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We still have some time before final roster cut-downs will take place, but below is my “current” projection for those coveted spots, and some likely practice squad candidates.
As always, it will be interesting to see who performs well in the next week of practice, and who stands out in the final preseason contest against the Ravens.
Offense (24)
*Starters in (S)
QB (3):
- Ryan Fitzpatrick (S)
- Taylor Heinicke
OR
- Kyle Allen
RB (3):
- Antonio Gibson (S)
- Jaret Patterson (Kick Returner)
- J.D. McKissic (3rd down back)
WR (6):
- Terry McLaurin (S)
- Curtis Samuel (S)
- Adam Humphries (S)
- Dyami Brown
- Cam Sims
- Antonio Gandy-Golden
TE (3):
- Logan Thomas (S)
- John Bates
- Sammis Reyes
OL (9):
- Charles Leno Jr. (S)
- Ereck Flowers (S)
- Chase Roullier (S)
- Brandon Scherff (S)
- Sam Cosmi (S)
- Wes Schweitzer
- Saahdiq Charles
- Cornelius Lucas
- Keith Ismael
Defense (26)
*Starters in (S)
EDGE (5):
- Chase Young (S)
- Montez Sweat (S)
- James Smith-Williams
- Casey Toohill
- Shaka Toney
DL (5):
- Jonathan Allen (S)
- Daron Payne (S)
- Matt Ioannidis
- Tim Settle
- Devaroe Lawrence
LB (5):
- Jamin Davis (MIKE) (S)
- Cole Holcomb (SAM) (S)
- Jon Bostic (WILL) (S)
- Khaleke Hudson
- David Mayo
CB (6):
- William Jackson III (S)
- Kendall Fuller (S)
- Benjamin St-Juste
- Jimmy Moreland
- Torry McTyer
- Troy Apke (Special Teams)
S (5):
- Landon Collins (S)
- Kam Curl (S)
- Bobby McCain
- Deshazor Everett
- Jeremy Reaves
Special Teams (3)
K: Dustin Hopkins
P: Tress Way
LS: Camaron Cheeseman
Ideal Practice Squad Candidates:
- Steven Montez (or someone else who they pick up off waivers)
- Dax Milne
- Temarrick Hemingway
- Jonathan Williams
- Wes Martin
- Daniel Wise
- Davis Bada
- William Bradley-King
- Cole Luke
- Darrick Forrest
Notes:
- I didn’t include coach’s pet Peyton Barber on the 53-man roster for three reasons: 1)He’s been outplayed by rookie Jaret Patterson; 2)We also have Curtis Samuel who can/will line up in the backfield; and 3)We can always sign him off the street if someone gets injured.
- I have us keeping six wide receivers (like I have in my other projections), but this time, I have the big-bodied Gandy-Golden, who looked good Friday against the Bengals, in that sixth spot. We have enough slot options with Humphries, Samuel, and even Terry and Brown if needed. I also have Milne reverting to the practice squad.
- The three tight ends is an area I was debating, but I just didn’t see the value of a fourth, and I think we try and get a guy like Hemingway to the practice squad.
- Nine O-lineman is where I have landed, and I’m not changing that. The final spot could be open to debate.
- Four EDGE and five D-Lineman has been my thought, but I added the rookie Toney at EDGE, as I still think he can help at linebacker if needed - and who knows; maybe that will be his best spot eventually. I am torn on Toohill, but he’s a veteran presence in an otherwise young group.
- I know you all are wondering why I have Apke making it at corner. Well, it’s by default - as he’ll be a special teams guy and not much more.
- I do have Reaves making the roster as the fifth safety mainly for special teams, but he can easily be dropped for a fourth running back or tight end.