panther cuts

not keeping any experienced backup guards was interesting. We also lack any size, or experience, if you negate Bridges. Bernardeau gets in which is nice, but he becomes a backup G. He'd played nothing but C in games so that's an odd evaluation.

 

Bridges played G the whole preseason, didnt he?
Hangartner also plays G.

Still, I was a little surprised Brown (is that Milford's name?) didnt make it.

 

Bridges played OT all preseason. Second string RT and played some LT too (which makes it odd they kept Omiyale given they played Bridges at LT some). Bridges is our Lego lineman, I guess. He's done almost all of it.
I figured they'd keep at least one other veteran backup OL.

 

It seems to run against the theme of bulking up the OL that they dropped two of the three big guards they brought in.

 

I guess they're tired of having to bring them in, because the young guys they draft get picked off. They young G they kept isnt huge, but he's 308 at age 22. That's bigger than the usual G we've drafted.

 

To narrow down the thought, I would say the decision to Omiyale over Brown/Fonoti is interesting. Bridges can back up RT, Wharton could always slide over to LT in a pinch. But they really did leave themselves without a good backup G.

Although if something happened I'm sure one of Brown or Fonoti will be available to pick back up.

 

Backup guard should not be a big issue for us unless something unusual happens but still it seems like they did not keep the best depth that they could have. Maybe there is some good reason for it that we do not see. I suppose Bridges could fill in at either guard spot if needed so at least there is that much.

 

Bernardeau does have tremendous upside. Like Schwartz, who I desperately hope does stick on our PS, I saw ratings as high as 4th round, but more importantly I saw a lot of the things they suggested of that high rating. Bernardeau is somehow less raw than Schwartz, and proved he could learn an extra position.

One option, since the level of lineman that we wanted changed so drastically in one year, is that they learned of what they bought that just brute force and a big back won't get it done on its own, you need quality there. To that end, I don't see how Stewart or Otah fit any less in last year's plans than this year's, with the added ability of power that we didn't have. Otah is as athletic getting to the second level or in short space as is anyone we have really, and Stewart is a big back but not a lumbering one.

The two veterans who couldn't win the job didn't fit in as well. Same as with Toefield.


Alternately, they just make less fiscal sense to carry. They both get paid a lot, whereas we already have money in versatile if not incredible backups Bridges and Hangartner. Truth be told I talked myself into understanding that now, partially because we spent on Hangartner in RFA and I'd forgotten he wasn't just on a cheap rookie contract. Keeping four veteran salaries on the bench is a little much to ask really, but I never took that into account when looking at my 53.

 

Just a guess:

They bring in a return man and waive Thomspon (to practice squad)

They resign Milford Brown or Foniti after week 1 and cut Mackenzie (to Practice Squad)

They resign Holt after week 1 and cut Wilson or Teal (to practice squad)

 

As a fan I know I get excited when we sign any player that plays a need position for us and I am disappointed when they do not make the team. I guess the thing to remember though is that they were free agents for a good reason most of the time and our coaches have gotten a good look before cutting them.