i expect a drop off at OL because of when we play them but not by the end of their year.
But Neal and Ekiyor were full time starters and studs. Owens started several games, I think. The rest of them are primarily raw but (outside of Randolph) highly recruited blue chippers who have only had spot duty at best. Basically they are replacing 2 starters if you count Owens (and when he started for ****erson there was no drop off).
Whichever of our defensive ends starts opposite their OT not named Neal, Diaz has to take advantage of more and hopefully it’s Harvey and Johnson and not Mccloud. Otherwise I don’t see an advantage with our interior over Owens and Ekiyor, yet, unless Ford, Nesta and HH take big jumps from last season.
Our offensive line, surprisingly, I expect to be better against their d line. Mathis, Smith, Ray, Egoibe, are studs but I like an improved Donaldson, Zion, etc. to at least be able to run the ball. Zion versus Will Anderson or Allen will be major. If those guys aren’t shown down it’ll be a disaster. If it’s Scaife or Williams versus the other OLB they have to make bigger jumps since last season.
But, I do think our OL takes a nice jump next year and we can run on them some. As long as Lashlee doesn’t get too cute in the passing game we could be better than we think.