Since I don't hear much of the interior gossip, see anything not game related on TV, etc. my opinions are always based solely off of what I see. That really limits things. I'd have never pegged Rodgers as a breakout guy in 2020, though he was solid. What I'll do is list my 'wants' instead, since they'll likely make us a better team if I'm right.
1) Pheldarius Payne- He was already a nice surprise in 2020, but a big year from Payne at OLB as a 'Set the edge' and 'Edge rusher' player would be a huge step forward for us in '21. He looked good in spurts as did Nelson. I'd love to see them on the field at the same time, both high energy, high motor guys potentially wreaking havoc on opponents.
2) Xavier Betts/Alante Brown- I list both because they're Freshman and I'd love some sustained success at the position again. Having one or both of these guys be big time contributors next year would be huge. Throw in any of the rest of the 'highly touted' WR room and the offense would look completely different.
3) Nash Hutmatcher- As of today, I don't know if we know if Stille is going to be back or not. Either way, having another option in the middle that can hold is own would be huge. He's likely still a year away, but a year early would be awesome.
4) Anyone in the RB room- Yeah, Mills stays or Mills goes, we need at least one and preferably two of the upper crust of this room to make a splash in 2021. I liked a lot of what I saw on the line this year, but even when they created creases to run through, it didn't seem like much happened. We need to take advantage of EVERY opportunity in every facet of the game and this one seems to be lacking.
5) The 12th man-Hopefully we've got butts in seats again this fall and our fans give it all and take back our home field advantage. We've been good and bad on this one and need to get back to Lincoln being an intimidating place to play.
