Depth on the DL is great, too.
I'm totally expecting a different defense this year. Avg should be under 22...which should be more than ample.
No question. Granted, Deshaun Watson may put us behind the 8-ball right off the bat in achieving that average. He made a believer out of me.
Here's where I see the upgrades over last season. With a healthy Lawson, Byron Cowart and the addition of Paul James and any number of incoming DE types (Again, Marlon Davidson has been looking good this spring) that should give them a legit pass rush off both edges. It should also allow Devaroe Lawrence to move back inside, where I think he's better suited at 280+. It looks like they'll be mega-experienced inside with 5-6 guys they can consistently rotate.
I can't honestly say LB will or won't be an upgrade with several of the players being inexperienced. But after seeing the combine/pro-day times of McKinzy and Frost, just getting some guys back there that can run would be a plus. And the transfer from Illi has to help.
Thinking back, I can't recall the last time we went into a season with any DB that I thought was legit All-Murrica' material. 2004 Carlos Rogers? Carlton Davis gives me chub. I like him soooo much. Hopefully Holsey is back to 100% by the Fall. If so, you're talking Davis, Holsey, Rudi, Tray, Irvin, Dinson, Roberts, transfers Jamel Dean and Marshall Taylor etc. If you can't put a head hunting, lock down group on the field out of that bunch...