53-Man Roster Projections

After seeing the Cowboys live in training camp, and watching them in their first preseason game against the Colts, I’ll take an early look at who is likely to make the 53-man roster.

September 1st, is when all NFL rosters must be trimmed down to the mandated 53-man roster size. First wave of cuts will be on August 28th. Now, let’s take a look at who’s in and who’s out.

OFFENSE (26)

QBs (3)
Tony Romo
Brad Johnson
Matt Moore

RBs (4)
Julius Jones
Marion Barber III
Tyson Thompson
Jackie Battle

FBs (1)

Oliver Hoyte

WRs (6)
Terrell Owens
Terry Glenn
Patrick Crayton
Sam Hurd
Miles Austin
Isaiah Stanback

TEs (3)
Jason Witten
Anthony Fasano
Tony Curtis

OL (9)
Flozell Adams
Kyle Kosier
Andre Gurode
Leonard Davis
Marco Colombo
Pat McQuistan
Doug Free
Cory Procter
James Marten

DEFENSE (24)

DL (5)
Jason Ferguson
Chris Canty
Jason Hatcher
Marcus Spears
Jay Ratliff

LBs (8)
DeMarcus Ware
Akin Ayodele
Bradie James
Anthony Spencer
Greg Ellis
Bobby Carpenter
Kevin Burnett
Junior Glymph

S (5)
Roy Williams
Ken Hamlin
Keith Davis
Patrick Watkins
Courtney Brown

CB (6)
Terence Newman
Anthony Henry
Aaron Glenn
Jacques Reeves
Joey Thomas
Nate Jones

SPECIAL TEAMS (3)
PK (1)
Nick Folk

P (1)
Matt McBriar

LS (1)
L.P. LaDouceur

ON THE CUSP
Matt Moore, Jackie Battle, Deon Anderson, Tony Curtis, Courtney Brown

These players could make the team, some are close to making the team, and if they continue to play well, it’ll be hard to keep them off the team; moreover, it’ll be harder to keep them on the practice squad (Curtis has would not qualify for the practice squad)

Moore looks good, really good so far. This guy could be the future backup. Battle is in the same position. I love what Battle has been doing for the team, he’s quick and he runs really hard. Anderson’s value looks to be in special teams, being late to practice did not help his cause. Brown is in the same boat as the rest. Drafted as a CB, he’s been moved to FS, his versatility mirrors Reeves, but not at his level yet.

ON THE BUBBLE
Nate Jones, Isaiah Stanback

These particular players could make the team, but its going to be very close. Right now Joey Thomas is looking to unseed one of the DBs and its looking like Jones could be the odd man out. Stanback has not practiced, hasn’t done anything for the team, its really hard to keep someone on the team without seeing anything from them. Stanback could be heading to IR. Even if he returns, its hard to imagine he would be better than the players that already have experience in the return game. I’m doubting this pick right now. 4th rounder, probably could have gotten him late round or as undrafted rookie. His injury must of turned off alot of teams, and no one was going to draft him as a QB, and who else would have wanted to convert him to a return specialist?