9. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo finished last season 19th in total defense and 15th in scoring defense. Despite the talent on this unit, mediocrity was the name of the game in Rex Ryan’s first season as the team’s head coach.
We can expect a vastly different defense in Ryan’s second season. First off, most of the prominent players will have a full year of experience in his complex scheme.
The biggest issue last season was a lack of a pass rush, as Buffalo racked up the second-fewest sacks (21) in the NFL. Gone is an under-performing Mario Williams, which opens up a spot for rookie first-round pick Shaq Lawson to make an impact out of the gate.
He’ll be joined by a duo of solid veteran pass rushers in Kyle Williams and Jerry Hughes along Buffalo’s defensive line. If this area of its defense improves, the rest of Buffalo’s defense will follow in line.
Stephon Gilmore proved himself to be among the best young corners in the NFL. Meanwhile, Ronald Darby might have been the most-impressive rookie cover guy in the league last season. Add in slot guy Nickell Robey, and the Bills’ secondary has a chance to be elite in 2016.