Most important player for each NFL team in 2020
Atlanta Falcons: Hayden Hurst, TE
There’s a decent chance that Hurst is a better fit in the Falcons’ offense than Austin Hooper was a season ago. His ability to block and make catches down the field should allow Atlanta a little more offensive balance in 2020.
For the record, that doesn’t mean Hurst is a better player than Hooper. It just means he can give similar value to Atlanta this season. If he does, it’ll give Matt Ryan and his teammates a significant boost.
Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT
The Panthers defensive line was an unmitigated disaster in 2019. Getting Kawaan Short back from injury should help, but Carolina needs Brown to be excellent to get the unit back on the right track.
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Specifically, Brown needs to help the Panthers play respectable run defense. Adding a little punch to their interior pass rush would also be a nice bonus for Matt Rhule and his coaching staff.
New Orleans Saints: Erik McCoy, OG
The Saints need stellar play from the interior of their offensive line to give Drew Brees a quality pocket to throw from. The play of McCoy is particularly important for Sean Payton’s offense.
If anything, McCoy’s job gets a little more difficult this season since he’ll have a rookie lining up next to him. Any slippage from McCoy might torpedo New Orleans’ hopes of making another Super Bowl run.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Donovan Smith, OT
Buccaneers fans are excited about what first round pick Tristan Wirfs can give them at right tackle, but Smith’s work on the left side will be more important. Tom Brady doesn’t have the elusiveness to evade rushers from the blind side on a regular basis.
Smith played really good football in 2019, but he needs to take things up another notch this season. The Buccaneers can’t afford for anything to happen to Brady if they want to make a strong playoff run.