Most important player for each NFL team in 2020
Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Simmons, LB
Cardinals fans shouldn’t be too concerned about where Simmons lines up on defense. They need to worry about whether or not the defensive coaching staff gives him enough freedom to make big plays on a regular basis.
That’s what the Cardinals defense needs from their first round draft pick. He needs to force turnovers and make plays in the opposing backfield. He’s a special player that needs to be permitted to make special plays as a rookie.
Los Angeles Rams: Cam Akers, RB
The Rams parted ways with Todd Gurley this offseason, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to run the football in 2020. They spent a second round pick on Akers to give them a running back capable of soaking up lots of carries.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that he needs to play like a Pro Bowler as a rookie if the Rams want to force their way back into the playoffs. There’s quietly a lot of pressure on Akers to be a star as a rookie.
San Francisco 49ers: Trent Williams, OT
It’s unclear whether or not Jimmy Garoppolo is the right quarterback to lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl title. It’s obvious he isn’t going to play at that sort of level without quality protection from the left tackle spot.
That means Trent Williams has to come in and play at a high level right away. He is well-rested after sitting out the entire 2019 regular season, but the 49ers can’t afford for him to work his way back into form. He must be a plug and play starter in 2020.
Seattle Seahawks: Bruce Irvin, EDGE
Someone has to rush the passer for Seattle’s defense in 2020. That’s why the Seahawks brought Irvin back into the fold. They don’t need him to help boost their run defense, but they desperately need him to add sacks to their defensive repertoire.
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Irvin can’t dominate games without some support from his defensive line, but the Seahawks have some interesting, but unproven, options up front. If the veteran edge rusher can flirt with double-digit sacks it will give the Seahawks defense a massive boost.