Positional Versatility and how it affects our final 53.

[panther4life]

 

 53 players on a roster sounds like a lot but once you do the simple math it really isn't nearly as much as it sounds. 

 

11 starters on offense, 11 starters on defense = 22. Obviously every starter needs at least 1 primary backup in case of injury. 22 starters + their 22 primary back ups = 44. 3 specialist are also required. Kicker, Punter, Long Snapper. Now we are up to 47. This leaves 6 spots left, if you want fair balance 3 on offense and 3 on defense. 

 

Zod was the first to alert us to Remmers sliding over to backup center and rookie Daryl Williams taking his spot at Right Tackle. As Zod has preached, this may lead to Folkerts being expendable as we ultimately cut down to the 53 who are most likely to help this team. “Help”or contribute is actually more accurate than saying we are going to keep the most talented 53 (Boykin is more talented than Chandler at their respective positions, however Boyking being buried behind 5-6 others renders his talent useless in the grand scheme where we can only keep 53).

 

So that being said I thought we could discuss others who add versatility to their game that may make others expendable. Some are self explanatory, others I have bolded how they help.

 

Top candidates in no particular order, IMO are.

 

Colin Jones -Our best gunner on special teams, can play both safety positions if needed as he has the experience, speed and is a pretty sound tackler. In addition we have seem cover the slot receiver as well, reducing the need for nickel corner depth while still filling a backup FS role.

 

Kurt Coleman- Originally brought in as a SS and now he’s slated as our starting FS.

 

A.J Klein. - This guy is not an ideal starter at this point, however he is a very capable backup at all 3 LB positions. 

 

David Mayo- Looked good against the Bills when taking snaps as a MLB. I believe he played the SAM in college, so we know he can play at least 2 LB positions and hopefully fairly well.

 

Ealy and Alexander- I’m grouping these 2 together as their versatility is the same. Both are listed as DE’S, however both have been slid inside on obvious passing downs to boost the overall pass rush from the front 4 while to allow the rest of the D to blitz or drop back in coverage. CJ can do this as well, but I don’t think we will see as much of it, as we need him on the edge more now than ever. This versatility is a big reason why we have never entered the season with more than 4 DT’S to start the season under Rivera. 

 

 

 

Offense

 

Richie Brockel- This dude is not particularly good at FB or TE (pass catching anyway). That being said in a pinch this guy kind fill either role, is good for goal line rush packages. So jn addition to experience this is why he (likely) beats out Lee Ward even if Lee is the better pure Fullback.

 

Tolbert- Can play FB or RB,  which lessens the need for keeping a 4th pure running back.

Again having a guy who can play FB (anyone have any stats on often we utilize the FB position during game situations?) and RB saves us a roster spot in the number of overall players we need in the backfield. If we keep him and Brockel we have guys who can play 2 positions and 1 that is not a position that lines up on every down (FB).

 

Jordan Todman, Again credit to Zod for being the first to alert us to this. I am starting to believe with the versatility of Tolbert that maybe Fozzy loses a spot to this guy even if they end up being ranked dead even in terms of overall talent.  Reason being is Todman adds value in the return game on special teams.

 

Ted Ginn JR., Philly Brown, and maybe Bersin (lets hope not).— Ginn is our PR if healthy, if not it may be one of those other who also play W.R.

 

Greg Olsen and ED Dickson. This applies more to Olsen but both of these guys are tall targets (ideal for Cam) and can also line up off the line of scrimmage, essentially playing the role of a slot receiver. I only mention them as this ability to play off the LOS reduces the need for too many W.R’S

 

Remmers, maybe Silatolu. 

 

So Remmers can play Center and RT. Hopefully Silatolu can not only back up Norwell at LG, but also can step in if Oher gets hurt at LT. If Silatolu can get healthy and prove this, he may very well allow us to cut Chandler. Here is a brief scenario.

 

Say  Oher and Kalil are both out for a game. Our options are Silatolu or Chandler move over to LT. (I hope Silatolu can get healthy and prove to be better than Chandler). Remmers goes to Center. Daryl Williams takes his spot at RT.  The band aide survives a game. 

 

On the flip side lets say it’s Remmers and Kalil who go down this time. Daryl Williams comes in at RT and Folkerts(assuming hes on the roster) replaces Kalil. 

 

So this is why if it comes down to it I’d rather Folkerts over Chandler. One he’s more talented and 2 its better overall insurance for the offensive line. That being said Silatolu needs to get healthy and prove he can be an option to play LT if this nightmare scenario ever arises. 

 

These are things to consider when building the final 53. Where it gets even more complicated is only being allowed 45 active on game day. So while depth is good, being a game day contributor in some form is even more valuable (special teams aces).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[csx]

Webb plays all ST, QB, and WR if needed.

[chknwing]

I'm too lazy to read all that but figured I would show you guys what I just got to wear to the games.

[t96]

I'm too lazy to read all that but figured I would show you guys what I just got to wear to the games.

Just grow a real beard and dye it black and blue...

[chknwing]

Just grow a real beard and dye it black and blue...

aint nobody got time for that

[top dawg]

@panther4life,  Boykin has been a solid special teams contributor in the past.  Just sayin'.  I don't think that's gonna save his ass if he doesn't get it into gear though. 

 

As you alluded to,  all things being equal---or maybe even close---the more versatile player  will get the nod from a purely practical standpoint. 

[MHS831]

If you look back to free agency and the draft, we have focused on special teams, from player acquisitions to coaching moves.  If you are not a starter, in most cases you better be able to play special teams.

I appreciate Panther4life's effort here, and he makes good points.  However, there are not 22 starters with 22 reserves in most cases.  Remmers could cause us to go with one center (remember, Turner could play C in a pinch).  So, if Remmers steps down as a backup RT and C, he may actually be more valuable because he allows the Panthers to carry 9 OL.

I am not sure that Silatolu could not play both sides (damn, I wish he were intelligent)--theoretically, we could carry 8 (Silatolu can play LT, LG, RG)--putting an  OL or 2 on the PS.

I think we carry 9 at least, but we could dress as few as 7.