Getting to 53 will be Tough this Year!!!!!

[Scott Pennock]

Every year since Halloween of 1987 when I became a fan (the Dickerson trade) I've waited for an off-season like this one. This will be the first year, in my eyes at least, that there will be solid AND/OR fan favorite players released come cut down day. To me, that is a great sign that we've reached a talent level that affords that opportunity.

 

CURRENT OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

 

Quarterbacks: Andrew Luck, Jacoby Brissett, Phillip Walker

 

..... Walker will be cut and likely replaced on the PS eventually.

 

Running Backs: Marlon Mack, Nyheim Hines, Jordan Wilkins, Spencer Ware, Jonathan Williams

 

..... The only true competition is between Ware and Williams. If Ware is healthy he likely wins the spot.

 

Wide Receiver: T.Y. Hilton, Parris Campbell*, Chester Rogers, Marcus Johnson, Steve Ishmael, Penny Hart*, Devin Funchess, Zach Pascal, Deon Cain, Reece Fountain, Krishawn Hogan, Jordan Veasy, Ashton Dulin*

 

..... Hilton, Funchess, Campbell and Cain are virtual locks.

 

Fountain essentially redshirted last year and even though he dropped that TD let's not forget the double move he made to be so wide open!

 

The rest are all fighting with Fountain for the remaining 1-2 spots plus practice squad spots - likely Dulin and Hart.

 

Tight End: Eric Ebron, Ross Travis, Gabe Holmes, Jack Doyle, Mo Alie-Cox, Billy Brown, Hale Hentges*

 

..... Ebron, Doyle and Ali-Cox are locks. If they carry 4 then the uber athlete Travis gets the spot. Brown and Hentges to the PS.

 

Left Tackle: Anthony Castonzo, Le’Raven Clark, Jackson Barton*, Antonio Garcia

 

.... Here's where things get interesting. Will Garcia show his full potential 2 years removed from his blood cl.ots? Will they stash Jackson on the PS squad and learn and keep Clark one more year? Castonzo is the only lock.

 

Left Guard: Quenton Nelson, William Poehls

 

..... Nelson is a lock. Poehls is camp fodder, nothing else.

 

Center: Ryan Kelly, Evan Boehm, Javon Patterson*

 

..... Kelly is a lock and I believe Patterson replaces Boehm.

 

Right Guard: Mark Glowinski, Josh Andrews

 

..... Glowinski is a lock. Andrews is cut in favor of both Patterson and Haeg (asca swing tackle/guard).

 

Right Tackle: Braden Smith, Joe Haeg, J’Marcus Webb, De’Ondre Wesley

 

..... Smith and Haeg are locks. Webb and Wesley are cut though Webb makes it tough on Clark.

 

CURRENT DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

 

Left Defensive End: Jabaal Sheard, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Carroll Phillips, Jegs Jegede*

 

..... Things get really intetesting on this side of the ball at EVERY level. Sheard is a lock. Muhammad, Phillips and Jegede all fight for a spot.

 

Defensive Tackle: Denico Autry, Tyquan Lewis, Jihad Ward, Jordan Thompson*, Johnny Robinson*

 

..... Autry, Lewis and Ward are locks. Thompson and Robinson are fighting for the PS.

 

Nose Tackle: Margus Hunt, Grover Stewart, Sterling Shippy*

 

..... Hunt and Sweart are locks. Shippy is fighting for the PS.

 

Right Defensive End: Justin Houston, Kemoko Turay, Gerri Green*

 

..... Houston and Turay are locks, Green will be fighting with Muhammad and Phillips for a spot.

 

WILL Linebacker: Darius Leonard, EJ Speed*, Ahmad Thomas

 

..... Leonard and Speed are locks. Thomas is fighting for 1 spot likely.

 

MIKE Linebacker: Anthony Walker, Bobby Okereke*, Skai Moore

 

..... Walker and Okereke are locks and Moore is fighting for 1 last spot.

 

SAM Linebacker: Ben Banogu*, Matthew Adams, Zaire Franklin, Tre Thomas*

 

..... Banogu is a lock with Adams, Franklin and Thomas fighting for the 6th and possibly 7th spot.

 

Cornerback: Kenny Moore, Nate Hairston, Chris Milton, Marvell Tell*, D.J. Killings, Shakai Taylor*, Pierre Desir, Quincy Wilson, Rock Ya-Sin*, Jalen Collins, Jamal Peters*

 

..... Moore, Wilson, Ya-Sin, Tell and Desir are locks. Everyone else is fighting for the last spot and possibly the PS. My money is on Collins with Adams and Taylor to the PS.

 

Strong Safety: Clayton Geathers, Khari Willis*, George Odum, Derrick Kindred

 

..... Here's the tricky part, the FO let Geathers walk and ONLY re-signed him to a 1 year contract.....Odum and Willis are Ballard's guys and Kindred is pretty talented himself. I'll go out on a limb and say Odum and Willis are locks. Kindred, Geathers and Farley are all fighting for 1 spot largely due to Tell's presence as a FS/CB.

 

Free Safety: Malik Hooker, Matthias Farley, Roland Milligan

 

..... Hooker is a lock, Milligan is a jag and Farley fights for the last safety spot - largely due to Tell' s presence as a FS/CB.

 

Specialists: LS-Luke Rhodes, P-Rigoberto Sanchez, K-Adam Vinatieri, K-Cole Hedlund*,

 

..... Same as always, Hedlund gets cut to save Vinny's leg.

 

So I'm predicting 42 spots are locks, leaving 11 active spots and 10 practice squad spots out of the current 90 man roster. 

 

We all know Ballard isn't shy about signing a waiver wire player, though keep in mind we are way down on the list this year (26th vs 3rd) like we were last year.

 

I also believe our 20 year run of an UDFA will come to an end this year. The only perceived opportunity may be Dulin or Hart as designated kick returners/wide receiver.

 

[Smonroe]

Not sure I agree with a couple “locks” but this is a great summary of where we stand right now.  

 

Like everyone else, I’m really excited for this season.  Trying to temper my expectations and and enjoy the ride.  

[krunk]

I think Clayton Geathers is a better athlete than Khari Willis and most likely a better ball player. Athlete wise i believe Willis is on par with John Lynch. Lynch was known to have a high football IQ along with the great tackling. Thats who he comps to in terms of being an athlete. He moves like Lynch to me without all the production of course. Or that other little hard nose safety they used to have with the Bears years ago named Mike Brown i believe. I dont believe he will make any more plays on the ball (turnovers) than Clayton. Only reason Clayton got a 1 year deal is due to injury concerns. I believe Ballard said as much.  Wouldn't be surprised to see him come back if he stays on the field this year. Ballard did say he was a big Geathers fan. I believe the spot is Claytons as long as he's healthy.

[Two_pound]

I think Milton makes the team because of his special teams play. He is by far our best cover man on punts. I also agree on Odum, I think he makes the team and will really step up this year like Kenny Moore did last year in his 2nd season. If Peters or Taylor come in and dominate in training camp the corner position final cutdown will be very interesting.

[WoolMagnet]

Why do i seem to be only one Thinking Boehm will be back?

Am i confused?  Why do i think hes a great option to backup Kelly?  Am i missing someone?  Is it because Boehm is a one trick pony (C), and others are more flexible at G/c?

I thought he did well stepping in.  At least better than the previous 10 or 15 guys did before Kelly.  Haha

 

[WoolMagnet]

1 hour ago, Two_pound said:

I think Milton makes the team because of his special teams play. He is by far our best cover man on punts. I also agree on Odum, I think he makes the team and will really step up this year like Kenny Moore did last year in his 2nd season. If Peters or Taylor come in and dominate in training camp the corner position final cutdown will be very interesting.

Yea, but if that happens, odds are we'll have a bad-butt back end of the Defense   

  I just have a feeling we're gonna fall in love with this young, fast, confident defense.  Just a gut feeling there will be moments watching this D that you will catch yourself giggling like a child.

The same excitement we are feeling is felt by Colt players, coaches, management, etc.   Something feels different.  Better than the usual pre-camp of xcitement.

you've gotta be deaf, dumb, and blind to not notice the trajectory  of this team.

[richard pallo]

Ballard traded up 20 spots to get Willis.  He likes Gaethers but he really likes Willis.  Clayton can not afford to miss any time.  If he does Willis will most likely secure the spot and will not give it back IMO.  The best outcome is they both stay healthy and may the best man win.  

[Introspect]

Chuck Pagano commented about "tough cuts" in August of 2014...

 

"We said from day one it was going to be extremely difficult because we felt like the 90-man roster this year compared to year one is a heck of a lot different," Pagano said. "We're deeper at every position, we've got more competition at every position. Everybody says, ‘Hey, getting to 75 is easy, and 53 is much tougher.' We let go of some good football players, some really good football players yesterday. It wouldn't surprise me to see any of those guys get picked up probably sooner than later."

 

We believed this before... Lets wait until training camp and Preseason before deciding if cuts to 53 will be "tough".

 

BTW we got to the AFC Championship game that season and finished 11-5.... Hope this is 2014 season repeated

[NewEra]

Going to be some real tough cuts. Guys we definitely do t want to see go and most likely snatched up by other teams quick 

[Creekside]

Maybe I'm missing the point, but I don't see a great surplus of talent being trimmed from the roster more so than any other year.

[Smonroe]

1 minute ago, egg said:

Maybe I'm missing the point, but I don't see a great surplus of talent being trimmed from the roster more so than any other year.

 

You’re generally correct.  I think the difference from the past years is that a few of our cuts may actually be picked up.  Usually we’re looking for other teams discards.

 

We can’t say there’s a wealth of talent when a lot of the guys haven’t proven themselves yet.  More like a lot of potential.   

 

I’m sure there are a lot of fans for other teams thinking the same thing.  

[LockeDown]

4 hours ago, WoolMagnet said:

Why do i seem to be only one Thinking Boehm will be back?

Am i confused?  Why do i think hes a great option to backup Kelly?  Am i missing someone?  Is it because Boehm is a one trick pony (C), and others are more flexible at G/c?

I thought he did well stepping in.  At least better than the previous 10 or 15 guys did before Kelly.  Haha

 

NO, I agree with you unless they believe our last round pick out of Ole Miss will make him expendable.  They told him center and his bio said he played all positions on the line. 

[LJpalmbeacher2]

We have so much talent, and can't keep them all, that the other 31 GM's may be treating our cuts as a opportunity to upgrade their rosters like the Draft & Free Agency periods. 

[Matthew Gilbert]

6 hours ago, krunk said:

I think Clayton Geathers is a better athlete than Khari Willis and most likely a better ball player. Athlete wise i believe Willis is on par with John Lynch. Lynch was known to have a high football IQ along with the great tackling

Likely future HOFer John Lynch or Clayton Geathers? Which one would you want on your team? Not that I'm not a Geathers fan but better athletes don't always make better football players ie T.J.Green...

[krunk]

49 minutes ago, Matthew Gilbert said:

Likely future HOFer John Lynch or Clayton Geathers? Which one would you want on your team? Not that I'm not a Geathers fan but better athletes don't always make better football players ie 

Between Geathers and Willis I think Geathers is the better ball player and a better athlete. Yes I do. Injuries have been the biggest issue. I dont believe Willis will be that much of an upgrade in any area from Clayton if any. We will see when the pads get on. The Lynch comment was only based on the style of athlete. Smart and tough, but his athleticism doesn't jump out at you. Thats how Lynch was. Lynch was a better striker than Willis though. I dont think Willis equals Lynch in terms of "Oh he is going to be and produce like John Lynch" Way too much too soon.

[Scott Pennock]

2 hours ago, Introspect said:

Chuck Pagano commented about "tough cuts" in August of 2014...

 

"We said from day one it was going to be extremely difficult because we felt like the 90-man roster this year compared to year one is a heck of a lot different," Pagano said. "We're deeper at every position, we've got more competition at every position. Everybody says, ‘Hey, getting to 75 is easy, and 53 is much tougher.' We let go of some good football players, some really good football players yesterday. It wouldn't surprise me to see any of those guys get picked up probably sooner than later."

 

We believed this before... Lets wait until training camp and Preseason before deciding if cuts to 53 will be "tough".

 

BTW we got to the AFC Championship game that season and finished 11-5.... Hope this is 2014 season repeated

Never believed it then....that was coach speak and he was good at it. 

 

As the OP this was my opinion based off of current talent levels plus what was added.

 

 

[NewColtsFan]

5 hours ago, WoolMagnet said:

Why do i seem to be only one Thinking Boehm will be back?

Am i confused?  Why do i think hes a great option to backup Kelly?  Am i missing someone?  Is it because Boehm is a one trick pony (C), and others are more flexible at G/c?

I thought he did well stepping in.  At least better than the previous 10 or 15 guys did before Kelly.  Haha

 

 

You’re not the only one.  Evan has other fans here too.    (His last name autocorrects wrong).  

[NewColtsFan]

7 hours ago, krunk said:

I think Clayton Geathers is a better athlete than Khari Willis and most likely a better ball player. Athlete wise i believe Willis is on par with John Lynch. Lynch was known to have a high football IQ along with the great tackling. Thats who he comps to in terms of being an athlete. He moves like Lynch to me without all the production of course. Or that other little hard nose safety they used to have with the Bears years ago named Mike Brown i believe. I dont believe he will make any more plays on the ball (turnovers) than Clayton. Only reason Clayton got a 1 year deal is due to injury concerns. I believe Ballard said as much.  Wouldn't be surprised to see him come back if he stays on the field this year. Ballard did say he was a big Geathers fan. I believe the spot is Claytons as long as he's healthy.

 

I dont know if you know the full John Lynch story?   Arriving at Stanford out of high school, he played quarterback AND baseball.

 

How many young kids do you know who do both, and are NOT good athletes?   I think you’re vastly underrating Lynch’s athleticism.  Yes, he had a high football IQ, but he was much more than that.

 

By the way, for a smart guy, I think Lynch is not showing himself to be a very good GM so far.  

[krunk]

1 minute ago, NewColtsFan said:

 

I dont know if you know the full John Lynch story?   Arriving at Stanford out of high school, he played quarterback AND baseball.

 

How many young kids do you know who do both, and are NOT good athletes?   I think you’re vastly underrating Lynch’s athleticism.  Yes, he had a high football IQ, but he was much more than that.

 

By the way, for a smart guy, I think Lynch is not showing himself to be a very good GM so far.  

When comparing him to other NFL safeties at the SS position no he wasn't that great of an athlete. He was a pure zone player. You would never play man with him, or play him in centerfield like some of these other guys. When he made plays on the ball it was usually him prediagnosing before it happened.  Great player but I dont think he will be remembered for freak athletic traits. And as far as smarts are concerned everybody in here knows there is a major difference between football smarts and off the field endeavours. Matt Millen is a great reminder of that. I haven't followed San Fran that closely but it seems they are prepared to be a better team this year.

[HectorRoberts]

3 hours ago, egg said:

Maybe I'm missing the point, but I don't see a great surplus of talent being trimmed from the roster more so than any other year.

There probably isn’t more talent getting cut than normal. There are just going to be guys that had significant roles and lots of playing time last year that will be getting the boot this season 

[NewColtsFan]

1 hour ago, krunk said:

When comparing him to other NFL safeties at the SS position no he wasn't that great of an athlete. He was a pure zone player. You would never play man with him, or play him in centerfield like some of these other guys. When he made plays on the ball it was usually him prediagnosing before it happened.  Great player but I dont think he will be remembered for freak athletic traits. And as far as smarts are concerned everybody in here knows there is a major difference between football smarts and off the field endeavours. Matt Millen is a great reminder of that. I haven't followed San Fran that closely but it seems they are prepared to be a better team this year.

 

I never called Lynch a freak athlete...   but I certainly think he’s at least as good as Geathers (who I like) and more likely he’s even better. 

 

Just a different perspective. 

[Scott Pennock]

10 hours ago, krunk said:

I think Clayton Geathers is a better athlete than Khari Willis and most likely a better ball player. Athlete wise i believe Willis is on par with John Lynch. Lynch was known to have a high football IQ along with the great tackling. Thats who he comps to in terms of being an athlete. He moves like Lynch to me without all the production of course. Or that other little hard nose safety they used to have with the Bears years ago named Mike Brown i believe. I dont believe he will make any more plays on the ball (turnovers) than Clayton. Only reason Clayton got a 1 year deal is due to injury concerns. I believe Ballard said as much.  Wouldn't be surprised to see him come back if he stays on the field this year. Ballard did say he was a big Geathers fan. I believe the spot is Claytons as long as he's healthy.

Per measurables, Geathers is the superior athlete and well respected in the locker room. I believe in him more than most, especially coming back from the neck injury.

 

However, Ballard and Company drafted Willis for a reason and they also LOVE Odum (whose measurables are better than Geathers). They also like Hooker and Farley and the free agent Kindred.

 

But alas, 2 likely have to be cut....

[JPFolks]

12 hours ago, WoolMagnet said:

Why do i seem to be only one Thinking Boehm will be back?

Am i confused?  Why do i think hes a great option to backup Kelly?  Am i missing someone?  Is it because Boehm is a one trick pony (C), and others are more flexible at G/c?

I thought he did well stepping in.  At least better than the previous 10 or 15 guys did before Kelly.  Haha

 

I agree with you that I wouldn't count him out.  If he is clearly superior at Center responsibilities (line calls etc.) that should hold a lot of weight and it sure seems like in a mass injury scenario that he could cover the guard slot.  

 

Which would you guys rather have, a stronger Guard back up or a stronger Center back up? I'd lean Center.  

3 hours ago, Scott Pennock said:

Per measurables, Geathers is the superior athlete and well respected in the locker room. I believe in him more than most, especially coming back from the neck injury.

 

However, Ballard and Company drafted Willis for a reason and they also LOVE Odum (whose measurables are better than Geathers). They also like Hooker and Farley and the free agent Kindred.

 

But alas, 2 likely have to be cut....

You're right.. it will be a brutal cut this year. 

[JPFolks]

@Scott Pennock it's funny, when I first saw this post I thought you were referring to the D-line keeping people off of Leonard this year.  

[Scott Pennock]

2 hours ago, JPFolks said:

@Scott Pennock it's funny, when I first saw this post I thought you were referring to the D-line keeping people off of Leonard this year.  

Now that you mention it, it could come off that way! Lol

[horseshoecrabs]

After rebuilding last year, we are on paper, in a good spot, so to speak. But we wont really know for sure until this next season is over, if we are still on the right tract. This is only conjecture, based on if we progress, and build on last's years success. We started out slow last year obviously, And we have to start out better this year. We wont be sneaking up on anyone this year, with teams over looking us, as a threat. With the harder schedule this year it's going to be a true test as to where we really stand as a unit. but, I feel good about us rising to the task.  

 

[jameszeigler834]

16 hours ago, krunk said:

I think Clayton Geathers is a better athlete than Khari Willis and most likely a better ball player. Athlete wise i believe Willis is on par with John Lynch. Lynch was known to have a high football IQ along with the great tackling. Thats who he comps to in terms of being an athlete. He moves like Lynch to me without all the production of course. Or that other little hard nose safety they used to have with the Bears years ago named Mike Brown i believe. I dont believe he will make any more plays on the ball (turnovers) than Clayton. Only reason Clayton got a 1 year deal is due to injury concerns. I believe Ballard said as much.  Wouldn't be surprised to see him come back if he stays on the field this year. Ballard did say he was a big Geathers fan. I believe the spot is Claytons as long as he's healthy.

Lynch is a HOF player if Geathers gets hurt again he will be done as a colt I believe.

[ProblChld32]

I think people are giving Willis more praise than he deserves right now. We get it he was a team captain and leader but you can make that case about ALL of the guys they drafted. Most of those guys were captains and leaders on their respective teams. I’ve watched Willis tape and I honestly don’t see anything that jumps out to me or wow’s me. IMO he was brought in to match up against TE’s and RB’s out of the backfield in nickel and dime situations. I don’t for see him starting over Geathers unless an injury occurs and even then I think Farley gets the nod over Willis as I have Farley making the team. 

[chad72]

This forum is way too high on Deon Cain and Fountain as well. Let us see them play and don't be shocked if both of them are sent packing.

[shasta519]

Why is Patterson replacing Boehm? That doesn’t seem likely at all.

[CurBeatElite]

On 5/11/2019 at 11:03 PM, Scott Pennock said:

Every year since Halloween of 1987 when I became a fan (the Dickerson trade) I've waited for an off-season like this one. This will be the first year, in my eyes at least, that there will be solid AND/OR fan favorite players released come cut down day. To me, that is a great sign that we've reached a talent level that affords that opportunity.

 

CURRENT OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

 

Quarterbacks: Andrew Luck, Jacoby Brissett, Phillip Walker

 

..... Walker will be cut and likely replaced on the PS eventually.

 

Running Backs: Marlon Mack, Nyheim Hines, Jordan Wilkins, Spencer Ware, Jonathan Williams

 

..... The only true competition is between Ware and Williams. If Ware is healthy he likely wins the spot.

 

Wide Receiver: T.Y. Hilton, Parris Campbell*, Chester Rogers, Marcus Johnson, Steve Ishmael, Penny Hart*, Devin Funchess, Zach Pascal, Deon Cain, Reece Fountain, Krishawn Hogan, Jordan Veasy, Ashton Dulin*

 

..... Hilton, Funchess, Campbell and Cain are virtual locks.

 

Fountain essentially redshirted last year and even though he dropped that TD let's not forget the double move he made to be so wide open!

 

The rest are all fighting with Fountain for the remaining 1-2 spots plus practice squad spots - likely Dulin and Hart.

 

Tight End: Eric Ebron, Ross Travis, Gabe Holmes, Jack Doyle, Mo Alie-Cox, Billy Brown, Hale Hentges*

 

..... Ebron, Doyle and Ali-Cox are locks. If they carry 4 then the uber athlete Travis gets the spot. Brown and Hentges to the PS.

 

Left Tackle: Anthony Castonzo, Le’Raven Clark, Jackson Barton*, Antonio Garcia

 

.... Here's where things get interesting. Will Garcia show his full potential 2 years removed from his blood cl.ots? Will they stash Jackson on the PS squad and learn and keep Clark one more year? Castonzo is the only lock.

 

Left Guard: Quenton Nelson, William Poehls

 

..... Nelson is a lock. Poehls is camp fodder, nothing else.

 

Center: Ryan Kelly, Evan Boehm, Javon Patterson*

 

..... Kelly is a lock and I believe Patterson replaces Boehm.

 

Right Guard: Mark Glowinski, Josh Andrews

 

..... Glowinski is a lock. Andrews is cut in favor of both Patterson and Haeg (asca swing tackle/guard).

 

Right Tackle: Braden Smith, Joe Haeg, J’Marcus Webb, De’Ondre Wesley

 

..... Smith and Haeg are locks. Webb and Wesley are cut though Webb makes it tough on Clark.

 

CURRENT DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

 

Left Defensive End: Jabaal Sheard, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Carroll Phillips, Jegs Jegede*

 

..... Things get really intetesting on this side of the ball at EVERY level. Sheard is a lock. Muhammad, Phillips and Jegede all fight for a spot.

 

Defensive Tackle: Denico Autry, Tyquan Lewis, Jihad Ward, Jordan Thompson*, Johnny Robinson*

 

..... Autry, Lewis and Ward are locks. Thompson and Robinson are fighting for the PS.

 

Nose Tackle: Margus Hunt, Grover Stewart, Sterling Shippy*

 

..... Hunt and Sweart are locks. Shippy is fighting for the PS.

 

Right Defensive End: Justin Houston, Kemoko Turay, Gerri Green*

 

..... Houston and Turay are locks, Green will be fighting with Muhammad and Phillips for a spot.

 

WILL Linebacker: Darius Leonard, EJ Speed*, Ahmad Thomas

 

..... Leonard and Speed are locks. Thomas is fighting for 1 spot likely.

 

MIKE Linebacker: Anthony Walker, Bobby Okereke*, Skai Moore

 

..... Walker and Okereke are locks and Moore is fighting for 1 last spot.

 

SAM Linebacker: Ben Banogu*, Matthew Adams, Zaire Franklin, Tre Thomas*

 

..... Banogu is a lock with Adams, Franklin and Thomas fighting for the 6th and possibly 7th spot.

 

Cornerback: Kenny Moore, Nate Hairston, Chris Milton, Marvell Tell*, D.J. Killings, Shakai Taylor*, Pierre Desir, Quincy Wilson, Rock Ya-Sin*, Jalen Collins, Jamal Peters*

 

..... Moore, Wilson, Ya-Sin, Tell and Desir are locks. Everyone else is fighting for the last spot and possibly the PS. My money is on Collins with Adams and Taylor to the PS.

 

Strong Safety: Clayton Geathers, Khari Willis*, George Odum, Derrick Kindred

 

..... Here's the tricky part, the FO let Geathers walk and ONLY re-signed him to a 1 year contract.....Odum and Willis are Ballard's guys and Kindred is pretty talented himself. I'll go out on a limb and say Odum and Willis are locks. Kindred, Geathers and Farley are all fighting for 1 spot largely due to Tell's presence as a FS/CB.

 

Free Safety: Malik Hooker, Matthias Farley, Roland Milligan

 

..... Hooker is a lock, Milligan is a jag and Farley fights for the last safety spot - largely due to Tell' s presence as a FS/CB.

 

Specialists: LS-Luke Rhodes, P-Rigoberto Sanchez, K-Adam Vinatieri, K-Cole Hedlund*,

 

..... Same as always, Hedlund gets cut to save Vinny's leg.

 

So I'm predicting 42 spots are locks, leaving 11 active spots and 10 practice squad spots out of the current 90 man roster. 

 

We all know Ballard isn't shy about signing a waiver wire player, though keep in mind we are way down on the list this year (26th vs 3rd) like we were last year.

 

I also believe our 20 year run of an UDFA will come to an end this year. The only perceived opportunity may be Dulin or Hart as designated kick returners/wide receiver.

 

 

Like Ballard said in the post-draft press conference: "You know you're doing it right when the guys you have to cut between 65 and 53 go on and play for other teams.  I don't know if we're there yet, but we're getting close."  I think we'll see at least 5 guys we cut get signed and make a 53 man roster elsewhere, which is pretty impressive.

 

I think the biggest unknown right now is health and whether or not some guys will be the same as they used to be.  Can Cain come back fully healthy?  Can Farley come back fully healthy?  Can Geathers stay healthy? Will Doyle be able to step on the field early in the season? How about Jihad Ward, Ross Travis, Antonio Garcia and D'Marcus Webb?  Will everyone else who has been relatively healthy remain healthy?

 

In terms of UDFA making the 53, I tend to agree with you that there is a strong chance of it ending this year.  The few guys I think have the best shot are Hale Hentges (especially if Doyle isn't fully healthy and Ross Travis isn't back to his old self), Jegs Jegeles (I think he's a PS guy, but he literally has almost the same exact build as Autry), Jamal Peters and Shakial Taylor (these guys both fit the mold Ballard wants out of our CBs).  

 

 

On 5/12/2019 at 8:30 AM, richard pallo said:

Ballard traded up 20 spots to get Willis.  He likes Gaethers but he really likes Willis.  Clayton can not afford to miss any time.  If he does Willis will most likely secure the spot and will not give it back IMO.  The best outcome is they both stay healthy and may the best man win.  

 

With the athleticism we have on our current roster and with many of our young guys having another year of experience (we had 2 rookies and a second year player as our LBs last year, pretty remarkable), I think we'll see Eberflus throw more wrinkles into this defense (we played pretty vanilla on D most of last year, and I think a major part of that was due to lack of overall talent, which we seem to have addressed and a lot of guys being very young or playing in that specific system for the first time). 

 

I think Geathers/Willis are likely to interchange between SS and dime CB.  Both are thick and should be able to match up well with TEs 1-on-1.

 

Geathers was a team captain last year and Ballard really likes him.  He just needs to stay healthy, that's his major issue.

 

 

16 hours ago, jameszeigler834 said:

Lynch is a HOF player if Geathers gets hurt again he will be done as a colt I believe.

 

If Geathers gets hurt again, he might be done in the NFL.  His neck injury was no joke and at the time, a lot of people didn't know if he'd make it back at all.  As more and more education comes out about long-term effects on injuries/concussions/etc. we are starting to see guys walk away from football younger knowing it's not worth it to risk the chance of not being able to function shortly after leaving the NFL.

 

For his sake, I hope Geathers stays healthy and is back to full form.  However, for his future, if he has another neck injury it may be best to hang it up and be able to have a fully functional life throughout his 30's.

 

55 minutes ago, chad72 said:

This forum is way too high on Deon Cain and Fountain as well. Let us see them play and don't be shocked if both of them are sent packing.

 

I tend to agree.  Cain had a few nice moments in pre-season, but he's never played against top NFL talent or in a regular season NFL game.  He's a fairly speedy/quick WR coming off a blown knee.  He'll have to prove he's fully healthy, has his physical assets back and can play with confidence he was seemingly playing with prior to injury and he'll have to stay healthy.