Practice Squad Taking Shape

[AzPatsFan]

We will need a backup QB for 2015. The to start is now. If he is good enough and enveloped enough to be our #2 next year, so much the better. At some point this player is worth a spot on the 53.

No I'm afraid you don't. The time for backups is done. You need to be grooming a successor. That is two completely different things.

 

[Snake Eyes]

No I'm afraid you don't. The time for backups is done. You need to be grooming a successor. That is two completely different things.

They're actually not that different, one of the best ways to get a successor is by developing backups, if one can’t function as a backup what is the likelihood that they can handle being a successor? I can think of MANY successors that were initially backups.

 

[mgteich]

So, except for those who want a RB, we seem to have backups at the key/normal backup positions. I expect that at some point we'll have a backup interior lineman on the Practice Squad instead of having two on the 53.

BTW, did Kline pass waivers?

IMHO, we don't need LB Davis and WR Sims. I'd rather have another OL and a QB.

Two offensive tackles fill up the practice squad

OT Jordan Devey
OT RJ Dill


Ravens make roster moves: sign Gerrard Sheppard, Jonas Gray to practice squad, cut Jordan Devey | Baltimore Sun

Devey practiced Sunday with the Ravens after being signed with the practice squad, but was only on the practice squad for one day before having his contract terminated today.​

Memphis Tigers Official Athletic Site | Jordan Devey

Two-year starter at the University of Memphis who played every snap of his career ... Transferred to Memphis from Snow College ... During career started 24 games at three offensive line positions (right tackle, right guard, left tackle) for the Blue and Gray ... Worked every snap during his career as a Tiger - 1,558 plays ... Started at left guard for the East team at the 2013 East-West Shrine Game.

Member of head coach Justin Fuente's initial Leadership Council during senior year ... During senior season culminating in receiving the DeAngelo Williams Most Valuable Player Award started 10 games at left tackle and two at left guard ... Played three different positions (left tackle, left guard and right guard) in victories over Rice and UAB ... Started the first five games at left tackle before seeing playing time at multiple positions against Rice, ECU and UCF ... in addition to playing three different positions for a second time during the year against UAB, also played both left tackle and left guard in a season-culminating win against Southern Miss ... began the year by playing 72 snaps against UT Martin ... played 70+ plays four times during the season including a season-high 84 plays against Marshall.​

Scout.com: R.J. Dill Profile

Dill has a tall, lean frame to mold and shows good burst off the snap. He can get to the second level in a hurry and is also a threat on the perimeter, doing a nice job to make room for the ball carrier out in space. He is a strong run blocker and plays with a nasty streak, however he tends to get a bit upright at times and get off balance, something that can be corrected easily. Dill has all the intangibles you look for in offensive linemen.

Strengths: Aggressiveness/Tenacity; Nasty Streak; Size
Areas for Improvement: Body Control and Balance; Technique​

R.J. Dill's Transfer to Rutgers Was More Than a Football Move - NY Times

And the people at Rutgers like Dill. Gary Nova, the sophomore quarterback who has improved dramatically this year, dresses next to Dill in the locker room and peppers the lineman he calls Old Man with questions and observations.

“He’s like a big brother in my ear,” Nova said.

Nova also said of Dill: “He’s a guy who chose to be part of our family. He gives it all he’s got while he’s playing. We really appreciate that. He helps out a lot of young guys we have on our offensive line. He’s always talking, giving us advice. He’s been through ups and downs in his career.”

Dill began spring practice on the second team, but he won a starting job with persistence. Khaseem Greene, the senior linebacker who is an N.F.L. prospect and one of the Scarlet Knights’ vocal leaders, said Dill did not coast on his reputation when he arrived.

“Just seeing how much of a team player he is, and his work ethic, it carries over to his game,” Greene said. “He’s a strong, physical guy, and it definitely helps to have him protecting Gary.”​

 

[jmt57]

The New England Patriots have a defensive secondary chalk full of special teams players:

Arrington, Kyle
Cole, Marquice
Ryan, Logan
Ebner, Nate
Harmon, Duron
McCourty, Devin
Wilson, Tavon

How about a running back instead of a safety?

LeGarrette Blount and Leon Washington will both be unrestricted free agents next season.

I thought the Patriots would surely sign George Winn to the Practice Squad. From what I was reading it sounded like the two sides were in negotiations; hopefully it will still happen. It doesn't necessarily have to be an either/or situation with a safety and running back on PS; why not one of each?

Sterling Moore

Derrick Martin

Now we're comparing apples and oranges since to the best of my knowledge neither Martin nor Moore are eligible for the Practice Squad. If you want one of them to replace Ebner or Cole, that's one thing; neither one would be replacing Davis on the PS however.

If you want to look strictly at Moore/Martin being a better alternative to be signed to the 53-man roster in case of emergency at some point during the season, there are pros and cons to that strategy. Moore/Martin have more experience and at this point in time are better position players than Davis.

On the other hand there's no guarantee either one will be available later; if they are you have to wonder if they will be in football shape, since they are not practicing with any team; and you have to wonder if they can be counted on to fit in and understand their roles and assignments on such short notice in comparison to another player that is being coached on a daily basis with the team.

 

[kennyb]

so they signed a guy to the practice squad who'd been on the RAvens' PS for one day and then cut?

That doesn't sound too promising. Maybe they realized he was a lost cause.

Very strange.

 

[AzPatsFan]

They're actually not that different, one of the best ways to get a successor is by developing backups, if one can’t function as a backup what is the likelihood that they can handle being a successor? I can think of MANY successors that were initially backups.

Duh.. Is this the same Snake Eyes who says any QB that doesn't match the polish of Tom Brady, right out of the gate, is nothing but, in effect, a bucket of Used Kitty Litter?

Listen to yourself, and review your posts.

 

[supafly]

IMHO, we don't need LB Davis and WR Sims. I'd rather have another OL and a QB.

I'd definitely tend to agree on the LB Davis, but personally I am loving the fact that we kept Sims. Should an injury occur and/or they attempt to bring him aboard the 53 next season, that's a huge victory at a position that we haven't had much success with.

A 6'3" physical WR that has looked good in the summer can be a major plus, especially when he already has some working knowledge of the system (which has been an enormous obstacle for many WR's who have failed here).

I'd be more than happy with swapping out the LB for a developmental QB or additional OL though.

 

[supafly]

OTOH, remember that they had Brian Hoyer, as an UDFA rookie, as Brady's only backup in 2009.

I'd agree that there are no certainties in this situation, ct--but also using your example we can also remember that they kept Hoyer up until last summer even though they had drafted Mallett, so it actually works both ways.

In other words, even if they decide to draft a QB next spring and/or bring in another UDFA at the position, chances are they'll likely keep Mallett as the "real" backup through 2014, just the same way they kept Hoyer as the real backup for 2011 when Mallett was drafted.

I agree with you that anything is possible, but I'd have to think the chances of Mallett staying next year would be better than him not staying, especially if you'd choose to take another 5 yrs of Brady's age into account compared from the 2009 situation to the 2014 situation. We may not be able to take the kind of gamble that we took by only keeping Hoyer in '09 just based on that factor alone.

Unless another team steps up with an incredible offer such as a 3rd rounder, I'd want to have the solidified position at backup QB. Mallett has underachieved, but he will have 4 yrs of knowledge come next summer, which is likely better than anyone else can give us at that moment in time aside from finding a diamond in the rough and lucking out.

 

[mgteich]

We also have Harrison, presumably for next year.

I'd definitely tend to agree on the LB Davis, but personally I am loving the fact that we kept Sims. Should an injury occur and/or they attempt to bring him aboard the 53 next season, that's a huge victory at a position that we haven't had much success with.

A 6'3" physical WR that has looked good in the summer can be a major plus, especially when he already has some working knowledge of the system (which has been an enormous obstacle for many WR's who have failed here).

I'd be more than happy with swapping out the LB for a developmental QB or additional OL though.

 

[supafly]

We also have Harrison, presumably for next year.

Are you thinking that having both of them may be trending toward overkill in this scenario?

Like I said, I'm just leery to give up a guy with knowledge of the system who has by all accounts, had a good showing this summer--at least at this specific position anyway. That'd be my concern.

I do agree with your choices of OL and QB though. Perhaps in our opinions they should dump the LB and potentially another player somewhere else? Then we'd be entirely in agreement for sure. That and 5 bucks will get Bill Belichick a mocha latte at Starbucks

 

[supafly]

For what it's worth mg, it looks like they worked out both a WR and another LB again today:

Patriots work out 5 players - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

It's good to see 2 DB's on there though, one of them Terry Hawthorne.

 

[Brady6]

For what it's worth mg, it looks like they worked out both a WR and another LB again today:

Patriots work out 5 players - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

It's good to see 2 DB's on there though, one of them Terry Hawthorne.

Hawthorne has some impressive measurable(s) at 6’0 195 Lbs. with a 4.31 forty time, from what I understand he had some injury issues when at Illinois, including a concussion. I would like to see them pick him, he also can return kicks and punts.

The other 4 players didn’t really peak my interest personally, not that it matters what I think.

 

[TruthSeeker]

Hawthorne has some impressive measurable(s) at 6’0 195 Lbs. with a 4.31 forty time, from what I understand he had some injury issues when at Illinois, including a concussion. I would like to see them pick him, he also can return kicks and punts.

The other 4 players didn’t really peak my interest personally, not that it matters what I think.

Read up on WR Reggie Dunn from Utah, he ran a 4.25, AND, he returned 4 kickoffs for TD's last season, which was a NCAA record for most returns in 1 college season. He ran back 2 in one game. Hes not just fast, very shifty and knows how to set up his blocks. He's a perfect replacement for Leon Washington. Here's some highlights. I hope we sign him.

Reggie Dunn (Both Cal Touchdowns) - YouTube

 

[Big-T]

Read up on WR Reggie Dunn from Utah, he ran a 4.25, AND, he returned 4 kickoffs for TD's last season, which was a NCAA record for most returns in 1 college season. He ran back 2 in one game. Hes not just fast, very shifty and knows how to set up his blocks. He's a perfect replacement for Leon Washington. Here's some highlights. I hope we sign him.

Reggie Dunn (Both Cal Touchdowns) - YouTube

Sign the beast!

Reggie Dunn returns kickoff against Colorado - YouTube another return here.

 

[Brady6]

Read up on WR Reggie Dunn from Utah, he ran a 4.25, AND, he returned 4 kickoffs for TD's last season, which was a NCAA record for most returns in 1 college season. He ran back 2 in one game. Hes not just fast, very shifty and knows how to set up his blocks. He's a perfect replacement for Leon Washington. Here's some highlights. I hope we sign him.

Reggie Dunn (Both Cal Touchdowns) - YouTube

I actually have to admit to you that I looked at the combine and college stats for 4 out of 5 of the players they worked out, and the 1 player I didn’t look into was Dunn, my thought process was – we won’t sign another wide receiver after Sims. With my admission out of the way, I want say I am really glad you pointed him out, his pro day numbers are ridiculous, I always like to compare a player to another prospect, probably a moronic thing to like to do but check this kid out compared to Tavon Austin.

Austin
Height: 5084
Weight: 174
40 Yrd Dash: 4.28
20 Yrd Dash: 2.49
10 Yrd Dash: 1.50
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 14
Vertical Jump: 32
Broad Jump: 10'00"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.01
3-Cone Drill: N/A

Dunn
Height: 5093
Weight: 178
40 Yrd Dash: 4.22
20 Yrd Dash: 2.49
10 Yrd Dash: 1.52
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 17
Vertical Jump: 36
Broad Jump: 10'01"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.34
3-Cone Drill: 6.82

Pretty impressive that Dunn is bigger, faster and has better leaping ability than the Austin who was selected 8th overall in the draft. I also would give Dunn the toughness edge since he hails from the Compton, CA. I say sign him up!!

Good call Scott99 :youtheman:

 

[Snake Eyes]

Duh.. Is this the same Snake Eyes who says any QB that doesn't match the polish of Tom Brady, right out of the gate, is nothing but, in effect, a bucket of Used Kitty Litter?

Listen to yourself, and review your posts.

I said no such thing, don't put words in my mouth. I simply said that Mallett has NOT displayed the skills that a competent NFL QB should have, his very erratic accuracy has been a consistent thing with him. If he hasn't been able to learn how to throw with touch by this point I don't have much faith in him to develop it.

 

[mgteich]

I don't think that Sims being on the Practice Squad is relevant to us bringing in one of the best kick returners in the NCAA.

I actually have to admit to you that I looked at the combine and college stats for 4 out of 5 of the players they worked out, and the 1 player I didn’t look into was Dunn, my thought process was – we won’t sign another wide receiver after Sims. With my admission out of the way, I want say I am really glad you pointed him out, his pro day numbers are ridiculous, I always like to compare a player to another prospect, probably a moronic thing to like to do but check this kid out compared to Tavon Austin.

Austin
Height: 5084
Weight: 174
40 Yrd Dash: 4.28
20 Yrd Dash: 2.49
10 Yrd Dash: 1.50
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 14
Vertical Jump: 32
Broad Jump: 10'00"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.01
3-Cone Drill: N/A

Dunn
Height: 5093
Weight: 178
40 Yrd Dash: 4.22
20 Yrd Dash: 2.49
10 Yrd Dash: 1.52
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 17
Vertical Jump: 36
Broad Jump: 10'01"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.34
3-Cone Drill: 6.82

Pretty impressive that Dunn is bigger, faster and has better leaping ability than the Austin who was selected 8th overall in the draft. I also would give Dunn the toughness edge since he hails from the Compton, CA. I say sign him up!!

Good call Scott99 :youtheman:

 

[Brady6]

I don't think that Sims being on the Practice Squad is relevant to us bringing in one of the best kick returners in the NCAA.

MG I don’t want this to come across offensively, because I genuinely like you and consider you to be in the top 1% of impactful, educated and influential members of this forum, that aside I really don’t understand why you would call me out by using a post that I clearly called myself out in. As I said in my post to Scott99 I did not research Reggie Dunn and I should of, when Scott99 made note of him I did research him and realized the error I had made and said he looked like an excellent pick up, I even showed metrics comparing him athletically to Tavon Austin the top WR taken in the 2013 draft.

I was wrong, I know I was wrong, and I admitted to it openly, your post sort of piled onto that which I guess I just don’t understand. Needless to say it doesn’t much matter at this point, and I have no animosity toward you over it, I just felt that if I took a minute to express my feelings to you, that you would keep that in mind next time, as I would truly appreciate that because I will admit when I am wrong but I don’t really like to be wrong

 

[mgteich]

I didn't call you out. I simply stated an opinion. Some may agree; some may disagree/

I apologize for any offense.

Besides, I rarely comment in a way that is "calling someone out". I have no reason to be personal. I agree or disagree with positions taken. Occasionally, I will suggest that a position is inconsistent with a position I understood the poster to have, but that is always out of respect, not out of any attempt to make a personal attack.

MG I don’t want this to come across offensively, because I genuinely like you and consider you to be in the top 1% of impactful, educated and influential members of this forum, that aside I really don’t understand why you would call me out by using a post that I clearly called myself out in. As I said in my post to Scott99 I did not research Reggie Dunn and I should of, when Scott99 made note of him I did research him and realized the error I had made and said he looked like an excellent pick up, I even showed metrics comparing him athletically to Tavon Austin the top WR taken in the 2013 draft.

I was wrong, I know I was wrong, and I admitted to it openly, your post sort of piled onto that which I guess I just don’t understand. Needless to say it doesn’t much matter at this point, and I have no animosity toward you over it, I just felt that if I took a minute to express my feelings to you, that you would keep that in mind next time, as I would truly appreciate that because I will admit when I am wrong but I don’t really like to be wrong

 

[Mark Morse]

Looks like OL Josh Kline was signed to the Practice Squad. No corresponding drop yet!

I am all for signing this kid Dunn! Sign him to the 53 and move Beauharnais.