This is my personal opinion, so take everything with a grain of salt. I don’t feel like writing a long introduction, but I will have additional thoughts at the end, so without further ado:
Offense
QB: Trevor Siemian, Mark Sanchez, Paxton Lynch
WR: Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, Cody Latimer, Bennie Fowler, Jordan Taylor, Kalif Raymond
TE: Virgil Green, Jeff Heuerman, Henry Krieger-Coble
RB: C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker, Ronnie Hillman, Kapri Bibbs*
FB: Andy Janovich
LT: Russell Okung, Michael Schofield
LG: Max Garcia, Aaron Neary
C: Matt Paradis, James Ferentz
RG: Ty Sambrailo, Michael Schofield, Connor McGovern
RT: Donald Stephenson, Darrion Weems
Additional Thoughts:
Sanchez is an interesting character. He plays great and terrible every game. He will make impossible touchdown passes, followed by the worst interception ever. You can’t blame him for all the mistakes either. Against the 49ers, his first fumble was lack of holding the ball plus the defense dominating the offensive line. His second fumble was not preventable unless we had a better front. His interception against the Bears was a good throw and probably would’ve been solid if it led the receiver by a few inches. Trevor Siemian is more consistent, but easier to read. He doesn’t go through his progressions fast enough and his readability led to Saturday’s interception. Siemian also has more experience with the receivers we have, while Sanchez is still learning the playbook and getting familiar with the our players. Siemian’s consistency gives him an edge, and Sanchez’ edge is his experience. Regardless, Siemian will probably be named the starting quarterback because we can’t have turnovers if we want to win.
The Wide Receiver competition is difficult to crack, but I expect Jordan Taylor to beat out Jordan Norwood. Kalif Raymond is about on par with Norwood, but he’s probably our best bet at punt and kick returns. Mose Frazier will likely make the practice squad as a target for Paxton Lynch.
RT Lars Hanson and another offensive lineman will probably make the practice squad.
*While I personally would prefer Bibbs to make the roster, I think Hillman’s performance last year will give him the edge. If, however, we trade him away, then Bibbs will make the roster. I foresee a Hillman trade in the future as he doesn’t quite fit this offense.
Defense:
DE: Derek Wolfe, Jared Crick, Henry Melton, Adam Gotsis
NT: Sylvester Williams, Darius Kilgo
SLB: Von Miller, Shaquil Barrett, Dekoda Watson
WLB: DeMarcus Ware, Shane Ray
ILB: Brandon Marshall, Todd Davis, Zaire Anderson, Corey Nelson
CB: Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib, Bradley Roby, Kayvon Webster, Lorenzo Doss
SS: T.J. Ward, Will Parks
FS: Darian Stewart, Justin Simmons
K: Brandon McManus
P: Britton Colquitt
LS: Casey Kreieter
Additional Thoughts:
I have no doubt NT Kyle Peko will go on the practice squad. Not everyone can crack the 53-man roster, unfortunately. I also really like the performance of DE Billy Winn, but I think Henry Melton and Adam Gotsis have the edge.
I like what I’ve seen out of SLB Dekoda Watson, so I expect him to make the roster despite that spot being so strong with Von Miller and Shaq Barrett. WLB Vontarrius Dora has quite a bit of potential so I expect him to make the practice squad too.
CB Taurean Nixon will likely make the practice squad again. He has some talent, but we have the best cornerbacks in the league.
SS Shiloh Keo did wonderful things for us last year including an interception that sealed a playoff game, but his impending suspension won’t help his case and the rookie will take the spot.