Thats right. The first version of the "Official Depth Chart" has finally been released. If the season started today, these would be the men that we would be heading into battle with on Sundays.
So what should we take from this?
Well, the truth of the matter is....not a whole lot. Its way too early to start reading tea leaves in these things. These early depth charts are often motivational tools, and/or a way to jump start some trade talks with people that you'd like to get "something" for, before you release them.
What are the Big Surprises?
Lets not tip toe around the most obvious surprise.
Pat White
Henne and Thigpen are probably right where everyone expected them to be. However, seeing Pat White on the Roster at the #3 spot over Chad Pennington is a shock.
By almost every report, Pat White has been struggling with his accuracy, while Chad Pennington has been spot on. That being said, there have been recent reports of Pennington's passes losing zip and fluttering (as one would expect recovering from yet another major shoulder surgery).Most people have expected Pat White to be a casualty this year, barring a surprise trade for Thigpen or Pennington. My guess this is an attempt to raise his value, and maybe you catch the eye of a possible suitor, because he certainly has not earned this position by all accounts.
Richie Incognito
The newly acquired Incognito is currently penciled in as the starting LG, a position Donald Thomas played well in. While Richie is of no doubt starting caliber in this league, and he's been doing it for a while, he's got a reputation as a drive staller. The last thing you want is a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, and Incognito is a magnet for those.
He's already had a few fights in camp and if he continues that trend he's going to find himself on the outside looking in. I'm guessing this is another motivational move for Donald Thomas.
Nolan Carroll
Carroll has been impressive thus far in Training Camp. He seems to always find a way around the ball, and as Coach Sparano puts it,
"He’s picked things up right away, from the beginning, really never hesitated"
Unless something goes terribly wrong with Carroll throughout the preseason, I can't think of a way he doesn't make the 53 man roster. He's played well in Nickel packages, and he's contributing on special teams
Patrick Turner/Roberto Wallace
If today were the day, Wallace makes the team as the 5th WR, not Turner.Wallace has been impressive in training camp, and I'd be excited if he made the squad, but like everyone else, I'd like to see our 3rd round pick from 2009 on the field.Noone has been more negative about Patrick Turner than I have. However, once again, he's been impressive in training camp. He's found a knack for getting open, and holding onto the ball. Now, as we all know, this is just training camp. If Turner wants to make it onto the 53 man roster (and he's not on it today), then he's going to have to continue being impressive during the Preseason games.Preseason was Turner's kryptonite last year. One has to hope the addition of Brandon Marshall has helped Turner learn some new tricks to help beat the jam, run better routes, and keep his hands on the ball.
Here's a mind blowing fact:
If Turner DOES make the team, he'll be the highest drafted WR on the roster.
Again, its the first Depth Chart of 2010, and is sure to under go many changes, so said Sparano himself. But, its exciting to even be able to talk about Football, much less the anticipated players on the squad.
I look forward to hearing what you think of our first Depth Chart of the season. Who would you like to see make the squad?
Here is a link to the Official Depth Chart.
http://www.miamidolphins.com/content/2010-depth-chart
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