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MacMahon - Version 3.0: 53-man roster projection
Version 3.0: 53-man roster projection
August, 2, 2010
By Tim MacMahon
Patrick Crayton’s job security improved the instant Dez Bryant was injured, forcing a couple of tweaks to this week’s 53-man roster projection.
QUARTERBACKS (3): Tony Romo, Jon Kitna, Stephen McGee
The Cowboys are comfortable with Kitna as Romo’s backup. “I really think we’ve got a gem there in that he could start for a lot of teams,” Wade Phillips said in a case of exaggeration.
RUNNING BACKS (3): Felix Jones, Marion Barber, Tashard Choice
If a team ravaged by running back injuries (Denver Broncos) wants Choice, they better be prepared to make a significant offer.
FULLBACKS (1): Deon Anderson
Anderson is far from a roster lock. The Cowboys could opt for undrafted rookie Chris Gronkowski or go without a true fullback, using tight end John Phillips when they need a lead blocker.
TIGHT ENDS (3): Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett, John Phillips
Phillips has made major strides as a receiver, but Bennett is still the clear-cut No. 2. The front office is convinced that Bennett will fulfill his immense potential.
WIDE RECEIVERS (6): Miles Austin, Roy Williams, Dez Bryant, Patrick Crayton, Kevin Ogletree, Sam Hurd
The value of “Allstate” Crayton as an insurance policy spiked when Bryant went down. Hurd makes a big enough impact on special teams to justify keeping six receivers.
OFFENSIVE LINE (10): Andre Gurode, Leonard Davis, Kyle Kosier, Marc Colombo, Doug Free, Alex Barron, Robert Brewster, Montrae Holland, Sam Young, Travis Bright
The young depth needs to be upgraded next year. It’s hard to envision Brewster, Young or Bright blossoming into starters.
NOSE TACKLES (2): Jay Ratliff, Josh Brent
The hope is that Brent can push Junior Siavii off the roster. The supplemental seventh-rounder will have to earn a spot with a cast on his hand.
DEFENSIVE ENDS (4): Igor Olshansky, Marcus Spears, Stephen Bowen, Jason Hatcher
None of these guys are stars, but the Cowboys have four starter-quality defensive ends.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS (5): DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer, Brandon Williams, Victor Butler, Steve Octavien
Octavien doesn’t figure into the rotation behind Spencer and Ware, but he’s probably the best special teams player among the 53rd man candidates.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS (4): Bradie James, Keith Brooking, Sean Lee, Jason Williams
Lee looks like close to a lock to be the nickel/dime linebacker despite missing almost a week due to a strained quadriceps. Williams has great speed, but he’s slow to react in pass coverage.
CORNERBACKS (4): Mike Jenkins, Terence Newman, Orlando Scandrick, Cletis Gordon
Gordon has distanced a bit from the pack of guys competing for the fourth cornerback job. He’s been better than rookies Jamar Wall and Bryan McCann.
SAFETIES (5): Gerald Sensabaugh, Alan Ball, Michael Hamlin, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Barry Church
While Pat Watkins nurses a knee injury, Church has performed well. Church can earn a job by playing well on special teams during the preseason.
SPECIALISTS (3): Mat McBriar, David Buehler, L.P. Ladouceur
Version 3.0: 53-man roster projection
August, 2, 2010
By Tim MacMahon
Patrick Crayton’s job security improved the instant Dez Bryant was injured, forcing a couple of tweaks to this week’s 53-man roster projection.
QUARTERBACKS (3): Tony Romo, Jon Kitna, Stephen McGee
The Cowboys are comfortable with Kitna as Romo’s backup. “I really think we’ve got a gem there in that he could start for a lot of teams,” Wade Phillips said in a case of exaggeration.
RUNNING BACKS (3): Felix Jones, Marion Barber, Tashard Choice
If a team ravaged by running back injuries (Denver Broncos) wants Choice, they better be prepared to make a significant offer.
FULLBACKS (1): Deon Anderson
Anderson is far from a roster lock. The Cowboys could opt for undrafted rookie Chris Gronkowski or go without a true fullback, using tight end John Phillips when they need a lead blocker.
TIGHT ENDS (3): Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett, John Phillips
Phillips has made major strides as a receiver, but Bennett is still the clear-cut No. 2. The front office is convinced that Bennett will fulfill his immense potential.
WIDE RECEIVERS (6): Miles Austin, Roy Williams, Dez Bryant, Patrick Crayton, Kevin Ogletree, Sam Hurd
The value of “Allstate” Crayton as an insurance policy spiked when Bryant went down. Hurd makes a big enough impact on special teams to justify keeping six receivers.
OFFENSIVE LINE (10): Andre Gurode, Leonard Davis, Kyle Kosier, Marc Colombo, Doug Free, Alex Barron, Robert Brewster, Montrae Holland, Sam Young, Travis Bright
The young depth needs to be upgraded next year. It’s hard to envision Brewster, Young or Bright blossoming into starters.
NOSE TACKLES (2): Jay Ratliff, Josh Brent
The hope is that Brent can push Junior Siavii off the roster. The supplemental seventh-rounder will have to earn a spot with a cast on his hand.
DEFENSIVE ENDS (4): Igor Olshansky, Marcus Spears, Stephen Bowen, Jason Hatcher
None of these guys are stars, but the Cowboys have four starter-quality defensive ends.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS (5): DeMarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer, Brandon Williams, Victor Butler, Steve Octavien
Octavien doesn’t figure into the rotation behind Spencer and Ware, but he’s probably the best special teams player among the 53rd man candidates.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS (4): Bradie James, Keith Brooking, Sean Lee, Jason Williams
Lee looks like close to a lock to be the nickel/dime linebacker despite missing almost a week due to a strained quadriceps. Williams has great speed, but he’s slow to react in pass coverage.
CORNERBACKS (4): Mike Jenkins, Terence Newman, Orlando Scandrick, Cletis Gordon
Gordon has distanced a bit from the pack of guys competing for the fourth cornerback job. He’s been better than rookies Jamar Wall and Bryan McCann.
SAFETIES (5): Gerald Sensabaugh, Alan Ball, Michael Hamlin, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Barry Church
While Pat Watkins nurses a knee injury, Church has performed well. Church can earn a job by playing well on special teams during the preseason.
SPECIALISTS (3): Mat McBriar, David Buehler, L.P. Ladouceur