2012 Rookies

[BINGO]

Bryce Brown - RB - Eagles

Eagles RB Bryce Brown insists he and his breeder are victims in the suspected dog fighting operation in Wisconsin.

On Saturday, news came to light that Brown's dogs had been seized in a suspected dog fighting operation back on May 21. Brown released the following statement: "My dog was returned to me quickly because it was obvious that she is not and never has been involved with dog fighting. Northland Pits is a respectable breeder. ... He is a victim in this case, just as I am. He takes great care of his dogs and Eilis [Brown's dog] wouldn't have been breeding there otherwise." This seems like it will be a non-story shortly.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News

Jun 30 - 1:59 PM

 

[BINGO]

Derek Wolfe - DL - Broncos

Broncos LE Derek Wolfe is taking on a leadership role in his second season with the team.

Both Champ Bailey and Von Miller singled out Wolfe as an emerging team leader, and predict he'll "take the next step," as a player this season. Wolfe led Denver's defensive line in snaps as a rookie, recording 40 tackles, six sacks and batted down two passes. There's been nothing but positive buzz surrounding Wolfe this offseason, and it's expected he'll improve upon those numbers in year two.
Source: denverbroncos.com

Jul 9 - 9:33 AM

 

[BINGO]

Seahawks converting Bruce Irvin to linebacker

Coach Pete Carroll plans to move defensive end Bruce Irvin to outside linebacker, where he'll compete with Malcolm Smith for the starting strong-side job.

K.J. Wright is now the weak-side linebacker. Irvin will still see looks at defensive end in nickel pass-rushing situations, but isn't big enough to earn a full-time role on the line. Carroll brought up Irvin's versatility as being extremely valuable to the team, and added "We're a 4-3 personnel system that plays 3-4 looks," indicating Irvin will get plenty of pass-rush opportunities at linebacker. Expect Irvin to win the job from Smith after serving his four-game suspension for PEDs.
Source: Tacoma News Tribune

Jul 10 - 9:42 AM

 

[NinerSickness]

Seahawks converting Bruce Irvin to linebacker

Coach Pete Carroll plans to move defensive end Bruce Irvin to outside linebacker, where he'll compete with Malcolm Smith for the starting strong-side job.

K.J. Wright is now the weak-side linebacker. Irvin will still see looks at defensive end in nickel pass-rushing situations, but isn't big enough to earn a full-time role on the line. Carroll brought up Irvin's versatility as being extremely valuable to the team, and added "We're a 4-3 personnel system that plays 3-4 looks," indicating Irvin will get plenty of pass-rush opportunities at linebacker. Expect Irvin to win the job from Smith after serving his four-game suspension for PEDs.
Source: Tacoma News Tribune

Jul 10 - 9:42 AM

Smart move. He was bad against the run at DE.

 

[BINGO]

Michael Floyd a 'given' for breakout season?

The Cardinals' website suggests 2012 first-round pick Michael Floyd is a "given" to break out in 2013.

Per beat writer Darren Urban, "there is little question" Bruce Arians' coaching staff is preparing Floyd for a "large load." Larry Fitzgerald is ticketed for the old "move" Reggie Wayne/Antonio Brown role in Arians' scheme. If Floyd shows the ability to win one-on-one isolation routes downfield, he could fill the big-play role. Andre Roberts will be the primary slot receiver.
Source: azcardinals.com

Jul 14 - 12:02 PM

 

[BINGO]

Report: RG3 'smashing' every test of his ACL

A source with knowledge of Robert Griffin III's knee rehab told ESPN 980 Washington's Chris Russell that the quarterback "smashes" every test given to him.

The source added the Redskins have not yet come up with a timetable to clear RG3, but the organization is "astonished" at his rate of recovery. This news gels with everything we've heard regarding RG3 to this point, and it would be a surprise if he wasn't ready for Week 1. Due to the depth at quarterback in fantasy football this year Griffin's Average Draft Position is the early seventh round, where he'll be absolute robbery if that knee holds up.
Source: Chris Russell on Twitter

Jul 13 - 4:53 PM

 

[BINGO]

Lamar Miller - RB - Dolphins

After training all offseason with Lamar Miller, Frank Gore compared Miller to former Miami (FL) teammate Clinton Portis.

"Lamar is probably the fastest," Gore said when comparing Edgerrin James, himself, Portis, and Willis McGahee. "He reminds me of Portis." Per the Miami Herald, the Dolphins "privately" believe Miller can develop into "not merely a good starting back, but a great one." If Miller shows pass-protection competency in training camp, he will enter the season as an every-down feature back.
Source: Miami Herald

Jul 15 - 1:48 PM

 

[BINGO]

Rueben Randle - WR - Giants

Giants OC Kevin Gilbride said Rueben Randle now looks "like a guy that has been here for five or six years."

As a rookie last season, Randle's work ethic, route-running, and precision were questioned. He's answered those queries in a hurry, starring in the offseason program while Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks sat out. "His whole demeanor, his whole professionalism, was outstanding," Gilbride said. Randle will come on as the outside receiver in all three-wide sets, kicking Cruz into the slot. There's plenty of sleeper appeal here.
Source: New York Daily News

Jul 24 - 8:28 AM

 

[BINGO]

LaMichael James - RB - 49ers

CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco would put "money" on Kendall Hunter receiving more 2013 carries than LaMichael James.

This assumes Hunter's health cooperates after a 2012 Achilles' tear. James was largely unimpressive when we went back and reviewed his rookie-year tape this offseason, running hesitantly inside the tackles and looking far more like a change-up back and kickoff returner than future NFL lead running back.
Source: CSN Bay Area

Jul 23 - 8:10 PM

 

[deep9er]

LaMichael James - RB - 49ers

CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco would put "money" on Kendall Hunter receiving more 2013 carries than LaMichael James.

This assumes Hunter's health cooperates after a 2012 Achilles' tear. James was largely unimpressive when we went back and reviewed his rookie-year tape this offseason, running hesitantly inside the tackles and looking far more like a change-up back and kickoff returner than future NFL lead running back.
Source: CSN Bay Area

Jul 23 - 8:10 PM

it was his rookie year so can't conclude this just yet? did we expect he'd be a future NFL lead running back? did we expect he'd be good between the tackles?

at worse case, if he excels as a change-up back and kick off returner, that is still good.

 

[BINGO]

This guy was rated higher on my rankings than AJ Jenkins. I would have loved to add Janoris in the first round and Rueben in the second:


Rueben Randle - WR - Giants

Rueben Randle "dominated" during Giants camp Monday.

Hakeem Nicks (groin) was limited, so Randle stepped up once again. He caught a long touchdown pass from Eli Manning and added another touchdown in red-zone drills. Randle has been drawing rave reviews from the coaching staff ever since the minicamp season and will have value as the Giants' No. 3 receiver this year. If/when Nicks misses time, Randle will be a very viable fantasy starter.
Source: New York Daily News

Jul 30 - 8:54 AM

 

[BINGO]

Darius Fleming - LB - Free Agent

49ers waived/injured LB Darius Fleming (knee).

Fleming tore his ACL during his rookie minicamp last season and then tore the same ligament again on Monday. The Notre Dame product's career is in jeopardy. The Niners will sign Travis Johnson to take Fleming's place on the 90-man roster.
Source: Matt Maiocco on Twitter

Jul 30 - 12:35 PM

 

[BINGO]

Brian Quick - WR - Rams

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, second-year WR Brian Quick is "clearly" not one of the Rams' top three receivers at this point.

Quick has "made strides but still has work to do" to pass Chris Givens, Tavon Austin, or Austin Pettis. Quick excels at red-zone fade patterns, but isn't catching the football consistently enough or using his size regularly to his advantage. It should be noted Quick is seeing first-team reps, so the Rams are trying to work him in. He dropped two passes in Saturday's intrasquad scrimmage.
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch

Aug 5 - 1:33 AM

 

[BINGO]

Stephen Hill - WR - Jets

ESPN New York calls Stephen Hill the Jets' most improved player this summer.

Per reporter Rich Cimini, Hill has impressed with his "improved mechanics and route running." Hill boasts a rare size/speed combo (6-foot-4, 215 pounds with 4.36 wheels), but was extremely raw coming out of option-based Georgia Tech. Hill's flashes of brilliance as a rookie were typically paired up with a mind-numbing mistake. Still only 22, Hill has a monster ceiling, but his development figures to remain slow with the Jets' quarterback situation still a mess.
Source: ESPN New York

Aug 7 - 8:21 PM

 

[BINGO]

Coby Fleener - TE - Colts

Colts GM Ryan Grigson pinpointed TE Coby Fleener as the team's second-year player poised for the biggest leap.

"He’s a guy that you knew had speed, had size being 6-foot-6 and running 4.51," said Grigson. "You know he could be a tough mismatch downfield because he could play above the rim." Grigson said Fleener is making "Wow" plays in camp, and "it’s really come across like he’s ready to have a great year." While Dwayne Allen and Reggie Wayne handle short to intermediate pass-catching duties, Grigson says the Colts "want (Fleener) to be a threat downfield."
Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports

Aug 7 - 6:15 PM

 

[BINGO]

Kirk Cousins - QB - Redskins

According to the Washington Post, Redskins second-year QB Kirk Cousins "hasn't had the sharpest of camps."

Cousins is gobbling up first-team reps with Robert Griffin III limited to 7-on-7s, but reportedly "hasn’t been accurate on a consistent basis." Cousins is tentatively expected to start all four preseason games, where he'll attempt to show his worth to the rest of the league. Cousins has average arm strength and moderate athleticism, but demonstrated offensive command as a rookie.
Source: Washington Post

Aug 8 - 1:43 PM

 

[I_am_1z]

Kirk Cousins - QB - Redskins

According to the Washington Post, Redskins second-year QB Kirk Cousins "hasn't had the sharpest of camps."

Cousins is gobbling up first-team reps with Robert Griffin III limited to 7-on-7s, but reportedly "hasn’t been accurate on a consistent basis." Cousins is tentatively expected to start all four preseason games, where he'll attempt to show his worth to the rest of the league. Cousins has average arm strength and moderate athleticism, but demonstrated offensive command as a rookie.
Source: Washington Post

Aug 8 - 1:43 PM

I just want to remind everyone that Cousins owns the franchise single game passing yardage record for a Redskin rookie.

 

[I_am_1z]

Brian Quick - WR - Rams

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, second-year WR Brian Quick is "clearly" not one of the Rams' top three receivers at this point.

Quick has "made strides but still has work to do" to pass Chris Givens, Tavon Austin, or Austin Pettis. Quick excels at red-zone fade patterns, but isn't catching the football consistently enough or using his size regularly to his advantage. It should be noted Quick is seeing first-team reps, so the Rams are trying to work him in. He dropped two passes in Saturday's intrasquad scrimmage.
Source: St Louis Post-Dispatch

Aug 5 - 1:33 AM

The Quick train is going in radical directions depending on who you ask.

 

[BINGO]

Stephon Gilmore - DB - Bills

WGR 550 Buffalo named CB Stephon Gilmore the Bills' training camp MVP.

Beat writer Joe Buscaglia had nothing but glowing remarks for Gilmore, even wondering if he could be on the "cusp" of becoming "one of the next great cornerbacks." The second-year corner reportedly only allowed a handful of catches in summer practices, and has been causing turnovers. Gilmore often shadowed opposing No. 1 receivers as a rookie, flashing shutdown skills over the second half of the season. Due to the Bills' lack of a competent No. 2 corner, expect quarterbacks to shy away from Gilmore.
Source: WGR 550 Buffalo

Aug 21 - 8:53 PM

 

[BINGO]

Melvin Ingram - LB - Chargers

Chargers placed OLB Melvin Ingram (ACL surgery) on the reserve/PUP list.

He's technically eligible to return in Week 7, although Ingram only has an outside shot at returning late in the year after tearing his left ACL in May. The Chargers' pass rush may border on anemic this season. They're leaning heavily on Dwight Freeney to be an every-down player. At 33 1/2 years old, Freeney is highly unlikely to maintain top form over the course of 16 games.

Aug 26 - 3:42 PM