The Open Db Position...
 

With S Steve Gleason out for the year it leaves an extra spot open in the defensive backfield.

One of the youngsters who chances were slim coming in to camp now have an excellent opportunity to make the team.

Who do you think it's going to be. Below are a few choices:

39 Reis, Chris S 6-1 207 24 3 Georgia Tech
32 Burns, Curry S 6-0 203 26 2 Louisville
30 Jones, David CB 6-0 196 21 R Wingate
36 Phillips, Anwar CB 6-0 187 24 1 Penn State
31 Porter, Joe CB 6-0 200 21 R Rutgers
22 Thomas, Fred CB 5-9 185 33 12 Tennessee-Martin*

The players I think are a lock are:

S - Josh Bullocks, Kevin Kaesviharn, Jay Bellamy, and Roman Harper

CB - Jason David, Jason Craft, Usama Young, and Mike McKenzie

* - I put Thomas there because his performance last year puts him on the bubble this year IMO.

a.b.b.f

Any-Body But Fred.

I think Fred makes the team. He certainly got picked on last year and for a lot of us, he was the scapegoat at the end of the season, but you can't blame everything on one player. You knew, I knew and everyone in the stands knew that the Bears were going to go after Fred. If the coaching staff realizes that and don't do anything to stop it, then there is some blame there, too.

Fred has the talent and expirience to be a quality nickle/dime back. IMO, you gotta have a guy like that on the team.

I think Fred is a lock for the team. He's not starting material anymore but he would be a solid nickel back for the team. I want David Jones to make the team because of his athletic abilities and I love rooting for the small school guys. I know some people that really like Chris Reis and I also like Joe Porter's speed... though that probably won't be enough for him to stick.

this spot can be filled by anyone at any position that can play special team

If Reis plays as good as he did in Europe he should be able to take over Gleason's role, maybe even provide some backup at safety. I don't think any of the rest are sure enough tacklers to play special teams as well.

I would also think that Fred Thomas makes the roster over Craft, who has done absolutely nothing since he's been here. Young will get worked into the nickel/dime rotation so he makes the cut. Jones might make the team as a returner, or else he'll probably hit the PS.

I'd like to see David Jones make the squad considering we used a draft pick on him this year. Wasn't he a 5th rounder?

And I've actually always kind of rooted for Anwar Phillips. I saw a couple Penn State games when he was there, and he looked like a really good player. I think the kid's got some talent.

Fred's the odd man out I am afraid. He was burnt toast at CB and was completely lost on many plays. Hell he had to take a pay cut just to make the team last year.

Craft won a game for us this past year, and made some good plays hear and there for us. Craft will make the cut.

Young to start opposite of McKenzie.

I got the impression last year at camp that the coaching staff liked Anwar Phillips. I too, have been rooting for him.

I don't think Fred will be the odd man out. I think the coaching staff likes him, and they're going to be willing to play him in nickel or dime packages.