Matt's roster cuts
JW
each position and the rationals behind each decision.
A look at 49ers roster with 32 cuts looming
The first mandatory cuts across the NFL are required by Tuesday, when
teams must trim from 80 players to 75. Because the 49ers have five
roster exemptions (from NFL Europa), they must cut from 85 to 80.
On Saturday, Sept. 1, they must get down to their 53-man limit for the
regular season. The next day, clubs may establish an eight-player
practice squad. The practice squad is comprised of players who have
been released and are free agents. That is the kind of thing that
would prevent the 49ers from placing a young player, such as receiver
Jason Hill, on the practice squad. He would never make it that far
because some other team would claim him.
I received an email from a loyal reader wanting to know why teams can
suit up only 45 active players for regular-season games. Why the heck
can't they just suit up all 53 players?
The answer is so that neither teams has a competitive advantage.
Because of injuries in the NFL, there is a possibility one team could
dress 53 players for a game, while the opponent might have only 48
players available.
This way, both teams are virtually assured of having the same number
of players in uniform. Also, the last couple spots on the 53-man
roster can be reserved for developmental players who aren't yet ready
to play. Those are generally rookies who a team would never be able to
sneak onto the practice squad.
* * *
On the subject of rosters, the 49ers will have to make some difficult
decisions to get to the 53-man limit. There are two games remaining in
the exhibition season, so I don't want to slam the door shut on
anyone. In the industry I work in, I'm very sensitive to issues about
job security and such. So, anyway, here's how I see things right now,
with the caveat that things can change in the next two weeks:
QB (3): Alex Smith, Trent Dilfer, Shaun Hill. (Comment: Luke Getsy
might see some action in the final exhibition game to showcase his
skills for the practice squad.)
RB (4): Frank Gore, Moran Norris, Maurice Hicks, Michael Robinson.
(Comment: Draft pick Thomas Clayton would likely come back to the
practice squad if he clears waivers; Zak Keasey is making a spirited
run for a roster spot.)
WR (6): Arnaz Battle, Darrell Jackson, Taylor Jacobs, Brandon
Williams, Ashley Lelie, Jason Hill. (Comment: It's difficult to
overlook Bryan Gilmore, who was the No. 3 last season, but Jacobs has
played just so darn well.)
TE (3): Vernon Davis, Delanie Walker, Billy Bajema. (Comment: This
seems pretty clear-cut right now.)
OL (10): Jonas Jennings, Larry Allen, Eric Heitmann, Justin Smiley,
Joe Staley, Kwame Harris, David Baas, Adam Snyder, Tony Wragge,
Patrick Estes. (Comment: With the possibility that the team could lose
three free agents next season, it's important that they keep around a
young, promising player like Estes.)
DL (7): Bryant Young, Marques Douglas, Aubrayo Franklin, Ray McDonald,
Isaac Sopoaga, Joe Cohen, Ronald Fields. (Comment: Vet Sam Rayburn is
still in the mix. Cohen reminds me a lot of Fields as a rookie.
Although he might be inactive for all 16 games, they have to keep him
around and give him a chance to develop.)
LB (8): Derek Smith, Patrick Willis, Tully Banta-Cain, Manny Lawson,
Jeff Ulbrich, Parys Haralson, Brandon Moore, Jay Moore. (Comment:
Roderick Green, Hannibal Navies and Colby Bockwoldt all have some NFL
qualities that can't be ignored.)
DB (9): Nate Clements, Walt Harris, Michael Lewis, Mark Roman,
Shawntae Spencer, Tarell Brown, Keith Lewis, Dashon Goldson, Marcus
Hudson. (Comment: The final DB spot could come down to a cornerback
who also can play safety. Hudson and Donald Strickland are two guys
who fit that description).
ST (3): Joe Nedney, Andy Lee, Brian Jennings.
LINK
http://49ers.pressdemocrat.com/default.asp?item=667859
Check out the comments and see if you agree?
Who do you think should be cut or kept?
benf8...@aol.com
Strickland for Hudson.
I am sure they want Williams for return duties but all I ever see him
do is call for a fair catch.
Strickland and Hudson are a toss up but I rather have the more
experience guy here.
Hate to leave off Roderrick Green. Seem to give the Niners their only
pass rush late in the year last year. Maybe keep him instead of
Goldson.
Bill Thompson
news:u89rc3hd2j40omcd0...@4ax.com...
> Matt Maiocco of the Press Democrat gives you the projected cuts at
> each position and the rationals behind each decision.
>
> A look at 49ers roster with 32 cuts looming
>
> The first mandatory cuts across the NFL are required by Tuesday, when
> teams must trim from 80 players to 75. Because the 49ers have five
> roster exemptions (from NFL Europa), they must cut from 85 to 80.
>
> On Saturday, Sept. 1, they must get down to their 53-man limit for the
> regular season. The next day, clubs may establish an eight-player
> practice squad. The practice squad is comprised of players who have
> been released and are free agents. That is the kind of thing that
> would prevent the 49ers from placing a young player, such as receiver
> Jason Hill, on the practice squad. He would never make it that far
> because some other team would claim him.
>
> (Comment: Draft pick Thomas Clayton would likely come back to the
> practice squad if he clears waivers; Zak Keasey is making a spirited
> run for a roster spot.)
>
I think I'd cut Robinson, who has zero elusiveness, and give Clayton a try.
Otherwise the choices seem pretty straightforward.
tcdun
<benf8...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1187922095....@q4g2000prc.googlegroups.com...
>
> Hate to leave off Roderrick Green. Seem to give the Niners their only
> pass rush late in the year last year. Maybe keep him instead of
> Goldson.
>
I agree that Green can be a valuable player but Goldson is a future starter
and possibly a future pro bowl player if he works out as the coaching staff
believe. Goldson will not be cut !
JW
They can make an injury settlement with Goldson and then stash him
back on the practice squad. That would free up a roster spot, keep
Goldson and give him time to return.
Even so, he's not all that badly injured (according to reports) so he
might still make the team without all the maneuvering.
moka.the
> On Fri, 24 Aug 2007 13:37:31 -0700, "tcdun" <tc...@charter.net> wrote:
>
If the 49ers reach an injury settlement with Goldson then
he'd be placed on waivers and another team could claim
him, correct?
My understanding is his injury isnt season ending. There are
alternatives other than putting him on the practice squad.