Starting defensive linemen/pass-rushers
Charles Harris, defensive end, Miami Dolphins
The third-year player and former first-round pick is looking to have a breakout season this year for the Dolphins.
Harris currently is the starter. He only has three starts so far in his career.
Things haven’t gone the way he’d hoped in his first two years, recording just three sacks in 27 games, but he could make a big jump as the Dolphins are counting on him. Miami let starters Robert Quinn and Cameron Wake walk in free agency.
Former second-round pick Tank Carradine likely is the top option to battle Harris.
Sheldon Richardson, defensive tackle, Cleveland Browns
Richardson is on his fourth team in four years, but it’s probably safe to say he’ll be on this team for longer than a season. Richardson signed a three-year, $36 million contract with $21 million guaranteed with the Browns this offseason.
He’s starting alongside Myles Garrett, Olivier Vernon and Larry Ogunjobi.
Richardson has been a consistent threat in the middle of the line since he entered the NFL in 2013, starting all but two of his 74 games he’s played in.
He had 4.5 sacks last season with the Minnesota Vikings.
Markus Golden, outside linebacker, New York Giants
Golden came into the NFL as a disruptive force his first two years. He had 16.5 sacks during that span.
But an ACL tear in 2017 caused him some problems the past two seasons, coming up with just 2.5 sacks his final two years with the Arizona Cardinals.
He signed a one-year prove-it deal with the New York Giants this offseason.
Golden is the starting weakside linebacker in New York, competing against third-round rookie Oshane Ximines.