CB ELI APPLEAfter seeing Landon Collins have a true breakout campaign in his second season, Apple will try to do the same in 2017. The former 10th overall pick out of Ohio State recorded 51 tackles (four for loss), seven passes defensed, one interception, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble for one of the best secondaries in the game.

SAFETY LANDON COLLINSWhile picking up first-team All-Pro honors, Collins became the first player in NFL history to have at least 100 solo tackles, two sacks, five interceptions, and 12 passes defensed in a season. Now the question becomes: What's next?

RB PAUL PERKINSBy the end of his rookie year, Perkins was handling the bulk of the workload in the backfield. He recorded his first 100-yard rushing game in the regular-season finale to finish his debut campaign with 456 yards on 112 attempts (4.1 average).

SAFETY DARIAN THOMPSONThe third-round pick out of Boise State was off to a promising rookie season, first catching the attention of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo during rookie minicamp. He was in line to be the full-time starter opposite Landon Collins, but a foot injury ended his season after only two games.

LB B.J. GOODSONLike he did at Clemson, Goodson had to wait his turn behind a veteran group of linebackers. In the meantime, he cut his teeth in the NFL on special teams, where he recorded seven tackles in 2016. Will he take the next step and become a bigger factor on defense in 2017?