NFL Roster Cuts 2010: Evaluating Of San Francisco 49ers Cuts
Often in life, we are forced to make tough decisions knowing that it will hurt others.
Similarly, in the NFL, all 32 teams are forced to shed their rosters to 53 men or less by Saturday at 4:00 PM E.T.
The San Francisco 49ers complied early as they released twenty-two players yesterday in order to satisfy the requirements.
While some of the moves were expected, there were those that were a bit surprising and may have an immediate impact on the club.
Regardless, here is my evaluation of all twenty-two roster cuts.
K Shane Andrus
1 of 22
Shane Andrus was signed in Week 16 last season (2009) and he nailed four extra point attempts for the team. Moreover, throughout the preseason, he nailed four of his four field goal attempts.
Still, with veteran Joe Nedney in the mix, they didn't need to add another kicker.
LB Mike Balogun
2 of 22
Mike Balogun, a former Oklahoma Sooner, was signed as an undrafted free agent this year.
He had a solid preseason, racking up 13 tackles and an interception.
However, he was one of several inside linebackers traded away. Since the team implements a 3-4 scheme, it's tough for these undersized linebackers to find a spot on defense.
QB Jarrett Brown
3 of 22
Jarrett Brown, a former WVU quarterback, was signed as an undrafted free agent earlier this year.
Despite having a cannon of an arm, his accuracy and decision making skills are poor. Furthermore, the 49ers already have a player with a similar skill set in second-year pro Nate Davis.
Brown didn't play a single snap in the preseason.
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FB Jehuu Caulcrick
4 of 22
Jehuu Caulcrick, a former New York Jet, was signed as a free agent this offseason.
He's yet to play a down in an NFL regular season game. In four preseason appearances this year, he rushed for 41 yards on 9 carries (4.55 YPC average) and he had seven receptions for 58 yards along with a touchdown.
While he displayed potential against the Chargers, there was little chance he would make the team with Moran Norris already on the roster.
TE Tony Curtis
5 of 22
Tony Curtis was signed as a free agent this offseason. He's spent time with the Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys on their active rosters.
Even though he's a solid blocker and a reliable pass target, he just didn't fit in wit the 49ers crowded tight end position.
LB Bruce Davis
6 of 22
Bruce Davis was signed as a free agent, and has been a journeyman throughout his career.
He did a solid job this preseason as he registered 12 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Unfortunately, he was one of the several linebackers cut.
G Brian De La Puente
7 of 22
Brian De La Puente, a former Cal guard, was signed as a free agent.
He was originally brought in to provide some depth to the offensive line, but simply couldn't make it through the last round of cuts. Note, he's formerly tried out for the 49ers team as well.
He's spent time on the Chiefs' active roster, along with the Seahawks and Panthers practice squads.
TE Joe Jon Finley
8 of 22
Joe Jon Finley was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2008, and has been on the team's practice squad ever since.
With Nate Byham, the team's sixth round draft pick, showing promise; it doesn't seem like Finley will be part of the organization any longer.
WR Bobby Guillory
9 of 22
Bobby Guillory, a former Central Missouri State wide receiver, was signed as an undrafted free agent.
The 49ers added him primarily to compete as a return specialist, but was unable to unseat any of the team's other options.
He caught three receptions for 25 yards against the Chargers, and fumbled twice in the preseason.
While he is quick, he has displayed little understanding of the game.
WR Jason Hill
10 of 22
Jason Hill, a 2008 3rd round pick, has shown little to no promise of ever developing into a quality receiver.
Over three years, he's managed to record only 40 receptions for 413 yards and four touchdowns.
Heading into the preseason, he and Dominique Zeigler were competing for the No. 4 spot on the depth chart. However, the team showed little confidence in him as he appeared in limited action and only caught one ball for 24 yards.
WR Kevin Jurovich
11 of 22
Kevin Jurovich, a former San Jose State star receiver, was signed as an undrafted free agent just last month.
When he signed most knew that he had a very marginal chance of actually making the roster. It was ultimately an opportunity for him to demonstrate his abilities to other teams around the league.
During the preseason, he only had two receptions for 49 yards.
OT Matt Kopa
12 of 22
Matt Kopa, a former Stanford offensive tackle, was signed as an undrafted free agent.
He was competing with several other veterans at the position, and he simply didn't prove enough to make the final cut.
The coaches have said that he's improve since the beginning of training camp.
LB Keaton Kristick
13 of 22
Keaton Kristick, a former Oregon State linebacker, was signed as an undrafted free agent shortly after the draft.
He's registered sixteen tackles during the preseason. Honestly, he's much too undersized (6'3" 234 lbs.) to play in a 3-4 defense.
S Chris Maragos
14 of 22
Chris Maragos, a former Wisconsin safety, was signed as an undrafted free agent.
He was an absolute stud in pre-draft workouts, demonstrating his tremendous athleticism.
Of course, that doesn't always translate into on-the-field play.
He only racked up five tackles this preseason.
FB Brit Miller
15 of 22
Brit Miller was moved up from the practice squad to the special teams unit towards the end of last season.
He's a former linebacker who displayed his versatility by making the switch to fullback.
I project him to make the practice squad once again.
DT Khalif Mitchell
16 of 22
Khalif Mitchell spent time on the 49ers' practice squad last year, and was competing as a nose tackle.
He has good size (6'5" 318 lbs.), which is necessary for the position. Unfortunately, he didn't display the demanding skill set to go with it.
He will most likely make the practice squad again.
CB Karl Paymah
17 of 22
Karl Paymah signed as a free agent this offseason. He spent last year with the Minnesota Vikings, and is the type of physical cornerback that head coach Mike Singletary is looking for.
Moreover, he has also been a quality contributor on special teams.
I think he'll find another team this year.
RB Michael Robinson
18 of 22
Michael Robinson has spent the past four years with the 49ers, and despite only rushing for 52 yards over the past two seasons, he's been a standout on special teams. In fact, he's been selected as a two-time Pro Bowl alternate.
However, Singletary stated that he was "looking for more value."
It'll be interesting to see whether or not he gets a spot with another team.
DL Will Tukuafu
19 of 22
Will Tukuafu, a former Oregon defensive end, was signed as an undrafted free agent.
Even though he's a bit undersized to play along the 3-4 defensive line, he had two sacks this preseason.
He's also been noted to have top-notch intangibles, and an overall great team player.
DL Derek Walker
20 of 22
Derek Walker was signed as a free agent to provide depth along the defensive line.
During the preseason, he totaled 13 tackles and a sack.
Still, at his small size, it was unlikely that he'd find a spot along their three-man front.
C Cody Wallace
21 of 22
Cody Wallace, a 2008 4th round pick, has shown little potential so far and been a major disappointment.
As a result, it didn't come as much of a surprise when he was let go.
LB Matt Wilhelm
22 of 22
Matt Wilhelm is a veteran linebacker who signed as a free agent last season.
This move leaves the interior of the team's defense very thin, and just goes to show how much confidence the 49ers have in rookie NaVorro Bowman.
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