Mason Thompson | Aug 26th, 2019
With only 16 games left before “real” football starts, the players on the verge of an NFL roster need to shine in the last game for their respective teams. Cuts are looming and with that in the mind of players, some showed out in week three.
Dakota Allen, LB, Los Angeles Rams
If Allen was on the roster bubble before the game against the Cowboys, he sure isn’t now. The former “Last Chance U” star is making an impression during training camp and could be in line for a major role on a potential super bowl contender. After a long road to being on an NFL roster, Allen can finally put his potential on display for one of the league’s premier teams.
Trenton Cannon, RB, New York Jets
With the Jets adding Le’Veon Bell and Ty Montgomery in the off-season while also retaining Bilal Powell and Elijah McGuire, Cannon looked like the odd man out. In the third game, he rushed six times for 51 yards, also adding three catches on four targets for 28 yards, all while returning kicks as well. Coming into his second year, Cannon will likely have a role on special teams and on passing downs, and could push McGuire off the roster.
Tra Carson, RB, Green Bay Packers
The former undrafted back from the 2016 draft has surprised in Packers camp this summer. While not being explosive and not excelling in one area, Carson is a well-rounded back and is consistent, especially in pass protection. Carson has been running as the third back, ahead of rookie Dexter Williams, who is far more explosive than him. He looks to be a probable lock for the Packers roster and could be used in obvious passing downs for an extra pass protector for Aaron Rodgers.
Trevor Davis, WR, Green Bay Packers
With Darrius Shepherd and Allen Lazard showing out in the first two preseason games, Davis looked like the odd man out in the Packers receiving core. The former fifth-round 2016 draft pick has been plagued by injuries throughout his career and started with another injury at the start of camp. Against the Raiders, Davis caught five passes for 78 yards, adding 18 yards on an end-around and another 17 on a punt return. His explosiveness will be a great piece to add in Matt LaFleur’s offense. It will be interesting to see who gets to stay between Shepherd, Lazard, Davis, and Jake Kumerow once cuts happen.
Greg Dortch, WR, New York Jets
The undrafted receiver from Wake Forest has given the Jets another reason to be excited about this season. Dortch had his own segment on the Jets Youtube series titled “One Jets Drive”. While undersized at 5’8″, he is explosive and has been running as the team’s punt returner during preseason games, and has drawn rave reviews from Joe Douglas.
Richie James, WR, San Francisco 49ers
With Dante Pettis, Jalen Hurd, and Deebo Samuel getting all of the attention during camp, James has gone under the radar. He finished the game this week with four catches for 66 yards. In competition with Jordan Matthews for the final receiving spot, James should get the nod because of his abilities as a kick and punt returner while also developing as a receiver.
Devaroe Lawrence, DT, Cleveland Browns
Lawrence was an undrafted pick following the 2017 draft and was traded to the Browns from the Saints for a seventh-round pick. Usually, teams don’t trade for bottom of the roster talent, but the Browns and General Manager John Dorsey saw something they liked. The former Auburn defensive tackle finished with two sacks, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and three tackles. On a crowded defensive line, Lawrence could force his way on the playing field for the Browns.
Demornay Pierson-El, WR, Oakland Raiders
The unknown receiver who played college at Nebraska and spent time with the AAF put on quite a performance on Thursday night against the Packers. Pierson-El finished with 10 targets, catching six passes for 38 yards and a touchdown. In a crowded receiving room, he’ll have to put on another strong performance to be in consideration for the 53 man roster. He’s likely a practice squad candidate.
Kalif Raymond, WR, Tennessee Titans
Raymond is attempting to earn a spot which could push former third-round pick Taywan Taylor to be cut. Raymond finished with five catches for 58 yards. He is explosive and has sparked big-play ability for a team that ultimately needs to get out of the middle of the standings in the league. Raymond will be a player multiple teams will be paying attention to once cuts happen next week.
Next week we will be having another batch of players that impressed, as well as a recap of the players that were covered in this series and their status once cuts happen.
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