{Numbers in braces are Approximate Value, other stats labeled as appropriate.}
It just feels like, at some point, enough offensive support for the running game will emerge and move Rio deeper into the postseason.
Key Additions: Marcell Dareus from LOM; Kendrick Lewis from DUB; Brandon Marshall from BER.
Key Departures: Jamaal Charles {5, to BOS}; Michael Crabtree {7, to SFO}; Otto Graham {8, to AMS}; Johnny Robinson {8, to AMS}; Buster Skrine {5}.
Rookies To Watch: Don Colo.
QB
There was some controversy for the Carnival at QB, but Len Dawson {7} was retained–despite some arguing that Otto Graham {8} both had a better Year II and was more suited to diversifying the offense. Graham moved on, and now Dawson will be backed up by Norm Snead and Baker Mayfield.
RB / WR / TE
It’s still all about Jim Brown {10}, and Year III will see him backed up by Earnest Byner {1} and Doc Elliott {6}, both of whom performed well in Year II. All-Pro FB Anthony Sherman {4} returns as well.
Brandon Marshall {1} may be the biggest off-season acquisition in the league: if he can return to health and finally be the elite receiver Rio has been lacking, it could go a long way towards their success. Paul Warfield {9} moves into the #2 slot, which may be more appropriate.
A healthy Tony Gonzalez {5} at TE remains a key for the Carnival as well.
OL
The best blocking unit in the league returns, with C Frank Gatski {12} flanked by Joel Bitonio {12} and Will Shields {10} at G and Ts Joe Thomas {14} and Lou Groza {6}.
DL
The Carnival move to a 4-3, with Len Ford {7} and Jabaal Sheard {16} at DE and rookie Don Colo pairing with newcomer Marcell Dareus {2} to clog the middle.
LB
Derrick Thomas {6} and Bobby Bell {6} will man the OLB spots, with Craig Robertson {9} in the middle.
DB
Rio keeps its starting CBs in Joe Haden {12} and Hanford Dixon {6}, and welcomes back Eric Berry {12} at S, where he will be joined by Kendrick Lewis {8}.
ST
Once more, both K and P duties will fall to Don Cockroft {2}. Dante Hall {6} is a game-changing return man when healthy, which has been a bit of an issue over the first 2 seasons.
