I’m talking about Crossen, Jackson, Dawson and J Jones.
Keeping 7 CB’s (depending on what you consider JMac) feels rather unusual for us. I have to think though that it’s a good sign that there’s some high potential here with this group. Keeping both a 7th round pick and an UDFA feels especially unusual.
Thoughts?
First of all, I'm considering JMac a safety now, with the ability to fill in at boundary CB. I expect him to play (when he does) mostly as an extra deep safety, rather than up close to the line. I think Harmon, then, returns to doing more up-man assignments, like he did his first couple seasons.
I think JJ proved himself capable of handling slot duties and even RCB very well last season, and then he appeared to pick up right where he left off when he finally began practicing this Camp. Until someone else steps up, JJ is the 3rd starting corner.
I think that Jackson might be very good with a little more development, and that could happen quickly.
Crossen needs some skill-training to go with his natural athleticism and instincts. I think he'll follow JJ's path and be an elite special teamer this season who becomes a "real CB" in 2019.
Dawson - I frankly have no clue.
Anyway, I see it as 4 safeties and 5 CB + a special-teamer. It doesn't seem like that big a "surplus" to me, partly due to Rowe's history of being unavailable due to injury. Bottom line ... I think that DB is well-covered for 2018 and 2019 now.