One X-factor for every NFL team heading into 2020
Houston Texans – Will Fuller
Houston’s foolish decision to trade DeAndre Hopkins this offseason opens up a lot of targets for other receivers on Bill O’Brien’s roster. Fuller isn’t the most consistent wideout on the depth chart, but his ability to make big plays makes him a terrific weapon for the Texans.
The biggest issue with Fuller is that he’s missed nine games due to injury over the last two seasons. He needs to stay in the lineup to give Deshaun Watson the weapon he desperately needs down the field. If Fuller can play 16 games, he has a chance to put up video game numbers.
Indianapolis Colts – DeForest Buckner
The Colts paid a steep price to pry Bucker away from San Francisco. The organization sees him as the guy who can transform their defensive front from good to great.
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That means Bucker needs to spend a lot of time in the opposing backfield in 2020. He’s got just the sort of athletic burst required to make plays up the field. He absolutely must be a playmaker for the Colts this season if they want to make a deep run into the postseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Tyler Eifert
There’s no question that Eifert can be an extremely effective tight end when he’s on the field. He’s just the sort of downfield weapon every NFL franchise wants to utilize in their passing attack.
The Bengals gave up on the former high draft pick because he just couldn’t stay healthy. The Jaguars are rolling the dice that things can be different for Eifert in 2020. If the gamble pays off, Eifert could be Gardner Minshew’s top target.
Tennessee Titans – Jeffery Simmons
The Titans drafted Simmons with the knowledge that he’d miss the start of the 2019 season due to injury. He managed to return to play in nine regular-season games, but it’s safe to assume his production level will take a big step forward in 2020.
Tennessee’s coaching staff needs him to develop into an above-average starter at defensive end this season. That means he must flirt with 10 sacks while also playing solid football against the run. If he achieves both objectives, he’ll be a foundational piece of the Titans defense for years to come.