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I have Slater, Aiken, Ventrone, the 3rd QB, the 5th RB/FB/HB competing for three roster spots (see below for my current guess at a roster). How necessary are these three given the following special teamers who are would make the roster as of now? I would certainly be fine with only one of Aiken, Slater, and Ventrone makes the roster.
Woods
Guyton
Banta-Cain
Redd
Alexander (likely to be replaced by a free agent)
Wilhite
Butler
Chung
Williams
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aiken, certainly having the most experience, might have the most to offer in the short-term, and we know what we're getting out of him. Guys like Slater and Ventrone have a much more uncertain fate in the NFL. Because of that, they could have more upside. Of the three players, they would be in special teams support (as you said) and would consume the last slots on the depth charts. With these later slots on the roster, I would tend to prefer players who have greater promise as developmental players (not older players whose abilities we know are limited). In the case of Slater, he is particularly intriguing for his TC flashes in kick-returning.
Aiken is a conservative choice for the fifth wr. Slater could actually amount to something (or be an incredible bust). Ventrone...meh
aiken, certainly having the most experience, might have the most to offer in the short-term, and we know what we're getting out of him. Guys like Slater and Ventrone have a much more uncertain fate in the NFL. Because of that, they could have more upside. Of the three players, they would be in special teams support (as you said) and would consume the last slots on the depth charts. With these later slots on the roster, I would tend to prefer players who have greater promise as developmental players (not older players whose abilities we know are limited). In the case of Slater, he is particularly intriguing for his TC flashes in kick-returning.
Aiken is a conservative choice for the fifth wr. Slater could actually amount to something (or be an incredible bust). Ventrone...meh
Well, seeing as they kept Ventrone on the roster through the playoffs in '07, and had him on the game day roster every game he was healthy in '08, I'd say he factors into their plans for '09. He's not a lock by any means, but they obviously have seen enough value in his ST play alone to keep him around this far.
And, as for Slater, there's no such thing as an "incredible bust" when you're a fifth-rounder.
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I think Slater gets another chance to prove something. I agree that it's possible that only 1 out of the 3 could make it. I also agree on the 5th RB. I am not totally sure about the 3rd QB, however--unless a more experienced vet happens to come in. I don't know that Gutz or Hoyer makes the team, IMO. I could see the 3rd QB spot maybe going somewhere else, or to a more proven vet. I am certainly happy with KOC as the #2, but feel that we could use a more experienced QB if we go 3 deep at the position.
I guess the battle between Slater, Aiken, or Ventrone could come down to either Slater or Ventrone--most likely because they do have the ability to not only play ST, but also to possibly play on either side of the ball if an emergency couple of injuries were to occur. Both Slater and Ventrone could play WR, or S, although probably not likely, but they do provide more versatility than Aiken.
So bottom line is, I agree with your roster expect I'd keep 2 QB's and probably both Slater and Ventrone for their ST play--and versatility.
Waaaay too soon to make that call Jim, let's see if they can make a leap from rookie to second year.
Slater could not find a position for himself in 4 years of college. His
most noteworthy play in 2008 was fumbling the second half kickoff
against Pittsburgh to start the rout. Ventrone was on and off the
practice squad for years before sticking last year.
All reports seem to the coaching staff being real high on Slater. Special teams performance is hard to judge from a fan's perspective, and perhaps Slater plays some role really well in the kick return coverage game. Kid had one huge mistake that unfortunately overshadows a body of possibly good work.
I think Aiken is still the better special teamer of the two. With Butler now on board and not a critical player as a rookie, he certainly could fill the KR role so Slater is far from a lock in that aspect.
I really would not be surprised to see Aiken and Slater on the team. I think Ventrone is a goner.
How Critical Are Aiken, Slater and Ventrone
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