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We are doing a whole lot of guessing at the Falcoholic. In previous years, NFL teams cut down the roster in stages, but this year the Atlanta Falcons have to cut their roster from 91 all the way down to 53.
Just the pure mechanics of firing 38 people suggests that is not a quick process. If I was Dan Quinn, I’d just shoot out a mass text to everyone then shutoff my phone. It is always a tough day, and looking at this roster from top to bottom, we are going to have some big names gone.
D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution put together his list of locks, bubble players, and long shots. And I hope you are sitting down.
Ledbetter put together the likely number of roster spots for each position, and takes it from there. Tight end sure is interesting.
Locks (2): Hooper, Levine Toilolo
Bubble (2): Joshua Perkins, Darion Griswold
Longshots (2): Eric Saubert, Gray
Griswold over the drafted Saubert? Wow. Saubert has been invisible on offense, but recently got a shot out from the coaching staff for his special teams work. Mike Smith would definitely be keeping Saubert, even though he’s unlikely to do anything on offense during the season.
If Saubert indeed gets cut, the team will probably try to toss him on the practice squad.
Other names that surprised? Justin Hardy, Nick Williams, and UGA’s Reggie Davis are all on the bubble. Based on his numbers, those three players will battle for two roster spots. I’m going to guess that Hardy is a little closer to lock, while Williams and Davis battle for the last wide receiver spot. Sadly, there is just no way the Falcons can keep 7 or 8 wide receivers.
Led has some preseason standouts as long shots as well, but I noticed Derrick Shelby on the bubble. The Falcons paid him a pretty decent amount just last year. He came on slow, started to put it together, then went on IR. I would expect him to make it, but a strong performance against the Arizona Cardinals would definitely help his odds.
Cuts are coming. What surprising moves do you think are coming from the Falcons?