Yakuza Rich: Final Projected 53 Man Roster & Practice Squad

[Yakuza Rich]

Here’s my final 53 man roster prediction. When doing these, usually teams keep 25 offensive and 25 defensive players and then 3 specialists. Here’s what I’ve got, although I believe a lot depends on the health of Hurd, Austin and who gets waived from other teams.


QB (Romo, B. Johnson)

Dallas may go after either John Beck or Chris Simms if either gets released. They probably wouldn’t be #2 since they’ve got to learn the scheme and everything and Brad Johnson can placehold. I was skeptical of them picking up these guys because of the placeholding situation, but since the team only has 4 half/full backs, there’s room here. Problem is with the injuries at WR, it may be tougher for them to pick up.


TB (Barber, F. Jones, Choice)

I like this crew here with Barber being the good starter, Felix being the specialist and Choice looking like he could be a #2 back for a lot of NFL teams right now, but will have to make a mark on special teams. I get the feeling that Choice could be a great special teams player for the Cowboys in the next year or two.


FB (Anderson)

I’d like to see 2 fullbacks here since I like the idea of running a lot of different packages. Unfortunately you need both fullbacks to be good on special teams and Dallas didn’t have anybody outside of Anderson who could do that.


WR (Owens, Crayton, Hurd, Austin, Stanback, Amendola)

I think Amendola makes it because of his ability to do returns. I usually don’t go batty over these guys, but I do hope they keep Amendola as he seems to do a lot of nice things out there, but since he’s adjusting to the pro game he’s going to get owned from time to time. His problem is because he’s small and not overly athletic, the coaches tend to dwell on his shortcomings. But you have to remember that the same thing happened to Wes Welker who originally started with and was cut by the Chargers. Patience with Amendola could be the right move as he’s got some ability to play the game, he’s smart, and just another year of learning the game and getting in better condition he could be a key contributor in 2009.


TE (Witten, Curtis, Bennett)

Martellus Bennett keeps playing well although I think they’ll be tentative early on with how much they use him. Witten is still king in these parts.


OT (Adams, Colombo, Free, McQuistan)

McQ may start at LG early on, but I think they want him at offensive tackle.


OG (Holland, Kosier, L. Davis, Berger)

I think Berger saved himself a roster spot with his performance against the Vikings. The team is probably terribly disappointed in James Marten (me too). Hudson Houck loves his O-Linemen big and doesn’t seem to like Marten being too light.


C (Gurode, Proctor)

Well, let’s just hope Gurode doesn’t get hurt. Next year it’s a priority that Dallas find a draft pick who can play both center and guard.


TOTAL OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 25

2007 PLAYERS NO LONGER ON TEAM: 6

J. JONES
T. THOMPSON
O. HOYTE
T. GLENN
J. MARTEN
A. FASANO


NEW PLAYERS ON ROSTER: 5

F. JONES
T. CHOICE
D. AMENDOLA
M. BENNETT
M. HOLLAND


TOTAL OFFENSIVE ATTRITION = 6/25 = 24%

TOTAL STARTING OFFENSIVE ATTRITION = 1/11 = 9% (Holland/McQ for Kosier)



DEFENSIVE ENDS (Canty, Ratliff, Bowen, Hatcher)

I’d personally like to see 5 DE’s for depth purposes, but they simply don’t have anybody else worth making the roster at this moment (Marcus Dixon may in the future, but he’s been hurt). Very concerned about the depth here, particularly with Bowen’s inability to stop the run.


NOSE TACKLES (T. Johnson, Spears)

To make up for a possible lack of depth, they’ve got Spears and Ratliff being able to switch from DE to NT. I think people will be surprised at Spears this year. He actually played well in September and played great in December of last season and now with a year of Wade’s system under his belt and coming into the game much fresher, he could have a nice year.


OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS (Ware, Ellis, Spencer, Walden, George)

The Cowboys could re-sign Keith Davis, but there’s got to be questions about what went down in Miami and he’s not going to start at safety in Dallas. And usually in a situation between a veteran and a rookie, teams go with rookies because of cost and upside. Plus, with Spencer hurt they’ll probably want some depth on the outside.


INSIDE LINEBACKERS (Z. Thomas, James, Carpenter, Burnett)

I’m also concerned about inside linebacker depth. I’d feel better if Carpenter could take on blockers consistently. If either starter goes out, they’ll probably put Burnett in anyway, a guy I’m not very high on.


CORNERBACKS (Newman, A. Henry, A. Jones, Scandrick, Jenkins, Ogelsby)

I really like the corner situation, not just for now but for the future as well. I actually like what I’ve seen out of Ogelsby. Expect Scandrick to get a lot more playing time than expected. With Newman in the fold and with both him and Henry having a year of Wade’s scheme under his belt, the team should play more man-to-man and change up the zone coverages (although the Cover 4 is still their bread and butter)


SAFETIES (R. Williams, Hamlin, Watkins, Brown)

Brown hasn’t impressed me, but again he’s cheap and has upside. They’ll be taking Roy out on passing downs, which will drive me nuts when I hear announcers say he was taken out of passing downs in 2007 (he was actually taken out on some 1st and 2nd downs last year).


TOTAL DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 25

2007 PLAYERS NO LONGER ON THE ROSTER: 7

J. ROGERS
J. FERGUSON
A. AYODELE
A. BALL
N. JONES
J. REEVES
Z. CROCKETT


NEW PLAYERS: 6

E. WALDEN
T. GEORGE
Z. THOMAS
A. JONES
O. SCANDRICK
M. JENKINS


DEFENSIVE ATTRITION: 6/25 = 24%

DEFENSIVE STARTER ATTRITION: 1/11 = 9% (AYODELE)


SPECIAL TEAMS (McBriar, Folk, Ladoceur)

Nothing new here.


TOTAL 2007 PLAYERS NO LONGER ON TEAM: 13

NEW PLAYERS: 11

TOTAL ATTRITION: 13/53 = 24.5%

TOTAL STARTER ATTRITION: 2/22 = 9%


PRACTICE SQUAD:

1. Alonzo Coleman (running back)
2. Mike Jefferson (wide receiver)
3. DoWayne Davis (safety)
4. Marcus Dixon (defensive end)
5. Tyson Smith (linebacker)
6. Rodney Hannah (tight end)
7. Alan Ball (cornerback)
8. Richard Bartel (quarterback)

Teams generally keep one tailback and a few players who can fill in on special teams coverage in a pinch on the practice squad. Coleman is liked by the coaches and could possibly make a roster in future (will be tough to do it in Dallas with Barber, Jones, and Choice). Jefferson is better than Amendola at receiver, but doesn't do returns and will likely find himself here. DoWayne Davis has received good reviews, but they really like Courtney Brown and since Davis isn't all all-star on special teams, he'll probably be behind Brown for now.

Dixon was hurt for most of training camp. The team's D-Line depth concerns me and it should the coaching staff. Dixon actually has the potential to make the roster which I can't say about the rest of the D-Linemen past Bowen. Tyson Smith showed some potential on the field and in special teams, he just has a long way to go. With having 3 TE's, they'll need another if one gets hurt. I think Hannah wins out due to upside. I have James Marten getting cut and some other team picking him up because he was a 3rd rounder last year. The team likes Alan Ball for whatever reason and he can play some special teams coverage. They'll want somebody for the scout team, so Bartel gets another season on the practice squad.






YAKUZA

 

[panchucko]

Wow, very good list, only thing I would like to see, is either to either cut or put Stanback on IR, you have us keeping 6 recievers and 3 will probably not be ready for week 1. Even though I like Stanback, we can't be handcuffed by his potential, we had to have learned something from TG last year. We need useable bodies at WR.

 

[joseephuss]

Due to the other injuries to wide receiver, I can see Dallas placing Stanback on IR for the year. That frees up a spot to bring in another healthy body.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

Wow, very good list, only thing I would like to see, is either to either cut or put Stanback on IR, you have us keeping 6 recievers and 3 will probably not be ready for week 1. Even though I like Stanback, we can't be handcuffed by his potential, we had to have learned something from TG last year. We need useable bodies at WR.

I think Stanback is the wild card of the bunch, since we could use him (backup kickoff returner). He won't be cut unless that shoulder injury is career threatening or he ticks somebody off in the FO or coaching staff. Since we could use Stanback, it makes it difficult for the team to put him on I-R if they think he can still play some. But if he does go on I-R, that may not preclude Dallas from still taking 6 WR's because with Austin and Hurd possibly out, they still have to fill those spots, particularly with Austin as the 1st string kickoff returner. Plus, we are only carrying 2 QB's and 4 running backs, so there's room for 6 WR's.




YAKUZA

 

[VACowboy]

That's my list, with the exception of Amendola. I think we have enough return guys on the team and Jefferson is currently a better receiver. If Stanback is put on IR, I bet we keep Hannah. He's a better prospect than any of our sixth receivers.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I don't think Ogelsby is going to make it due to the receiver situation. If he does, it may mean bye bye to Brown since he is having tackling issues.

On the flip side, I say Mike Jefferson stays before Amendola. I watched his returns last night and the only way he returns anything is due to injury to other players. His physical ability to return punts just isn't up to par for the NFL except as a backup due to injury. As a WR, he is just way to small. He could NEVER been on the field during a run as that would give the defense a free defender. Danny boy just flat out isn't big enough or strong enough to play in the NFL. He has the heart, but that just isn't enough for him to play in the NFL this year. He has a lot of training to do if this is where he wants to be.

I'm not sold that the Cowboys don't keep seven WRs early on. If they do, maybe they keep Lowber even though he is very raw, just for his ability to stretch the field the way Austin did. When you're low on WRs, just to have someone with the ability to do that, can help the team even if they are raw.

So, based on Yakuza Rich 53, cut Amendola and Oglesby and add Jefferson and Lowber at least until one WR returns from injury (not Stanback due to his injury type) While Oglesby is a good talent, the Cowboys are already very stacked at the position with five guys that could be starting for many teams this year.

Danny boy and Oglesby to the practice squad, but Oglesby will probably be picked up by someone.

 

[Daudr]

Wow, very good list, only thing I would like to see, is either to either cut or put Stanback on IR, you have us keeping 6 recievers and 3 will probably not be ready for week 1. Even though I like Stanback, we can't be handcuffed by his potential, we had to have learned something from TG last year. We need useable bodies at WR.

That's my take as well. I think we should keep Jefferson over Stanback, or pick up someone that has been cut.

 

[theebs]

I am not so sure about tearrius george. I think justin rogers makes this team over him.

Last night was nice and everything, but like jerry said last night about the guards, "if any of them look like larry allen tonight we wont get excited because of who they are playing against" that applies to everyone and I think that is why george will be on the practice squad.

I also think evan oglesby probably has lost a job because of injuries at other postitions.

 

[VACowboy]

Can't see the team keeping fewer than six corners.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

Can't see the team keeping fewer than six corners.

I know. 6 corners is the standard on a team. Like I originally posted, teams usually keep 25 offensive and 25 defensive players. It's rare to see them stray from that.

Having injuries to WR usually won't change the number of defensive players kept at a position. It's more likely to change the number of offensive players kept at a position.





YAKUZA

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I agree with the list except that I believe we either...

A) IR Stanbach and then keep Jefferson and Danny

or

B) We cut Danny in favor of Jefferson. Jefferson just seems to be much further along as a WR for this league and Danny isn't going to get to play much KR or PR when the games count because Jenkins, Scandrick, Adam Jones and possibly Felix Jones will be back there for those duties.

 

[Stash]

I think Justin Rogers stays over Walden.

George may have earned himself a roster spot last night and I think Rogers is more prepared to play at this point and more versatile than Walden is. I think Rogers is also better on special teams.

I have Walden ticketed for the practice squad.

I also think the Cowboys will keep FB Crosslin on the practice squad. I thought he showed some good things and I think the team will want insurance for injury to Deon Anderson.

I don't expect Hannah to make it to the practice squad, I think someone will scoop him up.

I think Lowber is the epitomy of a practice squad guy so I'll put him there.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

Amendola I don't think makes it Jefferson a better WR and I don't want Amendola any where near our returns. I also think Rogers beats out Walden.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

PRACTICE SQUAD:[/B]

1. Alonzo Coleman (running back)
2. Mike Jefferson (wide receiver)
3. DoWayne Davis (safety)
4. Marcus Dixon (defensive end)
5. Tyson Smith (linebacker)
6. Rodney Hannah (tight end)
7. Alan Ball (cornerback)
8. Richard Bartel (quarterback)

Teams generally keep one tailback and a few players who can fill in on special teams coverage in a pinch on the practice squad. Coleman is liked by the coaches and could possibly make a roster in future (will be tough to do it in Dallas with Barber, Jones, and Choice). Jefferson is better than Amendola at receiver, but doesn't do returns and will likely find himself here. DoWayne Davis has received good reviews, but they really like Courtney Brown and since Davis isn't all all-star on special teams, he'll probably be behind Brown for now.

Dixon was hurt for most of training camp. The team's D-Line depth concerns me and it should the coaching staff. Dixon actually has the potential to make the roster which I can't say about the rest of the D-Linemen past Bowen. Tyson Smith showed some potential on the field and in special teams, he just has a long way to go. With having 3 TE's, they'll need another if one gets hurt. I think Hannah wins out due to upside. I have James Marten getting cut and some other team picking him up because he was a 3rd rounder last year. The team likes Alan Ball for whatever reason and he can play some special teams coverage. They'll want somebody for the scout team, so Bartel gets another season on the practice squad.






YAKUZA

Great report YAKUZA

The only player I believe you might miss on is Ball......did you see the hit he make on punt coverage last night? Granted one play does not put you on a team, however he seems healthy finally....put on weight.....and the coaches seem to like him.

But, I was glad to see you placed him on the practice squad......you da man!

 

[Brandon]

You picked Amendola because he can do returns? Anyone can do returns. Amendola blows at returns. He won't be returning kicks anyways, we already have Pacman, Jones, and Scandrick for that, and you can even throw Crayton and Mike Jefferson(Who will make the roster) back there.

Amendola is to small and can't play in this league.

 

[DanTanna]

Is Stanback our new Jimmy Smith???

 

[Smith22]

Nice list. My changes:

WR: (Owens, Crayton, Hurd, Austin, Amendola, TBA)

I think we make a move one way or another at WR. Stanback goes on IR and we decide between Amendola and Jefferson. Jefferson probably hurt himself with all of the drops the last few games.

LB: (Ware, Ellis, Spencer, Rogers, Walden, Z. Thomas, James, Carpenter, Burnett)

Rogers makes it based on special teams play. Same with Walden.

 

[DasTex]

6. Rodney Hannah (tight end)

He'll be picked up by some team. I wish we had the ability to keep him on the roster, because he looks like he could be a pretty decent player.

 

[Smith22]

I agree that Hannah looks solid, but with our current injury problem, I don't see how we can keep him on the 53.

 

[Seven]

You picked Amendola because he can do returns? Anyone can do returns. Amendola blows at returns. He won't be returning kicks anyways, we already have Pacman, Jones, and Scandrick for that, and you can even throw Crayton and Mike Jefferson(Who will make the roster) back there.

Amendola is to small and can't play in this league.

:mule: