Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
Some random thoughts as cutdown day comes to an end.
More than a little surprised the Panthers kept kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd. A move like that is out of character for coach John Fox who usually plays things straight by the book. By keeping Lloyd, the Panthers will only carry four running backs (DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, fullback Brad Hoover and Nick Goings, who can play both positions). But I think Fox made a good move because short kickoffs have been a problem for the Panthers in recent years.
The Bucs kept four quarterbacks, but you still have to wonder if they have a true quarterback of the future. As long as Jeff Garcia and Brian Griese are around and healthy, Luke McCown's not going to get on the field. Rookie Josh Johnson's not even close to being ready to contribute. No matter how this season plays out for Tampa Bay's quarterbacks, don't be surprised if Jon Gruden, who is more than a little infatuated with quarterbacks, goes out and addresses the position again after the season.
To the surprise of many, the Saints kept cornerbacks Jason David, Jason Craft and Aaron Glenn on the roster. That gives the Saints seven cornerbacks, but don't expect them to go through the entire season with this many. Carrying the extra help might be nothing more than an early precaution because Mike McKenzie is coming back from major knee surgery and Usama Young has been battling an injury.
The Falcons kept six wide receivers, but that decision wasn't because the team expects Brian Finneran or Adam Jennings to catch many passes. Finneran, who missed two seasons with knee problems, stuck because he's expected to play a big role on special teams. Jennings stayed because he's likely to be the punt returner.
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.
