NyPhan23
Starter
Projected 53 man depth chart and explanations (long)
Quarterbacks (3):
John Beck
Josh McCown
Chad Henne
The selection of Henne is really going to make this position interesting, but at the moment I believe the best bet is to let Henne get some time under his belt in the league before throwing him out there, and at the moment Beck and McCown have the experience. Unfortunately... we already know for the most part what we have in McCown and that is a servicable back up, so I think the new regime will begin the season by testing the waters with Beck. Of course this all could change come training camp. If our line comes around, and Ronnie and Ricky remain healthy, I could see any 3 of these quarterbacks taking the reigns and having success in the system, as long as we play to their strengths.
Halfbacks (3):
Ronnie Brown
Ricky Williams
Jalen Parmele
I was sad to see Booker leave this group... but in all honesty, how much time was he really going to see if Ronnie comes back healthy and Ricky doesn't hit the road on us again (I know they are both questionable). I guess getting a possible starting guard for him can't be considered too much of a reach, even though we spent a third on him just last year. Not to mention it is Parcells belief that quality running backs ala Marion Barber can be found in the later rounds, and the situation was addressed with the selections of Jalen Parmele and Lex Hilliard. I think Lex Hilliard and Patrick Cobbs become numbers casualties, but wouldn't be surprised to see one of them on the practice squad. There is mention of working Hilliard in as a fullback / halfback hybrid, but I just feel like we are set in that category with a young Reagan, and Boomer likely to stick around for special teams reasons.
Fullbacks (2):
Reagan Mauia
Boomer Grigsby
As mentioned above, I think we keep two fullbacks due to Grigsby's special teams prowess. I think that is something that this regime is going to take very seriously, and hopefully it will result in winning the field position battle on a regular basis. If we can do that, a lot more of those 3 point games are going to fall our direction rather than vice versa. Despite what some people think about the new regime not liking Reagan because he wasn't their pick, I just think there is too much potential there to let him go so soon in his career to watch him shine elsewheres. Sorry Lex Hilliard. The only wildcard here is whether or not Parcells remains loyal to his no thugs rule, in which case I see Mauia gone and Hilliard aboard.
Wide Recievers (5):
Ted Ginn
Ernest Wilford
Derek Hagan
Tab Perry
Davone Bess
Mmmm, a little surprised we didn't pick up a reciever in the draft, but I'm sure that the guys know what they are doing. I don't think our recievers are as bad as some say, especially if Ginn and Hagan can step their game up this year. I don't know a lot about Davone Bess, but from what I've read and seen, I look for him to make the team and maybe even see some considerable time in the slot. Sorry Camarillo, but I feel like Bess has more upside. Also, look for Tab Perry to possibly move up this chart as he has an interesting combination of speed and size (6'3 208). The kids been buried in Cinci behind the likes of Chad Johnson and Houshdmendzadeh (sp?) I think he could be a contributer here as well. Overall Wilford compliments Ginn very well though as our 1 and 2 guys, its just too bad that neither of them is a true #1 yet (maybe someday for Ginn but not yet I don't think). Maybe someone will get cut loose after June 1st cuts, or will it be the possible Taylor trade that we bring in our #1 guy with? If not, I am content with these recievers for this year at least. We have to solidify the trenches before we worry about skill positions.
Tight Ends (3):
Anthony Fasano
David Martin
Sean Ryan
I love Justin Peele, but I think he is again a numbers casualty here as Fasano and Martin are similar style tight ends to him. Sean Ryan gets the nod as he is more of a blocking tight end for 2 TE sets. Wouldn't be surprised to see Martin gone either. I do like the trade for Fasano, I think the kid has potential and I loved watching him play for ND, he wasn't a 2nd round pick for no reason. Again, another young player who was buried in the depth chart (Jason Witten) who is gonna get his chance now.
Left Tackles (2):
Jake Long
Julius Wilson
Still a little concerned with depth here and everywhere on the line, but of course Long gets the nod to start. And if he doesn't look like he's panning out at left tackle in the NFL (god forbid), I'm sure he will be fine on the right with Carey back on the left (let's hope it doesn't come to that). There is the possibility that some undrafted free agents may compete for depth here and everywhere on the line.
Left Guards (2):
Justin Smiley
Drew Mormino
I think it was yesterday in a press conference that Ireland said that they were looking for Murphy to compete on the right side and Smiley to likely be moved to the left. This is good with me because of course now we will have a veteran lineman on each side of the line to balance things out amongst the rookies and young guy (Satele).
Center (1):
Samson Satele
This is pretty much a given, and I'm looking forward to see his progress throughout the year yet again. If Satele goes down, look for Mormino to get his big chance if he can stay healthy past training camp.
Right Guards (2):
Shawn Murphy
Donald Thomas
Out of all of our 2nd day picks, Shawn Murphy easily has the best chance of starting. Mormino could be looked at here as well as he is quite versatile. I don't know much about Murphy, but it's ranged from he was projected to go much lower (in the 5th round Kiper said), to he was the second best guard in the draft (some poster reading from their draft mag on this forum). So I don't know what to believe on the guy, but I'd like to believe that if Parcells and co are willing to trade up to get him, they must see something in him. The verdict is out till training camp.
Right Tackles (2):
Vernon Carey
Trey Darilek
Vernon Carey gets to move back to his natural position and I'm going to go ahead and predict his first pro bowl appearance this season. With him and Long on the ends, our pass protection should be pretty good this year, and I am excited to see what Beck or the other quarterbacks can do with a little time to get the ball out of their hands. I threw Darilek in for depth, but wouldn't be surprised if we sign another versatile lineman for tackle depth, or even an undrafted guy.
Nose Tackles (3):
Jason Ferguson
Randy Starks
Paul Soliai
Ferguson pretty much has this spot anchored down, but there will likely be rotations early and often, as these big guys get tired quick. I'd like to see Soliai get some more time so he can develop, but I just don't know how often that's gonna happen with what we paid for starks and ferguson. I'm quite comfortable with this position, and unfortunately big 'L-Train' (Lionel Dotson) I feel is going to become yet another numbers victim, but will likely make the practice squad as we spent our 7th rounder on him.
Left Ends (2):
Phillip Merling
Rod Wright
I really like Rod Wright and the Merling pick. I hope both of these guys can get some playing time so that they can both develop and keep each other rested. I also wouldn't be surprised if Randy Starks gets playing time at either of the end positions, as I think he is a little too small for nose tackle in the 3-4. Oh yea... and I smell the end of Roth's days here in Miami. I kept my hopes up for him for long enough, and I'm pretty sure what you see is what you're gonna get. These other young guys have too much upside to get rid of in favor of Roth.
Right Ends (2):
Vonnie Holliday
Kendall Langford
Holliday is better suited in the 3-4 in my opinion. He had quite the impressive campaign two years ago in the hybrid scheme (yes I know it's different, but let's try to be optimistic here). Also, the cap hit for cutting Holliday would be substantial, so I see him sticking around since we just gave him a 5 year contract last offseason. Don't know too much for Langford, but it is always refreshing to see so much young depth with potential in these positions.
LOLB (2):
Joey Porter
Charlie Anderson
Despite what many think, I really saw great improvement from Porter as the season progressed. Don't forget he was injured and missed most of last years TC after surgery. Look for him to thrive in the 3-4 here with a full offseason under his belt. I think there is reason to be optimistic.
ROLB (2):
Jason Taylor
Quentin Moses
Abraham Wright
Quentin Moses... I really like the guy, so much so that I'm proposing that we move him to OLB to avoid the numbers game going on at our defensive end position. I think he is better suited for outside linebacker in the 3-4 anyways with his size. I was really impressed by him at the end of last season, and I thought he actually looked like a 3rd round pick when he was out there. Of course, there is always the possibility that JT will be gone, but I'm hopin he sticks around, because he really is the icing on the cake in this front 7. Abraham Wright could be yet another victim of the numbers game as I see more potential in Moses. Again, these are just based on my opinions though.
MLB1 (2):
Channing Crowder
Edmund Miles
Channing retains his spot from last year, but I don't know for how much longer. I think this is a position that we would have liked to have addressed this year but maybe didn't have the firepower. Either way, Crowder is servicable and, who knows he is still young, maybe this is his coming out year heh.
MLB2 (2):
Reggie Torbor
Akin Ayodele
I see this as an open camp battle. Both have experience, and both are Parcells type guys who have size. I wouldn't be surprised if Ayodele wins this battle as Parcells is the guy that signed him to a 5 year contract in Dallas. Torbor is my personal pick only because I see more potential in him to develop, he was quite impressive at times for the giants last year.
Cornerback (4):
Will Allen
Andre Goodman
Michael Lehan
Travis Daniels
Wah Wah... we didn't draft a cornerback. Come on people... it takes time to rebuild a franchise. Despite the fact that these guys aren't big names that jump off the paper at you, they are servicable for the time being. I know that their numbers were inflated last year because our run defense was so god awful, but I don't think that this is where you start when rebuilding a team. Not to mention the fact that... this unit will play a lot better when we can actually get some pressure on the quarterback up front. Will Allen showed me last year that it's not so far fetched to toss his name around in the same sentence as number one corner. He played well consistently, and I think he merited pro bowl consideration. The other 3 guys, they do their jobs for the most part. There's always June 1st cuts to get some depth here, but that could spell the end for Travis (so might Nate Jones).
Free Safety (2):
Jason Allen
Chris Crocker
Welcome to Jason Allen's coming out party folks. I really think that this will be the season that we finally see why he was a first rounder, especially with the added help we now have up front. The only thing I worry about is that he will likely have to learn another new system haha.
Strong Safety (2):
Yeremiah Bell
Renaldo Hill
Keith Davis
If Yeremiah can come back healthy, he is a key ingrediant to success in this defense. The whole defense started to turn around when he got playing time two years ago. Of course you have to worry though because he is quite prone to injuring himself again. What has he had... 2 seasons his whole football career without sustaining some kind of serious injury (college and pros)? Renaldo Hill is a servicable back up and can start especially if his knee is fully recovered, but that is a serious injury that will likely take time. Keith Davis gets to stick around again for special team purposes. Not a bad looking group here I'd say.
Special Teams (3):
K - Jay Feeley
P - Brandon Fields
LS - John Denney
Even though we have brought in multiple kickers now to compete with Feeley, I just can't see us getting rid of him after his success last season. I think the competition SHOULD be coming in for Fields as I was very dissapointed with him last year despite what all of you Fields supporters say. The kid shanked more punts in one season than I've ever seen by one punter. Sure sometimes he would kick the deep one, but I don't think it was worth the trade off. He needs to work on his fundamentals if he's going to stick around. Personally, I hope we keep Ginn back there to at least return kicks, but I wouldn't be surprised if that duty is handed off to someone else of less importance to the team, most likely Tab Perry.
Well folks... that's it... 53 players, 25 offense, 25 defense, and 3 special teamers. I guess Bill and Co. can just sit back and relax now for the next 4 months since I've done all their work for them
Heh, nah... I'm sure they wish it was that easy. Hope you all enjoyed the read, It served as a very nice distraction for me from homework... here come the complaints with it I'm sure... post away :)
Quarterbacks (3):
John Beck
Josh McCown
Chad Henne
The selection of Henne is really going to make this position interesting, but at the moment I believe the best bet is to let Henne get some time under his belt in the league before throwing him out there, and at the moment Beck and McCown have the experience. Unfortunately... we already know for the most part what we have in McCown and that is a servicable back up, so I think the new regime will begin the season by testing the waters with Beck. Of course this all could change come training camp. If our line comes around, and Ronnie and Ricky remain healthy, I could see any 3 of these quarterbacks taking the reigns and having success in the system, as long as we play to their strengths.
Halfbacks (3):
Ronnie Brown
Ricky Williams
Jalen Parmele
I was sad to see Booker leave this group... but in all honesty, how much time was he really going to see if Ronnie comes back healthy and Ricky doesn't hit the road on us again (I know they are both questionable). I guess getting a possible starting guard for him can't be considered too much of a reach, even though we spent a third on him just last year. Not to mention it is Parcells belief that quality running backs ala Marion Barber can be found in the later rounds, and the situation was addressed with the selections of Jalen Parmele and Lex Hilliard. I think Lex Hilliard and Patrick Cobbs become numbers casualties, but wouldn't be surprised to see one of them on the practice squad. There is mention of working Hilliard in as a fullback / halfback hybrid, but I just feel like we are set in that category with a young Reagan, and Boomer likely to stick around for special teams reasons.
Fullbacks (2):
Reagan Mauia
Boomer Grigsby
As mentioned above, I think we keep two fullbacks due to Grigsby's special teams prowess. I think that is something that this regime is going to take very seriously, and hopefully it will result in winning the field position battle on a regular basis. If we can do that, a lot more of those 3 point games are going to fall our direction rather than vice versa. Despite what some people think about the new regime not liking Reagan because he wasn't their pick, I just think there is too much potential there to let him go so soon in his career to watch him shine elsewheres. Sorry Lex Hilliard. The only wildcard here is whether or not Parcells remains loyal to his no thugs rule, in which case I see Mauia gone and Hilliard aboard.
Wide Recievers (5):
Ted Ginn
Ernest Wilford
Derek Hagan
Tab Perry
Davone Bess
Mmmm, a little surprised we didn't pick up a reciever in the draft, but I'm sure that the guys know what they are doing. I don't think our recievers are as bad as some say, especially if Ginn and Hagan can step their game up this year. I don't know a lot about Davone Bess, but from what I've read and seen, I look for him to make the team and maybe even see some considerable time in the slot. Sorry Camarillo, but I feel like Bess has more upside. Also, look for Tab Perry to possibly move up this chart as he has an interesting combination of speed and size (6'3 208). The kids been buried in Cinci behind the likes of Chad Johnson and Houshdmendzadeh (sp?) I think he could be a contributer here as well. Overall Wilford compliments Ginn very well though as our 1 and 2 guys, its just too bad that neither of them is a true #1 yet (maybe someday for Ginn but not yet I don't think). Maybe someone will get cut loose after June 1st cuts, or will it be the possible Taylor trade that we bring in our #1 guy with? If not, I am content with these recievers for this year at least. We have to solidify the trenches before we worry about skill positions.
Tight Ends (3):
Anthony Fasano
David Martin
Sean Ryan
I love Justin Peele, but I think he is again a numbers casualty here as Fasano and Martin are similar style tight ends to him. Sean Ryan gets the nod as he is more of a blocking tight end for 2 TE sets. Wouldn't be surprised to see Martin gone either. I do like the trade for Fasano, I think the kid has potential and I loved watching him play for ND, he wasn't a 2nd round pick for no reason. Again, another young player who was buried in the depth chart (Jason Witten) who is gonna get his chance now.
Left Tackles (2):
Jake Long
Julius Wilson
Still a little concerned with depth here and everywhere on the line, but of course Long gets the nod to start. And if he doesn't look like he's panning out at left tackle in the NFL (god forbid), I'm sure he will be fine on the right with Carey back on the left (let's hope it doesn't come to that). There is the possibility that some undrafted free agents may compete for depth here and everywhere on the line.
Left Guards (2):
Justin Smiley
Drew Mormino
I think it was yesterday in a press conference that Ireland said that they were looking for Murphy to compete on the right side and Smiley to likely be moved to the left. This is good with me because of course now we will have a veteran lineman on each side of the line to balance things out amongst the rookies and young guy (Satele).
Center (1):
Samson Satele
This is pretty much a given, and I'm looking forward to see his progress throughout the year yet again. If Satele goes down, look for Mormino to get his big chance if he can stay healthy past training camp.
Right Guards (2):
Shawn Murphy
Donald Thomas
Out of all of our 2nd day picks, Shawn Murphy easily has the best chance of starting. Mormino could be looked at here as well as he is quite versatile. I don't know much about Murphy, but it's ranged from he was projected to go much lower (in the 5th round Kiper said), to he was the second best guard in the draft (some poster reading from their draft mag on this forum). So I don't know what to believe on the guy, but I'd like to believe that if Parcells and co are willing to trade up to get him, they must see something in him. The verdict is out till training camp.
Right Tackles (2):
Vernon Carey
Trey Darilek
Vernon Carey gets to move back to his natural position and I'm going to go ahead and predict his first pro bowl appearance this season. With him and Long on the ends, our pass protection should be pretty good this year, and I am excited to see what Beck or the other quarterbacks can do with a little time to get the ball out of their hands. I threw Darilek in for depth, but wouldn't be surprised if we sign another versatile lineman for tackle depth, or even an undrafted guy.
Nose Tackles (3):
Jason Ferguson
Randy Starks
Paul Soliai
Ferguson pretty much has this spot anchored down, but there will likely be rotations early and often, as these big guys get tired quick. I'd like to see Soliai get some more time so he can develop, but I just don't know how often that's gonna happen with what we paid for starks and ferguson. I'm quite comfortable with this position, and unfortunately big 'L-Train' (Lionel Dotson) I feel is going to become yet another numbers victim, but will likely make the practice squad as we spent our 7th rounder on him.
Left Ends (2):
Phillip Merling
Rod Wright
I really like Rod Wright and the Merling pick. I hope both of these guys can get some playing time so that they can both develop and keep each other rested. I also wouldn't be surprised if Randy Starks gets playing time at either of the end positions, as I think he is a little too small for nose tackle in the 3-4. Oh yea... and I smell the end of Roth's days here in Miami. I kept my hopes up for him for long enough, and I'm pretty sure what you see is what you're gonna get. These other young guys have too much upside to get rid of in favor of Roth.
Right Ends (2):
Vonnie Holliday
Kendall Langford
Holliday is better suited in the 3-4 in my opinion. He had quite the impressive campaign two years ago in the hybrid scheme (yes I know it's different, but let's try to be optimistic here). Also, the cap hit for cutting Holliday would be substantial, so I see him sticking around since we just gave him a 5 year contract last offseason. Don't know too much for Langford, but it is always refreshing to see so much young depth with potential in these positions.
LOLB (2):
Joey Porter
Charlie Anderson
Despite what many think, I really saw great improvement from Porter as the season progressed. Don't forget he was injured and missed most of last years TC after surgery. Look for him to thrive in the 3-4 here with a full offseason under his belt. I think there is reason to be optimistic.
ROLB (2):
Jason Taylor
Quentin Moses
Abraham Wright
Quentin Moses... I really like the guy, so much so that I'm proposing that we move him to OLB to avoid the numbers game going on at our defensive end position. I think he is better suited for outside linebacker in the 3-4 anyways with his size. I was really impressed by him at the end of last season, and I thought he actually looked like a 3rd round pick when he was out there. Of course, there is always the possibility that JT will be gone, but I'm hopin he sticks around, because he really is the icing on the cake in this front 7. Abraham Wright could be yet another victim of the numbers game as I see more potential in Moses. Again, these are just based on my opinions though.
MLB1 (2):
Channing Crowder
Edmund Miles
Channing retains his spot from last year, but I don't know for how much longer. I think this is a position that we would have liked to have addressed this year but maybe didn't have the firepower. Either way, Crowder is servicable and, who knows he is still young, maybe this is his coming out year heh.
MLB2 (2):
Reggie Torbor
Akin Ayodele
I see this as an open camp battle. Both have experience, and both are Parcells type guys who have size. I wouldn't be surprised if Ayodele wins this battle as Parcells is the guy that signed him to a 5 year contract in Dallas. Torbor is my personal pick only because I see more potential in him to develop, he was quite impressive at times for the giants last year.
Cornerback (4):
Will Allen
Andre Goodman
Michael Lehan
Travis Daniels
Wah Wah... we didn't draft a cornerback. Come on people... it takes time to rebuild a franchise. Despite the fact that these guys aren't big names that jump off the paper at you, they are servicable for the time being. I know that their numbers were inflated last year because our run defense was so god awful, but I don't think that this is where you start when rebuilding a team. Not to mention the fact that... this unit will play a lot better when we can actually get some pressure on the quarterback up front. Will Allen showed me last year that it's not so far fetched to toss his name around in the same sentence as number one corner. He played well consistently, and I think he merited pro bowl consideration. The other 3 guys, they do their jobs for the most part. There's always June 1st cuts to get some depth here, but that could spell the end for Travis (so might Nate Jones).
Free Safety (2):
Jason Allen
Chris Crocker
Welcome to Jason Allen's coming out party folks. I really think that this will be the season that we finally see why he was a first rounder, especially with the added help we now have up front. The only thing I worry about is that he will likely have to learn another new system haha.
Strong Safety (2):
Yeremiah Bell
Renaldo Hill
Keith Davis
If Yeremiah can come back healthy, he is a key ingrediant to success in this defense. The whole defense started to turn around when he got playing time two years ago. Of course you have to worry though because he is quite prone to injuring himself again. What has he had... 2 seasons his whole football career without sustaining some kind of serious injury (college and pros)? Renaldo Hill is a servicable back up and can start especially if his knee is fully recovered, but that is a serious injury that will likely take time. Keith Davis gets to stick around again for special team purposes. Not a bad looking group here I'd say.
Special Teams (3):
K - Jay Feeley
P - Brandon Fields
LS - John Denney
Even though we have brought in multiple kickers now to compete with Feeley, I just can't see us getting rid of him after his success last season. I think the competition SHOULD be coming in for Fields as I was very dissapointed with him last year despite what all of you Fields supporters say. The kid shanked more punts in one season than I've ever seen by one punter. Sure sometimes he would kick the deep one, but I don't think it was worth the trade off. He needs to work on his fundamentals if he's going to stick around. Personally, I hope we keep Ginn back there to at least return kicks, but I wouldn't be surprised if that duty is handed off to someone else of less importance to the team, most likely Tab Perry.
Well folks... that's it... 53 players, 25 offense, 25 defense, and 3 special teamers. I guess Bill and Co. can just sit back and relax now for the next 4 months since I've done all their work for them
Heh, nah... I'm sure they wish it was that easy. Hope you all enjoyed the read, It served as a very nice distraction for me from homework... here come the complaints with it I'm sure... post away :)
