[More Cowbell]

The defensive line still worries me. We have Justin Smith at one DE, and probably Robert Geathers at the other, which neither impress me all that much, but Smith could be real solid. Defensive tackle, in my opinion, will be a very weak position for us with the starters probably being Domata Peko and John Thorton. The linebacking core looks to be able to fill for the D-line though, with Landon Johnson, Ahmad Brooks, and Rashad Jeanty (Jeanty's not great, but not bad either) all back, Ed Hartwell and Earl Everett also being able to be a solid presence, and then it's yet to be seen, but hopefully Thurmann can get back to his dominant form. I think that Deltha (but maybe Ratliff) and Leon (but could be Deltha or Ratliff, or Joseph with someone else playing the slot, maybe even Hall) should start at corners, with Joseph covering the slot and being the nickel back. Madieu Williams and Dexter Jackson could both be solid plays at the safeties, and who knows what Ndukwe and Marvin White will be able to do.

I agree with you on most of that, but I have to disagree with your assessment of the corners. I believe that the one guy that will definitely start (assuming he's healthy) is Joseph, who is the best CB on the team, in my opinion. As for the other spot, best case scenario is for O'Neal to get his act together and start, which will allow Hall to be brought along slowly in the nickel spot (just like Joseph last year). Then if he is doing well by the middle of the year, he may beat out O'Neal if he is still not giving his best effort. Ratliff then provides excellent depth, maybe the best 4th corner in the league.

I do agree with the rest of the post, although I think Marvin White will take over from Dexter Jackson next year, if not sometime this season.