Winners and losers from NFL cutdown day: Patriots 2022 draft class takes hit

NFL teams had to cut down to their initial 53-man rosters by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, so let's take a look at some of the biggest winners and losers from around the league. 

Winners

Jake Bobo, wide receiver, Seattle Seahawks: Bobo is proof that 40-yard times should not be the end-all and be-all when it comes to skill position players. His draft stock plummeted after he ran a 4.99 40-yard dash time at UCLA's pro day, but took full advantage of his opportunity with the Seahawks in training camp. Despite a deep depth chart Bobo made enough plays to earn a spot on the Seahawks' 53-man roster and should get an opportunity to play with the early injury to rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba. 

Jimmy Graham, tight end, New Orleans Saints: A long-time star for the Saints, Graham is back in New Orleans after sitting out the 2022 season. He was far from a lock to make this year's roster, but he had a really strong training camp and preseason that impressed head coach Dennis Allen enough to put him on the roster. He missed the Saints' second preseason game following a "medical episode" that was likely a seizure, but he was outstanding in the preseason finale with three catches and a touchdown. 

Brandon Allen, quarterback, San Francisco 49ers: Allen is a winner simply by getting a spot on the 49ers' initial roster. That probably seemed like a long-shot in the offseason due to the presence of Brock Purdy, Trey Lance and the free agent signing of Sam Darnold. 

Allen did not even have a particularly strong preseason showing, throwing for just 59 yards and being intercepted twice. Not usually the sort of thing that gets you a roster spot, but the trade of Lance to Dallas opened up a roster spot and gives him an NFL paycheck for an eighth season.

The Titans rookie class: This always seemed like it could be a transitional year for the Titans, and their initial 53-man roster certainly reflects that after 11 rookies made the cut. That includes all six members of their draft class as well as five undrafted free agents. The latter group includes wide receiver Kearis Jackson, edge rusher Caleb Murphy, linebacker Otis Reese Jr., safety Matthew Jackson and cornerback Kendall Anthony 

Losers

New England's 2022 draft class: At the very least, the fourth round of that class is looking like a loss for New England. Earlier this week the Patriots traded running back Pierre Strong (the No. 127 pick) to the Cleveland Browns to help address the team's lack of offensive line depth, acquiring Tyrone Wheatley Jr., a player that has never even appeared in an NFL game. 

Then on Tuesday the Patriots released the No. 137 pick from last year, quarterback Bailey Zappe, after he started two games a year ago (winning them both) and received high praise from the coaching staff. The Patriots now have a need for another backup quarter behind Mac Jones. 

Colt McCoy, quarterback (Cut by Cardinals): McCoy entered training camp as the odds on favorite to be the Cardinals' opening day starting quarterback given the status of Kyler Murray as he recovers from his ACL injury. 

Now he is not even on the roster.

McCoy ended up losing out on the Cardinals quarterback competition to rookie Clayton Tune and Joshua Dobbs, the latter of which wasn't even on the roster two weeks ago. The Cardinals acquired Dobbs from the Browns in a trade. 

Will Grier, quarterback (cut by Cowboys): Grier did everything right for the Cowboys in the preseason, putting up big numbers and showing that he had a strong argument to be on the initial 53-man roster. But after the team traded for Lance his fate in Dallas was sealed, despite the fact that he threw for a league-leading 640 yards in his three appearances. He also threw four touchdowns and had a 103 passer rating. Grief has appeared in just two regular season NFL games during his career.

Cade York, kicker (Cut by Browns): Drafting kickers is always a risky bet. Drafting kickers higher than the sixth or seventh round is borderline craziness. It is an extremely volatile position that can be impossible to scout and project, and the Browns found that out the hard way with York. 

His leg strength was never in question, but after missing 10 kicks as a rookie (including eight field goals) he had a dreadful preseason showing that resulted in the Browns losing all confidence in him. He was cut after just one year in the league after the team acquired veteran Dustin Hopkins.