I really hope that Lee turns out to be our most indispensable. But considering he hasn't taken a snap yet and we have another QB who is at least somewhat close to him, I don't think I can put him at #1 right now.
1. Chris Jones, senior cornerback - Currently no proven corners behind him with Kalu at safety
2. Nick Gates, junior left tackle - Only proven tackle
3. Tanner Lee, junior quarterback - QB play has to improve
4. Carlos Davis, sophomore short-side defensive end - Needs to be our play-maker on the DL
5. Stanley Morgan, junior wide receiver - The ball will be in the air ... a lot
6. De'Mornay Pierson-El, senior wide receiver - Hopefully is fully recovered
7. Chris Weber, senior strongside inside linebacker - Needs to anchor the defense
8. Mick Stoltenberg, junior defensive tackle - 3-4 run defense starts at the nose
9. Joshua Kalu, senior safety - Senior leadership on defense
10. Aaron Williams, junior safety - Getting his chance to show what he can do
11. Jerald Foster, junior left guard - Should show what he can do now that he's healthy
12. Tanner Farmer, junior right guard - It all starts up front
13. Tre Bryant, sophomore running back - Will be on the field a lot
14. Luke Gifford - In for a big year. Only reason he's this low is because of a capable backup
15. Dedrick Young, junior weakside inside linebacker - Needs to bounce back from a sub-par season
16: David Knevel, senior right tackle - Need improved play at RT
17. Freedom Akinmoladun, junior field-side defensive end - Too big, lost his explosiveness, out of position
18. Drew Brown, senior kicker - Kickers are people too
19. Khalil Davis, sophomore nose tackle - Solid backup for a position that needs rotation
20. Cole Conrad, junior center - OL needs an anchor
Projected Starters Noticeably Absent:
21. Alex Davis, sophomore boundary outside linebacker - Need someone to step up at this position, not sure it'll be Davis
22. Lamar Jackson - Hopefully he can put it together, still a work in progress
23. Tyjon Lindsey, freshman wide receiver - maybe not a projected starter but the true frosh will have every chance to contribute
24. Tyler Hoppes, senior tight end - Will have a lot of chances but there are others who can contribute