If I had to rank from "most concerned" to "least concerned, I would go with:
Defensive backs - We could be fine here. More than fine. Or we can find out why some of these guys were made available by other teams. TJ Lee an asset. Anthony Thompson should come into his own.
Defensive line - This could very well be an area of strength. But if we see wear and tear catch up to Willis and Knapton half-way through the season, watch out. Hoping for good play from Junior Luke but is he a bona-fide starter yet? We're about to find out. I do like our National depth here though. Would have been #1 for "most concerned" had we not picked up Coleman.
Quarterbacking - Wally was visibly disappointed in JJ's last performance. He doesn't "name names" in the post-game presser, but I could hear palpable concern. They are not going to coddle JJ this year. Ironically, I think this offence is better suited to Lulay, with a better ability to check down and get the ball out of his hands quicker. Jennings is better at buying time and hurling a 30-40 pass to a receiver who gets himself open. Or not. There's a steep learning curve to Jarious's offence. But do we have time to wait for JJ to get used to it?
Offensive Line - Was not bowled over by the Winnipeg performance (zero starters on their D-line). Still, this group looks to be much improved over last year, starting with the tackles, and a LG in Steward who could play to All-Star level. I like its potential. The "Dorazio factor" is preventing me from moving this group lower down to "least concerned."
Receivers - I wouldn't say we have any future Hall-of-Famers, but definitely, a strong group across the board led by Manny and Burnham. Shaq Johnson prepared for a break-out season, and Ricky Collins could prove to be a solid pick-up. Nice depth with Kevin Elliott.
Special Teams - With Reinebold coaching, anything is possible. Including some onside kicks. Unit should be more disciplined this year (Winnipeg game the outlier), and Rainey and Long are among the best in the league at returning and placekicking (respectively). Getting David Mackie (16th overall) was a wise selection.
Linebackers - Even without Bighill and Awe, any unit anchored by someone like Solly is going to be among the best on the team. I really like the Otha Foster pick-up, while Davis/Lokombo should be a really strong (lo)combo on the weak side.
Running backs - Johnson, Rutley, and Rainey. This is a very versatile group, each capable of getting 5-6 yards a pop, and all can catch the ball coming out of the backfield. Not sure if Johnson and Rutley are going to be platooned to keep each one fresh. But this is a dynamic group that should fit in well with JJ's option-oriented offence that will keep defences on their toes, and likely less predictable with more misdirection and creativity. Playing behind an improved Oline can't hurt either.
DH
