1. Derek Barnett racks up 10+ sacks and is voted to the Pro Bowl.
It seems like forever since Barnett earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2017. A shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery in 2018 railroaded what was supposed to be a phenomenal sophomore campaign.
All that did was delay Barnett’s breakout. That will come this season. He didn’t break Reggie White‘s sack record with the Tennessee Volunteers for no reason, and in 2019, Barnett will thrive in a much bigger role.
2. JJ Arcega-Whiteside snags over five touchdown catches and just under 700 yards receiving.
Arcega-Whiteside has been so impressive to this point, and the quickened pace of the NFL’s regular season won’t rattle this young man. Write that one down. The man who says Alshon Jeffery is his idol will do a nice impression of ’17’ in 2019.
Expect some timely third-down catches. Expect Arcega-Whiteside to win when those 50-50 balls are thrown in his direction. Expect this rookie to play a major role in the slot and in the red zone.
Just under 700 yards receiving and five touchdown receptions sounds about right.