There is a pretty clear consensus on what our 53 man roster will look like this year. And these are probably pretty accurate. But I am going to offer up a slightly different model for making a roster up. First, I will stick with the 25 offense, 25 defense, and 3 STers that is the norm, but that is not automatic. But it is probable.
On offense, most scenarios have us keeping 9 Olinemen, 3TEs,2 or 3 QBs, and the rest WRs and RBs. The Lions will only dress 7 Off linemen each game, the last 2 guys are just extras in case needed after injuries and will be inactive on game day. The 7 are obvious, Reiff, Sims, Riola, Warford, Wadlle, Hilliard, and Swanson. Austin has been awful this preseason, Lucas also has a very negative PFF score. Williams is the only backup lineman with a positive pass blocking and run blocking score, both positive. I think that unless Lucas badly outplays him this week, Williams has moved ahead and Lucas is going to the PS. That leaves Reynolds and Williams. Reynolds can play both guard and tackle, but isn't great at either. I think that they keep Williams, and only keep 8 guys. Lucas and Keyton, who has outplayed Austin, will go onto the PS, giving us 10 in camp and at practice. Our backup off linemen are not as highly thought of as the guys at other positions, so I say we go with 8. Many teams do this. We keep the obvious 3 TEs, and we keep just 2 QBs. We put Moore on the PS. Last year GB put I think Tolzein on the PS, but paid him a full salary not to go elsewhere. We could do this with Moore. Only risk is if he get waiver claimed, but to do that a team has to cut another guy and I don't think anyone is vulturing Moore. It is a gamble though. This setup allows us to keep more skill players, which is where we have the most competitive balance. We could keep 6 RBs and 6 WRs. Don't need this many, but this is our most talented and deep positions. Trades can always be made after cuts to add elsewhere using our best trade bait, LeShoure or a backup WR.
On defense, most scenarios have us keeping 9 Def line,6 Lbs, and 10 DBs. It really is starting to seem obvious that Van Noy is hurt. We are going to put him on IR, able to come back later. Knowing we are adding a talented LB halfway thru the season, we could get by with 5 LBs for now. Tapp has not played well, I think he is the odd man out, and we keep 5 DEs and 4 DTs. Many of the others are PS eligible. This allows us to keep 11 DBs, there by keeping all of Greenwood, Carey, Lawson, Couplin, and Quddas. Greenwood and Couplin both have too much ability to cut, and I think that either one of those guys will get scooped up if available. I think that this allows us to come closer to keeping our 53 best players, disregarding positions.
We also keep 2 kickers and the Muhldozer. and BTW, watching warmups before the last game.the kickers are always out earliest, and Muhlbach is with them. A lot of balls have to be thrown back. I can tell you, the Muhldozer has a tremendous arm, can really wing the ball. Might be a stronger arm than some of our QBs, I was very impressed.
Am I nuts? Yes, but what do you guys think of this idea?