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Post Draft 53 Man Roster Projection

T

TheRealJoker

Hall of Fame
Alright folks... we've got a pretty good idea who will be going to training camp. Barring any unforeseen cuts prior to the season starting lets post our 53 man roster projections. Full name of UDFA or lesser known players we've picked up since season ended:

Offense: 25
QB: Watson, Weeden, Webb (keeping 3 QBs because Webb can play ST)
RB: Miller, Terry Swanson, Blue
FB: Prosch
WR: Hopkins, Fuller, Coutee, Ellington, Vyncint Smith
TE: Griffin, Akins, Lengel
OT: Davenport, Henderson, Rankin, Jones-Smith
OG: Fulton, Allen, Kelemete, Fuller
OC: Martin, Mancz

Defense: 25
ID: Watt, Reader, Covington, Watkins, Dunn, Heath
ED: Clowney, Mercilus, Scarlett, Ejiofor
LB: McKinney, Cunningham, Cole, Kalambayi, Peters
CB: Colvin, Johnson, Joseph, Jackson, Bademosi, Kelly
S: Mathieu, Hal, Reid, Decoud

Specialists: 3
P: Lechler
K: Fairbairn
LS: Weeks

PUP: Foreman, Ervin, if Ejiofor starts season on PUP due to shoulder then substitute Ufomba Kamalu in his place.

Notable cuts:

Braxton Miller - Team will not be carrying 3 slot WRs. Need to cover outside WR depth so Vyncint Smith will beat out Miller. Ellington and Coutee are more polished options in the slot. I actually think Jester Weah or Vyncint Smith will make the team as the first outside WR off the ben. Loser goes to practice squad. Team keeps 6 WRs if best case scenario happens and they both play too well in preseason to stash either on the practice squad.

Chris Thompson - He's a heck of a ST player but I just can't find a spot for him on the roster this year with the signing of Johnson Bademosi as ST ace, Webb as 3rd QB and ability to play ST and Coutee/Ellington in the mix for returns. Again, maybe he can prove himself indispensable again and force us to keep 9 OL or drop down to 2 QBs. But he doesn't do enough as a WR to warrant carrying at the expense of OL depth or only having 2 QBs.

Jordan Thomas - I think Lengel will be ahead of him as the Y TE given his 2 years NFL experience. I think Thomas will spend his rookie year on PS learning the position. He was my least favorite draft pick and the one I feel has the least chance to make the team. I hope he proves me wrong because i'm not all that thrilled about Lengel either. Very good chance this position gets filled by a cut from another team.

Ufomba Kamalu - I think Ejiofor beats him out. But as stated earlier if Edge has to start season on PUP due to his shoulder surgery then Kamalu will make the roster.

Corey Moore - I think Decoud will have the advantage given his ability to play CB if needed. That added versatility may actually make the TC battle between Moore and Jermaine Kelly for the 10th DB spot on the roster and will come down to ST.

Eddie Pleasant - Just no room for him now with the addition of Justin Reid and Honey Badger along with Decoud having versatility to play CB/S.
 
Interesting exercise to figure out optimal roster building. Team has only carried 2 QBs in the past because it makes those tough cuts at the end of preseason a little easier being able to carry an extra WR or TE or RB but I don't think we'll go that route this season given Webb's ability to contribute on ST and our well documented bad luck with QB health.

On the other side of the ball I think team has to keep 10 DBs because that weakness is the easiest for teams to exploit when injuries pile up and team has to sign street FAs who are both not talented enough to be on an NFL roster and not well versed enough in the scheme to avoid coverage breakdowns/miscommunication. We saw that in the Patriots game in particular last season when we had Johnathan Banks signed off the street playing the majority of the game against TB12 and company. If we get hit with injuries on the back end I want to give team best chance possible it's at least someone that knows the playbook.

Positions I am most concerned about heading into season:

RB: I feel really good about Swanson. I think he is a similar player to Dalvin Cook and will end up being a UDFA steal. But I admit that any UDFA being a steal is a long shot. So on paper this position is thin. I don't consider Lamar Miller a bellcow back, Blue is a glue guy that can get you through a game and Foreman is not likely to be the explosive bellcow to be we drafted when he returns from injury. Gosh I really hope Swanson turns out to be Dalvin Cook :)

TE: I think we've got some good receivers but no true bonafide Y TE. I really like Akins as the "Aaron Hernandez" on this offense but we may have to wait until next year when we have a 1st and two 2nd round picks to find the "Gronk" to pair him with... I really hope we find a diamond in the rough on blocking TEs. Would have much preferred Ryan Izzo over Jordan Thomas in the draft but hope i'm wrong and he turns out to be the player he was drafted to be.

Positions I feel surprisingly good about:

WR: We are going to have tough cuts at this position. Hopkins and Fuller are entrenched as starters. We just spent a 4th on Coutee. Ellington is talented enough to contribute to an NFL team. If Braxton Miller finally has the lightbulb go off for him this may be a situation where the team can move a player for a draft pick or another player competing for a roster spot at a position where we are thin (TE) if they play well in preseason. Add the ST ace Chris Thompson and the UDFA WRs I really like (Vyncint Smith and Jester Weah) and I think this position will be extremely competitive for a roster spot.

interior OL: We have a ton of guys who can perform capably on the interior. An argument can be made to only carry 3 OTs because Kelemete/Allen have OT versatility. However, I really like the potential of Jaryd Jones-Smith and think he has starting potential at RT before his rookie contract ends. And plus i'd like to carry 10 OL just to make sure we have the best chance of finding 5 guys that can protect DW4.

Defense: I think the front 7 spots are for the most part spoken for... the starters are entrenched and the one weakness (edge depth) was addressed in the draft with players that are highly unlikely to be beaten out by what is left on the roster. The secondary is also entrenched with high dollar FA acquisitions, premium draft picks and long term starters. This defense will be elite and will have plenty of supporting cast types if our studs Watt/Clowney/Mercilus all stay healthy and play how they are capable. The CB position is lacking a true #1 now that Jo Jo is another year older. But if the pass rush performs as it should on paper along with the improved safety play we will see someone perform like a #1 CB. Whether that is Colvin or K Jo or both (that would be cool!) remains to be seen.
 
Scooter said:
I don't have a comment yet on the 53 other than to say Prosch doesn't have a role on this team. He'll probably be kept, and I love the fullback position, but it's a wasted spot - better used for an extra secondary player.
Click to expand...

I understand the frustration on Prosch. My only comment would be who takes his place? Stephen Anderson? Can Blue play FB if needed?
 
badboy said:
Decoud will have to beat out Drummond and Corey Moore IMO. That could happen but it's wait and see for me.
Click to expand...

I think Decoud's positional versatility makes him the favorite but it could come down to who is decisively better on ST. One thing is for sure, I see Eddie Pleasant on the outside looking in.
 
TheRealJoker said:
I understand the frustration on Prosch. My only comment would be who takes his place? Stephen Anderson? Can Blue play FB if needed?
Click to expand...

Nobody/anybody. I forget the number, but we used a true fullback last year a very paltry number of times. Prosch's few offensive snaps came as part of a shotgun split if I remember right, and was almost entire pass protection. He really didn't do anything on offense that couldn't be accomplished by others. Use a backup DT/OL in short yardage and a TE in backfield shotgun ... there, Prosch's entire role on offense is accounted for. Don't get me wrong, I'm very old school and have a strong favor towards offenses that can use the fullback's potential. We don't, and we won't, so it's a wasted position.
 
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Scooter said:
Nobody/anybody. I forget the number, but we used a true fullback last year a very paltry number of times. Prosch's few offensive snaps came as part of a shotgun split if I remember right, and was almost entire pass protection. He really didn't do anything on offense that couldn't be accomplished by others. Use a backup DT/OL in short yardage and a TE in backfield shotgun ... there, Prosch's entire role on offense is accounted for. Don't get me wrong, I'm very old school and have a strong favor towards offenses that can use the fullback's potential. We don't, and we won't, so it's a wasted position.
Click to expand...

Really interested in what this offense will look like. Very well could be like you said no FB. Just am so conditioned to having a FB on a roster. But maybe that gets replaced by another move TE? Like Stephen Anderson or MyCole Pruitt.
 
On offense I think Anderson makes it and Prosch is cut. Swanson is cut and a Vet RB is added at cut down date.

Defense- Pleasant make it over Kelly.

BTW- Great job
 
steelbtexan said:
On offense I think Anderson makes it and Prosch is cut. Swanson is cut and a Vet RB is added at cut down date.

Defense- Pleasant make it over Kelly.

BTW- Great job
Click to expand...

Thanks. There is going to be quite the battle for those final 5 or so roster spots. I have faith in Terry Swanson though. I think he makes this team! If they add a vet it's because they want to carry 4 RBs not because he isn't one of the 53 best players on the team.
 
Scooter said:
Again I'm not going to try to predict anything, but I think this would be a better setting. Anderson has time in the system and is flexible, Prosch as I said is player without a position.
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Only issue with Anderson is he's just a jumbo WR who offers nothing as a blocker. The UDFA WRs Weah and Smith actually do appear to be solid blockers. Weah especially...

I think if Prosch is cut maybe they try Pruitt in that spot over Anderson.

Looks like what we've nailed down early in the process is nobody really "wants" Prosch on the team!
 
PS projection because I can't sleep and obviously think too much about the Texans:

TE: Jordan Thomas
WR: Jester Weah, Chris Thompson
OL: Chad Slade, Anthony Coyle
LB: Latroy Lewis, Davin Bellamy
CB: Dee Virgin
 
I'm actually more excited about 4 UDFAs we brought in: Terry Swanson, Jaryd Jones-Smith, Vyncint Smith and Jester Weah

than I am about 6th round pick Jordan Thomas and 7th rounder Jermaine Kelly. This isn't so much me "hating the picks" but me loving what the team was able to do in the "8th round" this year. I think all 4 of those UDFAs have a legitimate shot at making the team, maybe even being positive contributors their rookie year like Dylan Cole last season.
 
TheRealJoker said:
Alright folks... we've got a pretty good idea who will be going to training camp. Barring any unforeseen cuts prior to the season starting lets post our 53 man roster projections. Full name of UDFA or lesser known players we've picked up since season ended:



Jordan Thomas - I think Lengel will be ahead of him as the Y TE given his 2 years NFL experience. I think Thomas will spend his rookie year on PS learning the position. He was my least favorite draft pick and the one I feel has the least chance to make the team. I hope he proves me wrong because i'm not all that thrilled about Lengel either. Very good chance this position gets filled by a cut from another team.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure how far ahead Lengel may be from Thomas after full OTAs and TC. Lengel has only taken a handful of snaps while with the Pats in Dec 2016. His claim to fame was that the first of his 2 receptions that year was a TD from Brady. He played mostly STs in his limited usage. After being waived with an injury settlement following hand surgery, he took one snap late Oct last year with the Browns who picked him up.

When in college where he did get some play, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 2012 opener. The following year, he suffered another season-ending knee injury 2 games into the season.........a re-injury to the same knee..............both ACL ruptures.

I don't see Lengel as a clear cut winner. Both have potential. It will be up to each of them to prove their individual value to the team in the upcoming months.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
I'm not sure how far ahead Lengel may be from Thomas after full OTAs and TC. Lengel has only taken a handful of snaps while with the Pats in Dec 2016. His claim to fame was that the first of his 2 receptions that year was a TD from Brady. He played mostly STs in his limited usage. After being waived with an injury settlement following hand surgery, he took one snap late Oct last year with the Browns who picked him up.

When in college where he did get some play, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 2012 opener. The following year, he suffered another season-ending knee injury 2 games into the season.........a re-injury to the same knee..............both ACL ruptures.

I don't see Lengel as a clear cut winner. Both have potential. It will be up to each of them to prove their individual value to the team in the upcoming months.
Click to expand...

Yikes... well at least we’ve identified the most glaring weakness on the roster! Replace Lengel with another team’s cut to be named later!
 
Offense: 25
QB: Watson, Weeden, Webb (keeping 3 QBs because Webb can play ST)
RB: Miller, Terry Swanson, Blue, Waiver wire RB
FB: Prosch
WR: Hopkins, Fuller, Coutee, Weah, Vyncint Smith
TE: Griffin, Akins, Waiver wire TE
OT: Davenport, Henderson, Rankin, Waiver wire OT
OG: Fulton, Kelemete, Fuller
OC: Martin, Mancz

Defense: 25
ID: Watt, Reader, Covington, Watkins, Dunn, Heath
ED: Clowney, Mercilus, Scarlett, Ejiofor, Kalambayi
LB: McKinney, Cunningham, Cole, Waiver wire LB
CB: Colvin, Johnson, Joseph, Jackson, Bademosi, Kelly
S: Mathieu, Hal, Reid, Decoud

Specialists: 3
P: Lechler
K: Fairbairn
LS: Weeks
Click to expand...
The Texans position on the waiver wire will allow them to find young veterans for the back end of the roster.

I think the Texans keep 4 RBs initially, and 9 O-linemen on the 53 man roster due to the versatility of Kelemete and Rankin. I also think Allen loses a spot after failing to win a starting job. The Texans may get a late pick for Allen in camp.

I don't think the Texans will be able to expose Weah and Smith to the waiver wire after the preseason, and Ellington will be the odd man out.

Peters doesn't show enough on defense to keep as a special teams only. The Texans will find a better all around ILB on the waiver wire.

Kelly is the 53rd man on the roster, and could be replaced by Cory Moore if Decoud outplays Kelly at CB.

Kareem Jackson would be my surprise cut if Kevin Johnson steps up.

I also think the Texans bring in one more vet QB,either during camp or after cuts, making Webb vulnerable.
 
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TheRealJoker said:
Only issue with Anderson is he's just a jumbo WR who offers nothing as a blocker. The UDFA WRs Weah and Smith actually do appear to be solid blockers. Weah especially...

I think if Prosch is cut maybe they try Pruitt in that spot over Anderson.

Looks like what we've nailed down early in the process is nobody really "wants" Prosch on the team!
Click to expand...

Not true! Prosch is a good FB but I think his real value is on ST's. Maybe with BOB's "new offense" they won't need a FB but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
 
I wonder if an Olineman could be used in FB spot for blocking purposes; would have to have quick feet and slide ability. Perhaps only on pass plays?
 
infantrycak said:
Kind of telegraphing don't you think?

OL would be terrible lead blockers.
Click to expand...
He wouldn't be leading just keeping defense off Watson for a second or two and I guess in that manner he could be blocking on all downs. 4 wouldn't be following a blocker on most plays as a planned run but scrambling and only needing an extra block. I'm not pushing this just mentioned it.
 
badboy said:
I wonder if an Olineman could be used in FB spot for blocking purposes; would have to have quick feet and slide ability. Perhaps only on pass plays?
Click to expand...

This is a good idea... enter Senio Kelemete to do the job!

Doing that I would then drop Prosch and add another RB. Since I have Foreman on PUP I am projecting a training camp cut (Gillislee) or we retain Lavon Coleman.
 
TheRealJoker said:
This is a good idea... enter Senio Kelemete to do the job!

Doing that I would then drop Prosch and add another RB. Since I have Foreman on PUP I am projecting a training camp cut (Gillislee) or we retain Lavon Coleman.
Click to expand...
His combine strengths seem to agree with your POV:
Kelemete is an athlete, especially for a lineman who could potentially be playing on the interior. He comes off the ball fast and consistently puts himself in good positions for blocks. He is able to stay with his blocks for the duration of running plays and is good to use his feet to maneuver himself in the right position when pulling and sealing. Working up to the second level, Kelemete gets in good position to get his big body in front of linebackers. He uses his hands well.
Click to expand...
Would also fit O'Brien's "player who can play multi positions."

Perhaps better would be a TE with strength and some catch ability playing FB.
 
badboy said:
His combine strengths seem to agree with your POV: Would also fit O'Brien's "player who can play multi positions."

Perhaps better would be a TE with strength and some catch ability playing FB.
Click to expand...

MyCole Pruitt 5th round pick in 2015. 6'2" 251 lbs 4.58 40 and 38" vertical at combine that year. Holds the Southern Illinois school record for receptions (221) and receiving yards (2,601) when he left for NFL. But Texans are his 3rd NFL team (gotta wonder why a guy with his athleticism/college production can't stick?) and his role would seem to be that of a move TE. He may work better in the FB role you mentioned. We'll see if he can turn in an impressive preseason.
 
Scooter said:
I don't have a comment yet on the 53 other than to say Prosch doesn't have a role on this team. He'll probably be kept, and I love the fullback position, but it's a wasted spot - better used for an extra secondary player.
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I hate to hear this. To me, if you don't have a FB you ain't playin' football. (When I played there were a couple of 1-way specialists, but most of us had to play both ways. I was a tackle who sometimes filled in at halfback. I still say you gotta have a fullback.) If not Prosch, then somebody else, but don't eliminate the position.
 
infantrycak said:
Too tall. A lead blocker needs to be able to get under and lift someone onto their heels.
Click to expand...
while I agree I think just getting in front of a rusher to slow him down is what I'm thinking of. He will not be leading another back or QB just keeping opponent off for couple seconds. I get it though..not usual formation
 
With the way the league has been trending I'm all for scrapping the traditional FB and carrying an extra DB instead.

FB is still an important job. When it gets down to it, you have to have someone who can do it. But I just don't think you can rationalize carrying a FB specialist anymore. He's got to be able to do something else as well so he can save me a roster spot somewhere.

Be a situational ball carrier, play some TE, take one of those "LB" spots on special teams. Anything. Just give me some versatility.
 
Is Prosch going to make the difference in us imposing our will in a short yardage situation? I can't recall it happening to this point and I don't blame Prosch. Someone on the OL usually gets blown up and the best FB doesn't help in that situation. Go with our strengths of zone blocking, misdirection and rpo in short yardage situations and use the roster spot elsewhere.
 
In this offense (albeit still to be fully unveiled) I don't think we need to carry a FB. Sorry Prosch - buh bye.

This isn't going to be 3 yards and a cloud of dust anymore. This is going to be more spread oriented with RPO's.

As long as Watson is healthy (knock on wood) this may be the most exciting and one of the most wide-open offenses in the league.
 
Here's a 53 Man Roster prediction from TexansWire: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/201..._medium=recirc&utm_campaign=rail-most-popular

They have some predictions that I'm sure will be questioned by many here (Prosch stays, Rankin starts at LT, Stephen Anderson and Scarlett are cut, etc...) but they already have one bad prediction. They had Matthew Godin making the Practice Squad but he's already been cut for a failed physical. Anyway, enjoy the article and take it for what it's worth, off season entertainment!
 
I’d keep prosch.

Just not a fan of no fb on the roster.

I think the few plays he gets in on offense is more valuable than a 6th corner who probably won’t be active on game days anyways. Even if he is, he’s likely playing 0 snaps on defense and only gets in on special teams if he’s one of the best 9-10 special teamers.
 
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xtruroyaltyx said:
I’d keep prosch.

Just not a fan of no fb on the roster.

I think the few plays he gets in on offense is more valuable than a 6th corner who probably won’t be active on game days anyways. Even if he is, he’s likely playing 0 snaps on defense and only gets in on special teams if he’s one of the best 9-10 special teamers.
Click to expand...

Helps he's a decent (good?) ST guy
 
WR and returned FA Bruce Ellington looking good so far:

There is an intense battle for the Houston Texans wide receiver spots behind starters DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller. So far, last year’s primary No. 3 receiver continues to hold down the slot receiver gig.

Bruce Ellington was a pleasant revelation in his first season in Houston, providing reliable hands and some elusiveness after the catch in his 29 receptions in 11 games. He re-signed with the Texans to keep the positive momentum rolling, and through the first few OTA sessions, the 26-year-old from South Carolina is shining.
He is locked into a fight for positioning and targets behind the two outside starters with Braxton Miller, Coutee, newcomer Sammie Coates and undrafted rookies Jester Weah and Vyncint Smith.
Click to expand...
https://texanswire.usatoday.com/201...e&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=pos0more
 
Still hoping a good vet or two will be cut by September 1st 4 pm cut down to 53 maximum. teams can sign waivers until noon Sept 2nd
 
Prosch in 2017 available 16 games started 5 with zero carries, 4 targets with 3 to 4 catches (depending on link) for 31 yards. Rather see Alfred Blue at half the price who can also run ball. Blue could improve his blocking knowing his role would change some. He would be blocking for another back rather than focusing on slowing a LB or DE.
 
badboy said:
Prosch in 2017 available 16 games started 5 with zero carries, 4 targets with 3 to 4 catches (depending on link) for 31 yards. Rather see Alfred Blue at half the price who can also run ball. Blue could improve his blocking knowing his role would change some. He would be blocking for another back rather than focusing on slowing a LB or DE.
Click to expand...

Different blocking. There's road bumps and road graders. Blue is a road bump. That works for a HB, sucks as a FB.
 
infantrycak said:
Different blocking. There's road bumps and road graders. Blue is a road bump. That works for a HB, sucks as a FB.
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"yes, but ..."

We don't employ a fullback enough for it to matter, which I think is the point. As I said in support of keeping Blue, he can do whatever job is asked - including being a speed bump (though I believe he would be better than that). Blue's hovering around the top 35-40, he's a glue player - and in the offense that I've seen these past few years Prosch is in the 45+ area. Prosch could be the greatest fullback ever (certainly not), but it doesn't matter because it's not a position on this team and he hasn't made enough special teams impact to justify his job.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the most action Prosch saw was in split shotgun sets where he was a cross block for Watson (which makes my brain hurt). Blue can pass block, has a better grasp of the run game, and would actually be an option out of the backfield.
 
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Scooter said:
"yes, but ..."
Click to expand...

I don't agree with getting away from a FB, but agree if they aren't going to use him eliminate the spot.

I think it is foolhardy. It's not scheme specific. Watch Leach lead so many Foster runs. Moose lead Emmitt. One zone, one power.

Either way, that's not Blue's nature. He's Jonathan Wells 2.0, looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane. A FB enjoys hitting. Sorry for the dog story, but Sue's eyes light up when he sees a big dog. "Whoohoo" and then he crashes. Beautiful train wreck. He loves hitting & being hit. That's a FB. Never going to get a stat. Just enjoy the hit.
 
infantrycak said:
I don't agree with getting away from a FB, but agree if they aren't going to use him eliminate the spot.

I think it is foolhardy. It's not scheme specific. Watch Leach lead so many Foster runs. Moose lead Emmitt. One zone, one power.
Click to expand...

Leach was a monster, but his greatest talent wasn't his body - it was his relationship with Foster. "Moose lead Emmitt". That's exactly it. Moose didn't have to kill a linebacker, his greatest talent was being where Emmitt needed him to be - crushing defenders was a side effect. That bonus showed up in late game situations for teams that leaned on their fullback like Leach and Moose who didn't just block, they paved. We don't need a someone to plow the road for 4 quarters, just someone who has an understanding and be in the right spot a few times. Blue can do that.

Personally, I'm like you and have been quite vocal about it. There's no replacement for having a #1 runner and "his" fullback - they win games and most importantly, they end games.
 
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Agree with everything except I don't believe Blue has hit in him. He's not that dog.

So dog analogy again...Sue hits, dog rolls over three times. Some of them get back up. Those are his friends.

He learned by being hit by two dogs who hammered him. Zeus & Rocco went to town on him as a pup. And then he got bigger.

He is Moose as a dog.

Dumbass just lays down for small dogs.

Small dog is relative. This is him with an ordinary male:
20170402_134942.jpg


Lol that's an average male dumbass.

Have a true FB and use him or get rid.

Long story short, you gotta love hitting. Thankless job, but usefull.

Emmitt was the master of balance. Just a hand here, a foot there, an extra 7 yds.
 
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