bradmahn

Ray Ventrone has shown some promising abilities as a slot receiver. He has a quick shake and runs very well after the catch. I won't pretend like I've scouted a substantial number of slot receivers, but last night (and in earlier flashes) he showed ability on crossing routes that I haven't seen from very many receivers.... besides Wes Welker. He showed good control of his body and balance (there was one play in particular on the C.J. Jones TD drive where Ventrone stopped on a dime, made a defender miss, and scooched forward for an extra 4 yards or so).

He's had solid showings in the first few games and a good camp in addition to last night's work. Last season, when he was signed to the fifty-three, he was a damn good player on special teams and is versatile and willing as a defender (although we haven't seen that translated to success as a defender on the field) . All this and the potential as a slot receiver make me confident that he will make the roster out of camp and it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if he contributes on offense for this team this year.

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I don't like Dungy and that's because he [was] the head coach of the Colts. Period. End of question. The degree to which I like a player or coach is predicated solely on the color of the laundry they wear on Sunday. When fans admit this and stop bashing players and coaches for any other reason, the world of sports will be infinitely improved.

Mainefan

I felt exactly the same way. His exceptional versatility is going to earn him a spot on the 53, and if Welker is injured for any length of time, we're going to be damn glad we have him.

MrBigglesWorth

If they keep him I hope they actually use him as a wr.

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JSn

How about RBV as the #5 by mid-season? Could happen.

wdkantro2

I love Ventrone as a player, and he will always be one of my favorites because he graduated from my school. I would absolutely love to see him make the team...but where does he fit? I really just don't think there is an open roster spot for him.

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bradmahn

As a WR, special teams standout, depth at DB (emergency safety and "Oh my god, call an ambulance"-emergency depth at corner).

Hypothetically speaking, ignore the hype surrounding Aikens for a minute, i.e., the reputation as a special teams ace: we have a guy who won't do much at WR unless there are injuries, hasn't been able to practice the last two weeks and doesn't offer depth at DB. Has he shown he can be a special teams stud for us? No (injuries are a part of the game; you don't win a roster spot from the trainer's room).

Is that more valuable than Ventrone right now? I don't think so.

Bubba has a place on this team.

__________________
I don't like Dungy and that's because he [was] the head coach of the Colts. Period. End of question. The degree to which I like a player or coach is predicated solely on the color of the laundry they wear on Sunday. When fans admit this and stop bashing players and coaches for any other reason, the world of sports will be infinitely improved.

alvinnf

Beating up on the future Bartenders of America does'nt earn you a spot on the roster, bye Bubba.

bradmahn

Hey thanks for bringing this to the discussion. Real insightful.

__________________
I don't like Dungy and that's because he [was] the head coach of the Colts. Period. End of question. The degree to which I like a player or coach is predicated solely on the color of the laundry they wear on Sunday. When fans admit this and stop bashing players and coaches for any other reason, the world of sports will be infinitely improved.

Mack Herron

They are obviously hoping that Aiken can return or they would have IR'd him already. Moss, Welker, and Gaf are in, leaving Washington, Aiken, Chad Jackson, CJ Jones, Ventrone and Slater fighting for 3-4 spots. Each brings unique attributes making it one of the most competitive slots on the team.

wdkantro2

I personally don't care for the Aiken hype and I'd love to see a guy like Ventrone make the team for his versatility. But we need to look at numbers here.
QB- 3 Brady, Gutz, KOC
RB- 4/5 Maroney Morris Faulk Evans Jordan
WR- 5 Moss Gaffney Welker Jackson Washington
TE- 2 Watson Thomas
LT- 2 Light Britt
LG- 2 Mankins Hochstein
C- 1/2 Koppen Connolly
RG- 1/2 (3 when Neal returns) Flynn Yates Welbourn?
RT- 2 Kaczur O'Callahan

DL- 5/6 Seymour Warren Wilfork Wright Green (LK Smith?)
OLB- 4 Adalius Vrabel Woods Crable
ILB- 5 Bruschi Mayo Alexander Izzo Guyton
S- 5 Harrison Lynch Meriweather Spann Sanders
CB- 3 Hobbs Bryant Wheatley
plus K, P, LS
That's just a rough estimate but that comes to 51 guys. The limit is 53 and it doesn't include Aiken, or draft picks like Wilhite, Slater etc. It'll be very close, RV could easily be player #53, but on that top 51 list (give or take a Guyton/Alexander) I don't see anyone who would be cut in favor of Ray.
Like I said, I hope he makes it but it's really a number crunch at this point.

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