Monti Ossenfort's Roster and Practice Squad: Kudos and Questions
by Walter Mitchell
There is a special art that NFL GMs try to manifest when trying to decide which players to keep on the 53-Man Roster (initially and a couple days after), which ones to place on PUP and IR designations and which players to release in the hope that they will clear waivers.
After learning that only one of the Cardinals whom they released was claimed off waivers (CB Jaylon Jones by CHI), here was my reaction:
Kudos to Monti Ossenfort for guessing which players would pass through waivers. What does Monti have cooking for the practice squad? My top 5 hopefuls: WR Simi Fehoko, CB/S Darren Hall, DT Kyon Barrs, DT/DE Patrick Jenkins, WR Tejhuan Palmer. Who are yours?
It is with great relief today to know that WR Simi Fehoko, CB/S Darren Hall and WR Tejhuan Palmer were practicing yesterday, having been re-signed to the practice squad.
In light of the fact that Fehoko and Hall, as vested veterans, did not have to be subjected to waiver claims, I wonder whether Monti had an agreement with both of them prior to making the cuts, which would have enabled Monti to avoid having to expose any of these young players to waivers:
Here is the most updated practice squad roster:
WR Andre Baccellia --- coaches and teammates love him
LB Elliott Brown --- 7 QB pressures, 6 QB hurries, 1 QB hit
OL Jeremiah Byers --- 62.9 run blocking at tackle
RB Michael Carter --- 72.7, #3 best on offense
OL Jake Curhan --- 66.3 overall, 66.8 run blocking at guard
TE Josiah Deguara --- 72.9 pass blocking
WR Simi Fehoko --- 71.5 the #5 best on offense
DL Anthony Goodlow --- 6 QB pressures, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
CB Darren Hall --- 87.1 pre-season grade, #2 best on the defense
OL Sincere Haynesworth --- 67.6 run blocking at center
OL Demontrey Jacobs --- starting RT for Patriots last season who struggled, but is young
OL Nick Leverett --- 66.5 overall, 71.1 run blocking
WR Tejhaun Palmer --- developed strong chemistry with Jacoby Brissett
DL Elijah Simmons --- 64.5, 5 QB pressures, 3 tackles, 1 stop
2 practice squad spots are still open.
One will need to be a QB.
The questions are:
* Did Monti expect to be able to re-sign Clayton Tune to the PS?
* Was Monti one of the 2 NFL GMs who tried to claim Sam Ehlinger? Sam elected to stay on the Broncos' practice squad instead of being on a 53-Man roster as QB3.
* Did Monti try to woo Marv's best friend and former OSU QB Kyle McCord to the Cardinals' PS? McCord has re-signed with the Eagles to their PS.
My guess: the Cleveland Connection
Status: Released | Last with: Philadelphia Eagles
A one-time preseason stud, "DTR" failed to win the Eagles' No. 3 job after coming over in the first Kenny Pickett trade of the offseason. And Philadelphia is usually pretty keen on retaining developmental assets at the position. His mobility and starting experience (five games in his first two seasons with the Browns) at least make him a worthwhile project.
What are your thoughts about Monti's moves and the QB3 opening?
Monti did a nice job on which players to waive/release and to which players to keep on 53. There is still some movement likely to happen (ie Jones to IR, Brewer to 53). But he only lost two players (Dallas & Tune). I think they (like Hall & Fehoko) were likely risks to be claimed; but they were not roster changers. as QB3 and PR/KR they can both be replaced 'easily' enough. He was also able to resign most (13) back to PS. The roster depth chart is getting stronger. Is it enough to take team to playoffs? That, I think will depend on the development & coaching of the young group of players, not necessarily strengths of the Cardinals organization. I remain pessimistically hopeful and optimistic.
ReplyDeletePessimistically hopeful is a great summation of my overall feelings for what’s ahead.
DeleteThe emphasis on developing players like Simmons, Byers, and Brown, coupled with the management of injuries via the PUP list, suggests a focus on building a sustainable roster for the future not just week one. They lost Dallas, no big deal and the team saved $2.4m cap space and his cut put Bam on the team. Every team in every sports needs a Bam on the team.
ReplyDeleteI know nothing about Tune's replacement, Kedon Slovis, but if he's under center this season, the season is lost.
9 trades after cuts from several teams, early stats show 39 cut players picked up by teams. AzCards-3rd string QB move and that's it so far and not surprising for a unaggressive FO and a staff who thinks they got it solved.
I get that coaches and players love Baccellia, but it's time to move on from him. It's starting to be Isabella all over again. There has to be a better player at any given position to take a flyer on.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite guys is here! Welcome ERauch
DeleteGreat to see you, ERauch. I agree with you. It feels token at this point, although I think Andre does make a good scout team slot WR with his 4.38 speed and yet as uncanny as this may sound, have the Cardinals coaches or QBs even tried a deep shot to Andre? I honestly can't recall it. For Andre's sake, he could be better off with another team, if that door ever opens. Or make a name for himself in the XFL of CFL.
DeleteThanks guys. Been lurking from day 1. Still trying to cope with the divorce (between the now 2 Cardinal forums). Went on a cruise and came back to chaos....lol
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