NFL Cuts 2015: Predicting Notable Releases Before Regular Season Begins

The NFL preseason and its summer camps sit as an evaluation period for teams and one gigantic job interview for their players.

By the end, each team will have made countless tough decisions to whittle the roster to 53 players and a practice squad. Often, this process leaves many familiar names on the open market after losing a competition.

With so many rookies entering the league each year and free agency a viable option, turnover remains at a skyscraper-esque level. This year won't prove any different. Whether it's a former hyped quarterback losing a job or veterans on final chances, the cut lists this year will tout plenty of familiar faces.

Predicting Notable Releases

EJ Manuel, QB, Buffalo Bills 

Ron Schwane/Associated Press

EJ Manuel was the surprise 16th pick in the first round of the 2013 draft. The Buffalo Bills were the top example of a team willing to risk it all early on the most important position.

It doesn't look like the risk will pay off. Manuel sits third on the depth chart in Buffalo this summer behind Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor. The former's a journeyman who hasn't played in 16 games in a season since 2008, and the latter is a former sixth-round pick.

Manuel showed flashes, but over two seasons, he has played in just 15 games and thrown 16 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. While disappointing, new coach Rex Ryan told Tyler Dunne of the Buffalo News three quarterbacks might be a thing:

It's an important factor to keep in mind, but there are a couple of things to consider. For one, the third quarterback doesn't have to be Manuel. This is a new head coach, and head coaches love having their own handpicked guys under center, not former first-round picks made when the last guy was in charge.

Two, this is the NFL, and things change by the minute. The Bills have the look of a deep squad and could use the third quarterback slot at some other key area of depth once the staff becomes comfortable with what it has. Manuel is the furthest thing from safe.

Morris Claiborne, CB, Dallas Cowboys

Brandon Wade/Associated Press

Remember Morris Claiborne?

The sixth pick in the 2012 draft out of LSU has yet to meet expectations, and the ever-ticking turnover clock around the league continues to churn away.

Claiborne has yet to play in a full 16-game season over three years, last year seeing the field in just four games. Meanwhile, the Dallas depth chart touts Brandon Carr, Orlando Scandrick, rookie Byron Jones and Corey White as options capable of pushing others down and off the roster.

“I’m trying to make the team,” Claiborne said, per Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News. “That’s how I look at this whole thing right now, I’m trying to make this team.”

As a former top-10 pick, Claiborne is the type of player who receives plenty of chances. In 2013, though, he ranked as the No. 88 corner in the NFL at Pro Football Focus, with his worst mark coming in coverage.

Due nearly $5.2 million in the final year of his deal, per Spotrac, the Cowboys may not want to dole out such cash to a corner who won't crack the top three on the depth chart. Keep an eye on the Cowboys. 

Riley Cooper, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Perez/Associated Press

When it comes to potential salary dumps for underperformers, Philadelphia Eagles wideout Riley Cooper stands tall as one of the first names to come to mind.

The Eagles hit Cooper with a five-year deal worth north of $22 million before last season. Despite the confines of a favorable offense, Cooper responded by catching just 55 of his 95 targets for 577 yards and three touchdowns.

Over at PFF, he ranked as the No. 110 receiver in the league, smack in last place.

Now, it may cost the Eagles more to cut Cooper than keep him thanks to guarantees, but this is a long-term outlook sort of move. The Eagles owe Cooper more than $5 million in each of the next three seasons after this year, and the depth chart features Jordan Matthews, Josh Huff and rookie Nelson Agholor.

When it comes to cap management, it makes sense to apply Cooper's salary elsewhere.

Toby Gerhart, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

There was a time not too long ago the NFL realm praised the Jacksonville Jaguars for a smart move sure to help the franchise out of the cellar. 

The move was bringing on free agent Toby Gerhart, the guy who showed flashes over the course of four seasons in Minnesota as Adrian Peterson's backup. It made sense—those flashes should translate when Gerhart gets the bulk of the workload, right?

Maybe not. Gerhart appeared in just 14 games last year and took his 101 carries for 326 yards and two scores on a 3.2 per-carry average.

It's one thing to wave off Gerhart's underwhelming debut as starter, but the Jaguars have let the globe in on their thinking by drafting Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon in the second round of this year's draft.

In other words, the Jaguars spent a pretty high pick (all punter jokes aside) on Gerhart's position. Even if he dabbles at fullback or as an H-back, he has to fight the rookie, Denard Robinson, Bernard Pierce and Storm Johnson on the depth chart. Don't forget the team owes him at least $3 million this year and next.

For a rebuilding franchise, sometimes it's better to admit the mistakes early and learn. 

Stats courtesy of NFL.com and are accurate as of Aug. 24. All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus.