re: Preseason Midpoint Final 53 Projections

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.