2012 Rookies

[BINGO]

McClellin's role this season
9:22AM ET
Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears set out to bolster their DE rotation this offseason, originally targeting FA Jeremy Mincey, who ultimately re-signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. After that swing-and-a-miss, they went back to Israel Idonije, and got him re-signed for the 2012 season at $2.5 million. Thereafter, they secured Boise St. DE Shea McClellin with their first-round pick in the draft. So how will this rotation work?

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune foresees Idonije and Julius Peppers as the starters, and the two vets will play around 75 percent of the defensive snaps. As the No. 3 DE, McClellin would play in about 50 percent of the snaps in Biggs' view. By 2013, it's possible -- if not expected -- that McClellin will have taken on a starting role.

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[BINGO]

Irsay on Luck's deal
8:22AM ET
Andrew Luck | Colts

Recent comments from Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay have indicated that the team is close to a deal with No. 1 overall draft pick Andrew Luck. Of course, contracts are a binary situation, either there's one signed or there isn't, and close means that it's not done yet. Nevertheless, with somewhat of a deadline coming up soon -- the opening of Colts training camp -- there is some pressure to get something done by that time.

"He'll be in camp, there is no question that he'll be signed in time," Irsay said Wednesday, according to the Indianapolis Star. "We'll be talking this week, and we are talking, and there's no question that he'll be signed for the beginning of training camp and ready to go. No doubt about it. We've been close, and I think we'll be able to accomplish the final couple details, and it's going to get done. No doubt about it."

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[BINGO]

The Tannehill plan
7:51AM ET
Ryan Tannehill | Dolphins

Throughout the period of this offseason following the draft, one of the big discussions for the Miami Dolphins has been the plan at QB; in particular, the team's designs for No. 8 overall pick Ryan Tannehill. In general, the message that has emanated from anyone drawing a paycheck from the club is that Matt Moore and David Garrard were the two primary combatants for the starting job, that Tannehill will have to wait until at least the midway point of the season. Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland reiterated that idea in comments this week, per MiamiDolphins.com:

"I'm trying not to put too many grandiose expectations on the kid. I think [Tannehill] is our future. Obviously, I wouldn't have drafted him with the eighth pick in the draft. I feel like he's the kind of guy you want in the locker room, the kind of athlete you want running an offense. But we've got two other quarterbacks here that are very established, very good competitors, so it's not going to be easy for him. But you want him to learn from these other veterans and let it play out."

ESPN AFC East blogger James Walker believes that it may actually be next season before Tannehill gets the nod as the starter:

- Tim Kavanagh​

James Walker
Be patient

"This is no surprise. The Dolphins didn't want Tannehill to play right away to begin with. That is why they signed veteran David Garrard to battle Matt Moore. I don't expect to see Tannehill on the field as a starter until late 2012 or 2013. For now, Garrard or Moore needs to lead the team. Garrard has looked better in minicamp. But what happens in training camp is what really matters."

 

[BINGO]

Dolphins' camp battles
12:45PM ET
Miami Dolphins

Even though the Miami Dolphins are a team in transition, Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel doesn't see a lot of roster battles ahead in camp.

"Doing a breakdown of the Dolphins roster and there really aren't that many camp battles entering next week's opening of training camp," he said. "There's the three man battle to determine who becomes the starting quarterback. The open tryout for the starting right guard and right tackle spot. The safety battle to determine who starts next to Reshad Jones, which presently has Chris Clemons as the leader."

Beyond those spots, Kelly points out that the only depth-chart lock in the receiving corps is that Davone Bess will be working the slot. Where Chad Ochocinco, Brian Hartline and Legedu Naanee will fit in remains to be seen.

In the backfield, Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller will battle for third-down touches and to be Reggie Bush's primary backup. Kelly is "putting my money on" Marcus Thigpen to lock up the No. 4 RB role, though he expects it to be a "fierce competition."

Getting back to that QB fight, what little hope rookie Ryan Tannehill has of winning it could go up in smoke if he doesn't sign with the team before camp:

- Tom Carpenter​

James Walker
Concern for Ryan Tannehill, Hightower?

"Tannehill, the No. 8 overall pick, is scheduled to report to Miami on July 26. ... Although a long shot, Tannehill is in a three-way quarterback competition Matt Moore and David Garrard for the starting quarterback job with the Dolphins. Tannehill quickly can go from 'long shot' to 'no shot' if he misses time in camp."

 

[BINGO]

Bucs close to Barron deal?
10:06AM ET
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookies arrived at training camp on Wednesday, although the group was missing one member: first-round draft pick Mark Barron. The Alabama product has yet to sign his rookie contract, though Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times does not foresee a major problem. In the reporter's view, Barron will have a deal inked well in time for the start of full training camp (July 26), and there's reason to believe that the safety and the rest of the remaining first-rounders will have their deals in the near future, based upon the fact that Robert Griffin III agreed to his pact on Wednesday morning.

There is some thought in league circles that Barron could, in fact, be the next first-round rookie to sign his deal, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. While the order of when picks sign may affect the negotiations for the remaining unsigned players, the bottom line is that it does not appear that Barron will miss too much more of the Bucs' preseason activities.

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[BINGO]

49ers Blog and Q&A: Storylines: A low impact rookie class ... for now

 

[BINGO]

Cincy's WR picture
1:52PM ET
Cincinnati Bengals

While the departure of RB Cedric Benson -- and the arrival of BenJarvus Green-Ellis to replace him -- is a captivating storyline on some levels, perhaps the biggest lingering question for the Cincinnati Bengals on offense this preseason is who will be the No. 2 starting WR across from A.J. Green?

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer provided his preview of the position as training camp approaches, noting that Brandon Tate, Armon Binns and rookie Mohamed Sanu appear to be the primary combatants for that job. Interestingly, Reedy believes that if Tate does not get the starting nod, he may find himself cut by the end of the preseason.

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[BINGO]

1.) http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/18/report-major-hurdle-arises-between-rams-and-janoris-jenkins/

2.) Janoris Jenkins, Rams reportedly hit snag on bonus - NFL.com

 

[BINGO]

1.) Mark Barron doesn’t report with other Bucs rookies | ProFootballTalk

2.) Mark Barron absent as Buccaneers rookies start camp - NFL.com

3.) Mark Barron could be the next top-eight pick to sign | ProFootballTalk

 

[MHSL82]

1st pick: 22.1 M for four years, fully guaranteed.
2nd pick: 21.1 M for four years, fully guaranteed.

Wow, times have changed (CBA). I read that Luck got most of it on a signing bonus. Or was it 22.1 + signing bonus?

 

[BINGO]

1st pick: 22.1 M for four years, fully guaranteed.
2nd pick: 21.1 M for four years, fully guaranteed.

Wow, times have changed (CBA). I read that Luck got most of it on a signing bonus. Or was it 22.1 + signing bonus?

No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck signs with Indianapolis Colts - ESPN

 

[BINGO]

Rookie WRs in best situations
Michael Floyd, Rueben Randle among those who could put up big numbers
Originally Published: July 20, 2012
By Gary Horton | Scouts Inc.

Michael Floyd, Justin Blackmon and Rueben Randle could all have success as rookies in 2012.

The receiver position is one that can allow players a great deal of success early on. This year's rookie class looks to be a solid group of pass-catchers who can contribute quickly for their respective teams. While talent is the biggest element in a rookie receiver's success, the numbers they put up are dependent on many factors, including the system, the talent level at QB and the quality of the other receivers. While some receivers may have more tools and talent, there are others who will simply be in a better position to succeed early in their career.

Let's look at the 10 rookie wide receivers who are in the best position to have big seasons in their NFL debut.



Michael Floyd, Arizona Cardinals
Floyd was brought in to fill a huge need as the No. 2 receiver in this offense. He has a similar skill set to veteran Larry Fitzgerald in that he is big and physical, excellent at tracking the high ball in the air and good versus press coverage. Floyd has also shown improvement as a blocker. Early Doucet is a quality No. 3 receiver, and he will draw enough attention inside, along with Fitzgerald double-teams, to give Floyd mostly one-on-one coverage. Even with Arizona's unsettled quarterback situation, Floyd should get plenty of targets and will be a key inside the red zone.

Justin Blackmon, Jacksonville Jaguars
Blackmon is Jacksonville's most talented receiver, but if he doesn't clean up his act off the field, it won't matter. This has been the worst receiving corps in the NFL for years, although the addition of free agent Laurent Robinson to team with Blackmon gives the Jaguars two quality outside targets. If TE Marcedes Lewis can return to his 2010 form, he will draw a lot of defensive attention inside. Blackmon is a scoring machine, makes a lot of circus catches and can get deep. With teams likely stacking the box to take away Maurice Jones-Drew and the running game, the question is whether QB Blaine Gabbert can get Blackmon the ball. If Gabbert improves under pressure, Blackmon could be in for a big year.

Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears
He is expected to be the day one starter for the Bears at the Z receiver position opposite X receiver Brandon Marshall, with veteran Earl Bennett working out of the slot. Jeffery has size, is good at tracking the high ball and will be effective in the red zone, but he is a guy like Marshall who builds speed as he goes and can't get sloppy in his routes. With Bennett working between the hashes and the tight ends reintroduced to this offense, Jeffery will face a lot of single coverage. Jay Cutler is certainly willing to take chances, and he'll throw it up for Jeffery. That could mean a lot of red zone targets, even if he doesn't have a huge number of catches.

A.J. Jenkins, San Francisco 49ers
He is a little farther down the depth chart than some of these guys, but Jim Harbaugh wants more explosive plays out of this offense, which Jenkins can provide. He is a good route runner with explosiveness in and out of his cuts and solid deep speed. He probably won't start, but when the 49ers go to their sub packages and spread formations, they can use Mario Manningham and TE Vernon Davis on the underneath and inside routes with Jenkins (along with Michael Crabtree and Kyle Williams) in the short and intermediate passing game. With Randy Moss on the other side, Jenkins will never see double coverage. This coaching staff is brilliant at mixing and matching their multireceiver schemes and getting preferred matchups.

Rueben Randle, New York Giants
He comes from a pass offense at LSU that wasn't very sophisticated, but he has good route-running ability, size and surprising vertical production. He may not start, but when the Giants go to their three-WR set, with Victor Cruz in the slot and Hakeem Nicks outside, Randle can step into Manningham's old role with mostly single coverages. With injuries a concern at tight end, Eli Manning will look a lot to his wide receivers. While Randle is raw, his big-play potential, along with Manning's affinity for the deep ball, should lead to some big plays.

Kendall Wright, Tennessee Titans
When the Titans drafted him in the first round, they anticipated that Wright would add depth and playmaking ability, giving them a nice three-WR package with Kenny Britt and Nate Washington. Wright has an underrated burst and is good at gaining yards after the catch. However, Britt continues to struggle with knee troubles. If he isn't ready to go at the beginning of the season, it will likely push Wright into a No. 2 role instead of just contributing in multireceiver sets. As a complementary receiver, he will get a lot of favorable matchups; as a starter, he would attract a lot more attention.

T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts
He is from a small school, Florida International, and is making a big jump to the NFL in terms of sophisticated passing schemes. His skill set has been compared to Philadelphia's DeSean Jackson -- not a lot of size but quickness, explosiveness and vertical potential. QB Andrew Luck will throw a lot to his tight ends, and this passing offense doesn't have the personnel to create a lot of explosive plays outside of Hilton. He has a great role model in veteran WR Reggie Wayne, who is no longer a deep threat, so Hilton has a chance for early production if he learns the playbook and Luck trusts him.

Mohamed Sanu, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals need a quality No. 2 wideout to help A.J. Green, and Sanu may be that guy. He is very polished for a young receiver with excellent route-running skills. He is quick, which will lead to a lot of underneath and crossing routes against mostly single coverage. When you add slot WR Jordan Shipley to the mix, the Bengals have a nice three-WR package that will make it tough to roll all the coverage toward Green.

Stephen Hill, New York Jets
The talent is there, but Hill is a raw player with a lot of work to do. He comes from a triple-option offense at Georgia Tech, and while his knowledge of routes and schemes may be limited, his size, speed and ability to go and get the jump ball could give this offense the big plays they have been missing. Santonio Holmes will be the go-to outside guy, Jeremy Kerley will be effective underneath out of the slot, and Chaz Schilens could give them red zone production if he can stay healthy. In a perfect world, Hill would make enough early progress to be the No. 2 wide receiver and give this passing game some much needed versatility.

DeVier Posey, Houston TexansHe lost 10 games at Ohio State for an off-the-field violation, so he will be behind in terms of his development. Posey has outside speed and can take the top off the defense, but the best he will be is a No. 3 wide receiver in this offense. If he progresses quickly, Kevin Walter can work out of the slot and concentrate on short/intermediate routes while Posey hopefully takes some multiple coverages away from their star, Andre Johnson.

 

[BINGO]

More on Gordon's role
10:13AM ET
Cleveland Browns

It was no surprise that the Cleveland Browns acquired WR Josh Gordon in the recent supplemental draft -- though it was a little surprising that they used a second-round pick to do so. Perhaps due in part to that price, it appears that the Browns will accelerate the 21-year-old's ascent into a prominent role.

"The Browns did not select WR Josh Gordon in the second round of the Supplemental Draft to sit back and be a spectator throughout the 2012 season," Lane Adkins of Orange and Brown Report writes. "The Browns believe Gordon will come in and be a productive player early in the season. The basis behind the Browns thought process is that Gordon is a great athlete and isn%u2019t as raw as most media portrait him to be. The past year working with the Utah team exposed Gordon to a much more NFL oriented scheme, which Gordon reportedly excelled at."

We'll get our next hint as to Gordon's positioning on the depth chart when training camp opens, and we see who's getting the first-team reps. But regardless of the exact plans, ESPN's John Clayton believes that the Browns' bringing in a lot of talent at the offensive skill positions over the past two offseasons could pay strong dividends in future seasons:

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[BINGO]

Blount vs. Martin
9:40AM ET
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers RBs LeGarrette Blount and Doug Martin took very different paths to the NFL. Blount went undrafted after an altercation in a collegiate game against Boise State wiped out his final season at Oregon; thereafter he tried out for the Tennessee Titans, but was waived and picked up by the Bucs afterwards. Martin plied his trade collegiately at Boise St., and was drafted by the Bucs with their second first-round pick this April. As the start of training camp fast approaches, one of the big storylines for Tampa Bay is the battle between the two for the starting job.

Despite their disparate draft pedigree, there's no inclination to start Martin immediately over his more experienced backfield mate. "I don't have any favorites," Bucs HC Greg Schiano said this week, according to Pewter Report. "You know I shouldn't say that. I think Josh [Freeman] is the favorite to be quarterback [laughs]. Most positions we will dish out the reps in an appropriate manner and then we will see where the chips fall."

Recently, Matt Williamson of Scouts, Inc. wrote that he believes it's inevitable that Martin will be the starter at some point this season, based in part on his versatility:

- Tim Kavanagh​

Matt Williamson
Martin a better receiver than Blount

"Although smaller and not quite as overpowering as Blount, Martin doesn't lack for physicality at all and runs with good leverage, which is something Blount cannot consistently claim. But Martin is sure-handed and is an accomplished route runner for someone entering the league. Martin should be the Buccaneers' top running back before long."

 

[BINGO]

Riley Reiff's negotiations
8:37AM ET
Detroit Lions

Thanks to the NFL's current CBA (the negotiations on which caused so much ruckus last summer), first-round draft picks have gotten much easier to sign. But that doesn't mean that everyone will necessarily be in training camp on time, and amongst the first-rounders still without a contract is Detroit Lions OT Riley Reiff.

Reiff, the No. 23 overall pick, is in a pocket of non-signees in the 20s that also includes Tennessee Titans WR Kendall Wright (No. 20), Cleveland Browns QB Brandon Weeden (No. 22) and Pittsburgh Steelers OG David DeCastro (No. 24). However, in the opinion of Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press, it's the lack of a deal for No. 4 overall pick Matt Kalil -- also an OT -- that is holding up a finalized pact for Reiff.

Lions rookies report Monday to training camp. Though the team has not officially announced when veterans will report -- and practices will begin -- that is expected to occur at some point later on in the week. If Reiff misses a day or two of rookie orientation, it's not the worst thing in the world. If he starts to miss practices, then there's reason for worry. "No. 1, their chances of being injured are a lot higher," NFL Network analyst Gil Brandt told Monarrez. "And No. 2, the chances of playing up to their previous performance are a lot less."

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[Crimsoncrew]

Great. Slow down his development so Aldon and/or Ahmad can exploit him in week 2.

 

[Crimsoncrew]

Incidentally, I'm still really, REALLY irritated that Blount dropped his deal with SF to go to TB (I guess he went to Ten first; I had forgotten that) because of Glenn Coffee and Anthony Dixon. How fantastic would our RB corps be right now if we had Gore, Blount, Hunter, and James? He'd be the perfect complement to our two little guys. If only Coffee had his epiphany six months earlier....

 

[BINGO]

Incidentally, I'm still really, REALLY irritated that Blount dropped his deal with SF to go to TB (I guess he went to Ten first; I had forgotten that) because of Glenn Coffee and Anthony Dixon. How fantastic would our RB corps be right now if we had Gore, Blount, Hunter, and James? He'd be the perfect complement to our two little guys. If only Coffee had his epiphany six months earlier....

I never liked that draft pick from the onset. I strongly agree, had he retired prior to the draft, we might have even selected a runnin back earlier instead of waiting that long to draft Dixon. Then for our 7th round pick we would have possibly drafted Blount at that point. Even if we didn't draft him despite not having Coffee in roster, we would have liked his chances of making the team and would have stuck with us for the long haul instead of joining the Titans.

 

[BINGO]

Happy campers: Rookies report to what should be start of long journey | 49ers Hot Read


49ers rookies excited to see their jerseys in lockers

 

[BINGO]

Nearing a deal for DeCastro?
10:15AM ET
Pittsburgh Steelers

After news hit the wire of a signed contract for Detroit Lions first-round pick Riley Reiff (No. 23 overall), we speculated that deals might be soon forthcoming for No. 20 pick Kendall Wright, No. 22 Brandon Weeden and No. 24 David DeCastro (No. 21 Chandler Jones signed previously).

Weeden is believed to be seeking all four years of his deal to be guaranteed, as he's stepping in to be the Cleveland Browns' starting QB, a pretty lofty assignment for a rookie, regardless of his age. And this may be causing a bit of a delay for the Pittsburgh Steelers and DeCastro; however, in the opinion of ESPN AFC North blogger Jamison Hensley, the delay shouldn't last too much longer:

- Tim Kavanagh​

Jamison Hensley
They don't want him to miss any camp practices

"DeCastro, who was selected two picks after Weeden, is likely waiting to see if Weeden receives all four years guaranteed before signing his deal. I don't foresee DeCastro waiting too long, though. It would be surprising to see DeCastro miss the Steelers' first training camp practice on Friday especially after Lions offensive tackle Riley Reiff (who was 23rd overall, one spot ahead of DeCastro) signed Monday."