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NFL Roster Tracker: Most Surprising Final Cuts

By Erik Lambert

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Sep 3, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Shaun Draughn (20) rushes the ball against Chicago Bears linebacker Mason Foster (53) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

It’s still early in the process with another day to go, but the final NFL roster purge is underway, and predictably there are more than a few surprising names back on the open market.  Which ones stand above the rest so far?

Andre Davis (WR, Buffalo Bills)

All word out of camp was that undrafted free agent wide receiver Andre Davis was having a good training camp and backed it up with a nice sprinkle of preseason plays including nine catches for 68 yards and a touchdown.  Word is the Bills loved him too, so it’s likely he was faced with a crowded depth chart ahead of him and the team is hoping to secure him on their practice squad.

Mason Foster (ILB, Chicago Bears)

For many local fans and media, this was a stunner.  All beliefs were that linebacker Mason Foster was a perfect fit for the new 3-4 defense the Chicago Bears were installing.  Most assumed if he was the starter then he was most definitely the prime choice for the main backup.  Apparently the coaching staff felt differently.  Despite 15 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in limited preseason snaps the Bears chose to cut the 26-year old.

Ben Gardner (DE, Dallas Cowboys)

Yes, the arrivals of Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory probably made this move easier but the Dallas Cowboys still would have to think they would want to keep more depth just in case given the uncertainty surrounding both those players off the field.  Ben Gardner looked like an obvious choice given how well he played in the preseason with a sack and six quarterback pressures for a +9.1 rating from Pro Football Focus.  Most likely they hope to get him on their practice squad, but this seems like an unnecessary gamble.

Gabe Ikard (C, Tennessee Titans)

Once considered a solid mid-round option in the draft, Oklahoma center Gabe Ikard ended up going undrafted and signed on with the Tennessee Titans.  It was viewed as a strong move at the time.  Though he struggled as a rookie, his second bout of preseason action he has looked strong.  According to Pro Football Focus he did not allow a single sack, hit or pressure on the quarterback and earned positive marks for his run blocking as well.  It would seem the presence of 6th round pick Andy Gallik squeezed him out.

Kevin White (CB, Atlanta Falcons)

Dan Quinn made his name as the defensive coordinator in Seattle where they thrived using long cornerbacks.  So it was curious why they chose to pursue TCU standout Kevin White at all, who only stands 5’10”.  To top it off he played the third-most snaps on defense in the preseason and still came away with some positive results.  Targeted eight times by opponents, he allowed six receptions but no touchdowns, unlike 2nd round pick Jalen Collins.  White can play.  He just can’t grow another two inches.

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