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"Especially here, we're all the same," Powell said. "I feel like we're all on the same scale."
Beyond deciding which players to let go, there were some starting roles that had to be decided before preparations begin for the Sept. 7 opener at Atlanta.
Is that a clue?
"I hope so," he said,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, smiling.
On other NFL teams, Powell might be more confident. He was a fifth-round selection in the draft. Yet the Saints have created a culture which grades players on their efforts, not past accolades or where they were drafted.
Last season, six rookie free agents made the roster out of the preseason. Later in the season,Wholesale Jerseys Cheap, a seventh — quarterback Ryan Griffin — moved from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
Fifth-year pro Patrick Robinson and 12-time Pro Bowl player Champ Bailey, who both struggled with injuries last season, were competing for the starting cornerback job.
The roster was at 75 when the Saints played their final preseason game on Thursday night, losing 22-13 to Baltimore.
There are no more routes to run, defensive backs to block, or passes to catch before final cuts are made.
METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Saints rookie linebacker Ronald Powell said he felt as if he was waiting for a call-back after a job interview.
"At this point, all of us have put our resumes out there," said Toon,Nike Vapormax Plus Sunset, a former fourth-round pick who competed for snaps at training camp and in the preseason against Joseph Morgan and veteran Robert Meachem for one of the last receiver spots.
Veteran Jonathan Goodwin and second-year pro Tim Lelito were the top two candidates to take over as starting center,Cheap World Cup Jerseys 2018.
For example, starters typically sit out the final Saints preseason game. Goodwin watched that game from the sideline. Also, Goodwin recently changed his jersey number from 51 to 59.
"It's in the mail. You can't get it back."
Enough to make players and interested observers alike search for clues.
Powell is one of several first-year players and veterans that will learn by Saturday afternoon if they've earned a spot on the Saints' 53-man regular-season roster.
For a player such as third-year receiver Nick Toon, all there is to do, for the first time in months, is wait.
The Saints must also decide between kickers Shayne Graham (4 for 4 field goals, long of 39; 4 of 5 PAT) and Derek Dimke (4 for 4 field goals, long of 49; 5 of 5 PAT) and a host of backups that also contribute on special teams. Among those are undrafted free agent safety Pierre Warren. His preseason highlights on defense include an interception against Baltimore.
"Everybody is definitely anxious, especially if you're a first,Cheap Football Jerseys, second-year guy, guys on the bubble," said Griffin,China Jerseys Wholesale, who spent preseason competing with veteran Luke McCown to be star QB Drew Brees' backup. "I was in that position last year, but I don't think you ever get used to it. It's a weird feeling."
Coach Sean Payton and his staff have to trim 22 players, and make a number of difficult choices in the process.
Earlier this month, the NFL announced practice squads will increase from eight to 10.
"I'm sure it's difficult; it's just wanting to know," Payton said. "There's a lot invested by every one of those guys. A lot of work. A lot has gone into putting themselves in position to make a team and stick."
In 2007, undrafted rookie running back Pierre Thomas made the roster ahead of fourth-round draft pick Antonio Pittman of Ohio State.
"I feel like I've done a lot, made a few plays," Warren said. "But I've still got more work to do." |
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