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Preseason Midpoint Final 53 Projections
Posted on 8/19/13 at 6:32 pm
Posted on 8/19/13 at 6:32 pm
I originally posted this in blues' thread but I think it'd be interesting to see what everyone's 53 looks like after the first 2 games.
Offense
QB: Brees, McCown
HB: Thomas, Ingram, Sproles, Robinson
FB: Collins
WR: Colston, Moore, Stills, Toon, Parker, Roby
TE: Graham, Watson, Higgins
OT: Strief, Brown, Harris, Armstead
OG: Evans, Grubbs, Jones
C: de la Puente
Defense
DE: Jordan, Hicks, Foster, Walker, Johnson
DT: Bunkley, Jenkins
ILB: Lofton, Vilma, Humber, Hawthorne
OLB: Smith, Galette, Wilson, Richardson, Martin
CB: Greer, Lewis, Robinson, White, Sweeting
S: Jenkins, Harper, Vaccaro, Bush, Leonhard
Special Teams
K: Hartley
P: Morstead
LS: Drescher
Bubble Cuts
FB Johnson(PS), WR Tanner(PS), OG Lelito(PS), OG Tiller, C Olsen, ILB Reddick(PS), ILB Herring, OLB Atkins, OLB Johnson(PS), CB Carr, S IAQ
Some notes:
I don't have Ryan Griffin as a bubble cut because I don't think the decision will be hard. You go with the veteran he is playing well and has starter experience. Griffin goes to the practice squad to learn for a year.
Unless Cadet can show why he looked like a potential gem last year it won't be difficult to take Robinson over him.
I think Johnson is making a case at fullback but I think they stash him a year on the practice squad unless he really stands out soon.
I think it could go either way with taking Parker, Tanner, and Roby but one of them will be left out. At the moment I think it's Tanner who'll go to the practice squad if still eligible.
Due to injuries suffered by Olsen and Tiller they've recently moved Jones to guard and I know they love his size and potential. I think Harris is taking over the backup RT spot and Jones will be the reserve G/C. Olsen and Tiller will have to get healthy quick or they'll be cut.
On the Dline I think any of our DEs could also play NT which allows them to only take Bunkley and Jenkins as pure noses.
LB(both ILB and OLB) will be the most interesting and competitive of the roster battles.
At ILB I think the top 4 are set but I think there is a chance you can drop a corner and put Reddick or Herring back on the roster. I think Chamberlain being injured is playing him right out of the mix. I think most likely though we take 4 and Reddick goes to the practice squad.
At OLB I think the top 3 are set(Smith, Wilson, and Galette) and then I think there are some interesting choices. You could go all youth with Johnson and Martin or all experience with Richardson and Atkins. At this point Thomas is nothing more than a camp body. I think they'll go with Richardson and Martin and that'll give them some youth and experience.
I still think Johnson or Atkins are definitely in the running but I'm giving the edge at the moment in the experienced battle to Richardson over Atkins and in the youth battle to Martin over Johnson.
At CB the top 3 are set(Greer and Lewis because of skill and PRob because of contract) and I think White will take the 4th spot. If we carry a 5th corner I think Sweeting will just beat out Carr but if it's the other way Sweeting will be our practice squad corner.
At safety I think Leonhard beats out IAQ if we keep 5 and I'm now doubting my earlier prediction of keeping 6 given how the spot would be better used on another LB.
Outside of that I don't see any real battles.
Offense
QB: Brees, McCown
HB: Thomas, Ingram, Sproles, Robinson
FB: Collins
WR: Colston, Moore, Stills, Toon, Parker, Roby
TE: Graham, Watson, Higgins
OT: Strief, Brown, Harris, Armstead
OG: Evans, Grubbs, Jones
C: de la Puente
Defense
DE: Jordan, Hicks, Foster, Walker, Johnson
DT: Bunkley, Jenkins
ILB: Lofton, Vilma, Humber, Hawthorne
OLB: Smith, Galette, Wilson, Richardson, Martin
CB: Greer, Lewis, Robinson, White, Sweeting
S: Jenkins, Harper, Vaccaro, Bush, Leonhard
Special Teams
K: Hartley
P: Morstead
LS: Drescher
Bubble Cuts
FB Johnson(PS), WR Tanner(PS), OG Lelito(PS), OG Tiller, C Olsen, ILB Reddick(PS), ILB Herring, OLB Atkins, OLB Johnson(PS), CB Carr, S IAQ
Some notes:
I don't have Ryan Griffin as a bubble cut because I don't think the decision will be hard. You go with the veteran he is playing well and has starter experience. Griffin goes to the practice squad to learn for a year.
Unless Cadet can show why he looked like a potential gem last year it won't be difficult to take Robinson over him.
I think Johnson is making a case at fullback but I think they stash him a year on the practice squad unless he really stands out soon.
I think it could go either way with taking Parker, Tanner, and Roby but one of them will be left out. At the moment I think it's Tanner who'll go to the practice squad if still eligible.
Due to injuries suffered by Olsen and Tiller they've recently moved Jones to guard and I know they love his size and potential. I think Harris is taking over the backup RT spot and Jones will be the reserve G/C. Olsen and Tiller will have to get healthy quick or they'll be cut.
On the Dline I think any of our DEs could also play NT which allows them to only take Bunkley and Jenkins as pure noses.
LB(both ILB and OLB) will be the most interesting and competitive of the roster battles.
At ILB I think the top 4 are set but I think there is a chance you can drop a corner and put Reddick or Herring back on the roster. I think Chamberlain being injured is playing him right out of the mix. I think most likely though we take 4 and Reddick goes to the practice squad.
At OLB I think the top 3 are set(Smith, Wilson, and Galette) and then I think there are some interesting choices. You could go all youth with Johnson and Martin or all experience with Richardson and Atkins. At this point Thomas is nothing more than a camp body. I think they'll go with Richardson and Martin and that'll give them some youth and experience.
I still think Johnson or Atkins are definitely in the running but I'm giving the edge at the moment in the experienced battle to Richardson over Atkins and in the youth battle to Martin over Johnson.
At CB the top 3 are set(Greer and Lewis because of skill and PRob because of contract) and I think White will take the 4th spot. If we carry a 5th corner I think Sweeting will just beat out Carr but if it's the other way Sweeting will be our practice squad corner.
At safety I think Leonhard beats out IAQ if we keep 5 and I'm now doubting my earlier prediction of keeping 6 given how the spot would be better used on another LB.
Outside of that I don't see any real battles.
This post was edited on 8/20/13 at 1:35 am
5
Posted on 8/19/13 at 6:42 pm to bonethug0108
I'm disappointed that IAQ has fallen off.
I was really looking forward to him playing safety.
I was really looking forward to him playing safety.
Posted on 8/19/13 at 6:44 pm to Hoodoo Man
Yeah all offseason I was pumped about him pushing or even replacing Jenkins.
I guess he fit Spags' scheme much better than Ryan's. He was one of the few that did and played well.
I guess he fit Spags' scheme much better than Ryan's. He was one of the few that did and played well.
This post was edited on 8/19/13 at 6:44 pm
Posted on 8/19/13 at 6:46 pm to bonethug0108
Yeah, maybe he benefited from zone.
but he was great in coverage.
but he was great in coverage.
Posted on 8/19/13 at 6:46 pm to bonethug0108
quote:I think Griffin might come up with an "injury" so they can IR him instead of risking putting him on waivers.
I don't have Ryan Griffin as a bubble cut because I don't think the decision will be hard. You go with the veteran he is playing well and has starter experience. Griffin goes to the practice squad to learn for a year.
If he plays well in these last two games, I think one of these teams that carry 3 qbs on the gameday roster could be willing to pick him up.
Posted on 8/19/13 at 6:57 pm to Hoodoo Man
Yeah he appeared to be our best zone cover safety. But Ryan's scheme is so man heavy on the back end and I guess if they can't play man they can't play for Ryan.
That's why I'm now more confident(but not fully comfortable) with Harper and Jenkins because they are MUCH MUCH MUCH better at playing man than zone.
Jenkins is actually pretty good at man coverage and as long as Harper doesn't have to cover someone fast or tall he can do it. Harper shows he can be in the area but he definitely needs to work on his ball skills and jumping.
I think Vaccaro is the perfect safety for Ryan and I was stoked after watching his highlights on draft day but am now amped up after seeing him on an NFL field. I hope he gets the picks but even if he doesn't he will be impacting a ton of plays with his closing speed, hitting power, sure tackling, and ball skills.
On the Griffin front, he played well but he wasn't "OMG fantastic we need him now" good. Unless he blows up these last 2 games he'll clear waivers easily, and if he does blow up they may keep him over McCown anyway.
That's why I'm now more confident(but not fully comfortable) with Harper and Jenkins because they are MUCH MUCH MUCH better at playing man than zone.
Jenkins is actually pretty good at man coverage and as long as Harper doesn't have to cover someone fast or tall he can do it. Harper shows he can be in the area but he definitely needs to work on his ball skills and jumping.
I think Vaccaro is the perfect safety for Ryan and I was stoked after watching his highlights on draft day but am now amped up after seeing him on an NFL field. I hope he gets the picks but even if he doesn't he will be impacting a ton of plays with his closing speed, hitting power, sure tackling, and ball skills.
On the Griffin front, he played well but he wasn't "OMG fantastic we need him now" good. Unless he blows up these last 2 games he'll clear waivers easily, and if he does blow up they may keep him over McCown anyway.
This post was edited on 8/19/13 at 6:59 pm
Posted on 8/19/13 at 7:01 pm to bonethug0108
I like your projections overall, I just hope we find a way to keep some of the younger guys on the roster specifically at the LB'er spots like Reddick, Atkins, Rufus.. Making some bold cuts like Smith and possibly keeping only 4 safeties would make me FAP!
Posted on 8/19/13 at 7:04 pm to bonethug0108
quote:Thats all? Good thing there aren't many fast or tall guys in the NFL
Jenkins is actually pretty good at man coverage and as long as Harper doesn't have to cover someone fast or tall he can do it.
He's a joke. The guys at grantland mentioned him being one of the 5 worst players in the NFL last season.
He's a terrible player, and whoever he's eventually replaced by makes us better by default
Posted on 8/19/13 at 7:09 pm to AlexMSU
Everyone in the know and just looking at the cap implications says Smith is staying put.
Atkins isn't a young guy. Him and Richardson are both vets that were out of the league last year.
But I do agree we need to try to keep Johnson, Martin, and Reddick around whether that'd be on the PS or on the 53.
I think the spots that could be cut to make room for another LB are WR, DE, CB, or S. Any of those could lose a guy if the young LBers play very well these last 2 games.
I think the only other position that might add a spot outside of LB is HB and that's IF Cadet gets his shite together. Payton usually takes 5 backs into the season(especially after 2011) but that's also because we had an injury prone Ivory. I don't see it happening so I'm keeping the HB spots at 4.
Atkins isn't a young guy. Him and Richardson are both vets that were out of the league last year.
But I do agree we need to try to keep Johnson, Martin, and Reddick around whether that'd be on the PS or on the 53.
I think the spots that could be cut to make room for another LB are WR, DE, CB, or S. Any of those could lose a guy if the young LBers play very well these last 2 games.
I think the only other position that might add a spot outside of LB is HB and that's IF Cadet gets his shite together. Payton usually takes 5 backs into the season(especially after 2011) but that's also because we had an injury prone Ivory. I don't see it happening so I'm keeping the HB spots at 4.
Posted on 8/19/13 at 7:15 pm to eyeran
quote:
Thats all? Good thing there aren't many fast or tall guys in the NFL
He's a joke. The guys at grantland mentioned him being one of the 5 worst players in the NFL last season.
He's a terrible player, and whoever he's eventually replaced by makes us better by default
Being that he usually only covers TEs there aren't many he can't cover(and by tall I meant 6'6"+ and most TEs aren't that fast). He's obviously struggled against the elite ones(Clark, Gonzalez, Davis). Outside of the elite ones you don't see him giving up a ton.
This is of course discounting the Spags' year in which he played zone almost exclusively which he absolutely can not do(unless it's an under zone over the middle).
And to top that off, he won't be asked to cover slot receivers and HBs much if at all with Jenkins/Vaccaro covering the slot and the OLBs covering the flats.
This post was edited on 8/19/13 at 7:17 pm
Posted on 8/19/13 at 7:18 pm to bonethug0108
Honestly, the only position I can see us cutting is Safety.. Kind of in a weird spot with Vaccarro being so versatile and not sure who would be the better cut/fit between Jenkins/Harper.
I hate to say it, but we may even be able to go with 4 DE's and cut Tom Johnson, especially if we do keep Smith (this makes me mad). I liked what I saw from Johnson last season, but Foster and Walker are stepping up big time and collapsing pockets often so far.
I hate to say it, but we may even be able to go with 4 DE's and cut Tom Johnson, especially if we do keep Smith (this makes me mad). I liked what I saw from Johnson last season, but Foster and Walker are stepping up big time and collapsing pockets often so far.
Posted on 8/19/13 at 7:24 pm to bonethug0108
Mine......
Quarterbacks: Drew Brees, Luke McCown
Running Backs: Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles, Khiry Robinson
Fullbacks: Jed Collins
Wide Receivers: Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Preston Parker, Nick Toon, Andy Tanner, Kenny Stills, Courtney Roby
Tight Ends: Jimmy Graham, Ben Watson, Mike Higgins
Offensive Line: Charles Brown, Ben Grubbs, Brian de la Puente, Jahri Evans, Zach Strief, Andrew Tiller, Terron Armstead, Marcel Jones
Defensive Line: Cam Jordan, Glenn Foster, Tyrunn Walker, Akiem Hicks, John Jenkins, Brodrick Bunkley
Linebackers: Martez Wilson, David Hawthorne, Curtis Lofton, Junior Galette, Eric Martin, Parys Haralson, Rufus Johnson, Chris Chamberlain, Ramon Humber
Cornerbacks: Keenan Lewis, Patrick Robinson, Jabari Greer, Corey White, Chris Carr
Safeties: Roman Harper, Isa Abdul-Quddus, Kenny Vaccaro, Malcolm Jenkins, Rafael Bush
Special Teams: Thomas Morstead (P), Garrett Hartley (PK), Justin Drescher (LS)
Quarterbacks: Drew Brees, Luke McCown
Running Backs: Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles, Khiry Robinson
Fullbacks: Jed Collins
Wide Receivers: Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Preston Parker, Nick Toon, Andy Tanner, Kenny Stills, Courtney Roby
Tight Ends: Jimmy Graham, Ben Watson, Mike Higgins
Offensive Line: Charles Brown, Ben Grubbs, Brian de la Puente, Jahri Evans, Zach Strief, Andrew Tiller, Terron Armstead, Marcel Jones
Defensive Line: Cam Jordan, Glenn Foster, Tyrunn Walker, Akiem Hicks, John Jenkins, Brodrick Bunkley
Linebackers: Martez Wilson, David Hawthorne, Curtis Lofton, Junior Galette, Eric Martin, Parys Haralson, Rufus Johnson, Chris Chamberlain, Ramon Humber
Cornerbacks: Keenan Lewis, Patrick Robinson, Jabari Greer, Corey White, Chris Carr
Safeties: Roman Harper, Isa Abdul-Quddus, Kenny Vaccaro, Malcolm Jenkins, Rafael Bush
Special Teams: Thomas Morstead (P), Garrett Hartley (PK), Justin Drescher (LS)
This post was edited on 8/26/13 at 9:52 pm
Posted on 8/19/13 at 7:29 pm to AlexMSU
Yeah the guys I don't see making it from each spot if we cut one are:
WR: 1 of Roby or Tanner(depends on which one would have almost made it to the 53)
DE: Johnson(he's been getting less snaps and Walker and Foster are playing VERY well as backups)
CB: 1 of Sweeting or Carr(again depends on who would have almost made it)
S: Leonhard(he didn't get many snaps and they haven't been talking about him making plays at practice)
And that's a good point about DE potentially being even more expendable because both Richardson and Smith can play DE as well as OLB(if we keep Richardson).
WR: 1 of Roby or Tanner(depends on which one would have almost made it to the 53)
DE: Johnson(he's been getting less snaps and Walker and Foster are playing VERY well as backups)
CB: 1 of Sweeting or Carr(again depends on who would have almost made it)
S: Leonhard(he didn't get many snaps and they haven't been talking about him making plays at practice)
And that's a good point about DE potentially being even more expendable because both Richardson and Smith can play DE as well as OLB(if we keep Richardson).
This post was edited on 8/19/13 at 7:31 pm
Posted on 8/19/13 at 7:31 pm to bonethug0108
quote:
Everyone in the know and just looking at the cap implications says Smith is staying put.
Most probably right, but the cap hit would be softened a bit by replacing him with a lesser compensated young guy.
Tough call for sure. Keep a guy who can't spell linebacker because of money or take your hit and move on.
Posted on 8/19/13 at 7:34 pm to bonethug0108
quote:Totally disagree. 4 different coordinators and we're still searching for one that can turn Harper into an average cover safety. Almost a decade into this guy's career and we're still having to come up with ways to hide him in pass coverage. He's an old-school, antiquated safety in a league thats ridiculously pass happy.
Being that he usually only covers TEs there aren't many he can't cover
But, whatever. He'll be here regardless, and we'll be forced to endure him for at least another year.
This post was edited on 8/19/13 at 7:38 pm
Posted on 8/19/13 at 7:56 pm to Meateye
Things that stood out about yours:
I like that you went with youth at some spots and I'd personally like that approach but Payton always seems to value experience a bit more than raw talent. Look how long it took him to put Graham in that first year(on top of numerous Olinemen, WRs, and defensive players; of course there have been a couple of exceptions).
Payton's always taken 3 TEs into the season. First time for everything though.
I've never seen Payton take 9 OL into the season and everyone is betting the house on Smith being gone. Can't argue much with the rest though. I think 2 backup spots(the RT and G/C) are definitely still up for grabs.
Aaitui has barely played any snaps(8 in the first game and 2 in the second). Haven't heard anything about him impressing anyone and every DE we have can play NT. I see no way he takes up a spot over almost anyone else.
The only way Vilma doesn't make the 53 is if he gets IRed. Same as Smith and Harper, they took those cuts and with how loyal Payton is he will not cut them after they did that. Ask anyone in the know and you'd know they are locks.
Chamberlain will have to play to make the roster. He only played 12 in the first game(compared to Herring's 31) and none in the last one. He was a Spags' guy and money says he doesn't make it.
IAQ hasn't been getting snaps(8 and 6) and hasn't been getting mentioned in practice and has been with the 3rd team. Leonhard hasn't fared much better so it's hard to say who would make it over the other or even if either will make it. The only reason I think they consider bringing 5 is because of the 4 safety sets but maybe that's just because they like Jenkins, Harper, Vaccaro, and Bush that much.
But again this is just my opinion and my observations and I'd love to hear what people thought about mine.
I like that you went with youth at some spots and I'd personally like that approach but Payton always seems to value experience a bit more than raw talent. Look how long it took him to put Graham in that first year(on top of numerous Olinemen, WRs, and defensive players; of course there have been a couple of exceptions).
Payton's always taken 3 TEs into the season. First time for everything though.
I've never seen Payton take 9 OL into the season and everyone is betting the house on Smith being gone. Can't argue much with the rest though. I think 2 backup spots(the RT and G/C) are definitely still up for grabs.
Aaitui has barely played any snaps(8 in the first game and 2 in the second). Haven't heard anything about him impressing anyone and every DE we have can play NT. I see no way he takes up a spot over almost anyone else.
The only way Vilma doesn't make the 53 is if he gets IRed. Same as Smith and Harper, they took those cuts and with how loyal Payton is he will not cut them after they did that. Ask anyone in the know and you'd know they are locks.
Chamberlain will have to play to make the roster. He only played 12 in the first game(compared to Herring's 31) and none in the last one. He was a Spags' guy and money says he doesn't make it.
IAQ hasn't been getting snaps(8 and 6) and hasn't been getting mentioned in practice and has been with the 3rd team. Leonhard hasn't fared much better so it's hard to say who would make it over the other or even if either will make it. The only reason I think they consider bringing 5 is because of the 4 safety sets but maybe that's just because they like Jenkins, Harper, Vaccaro, and Bush that much.
But again this is just my opinion and my observations and I'd love to hear what people thought about mine.
Posted on 8/19/13 at 7:58 pm to eyeran
Agree this guy in coverage AND OPEN FIELD IS TOAST. I like him in blitz packages but that's it. give me Vaccarro and Jenkens. Although Jenkens is a liability.
Posted on 8/19/13 at 8:28 pm to bonethug0108
The Q&A is in the comments but I think Trip makes a lot of good points in his responses, especially as it relates to this thread:
LINK
He touches on things such as how many guys at each position will make the roster, who those last few cuts will come down to, and why you might keep a veteran over a young guy that seems to be flashing a few times a game.
LINK
He touches on things such as how many guys at each position will make the roster, who those last few cuts will come down to, and why you might keep a veteran over a young guy that seems to be flashing a few times a game.
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