All articles tagged with #roster evaluation
As the Dallas Cowboys are eliminated from the playoffs, the article highlights five reserve players—Joe Milton, Jay Toia, Phil Mafah, Jonathan Mingo, and Jaydon Blue—who will be key to watch in the final games and for future roster decisions, focusing on their potential and areas for improvement.
Commanders' new general manager Adam Peters indicated the team's need for improvement in his initial evaluation of the roster, and has since made 12 free agent additions, focusing on addressing needs with shorter-term deals to avoid long-term cap hits. Peters is aiming to make the team better in 2024 while also setting them up to draft the best players available. More surprises and signings may be in store as Peters works to fulfill his promise of addressing the team's needs.
With the NBA trade deadline approaching, the Los Angeles Lakers are faced with the decision of whether to stay put, shake up their roster, or find a middle ground. The team's performance has been inconsistent, and they are evaluating their options to improve their chances of competing for a championship. Potential trade targets include Dejounte Murray, Collin Sexton, Tyus Jones, Dennis Schroder, Bruce Brown, Andre Drummond, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Miles Bridges. The Lakers are also considering the possibility of making a big move in the summer and are closely monitoring the situation with star player Russell Westbrook.
Jonathan Smith, the new head coach of Michigan State football, has several urgent priorities to address. He needs to meet with the team and re-recruit the roster before the transfer portal window opens, as some players may consider leaving. Smith also needs to assemble his coaching staff, particularly coordinators, and consider retaining some of the previous staff for continuity. Salvaging the 2024 recruiting class is crucial, as several recruits decommitted after the previous coach's departure. Smith may also bring some players from his former team, Oregon State, to Michigan State. Lastly, he must address the messy situation surrounding name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, including the fallout from a university-approved collective canceling contracts with football players.
The Philadelphia Flyers secured a 3-1 preseason victory over the Boston Bruins, with goals from Cam Atkinson, Travis Konecny, and Joel Farabee. The team is nearing their NHL lineup and evaluating roster hopefuls, including Bobby Brink, Tyson Foerster, and Wade Allison. Defensive prospects Egor Zamula and Ronnie Attard showed improvement, while Samuel Ersson made a case for the backup goalie position. Cam Atkinson, who missed last season due to injury, scored his first preseason goal. The Flyers are preparing for their final preseason game before the regular-season opener on October 12.
The Miami Dolphins will face the Houston Texans in their second preseason game, with a focus on evaluating fringe veterans, training camp additions, and undrafted free agents. The Dolphins aim to avoid injuries and assess players before the roster cut deadline on August 29. Several rookies, including defensive tackle Brandon Pili and cornerback Keidron Smith, have shown promise but may be sidelined due to injuries. Quarterbacks Mike White and Skylar Thompson will need to improve their performance, while special teams, particularly kicker Jason Sanders and punter Jake Bailey, will be closely scrutinized.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Buffalo Bills in their second preseason game, and there are several key things for fans to watch. Rookie CB Joey Porter Jr. is expected to make his preseason debut, while QB Kenny Pickett and the starting offense aim to build on their impressive performance in the first game. Rookie OLB Nick Herbig will look to continue his strong play, and WR Calvin Austin III and RB Anthony McFarland Jr. will handle return duties. The Steelers' top three safeties are set to see action, and defensive veterans like DT Cameron Heyward, OLB T.J. Watt, and CB Patrick Peterson are expected to play. The top three specialists will also be back in action, and rookie offensive lineman Spencer Anderson will continue to showcase his versatility. Lastly, the addition of running back Xazavian Valladay provides an opportunity for evaluation.
The Kansas City Chiefs are in the final days of their training camp and are evaluating talent across the league to prepare for the upcoming roster deadline. Assistant GM Mike Borgonzi explains the process of ranking and identifying potential players for the 53-man roster or practice squad. The team is particularly focused on evaluating wide receivers due to injuries and uncertainty surrounding Kadarius Toney. The competition among the receivers has been intense, with young players trying to prove themselves. The Chiefs will continue to update their reports on players throughout the preseason and remain cautious with Toney's recovery.
St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations, John Mozeliak, is waiting for the team's performance over the next five weeks to determine their approach to the MLB trade deadline. The team's internal evaluations will determine the options Mozeliak and the front office explore when the trade market takes shape. The next 25-30 games will serve as a "pretty good GPS" for the front office. For now, they're planning to remain "open-minded."