Dakota had 1 goal this off-season and that was to get younger. Last season we barely sneaked into the postseason with an aging roster so it was time to cut out the old and bring in the new.
With no 1st round pick and free agency the typical waste land of young talent, it wasn't easy but I took some steps towards my goal.
32 of 60 players are 5 years or under with another 18 players between years 6-8.
That leaves me with 10 "old" players in year 9 or more & several of them with be cut on roster cutdown day.
TRAINING CAMPWith no 1st rounder, I was looking for anyone capable of making the team. I had 3 booms & 4 bust.
2nd rounder
CB Ellis Go-Karts
5/-2
he has 96 speed which is an asset this team desperately needs so he will start.
3rd rounder
FS Courtney Ray
3/-8
83 speed at 267 lbs so he will continue to lose weight and play LB and eventually start despite busting.
4th round
FS Daniel Simpson
3/+1
87 speed at 223 lbs and will figure in somewhere at LB.
5th round
WR Angelo Collier
2/+2
88 speed at 238 lbs so he should hit 90 speed and has a chance in a weak WR room to make team.
6th round
WR Bernard Gallop
5/-2
Only 73 speed but 94 acc who had a chance to make the team with a boom as a WR but his 90 run blocking could make him an option at TE, also a weak group.
7th round
WR Willie Ferreira
+2/-3
Only 71 speed and a Longshot to make the team, he needed to boom which he didnt. The roster sacks so he might make the squad based solely on his youth.
Free agent rookie
RB Joseph Waller
+5/+8
He was drafted & cut by Buffalo in the 6th round. His run/pass blocking intrigued me despite being slow with 45 speed but having 92 acceleration. He boomed big and was immediately named starting FB as his run/pass blocking should both near 100 as he develops.