Donegal and Tyrone look to be well placed to challenge in the All Ireland series this year. I think both sides have the ability to go toe to toe with Dublin in the Championship, and they certainly have the belief too. But I also think Derry will beat Tyrone in the Ulster Championship, with McKenna cup and National League matches this year likely set to raise tension levels for the big June encounter. I don't know if Derry could seriously challenge for an Ulster title just yet, too early to know.
Monaghan do well within Ulster, but as their 3 failed attempts at All Ireland Quarter Finals have shown, they are a bit too rigid for the All Ireland series which requires teams to have a more expansive dimension to their game than Ulster Championship matches. They bring great physicality, are well organised and drilled, but I think lack enough attacking talent to seriously challenge for an All Ireland. They have some serious talent in the likes of Drew Wylie, Dessie Mone, Conor McManus etc, there is no denying that. But I think were extremely fortunate that Donegal left their shooting boots at home last July, as they should have run out comfortable winners last year instead of losing by a single point.