Originally posted by rtj03:
We have heard Harbaugh and Balke both say everything is earned and that this team is Meritocracy. If so...
Then the following get cut:
AJ Jenkins
Joe Looney
Ricardo Lockette
Tolzien
The first two are high draft picks but after week 2 preseason game both are not ready and are being outplayed (meritocracy). If they stick around and earn an undeserved spot because of their draft status then Harbaugh and Balke are all talk.
I do think we run a "meritocracy" as evidenced by the FAs and rookies really having to put up or shut up to get on the field. Look at Ian vs. Dorsey. Look at Namdi vs. Brock/Cox. Look how long it took Aldon to get on the field his rookie year. So I think you have to separate playing time and making the roster. When talking about the 53 man roster, more than current "productivity" has to be considered. Potential, salary, locker room presence and production all have to be considered. In reference to AJ, you can't ignore his raw "potential." You don't draft a guy in the first if you don't think he has star potential. Sometimes you have to give it time to develop. But, that's very different than starting AJ at the 2 spot behind Boldin. Generally speaking, its bad policy to cut your first rounder before the start of his second year to make room for a guy that would either go to the practice squad or pass waivers and be sitting at home until you called them back due to injury.