Dallas Cowboys
Christian Parker, former Philadelphia Eagles' passing game coordinator and secondary coach, was hired as the new defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. Beyond seeing whether this defense can improve after its dreadful 2025 season, how Parker will use rookie defensive back Caleb Downs is especially intriguing.
Downs was selected 11th overall out of Ohio State and was seen as one of the best players in this year's draft. Notice that Downs is described as a defensive back, as he played all around that secondary in Columbus, alternating between safety and slot corner during his time there. Moreover, Parker's experience in Philadelphia gives us a good idea of how Downs will be deployed in Dallas.
Under Parker, Eagles' Cooper DeJean has become one of the NFL's most exciting young players. DeJean's versatility allows this Eagles defense to play him as a safety as well as a slot corner when necessary. It's anticipated that Downs, who has a similarly all-purpose skill set to DeJean, will operate in this way as well for Dallas.
Beyond seeing this defense under Parker, Downs' impact will also be worth watching, as he could make a case for Defensive Rookie of the Year by season's end.
Denver Broncos
There aren't many places to poke holes in this Denver Broncos team. They went 14-3 last year and came an injury away from quarterback Bo Nix from possibly making the Super Bowl. With the addition of Jaylen Waddle, Nix entering his third year, and a defense that ranked top 5 in yards allowed, points allowed, EPA per play, and pressure rate, Denver enters the season as a legit Super Bowl contender.
However, this run game, and specifically the running back group, is compelling. With the fourth-round selection of Washington's Jonah Coleman, Denver could have three backs receiving work: veteran JK Dobbins, 2nd-year player RJ Harvey, and newcomer Coleman.
Dobbins led the team in rushing despite only playing 10 games, while Harvey showed flashes but failed to average 4 yards per carry in his rookie season. With no lead back, Dobbins' inability to stay healthy, and Harvey's inconsistency, this running back will be fun to monitor throughout the season.
Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions' left tackle Penei Sewell may be the best offensive lineman in the league, finishing with the highest PFF grade among offensive linemen in 2025. To the right of Sewell is much less established, however. The projected starters include a young guard duo of Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge, rookie Blake Miller out of Clemson at right tackle, and Juice Scruggs at center, with free agent signing Cade Mays starting the year out on IR.
Given Goff's lack of improvisational ability and Detroit's desire to feed running back Jahmyr Gibbs, this offensive line will play a major role in this unit's success. While Sewell will do the heavy lifting, most likely neutralizing his matchup on most snaps, how these young pieces perform will be something to watch.
Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers have no shortage of weapons, but which characters can be relied upon? And which characters will emerge, if any, as a primary target for Love?
Wide receivers Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and 2nd-year player Matthew Golden make for one of the league's better wide receiver trios. Especially when considering the return of Tucker Kraft, there are a lot of notable weapons on this offense. But with none of them eclipsing 700 yards last season, this offense lacks an elite option.
Golden, drafted in the first round in last year's draft, is the primary candidate to step into an alpha role in this offense. Additionally, Kraft recorded 32 receptions for 489 yards and 6 touchdowns in his 8 games before suffering a season-ending ACL injury.
It'll be interesting to see whether Golden or Kraft becomes the "alpha" in this offense, and whether Matt LaFleur is looking for someone to emerge in that role or is content with a committee of contributors.
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