I started thinking about the units without trying to predict what they're thinking-- just going by who can play, thinking about position group by position group, and thinking of STs as it's own position group. I tried to think about it like an editor-- cut anything that's not vital and concise and important. This process made picking the roster incredibly low-drama. I think there are two, maybe 3 spots up for grabs, barring a move to sign a CB or TE off the street that could challenge for playing time.
Here are my thoughts:
QB (3): Ben, Laundry, Dobbs. I would love a former NFL starter like Colt McCoy, but it is what it is. Could Dobbs play 3 series in a key game b/c of injury? Hope we never have to find out.
RB (4): Bell, Conner, Watson, Nix. I'm not going to lose any sleep over cutting Toussaint. Knile Davis sucks as an RB, especially for this team. Watson is a pretty good fit.
WR (5): AB, Bryant, Rogers, Juju, Coates The only WRs I would care about losing, from a WR standpoint
TE (3): JJ, X, DJ I don't really see JJ getting better, and it concerns me that they don't seem to challenge his position on the team. I'd already be playing Grimble more in passing situations. Good and known unknowns have created an entrenched position to rival the Somme. They'd literally have to sign an established vet like Green or draft a guy in 1st couple of rounds next year, otherwise Jesse James won't be challenged nor upgraded.
OL (9): AV, Foster, Pouncey, DD, Gilbert, Finney, Hubbard, Feiler, Hawkins Hubbard is a solid backup, Feiler isn't PS eligible and was our best backup OL this preseason. Finney keeps a job because he can snap the football, even though OC is not really a good fit for him. Hawkins has too much potential under a guy like Munchak... can't risk losing him. Bear in mind: Hawkins was on IR last year, meaning he's only had minicamps and some training camp working with Munchak.
O (24)
DL (6): Heyward, Hargrave, Tuitt, Alualu, LT, Maxey Big Dan has played really well recently, but there's not enough room for him.
OLB (5): Watt, Dupree, Deebo, Chickillo, Moats Moats and Chickillo are pretty decent depth. The first three are going to see the bulk of the time.
ILB (4): VW, Shazier, Fort, Matakevich I'd be scanning cuts for a potential replacement for Matakevich-- keep an eye out for a Hybrid LB/S type that could play in dime.
S (5): Mitchell, Davis, Gay, Dangerfield, Hagen I pray Mitchell is healthy week 1. If not, there's a chance he's IR designated for return and we see more of Robert Golden
CB (6): Burns, Sensabaugh, Cockrell, Sutton, Allen, Hilton you have to keep the two new guys with promise and upside, you pretty much have to keep the two journeyman vets for experience. If Hilton doesn't make the team, there's no justice, but I guess it's possible. Id be starting him in the slot and Sutton at #2 CB Week 1.
D (26)
STs (6)
Holba, Berry, Boswell, Trey Williams, DHB, Brandon Dixon
I tried to include anyone I think fills an important role, could be on offense, defense, situational football, or STs. It wasn't particularly painful to cut anyone I cut, like Steven Johnson, Robert Golden, Cobi Hamilton, Justin Hunter, Knile Davis. Ayers is a tough luck cut, but just tough to make the club from he tub at the wrong moment.
So, that's 56. To me, the top STs guys are DHB, Coates, Nix, Chickillo, Moats, Watt, Malik Golden, DJ, Dangerfield, Allen, Grimble, Trey Williams, Knile Davis, Brandon Dixon, & Mike HIlton, Fort. Those guys get priority when deciding about bubble guys.
Who can go to practice squad? This is another factor. If a bubble guy is PS eligible and you know he's going to make it through waivers, practice with your team every day, and be there if you need him... well, there ya go.
So, three guys who are PS eligible at deep positions? Make my last 3 cuts: Brandon Dixon (3 others of the 4 top gunners make it), Terrell Watson (deserving to make the 53 but will land on the PS if anything happens to Bell or Conner), and Jacob Hagen, who loses out on to the versatility and experience of William Gay (this could change if Mitchell isn't ready to play week 1). It wouldn't shock me to see the latter two guys go to PS and then be on the 53 at some point later in the year.
As a bonus, I think you'll see Golson cut and signed to PS... provided he is healthy enough to practice before cuts.
_________________ Fuck the Patriots.
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