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I’ll keep this short and sweet.
This is a VERY early 53-man roster projection - more so to give us something to debate and discuss in the dull-drums of the NFL offseason. Things wil certainly change between now and the final week of the preseason.
I have us with a 25/25 offensive/defensive split. My projected starters are listed in BOLD.
QB (3):
- Ryan Fitzpatrick
- Kyle Allen
- Taylor Heinicke
RB (4):
- Antonio Gibson
- JD McKissic
- Lamar Miller
- Peyton Barber
WR (6)
- Terry McLaurin
- Curtis Samuel
- Dyami Brown
- Adam Humphries
- Cam Sims
- Kelvin Harmon
TE (3)
- Logan Thomas
- Deon Yelder
- John Bates
OL (9)
- Morgan Moses (T)
- Samuel Cosmi (T)
- Charles Leno Jr (T)
- Cornelius Lucas (T)
- Brandon Scherff (G)
- Ereck Flowers (G)
- Saahdiq Charles (T/G)
- Wes Schweitzer (G/C)
- Chase Roullier (C)
Defense
DL (5)
- Jonathan Allen
- Daron Payne
- Matt Ioannidis
- Tim Settle
- Devaroe Lawrence
EDGE (4)
- Chase Young
- Montez Sweat
- James Smith-Williams
- Casey Toohill
LB (6)
- Jamin Davis
- Cole Holcomb
- Jon Bostic
- Khaleke Hudson
- Shaka Toney
- David Mayo
CB (5)
- William Jackson III
- Kendall Fuller
- Jimmy Moreland
- Benjamin St-Juste
- Darryl Roberts
S (5)
- Bobby McCain
- Landon Collins
- Kamren Curl
- Deshazor Everett
- Darrick Forrest
Special Teams:
- Tress Way (P)
- Dustin Hopkins (K)
- Camaron Cheesman (LS)
Practice Squad:
- Steven Montez
- Isaiah Wright
- Dax Milne
- Jaret Patterson
- Keith Ismael
- Beau Benzschawel
- Sammis Reyes
- Temarrick Hemmingway
- William Bradley-King
- Greg Stroman
*I left some open spots on the PS as we’ll probably sign a few other teams release
Notes:
- Wide receiver was a tough decision for me - basically who to keep at WR6. In my opinion, a healthy (which is really the key here) Harmon beats out Gandy-Golden (who I left off the PS because I feel he’ll be claimed).
- Given the depth and versatility, I have us keeping nine offensive lineman. We kept 10 last year, but didn’t have this type of depth.
- I have Shaka Toney listed with the linebackers, but he could also see time as a situational EDGE. My hope, is that he wins the SAM position as a rookie (yeah, I know...high hopes). This is also why I have six LB’ers on the 53 - as Toney can be viewed as both.
- Five safeties may seem like a lot, but there was no way I’m leaving a healthy Everett (our best special teamer) off squad, and I feel Forrest will impress as a rookie and the staff will not want to subject him to waivers. Also, McCain can play some slot corner as well.