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NFL bounce-back candidates: What went wrong for 32 players last season and their outlook for 2021

Which players struggled in 2020 but could bounce back in 2021? Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the league, more than a few players struggled to find consistency last season, no matter their experience. Can Bucs wide receiver Chris Godwin and Seahawks safety Jamal Adams bounce back after late-season injuries? What is the outlook for the Colts' Carson Wentz once he returns from injury? How is Odell Beckham Jr. looking in Cleveland? These questions answered and more.

With our friends at Pro Football Focus, we identified the following 32 players -- one from each team -- that look to bounce back to the high levels of play they've already demonstrated in the NFL. Our NFL Nation reporters also give their thoughts on how these players can improve in 2021.

Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SEA
SF | TB | TEN | WSH

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys

Jourdan Lewis, CB
PFF grade in 2020:
48.1

What went wrong: Lewis took on a full-time role from the slot in 2019 after spending his 2017 rookie campaign on the outside and 2018 season as a reserve. He held his own in that first season, ranking 15th among 47 qualifying defensive backs in PFF grade when covering the slot. Lewis then hit a bump in the road before the 2020 season, suffering an ankle injury ahead of Week 1. When he made his return in Week 2, he didn't look like the same player. His slot coverage grade dropped to the fourth-worst among qualifiers for the season. -- PFF

Outlook for 2021: You don't want to give Lewis an out for last season, but essentially everybody struggled defensively in 2020. He missed some time in training camp with a hamstring strain, but his practice against the Rams last week showed his value in how he defended DeSean Jackson and Cooper Kupp at times. He has the smarts to know how to protect his weaknesses and the instincts to understand how offenses are attacking the slot. New coordinator Dan Quinn will give Lewis -- and everybody on the defense -- a boatload of confidence they might not have had in 2020. -- Todd Archer


New York Giants

Will Hernandez, G
PFF grade in 2020: 58.1