Voth analyzes The Bubble

[Mr. Scot]

Starting with Damiere Byrd...

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As an undrafted rookie in 2015, Byrd fell short of the final roster when its makeup included only five wide receivers. But during each of the past two cuts to 53, the Panthers kept six wideouts – including Byrd. Now with Saturday’s cutdown approaching, his fate is yet again dependent on numbers.

Byrd is a good bet to make the roster. That’s not “lock” status, though. That group’s made up of Devin Funchess, DJ Moore, Torrey Smith, Jarius Wright and Curtis Samuel.

“Whatever I could control, I think I did,” Byrd said. “I think this training camp was the most consistent for me. Looking back at other training camps, I think it was my best one. I didn't score any touchdowns like I did last preseason, so that can be deceiving.”

Byrd finished this preseason with five receptions for 55 yards. He more than doubled that yardage (119) while leading the league with three touchdown receptions in last year’s exhibitions. This year, it was Mose Frazier’s turn to grab an NFC-leading three scores. But Frazier has neither Byrd’s speed or return ability – two reasons why the Panthers should be able to find a way to make the numbers work.

“I know the spot that I'm in. I know it could easily go either way,” Byrd said.

“I think the best thing for me is I don't have any plays where I'm regretting and going back and looking like, ‘Ah, I wish I made that play. I wish I did this. I wish I did that.’ I think I legit have done everything I could whether it was kick returns, punt returns or offensively.”

Here are quotes from some of the other "bubble" guys...

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Mose Frazier: “I feel like I have. It's not in my hands. I can't control it. I did everything I could on the field, and it's up to the coaches now.”

Guard Brendan Mahon: “I feel like I gave it my best this camp, and I guess we'll wait to see what happens. I really think with Coach (John) Matsko and the leadership of some of the older guys I've really improved a lot of my technique from college to this level.”

Defensive End Efe Obada: “There's some things that I'm not happy about, but I did some good things. I feel like my rush is getting better. It's out of my hands right now. … (Being put back on the practice squad) is not what I want right now. I feel like I'm ready. I feel like I can compete and I feel like I can help this team win.”

Defensive End Bryan Cox Jr: “Honestly, I don't know. The coaches (and general manager) make that decision. I think I played pretty well, but I don't know if it was enough.”

Linebacker Jermaine Carter: “Hopefully I've put enough film on to show the coaches that I do belong. But I never want to get too complacent or too satisfied. I guess I'll just wait for Saturday and we'll find out.”

Linebacker Andre Smith: “It's obviously a cut-throat league. People are released every day. That's the business. I knew that when I signed up. Unfortunately I got hurt. The practices before the first game I was doing pretty good and then (against the Steelers) I was OK. We'll see, depending on how many ‘backers they keep.”

Cornerback Corn Elder: “I feel like I did. I feel like I played pretty well. I gave it my all, so if that's good enough, that's good enough. We’ll see.”

The Bubble Watch

[Bronn]

We're out of our minds if we cut Cox. The Pats will swoop in and take him right up.

I also think Obada, Mahon, and Elder are locks. I also think we keep 6 WR with Byrd being one of them.

Frazier and Smith to the PS.

[jamos14]

The good news on Obada is we can keep him safe no matter what with the International Program.

 

 

[Mr. Scot]

I'm not a big fan of reading into things, but it raises an eyebrow that Cox and Obada are mentioned in a "bubble" article while Daeshon Hall isn't.

Now of course, that could easily mean he's already gone rather than being "on the bubble".

[thennek]

 Obada and Cox are both better than Hall. Haynes is a better version of Hall and Haynes should be a lock. 

[Mr. Scot]

Rodrigue's take on the Final 53 (Link)

 

Making it...

Taylor Heinicke, Cameron Artis-Payne, Brendan Mahon, Marquis Haynes, Zach Moore, Jermaine Carter, Andre Smith, Corn Elder and Kevon Seymour

 

Out in the cold...

Garrett Gilbert, Kenjon Barner, Damiere Byrd, Mose Frazier, Daeshon Hall, Bryan Cox, Efe Obada and Lorenzo Doss

[Panthro]

29 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

Rodrigue's take on the Final 53 (Link)

 

Making it...

Taylor Heinicke, Cameron Artis-Payne, Brendan Mahon, Marquis Haynes, Zach Moore, Jermaine Carter, Andre Smith, Corn Elder and Kevon Seymour

 

Out in the cold...

Garrett Gilbert, Kenjon Barner, Damiere Byrd, Mose Frazier, Daeshon Hall, Bryan Cox, Efe Obada and Lorenzo Doss

She cray

[ecu88]

I love Efe's quote the best because his attitude. Dude is going to be a solid player. 

Hall needs the PS, he is nowhere game ready. Hell, Haynes even further along. 

[Growl]

37 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

Rodrigue's take on the Final 53 (Link)

 

Making it...

Taylor Heinicke, Cameron Artis-Payne, Brendan Mahon, Marquis Haynes, Zach Moore, Jermaine Carter, Andre Smith, Corn Elder and Kevon Seymour

 

Out in the cold...

Garrett Gilbert, Kenjon Barner, Damiere Byrd, Mose Frazier, Daeshon Hall, Bryan Cox, Efe Obada and Lorenzo Doss

This would just be the worst

[SmokinwithWilly]

 

39 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

Rodrigue's take on the Final 53 (Link)

 

Making it...

Taylor Heinicke, Cameron Artis-Payne, Brendan Mahon, Marquis Haynes, Zach Moore, Jermaine Carter, Andre Smith, Corn Elder and Kevon Seymour

 

Out in the cold...

Garrett Gilbert, Kenjon Barner, Damiere Byrd, Mose Frazier, Daeshon Hall, Bryan Cox, Efe Obada and Lorenzo Doss

I saw Seymour's name there and I threw up in my mouth a little. 

[Shocker]

57 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

Rodrigue's take on the Final 53 (Link)

 

Making it...

Taylor Heinicke, Cameron Artis-Payne, Brendan Mahon, Marquis Haynes, Zach Moore, Jermaine Carter, Andre Smith, Corn Elder and Kevon Seymour

 

Out in the cold...

Garrett Gilbert, Kenjon Barner, Damiere Byrd, Mose Frazier, Daeshon Hall, Bryan Cox, Efe Obada and Lorenzo Doss

I think she is probably right on here

[MHS831]

I feel like the only person who does not see a roster spot for Obada--Unless he takes a job from Cox Jr.  Hall will not be cut--he will go to IR again, in my opinion. Obada to the PS---

Cox Jr and Haynes make the roster.

[Wolfcop]

What exactly has Smith done to make thE team?

[archer4364]

1 hour ago, Mr. Scot said:

Rodrigue's take on the Final 53 (Link)

 

Making it...

Taylor Heinicke, Cameron Artis-Payne, Brendan Mahon, Marquis Haynes, Zach Moore, Jermaine Carter, Andre Smith, Corn Elder and Kevon Seymour

 

Out in the cold...

Garrett Gilbert, Kenjon Barner, Damiere Byrd, Mose Frazier, Daeshon Hall, Bryan Cox, Efe Obada and Lorenzo Doss

I feel like Cox, Doss, and one of Barner/Byrd should be on the roster. Cox wouldn't make it to the PS and Doss is probably better than Seymour. Also, if we were just going with 5 WR, I'd at least want another target for Cam in Barner because he has looked pretty good catching passes this pre-season.