Are there a few guys that we expect to rebound this year and why or why not?
I had Matt Shaughnessy, Lawrence Timmons and TJ Ward as potentials had we gotten to this question. I'm stubborn on Shaughnessy, but he's looked as dominant as ever at times during the preseason. Maybe the new coaching staff and slightly different scheme and return to health will finally help him reach his statistical potential. Timmons has already proven he can be a stud when he's not forced to play multiple positions and his defensive line is healthy. Ward is more of a hunch. I think he's talented enough to be productive in any scheme and there's no real competition for tackles elsewhere in the back seven.
A brief focus on players expected to become increasingly productive over the season due to suspension, injury recovery, acclimation to new surroundings, etc.
These players will become readily apparent once we begin seeing snap counts and a regular season look at how defensive schemes are changing. Defensive line rotations will be key, especially in Cincinnati, Tennessee and Philadelphia but in many other places, too. Keep an eye on talented linebackers with the potential to pass starters (Demario Davis) or assume every-down roles (Mychal Kendricks). The mess at the safety positions will also sort itself out pretty quickly.
A brief focus on rookie starting CBs that have potential but that will likely be picked on early this year? Maybe a chance of seeing several weeks of high production (INTs, Tckls, PDs) before opposing QBs start taking them seriously? Is there a name or 2 that fall into this category?
I'm not high on any current rookie starter. Stephon Gilmore has the right profile, but I think Aaron Williams will be the better fantasy play. Janoris Jenkins fits the profile, but his run support capability is suspect, which makes me question his tackle upside. I like Dre Kirkpatrick, but his injury has put him well behind the curve. Morris Claiborne has some of the same issues Jenkins has. We may not see a rookie corner stud establish himself until a player deep on a depth chart moves up in midseason.