| Jonathan Grimes impressed in Houston. Dominique Franks is versatile. (US Presswire) |
It would be easy to look at some of the big names cut Friday in the NFL and put them on the All-Cut team.
I didn't do that.
| More on cut-down day |
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I picked guys who I think will be picked up or have some value down the line -- not necessarily for one or two games.
That's why you won't see receiver Deion Branch on this team. But you will see receiver Tori Gurley, who was let go by the Packers. Gurley has potential, while Branch's best football is behind him. That's why Tim Hightower isn't on the team, but Jonathan Grimes is on the team as the running back.
There are some veterans on the team at veteran-type positions, like offensive line and kicker. But for the most part I was looking for young players who were caught in a numbers game.
My All-Cut team:
OFFENSE
QB -- Brian Hoyer, Patriots: He lost out to Ryan Mallett, but he can be a capable backup for another team.
RB -- Jonathan Grimes, Texans: The Texans are deep at running back, but this kid flashed some in the preseason.
FB -- Jacob Hester, Chargers: He has been a contributor as a fullback and running back. He can also help on special teams.
WR -- Tori Gurley, Packers: He was caught in a numbers game at a deep position on a good team. The Dolphins, where former Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin is coach, makes sense.
WR -- Clyde Gates, Dolphins: Why is he here? Speed. He hasn't played to it, but it's awful enticing.
TE -- Colin Cochart, Bengals: He lost out to veteran Donald Lee for the third tight end spot. He is a capable blocker for a team looking for that kind of tight end.
T -- Trai Essex, Steelers: He has 28 starts and has played both guard and tackle. There is value here.
G -- Mike Person, 49ers: The 49ers are solid at guard, but he could find his way onto an active roster. He's only 24.
C -- Dan Koppen, Patriots: He isn't a kid, but centers can be older. He isn't a powerful center, but he's smart. Some team will pick him up. Could be the Bengals or Cowboys.
G -- Kyle Devan, Titans: He has 25 starts the past three years for the Colts and the Eagles.
T -- Mario Henderson, Chargers: He has been a starter for Oakland, but the Chargers didn't think he was worth keeping.
K -- Nick Novak, Chargers: He lost out to Nate Kaeding in camp, but he proved last season that he was capable of being on a roster.
DEFENSE
DE -- Everette Brown, Lions: This former first-round pick of the Panthers showed some burst in the preseason. He might get another look.
DT -- Dwan Edwards, Bills: He is a decent player who has started at times. Just caught in a numbers deal in the Bills' new 4-3.
DT -- Antonio Dixon, Eagles: He has been a starter the past two years at times and should be a player who is wanted by several teams.
DE -- Craig Marshall, Giants: He had 1 1/2 sacks against the Patriots in the final preseason game. He has some pass-rush ability.
OLB -- Jamaal Westerman, Dolphins: He didn't really fit in their 4-3 scheme, but should get picked up by a 3-4 team.
ILB/MLB -- Rodrick Muckleroy, Bengals: He lost out to Vontaze Burfict, but he can help a team as a backup and special-teams player.
OLB -- Spencer Adkins, Falcons: This fourth-year linebacker started a game last season for the Falcons.
CB -- Donald Washington, Chiefs: He is 26 and has five starts the past two seasons.
CB -- Dominique Franks, Falcons: He's been a solid backup and can return punts. This third-year player is worth a look for a corner-needy team.
S -- Omar Brown, Ravens: He impressed during the preseason and should get a look from another team.
S -- Troy Nolan, Texans: He is only 25 and he has started six games in two seasons. He will have a lot of interest.