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Early June 53+ Prediction

Early 53


Despite all the fireworks this off-season, I feel the team will value experience where they can retain it.

Offensively, I foresee Banner out-playing Hawkins, even if he winds up inactive most weeks. I was impressed by his limited action last preseason. I am assuming the team saw something as well, by their keeping him on the roster all year. The order of the receiver depth chart will be sorted in camp, but I think the six names listed are locks barring injury. Same can be said for most positions on this side of the ball. Good battles for chairs at RT, QB2 and RB2.

Defensively, I see experience carrying the same weight. I pick Hooks to beat out all newcomers, if for no other reason, the fact he's been already training with the team for some time. He's already game ready. Someone will have to really show something special to make them willing to sacrifice his time served. Same goes for Chickillo and Matakevich. I believe Burns is recent history, leaving Haden and Nelson the starting corners, with Sutton and Layne as their primary reserves; tossing in the recently flexible Allen as the inactive member. Hilton will get his contract and remain the teams top slot corner.

Bubbles:

First-things first. I don't believe any special-teamer is locked into this roster. We will probably retain all three, but they will need to earn it. I would love to see longsnapper Canaday pushed by Trevor Wood, whose size and capable hands would make him a fourth TE option behind Gentry. I have only one TE listed on the practice squad, our international exemption. If the team is not set on him as a legitimate option, they will probably keep another for insurance purposes. The squad spots I granted to Craig and Buggs, could just as easily go to Sheehy, Gilmore or someone from another position if only one impresses enough.

Not sure if Sutton Smith will actually hit the squad. Guess that depends how much the team values a backup fullback. Tevin Jones played strong in AAF action, but could easily be pushed out by Griffey or Spencer. Linebacker positions will be open competition outside of the usual suspects. I also believe safety is wide open outside of Davis and Edmunds. I think Locke, Kelly and Askew-Henry will push, but I only see two making the practice squad, choosing Locke and Kelly for positional flexibility. Perhaps one even pushes Brian Allen of this man's roster.

I feel linebacker is our weakest position, depth-wise. Overall, I'm confident this group will win games. How many? We will see.

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