Russell vs Davis vs Barlow vs Haynes

[dcity21]

Russell will NOT make it to the practice sqad here.. it won't even take a team waiting for an injury.. teams will scarf hiim up ASAP.. I think trying to get him to the practice squad would be a huge mistake..


ps. Gaither looks like he's gonna be well worth a 5th.. but it's ok, we have lots of lineman..

NOW THAT PISSES ME OFF!!!! oh well..  

[Finnegans Wake]

I agree with the idea that Dookie isn't one of our best 5.  IMO, he sticks, but only as a transition guy, because he can do a lot of things (how well is another story).  Right now, I'd be tempted to keep Haynes over Dookie, and add Davis and Russell.  I just don't think it's gonna shake that way, since Dookie can do more on STs.  That might be the difference.

I disagree that Davis had "one good run."  He had several good runs, and ran well after catching a screener.  Like Willie Reid, he's a guy who's been asked to do a lot, and ahs done everything well.  To wit: two CRUNCHY KO coverage tackles; the best mano-a-mano power running of any HB on the team; receiver; in-line blocker and FB.  Now, Russell has good power as well and much better shiftiness, but if I'm looking for a guy to run one in from the 1 yard line, it's Davis.

LT is officially a mess.  I agree we should have looked at Gaither.  Right now, I don't see why we're not giving Capizzi more playing time.  Desperate?  You bet.  

If we put Russell on waivers, I'll be very PO'd.  Big mistake.  IMO, the four locks should be FWP, DK, CD, GR; Barlow is gone; the five spot is Dook or Haynes.  

[LambertsFrontTeeth]

Yeah, I concur...at least, that's how I see it.  Now, the FO and coaching staff, that might be another.

I would've said Dookie earlier in the preseason as the #5, but, I think from seeing just a bit of Haynes that he has recovered. So, part of me is rooting for him a bit. He's been a steady hand at the wheel, just isn't quite good enough to be a starter in this league. Still, dude can block and runs well in spots. I hope he sticks.

I love this Davis guy. I like the mentality he is playing with on ST's...

[aj_law]

LT is officially a mess.

[Hercules50]

But a key question is: can Davis or Russell pass block?

I think is a major reason why either Davenport or Haynes will stick. They're both pretty good at that.

[Finnegans Wake]

But a key question is: can Davis or Russell pass block?

I think is a major reason why either Davenport or Haynes will stick. They're both pretty good at that.

Davis can.  Russell needs to show more.

[padgfrombf]

It's hard to tell whether Haynes has really lost anything to that knee injury.  He was never a speed merchant to start with.

Maybe if you do look to the future a bit, Davenport could be sent packing.  My only problem with that for 2007 is that he does fill some holes:

1.  If Russell isn't the real deal against starters, a fumbler, etc. (so far, so good to date), then Dookie is still the only legitimate backup for a FWP injury.  If Russell becomes that backup guy, though, it does change the RB equation.

2.  I'd rather have Dookie than Ike Taylor as backup KR, Ike has enough to do already.  Najeh's not explosive, but also doesn't fumble anywhere near as much as a Colclough.  However, if Reid displaces Holmes as #1 PR and also finds his way to be the starting KR, then Holmes/Taylor become the backups here and Davenport isn't nearly as valuable.

3.  Last year, Davenport was the only other back outside of Haynes with a clue about blocking and releasing in pass pro.  Carey Davis looks to add to this list of skill sets for the PS.

As of today, Davenport makes the 53.  If Russell, Davis, and Reid continue their upward development track, Najeh's value does gradually sink to at least #5 RB.