An early look at potential camp battles.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

We could also have one-year wonders like Chris Horton (I think that's his name, former safety).

True dat.

[CultBrennan59]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

We could also have one-year wonders like Chris Horton (I think that's his name, former safety).

That's how I feel about Phillip Thomas. They look very similar. Sure he looked good against air and future practice squaders. That's why I'm very intrigued to see how they do in training camp.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by Lotus

People keep listing our 3 draftee DB's (Amerson, Thomas, and Rambo) as starting or as roster locks. However, history says that, chances are, at least one doesn't make the team and we will be lucky to have just one of them start right away. As a group we need to put down the rookie DB koolaid.

And, mind you, I am happy that we drafted all three and hope that all three succeed.

I think they are roster locks b/c of the unproven safety talent we have on the roster. Outside of Meriweather, none have been a regular NFL starter and BM hasn't even played a full season for us (and has been cut by two teams).
[T. Jackson doesn't count as he may not even play this year and won't be available for reinstatement until after preseason (August 31st). Even if reinstated and allowed to rejoin the team by MS, I highly doubt he walks in off the street and starts a Monday night game on eight days practice.]

I agree about the unlikelihood of any of them starting. Given the status of our DB's, however, I think their making the roster is all but assured and requires only that they don't piss themselves when they walk on the field.

[That Guy]

i also think all 3 dbs are roster locks unless they just totally wet the bed. starters - maybe, maybe not. I can see BM and one of the rookies starting, and then amerson as the #3 or #4 during week 1. a lock? not really.

if i had to bet, i'd think chase might be out of football, but we'll see.

[MTK]

It would be a pretty big surprise to me if one of our rookie DB picks didn't make the team.

Although they might not start right away I think they'll all be in the mix early and often.

[CultBrennan59]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

It would be a pretty big surprise to me if one of our rookie DB picks didn't make the team.

Although they might not start right away I think they'll all be in the mix early and often.

I agree. To me, they're all upgrades over Madieu Williams, Jordan Pugh and DJ Johnson and Jerome Murphy (well they were CBs), so thats 3 available spots and we drafted 3 DBs so I see them all making it.

[mooby]

The battle between rookie safeties who may or may not play the same position will definitely be a strong one. Phillip Thomas has the whole "playmaker fs who is a huge fan of ST" thing going for him, and Bacarri Rambo has the whole "I have a badass last name" thing going for him. I hope there's no clear winner in this battle, and that they're both excellent players.

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by Lotus

People keep listing our 3 draftee DB's (Amerson, Thomas, and Rambo) as starting or as roster locks. However, history says that, chances are, at least one doesn't make the team and we will be lucky to have just one of them start right away. As a group we need to put down the rookie DB koolaid.

And, mind you, I am happy that we drafted all three and hope that all three succeed.

I'm with you, but if they do start its because of injuries. Lord knows Brandon Meriweather couldn't stay healthy for a whole game. I can honestly see the two Rookie Safeties starting because of injuries.

I just hope people remember that Rookies will make mistakes and get beat and sometimes they will do something outstanding and shock us.

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by mooby

The battle between rookie safeties who may or may not play the same position will definitely be a strong one. Phillip Thomas has the whole "playmaker fs who is a huge fan of ST" thing going for him, and Bacarri Rambo has the whole "I have a badass last name" thing going for him. I hope there's no clear winner in this battle, and that they're both excellent players.

Rambo also supposedly led the college league in INT's either last year or the year before. Which is a huge plus.

[Chico23231]

Are people forgetting about Jordan Bernstine?

[JoeRedskin]

^^ No. But Bernstine is coming off a shredded knee and a year lay off. He may make the team, but I think it likely he is headed to the PS unless he really lights it up in the preseason.

I think he is in competition with Doughty and Pugh (mostly Pugh) for the final safety spot. He, however, can probably be safely stashed on the PS for a year unlike Doughty, Pugh, Thomas or Rambo.

[Skinzman]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

Rambo also supposedly led the college league in INT's either last year or the year before. Which is a huge plus.

Rambo was actually second two years ago to our second round pick, Amerson. Last year, it was led by Philip Thomas.

So we have the top 2 in terms of ints. from 2011 and the best in 2012 for FBS schools.

[saden1]

Every single DB rookie will make the team simply because we don't have anybody. Sure Doughty played well last year but he still cant get up to deflect a pass. Also, out of all the DBs we drafted I believe Rambo is the only sure bet starter on opening Sunday.

[calia]

I think folks are (understandably) inclined to believe the 3 R DBs are a lock mostly because of how porous our secondary was last year. Having said that, the earlier comment that it would be unusual for all 3 to make the 53-man roster seems more consistent with history, and I would expect that unless each of them shows something in training camp (and I expect them to), they will be relegate to the PS -- even if we expect some other team to pick them up. We won the NFC East last year (with a rookie QB and RB no less) and folks are thinking now is time to see if we can get deeper into the playoffs. I doubt Shanallen are thinking of storing guys on the PS as part of a rebuilding project for future seasons. The future is now. I expect Shanallen to select the players that they think can get us to win the most games right now.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by Chico23231

Are people forgetting about Jordan Bernstine?

I think so. Lots of players improve by leaps between their rookie season and their first year as vets. Bernstine may be one of them, although his case is clouded by injury. IMO also Compton and Crawford may be a lot better this year. To me these players will be the most interesting to watch in preseason. the fixes for some positions may have been on the team before the draft even happened.