FanPost

53 man roster prediction 2.0

Was going to wait a couple more preseason games to do another one, but what the hell.

Offense (25)

QB (3)
Carr, Stidham, Mullens

Mullens got a $1M guarantee so many thought he was the lock for QB2. But the player McD knows best (and traded for) clearly has the job. Garber looked good enough to develop on the PS. Mullens could join him or be released outright, he looked pretty bad on Thursday night. But when it's all said and done, expect McD to keep all 3 of the QB vets.

OL (9)

Miller, Simpson, James, Cotton, Leatherwood, Parker, Parham, Eluemenor, Munford

Cotton has been the surprise of camp and all signs point to him being a starter. The former 4 star Alabama recruit turned journeyman UDFA has turned his body, mentality and career completely around. Leatherwood looks ready to be the RT we thought we drafted. All but one in this list is a homegrown player. Great sign that we might have finally turned the corner.

TE (3)
Waller, Moreau, Hollister

Moreau could have a big year playing for his next contract, he'll certainly get plenty of opportunity to do so. How Waller doesn't have a new contract is beyond me, but I think it happens before week 1.

RB (5)
Jacobs, Abdullah, White, Bolden, Johnson (FB)

Abdullah looks fresher and quicker than Drake and got reps with the 1's, Drake with the 2's. Lest not forget he was brought in by the current regime whereas Drake is a carryover. Many don't know that Abdullah was a higher draft pick than Drake so he's no slouch. To be fair, Drake probably isn't 100% after ankle surgery so I hope we stash him on PUP/IR. Either way I think he's the odd man out. Even though they'd eat $3.6M in dead cap to release him (per OTC). Perhaps DZ can swing a trade for a low draft pick? Rumors about a possible Jacobs trade are spreading after he played 11 snaps in a HOF game. It would be a shock as he's such a good player that carried us to the playoffs a year ago. But McD played Sony Michel in NE's preseason last year (another 1st round RB who didn't have the 5th year optioned) and then traded him right before the season. So who knows?

WR (5)
Adams, Renfrow, Hollins, Cole, Robinson

Looks like Hollins starts at WR2 on the outside. He's had a great camp according to beat writers. Cole and Robinson are vets that were brought in by McZ and are decent compliments with NFL production. Speedster Ty Johnson got loads of camp hype but 2 bad drops and falling down on another route in a game reminds us why he hasn't caught on with 5 other teams.

Defense (25)

DL (6)
Hankins, Nichols, Cle Ferrell, Farrell, Mathew Butler, Vernon Butler

Cle has been persona-non-grata in camp. Vic Tafur even went far enough to tweet he has an 'uphill climb to make this roster'. Which is crazy to think for the #4 overall pick in his rookie contract. But no one is trading for him and we're not likely to eat nearly $10M to release him, so he makes this list by default. On the other hand, crazier things have happened. McZ might want to rip the band-aid off now. If so, Kendall Vickers takes his roster spot and deservedly so.

Edge (4)
Crosby, Jones, Koonce, VanValkenburg

This group got shaken up with Fackrell going to IR but VanValkenburg played well enough to perhaps put himself in position to make the 53. He's a versatile 'effort player' that can play ST as well. It's probably still a long-shot. Would be better to make a FA move before the season starts. Tre Flowers would be an ideal fit. Dee Ford was just released as well. Either would be a welcomed addition.

LB (4)

Perryman, Deablo, Brown, Young

Kiser went to IR so Young takes his spot. Lots of camp talk about UDFA Darien Butler but he's got 'Practice Squad' written all over him. Jayon Brown has played well. He might beat out Deablo for the starting spot alongside Perryman.

S (5)

Moehrig, Abram, Gillespie, Harmon, Pola-Mao

Pola-Mao played well in his late appearance getting 70+ grades in both pass and run. He's a big dude with range and speed that looks like he belongs. I am pulling for him to make this roster and contribute on ST and in sub-packages. Bryce Cosby is another UDFA who could sneak on.

CB (6)

Ya-Sin, Averett, Mullen, Hobbs, Phillips, Robertson

VinnyB tweeted that Mullen is close to returning and he better hurry up. Hobbs looks to have taken over the starting CB2 with Phillips playing inside. Rock Ya-Sin has had a great camp and reportedly has been doing well vs Davante in man coverage drills. Overall this group looks solid. Not great, but solid.

Special Teams (3)

Carlson (K), Cole (P), Sieg (LS)

No surprises here. Carlson already banging 55 yarders like it's an extra point. Is he good or what?