3. Multiplying the defense
The linebacking corps could arguably be the most improved position group on the team after signing Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean and Segun Olubi.
Walker and Dean were notably college teammates at Georgia en route to a national championship, with success transferring over early in their NFL careers. Olubi, a former special teams ace for the Indianapolis Colts, also received praise from linebackers coach Ronnell Williams for how he's looked in OTAs.
"When you have dominant linebackers, they multiply your defense," Williams said, "free up the DBs [defensive backs], takes the blocks off the D-line, and they make plays. That's when your defense is special."
Williams is not just optimistic of the group's new additions, but also two young linebackers in Cody Lindenberg and Tommy Eichenberg going into their second and third seasons, respectively. Both have primarily played on special teams since being drafted, but could carve roles for themselves on defense.
"Cody has been phenomenal this offseason through his development, building his confidence and flashing and making plays," Williams said. "You can see his belief in himself start to take off. And Tommy has a hunger about him. ... The intensity that he operates with on a day-to-day basis is kind of in the likes of Quay. ... Very intense, everything is intentional."