Jun 24, 2008

Jun 23, 2008

THE REST OF THE ROOKIES

Not really a lot to talk about with the rest of this draft class. Starting with the quarterbacks, we have Matt Ryan in Atlanta, who could start from day one- whether he is ready or not. Matt will be competing with Joey Harrington and Chris Redman, and there's not many targets over there to throw at.

Joe Flacco could prove to be a strong quarterback in the NFL, but the level of competition in college is a question mark until he makes his debut in the league. I think Brian Brohm is the best QB of the bunch and should give Aaron Rodgers a run for his money in Green Bay even though Aaron is the favorite going into the fall. If USC'S product John David Booty, gets a chance in Minnesota, I wouldn't be surprised if he holds his own because of a strong line and a good running game. Keep an eye on Chad Henne in Miami and Dennis Dixon in Pitt. Dixon may find himself playing somewhere other than QB or at spot duty in goal line situations.

The wide receiver class is a strange one. there was a bunch of them drafted but no real standouts. Limas Sweed of Pitt has the most potential with his 6'4" frame and a great team to play for. Limas was injured to start his season last year at Texas but finished strong and has big play ability. Watch the situation in Arizona, if Boldin gets traded Early Doucet from LSU has alot of talent and could play a big role in their offense. Devin Thomas from Michigan State was highly thought of going into the draft but slipped a little on draft day but the guy is strong and fast and should get an opportunity in Washington.

Dashawn Jackson(PHI), Donnie Avery(RAMS), Kenneth Mooore(DET), Andre Caldwell(CINCI), are all guys that could see time as a returner along with Doucet and Avery. Sleepers too watch are James Hardy(BUFF),Jerome Simpson(CINCI), Jordy Nelson(GB), Earl Bennet(CHI), and Lavelle Hawkins(TEN).

Tight Ends rarely come in and produce, and this class only has a few guys to keep an eye on. Fred Davis has great hands and is the top rated TE in the class but will have too share with Pro-Bowler Chris Cooley in Washington. John Calson, in Seattle will get playing time. He is Strong, knows how to get open, and has great hands. Dustin Keller(JETS), has great hands and caught a lot of balls in college. Kellen Davis(CHI), and Brad Cottom(KC) will see playing time and Jacob Tammer in Indianapolis could find some balls coming his way playing with Peyton Manning.

Jun 11, 2008

RB ROOKIES

This is a somewhat dull rookie class with a lot of possibilities, mainly with the running backs as usual. Matt Forte becomes very interesting with the release of Cedric Benson. Forte is a strong runner who showed his power running behind a week offensive line in college. He should get a lot of action early in the Bears offensive scheme. Derren Mcfadden is the most known and most explosive of the running back. The entire offense is a question mark in Oakland, lead by a second year QB JaMarcus Russell. Oakland's offense will struggle but look for some big games throughout the year when they click. (Look for Lamont Jordan to be released soon).

A hand full of others will see prominent playing time but consistency will be a problem. Felix Jones will share time with Barber and will be a good change of pace back with his speed. Rashard Mendenhall was a bonus pick for Pittsburgh and I really like this guy, he could be in Pitt for along time. Kevin Smith, over 2,000 yards at South Fl. will get carries in Detroit but his speed is questionable and so are the Lions.

Jonathan Stewart needs to stay healthy in Carolina and compete for playing time with DeAngelo Williams. Playing in Denver, you know Ryan Torain will get an opportunity, Ray Rice is a guy that will work his tail off for Baltimore and will have to get opportunities. Chris Johnson is an all purpose back for Tennessee, he'll be a nice drop off back for Vince Young, with his good hands and great speed(4.28/40). Jamaal Charles (KC), Steve Slaton (HO), and Jacob Hester (SD), could all win prime back-up roles with their respective teams.