Shuffling the PS

The roster shuffling continued all the way down to the practice squad. Out are Mike Hartline – a quarterback who really needs time to develop, which the Colts don’t have – and linebacker Caleb Campbell – the soldier everyone wanted to see succeed. And in are Cal wide receiver Jeremy Ross and guard Matt Murphy.

The book on Ross is that he’s a great athlete who really hasn’t translated it to the field. The primary culprits are his hands (he’s a double catcher) and, to little surprise, his routes. More impressive, though, are his skills as a returner, which may come into use now that Joe Lefeged may be starting at safety. His career numbers at Cal were 57-764-3 (13.41) receiving, 25-201-2 (8.04) rushing, 41-851-0 (20.76) kick returns and 31-471-1 (15.19) punt returns. Signed by the Patriots, he looked overwhelmed as a receiver (2-6-0 on five targets), but pretty good returning kicks (3-68-0) and especially punts (4-37-0 with no fair catches). The kid can obviously run and jump, but can he catch?

His numbers (all from his pro day):

Height: 5117, Weight: 209, 10-yard dash: 1.50, 20-yard dash: 2.53, 40-yard dash: 4.44, Bench press: 22pd, Vertical jump: 39.0, High jump: 9’7, 20-yard shuttle: 4.19, 3-cone drill: 7.20

Nice kid, well spoken, has a degree from Cal.

Murphy was a four-year left tackle and team captain at UNLV and had athleticism a lot of teams liked but didn’t draft. Short for the position, most teams projected him inside at guard or perhaps even center. He signed with the Falcons, but didn’t show enough as a run blocker to make the team. With solid technique, he could develop into a player – he certainly has the drive. But he could stand to add more muscle.

His numbers (all from his pro day):

Height: 6037, Weight: 304, 10-yard dash: 1.82, 20-yard dash: 3.00, 40-yard dash: 5.14, Bench press: 25pd, Vertical jump: 33.0, High jump: 9’4, 20-yard shuttle: 4.73, 3-cone drill: 7.56