Most Surprising Roster Cuts

After the 53 man cut down deadline -- Saturday, August 31st at 6:00 p.m. -- there were hundreds of players who were let go by their team. Most of those players were journeymen or undrafted rookies, but there were a few players released that caught my eye.

Name:                    Position:             Experience:    Former Team:   Current Team:  
Jonathan Dwyer      Running Back        4th Year          Steelers              Free Agent
- I was surprised to see Dwyer cut due to the injury to rookie running back Le'Veon Bell. Pittsburgh did trade for RB Felix Jones, but he's for of a change of pace back. Bell's injury must not be too severe.
Robert Meachem    Wide Receiver        7th Year          Chargers            Saints
- Meachem carries the "bust" label on his back since the Saints wasted a first round pick on him in '07. I thought the Chargers would keep him around due to the injuries at WR and his high salary. But, they decided to do away with the underachiever and take a $6.875 million cap hit.
Vince Young          Quarterback           8th Year          Packers              Free Agent
- When the Packers signed V.Y. I thought it was a smart signing. He's a talented QB that would make a fine backup in this league. When Graham Harrell was cut, it looked like Young would be the backup to Aaron Rodgers in '13. However, Young was cut and the Packers signed veteran Seneca Wallace instead.       
Chris Harper       Wide Receiver        Rookie            Seahawks             49ers
- This is the perfect example that just because a player was drafted doesn't mean he's guaranteed a spot on the roster. Harper was drafted in the 4th round this year but the rookie was outplayed by his fellow receivers. He was placed on Seattle's practice squad but was quickly signed by division rival San Francisco.
Drayton Florence  Cornerback       11th Year        Panthers               Free Agent
- The Panthers secondary was atrocious in 2012 and when veteran Drayton Florence was brought in this offseason I expected him to play a role in the group's potential improvement this year. That won't be the case seeing as Carolina released the 11 year vet. They do have some depth at the position and probably have confidence in their young guys.
Jo-Lonn Dunbar  Linebacker        6th Year           Rams                   Free Agent
- Seeing as how Dunbar was suspended for the first 4 games of the regular season, maybe I shouldn't be surprised the Rams cut him. But he was the team's second leading tackler in 2012 and he brings an attitude and nastiness to the defense. Head coach Jeff Fischer has hinted at a possible return to the team, according to www.nbcsports.com.