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NFL experts predict: Answering 2019 offseason's biggest questions

So long, Super Bowl LIII. We're moving on to 2019. Our panel of ESPN NFL experts is taking an early look at the offseason, answering the biggest questions on free agency, the draft and the season ahead.

The topics our panel has hit so far (click the links to see the answers):


Which 2018 rookie will make the biggest jump in Year 2?

Matt Bowen, NFL writer: Dante Pettis, WR, 49ers. From Weeks 10 through 16, we saw the skills of Pettis as a route runner; during that stretch, he caught 24 passes for 371 yards and four touchdowns. He also exhibits clean footwork and the speed to separate. And he is playing in one of the best passing systems in the league under coach Kyle Shanahan. With quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo back in next season, the second-round pick Pettis could put up some legit numbers.

Mike Clay, fantasy writer: James Washington, WR, Steelers. The Steelers have a lengthy résumé of developing wide receivers into stars, and Washington could be next. The second-round pick underwhelmed as a rookie, but he was an explosive downfield playmaker at Oklahoma State and last preseason. If Antonio Brown is traded, Washington will be sitting pretty for No. 2 duties opposite JuJu Smith-Schuster in one of the league's top-scoring offenses.

Dan Graziano, national NFL writer: Rashaad Penny, RB, Seahawks. It's great what Chris Carson did to keep Penny at bay and hold onto the starting job last season. I just don't think it will last. Penny runs with a mean streak and, in flashes, looked like everything the Seahawks imagined he would be when they took him in last year's first round. I think Penny takes control of the backfield this spring and summer and the Seahawks look to move Carson in a trade while his value is still high.

KC Joyner, fantasy writer: Sam Darnold, QB, Jets. Darnold led the league in Total QBR over the final four weeks of the 2018 season (80.7). That elite trend could continue under new coach Adam Gase, who was lambasted for his initial news conference with the Jets but actually should be lauded for getting as much out of the limited Ryan Tannehill as he did during his Miami tenure.

Mina Kimes, NFL writer: Josh Rosen, QB, Cardinals. It can't get worse, right? I thought Rosen showed flashes of potential early, but the Cardinals' porous offensive line and lack of weaponry hindered his development. I'm not sure if he'll take a Jared Goff-style leap under new coach Kliff Kingsbury, but I imagine Rosen will take a few steps forward in the new offense.