Projecting the Depth Chart: Defensive line

LDE: Adam Carriker
Backup(s): Jarvis Jenkins

Jarvis Jenkins

Carriker should be back healthier this year and as of right now I still believe he is better than Jenkins.  However, they will probably rotate often and don't be surprised if Jenkins pushes for the starting spot by the end of the year. At the very least this will be a position of solid play and decent depth.

RDE: Stephen Bowen
Backup(s): Kedric Golston

Adam Carriker

Bowen had a great 2011season with 41 total tackles and 6 sacks, but his production greatly fell in 2012. Part of his lack of production probably comes from the absence of Orakpo and Carriker. More importantly the secondary struggled greatly which allowed other teams to throw the ball more freely taking away some of Bowen's chances to get tackles. Golston is a solid backup but not much more than that. He should not be expected to be anything more than a role player.

NT: Barry Cofield
Backup(s): Chris Baker, Chris Neild

Barry Cofield

Cofield is a good NT who will play the majority of snaps at the position. Both Baker and Neild will compete for playing time and possibly a roster spot behind Cofield. Neild is coming off an injury so he will have to work his way up.  Both have shown promise but in reality Cofield is the only one who will provide a significant impact on the defense.