My version of Thunder’s countdown of most important players for 2016. Categorized based on impact of a season ending injury happening with said player.
Irreplaceable (Season Altering Impact)
1. Cole – OL effectiveness hinges on transition to OC
2. Peppers – no real replacement at OLB/nickel + every-down versatility + offense/special teams
3. Chesson – no replacement for his play-making
4. Lewis – arguably the best individual player
5. Butt – Excellent receiver, but backups look promising.
Would Be Missed (Replacement won’t be nearly as good.)
6. Braden – OL depth is scary. Settled in as a plus starter at OG.
7. Thomas – key player for D to reach it’s potential
8. Gedeon – only established LB needs to have big senior year.
9. O’Korn – Is QB, but unproven one with a viable backup
10. Magnuson – if he goes down we’re in trouble at OT
We’ll Live (Excellent players with proven backups)
11. Wormley – force at DT or DE
12. Glasgow – things look much better with a deep NT rotation
13. Darboh – reliable target
14. Smith – reliable every-down back
15. Stribling – the corner opposite Lewis is going to be a target
Swing Players – Need these guys to step-up to win the Big Ten
16. Charlton – successful move to WDE opens up playing time for Gary and Hurst
17. Allen – if he really kicks and punts effectively he belongs higher
18. Newsome – LT is a big deal
19. D.Hill – sure-tackling safety that can also cover
20. K.Hill – intriguing option at FB if he can handle the routine stuff
Just missed:
McCray
Wheatley
Gary
Mone
Kalis