Tony Lippett: (25 years old in July). 3rd year in the NFL and 2nd in the same system. Still learning the position but has shown growth each year. Should be a quality corner in year 3 after starting 13 games last year. Could take a huge jump but at worst he's a solid #3 outside corner who can start if needed.
Byron Maxwell: (Just turned 29). He knows he is on a one year deal and also knows there is competition. He will be ready to compete. He played much better in the second half of the season and will be playing for an extension whether it's here or somewhere else. Players want to be here now so that's added incentive and likely his last shot to land a good deal.
Xavien Howard: (24 in July). Showed good skills last year but was slowed by knee injuries. Should make a huge jump in 2nd year after only 6 starts in 2016 and missing most of camp. Future #1 corner or solid #2.
Bobby McCain: (24 in July). Still young but has started but was thrown into the fire as a rookie. Lots of snaps and should get better. He will never be great but could be adequate with growth in his 2nd year in the system.
Cordrea Tankersley: (23 years old) Scouts either love him or hate him and he could go either way. He was a highly targeted CB two years ago when he played opposite Mackensie Alexander and still only allowed 35% completion rate to his area. Over the last two years, Tankersley has 9 interceptions and 19 pass deflections in the last 2 years at college. Will compete for a starting spot. He is the fastest corner we have.
Overall a pretty solid and young group where there will be great competition that will make everyone better. I don't know that I've seen better depth here in a long time.
My only question is how much these guys improve with VJ leaving. DB's were his specialty and now we are back to the same DB coach we had when Philbin was here....
Lou Anarumo.