CoachO: Synopsis of the roster, part two – defense + specialists

CoachO

A Look at the Roster: Defensive Line

Defensive Line: (14)

Defensive Ends:

94 Robert Quinn 6’4 264 4 North Carolina

He is arguably the most dominant defensive player in the NFL right now, and from what he is showing in training camp there is nothing that would suggest that is going to change. His get off is so explosive, his tilt and ability to turn the corner is unmatched in the game right now. The biggest thing about Robert Quinn, is his improvement in play recognition, and being a force in the running game. Through the first 2 years of his career, he was solely concerned with pinning his ears back and getting up field. Now he seems to understand when to and when to set the edge. While matching his sack totals may be within his reach, not achieving that will in no way be a fair indicator of how disruptive he will be overall.

91 Chris Long 6’3 270 7 Virginia

He seems to be playing with a renewed enthusiasm, and looks to be genuinely having fun on the practice field. Known as someone who leads by example, that remains a constant in Long’s game. While he won’t get the headlines that Quinn receives, no one out works this guy on the practice field. He looks healthy, and if that continues, he likely returns to a double digit sack year.

95 William Hayes 6’3 278 7 Winston-Salem St.

Hayes has been slow to work his way back into the rotation this training camp. When he has participated, he looks as big and physical as ever. I realize he is a veteran who knows how to prepare for a season, but if these injuries remain to nag him throughout the season, it could impact his role. When healthy, he has proven to be one of, if not the best rotational DE in the league. AS deep as this unit it, they need a healthy Wm. Hayes this season.

97 Eugene Sims 6’6 269 5 West Texas A&M

Another guy who is having a very good training camp, he just continues to gain confidence. Going against predominantly 2nd unit LT’s (Person or Van Dyk) he has had his way most practices. An underrated member of the d-line rotation, he can focus on playing DE this year, and so far, has not been used in any situations where he slides inside to DT.

96 Michael Sam 6’2 261 R Missouri

With all of the off field fodder, Michael Sam has done a very good job of focusing on his task at hand and that’s leaving it on the field. He got off to a really good start, and has taken most of the 2nd AND 3rd unit reps in Wm. Hayes’ absence. Before they put pads on, he won more battles vs. Hooey than he lost. Since then he seems to have leveled off, but by no means am I saying he doesn’t belong. He is getting regular reps on Special Teams as a back line blocker (wedge) on the Kickoff Return team.

57 Sammy Brown 6’2 254 2 Houston

Sammy Brown in now participating in his 3rd Training Camp, and he FINALLY has made it to the field. He is just not getting back involved in the unit drills, and has shown some explosiveness in one on one drills. He has yet to be included in any team drills, be it on defense or Special Teams. Unless he flashes in the Preseason games, I think he will find tough sledding to make the roster.

62 Ethan Westbrooks 6’3 267 R West Texas A&M

H finally made it on the field after spending the first two weeks of camp on the Non-football PUP list. It’s easy to see why the Rams made him the highest paid UDFA on this year’s group. He is taking reps mainly at DT since coming back, but he gets a turn at DE on occasion, and that is where he is most likely to have an impact. He is very athletic, and quick off the ball. He can dominate the 3rd unit OL in one on one drills, but has not been as good against some of the better guys. It could come down to him and Sam if they decide to keep an extra DE. But he has not shown up on any special teams at this point, so that may work against him in the long run.

93 Kourtnei Brown 6’5 256 1 Clemson

Last player added to the roster at the start of training camp, he has shown pretty well for himself at DE with the 3rd unit. He benefited from Westbrooks and S. Brown’s absence, and shows some ability to get up field. Reminds me a little of Gerald Rivers, and could end up being someone they consider adding to the Practice Squad.

Defensive Tackle:

90 Michael Brockers 6’5 326 3 LSU

While Brockers is entering his 3rd season in the NFL, at 23 he is only going to get better as he matures. He was BIG kid when he got here, now he is a MAN. Physically, to see him develop and just get leaner and stronger has been fun. He is hard to handle one on one, and should be a force inside to be reckoned with.

98 Kendall Langford 6’6 313 7 Hampton

Continues to get 1st unit reps, and is a nice fit with Brockers inside. He was having a good camp, until missing the past couple of practices with an unknown ailment. He should be part of the rotation, and there is nothing to suggest he won’t continue to build on a good year.

92 Alex Carrington 6’5 301 5 Arkansas State

Carrington has gotten the majority of 2nd unit reps, and has flashed on occasion. He looks to have good instincts and should fit in well. Physical at the point of attack, and has shown the ability to get penetration from inside. Looks to be a nice FA pickup.

71 Matt Conrath 6’7 306 3 Virginia

One of the players who came to camp noticeably bigger and appears stronger. Another in his 3rd training camp, when he got here in 2012, he was tall and lanky at 275 lbs. He is not that same skinny kid any longer. They like his size, and reach. He does a good job against the run, but causes problem with his 6’7 frame in the short passing game. He is also one of the key guys lining up on the Kickoff Return team. Might be a surprise to stick on the 53 man roster.

99 Aaron Donald 6’1 285 R Pittsburgh

No one on the defensive side of the ball has been talked about more than Aaron Donald. And with good reason. While things have leveled off somewhat now that he is being mixed in with the 1st unit in some of the teams drills, most of his early success was against the lesser 3rd team offense. But don’t let that fool you into thinking he isn’t as good as advertised. His get off is unmatched by anyone on this roster. His technique exceeds his experience. His ability to use his hands is that of a much more seasoned pro. He will be a big part of the rotation on defense. And it won’t just to be a pass rushing presence from the DT spot. He can and will be effective vs. the run as well.

68 Deantra Harlan 6’4 281 R Bacone

The last of the UDFA linemen, he has taken advantage of regular reps with the 3rd unit to show some ability. He has stood up well against the run, but as the 6th DT on this roster, is days are limited. He is a guy who might get a look from another organization if he can show something in the Preseason Games.

==========

A Look at the Roster: Secondary and Specialists

Cornerbacks:

21 Janoris Jenkins 5’10 198 3 North Alabama

He still shows tremendous potential and should benefit greatly from the Greg Williams scheme. Has been on the sideline for the past week, he will no doubt step right back in to the starter’s role when he returns. Sometimes overly aggressive in coverage, he needs to learn when to let the play come to him. But his man to man skills can be impressive when he locks on to a guy. They will need a big comeback year out of Jenkins, as his absence in practice has exposed the huge void when he isn’t out there.

22 Trumaine Johnson 6’2 204 3 Montana

Appears ready to take the next step as a starting CB. He has flashed and had one of his best practices earlier this week, posting multiple pass break ups both in one on one drills, and 11 on 11. He can get caught being too aggressive and ends up giving up a big play, but overall, he has shown to be the most consistent CB on the roster right now. He has struggled with what looks to be nagging injuries throughout camp, but when he is on the field he steps up.

32 Brandon McGee 5’11 193 2 Miami (FL)

McGee has rotated in with regular 1st unit reps, due to Jenkins being on the sideline. He has shown marginal improvement over last year’s training camp. But has been “picked on” at times. He has all the physical traits to be a good CB, but just hasn’t put it all together to be consistent on a daily basis. That being said, he is a core contributor on Special Teams, so his roster spot should be safe.

20 Lamarcus Joyner 5’8 184 R Florida state

Joyner has been used exclusively in the Nickel CB role, since the first two days of camp. He was exposed on the outside at CB, but since assuming the Nickel role, he has shown to have very good instincts and should thrive in Williams’ scheme. While physically limited, he struggles at times in one on one situations, but has a knack for coming up with a big play. Has had multiple Interceptions in team drills, and has been very physical in the padded practices. This guy just oozes “football player”. Somewhat surprised that he hasn’t been included in many Special Teams, and so far hasn’t taken a single rep at Safety.

33 E.J. Gaines 5’10 195 R Missouri

Gaines has quickly moved up the depth chart. Part of it is due to the injuries cropping up to players ahead of him, but also because he has shown the ability to make plays when on the field. While his measureables might not jump off the page, he plays fast. He has gotten steady 2nd unit reps at CB and Nickel, while mixing in some 1st team reps this week at CB. His football IQ is obvious, he reads the play as well as anyone. Similar to Joyner, he has had multiple Interceptions in camp by just being able to read the play and adjust to the ball in the air. He is showing up on multiple Special Teams.

35 Darren Woodard 5’11 175 1 Texas – El Paso

As one of the returning CBs on the roster, he was given early reps with the 2nd unit and rotated in with the 1st unit when injuries started to pop up. He has struggled to maintain his standing, and seems to have reverted back to his UDFA standing of last year. He will need another strong showing in the Preseason games to regain his roster spot. Another DB who is rarely seen on Special Teams.

39 Greg Reid 5’8 190 1 Valdosta State

Already a fan favorite, he has struggled to shake of the rust from his previous injuries. Has been relegated to 3rd unit reps, rotating with other back end of the depth chart guys. He benefited from the injuries and moved up to 2nd unit reps this week, and seemed to be energized by the opportunity. The first two weeks of camp, he appeared disinterested and dejected, and did virtually nothing to stand out. He had a few moments this past week, with an INT versus the 3rd unit, and has played more physical in the padded practices. But the bothersome to me, he is on NONE of the core Special Teams, other being 4th in line as a Punt Returner at this point. That he isn’t showing up on any of the coverage units is telling.

47 Marcus Roberson 6’0 191 R Florida

He has been getting all of his reps with the 3rd unit. Like Reid, he is part of the rotation with the other back of the Depth chart guys. He displays good cover skills, but has not shown even a little interest in the physical part of the game. For him to have any chance of making the roster as the 6th CB, he needs to show up on Special Teams. As thus far, he isn’t included on a single ST unit. Not a good sign.

41 Jarrid Bryant 6’3 185 R South Dakota

Easily the biggest of all the CBs, he hasn’t really shown much to distinguish himself. Has missed the past week of practice, which won’t help his case to make it past the first cut.

Safeties:

25 T.J. McDonald 6’2 219 2 So. California

Has been a fixture since the first day of training camp last year. He is being used primarily near the Line of Scrimmage, and will have coverage responsibility in matching up with the second TE or picking up RBs coming out of the backfield. He still struggles in one on one matchup, but is very effective in zone when close to the LOS. He provides a presence in run support, and has been utilized frequently blitzing off the edge. He needs to build off his rookie season, and become a difference maker for this defense to take the next step. He is also being included on the coverage units on Special Teams.

23 Rodney McLeod 5’10 195 3 Virginia

Head Coach Jeff Fisher all but announce earlier this week that Rodney McLeod will be the starting Free Safety in 2014. He is primarily being used as the single high Safety, and has shown to the instincts to read the play and go side to side in deep coverage. If he can focus solely on playing Safety, and so far he hasn’t taken a single rep as a Nickel CB, he should be able to develop into a much more consistent performer. His biggest issue is missing on too many tackles, and since they just don’t tackle in practice, he will have to show he is capable in the Preseason Games. Will also resume his role as one of the leaders on Special Teams.

38 Cody Davis 6’1 206 2 Texas Tech

He has taken every rep at Free Safety with the 2nd unit. He is not flashy, but he just makes plays. Hardly a practice goes by, without Davis coming up with some sort of turnover, be it in 1 on 1 , 7 or 7 or 11 on 11. If he shows he can make the same sort of impact during the Preseason Games, he could challenge McLeod for more playing time at FA. Regardless, he is on virtually every Special Teams and his roster spot appears safe.

31 Maurice (Mo) Alexander 6’2 220 R Utah State

Like Davis, Alexander has taken every rep as the 2nd unit Strong Safety. His athleticism is obvious. But after missing all of the OTAs, he is behind the rest in terms of his comfort level in the system. He can look lost on one play, and flash the next. While his inclusion on defense might still be a year away, I can see him being this year’s Ray Ray Armstrong on Special Teams. When he stops thinking first, and starts playing fast, he will be fun to watch.

37 Matt Daniels 6’0 211 3 Duke

Having missed most of OTAs, and the first two weeks of training camp, Daniels is just now getting his legs and starting to participate on a regular basis. He is still relegated to 3rd team reps at Strong Safety, he needs to earn his roster spot on Special Teams. His inability to stay healthy might finally catch up with him, but they do seem to like what he brings on Special Teams.

43 Avery Cunningham 6’0 203 R Central Michigan

He has been getting regular reps at Free Safety with the 3rd unit, and looks like he has a decent understanding of the system. He hasn’t done much to show he will last, but he hasn’t embarrassed himself either. Might be a Practice Squad candidate.

26 Christian Bryant 5’9 198 R Ohio State

Recently activated from the Non-football PUP list, he is now participating in the full practices. He missed all of OTAs, but he seems to have a pretty good grasp of the position. He is now getting regular reps with the 3rd unit at Free Safety, displacing A. Cunningham. It’s been obvious he is anxious to get on the field, as his first day back, they had to pull him off the field during a Special Team drill. While his roster spot in murky, I would imagine he sticks around on the Practice Squad.

Specialists:

Kicker:

4 Greg Zuerlein 6’0 196 3 Missouri Western

He has picked up where he left off. He has been very consistent in practice, and was routinely hitting from outside 50 yards. Many people overlook last year, but he was 26-28 for 92.9 % which was among the league leaders. It’s not IF he will break the record for longest FG, it’s WHEN.

Punters:

6 Johnny Hekker 6’5 236 3 Oregon State

Coming off his ProBowl season, it may be hard for some to believe that Hekker actually looks better this year in camp. He is working on his directional punting every day, and continues to just pound the football. Routinely kicking the ball 65 yards in the air, with 4.9-5.1 hang time.

2 Bobby Cowan 6’4 219 1 Idaho

The left-footed punter is having a decent training camp in his own right. If he wasn’t competing with the reigning ProBowler, he might have a chance to open a few eyes. If he kicks the ball in the Preseason as he has in practice, he may find a team willing to give him an extended look after the cuts are made.

Long Snapper:

44 Jake McQuaide 6’2 244 4 Ohio State

I was skeptical when they chose to keep McQuaide over Massey, but so much for what I know. He is every bit as consistent, and I cannot remember a bad snap even at practice. Be it deep snapping on the punt team, or on FG’s he is as good as anyone in the league.

49 Jordan Hus 6’1 233 1 Regina, Canada

Again, if it were it not a case of trying to compete with the incumbent who is as good as there is, Hus should get a look from other teams once the Preseason is over.

This is just one man’s opinion of how the roster has taken shape in the three weeks they have been in training camp. This roster has come together, and from where I sit, only has a handful of spots still up in the air. The Preseason games should makes things crystal clear for many of the back end of the roster guys.

Looking forward to seeing them hit the field against someone other than themselves.

September 7th cannot get here fast enough.