(07-25-2018, 09:22 AM)Bullseye Wrote: ...

1. The WR spot opposite Marqise Lee-I think because he is the most experienced WR on the roster and that he has become really good on drive extending crossing routes on 3rd down, I believe his status as a starter is pretty secure.  However, I think the battle for the spot opposite him will be an interesting one.  Donte Moncrief is big, fast and experienced, but has never put it all together for a stellar season. Keelan Cole was a pleasant surprise as a UDFA and in the preseason, and later the second half of the season, showed he can get deep and produce big plays.  But there were times he heard footsteps across the middle (SF game) and needs to be a more complete WR.  Dede Westbrook was the 2nd round talent that fell to the 4th round due to off field concerns.  Thus far, he has avoided any further off field issues.  Once he got healthy and got on the field, he had some impact, but like Cole, he needs more consistency.  Finally, DJ Chark is this year's second round pick who has deep speed and size for days, but needs experience and better route running.  UDFA rookie Allen Lazard is a longshot who is hoping to be a red zone target.
   
2. SAM-You could argue that this is a position that isn't on the field much and therefore isn't that important.  Nevertheless, with Jack moving from that position to Mike, at first glance, there may be a drop in performance here.  Blair Brown, last year's 5th round pick, had some decent moments last year, but needs more experience. For me, I want to see how he holds up at the point of attack.   Leon Jacobs, the muscular 6th round pick this year from Wisconsin, is his primary competition for the spot.  Though I have heard some whispers he could be a pass rusher, I admit I know very little about him.
   
3. Nickelback-Not sure there's much of a competition here, but since last year's nickel-Arron Colvin-is now in Houston, there is a slight degree of uncertainty.  Given his contract and experience, the expected starter is free agent DJ Hayden.  Hayden has a ton of speed, but I question his ability to turn and change directions, and his ability to play a physical game.  But I think Myrick and Patmon might give him a run.  To me, Myrick is a younger, cheaper version of Hayden.  Patmon gave the team some good minutes last year.
   
4. If I were to pick guys who were surprises to make the team, Quentin Meeks and Tony Adams would be my guys.
   
5. Conversely, surprise cuts?  That would be tough, but depending on what Richardson shows, I could see Parnell or Cann being shown the door.
   Thoughts?
   

1. In my opinion, it will be Cole but I think that it will be a bigger impact than just being "the guy across from Lee". It would not surprise me to see Cole overtake Lee in terms of production and being the favored target. 

2. I think that SAM is more important than some might guess. I'm still of the belief that most coaches prefer to run the ball and if they see success with it they will keep after it. From what I understand about the SAM in this defense is that he is there to slow things up enough so that the MIKE and WIL can come to the ball. If he doesn't hold up his spot, then the Defense is going to get a steady dose of RB making for a long day. My thought here is that Brown may start, but I see Jacobs taking over the spot by end of season.

3. Nickelback: bad band, important position. I am hoping that the versatility of Ramsey, Bouye and Hayden will make this spot be a true third CB and not just a player who has to cover the slot. My money is on Hayden holding this position down and Myrick and Patmon simply being bodies that can fill in and play 'Teams.

4. As for surprises, I always like LBs from Va Tech and Motuapuaka is one. Check out his career at VT sometime. The man can fill up a stat sheet.

5. I would be surprised if the team cut Starters from the O line, but then again I'm surprised at my bar tab most every night. Honestly, I don't have a feel for who may be susceptible.

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