Falcons Cuts Looming

Aug 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons fullback Jason Snelling (44) runs the ball in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

The first round of final cuts came in yesterday.  It was very obvious the Brian Banks had not done enough take a spot on the roster.  I do, however, believe that he has done well enough to get on the practice squad of either Atlanta or any other team.  Atlanta gave him a shot that no one else wanted to give.  He’s a good athlete and has a lot of potential and his journey is only just beginning.

Among the other cuts was linebacker Pat Schiller.  He showed promise in the previous preseason and looked like decent depth.  He played on the practice squad all season last year and served primarily as a placeholder on the D-Block videos to make them look a little cooler behind his shades.  He was a good personality to have around.  At least he was able to get some good treatment from Osi Umenyiora before he left.

Anyone else on the list wasn’t really a surprise. They were guys that didn’t get a lot of reps and didn’t blow anyone’s mind.

The cuts that remain will be a little more difficult to predict.  Everyone else on the roster looked just fine in the games and it is just a matter of who can contribute the most.  There is still a position open for wide receiver behind Drew Davis.  I felt Kevin Cone did the best job.  Johnson had a good game a few times, but the amount of times he dropped a pass right in his hands is almost unforgivable.  Cone was the most consistent.

Joplo Bartu seemed to be a lock at the roster and so should Paul Worrilow and Robert James.

The running back spot will probably have coaches troubled for a long time.  Antone Smith has been good in special teams and seemed like a very qualified runner.  He didn’t do anything to lose his job.  Josh Vaughan, however, did enough to win the job. Anytime you score on a 60+ yard run, you’re doing something right.  Jason Snelling, Jacquizz Rodgers, and Steven Jackson are obvious locks on the team and I’m betting Vaughan gets the spot.  It won’t be an easy choice though.

What are your thoughts on the roster?