The Bubble Is About to Burst
By John White
Yesterday, we covered the offensive players who were sitting on the bubble. The sad thing is that we can talk about these guys all day and yet many of them will still be given their walking papers this weekend. Saturday, the Carolina Panthers will make cuts to meet the roster limits mandated by the NFL.
Some good football players are going to be out of a job. Sad but true. But while we’re here, we may as well look at some of the defensive players who may or may not make it through the final cut.
DL, Stanley McClover: This hasn’t been McClover’s most impressive camp. He’s been around these parts before, however and likely will still be with the team after this weekend.
DL, Nick Hayden: Could another rookie make this squad? It could happen since Hayden has been impressive enough and depth is always a priority along the defensive line.
DL, Gary Gibson: He was nicked up in the final preseason game against Pittsburgh but he has been all over the place in camp and has likely impressed enough to make the final roster.
DL, Hilee Taylor: Only so many spots are available and Taylor is likely to be gone when the team cuts the final group of players. He might stick around as a practice squad player but the guess is that he’ll be looking elsewhere for work.
LB, Donte Curry: With Diggs, Davis, Beason, Johnson, Seward, and Connor all ahead of him, Curry could be out. Just a guess but the group of linebackers the team keeps will likely not go beyond that group. Seven LB’s is actually a little bit of a stretch. Only if Curry was considered better than Seward will he still be with the team. That didn’t happen.
LB, Tim Shaw: See Curry. Do they carry seven LB’s? I just don’t see it happening unless they are looking for more bodies to play special teams.
FS, Nate Salley: The battle here was with Terrence Holt. There may be room on the roster for both. If he is seen as an option at either safety spot he stays. Charles Godfrey has the starting role locked up.
CB, Dante Wesley/Ricardo Colclough: The team could carry as many as five corners. Three spots are sure things – Ken Lucas, Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall. The fourth spot is probably either Colclough or Wesley. Colclough can play a little special teams and could help in the return game if necessary. Wesley could be the guy on the outside looking in if roster room isn’t available.
FS, Quinton Teal: Probably going to be cut. Godfrey, Holt and Salley are almost definitely all listed ahead of him.