A Quick Reaction to the Final Cuts

I just wanted to post a quick reaction to the final roster cuts. As you know the Redskins cut 21 players today. While there were no real major surprises there are some curious moves.

Here are the 21 players released:

DB Julian Battle
DB Curry Burns
DL Nic Clemons
WR Mike Espy
DB John Eubanks
WR Jimmy Farris
OL Spencer Folau
RB A.J. Harris
WR Steven Harris
OL Jasper Harvey
LB Spencer Havner
DL Cedric Killings
OL Kili Lefotu
DL Vaka Manupuna
LB Robert McCune
DB Christian Morton
TE Buck Ortega
OL Chris Pino
WR Richard Smith
DL Joe Sykes
FB Manuel White, Jr.
I was mildly surprised by the release of three players: FB Manuel White, DL Cedric Killings, LB Spencer Havner. And I am not just saying this because they were the only 3 of my predictions that did not make it. Taking their place are Nehemiah Broughton (FB), Ryan Boschetti (DL), and Reed Doughty (S). First off the cut of Manny White (paired with the expected cut of Buck Ortega) leaves the Redskins with only 2 TEs. Someone will have to fill in on goal line situations. The cut of Killings over Boschetti was surprising as Killing was specifically targeted to resign with the Redskins in the off-season and started the last pre-season game. Havner leaves the Redskins shorter at LB (6) then they have been in the past and most likely will come back as a PS player.

Injuries probably played a large part in the roster decisions. Injuries to starting running back Clinton Portis and starting corner Shawn Springs resulted in extra players being kept at those positions. The as the Redskins decided to keep 10 defensive backs instead of the usual 9 and 4 running backs instead of the normal 3 (as well as keeping Nemo at FB who can play Rb as well). To make up for those numbers they went short on TE (2) and

Of the 21 players cut only 13 (Espy, AJ & Steven Harris, Harvey, Havner, Lefotu, Manupuna, McCune, Morton, Ortega, Pino, Smith, Sykes) are eligible to come back as PS players. The Redskins must wait until 3 pm tomorrow to sign the players and most likely will do so only moments after the deadline.

A quick prediction: Look for the Redskins to scour the other cuts but barring any additions to either the roster (like a 3rd TE or an Veteran OL) or to the PS I would bet the Redskins will sign the following 8 players: Mike Espy & Steve Harris (WR), Spencer Havner (LB), Jasper Harvey & Kili Lefotu (OL), Buck Ortega (TE), Christian Morton (DB), Joe Sykes (DL).