Some years, the race to 53 bumps and grinds along.

There are maybe 48 players on the roster to feel good about, players who definitely deserve to make the final cut. Finding five more players to fill out the roster is exceedingly difficult. There is just not enough NFL quality on the scene.

Some years, the race to 53 is smooth and steady.

There are about 55 players worthy of selection. The decisions for the back end of the roster are about sorting through what the team needs and prioritizes with plenty of options to choose from. There is a surplus of NFL talent in the building, and those who get released quickly find jobs with other teams.