Most important player for each NFL team in 2020

Houston Texans: Brandin Cooks, WR

Expecting Cooks to fill DeAndre Hopkins’ shoes is madness. Houston does, however, need him to emerge as their No. 1 wide receiver in 2020. Anything less could leave Deshaun Watson tragically short of weapons on the outside.

Indianapolis Colts: DeForest Buckner, DT

This was one of the easiest choices to make. The Colts paid a hefty price to bring in Buckner to bolster their defensive line. If he plays at anything less than an All-Pro level they are going to have serious second thoughts about acquiring him.

Fortunately, Buckner is a legitimate wrecking ball up front. He should transform the Colts’ defensive line into one of the better units in the league. If he doesn’t, he could be on the trading block again next offseason.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Josh Allen, EDGE

The Jaguars have every right to be thrilled with the 10.5 sacks he posted as a rookie. The challenge for Allen might be replicating that feat without the presence of Yannick Ngakoue in 2020.

No matter what, Jacksonville still needs double-digit sack from Allen if they’re going to field a competent defense. He may struggle with double teams at first, but his athleticism will allow him to succeed in spite of them by midseason.

Tennessee Titans: Vic Beasley Jr., EDGE

The Titans want to win games by running the football and playing good defense in 2020. Derrick Henry should be able to give the run game a lot of success. It will be up to Beasley to make sure the defense can operate at a high level.

The talented edge rusher struggled mightily with consistency with the Falcons, but the Titans made a big bet on him in free agency anyway. They desperately need him to repay that trust with 10 or more sacks. Anything less may leave the Tennessee defense exposed.