Field Gulls
On Tuesday, all NFL teams reduced their rosters from 90 players to 53. However, this is just the beginning of the roster finalization process. With the other teams’ cuts, there are additions made on waivers, the addition of released players, and the formation of the practice squad.
Obviously, the rosters are closer to their final version. However, there may (and should) still be some changes in the first few weeks, with some teams preferring to cut veterans and bring them back after Week 1 to save some money.
The Seahawks added two players to their 53-man roster: LB Chazz Surratt, who was cut by the San Francisco 49ers, and Derion Kendrick, the Los Angeles Rams cornerback who came off waivers and reportedly made a very promising addition: former Rams linebacker Chris Paul.
This move was my least favorite. Derion Kendrick was an extremely promising cornerback at Clemson. However, before his senior year, he was expelled after being accused of illegally possessing a firearm and marijuana, which violated team standards and rules. Georgia gave him a chance, and he achieved a 1.53 RAS and was drafted in the sixth round by the Rams.
On October 16, 2023, Kendrick was arrested in Hollywood, California, for illegally possessing a firearm. Police also found marijuana in Kendrick’s vehicle. In 2023, he played 17 games for the Rams, starting 12, recording 623 yards, 4 touchdowns, 11 penalties, 7 PBUs, 1 interception (against Drew Lock), and 49 tackles. He had been out of action for over a year after tearing his ACL in July of last year, even before the preseason.
He was a running back his freshman year at Clemson, which allows him to quickly recognize offensive concepts and cut off passing lanes. In the play above, he reacts to the cut and gets between the receiver and the ball to deflect it.
He’s frequently beaten on vertical routes coming off the line of scrimmage. This results in significant gains since he lacks the top speed to recover, or in penalties.
This is a summary of Kendrick. His aggressiveness results in numerous penalties (11) and he was constantly targeted at crucial moments in games. In the tweet above, the Commanders essentially scored 14 points on him. He gave up 153 yards, 2 TDs, and two penalties. In seven games, he gave up 48 or more yards.
Against the Seahawks he gave up a TD against DK Metcalf and had his only INT against Drew Lock. (NOTE: Amazing get off from JSN here).
He also had 15 kickoff returns for 300 yards at Clemson. And during the preseason had snaps as slot and outside CB.
To make room for Kendrick, the Seahawks cut Shaquill Griffin, who didn’t impress in practice or in the preseason, but has a healthier track record and fewer off-field issues. I’m not saying Griffin was excelling, but he seemed like a safer choice than Kendrick.
It’s worth noting that John Schneider said he intends to keep him around,...
