7. Danny Trevathan
This has the chance to be a very big season for Danny Trevathan. Both on and off of the field. Trevathan has talked extensively about how optimistic he is this season, mainly because of a full offseason to workout.
Over the past two seasons, it has been offseasons spent recovering from an injury. This season. Trevathan says he is fully healthy and it should impact his game. Trevathan is set to be the signal caller and the run stuffer in the middle of the field. Last year he was rated as the 12th overall linebacker in the NFL, an above average rating by PFF. That was with three missed games due to injury and one due to suspension.
It was also with a rotating cast around him. Now, he gets Roquan Smith, who can take a lot of the attention away from him. On the field, the signs are pointing to a big step forward.
Speaking of Smith, Trevathan is also going to show value this season by what he brings to Smith off of the field. He has already mentioned welcoming Smith with open arms and Smith has mentioned looking up to Trevathan all the way back to his days in Denver.
Trevathan should be able to pass on the play calling duties to his teammate, and the duo should be rock solid up the middle. A veteran providing an impact and leaving an impact on Smith is an extremely valuable piece.