2022 NFL Cut Day: Where Will They Land?

Sports Opinion by Josh Blatt

All stats courtesy of Pro-Football Reference

    The casual NFL fan probably wouldn't be too concerned with guys who didn't even make their favorite team's roster, let alone the other 31 franchises' rosters. With cut day coming just nine short days before the NFL kickoff and many rosters breaching capacity, it was inevitable that for some guys, the dream is dead. For others this is just the beginning of a long and strenuous process. There definitely were some questionable decisions made by front offices across the league, and that may be due timeline, scheme fits, or simply attitude issues. Regardless of their shortcomings, there are multiple guys that I expect to be picked up. Whether these acquisitions occur before the season begins or to relieve rosters because of injury during the season, these guys deserve to be on a roster in some way, shape, or form. 

Jarrad Davis, ILB Detroit Lions

    After a tumultuous start to his career in Detroit under former Head Coach Matt Patricia, Jarrad Davis was given the opportunity in a limited capacity for the New York Jets last season. He wasn't anything special, but you can still see the flashes that made him a first round pick. His speed, size, and strength are all tools that SHOULD translate into a special talent. The 6'1" 245lb linebacker ran a 4.62 40-yard dash and it used to be a question of whether or not Davis had the heart to be a major player in this league. While watching his play in the preseason, he has proved that he has the skill necessary to end up on a club this season. I imagine Davis will end up on a roster with a depleted linebacker room, expect a contender plagued with linebacker injuries to scoop him up as a depth piece. He could also become a starter on a bad team, in a system he knows, IF C.J. Mosley goes down.

Best fits: Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New York Jets.

Chris Streveler, QB New York Jets

    By far the most intriguing player on my list comes from the unknown. Chris Streveler has never been a professional starting quarterback, as he was a backup on a Grey Cup winning Winnipeg Blue Bombers squad for two seasons (2018-2019) and a backup for the Arizona Cardinals for the same amount of time (2020-2021). Streveler showed me something, he may have been the best quarterback on the Jets' roster. Granted, he was playing against second and third stringers, he was also being blocked for and throwing to second and third stringers. He looked good, like REALLY good. Completing 24 of 33 passes, good for a 73% completion percentage with 277 yards and a 5:1 touchdown to interception ratio. If Baker Mayfield isn't the answer in Carolina look for the Panthers to take a flier on the undrafted Streveler. I believe that if the Cleveland Browns don't see Jacoby Brissett as a viable reliever of Deshaun Watson, Streveler could be on the first flight to Cleveland. I also wouldn't be shocked if he ended up back in New York, but this time in a Giants jersey.

Best fits: Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns.

Alex Leatherwood, OL Las Vegas Raiders

    What a disappointment Alex Leatherwood has been thus far. As a guy with every physical tool available, the potential is still there. The only thing I can question is mentality, is the guy soft? Was he just here for the paycheck? Does he have the mental strength to claw back and fit into the first round mold that got him drafted? I simply don't know, but I hope he gets another opportunity and I think he can prove a lot of people wrong. Leatherwood is just shy of 6'5" and weighs 312 pounds, and I believe he could thrive as a backup or rotational piece on a really good offensive line. Remember he's young, he doesn't turn 24 until January and youth can be the most valuable asset for a player still trying to find their footing in the NFL. This could be a move that bites the Raiders in the rear, especially since they only gave him one season to figure it out.

Best fits: Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Green Bay Packers.

Phillip Lindsay, RB Indianapolis Colts

    The most viable candidate to be signed as I write this, Phillip Lindsay has shown star potential in the NFL. After entering the league with back to back 1,000 yard seasons as an undrafted free agent, Lindsay was then forced to split time in the backfield with Melvin Gordon before being shut down due to injury after just 11 games. Lindsay appeared in 14 games for both the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins racking up just 249 yards on 88 attempts. To say Lindsay has had a disappointing last two years would be an understatement, but that can't be put on him. He's an electric runner with a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie with just eight games in the starting running back role. Lindsay looks like he can still contribute and seems to have the drive to do so. I wouldn't be surprised if a team searching for a second or third back picks him up before the season kicks off. I look to the New Orleans Saints, as they're a team that needs another player in the backfield (NOT NOW TAYSOM) and with a potential Alvin Kamara suspension looming over their head, Phillip Lindsay is the best consolation available. I see viable options with teams that have injury prone running back rooms such as the Baltimore Ravens or Buffalo Bills.

Best fits: New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills.