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I don't know if we need guys to come out of nowhere.
Glenn, Lawson, and Preston Brown returning to form would all be big.
Guys like Price, Ross, Hubbard, and Bates taking the next step in their development would be big pluses.
Miller being even serviceable at RG would be a big upgrade.
Then maybe a guy like Westerman who's played well in spot duty steps up big in a contract year.
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Places that have the most room for someone under the radar to step up:
OL
LB
Out of these positions, I'd really like to see Westerman and Jefferson step up.
Jefferson especially I think will thrive if you can put him in a position where he can chase and not have to diagnose too much.
Zac Taylor 2019-2020: 6 total wins
Zac Taylor 2021-2022: Double-digit wins each season, plus 5 postseason wins
Zac Taylor 2023: 9 wins despite losing Burrow half the season
Zac Taylor 2024: Started 1-4. If he can turn this into a playoff appearance, it will be impressive.
Sorry for Party Rocking!
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I think Wren as a rookie could surprise. As far as the vets, some have forgotten about Lawson, hope he returns to form.
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If any of Westerman, Jordan, Jefferson, or Pratt become clear above average starters, it will mean an awful lot for this team. If even just two of them prove out, then things look a lot less bleak going into the 2020 draft.
As it stands now, they need at least 3 starting caliber o-lineman until someone on the roster proves otherwise. If either one of the young guys does as well as Boling did as a rookie, then you can move on to replacing the atrocious drive-killing Bobby Hart with a legitimate NFL RT and be in business when you draft a quarterback with your top 5 pick next year.