Some rookie news/notes
Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 1:48 pm
Some of this is firsthand, some secondhand...
Non-prominent rookies looking good in camps:
Beau Bell LB Cleveland--he will be starting next to Wimbley. The coaches cannot believe he wasn't a 1st rounder the way he has "absolutely dominated" OTAs.
Brian Kehl LB NY Giants--has probably earned the top backup LB spot and could play in nickel packages right away
Andre Fluellen DT Detroit--displaying consistent fire in the belly and better lateral quickness than expected. He will replace Chuck Darby on passing downs and might get time at DE in their "beef" package.
Cody Wallace C SF--according to one 49er, he's been the best OL in camp regardless of position. He should start right away if he can master the OL calls. They are trying Chilo Rachal at RT but that's not working so well. Also, Ezra Butler probably would have won a starting job if he hadn't gotten busted for pot.
Dominique Barber S Houston--showing good range and instincts and has picked up the defense very quickly. If he stays healthy he will play, but that's a huge "if". They're happy with Antuan Molden too, probably their nickel back this year.
Durant Brooks P Washington--hit 5 punts in a row where he kicked it 55+ yards with over 4.5 sec hangtime, and he isn't afriad to run down an make the tackle either. Has impressed in limited trials as a kickoff specialist too. Fred Davis just got Lasix in hopes it helps his hands--apparently USC never tested his eyes and he was 20/300 in his left eye.
Marcus Howard DE Indy--they like what they've seen of a 235-pound DE; he's faster off the edge than Freeney and he's not afraid to attack the inside shoulder of the tackle either. Getting Elvis Dumervil comparisons.
And those struggling early...
Earl Bennett WR Chicago--great hands but has real poor acceleration and plays "like his feet are in mud". They want him to win the Y spot opposite Mark Bradley but the early indication is he won't beat out Marty Booker. That's not a good sign for Bears fans. At least Kyle Orton has impressed with his maturity and added leg strength.
Jeff Otah T Carolina--has missed all activities with a bad ankle, and his weight is getting to be a concern. In his place Jeremy Bridges has not looked good at RT either. Jake Delhomme looks better than expected, more zip on his midrange throws than before his injury. The deep ball still isn't there, but they almost never throw down the field anyways.
Rashard Mendenhall RB PIT--quote from a defensive teammate I got: "Dude ain't half as good as he thinks he is". Having trouble picking up the playbook and it looks like he's overly concerned about getting hurt.
Quentin Groves JAX--clearly not tough enough to play DE, and he needs a complete technique overhaul to play OLB. Keep your eyes on him as an IR stash. They are pleasantly surprised by LB Thomas Williams, their 5th rounder. He will likely see some action in their run-stuff package if he continues to impress. And they have already contacted Bruce Gradkowski about coming in and competing for the backup QB gig.
Non-prominent rookies looking good in camps:
Beau Bell LB Cleveland--he will be starting next to Wimbley. The coaches cannot believe he wasn't a 1st rounder the way he has "absolutely dominated" OTAs.
Brian Kehl LB NY Giants--has probably earned the top backup LB spot and could play in nickel packages right away
Andre Fluellen DT Detroit--displaying consistent fire in the belly and better lateral quickness than expected. He will replace Chuck Darby on passing downs and might get time at DE in their "beef" package.
Cody Wallace C SF--according to one 49er, he's been the best OL in camp regardless of position. He should start right away if he can master the OL calls. They are trying Chilo Rachal at RT but that's not working so well. Also, Ezra Butler probably would have won a starting job if he hadn't gotten busted for pot.
Dominique Barber S Houston--showing good range and instincts and has picked up the defense very quickly. If he stays healthy he will play, but that's a huge "if". They're happy with Antuan Molden too, probably their nickel back this year.
Durant Brooks P Washington--hit 5 punts in a row where he kicked it 55+ yards with over 4.5 sec hangtime, and he isn't afriad to run down an make the tackle either. Has impressed in limited trials as a kickoff specialist too. Fred Davis just got Lasix in hopes it helps his hands--apparently USC never tested his eyes and he was 20/300 in his left eye.
Marcus Howard DE Indy--they like what they've seen of a 235-pound DE; he's faster off the edge than Freeney and he's not afraid to attack the inside shoulder of the tackle either. Getting Elvis Dumervil comparisons.
And those struggling early...
Earl Bennett WR Chicago--great hands but has real poor acceleration and plays "like his feet are in mud". They want him to win the Y spot opposite Mark Bradley but the early indication is he won't beat out Marty Booker. That's not a good sign for Bears fans. At least Kyle Orton has impressed with his maturity and added leg strength.
Jeff Otah T Carolina--has missed all activities with a bad ankle, and his weight is getting to be a concern. In his place Jeremy Bridges has not looked good at RT either. Jake Delhomme looks better than expected, more zip on his midrange throws than before his injury. The deep ball still isn't there, but they almost never throw down the field anyways.
Rashard Mendenhall RB PIT--quote from a defensive teammate I got: "Dude ain't half as good as he thinks he is". Having trouble picking up the playbook and it looks like he's overly concerned about getting hurt.
Quentin Groves JAX--clearly not tough enough to play DE, and he needs a complete technique overhaul to play OLB. Keep your eyes on him as an IR stash. They are pleasantly surprised by LB Thomas Williams, their 5th rounder. He will likely see some action in their run-stuff package if he continues to impress. And they have already contacted Bruce Gradkowski about coming in and competing for the backup QB gig.
