Justin Gilbert (CB) - Cleveland Browns - Gilbert hasn't done anything to improve on his status as a struggling second year corner in the NFL. The former first round pick would likely be on the chopping block if it weren't for his lofty selection in last year's draft. The Browns are hoping for more consistency out of Gilbert this season and in general. He's going to make the roster but this season is likely the end of the leash for the former Oklahoma State star.
Tyler Patmon (CB) - Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys lost Pro Bowl corner Orlando Scandrick to a torn ACL (out for the season), which puts Patmon squarely in line for a boat load of playing time as the "slot" corner. He played solid in the team's third preseason game Saturday, recording a solo tackle and not giving up any big plays. It was his first start in replace of Scandrick, Oklahoma State south has another former Poke starter for the 2015 season.This is Patmon's chance to capitalize on a big opportunity.
Perrish Cox (CB) - Tennessee Titans - In his first preseason as a Titan, Cox is showing why the front office brought him in. He's posted two interceptions in three games, including one that went for a touchdown. Cox is locked in as a starter and may be able to put together a Pro Bowl year for a defense void of leadership and star power.
Kendall Hunter (RB) - San Francisco 49ers - Hunter compiled seven carries for 15 yards on Saturday when the 49ers took on the Denver Broncos in the teams third preseason game. However, it was his play in the joint practices leading up to the game that had head coach Jim Tomsula talking.
"Wasn’t he moving around really well?" Tomsula said. "You all could see him move and have that burst. I feel really good for Kendall. We wanted to get to this point where we could give him a little bit more reps and get him moving here."
This is good news for a team with a lot of depth at running back. Hunter is seemingly off the roster bubble and should be in line for a share of the carries this season. If anything were to happen to Carlos Hyde, Hunter could find himself as the leader of the running back by committee in San Fran.
Joseph Randle (RB) - Dallas Cowboys - Randle was thought to be the leader in the Cowboys running back race this offseason. He's done little this preseason to separate himself from Darren McFadden, posting a measly 15 yards on six carries versus the Vikings in the Cowboys third preseason game. He was targeted twice in the passing game, catching one for eight yards. There's going to be plenty of carries in the Cowboys backfield this season and this is about as good as a situation Randle could find himself in. He's going to be running behind, arguably, the best offensive line in football. It's going to be a committee situation in Dallas, possibly all season, but if Randle can show coach Jason Garrett that he deserves to be the leader he could set himself up for long term success in Dallas.
Dez Bryant (WR) -
Dallas Cowboys - Bryant has been battling a slight hamstring pull but should be all systems go for the Cowboys opener versus the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football. In the mean time go read
this article I wrote about the awesome Rolling Stone article chronicling Bryant's life to this point. Dez should Dez this season and I can't wait to watch.
Brandon Weeden (QB) - Dallas Cowboys - Weeden suffered a concussion in the Cowboys second preseason game and missed the third game for precautionary reasons. He's in no danger of getting cut and is locked in as the Cowboys backup to Tony Romo going into the season (I mean, did you
see the other two guys play?). He should start the Cowboys final preseason game against Houston. Speaking of concussion's, go check out this
trailer on what looks to be an insanely cool movie featuring
Will Smith as the doctor who discovered the effects of repeated head trauma and his battle with the big bad NFL.
Kevin Williams (DT) -
New Orleans Saints - The people spoke, we listened. Here's a quick update on the NFL vet: He's entering his 13th (!) season as a pro and his first with the Saints. He started the third preseason game and looks to open the year as a starter. Not the force he once was (holy smokes 2008) Williams is now transitioning into a more limited role but is being looked upon as a
mentor for the Saints defense this season.
Josh Furman (S) - Denver Broncos - Furman looks like he will escape the first round of cuts and should be in line for a ton of playing time in the Broncos preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals. The 7th round pick recorded a tackle in the Broncos win over the 49ers as well as a sack and two tackles versus the Seahawks in the preseason opener. Rookie's selected late like Furman are often expected to contribute on special teams which is where he could secure a roster spot. If he's cut he will likely be placed on the Broncos practice squad for the 2015 season.
Just for Kicks
Dan Bailey (K) - Dallas Cowboys - This was another suggestion box special... Here's your update... He's going to be good. Preseason is probably offseason Sunday afternoon Fox programming boring- for the top tier NFL kickers.
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