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http://cle.scout.com/2/866920.html




By Rob Rang
The Sports Xchange
Posted May 22, 2009


It's early, but the Browns second-round linebacker selection is already turning some heads...

After conversations with insiders throughout the league, I've compiled a list of 10 players who made the most impressive and immediate impressions upon coaching staffs through the May rookie minicamps. Some were top 10 selections, but some second-day picks have surprised early (players listed alphabetically).

--Deon Butler, WR, Seattle Seahawks: While most of the attention centered on No. 4 overall pick Aaron Curry, the rookie that stood out the most in Seattle's May 1-3 minicamp was the speedy Butler. The 4.28 speed that Butler showcased at the scouting combine was on display during practices, providing the Seahawks with an element of big-play potential that no other receiver on their roster possesses. Butler's soft hands, sharp route-running and intelligence also impressed coaches.

--Jared Cook, TE, Tennessee Titans: Cook and first-round pick Kenny Britt took turns making dazzling plays during the Titans' two-day minicamp May 1-2. Cook was the more consistently impressive of the two, according to those in attendance, routinely snatching the ball out of the air and showcasing the 4.49 speed that led all tight ends tested at the combine. Cook's speed makes him a matchup nightmare for defenders and should help him get on the field as a rookie, especially considering that franchised Bo Scaife and veteran Alge Crumpler are each entering the final year of their contracts.

--Glen Coffee, RB, San Francisco 49ers: If Coffee was satisfied with the notion that he'll only serve as a part-time back behind star Frank Gore, he certainly hasn't looked like it so far. The rugged running that characterized Coffee's breakout junior campaign for the Crimson Tide has been on display, and coach Mike Singletary has already talked about limiting Gore's workload - which means more touches for Coffee.

--Louis Delmas, S, Detroit Lions: First-round picks Matthew Stafford and Brandon Pettigrew may have earned the headlines due to their high draft selections, but the most impressive rookie during the Lions' May 1-3 minicamp was Delmas, according to insiders. The speedy safety impressed the Lions' coaching staff with his athleticism and instincts in coverage and ended the three-day camp emphatically, intercepting Stafford's final pass.

--Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Chicago Bears: The Bears will be looking for some of their young receivers to step up their play with Jay Cutler now in the fold, and this former Sooner may have the size, agility and sure hands to make an immediate contribution. Iglesias was the Bears' most impressive rookie at their first minicamp, according to sources, routinely creating separation against Chicago's defenders and snatching the ball out of the air.

--Malcolm Jenkins, CB, New Orleans Saints: While many of his fellow Buckeyes were unable to work out with their new pro teams due to Ohio State's unusually late graduation date, Jenkins, already graduated, proved every bit the standout the Saints had hoped the 14th overall selection would be. Operating strictly at cornerback, Jenkins' physical jam at the line of scrimmage, smooth hips and long arms made him a difficult opponent for even the Saints' explosive offense to exploit.

--Stephen McGee, QB, Dallas Cowboys: With only three games in a pro-style offense while at Texas A&M, the Cowboys staff expected McGee to need a great deal of work, but insiders say the former Aggie was stunningly refined in his technique throughout Dallas' May 1-3 minicamp. Coaches, including quarterback coach Wade Wilson, who played the position for 18 years in the NFL, raved about McGee's poise and accuracy throughout the camp.

--Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants: Perhaps no rookie created more of a buzz during the May minicamps than Nicks did with the Giants. While fellow receiver Ramses Barden, the Giants' third-round pick, also made some impressive plays, Nicks' secure hands and combination of toughness, size and strength when competing for contested passes caused him to stand out during the team's May 8-10 rookie camp. Fantasy football enthusiasts take note. Nicks, not Michael Crabtree, Darrius Heyward-Bey or Jeremy Maclin, will be the most consistently impressive rookie receiver in 2009.

--Brian Orakpo, OLB/DE, Washington Redskins: Despite primarily lining up at defensive end throughout his distinguished career with the Longhorns, Orakpo was inserted into the Redskins' starting lineup in their May 1-3 rookie camp at strong-side linebacker. There, his instincts and athleticism were on full display. The Redskins won't rob Orakpo of his greatest asset - his pass rush ability - however. Orakpo consistently swept past Washington tackles when asked to rush the passer on third downs during the camp.

--David Veikune, ILB, Cleveland Browns: Like the Redskins' Orakpo, Veikune is making the transition from defensive end to linebacker with Cleveland. Unlike Orakpo, however, Veikune was asked to move to the inside linebacker position - a transition that he showcased surprising comfort with during the Browns' May 1-3 rookie camp. Veikune showed better than advertised agility at the position and impressed coaches with his instincts and understanding of the defense in his first days at the position.

Very interesting read, thanks for sharing. I hope they're right about Veikune and it'll be very interesting to take a look at the other 9 players as well when the end of the season rolls around.

Has any DE ever been converted to ILB in a 3-4?

Interesting move... I'm guessing Mangini likes Hall at OLB. He must, since he is moving his 2nd round pick to the inside.

I think it is more about being able to play both spots. Barton can play inside or out and so can Bowens. I got a feeling that by cmp we will see our LB's inside and out moving around a lot. Ryan loves to blitz and stunt. Having these guys know what to do in a different position is great, and it will show benefits IMO.
Veikune is a big hitter, and we need a hammer in the middle. I', hoping Bell will come around, but feel his learning disability might set him back.
What I also like is that Mangini isn't holding back at giving the rookies alot of info to grasp. RAC was terrible at this. He constantly made things easier for the players. I believe that is why the team took a step back.

4th?

Vrabel and Adalius Thomas have both played inside, as has Bruschi.

I haven't made it a secret that I like Veikune, but even I'm a little surprised by his progress. I think we have something special here.

agreed

what if all the draft picks actually pan out?

Do you mean ours, or the ones mentioned in the article?

If you mean ours... probably too much to ask for, but it sure would be nice.

I will say this. I like Veikune better at ILB than I do OLB. He's as strong a ILB as you will ever see and will be able to take on a Guard or Center directly and redirect them.

He's not a slippery dude but he has very strong hands....which makes him able to shed.

As I said on draft day he's not going to be able to get around a competent NFL Tackle to the outside. But he could be a disrupter in the middle and could produce an interior blitz on passing downs. He played inside at Hawaii on 3rd and long as an FYI.

He reminds me of Nnamdi Asomugha.

I really liked Jenkins too. He reminded me of Everson Walls in coverage, when he played OSU.

But he isn't Rey ...

I poked it right through some draft magazine ...

I will say this....no matter where he plays, he is the key to this draft.

He was a need pick and a guy who we reached to get.

I don't have a problem with that at all if he works out.

If not, we sort of stuck our necks out.

I will also say I don't think what I said above is going to escape Veinuke or his agent.

If I was Veinuke or his agent, I wouldn't be very eager to sign the first contract offer to come over the wire.

That is the contract I fear could be messy. They hold some pretty significant leverage IMO.

If he wants to make the big bucks he best get into camp on time and start working his way towards his 2nd contract because his first contract is pretty much a done deal already due to his draft slot.

Good point. The fact that we reached to pick him up should mean that he should be satisfied to make what's standard at that slot.

No matter how the other players work out, I expect 2nd rounders to become solid players.

Sure, if 2-3 of the others become solid, it softens the blow so to speak.

I am not saying the entire draft hinges on the kid...just saying he is the key, at least in this short term because it is a position we really wanted to upgrade. Without a 2nd round grade by most, we had him pegged as a guy we really felt we needed to get. Without a 3rd rounder, we had to take him when we could.

Sounds like we put a lot of work in scouting the guy...let's hope it works out...and so far, the reports are encouraging.

"Has any DE ever been converted to ILB in a 3-4?"

HBTurk...the 2nd Super Bowl season of the Pats had their 4 starting LBs - ex College DEs.
Vrabel n McG on the outsides, Bruschi and a guy who was good Last Name started with a W??? think he too came from the Steelers but I'm not sure about the Steeler thing. But I remember that - all 4 LBs were DE converts.

JMHRecollection.

I still think he'll be on the outside - this guy was running on stories from Rookie Camps.

But nice to see him get props. Several that I pimped on that list. Cook, Iglesias, Orakpo n Jenkins I thought he would be somebody we would go after in a drop down (for Safety).

JMHO

I think that come the end of the season our starting OLBs wil be Veikune and Hall. Then on passing downs Wimbley comes in and Veikune moves to the inside.

Mangini knows he has a monster in Wimbley. He will be the ROLB. Trust.

You can say what you want about Wimbley, but he is far from a monster.

Quote:

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Ditto. I don't see Wimbley lasting too long as a starter with Mangini.

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Unless Ryan can get him to reach his physical potential,, I agree

Just my .02 here,

I have some hope for Wimbley under this new system. I'm gonna give this guy the benefit, we've seen what he can do when put into the right position with help around him, yes hasnt happened alot but we've seen it, I also wish they would stop calling him a pass rush speculist, maybe thats not his best point, maybe he would be better used in another area, just becuase Phil saw something in him in college dosent mean phil was right, maybe we need to reevaluate how we use Wimbley and use other players / systems to get to the QB, Lets first see how Wimbley is used before we start sealing his fate.

just clicking:

I also wanted to bring up the fact that M/K brought in 3 rookie LBs with excellent pass rushing skills. Of course the obvious DV but we signed two very Pass Rush accomplished UDFA's in Marcus Bernard and Philip Hunt. Don't count either of these kids out. They got skills - I personally like the kid Bernard a lot. It would be nice if both can make a mark on Special teams but I definitely see our Pass Rush getting better between the 5 - Wimbley, Hall, DV, Bernard and Hunt...something good will come out of this!

JMHO

KW may be the OLB but he's farrrrr from being a beast or monster.

IMO... he is.. Tackles may know that he has one good move, but even knowing that.. They struggle holding their own against Wimbley..

Ahhh...I see sarcasm...I guess we're back in the 06 season

Good read, good post. I am big on some rays of hope. sounds better organized from coaching standpoint.
Grandma said, "Go, know." We are sifting positions by shifting players. Like it. Converting and switching helps depth and, if they genuinely play well and do not just 'fill" it, then they are tougher to prepare for. some few need to play rough enough to force the other team's adjustment. THEN you have something. I like Velkune and hope he can produce and surprise a few people. If it starts well, it can snowball. Nothing succeeds like success, especially with heady young gamers.