3 rookies (Wood, Levitre, Maybin) and 4 vets (Butler, Hangartner, Schobel and McCargo) hold the key to our season. All lineman on each side of the ball.
Outside on the OL I think we will be okay. You can't compare Walker to a peak Jason Peters, but Peters was not peak last year. I think we would have been better off last year with Walker at LT than a Peters who's head was in and out of the game. To be honest, I am most worried about Butler. The Bills moved him inside for a reason. He was limited in space--not quick or agile at the NFL level. He will be tested early and often. There is an article today about his transition on bb.com. He says practicing against Kelsay every day will help him (be afraid--be very afraid) Chambers, even though he moved inside to G, still proved his mettle as a swing T last year and Bell has all the core talents to be a good T. Its the Rookie Gs, Butler and Hangartner that will determine how the OL performs--Walker is our only truly proven commodity now on the OL--but there is talent there.
On D-Schobel's return to at least an above average pass rusher with quicks is a must. We do not have any finishers on the edge. Denney and Kelsay are effort guys who get sacks if coverage is outstanding. We need a player that the QB has to think about seeing in his face after a 2 count. Schobel is our guy for that-hopefully Maybin or Ellis can provide that as well. I think we are strong at LB, CB and S--but no one in the back 7 is strong enough when the QB can sit back and wait 5+ seconds for someone to get open.
Stroud was really, really good last year -- he needs to duplicate it but I think he can. If McCargo can become a consistent in beating blocks on the interior and get into the backfield -- it would translate to more turnovers and stops and more wins.
Its the lines--we have the skill players. We have an accurate QB who when given time can lead us. We have a good stable of WR's and RB's. We have a really good defensive secondary and good LB's -- its the lines. Many folks have posted this--but I will pile on and agree.