirianni is the only man that could hold them back. Jalen Carter has shown plenty of promise for this franchise, which is an encouraging sign heading into the upcoming season. Adding Bryce Huff was a sleeper signing that gave the defense under Vic Fangio a new chess piece to work with in the pass rush department. 

Pressure: Light to moderate 

Arizona Cardinals:

KYLER MURRAY (QB):

This was in the cards for Kyler. He gets one last shot after injury to come back and shock the NFL. Having QB inflation result in Marvin Harrison Jr falling into your lap was an ideal situation for the franchise. McBride can really play ball and this team is needing Kyler to make a run at MVP for them to compete in such a tough division. I think Kyler’s issue is his offensive line play and mainly his height when games come down the stretch. End of the season you condense the field against him and he can’t produce over the middle of the field in the pocket. It’s a glaring weakness that reared its ugly head every season in Arizona with the dreadful HC of Cliff Kingsbury who never evolved his offense. So many problems in Arizona can only be solved by a top wide receiver type of season by MHJ and a large dose of Kyler’s escapability and rushing ability, ideally outside of the pocket, to move the ball downfield and manipulate defenses. The 49ers and Rams are a tough mountain to overcome for Kyler. The time is now.

Pressure: heavy to alarmingly heavy

Los Angeles Rams: 

JARED VERSE (EDGE):

Out of FSU this guy passes every test with flying colors. His pass rush ability and rush defense makes Verse slated to make a splash in his rookie season with the Los Angeles Rams. I’d say his play will dictate whether or not the Los Angeles Rams make a push for the playoffs because if he plays how he did every week in college, watch out. Verse has immense potential to be a game wrecker at the next level. To me Verse and Latu were the two best defensive prospects coming out of this year’s deep draft and I can’t believe the Rams got him. I think being a rookie is always a bit of a challenge due to adjusting to the NFL, but on paper his game is as sound as most elite edge rushers in the NFL. He’s not under the most pressure from a technical standpoint, but I think he’s the key to this team’s defensive rebuild. Adding Fiske on the interior out of FSU as well and Tre'Davious White were both solid pickups to complement Verse for an average defense last season. You could make an argument for Jonah Jackson and his contract being under the most pressure for this season, but he played well when playing for my Detroit Lions. I hope Jonah’s increased role will work out and honestly believe it will, which is why he isn’t under the brightest lights. After watching the Bengals vs Rams game last year any guard would be an improvement for the Rams. 

Pressure: Light

Seattle Seahawks:

GENO SMITH (QB):

The truth is Geno made one of the greatest comebacks I have witnessed in my history of being an NFL fan. From being a complete draft bust in New York, to a franchise cornerstone in his first season with the Seahawks his heart led the way as he blazed the league and made incredibly precise dimes all over the field to the likes of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. It was truly a spectacle to behold, but this last season wasn’t quite as electric as that first year in large part due to a patchwork offensive line that did its best job. I think Geno definitely will regress from his elite play and the mincemeat this franchise gave up for Sam Howell is intriguing for the team’s future. With a new head coach, Mike McDonald, it will be interesting to see if Geno keeps his job if he begins the season struggling. I know this sounds blasphemous to die-hard Hawks fans that praise Geno’s resurgence, but Howell most definitely has not played his last down as a starter in the NFL. Give Howell a good o-line and a great WR core that is bound to see a JSN explosion this season and you might have an elite NFL offense. Geno controls his fate under a new regime.
Pressure: Moderately Heavy (He’s already surpassed all expectations, but Howell is real)

San Francisco 49ers:

BROCK PURDY (QB):

With Aiyuk’s future a question mark and Purdy’s inability to bring home the hardware as a favorite it’s hard to not see Purdy as under the most pressure this season. His future contract negotiations require him to play at an elite level going from Mr Irrelevant to the leader of an elite NFL offense with All Pros at all levels. Once his deal comes to the table it will be very interesting to see how high his contract could soar to or if he’ll get resigned based on this year. If he loses the division to the Rams or disappoints in crunch time the 49ers franchise would be faced with an incredibly tough decision to make. Their bank role is colossal and a QB deal added to the pile would be too much for the team to pay for. Aiyuk walking too before this season would hurt Purdy a lot this year. Unless Ricky Pearsall is an animal then I think the loss of Aiyuk would be a tough obstacle for Brock to overcome when losing his elite route running and big play ability. The 49ers need to retain Aiyuk and make a push this year for the Lombardi trophy they fumbled last season. Also remember this defense will be without Dre Greenlaw to start the season, so their offense will need to replicate last year’s efforts. Purdy has all the tools around him to use at his disposal, but can he elevate his team in the biggest games this year? That will remain to be seen.

Pressure: Moderate (He has an elite supporting cast, the best in fact)

Carolina Panthers:

XAVIER LEGETTE (WR):

The Panthers last year were just terrible at every single level. Thank God this team invested in Jonathan Brooks to take Miles Sanders spot and in key offensive lineman Robert Hunt who was a top guard in the league when in Miami. Now Bryce Young has another weapon in Xavier Legette who hopefully can allow this team to potentially be competitive this year. Legette reminds me of both DK Metcalf and Deebo Samuel with his play being that he has top tier size, speed, high point ability, and run after catch potential. I think the pick was nice to help out the fossilized Adam Thielen who started to get the kitchen sink thrown at him once the league realized he was the Panthers only offensive threat last season. I hope this line in front of Bryce Young can hold up so he can take shots down the field and allow for new head coach Dave Canales to convert the offense from check downs to a balanced attack. I think the ceiling of this team is relying on Bryce Young and Xavier Legette’s connection this year because it isn’t often you get a massive wide receiver with elite talent at the end of the first round. His team restricted his production until his senior season, which for me is a nice positive for the guy considering he’s playing the best football of his life right now. Considering his stats were 1255 yards and seven touchdowns in a twelve game season in the SEC, I think in other years he goes higher than pick 32. He’s either the catalyst for Bryce Young’s emergence or a bust in a deep WR class.

Pressure: Moderately high (Bryce needs him)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

RACHAAD WHITE & BUCKY IRVING (RB):

This team is very odd considering how its roster is constructed. The team is relying on consistent play from Baker Mayfield and loads of defensive talent to carry them into the playoffs like last season. I think the key moving forward is that this team establishes a formidable rushing attack akin to a baby version of the Browns two headed monster backfield that Baker had success with in Cleveland. Although White is great at pass catching, his rushing ability leaves a lot to be desired if the Buccaneers want to take the division now that Dave Canales has gone to coach their division rivals. Irving had explosive plays in college at Oregon and I hope he can open up this offense by complementing White in the run game to give this team a much needed boost. Baker with a play action game has played his best ball, so I really like what the Buccaneers did in the off season to add a well rounded, fast twitch running back behind a versatile chess piece offensive lineman out of Duke, Graham Barton, who can play multiple offensive line positions and aid significantly in improving a lackluster rushing attack before. Pressure isn’t too high in Tampa because the books and the average NFL fan assumes the Falcons are taking the division, but the Buccaneers could spoil that narrative.

Pressure: Rachaad White (moderate), Bucky Irving (light)

New Orleans Saints:

CHASE YOUNG (DE):

This team is laughably bad at this point. There aren't really many players on this team who are under pressure except maybe Derek Carr, but his play has already been miserable in New Orleans. Their cap space has been crushed by bad deal after bad deal and now Chase Young is the guy for me who is fighting for a real contract this year. After being an animal in college for OSU he got off to a red hot start in the NFL until tearing his ACL. Since then his play is characterized by low effort and low production, which both aren’t traits you want your name to be synonymous with as a former number two pick in the loaded 2020 NFL draft class. He’s fighting hard for a future this year and he better be hungry because the Saints will only be talked about if somehow Chase Young goes nuclear in a contract season. I don’t know how confident fans can be if Rattler ends up as a starter. Throwing to the talented Chris Olave who gets absolutely blasted several times in a season and speedster Rashid Shaheed isn’t the worst situation to be in. Man the saints have nothing to talk about. Pete Werner? Lattimore and the secondary?

Pressure: Heavy (decides whether or not he has a place in the NFL)

Atlanta Falcons:

MICHAEL PENIX JR (QB):

Most people were bewildered by the Falcons drafting Penix at the eighth spot. Seriously, why wouldn’t you give Gardner Minshew or some serviceable QB a contract to show Penix the ropes in the NFL, but not command a massive percentage of your cap space on a long term deal like Kirk Cousins does? The understanding of this concept is simply not computable whenever I try to assess the situation. What will happen if Penix comes in and starts slinging the ball over the field while Cousins is injured for the first couple games after an achilles tear that ended his last season? So you sign a QB after a serious injury to a large contract which I didn’t mind, but you followed it up by selecting a QB in the draft with a lengthy injury history where you needed that pick to fill other holes on the roster. There is no possible way this situation works out with a massive Cousins deal and drafting your “franchise” guy in the draft. Your owner is upset and you don’t tell your QB, Kirk Cousins, or his agent you committed to the idea. Seems like an intriguing storyline to follow heading into the season. I don’t think Penix is necessarily bad, it's just one of the all time GM blunders you talk about years down the road. Almost forgot to mention that you tampered with Cousins and surely are going to lose assets for the organization, meaning draft pick compensation. What are you doing, Falcons? WIN THE DIVISION DAMNIT! There’s weapons all over their offense and Raheem Morris is a nice fresh coach to have at the helm instead of Arthur “FedEX” Smith.

Pressure: Light (The Falcons got Cousins too)

Miami Dolphins:

TUA TAGOVAILOA (QB):

If there was ever a year where Tua could take this division, on paper, it would be this year. He has every single tool at his disposal to lead a great offense; It's just that he needs to make plays rather than having McDaniel’s scheme dictate his success. He often forces throws because he locks onto reads and throws the ball right into coverages. Yes, he doesn’t do this all season, but against any real top 10 defense the issue becomes very apparent. Even when playing Buffalo last season Tua seemed to struggle, which isn’t uncommon throughout his playing days in the NFL. When thinking of a franchise guy you expect them to win the division at least once in their tenure, but with the Dolphins I can’t see Tua making that happen. Waddle, Hill, and Achane can’t even carry Tua to the promised land, so why should anyone believe in the guy. He also is one of the worst quarterbacks I’ve ever seen when it comes to protecting himself from hits. When he hit his head multiple times last season there was a common denominator each time. He’d land backwards and give himself whiplash every time even on hits where he easily could’ve landed to the side or kept his head up. I think Tua is going to have nightmares about the Jets defense next season and he’s now one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the NFL. I’m nervous if I’m Tua right now.

Pressure: Heavy

New York Jets:

BREECE HALL (RB):

Words cannot explain how exciting it will be to see Breece Hall run behind a real offensive line for once. Fashanu in the draft, Tyron Smith former Cowboy All-Pro, John Simpson from Baltimore, etc. will all be valued additions that can help Breece Hall create explosive plays out of the backfield. In his first year off an ACL tear he still looked great on the field. As a Jets enthusiast because of their defense, Coach Saleh, and Breece Hall man am I ready to see what Breece Hall can do in an offense that can comfortably crack the top 10 in the NFL. People just dismiss the fact that the Jets may have had the worst QB play in NFL history last season. Zach Wilson had one game against the Chiefs on primetime, but also had an atrocity in Buffalo where he matched my neighborhood game stats I had as a kid in snow gear and boots in a damn blizzard. He completed 7/15 passes for a whopping 81 yards. In case you didn’t tune in to Jets games they played Tim Boyle at QB who arguably is in the NFL for no reason and Trevor Siemian. Tim Boyle has more career interceptions than touchdowns even dating back to college. Imagine Breece Hall in those games being used for just checkdowns and when he broke a long run CJ Uzomah would tackle a linebacker every single time or there would be another penalty on the o line. Now he has a shot at full health to take an uber competitive primetime division with his play. He has a rare combination of power and speed at full strength that puts him in my top three running backs easily. If he gets the run game going at his best I think Jets take division easily and have a shot to reach the Super Bowl. Good coaching, nice off season, real talent at all levels. Breece is showtime and I think he’ll go nuclear.

Pressure: light (talent there, situation is better)

Buffalo Bills: 

KEON COLEMAN (WR):

Josh Allen needs to be Batman to lead this team out of the AFC East and he needs Keon Coleman to do what he did in college, which was consistently hauling in heavily contested catches with his height and athleticism. I think he may need a couple games to adjust to NFL play, but see his talent as special. He plays the game at a higher speed than his straight line speed statistics from the draft indicate, which is promising when looking for someone to replace the explosions from Stefon Diggs of old. I think he has potential to slot in nicely with this offense and that Josh Allen will like to attack defenses with the new size the Bills just acquired. Keon Coleman and Kincaid are big versatile targets that Allen can create with as the second best quarterback in all of the NFL. Coleman never shied away from competition as well even when he matched up with future top ten draft prospect Will Johnson (CB) at Michigan State. MSU was completely outmanned against the Wolverines, but they found success throwing only his way on their first drive and he hauled in their only score of the day. He put up performances like this with Jordan Travis at FSU as well and I think stats don’t tell how solid his talent is. He was in two situations in college where he wasn’t given the opportunity to show his ceiling, which makes his rookie season very important to show fans he is the truth. He will be the number one guy in Buffalo, mark my words. Have no fear of Khalil Shakir.

Pressure: Moderately Heavy

New England Patriots:

RHAMONDRE STEVENSON (RB):

After last season it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say Stevenson’s rookie campaign wasn’t enough to establish himself as a bonafide RB1. The step back he took in speed was quite noticeable this year, but we can’t pretend like New England had anything in the trenches to help him out. The talent is there and when Drake Maye gets the call at QB I think Rhamondre will be a key piece for the new look offense to give it some balance. His rookie campaign saw him make some very nice highlight reel plays where he could show off his speed for such a big frame. Antonio Gibson next to him is basically like adding a younger version of the current Ezekiel Elliot we saw each week last year. A natural pass catcher that can give some production for the struggling Patriots offense. I’ll tell you what though having Javon Baker and Jalyn Polk to throw to this year along with Demario Douglas’ blazing speed might help open up some run looks for a team that’s looking to establish a new identity. Their defense is always good, it's just a matter of whether or not their offense can produce enough to compete in a loaded AFC East. Rhamondre Stevenson at full strength rushing for 1,000+ yards is something the Patriots would love to see.

Pressure: light to moderate 

Indianapolis Colts:

ADONAI MITCHELL (WR):

Watching Mitchell play in college was an absolute thrill. He was, in my opinion, the most NFL ready player on his Texas squad. His combination of speed, route running, and ability to haul in tough catches against top notch competition make him an interesting addition to the Colts squad. Next to Downs and Pittman now the Colts have committed to giving AR a slew of weapons to make sure their offense is even better than the explosive offense we briefly saw in his rookie season that was cut short. His addition should only expand upon AR’s ability of using his legs to create big plays in the pass game and he is an elite route runner who’s only knock is his attitude problems. These are due to having low blood sugar and needing insulin for his diabetes which shouldn’t play any role in the big leagues. I think Mitchell was a stellar pick for Richardson and will be another catalyst for this offense alongside a healthy Jonathan Taylor in the backfield. He will benefit from Michael Pittman Jr’s mentorship, which he’ll be glad to give after getting a payday in the offseason. Indianapolis really had a great offseason in order to contend in the new look AFC South. Don’t forget about Josh Downs as well who looked very solid in his rookie campaign.

Pressure: Moderate

LAIATU LATU (EDGE):

Now this guy coming out of college barring injuries was, simply put, the best edge rusher in the entire draft class. You could maybe argue that Verse was more well rounded out of FSU, but Latu’s bag of pass rush moves and sprinter speed coming off the edge is a horrifying combo. All offensive lineman that tried to line up across him and neutralize his moves both at Washington and UCLA simply had zero answer because of the variability he presented with each snap. His versatility, ability to stunt inside, and the technique he has ripping under or spinning around offensive tackles could present a nightmare for opposition in the NFL. If his neck injury turns out to not keep him on the sideline at all then the Colts stole him at pick 15. The Colts are desperate to have any game changers on their defense and need Latu to be the answer. The ability is definitely there and I’m already getting my popcorn ready to watch this guy in interdivisional play flipping games upside down.

Pressure: High (defense needs a boost)

Jacksonville Jaguars:

TREVOR LAWRENCE (QB): 

The AFC South’s resurgence is becoming a huge problem for Jacksonville. I think the offensive line in place is currently atrocious, but Mitch Morse as a veteran addition might be of service to TLaw. My main issue with Trevor is that he was billed as a can’t miss prospect akin to a Peyton Manning level of hype coming into the NFL and he is not even in the same stratosphere. I will not sit here and pretend like what Jacksonville has put around him has been an ideal situation to this point especially in his earliest days, but the time is now. The only issue is that the entire division is on the rise, while Jacksonville needs a lot of off season moves to pan out in order to compete. Christian Kirk has been the steady rock for this offense, but Gabe Davis can’t turn into a ghost like his days in Buffalo and I really question his signing given that the NFL Draft was loaded with so much talent at the wide receiver position. TLaw needs both Davis and especially Brian Thomas Jr. to slingshot this offense to one of the league’s best in order to have a shot at the AFC South. The good part is that Thomas Jr. has the frame and the ability to become a Mike Williams type of player on steroids, which is what the Jags are hoping for. Lawrence to this point has had so many costly drops and has battled through countless hard hits from opposing defenses that I admire his toughness and respect his accountability for the team’s shortcomings. After a huge contract Lawrence has to play like a top seven quarterback to give Jacksonville fans hope moving forward.

Pressure: Heavy

Tennessee Titans:

CALVIN RIDLEY (WR):

People don’t understand how important Calvin Ridley is for the vitality of this Titans offense. How do you think Will Levis would feel throwing the deep ball with Ridley’s speed and ability to change pace seamlessly? I’m guessing pretty swell. Adding JC Latham at tackle in the draft is a blessing for anyone who watched the Titans last season because their offensive line was truly abysmal. If Levis gets the time to launch a missile down the field to an open Ridley then I think the Titans truly might have a shot to take their division by surprise. Ridley had a few games last season that were truly special. Drops aside in Jacksonville, the offensive line didn’t allow Trevor Lawrence to get him the football in some games and now the Titans made him their guy after everything he has been through in his career. Leaving football at the pinnacle of your career for personal reasons and having to readjust is no joke and now the Titans are doing everything in their power to create an offense for his abilities. I watched DeAndre Hopkins have games where he just jogged the entire game and did absolutely nothing on the field. If you look through some of his highlight reel plays last season you could probably find three or four instances where he blatantly commits offensive pass interference on the defender. Especially against the Falcons and Dolphins. Hopkins looked like a shell of himself and created zero separation from defenders all season, which is why the Titans hit the market this offseason. A haul that includes Tony Pollard at running back and lockdown cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to help a desperate secondary. Ridley needs to breathe life into this offense and he will dictate where the Titans ultimately go.

Pressure: Moderately Heavy (Ridley heroball is needed to compete in the AFC South)

Houston Texans: 

TANK DELL (WR): 

People seem to not even realize just how good of a player Tank Dell is. The broken leg made people forget he had 700 yards in just eleven games played (eight started). He was easily the second best wide receiver in his class behind Puka Nacua. Dell averaged an absurd fifteen yards per catch last season and frequently torched defenses with his gamebreaking speed. You put him next to Nico Collins next year and CJ Stroud might give them both 1200+ yard seasons, the only issue to workout is how Stefon Diggs will handle the beginning of his descent. I say this as a former Diggs enthusiast so I am not biased, but last year he was pretty bad down the stretch. Diggs is no longer in the conversation for top five in the game after last year in Buffalo. This means the Texans need a healthy Tank Dell to connect with Stroud and see what this team’s ceiling truly is. I loved watching Tank Dell last year and I think his ceiling is incredibly high, which is shocking to say for an 165 lb WR that slid back to the beginning of the third round. He was a perfect fit coming out of college at Houston and his ability to make big plays was desperately needed at the end of this year for the Texans. Stroud loves him and Tank Dell will be all business moving forward when his name is called. 

Pressure: Moderate (pieces around him)

Baltimore Ravens:

LAMAR JACKSON (QB): 

With an MVP award comes serious expectations and I think we should at least expect the Ravens to reach a Super Bowl very soon if Lamar Truly is the league’s best. After last year I didn't buy it, but he did slim down this off season to maybe regain some of that speed he had at the beginning of his career before he bulked up. He still has quickness, but lost a step last season visibly. Lamar needs to stay healthy and generate playoff success this year or else I’m calling him a fraud. His defense was loaded last year with dominant players at every single position outside of cornerbacks due to injury. This year it honestly has a shot to be the best in the NFL with Madubuike, Roquan, Kyle Hamilton, and more. Lamar has all the help in the world. Even King Henry has joined his squad to absorb significant shots from the defense that normally Lamar might without getting injured. A two time MVP needs to get at least one ring to his name to be one of the best to ever do it at one point. Lamar tries too hard to prove himself as a passer at the expense of his team in big playoff games and when you see his playoff stats they are underwhelming overall. He must come out of the best division in football and also reach the Super Bowl to prove he is the truth.

Pressure: Moderately Heavy (has the best situation possible)

Cincinnati Bengals:

JOE BURROW (QB): 

I can’t even describe to you how tough I think Joe Burrow truly is. Each and every year gutting out an entire season with no offensive line play after taking plenty of hard knocks over the course of his career. I respect watching him at the top of his game, but last season we saw that play in probably just the 49ers game. It’s tough to produce when your offensive line leaves you to fend for yourself. And then before the season gets to a start you have a lingering calf injury that affects your game so heavily that you can’t drive off of your plant leg. Not to mention that his season was cut short due to a ligament tear in his wrist that left him unable to grip a football, let alone throw a football down the field. For Burrow my greatest fear has nothing to do with his game, it's just that he might end up in a casket if he continues to face the most pressure of any quarterback in NFL history. Jamarr Chase and Tee Higgins can hopefully help Burrow out this year and maybe allow for the Bengals to take their division, but that is no easy task. Burrow is one of the only players I have seen that has become underrated for absolutely no reason. His talent is elite, it's just a matter of whether or not the Bengals can put it together for Tee Higgins’ last season in Cincy. 

Pressure: Heavy

Cleveland Browns:

DESHAUN WATSON(QB):

This one is fairly obvious to most fans of football. Watson inked an astronomically large deal after having a million cases against him and it puzzled many. You give a guy a contract with character issues to some extent and so far it hasn’t been fruitful. Despite some people saying Watson has had glimpses, he is a far cry from the top three quarterback in the NFL people thought he could be when he dueled with Josh Allen. The good thing is this team is trying to help him by bringing in Jerry Jeudy and by having tools around him on the offensive line that can allow for Watson to maybe rekindle some of the magic he used to display weekly. It’s just hard for me to address this division because of how powerful it truly is and Watson’s ceiling is worse than Burrow and Lamar Jackson by a considerable margin. In some games during his Browns tenure he has just looked completely lost on the football field, which is unacceptable for a superstar QB that is handed the keys to a solid team around him. His defense is lethal so all Watson needs to do is lead a good balanced offense and the Browns have a shot at this division. 

Pressure: Heavy

Pittsburgh Steelers:

GEORGE PICKENS (WR):

Pickens finally gets his wish and is now by far the number one option in Pittsburgh without Diontae Johnson in town. Can he step up and be a solid WR1? In college he was insane at Georgia and he has had some of the most wildly acrobatic catches throughout his career in the NFL so far. Once he works on the tantrums and establishes a rhythm within the new look Steelers offense he truly could be a consistent 1,200 yard receiver and maybe shock many fans by stellar play once Justin Fields is named the starter. The issue is he has Arthur Smith dialing up the offense and if Jaylen Warren regresses at all the whole offense very easily could implode. He also has the worst supporting cast around him in potentially the entire NFL, so it’s not going to be an easy task to elevate an offense led by Russell Wilson this season. It will be interesting to see how the Steelers will approach next season. They either go for wins and Fields enters the arena, which comes with a fourth round pick price tag or they stash him and tank his value to then sign him for the next three seasons as their guy. This might not be a good year to judge Pickens on, but at one point he’s going to need to prove how serious he is about being that guy.

Pressure: Moderately Heavy

Denver Broncos:

BO NIX (QB):

Man would I have some choice words for the Broncos front office if I was a die hard Denver fan. Bo Nix played about seven seasons in college where calling him a potential stud was a signature move by commentators calling Auburn’s games. In all honesty his play at Auburn was quite atrocious. The guy had one good year in college in a system that prioritized getting the ball out of his hands with lightning speed and letting his team of track sprinters create all of Oregon’s offense. This year he finally looked like a quarterback that could succeed, but his average depth of target suggests that his play wasn’t all that impressive. He has the physical attributes and learned how to play quarterback in college football finally after six seasons, but it’s ludacris that any team could justify taking him at twelve. Sean Payton loves the guy because Nix directly fits his ideal offense that creates tempo with a quick passing game. Think of prime Michael “Slant Boy” Thomas in New Orleans and the offense Brees led that had measurable success. That’s the vision Sean Payton has for his JV NFL football squadron. I feel bad for Broncos fans because they genuinely have no hope. It’s rare to see a team with zero strengths across their roster, but now Bo Nix has to compete in a division where each team got significantly better in the offseason while the Broncos remained in no man’s land.

Pressure:low (no one cares about this sorry roster)

Las Vegas Raiders:

BROCK BOWERS (TE): 

The Raiders might be one of the biggest darkhorse division upset candidates in the NFL if Bowers produces like he did in college. Excellent size, top tier athleticism, and consistent production that led to two national titles. It’s no stretch to say Bowers was the greatest TE in college football history when factoring in all of his accolades and watching week after week dominance against all competition he faced. If healthy Brock Bowers could completely torch NFL defenses and significantly help out either of his two average quarterbacks. I think Bowers was a steal at thirteen and can be a huge piece in an offense that has a somewhat promising forecast. Think of this picture. Davante Adams at WR1, Jakobi Meyers at WR2, Zamir White that punishes defenders and goes north and south, and then add Bowers to that mix. If the quarterback play in Las Vegas can be decent then this team could shock the NFL world and steal this division now that the defense has added Christian Wilkins next to Maxx Crosby, which can maybe get disappointing first round pick Tyree Wilson to start producing. This fairytale only works if Bowers immediately asserts himself in a similar way that Sam Laporta did in his rookie season, which is very plausible for Brock.

Pressure: Moderate

Los Angeles Chargers:

QUENTIN JOHNSTON (WR):

I couldn’t name you a worse performance than Quentin Johnston’s rookie campaign last year. Dropping passes, failing to get any separation, and overall not having talent at the NFL level made many wonder whether or not they could already label him a bust. He carried his squad in college at TCU, but once again the BIG12 wasn’t a really good conference competition wise during his playing days there. I think QJ isn’t void of all hope, but this year he needs to be dependable and at least above average to help out Justin Herbert behind his two star offensive tackles after the addition of Joe Alt. What we saw last year was Johnston’s floor and if he was picked anywhere below round one, the Chargers might just outright cut him after his abundance of lowlights that plagued the Chargers offense in key moments last year. The good news is no more Brandon Staley at head coach, who was an abomination and the Chargers are reporting that Johnston is impressing at training camp, but when do teams ever have bad reports out of training camp nowadays? Hopefully McConkey, Joshua Palmer, and especially Quentin Johnston can produce enough to give Justin Herbert a shot to contend in the AFC West that isn’t too strong outside of the Chiefs. The future can only get brighter for Johnston or else he’ll be out of the league in no time.

Pressure: Heavy (Might be in the twilight of his career in year two)

Kansas City Chiefs:

XAVIER WORTHY (WR):

This pick really puzzled me at the NFL Draft. There’s an abundance of wide receivers in the NFL Draft and with this surplus of talent you decide to take an extremely under sized lightning in a bottle wideout. What it screamed to me when Worthy sky rocketed up draft boards was, John Ross the man who previously had the fastest forty yard dash in NFL history. His career never got going and Worthy is another guy I could see having a rough time in the NFL. I remember seeing a post where an anonymous GM loses it after the Chiefs take their guy, Worthy. That is honestly one of the worst fabricated reports of all time. Unlike an undersized wide receiver that is great at route running and is a true leader, Tank Dell, I see Worthy as more of a gadget speedster who can enjoy some NFL success, but is in the wrong situation. Hollywood Brown and Xavier Worthy together reminds me of the Spiderman meme where they point at each other in a circle because I see Worthy having Hollywood Brown’s ceiling in the NFL. Can generate big plays, but has key drops that plague his career. I think the Chiefs line being abysmal and Rashee Rice having an impending suspension after being a trainwreck in the offseason could have ugly implications for the Mahomes led unit. The Chiefs last year leaned on checkdowns, the run game, and most importantly their defense last season. This is why I don’t understand acquiring deep threat speedsters when Mahomes has no protection. Worthy will need to step up immediately to fill Rice’s void because Rice is a guy I love and has great run after the catch ability. I think Worthy was a bad pick because he doesn’t fit the Chiefs scheme, but if the offensive line steps up he could maybe prove me wrong. There were so many offensive lineman to choose from too. Just help out Mahomes for goodness sake.

Pressure: Moderately Heavy (Needs to replace Rice)