8-19 53 man roster guess and notes...

[booger]

Just a guess on the general direction they go. There are holes that are obvious but I really do like the potential of a revamped practice squad and some new blood there. A more aggressive approach to undrafted free agency should pay off more than it has in the past. Plus the Rolodex group or Spiller reserve, whatever the hell you would like to call it. I believe it has value in the time they do invest in certain veterans through the offseason and training camps at a low or even no signing bonus plus veteran minimum contract. It can be a handy extension of the roster if the player or players aren't picked up by other teams.

QB-2

Mahomes, Henne

I don't usually favor keeping 2 but I think this helps keep an extra OL and they are in perfect postion to do so. McGloin is an example of a player who if cut having a very good chance of being available if needed. He just isn't worth the 3rd spot IMO. Litton has looked good in limited snaps. Quite possibly worth developing. Normally this time of year he's a guy I would throw out the phrase "can't risk him getting claimed on the waiver wire" or some shit similar but every year there are favorites like that who do in fact clear waivers. Sometimes they do get claimed. It would be a risk worth taking to try to get him to the practice squad. If not they have got to add someone to the taxi squad obviously.

RB-5

Hunt, Sherman, Ware, Damien Williams, Darrel Williams.

West I think it's obvious whether its now or when the season is done, he time is coming to an end here just a matter of when. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't even dress for the remainder of the pre season to risk another concussion. Plus being able to save 1.7 M on cap room (they just spent 1.5 on Scandrick) the writing is on the wall. The 4 halfbacks are very similar size and all catch the ball well. Pass pro Hunt would be probably the worst among the group which is something he's working to improve and where West really excelled but I think overall that's a really solid group. One could argue not having that change of pace or speed back but I don't think Kerwyn Williams really provided much different skills just a smaller back who it wouldn't surprise either way if he would be available if the need arises. Ware and his health could change things. I'm just trying to give and educated guess but I think they are ready to roll with him and see no need for contact now to dress him for pre season. Damien Williams and his shoulder I could see a designated for return IR if it's serious but right no I'd guess they carry him on the 53.

TE-3

Kelce, Harris(suspended week 1, won't count against 53)Amaro, Ellis

This is another tricky spot with Harris and his week one status. They could go light here with just 2 and say carry Litton as the 3rd QB week one and cut him to make room for Harris coming back so in such a case they would only expose him to the waiver wire after week 1. Ellis makes sense staying on for a week as the 3rd TE and after that I would like to see him brought back on the practice squad once Harris returns. Reminds me a bit of O'Shaunessy who they have missed since trading him. Wright is yet another example of a guy with decent chance of being available and knowing the offense if needed.

WR-6

Hill, Watkins, Conley, Robinson, Chesson, Dieter

Dat I don't know their plans for him but the next 2 games this pre season will be telling. If they're giving him extra time to heal I could see that. Or possibly he's a IR designated to return candidate. (misses first 10 weeks) Otherwise if he's healthy I see him as not fitting as well with Mahomes as he did Smith and going with the bigger WR's. Kemp is the other that would come down to the wire whether it's him or Dieter. I just see Chesson and Dieter both filling special teams/returners better than Kemp. I would like to see Kemp given more of a shot at some jump balls at least in the last 2 games. There are a handful of others where 2 will probably be kept on the PS.

OL-9

Fisher, Morse, LDT, Schwartz.....
set with those 4. It gets tricky with the rest.

Irving is going to have issues at G but he is most likely safe with his ability to play C. Actually T is his best position IMO. Wiley seems to have played his way on the roster IMO. It would have been a safe bet in Atlanta to go ahead and play it safe and start Witzmann at RG. But he gave Wiley the chance and he did very well. He's been playing both G and T and both sides. He's the first off the bench with the exception of center and if he keeps it up. Irving, Wiley, Ehinger, McKenzie, Hunter that's my final 5 of the 9 total and still not knowing who to start at LG. Probably Irving is what they will continue to do until he loses the job. Like Witzmann last year and losing it to Fulton finally only to regain it because of Morse injury. One of my biggest concerns would be losing either McKenzie or Hunter to waivers. Hunter would be like when they lost Lilja to waivers as an undrafted FA. He's playing all over the line and even C now that Tejan Koroma is on IR ( another good UDFA signing). Let Hunter continue to grow and they have next years first OL off the bench or possibly even their starting C with Morse being in the last year of his contract. McKenzie would be even worse. He's going to get beat with quickness and technique as he continues his move from DL but he's rarely going to be bull rushed. He's looked pretty good in limited snaps as has Hunter. I just say no way to trying to sneak either through waivers. Devey and/or Wietzmann one could argue deserves to make it over Ehinger and that's possible. Devey would be a guy if cut that again theres a chance he's available as the season goes on.

That's 25 on O. Special teams and Defense in next post

[booger]

continued...

DL-6

Jones, Williams, Bailey, Jenkins, Nnadi, Hamilton

Pretty obvious with this group. Interesting note for the future with Nnadi being the NT of the future I could see an extension with Williams as his size looks like he would be a very good fit at DE after this season when Bailey is a FA. Hamilton can play any of the 3 spots and is still developing. Jenkins is a guy like Sherman who if they are going to use an IR designated to return on a guy like Ware or Sorenson that player has to be on the 53 on the initial cutdown. Last year that happened with Nelson and Spiller getting cut and later resigned. Because of contracts and the fact neither would be subjected to the waiver wire, this year it's going to be Jenkins or Sherman. A vet with a minimum signing bonus that would resign as soon as they placed the player,(Sorenson,Ware,etc on IR) Charles is going to be that guy who travels the workout circuit and has a strong chance of being available if needed. McGill gives more of potential as an inside rusher but doesn't fit the base as well. Dee Liner on the ps and this is a spot where an upgrade on either the 53 or PS wouldn't surprise.

LB-9

Houston, Ford, Kpass, Speaks (4 OLB) Hitchens, Ragland, Niemann, O'Daniel, Smith (5 ILB)

This year I don't see the point in keeping Zombo around even with the youth at OLB. That spot is just too Valuable and cutting him would save 1M+. I just don't see them guaranteeing his salary. Maybe he could be brought back after week 1 if needed but I am ready to move on. I would actually keep Tyrone Holmes instead. And I like the idea of continuing to work with McCray on the PS. I think they go 5 ILB because of special teams and also with D. O'Daniel being a tweener. Smith/Eligwe comes down to mental assignment and being gap sound. Eligwe would cost more to cut and has a higher ceiling I just think they go with Smith actually doing a better job but this could go either way. Neimann has played his way on the team. Not the athlete Eligwe is but he's definatley instictive and knows his job.

CB-6

Fuller, Nelson, Amerson, Scandrick, Smith, Springs

I like Wade for the PS and probably Durhamn as well. Amerson has struggled but they will keep him and that's why they brought Scandrick as insurance. Definatly could use upgrade here but good corners don't hit the streat in August/September. I wouldn't panick but if there's a DB out there that makes sense with the extra 2nd next year I wouldn't hesitate to flip a 2-3 for the right player but they would obviously have to make sense for more than just a year and be a young player. Again, those things rarely happen.

S-4

Berry, Murray, *Sorenson (IR/return doesn't count against 53 until activated)
McQuay, Watts.

Not sure their thoughts on Sorenson and his recovery time, he could probably be back sooner than the 10 weeks he would miss on IR. Have to wait and see. McQuay is getting better but still seems to get hurt too much for a S with head and neck injuries. Would like to see more of Jordan Sterns these last 2 games but do like him for the PS at least. Obvious position of need.

ST's-3

Colquitt, Buttkicker, Winchester

Practice Squad is going to have some good new players as well with hopefully Litton, Algernon Brown, Lowry, maybe Kemp, Josh Crockett is another big 6-4 WR target. Pringle, Mack, Smallwood. 2 WR's just a matter of which ones. A couple OL, Murray, Cooper, Spain. DL is Liner and otherwise look outside of this roster. OLB I mentioned McCray and Holmes. Both if they can but will need at least 1. ILB Davison if they keep any on the PS with 5 on the 53. He's normally a guy that would get mentioned more but Neimann is playing lights out. Wade, Durhanm, Stearns. Possibly McQuay. Overall a pretty solid taxi squad with guys that all went to camp with KC might not need only a couple outsiders.

[RealSNR]

Sorry guys, but DAT is making the final roster. Don't deny something you already know to be true

[booger]

Originally Posted by RealSNR

Sorry guys, but DAT is making the final roster. Don't deny something you already know to be true

Him West Zombo and Devey I hope they move on from as they have good options to replace them but it’s a typical shit in one hand wish in another situation

[oldman]

I agree with most of what you said, but here's where I differ.
QB- I'm old school, so I like 3 QBs. We know what we have in McGloin, so play Litton most of game 4. Henne is here on a 2 year contract, we'll have to look for a backup in 2020. Why not develop a backup that has some of the qualities of our starter?
RB- I see no reason to keep 4 RBs plus a FB. Sherman can fill in on pass protection and is good for a couple hard-nosed carries a game. There's no reason for him to be a ST guy either. That roster spot could be used elsewhere. West is done and I think Ware's role could be filled by the 2 D. Williams.
WR- Conley has been MIA the last 2 games. I'd rather see Kemp there, but otherwise I agree.
OL- I'm not wild about any of the 5 you mentioned besides Fisher, Morse LDT, and Schwartz. I think one of those comes down to who can be the backup C. You know Morse is going to have some issue again this year.

[JoeyChuckles]

I haven't watched the preseason too closely, but I haven't heard DATs name called. So they'll sign him to a 4 year extension before the season.

[oldman]

DAT's the gunner on ST. He just signed a 1 year contract this last March. I don't see anyone beating down the door for his services and we could probably eat the $880K if we have to. I see a couple of our younger guys that could do just fine in his role.

[RealSNR]

I was initially against keeping McKenzie on the 53 this season as a redshirt guy similar to LDT's rookie year, but given Ehinger has been kind of a disappointment and nobody else is really shining, I'm thinking we may as well keep him on and cut somebody else. Or just keep 9 OL, I suppose.

It sucks that for all of the position versatility we coach out of these players, the only one we're really looking at for backup OC is Jordan Devey. I have no idea if they think Hunter is ready yet, but given his spot on the depth chart and the fact that he was only taking OC snaps as soon as a week ago seems to imply that they're not going to roll with him and instead keep the shitty vet.

[booger]

Originally Posted by oldman

I agree with most of what you said, but here's where I differ.
QB- I'm old school, so I like 3 QBs. We know what we have in McGloin, so play Litton most of game 4. Henne is here on a 2 year contract, we'll have to look for a backup in 2020. Why not develop a backup that has some of the qualities of our starter?
RB- I see no reason to keep 4 RBs plus a FB. Sherman can fill in on pass protection and is good for a couple hard-nosed carries a game. There's no reason for him to be a ST guy either. That roster spot could be used elsewhere. West is done and I think Ware's role could be filled by the 2 D. Williams.
WR- Conley has been MIA the last 2 games. I'd rather see Kemp there, but otherwise I agree.
OL- I'm not wild about any of the 5 you mentioned besides Fisher, Morse LDT, and Schwartz. I think one of those comes down to who can be the backup C. You know Morse is going to have some issue again this year.

That’s just it when it comes to Litton, the next 2 ps games will tell a lot. If he doesn’t see any more snaps then they don’t have to worry about exposing him to other teams and could probably sneak him on the ps. Otherwise if they have made their mind that he’s going to be #3 and on the 53 I hope he gets snaps in both games and maybe the final 3 quarters of the last game. OL yeah Morse staying healthy is sure something they can’t count on. I think that saves Irving his job as much as anything. Going with 9 instead of 8 has much to do with the youth movement and future of McKenzie and Hunter both making it instead of just one. Idea with both is hopefully each would be inactive each week and not have to dress yet be on the roster instead of the ps and potentially losing one. Ideally a high ankle sprain at the end of the ps to stash one on IR for a redshirt year would be perfect.

Yeah Conley is also on last year of his contract and that could factor in. Him and any offense depth like Wietzmann, Ehinger etc would be worth checking with Nagy and the Bears to see if they would flip KC a pick. Probably with Eligwe as well to any 4-3 teams where I think he’s a better fit. All those guys or even say Chesson if someone were to beat him out is they are cheap and still on rookie contracts with more than 1 year left on their deals with the exception of Conley which and Wietzmann which hurts when you lose a player like that without no compensation.

[stumppy]

Originally Posted by RealSNR

Sorry guys, but DAT is making the final roster. Don't deny something you already know to be true

I want to dig my eyes out with a wooden spoon when I read something like this.

[booger]

Originally Posted by RealSNR

I was initially against keeping McKenzie on the 53 this season as a redshirt guy similar to LDT's rookie year, but given Ehinger has been kind of a disappointment and nobody else is really shining, I'm thinking we may as well keep him on and cut somebody else. Or just keep 9 OL, I suppose.

It sucks that for all of the position versatility we coach out of these players, the only one we're really looking at for backup OC is Jordan Devey. I have no idea if they think Hunter is ready yet, but given his spot on the depth chart and the fact that he was only taking OC snaps as soon as a week ago seems to imply that they're not going to roll with him and instead keep the shitty vet.

I was that way with McKenzie as well but if they think he’s making the switch well enough then there is some asshole team prepared to claim him. It’s weird because it gets redundant with 2 rookie FA OL plus Wiley just a year on the PS. But they have handled it well and those are the claims you really kick yourself in the ass with if you do cut them. If it’s undrafted FA you actually paid a decent bonus for a change plus saw the player develop like you hope but where you **** up is gambling with the end game if you waive the guy you take the chance you’re going to lose him. For a slob like Devey that sucks. It’s redundant on the online but maybe in such a case you at least go with Wietzmann instead of Ehinger because of game experience. Perception vs reality. I may be giving that Hunter, Wiley, McKenzie (potential) too much credit but they haven’t pissed down their legs yet

[O.city]

Darrell Williams isn’t lasting on the practice squad. He’s good.

They’ve got a glut of good rbs.

[booger]

It’s another plus for Veach but 55-90 on the roster is less scrubs than normal. It’s exactly why Golden requested his release. He lucked out on the weird safety market and took a vet minimum deal with no bonus. And when Sorensen gets hurt and Berry’s heal acts up and he still doesn’t get first team reps he knows he’s getting cut anyway. Doesn’t mean the other safety depth is something to brag about...Hardly. But take OLB for example. This year even with Speaks and McCray being new to playing standing up they came in and competed without the average person thinking gee I bet that guy never played standing up before. Last year Dorsey hits the road and the first transactions involved ILB. This year that group is stacked. In the past it was a problem. Perception was everything was ok but reality was that Dorsey being in tune with and having a complete understanding of what the Sutton/Ryan D compared to vs a Capers 3-4 or even a long background scouting 4-3 personnel...that was one of the worst kept secrets IMO was Dorsey had no ****ing clue in certain situations when it came to front seven personnel fits for KC with Sutton as DC. Plus shame on Sutton for not clearly speaking his mind about disagreements if we’re being fair about things. Anyway it’s useless to look back and blame but I do recognize that Dorleant the CB who has played in games regular season as well as the DL Stefan Charles and TE Tim Wright. These guys are among the 80-90 last ten guys on the roster. Good blend of guys with experience trying to fight to stay on a roster as well as a good talented group of undrafted to rebuild the PS

[booger]

Originally Posted by O.city

Darrell Williams isn’t lasting on the practice squad. He’s good.

They’ve got a glut of good rbs.

Yep and he’s strong in the pass game as a blocker and catcher. That’s why he got a 30k bonus

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by booger

I was that way with McKenzie as well but if they think he’s making the switch well enough then there is some asshole team prepared to claim him. It’s weird because it gets redundant with 2 rookie FA OL plus Wiley just a year on the PS. But they have handled it well and those are the claims you really kick yourself in the ass with if you do cut them. If it’s undrafted FA you actually paid a decent bonus for a change plus saw the player develop like you hope but where you **** up is gambling with the end game if you waive the guy you take the chance you’re going to lose him. For a slob like Devey that sucks. It’s redundant on the online but maybe in such a case you at least go with Wietzmann instead of Ehinger because of game experience. Perception vs reality. I may be giving that Hunter, Wiley, McKenzie (potential) too much credit but they haven’t pissed down their legs yet

That's exactly what happened in 2014. David Irving flashed in preseason but wasn't quite ready for real regular season snaps on defense. We ended up keeping worthless ****s like Nick Williams over him all because they'd be serviceable in the short run. And the real kick in the pants is that was the year Mike DeVito went down, so we probably could have had room on the roster for Irving anyway.

Not saying McKenzie is as talented as David Irving, but it will suck if we cut him only because we thought the practice squad would be a better place for him for the time being.