7. Carl Boudreaux
Though he’s been sitting back a bit when it comes to strategic talk, Carl’s got a lot of heart and a lot of character. His monologue after getting blindsided, relating to losing a part of his family and making strides to wake up and take charge of his game, is the stuff of winners. He’s also not seen being as sneaky or duplicitous as Christian and Nick, and he can bring strength in certain tribe configurations.
6. Dan Rengering
I put Dan in a better spot than Kara for multiple reasons. First, his strength is imperative when it comes down to challenges in smaller tribes. Second, he has the Hidden Immunity Idol and both men and women on the Goliath tribe wanting to keep him around like a puppy dog. Even if someone reveals he’s in a showmance, he has too much good working for him right now.
5. Angelina Keeley
Angelina is one of the best all-around women in the game when it comes to athleticism, strategy and charisma. She pretty much got the credit for flipping the vote from Natalie to Jeremy and demonstrated her ability to turn players positives into negatives. Unless she’s utterly swap-screwed, I think she soars to the merge.