Three and Out

Rosters were trimmed to 53 players today, and there were a few ProUtes who did not make the cut.

AFC - James Aiono and Zane Taylor (Colts), Conroy Black (Raiders), Sealver Siliga (Broncos).

NFC - Shaky Smithson (Packers), R.J. Stanford (Panthers).

Physically Unable to Perform (PUP list): David Reed (Ravens).

Brett Ratliff had a rough outing in Tampa Bay's final preseason tune up, a 30-3 loss to Washington. Ratliff completed 14 of 30 passes for 164 yards, threw three interceptions, and was sacked five times. He was one of the last players to be cut by the team.

On a positive note, Matt Asiata beat out two other running backs for a spot on Minnesota's roster. He is now listed as the third-string tailback, and his ability to play fullback and special teams set him apart from the others. Asiata joins Brandon Burton as a member of the Vikings.

Two Deep: NFC

R.J. Stanford's interception was mentioned in the AFC post; he is listed as Carolina's second-string right cornerback. Staying in the NFC South: Journeyman Brett Ratliff is currently listed as Tampa Bay's third string quarterback, behind Josh Freeman and Dan Orlovsky. Through two preseason games he is 8-of-13 for 62 yards. In week two's 30-7 loss to Tennessee Orlovsky was 1-of-5 for 6 yards and one INT, so there is a possibility Ratliff could pass him on the depth chart.

The NFC East has some strong traditions, but drafting players from Utah is not one of them. Currently there are two in the division: Justin Taplin-Ross is a third-string strong safety for Dallas, while Brian Hernandez has resurfaced on Philadelphia's roster after being released by the Redskins during training camp. He is buried on the depth chart at wide receiver, but he is on the roster for now. The Eagles already waived defensive tackle Tevita Finau (who was previously dropped by the Cardinals).

Aside from Alex Smith, there are no other ProUtes in the NFC West. Could that change with Utah's membership in the PAC-12, or will the territorial rivalry prevent teams from Arizona, California (it didn't bother Oakland), and Washington from picking ProUtes?

In the NFC North: Matt Asiata carried 7 times for 43 yards (with a long of 22) as Minnesota spread the ball around during Adrian Peterson's rehab. He is listed as the third-string fullback, which probably doesn't earn a spot on the 53 man roster. Brandon Burton is not listed on the depth chart at all, although he is still on the roster and recorded 4 tackles in the first preseason game. Shaky Smithson is tied for fourth on the depth chart as a wide receiver and kick returner for Green Bay. He is tied with Diondre Borel from Utah State, incidentally. In week one each player fielded a punt, with Borel returning his a yard and Smithson having no gain. Both players fumbled, with Shaky covering his up. Borel also returned two kickoffs for 58 yards and had 3 catches for 13 yards. Neither player saw the field in week two's 35-10 loss to Cleveland.

Letters from Training Camp

Baltimore - David Reed suspended for the first game; Kelly Talavou released.
Buffalo - Quinton Ganther released.
Dallas - Justin Taplin-Ross released.
Green Bay - Caleb Schlauderaff traded to the Jets; Shaky Smithson placed on injured reserve.
Minnesota - Matt Asiata and Freddie Brown released; Brandon Burton made the cut.
New England - Christian Cox waived, placed on injured reserve.
New York Jets - Zane Taylor released; acquired Caleb Schlauderaff for an undisclosed conditional draft pick.
San Francisco - Sealver Siliga released; Barry Sims not re-signed; Alex Smith named starting quarterback.
St. Louis - Eddie Wide waived, placed on injured reserve.
Tennessee - Robert Johnson and Brett Ratliff released.

Free the Agents!

With the NFL lockout coming to a conclusion teams can sign undrafted free agents, including six players from the University of Utah. According to Lya Wodraska's blog (see link in my blog list), Matt Asiata, Sealver Siliga, Shaky Smithson, Justin Taplin-Ross, Zane Taylor, and Eddie Wide will all get tryouts with NFL teams. The off-season has been shortened and the rules for practices have changed, meaning these players will find limited opportunities to impress new coaches. The roster limit for training camp has been increased, however, so they won't run into mandatory releases quite as quickly.

Pro Day 2011

Utah held its Pro Day yesterday, with 18 former players participating and 20 coaches and scouts evaluating. Gil Brandt singled out Zane Taylor for his 41 reps of 225 pounds, an improvement over his top ten showing at the NFL Combine. Taylor also improved his other numbers from the combine, capitalizing on his chance to impress the offensive line coaches of the Patriots, Jets, and Seahawks. Brandon Burton improved his 40 times, running a 4.58 and a 4.50. Burton had an individual workout with the defensive backs coach of the Browns. Brandt made mention of Caleb Schlauderaff (limited by a calf strain), Sealver Siliga, and Matt Asiata, who caught the ball well. One player not invited to the combine who Brandt brought up was Eddie Wide.

Other reports have mentioned Justin Taplin-Ross, who was having a nice workout until he hurt his leg. Two players who seem to be overlooked are Jereme Brooks and Shaky Smithson. With the adjustment to the starting position of the kickoff imposed by the league kick return specialists like Brooks and Smithson may see their stock drop.