I am interested to get everyone's take on position group performance projections relative to past teams (most notably the 2017 and 2014 teams). Here is my take:
Quarterbacks
I expect similar performance to 2014 Barrett / Jones. Burrow and Haskins have both looked like better passers than 2017 Barrett, in limited action. Tate has received a lot of praise. QB runs will likely not be as effective, but I think the RBs and H-backs will pick up the slack here.
Running Backs
I expect similar performance to 2017. The incoming freshman will increase depth, but I don't see anyone outside of Dobbins and Weber getting many snaps. It will be hard to replicate Elliott's performance, during the final stretch of 2014.
Tight Ends
Way more upside than 2017. I expect Berry to make a big improvement, during his second year playing the position. Ruckert has the potential to be the better than any TE in recent memory. Expect more big plays, but perhaps less consistent performance than the 2014 TE group.
Wide Receivers
The key contributors are all expected to be the same as the 2017 group, and I don't expect any big changes. The big wild card is a healthy McCall. However, even if McCall plays at an All-American level, he will still be sharing snaps with Campbell and Hill. I doubt the 2018 crew will be able to match the 2014 group.
Offensive Line
I expect this to be a down year for the OL, unless the unproven, high-potential freshman and sophomores are able to beat out the upperclassman. However, I expect great things once former top recruits like Myers, Davis, Jones, and Petit-Frere eventually fulfill their potential.
Defensive Line
The 2014 and 2017 teams had great defensive lines, but I expect the 2018 version to be the best yet. Much depends on whether the stars (Bosa, Young, Jones, and Landers) can stay healthy and fresh. DE depth will not be as good as the 2017 version. DT depth should be better than either 2014 or 2017.
Linebackers
The 2018 linebacker group is a big ? at this point. The corps is certainly not lacking talented athletes, but the key returning players (Borland, Booker, and Harrison) have not been dominant. If former top recruits (Browning, Hilliard, Jones, etc.) can live up to their potential, then this group could be better than 2014 or 2017.
Defensive Backs
With the departure of Denzel Ward, there are not any proven shut-down corners on the roster. With the departure of Kerry Combs, the development of shut-down corners is no longer a guarantee, and I expect a down year at CB. I think Sheffield and Okudah will be able to match a 2014 Eli Apple, but I don't know that Arnette will be better than 2014 Doran Grant. I think Isiah Pryor will likely be an upgrade at safety over Webb / Powell, but Fuller will have his work cut out for him to top Vonn Bell.
