The final round of NFL cuts were awfully rough on players with area roots, as 8 ex-Beavers and 11 former Ducks didn't make it through.

The Beavers releases are collectively some of the best we have seen in some time, and include Cameron Collins (Miami), Sean Canfield (New Orleans); Kyle DeVan (Tennessee); Dwan Edwards (Buffalo); James Dockery (Cleveland); Gabe Miller (Kansas City); James Rodgers (Atlanta); and Suaesi Tuimaunei (Atlanta).

The former Ducks included Eddie Pleasant (Houston); Mark Asper (Buffalo); Darrion Weems (New England); Demetrius Williams (Jacksonville); Nick Reed (Minnesota); Lavasier Tuinei (Seattle); Jeff Maehl (Houston); Jeremiah Johnson (Denver); Drew Davis (Atlanta); Kellen Clemens (St. Louis) and Brandon Bair (Kansas City).

Also, former Marist High player Dustin Waldron from Eugene was cut by New England.

There's a chance some of these players will get called back, or picked up elsewhere, as injuries and other unfortunate life experiences befall others, and some, like DeVan, who was originally to be an assistant for the Beavers this season, and Edwards, a long time NFL player, have been through this before.

It was particularly disappointing to see James Rodgers come close but not stick, and I was also really pulling for Gabe Miller to get another year. This guy is a good Beaver and a tremendous warrior, who overcame two torn achillies tendons to at least get a year in the NFL.

Oregon's Jeff Meahl could be the next Mike Haas, a tremendous receiver despite a lack of speed, and therefore a victim of numbers charts who could have continued to help someone win games.

It makes me realize how fortunate I have been to be able to see in person all of these players excel.

Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com