A way early look at the 2019 defense starts with a review of the 2018 defense, and a review of the players we know about that should be available for 2019.
Strengths from 2018: Linebackers, Safeties.
Weaknesses from 2018: Corners, Defensive line.
Things that we should expect to see again in 2019:
-Strong LB play from Olson and Lewis. Who else might be an impactful LB in 2019? Welnel?
-Solid play from the safety position. Sandry, Hauck, Robertson all back. Who else will get the chance to be an impact player? McGinnis?
Questions for 2019:
-New(ish) faces at D-line. Losing some key pieces here. Where will Sims play? Who steps up as an edge rusher? Will they flip any guys back to D line that were used for O line last year?
-How do the CBs improve/progress? Do any new recruits get a shot as true freshmen?
Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, what will the defensive scheme will be used? Do they go to a more "traditional" 4-3 or 3-4? Do we see another year with a safety/CB hybrid like last year?
Strengths from 2018: Linebackers, Safeties.
Weaknesses from 2018: Corners, Defensive line.
Things that we should expect to see again in 2019:
-Strong LB play from Olson and Lewis. Who else might be an impactful LB in 2019? Welnel?
-Solid play from the safety position. Sandry, Hauck, Robertson all back. Who else will get the chance to be an impact player? McGinnis?
Questions for 2019:
-New(ish) faces at D-line. Losing some key pieces here. Where will Sims play? Who steps up as an edge rusher? Will they flip any guys back to D line that were used for O line last year?
-How do the CBs improve/progress? Do any new recruits get a shot as true freshmen?
Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, what will the defensive scheme will be used? Do they go to a more "traditional" 4-3 or 3-4? Do we see another year with a safety/CB hybrid like last year?