No. 17: Austin Schmidt, OL
Why he’s important: No quarterback likes to get hit. Especially without seeing the hit. If the 6-foot-6 Schmidt — who is up to 300 pounds after starting last season about 285 — doesn’t perform his job this season, the scenario could unfold several times for Wes Lunt. Schmidt entered 2014 as the likely starter at right tackle, only to have Pat Flavin emerge and take the starting job prior to the season. The Ohio native has shifted to the other side of the line, with the development of Christian DiLauro at right tackle, and figures to start preseason camp with the label of starter at left tackle.