These NFL rookies could make quick impact
Article By ddillon.tsn on 11th May, 2010
It's not easy for a rookie to turn heads at his first minicamp. Contact isn't allowed, and there are only so many things he can do in a T-shirt and shorts.
Nonetheless, these 11 draft picks were among the rookies who made good first impressions during their NFL indoctrinations.
Despite all of the past controversy surrounding him, new Cowboys WR has received rave reviews so far. Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys (first round). In his first practice, he showed some fatigue. In his final practice, he twisted his ankle. In between, Bryant displayed outstanding hands and athletic ability. He caught just about every pass thrown his way and made at least a couple of spectacular receptions in every practice.
"Dez Bryant is an absolute talent," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips gushed. "You don't get to be around that many players who come in and look that good that early. In 33 years, I can say that there haven't been that many that have come in and looked that talented in the first three-day period as he has."
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Bengals (first round). With Reggie Kelly still un-signed and Chase Coffman coming off a rookie season in which he was slowed by an ankle injury, Gresham has a chance to open the 2010 season as Cincinnati's starting tight end if the Bengals can get him signed and into training camp on time. Although he missed the '09 season with a knee injury, Gresham was a quick study at minicamp.
"I didn't think he would be doing so well so quickly," tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes said. "His movement skills, his strength, his balance — all those things stand out to you. Not only is he a talented guy, he also has a little chip on his shoulder when he catches the ball. He's a very, very competitive person."
Brandon Spikes, ILB, Patriots (second round). The former Florida linebacker has the immediate challenge of adjusting to the Patriots' 3-4 defense after play...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
Nonetheless, these 11 draft picks were among the rookies who made good first impressions during their NFL indoctrinations.
Despite all of the past controversy surrounding him, new Cowboys WR has received rave reviews so far. Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys (first round). In his first practice, he showed some fatigue. In his final practice, he twisted his ankle. In between, Bryant displayed outstanding hands and athletic ability. He caught just about every pass thrown his way and made at least a couple of spectacular receptions in every practice.
"Dez Bryant is an absolute talent," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips gushed. "You don't get to be around that many players who come in and look that good that early. In 33 years, I can say that there haven't been that many that have come in and looked that talented in the first three-day period as he has."
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Bengals (first round). With Reggie Kelly still un-signed and Chase Coffman coming off a rookie season in which he was slowed by an ankle injury, Gresham has a chance to open the 2010 season as Cincinnati's starting tight end if the Bengals can get him signed and into training camp on time. Although he missed the '09 season with a knee injury, Gresham was a quick study at minicamp.
"I didn't think he would be doing so well so quickly," tight ends coach Jonathan Hayes said. "His movement skills, his strength, his balance — all those things stand out to you. Not only is he a talented guy, he also has a little chip on his shoulder when he catches the ball. He's a very, very competitive person."
Brandon Spikes, ILB, Patriots (second round). The former Florida linebacker has the immediate challenge of adjusting to the Patriots' 3-4 defense after play...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for NFL
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Tampa Bay Rays Tickets: The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in 1998, the club has played at Tropicana Field.
The Florida Marlins were established in 1993 as an expansion franchise, the Florida Marlins Tickets are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League.
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