Now that the draft is over, we have a new roster to ponder. In addition to the draft, the front office has been busy signing some of the undrafted free agent talent too. Right now it appears we have some 78 players on the roster, and as we all know, it needs to be down to 53 (+10 practice squad) by the regular season. So, how many of the 53 positions are really in play?
In the graphics below, I have highlighted the first column of cells red to indicate the number of positions I think will be on the roster for that grouping, the green highlights players I think are locked in, yellow indicates players I think are likely, and white are the players I think are vying for a regular or practice squad spot.
Special Teams
Here is an easy one to start. I don’t think there is much chance of this group changing, barring injury or some sort of trade. This takes us from 53 to 50 spots available.
Quarterbacks
This should be another easy one. I think we all know how this will turn out. Now we are down to 47 open spots remaining.
Running Backs
Here is where things start to get a bit more interesting. Although there are some familiar names, I am not sold on them remaining. Last year Charcandrick West wasn’t playing at the same level as the year before. Anthony Sherman seems to be getting fewer snaps, but is solid on special teams. We just picked up CJ Spiller, so you would think he has the inside track, but I just don’t know. I think we will keep 4 RBs, with 2 positions pretty well assured. This would take us from 47 down to 45 available positions.
Offensive Line
While I feel pretty confident in the starting lineup being set, I don’t see much locked up behind them. I noted Zach Fulton and Jah Reid as probable, given their history with the team and what I would assume is some chemistry they have built. With these 5, that would take us down to 40 spots still open.
Wide Receivers, TEs
I have grouped the wide receivers with the tight ends here because I wasn’t sure if Andy Reid would want to go with 3 TEs or 4, given how light we are on talent here. (Although, if I were pressed I would say 4. He needs to keep them fresh for the TE Jet Sweep.) What did surprise me a bit here is the number of players that I see as locks. I tried to argue myself out of them, but just couldn’t. With these players in mind we go from 40 to 33 available positions.
Defensive Line
This one is interesting because I was thinking we were pretty thin here with the departure of Dontari Poe and Jaye Howard, but it appears we were able to shore up most of that gap with free agent signings and the draft. This group would take us down to 29 open positions.
All Linebackers
Assuming Derrick Johnson comes back OK, I think the top 5 are pretty much a given. I also feel like the rookie, Ramik Wilson, and Frank Zombo have a good shot at the roster. Wilson and Zombo seem to have gotten onto the field at the end of last season to fill in for injuries. With Reid favoring players that know the system as a deciding factor, it should give them a leg up. If I am right, then we are down from 29 to 24 positions remaining to be filled.
Defensive Backs
I like core group here, but not sure about the bottom four positions. I think the rookie and the free agent, Jimmy Hall, make it. After that, it is anyone’s guess. This last group would take us from 24 to 18 open positions.
What’s the bottom line?
So, here we are talking about 18 positions (what I would say is best-case). If I look back at the “Yellows” that is 15 possibilities to fill the 18 opening. Odds are narrowing for the 43 players remaining. We end up with 43 players vying for 18 positions, with 15 players that seem to have a leg up to start. And, the wonderful thing is this is before we consider any strange releases of top talent, drafted players being released, etc. The next few months should be a fun ride.
While I am sure some of these players will be added to the 10 man practice squad, it still seems like there are too few seats for too many players. May the best man win.
Until next week, there’s The Rub!
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