2012 Rookies

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Leg injury leads to disappointing minicamp for WR Jeffery - Chicago Bears - CBSSports.com RapidReports

 

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1.) McClellin undaunted by position switch - Chicago Bears Blog - ESPN Chicago


2.) Shea McClellin loves having his hand in the dirt - NFL.com

 

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Broncos rookie LB Danny Trevathan works with starters at minicamp - The Denver Post

 

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Andrew Luck, RG3 won't match Newton, says scout - NFL.com




http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/15/lucks-ability-to-fit-in-sets-him-apart-in-indianapolis-debut/

 

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Ryan Broyles gets a Marvin Harrison comparison | ProFootballTalk

 

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A.J. Jenkins by the numbers - Inside the 49ers

 

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The Best Rookie Storylines at Minnesota Vikings Mini Camp | Bleacher Report

 

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49ers rookie minicamp run by top assistants

 

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Wolfe Quickly Getting Up To Speed With Broncos CBS Denver

 

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Rookie Minicamp: Hillman

 

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Richardson may have a slow start
9:04AM ET
Trent Richardson | Browns

Trent Richardson was selected No. 3 overall to become the cornerstone of the Browns' offense. Due to Cleveland's rather inept offense, it was initially believed Richardson would carry the load from day one. That may not necessarily be the case.

"The Browns aren't losing sight of the fact that Richardson is a rookie and needs a little time to develop, just as any other player," Vic Carucci of ClevelandBrowns.com wrote. "They know he must have an opportunity to learn and absorb all that he needs to know about the offense and about what he will be facing from NFL defenses. The expectation is that he will contribute plenty sooner rather than later, but it's a gradual process."

The last time Cleveland head coach Pat Shurmur had a true workhorse was in St. Louis where he served as an offensive coordinator during the 2009 and '10 seasons. Rams' running back Steven Jackson carried the ball at least 324 times in both campaigns. Richardson isn't expected to shoulder the same type of workload during his first season in the NFL. The Alabama product carried the ball more than 200 times once during his Crimson Tide career.

The Browns will also rely on running backs Monterio Hardesty and Brandon Jackson. Hardesty is a former second round pick entering his second season after an ACL tear. Jackson was a free agent signing last year, but a toe injury forced him to miss the entire season. Both will be expected to contribute in multiple areas.

- Brent Sobleski​

 

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Will Tannehill start this or next year?
2:52PM ET
Miami Dolphins

UPDATE: Count ESPN NFL senior writer John Clayton among those that feel the Miami Dolphins are best served to let Ryan Tannehill sit and watch. The difference is that Clayton intimated Tannehill will see the field at some point this season instead of waiting a full year before he becomes the team's starter at quarterback (see: below).

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When the Dolphins concluded their off-season workout regiment late last week, there was actually progress on the quarterback front.

The notion rookie Ryan Tannehill would have the early advantage of playing immediately due to his familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike Sherman's system has yet to come to fruition. He now trails to be Miami's opening day starter.

"With all three quarterbacks getting a day with the starters this week, both the stats and the 'eye test' led to the conclusion that (Matt) Moore and (David) Garrard put themselves in position to battle for the No. 1 job when training camp opens in five weeks," Brian Biggane of the Palm Beach Post wrote.

Dolphins' head coach Joe Philbin even insinuated Tannehill may not make a start this season.

"It's not fair to say 'You're not going to be ready this year,' and then one or two injuries occur and he's starting, what do we tell him then?" Philbin said. "We like his maturity, we like his poise, we like his intelligence."

Miami's staff will prepare Tannehill to play this year, but it sounds as if they're ready to move forward with the veterans on the roster this year -- particularly if the efforts of Garrard remain a pleasant surprise.

- Brent Sobleski​

John Clayton
Clayton's view of Dolphins' QB situation

"I think Tannehill will do a decent job as long as they don't rush him to start early in the season."

 

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Jets' rookie making big impression
1:31PM ET
Demario Davis | Jets

Bart Scott and David Harris are the heart of the Jets' tenacious defense. The two interior linebackers set the tone for the unit, but Scott's play has lessened as he has gotten a little older. Don't be surprised if third round rookie Demario Davis sees the field sooner rather than later.

Darrelle Revis praised Davis as one of the team's young leaders. Jets head coach Rex Ryan even compared Davis to Ray Lewis. And defensive coordinator Mike Pettine raved about Davis' maturity.

"He's mature beyond his years," Pettine told Brian Costello of the New York Post. "If you just dropped in here and knew nothing, you didn't have a roster or anything, you would never think that kid is a rookie. In the days that he's off, he's here in the facility studying. He's constantly with [linebackers coach] Bob Sutton just mastering it."

The Jets' staff will find ways to get Davis on the field this year, and then the Arkansas State product could supplant Scott as early as next season.

Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com noted very early in minicamp that the Jets are already preparing to use Davis in a variety of ways this fall:

- Brent Sobleski​

Rich Cimini
Early Jets' minicamp observations

"Rookie LB Demario Davis showed his versatility. One minute he's coming free on a blitz and 'sacking' Tebow, the next minute he's dropping into coverage with the starting sub package. "

 

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Current UDFA could start for Dallas
11:51AM ET
Dallas Cowboys

Success stories regarding undrafted free agents that make a roster then have illustrious careers are numerous around the NFL. Antonio Gates and Jeff Saturday are perfect examples. The Cowboys have some guy named Tony Romo at quarterback who took a similar path.

Romo may have a rookie free agent blocking for him this season.

"Immediately after the draft, owner Jerry Jones made sure to announce the signing of (Ronald) Leary, a mid-round prospect who went undrafted because of concerns about his knee," Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com wrote. "He was also moved from tackle to guard, where he has taken advantage of Mackenzy Bernadeau's hip injury. Leary and David Arkin have traded first-team snaps at guard and considering Leary's advantage in size and strength, he could have a leg up as the backup right guard. With his upside alone, plus what he's shown so far in the summer, Leary's chances of making this roster seem pretty good. He's even got an outside shot to start."

Bernadeau is stll the projected starter, but if the hip injury lingers then Leary could easily swipe the starting position. If Leary continues to impress then Bernadeau could even help the Cowboys in other areas once healthy:

- Brent Sobleski​

Dan Graziano
Dallas has issues to address at center

"There also exists the possibility that Bernadeau, Kevin Kowalski or Bill Nagy could show enough to replace Costa at center. So, which they didn't go out and make an ostensible effort to upgrade the position, I'm sure the Cowboys are aware that they need to be better there, and are 'addressing' it in some ways."

 

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Irvin's expectations
8:59AM ET
Bruce Irvin | Seahawks

Seattle's selection of defensive end Bruce Irvin 15th overall was by far the most ridiculed choice during April's NFL Draft. But, Irvin was a pass rusher extraordinaire during his time with West Virginia's football program. In his two seasons as a Mountaineer, Irvin registered 22.5 sacks. He expects to make a similar impact in Seattle as a rookie.

"I feel like I may jinx it, but...double-digits. All day," Irvin told Michael Robinson of the Real Rob Report (and fellow Seahawk).

Irvin may be expected to do more than just rush the passer until veteran end Chris Clemons returns after taking a stand regarding negotiations with his current contract. Upon Clemons' return, Irvin will likely be used in certain packages to get to the quarterback.

If Irvin contributes half of what Aldon Smith of the 49ers did last year while being used in the same capacity, then the pick won't be ridiculed anymore. If Irvin lives up to his expectations, then the Seahawks made a great choice and also have their replacement for Clemons.

- Brent Sobleski​

 

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Jets rookie linebacker, Demario Davis, makes impression on Darrelle Revis - NYPOST.com

 

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Robert Griffin III of Washington Redskins says extortion shows 'there's vultures' - ESPN

Richard Khamir Hurd, 25, who was arraigned Monday in federal court in Waco, Texas, for allegedly threatening to release "derogatory information" about Griffin unless he was paid a "substantial sum."

According to court documents, Hurd contacted a representative from a St. Louis agency last week, threatening to publicize information about a client unless he was paid. The representative is identified in documents only by the initials B.D.

I wonder what exactly the alleged "derogatory info" is. Me being nosy of course.

 

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Luck isn't worried about his contract
8:57AM ET
Andrew Luck | Colts

Andrew Luck was the No. 1 overall pick by the Indianapolis Colt in April. Cam Newton was the No. 1 overall pick last year. The NFL now has a rookie wage scale in place to regulate contracts. Thus, Luck should should sign a contract for slightly more than Newton did last year.

It seems so simple. Luck's contract should be completed.

But, it isn't.

Luck isn't worried and fully expects to be signed for the beginning of training camp.

"I'm sure (the contract) will get done," Luck told Alex Marvez of FoxSports.com.

"I focus on football, especially having missed so much (practice) time because of school. I didn't want very many distractions to make sure I catch up in terms of time with everybody else. My agent will handle (negotiations)."

Luck's final statement is a bit of an oxymoron. He doesn't want distractions, but his agent will handle the negotiations. If the agent isn't willing to move on terms, then it can become a distraction. Although at this juncture, there isn't a whole lot of concern that Luck will miss any time with the team.

- Brent Sobleski​

 

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Can Wilson start for Seahawks?
4:13PM ET
Russell Wilson | Seahawks

As a third-round draft pick, Russell Wilson seemed like a long shot to take the Seattle Seahawks' starting quarterback job away from Matt Flynn and Tarvaris Jackson, but we're finding more and more believers in what the Wisconsin product can bring to the table. Tony Softli, former personnel evaluator for the Carolina Panthers and St. Louis Rams, says Flynn "will have his hands full in a training camp" and calls Wlson a "star in the making."

Meanwhile ESPN.com NFC West blogger Mike Sando points out a pre-draft breakdown of Wilson by Matt Waldman of Football Outsiders, calling it "the most in-depth analysis on Wilson to date."

"Considering the examples from Wilson's junior year in the Atlantic Coast Conference where he's effective on deep passes off play-action, throws receivers open, and improvises on the move, his potential to develop into an NFL quarterback is better than his height may indicate," Waldman wrote.

Sando adds that partly by luck and party by design, the Seahawks and Wilson could have each found an ideal match:

- Vince Verhei​

Mike Sando
Everything's in Wilson's favor

"There has been nothing inauspicious about Wilson's beginning to this point. He's fallen into a perfect situation, one featuring an open-minded coaching staff, no established starter and a zone scheme requiring quarterback movement."

 

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Why do 1st rounders remain unsigned?
11:57AM ET
Unsigned draft picks

The rookie wage scale was supposed to ease the transition in which draft picks were able to sign NFL contracts. For the most part, it has. It has even accelerated the process. But, there is one particular hangup among a certain set of draftees.

Cleveland's Brandon Weeden, Detroit's, Riley Reiff, Pittsburgh's David DeCastro and New England's Dont'a Hightower remain unsigned.

"There is a common reason why the NFL draft picks from No. 22 through 25 remain unsigned -- a lack of guaranteed money in the final season (2015) of their mandated, four-year deals," Len Pasquarelli of the Sports Xchange reported.

"To this point, the teams involved with those slots have refused to include even partial guarantees for the fourth season of the contract.

"All four of the choices in the 22-25 grouping want some type of guarantee for the final year. And the reluctance of the four franchises involved with those picks to do so has created one of only three 'logjams' in the entire draft class."

As teams near the start of training camp, the situation should change. Some guaranteed money in that final year will probably change hands before it's all said and done.

- Brent Sobleski​