buybuydandavis
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Covington
They like the 4th game-day DT to be a 1-tech/3-tech tweener which appears to be the definition of Covington (i.e He has more 3-rech traits than Woods).
They play both DTs as 3-tech on many obvious passing situations with a goal for snaps similar to:
(200% total for 2 positions)
#1 3-tech 60%
#1 1-tech 60%
#2 3-tech 50%
4th DT 30%
7th LB
Every year most people predict keeping 6 LBs; however, they only did that once and that was when LB McClain was set to return after a 4 week suspension.
DT Ross
Ross was not very good last season. He finished college in 2013 and was cut by 2 CFL teams. He does not appear to have much upside and is doubtful to be a better NFL player than Covington or Hyder. Hyder is guaranteed 750K on a 1 year, 1.75M deal. Hyder is 1-year, 1M.
Gregory
Assuming he is not back for game 1, it's easier to find roster spots during the season than it is on cut day because some players have normally gone to IR or various other reasons.
It's possible that Crawford becomes the odd man out due to his 7M salary. He started 15 games last season (they rested some starters for game 16). His starts were split between DT and DE. If Collins and Hill are healthy for game 1, I don't see Crawford starting at 3-tech DT. Quinn projects as the starter at RDE. It would be expensive to pay Crawford as a non-starter 7M.
Collins is the backfill for 1tech. It doesn't have to go to the 4th dt. They don't need more 1tech backup after that, and they prefer 3techs besides. Assuming no injuries, 1tech is covered without Covington. His flexibility makes him nice insurance against injury to others, but you're hoping you don't need that insurance.
For what it's worth, PFF graded Ross above average, and Covington a little higher. Maliek graded out the worst, even lower than Hyder. Ross is going to get every chance to be the younger, cheaper 3tech backup next year with Crawford and Collins gone.
Good point about Gregory creating a bubble spot in the case of a suspension. People won't like hearing it, but a short suspension at the beginning of the season has the advantage of letting you keep the rights to more players through final cuts.
Possible on Crawford, if everyone else pans out. Hyder can be our cheaper tweener this year, more like a Jack Crawford. Ross gives you more to cut Crawford than Covington, from a position perspective.