With our losses at QB (Smith), NT (Sopoaga), S (Goldson), DE (Jean-Francois), TE (Walker), K (Akers), WR (Moss), and others, who are the guys that need to step up the most? Obviously, A.J. Jenkins as a 1st rounder needs to show something, but he may not be as vital as some other pieces.
G/C - Kilgore
NT - Williams
DE - Tukuafu
TE/DE - Dobbs
QB - Tolzien
WR - Jenkins
G - Looney
OLB - Fleming
S - Robinson
OLB - Johnson
WR - Lockette
...
Personally, I think Ian Williams' contract speaks volumes. It reminds me of the RJF contract, and I think that will be his role (a backup to all three positions on the D-line). I'm sure we'll invest heavily in D-lineman in the draft, but that contract is telling. With Goldson leaving, S become a glaring need. Spillman doesn't strike me as a starter, so we either need Robinson to shine and/or we need high draft pick. Also, I think Haralson will get cut so Fleming/Johnson will need to step up. If a guy slides in the draft, we can always use another pass rusher, but D-line and Safety are more pressing. And we should expect to sign a FA kicker or draft one in the 5+ round.
[ Edited by NinerBuff on Mar 13, 2013 at 2:44 PM ]