Marshfield Off-season, Part 5: Final Depth Chart

Quarterback
Marshfield is strong at the QB position. After a down year for incumbent starter Drew Brees, former Pirate QB Tom Brady was brought in to spark a heated quarterback competition. He ultimately won the week 1 starting gig, although Pirate head coach Jason Enright has hinted at playing the matchups. A third QB—4th round rookie Sam Darnold—was kept on the roster for development.

Running Back
How times change. Immediately after the draft, Marshfield looked to have perhaps the deepest RB depth in all of the league. Mere days later however, projected starter and 1st round rookie Derrius Guice tore his ACL and was done for the season. Fellow 1st round rookie Ronald Jones was thrust into starting action where it became clear he needed more time to develop. The Pirates still boast a starting cast of Melvin Gordon, LeSean McCoy and Kenyan Drake, all of whom are new to the team, save Drake. Mainstay Tevin Coleman serves as the backup.

Wide Receiver
The Pirates are very shallow at the receiving position. OBJ, Michael Thomas and Amari Cooper are the starters with rookies Tre’Quan Smith and DaeSean Hamilton serving as the team’s primary backups after fellow rookie Keke Coutee was cut after being hurt most of training camp. Not good. Look to see a lot of 4 RB sets with Coleman making the start.

Tight End
Evan Engram leads the way but if Jordan Reed can stay healthy, some 2 TE sets can be expected.

Kicker/Punter
Justin Tucker and Matt Haack are the sole specialists on the roster at this point.

Defensive Tackle
Last season’s starter Kawaan Short is still around with no other DT on the roster (if only Jurrell Casey would officially get a position change …)

Defensive End
The Pirates return all three of their DEs from last season, led by starter Melvin Ingram. Muhammad Wilkerson was added for depth. In a surprise move, 5th round rookie Kemoko Turay, despite having a solid training camp, was cut at the last minute, much to the dismay of many fans.

Linebacker
Marshfield is loaded at LB. Last years starters Luke Kuechly and Demario Davis are joined by 3rd round rookie Darius Leonard in the starting lineup with a solid core of backups.

Corner Back
Not a single back from last season returns. Byron Jones is expected to start but don’t be surprised if Ronald Darby gets some playing time. Undrafted rookie Donte Jackson was picked up as Enright reportedly “liked what he saw” of the young man during a tryout. He looks to make an impact in the near future.

Safety
Like LB, Marshfield is loaded at S, starting with returning SCUFFLE Defensive Player of the Year Reshad Jones. Adrian Amos was acquired in a trade and is expected to start alongside Jones week 1. Three other acquisitions round out the S core and will likely start at various times.

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