NFL Rookie Report

by Matt Cardenas

Now that two full months have past since this year's NFL Draft we can begin to look at how some of the top rookie picks fared in their first mini camp and OTA action. Although teams have not entered their real training camp period, a lot can be learned about how a rookie will adjust to his new team by the first round of non-contact practices and meetings. Let's take a look at the top ten picks and some other rookies that could make a difference on their individual squads this season.

The Top Ten

1. JaMarcus Russell (Oakland Raiders) has certainly done a great job drawing praise from not only the media, but also teammates. Aside from a few first day jitters, his passes were all tight spirals with some zip in his drills and during scrimmage snaps. Coaches, teammates such as Warren Sapp, and even fellow quarterback Josh McCown have all been saying he's improving each day. It is a good sign that Russell is taking well to his team. Let's hope for his sake they don't rush him into playing this season, and let him develop.

2. Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions) his value to the team is evident in the fact that the Lions rescheduled mini-camp for him to attend the Reebok NFL Rookie premiere. Prior to suiting up, Johnson spent a lot of time with fellow wide receiver Roy Williams. After his first practice, he admitted a need to keep better shape for workouts, but has turned heads since with amazing speed, route running, and hands. Quarterback Jon Kitna said he is digesting the playbook very well, which can be the real gauge of how well a rookie wide receiver will do in his first season.

3. Joe Thomas (Cleveland Browns) as of the moment is practicing with the second team behind Kevin Shaffer. Many reports say Thomas is adjusting to the new schemes well. He did catch some attention during practice when he and another teammate broke out in a fight that had to be broken up. It has been rumored that last years big contract signed by Vince Young out of the 3rd spot in the draft could cause a training camp holdout by the Browns future franchise tackle.

4. Gaines Adams (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) has not garnered any special speculation or attention in Tampa Bay. Sometimes no news is good news. The team and city all have high expectations for the monster defensive end. He has been practicing with the first team on the right side, which is normally Simeon Rice's spot. Rice did report to camp, but signs are clear that Adams was brought in as his replacement.

5. Levi Brown (Arizona Cardinals) has moved from his left side position to the right. The move was made to help protect left-handed quarterback, Matt Leinart's, blind side. In order to get used to the transition he has been practicing with the second team. Brown had problems with the playbook as well as the Arizona heat during his first practice. He should spend much of July getting in shape for training camp, and learning the Cardinals playbook.

6. LaRon Landry (Washington Redskins) has been sidelined with an injury and is expected to sit out a few more practices. The Redskins let the players off on their own as a sort of get-to-know you exercise. As a result, a group made the mistake of playing paintball, when Landry was struck in the left groin from "friendly fire".

7. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings) had a great first few practices standing out amongst the other rookies. Coaches saw a good combination of vision and speed, but were most impressed with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Concerns about his injured collarbone have sprung up, but it has been determined that Peterson won't need surgery for it. He will be in a committee situation with Chester Taylor this season, which should help him make a quality adjustment to the NFL.

8. Jamaal Anderson (Atlanta Falcons) displayed some impressive athleticism that gained plenty of praise from the coaches. Coaches did say that he needs to get stronger and have a better shape, but all are optimistic. Anderson has been working on a new technique in terms of his alignment. The Falcons scheme has him lining head up from his opponent as opposed to the outside, which he did at Arkansas.

9. Ted Ginn Jr. (Miami Dolphins) arrived at camp to boos from Dolfans. Talk is still going on about why the Dolphins didn't get Brady Quinn, even from several Dolphins players. Despite all that, Cam Cameron has said his rookie receiver has been all he expected and then some. The only concern that was seen was his route running, but that was a problem NFL scouts new the receiver had coming out of college. Randy Moss had the same issue when he came out of Marshall, but was able to use his speed and talent to overcome the issue until he learned the skill.

10. Amobe Okoye (Houston Texans) continues to impress others because of what he does at his age. During camp Okoye turned 20, which benefited him to shed the teenager label. At mini-camp he and last years number one overall pick, Mario Williams spent a good amount of time with each other. He should have an immediate impact on the Houston's line.
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Five More to Watch

12. Marshawn Lynch (Buffalo Bills) arrived to Buffalo later than expected, but went right to the front of the line in workouts. He practiced with the first team, with Anthony Thomas seeing limited action. Lynch showed good play recognition by hitting the holes fast and catching out of the backfield well. Head Coach Dick Jauron was most impressed with the rookie's attitude.

17. Jarvis Moss (Denver Broncos) has been working with fellow rookies on rebuilding Denver's defensive line. His first practice ended early when he had a tough time working out in the altitude. He has since improved on finishing his workouts and continues to work on understanding his playbook, which he had some trouble with in the beginning.

20. Aaron Ross (New York Giants) had a very rough first day of practice making almost every mistake from bobbled punts, to pass interference, to just flat out getting burned. Coaches all said that there was no call for concern, pointing out that Eli Manning had a similar first day. Ross did show improvement after a few more workouts, but was kept out for a day after falling on his head during coverage drills.

22. Brady Quinn (Cleveland Browns) kept things crisp with short passes in his first practice. More noticeably was his positive attitude on getting back into the swing of things. Since then he's struggled some digesting the new offense and has been rotating with Ken Dorsey in the third and fourth huddles.

32. Anthony Gonzalez (Indianapolis Colts) showed up for the Colt's three-day rookie practices but missed mini-camp for the Reebok NFL Rookie premiere. While in Indianapolis, he sat in with Peyton Manning to watch film. The two mainly focused on what Brandon Stokley was doing, whom Gonzalez will be replacing. Head Coach says Gonzalez has done a good job at paying attention to details so he doesn't make mental mistakes.

Big Names from the Second Round

43. Drew Stanton (Detroit Lions) spent a lot of time observing Jon Kitna and the other quarterbacks, while seeing limited action on the third team. Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz has had him slowly take more reps and says that he is excelling with everything that he throws at Stanton.

45. Dwayne Jarrett (Carolina Panthers) was in a car accident a week ago, but was released from the hospital with minimal injuries. Carolina should rest assure with that knowledge. Jarrett slipped to the second round because of a poor 40-yard dash. The organization will be looking for him to replace fellow USC Trojan Keyshawn Johnson.

Matt Cardenas writes for bigdaveonsports.com, your one stop for sports on the web.