2 Open Roster Spots - where do we need more depth?

[KB_fan]

OK, so in all the kerfuffle about cutting Boykin, it's a bit easy to lose track of the fact that we started rookie mini camp with 85 players.   Signed 6.  Cut 3.  That leaves us with 88 players on the roster.  We've got 2 open spots left...., though of course there will likely be more surprises... some more cuts as we find better players..., injuries, whatever.

I was a bit surprised to see us add ANOTHER tight end.  That now looks to be the most competitive position going into training camp! 

Here's the position breakdown as of the current roster (May 16th) post tryout-signings.   I've also noted the average roster size for each position group last season, and the potential numbers of players who we'll need to cut at each position and the potential cut % for each position. 

 

So, Huddle: Where do you think we need more depth?

(Obviously the breakdown in # of players per position on the 2016 roster could look different.  Maybe more CBs, fewer RBs...., but I figured seeing the 2015 averages is helpful)

[KB_fan]

For me, I'd have to say Safety & Tackle.  

We've got 6 tackles on the roster right now, but I have very little confidence in 3 of them (Hawkins, Foucault, Rigsbee).  I'd really rather see us keep 4 Tackles on the roster this year.  Both Remmers & Oher are in contract years....

[Jeremy Igo]

I mean, going from 88 to 90 is pretty irrelevant. Ins't likely to effect final 53.

[Bartin]

Probably need to sign another QB just to have an extra arm for camp purposes. Possibly a K as well but Swayze can probably pull double duty as a camp leg since he was a kicker in the CFL.

[L-TownCat]

We gonna be the first team to set the 53 before training camp.

Getts gives no fugs.

[Panther53521]

I say we need a safety and a LT ... we have to many RT's in camp

[KB_fan]

3 minutes ago, Jeremy Igo said:

I mean, going from 88 to 90 is pretty irrelevant. Ins't likely to effect final 53.

Sure.  Totally understand & agree.... just a question of where folks are feeling we're thin or they want to see more competition.

[TheWiz]

Im gonna go with Kicker and Long Snapper... we dont need anybody getting comfortable out there. 

[TheSpecialJuan]

10 minutes ago, KB_fan said:

For me, I'd have to say Safety & Tackle.  

We've got 6 tackles on the roster right now, but I have very little confidence in 3 of them (Hawkins, Foucault, Rigsbee).  I'd really rather see us keep 4 Tackles on the roster this year.  Both Remmers & Oher are in contract years....

We did move Travel Dixon from CB to S.

Anyway, another OT is a must. Possibly Wil Beatty?

[MHS831]

12 minutes ago, KB_fan said:

For me, I'd have to say Safety & Tackle.  

We've got 6 tackles on the roster right now, but I have very little confidence in 3 of them (Hawkins, Foucault, Rigsbee).  I'd really rather see us keep 4 Tackles on the roster this year.  Both Remmers & Oher are in contract years....

Agree 100%.

[jdpanther5]

30 minutes ago, KB_fan said:

 

I was a bit surprised to see us add ANOTHER tight end.  That now looks to be the most competitive position going into training camp! 

 

It's really two different positions/roles. The receiving TE and the TE/FB hybrid. It's not uncommon for us to keep 4, so 7 in camp isn't too high. Comes down to 5 receivers (1 lock, 4 competing for 2 spots) and two blockers (1 spot). I'd also consider putting Rockhead (who has a background at TE) in the latter category, because a lot of that role is fullback duties.

The fullback designation on this team is always confusing. In recent years, our only FB has been really a big RB who can catch like a TE, while the guy often playing fullback has been listed at TE. So a lot of interchangeable pieces there.

To answer your question, another OT is the top need, preferably a vet to go with our collection of tryout-level players. Second would be DB, not sure which of CB or Safety I'd prefer. Obviously there's a new need at CB, but they may go internal with McClain, Young, or the newly acquired Shaq Richardson.

The only real known quantity we have at Safety is Coleman, though Boston has played well. Switching out Dowling for Dixon does nothing, and I think the Colin Jones experiment may be over. They really like Marlowe and Ball, so hopefully one pans out. Lastly is Trenton Robinson who has starting experience, but wasn't really very good even given the chance. There's probably 4 roster-able players there, but no one really stands out as a second starter.

[PntherPryd]

49 minutes ago, Bartin said:

Probably need to sign another QB just to have an extra arm for camp purposes. Possibly a K as well but Swayze can probably pull double duty as a camp leg since he was a kicker in the CFL.

didn't we sign Mr Robato?  Or is he already cut?

[Bartin]

Just now, PntherPryd said:

didn't we sign Mr Robato?  Or is he already cut?

I think he was just a tryout. Never actually signed him. Igo said the QBs sucked during minicamp so I imagine we would look elsewhere to find one rather than sign Lobato or the Samford QB.

[shaqattaq]

29 minutes ago, jdpanther5 said:

I think the Colin Jones experiment may be over.

I wouldn't bet on this. He's most likely our best ST player (who doesn't kick), and is serviceable (if not very good) at both safety and nickel (who we cut). That being said, that may not be enough to keep him around for 1 more year,  especially if we have to hide developmental players on our roster (Cash and Garrett) like we did Wegher last season. Good players are already getting cut from this team.

To actually answer the question though, we need more tackles.