DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Searching for hidden rookie gems

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Colts' Pro Bowl defensive end Robert Mathis was a fifth-rounder in 2003. There was Jared Allen taken 126th overall in 2004, Donald Driver picked 213th in 1999, Zach Thomas going 154th in 1996 and Joe Horn 135th in 1996.
The list is a long one. Impact players, stars and superstars can be found where you least expect it in NFL draft. It happens every year. So, where are the hidden gems this year? We're not promising any future Hall of Famers or Pro Bowl locks. But here's one writer's team-by-team look of Non-First Round Impact Rookies as we head into training camps:

I’ll just post our AFC North…

Baltimore -- Paul Kruger (2nd round, 57th overall)
There simply may not be a better story of perseverance on the field and off. Kruger nearly died in January of 2008 when he and three friends were attacked by 15-20 gang members while leaving a party in Salt Lake City.
Kruger was stabbed at least twice in the abdomen, lost a severe amount of blood and suffered severe internal injuries. Ultimately, 50-staples were required to close the wound and surgical incisions. Kruger recovered fully, but lost 20-pounds and much strength. He ultimately returned and became a beast of a defensive end. Ravens coaches love his maturity, aggressiveness and willingness to pick up the system. It will be impossible, ultimately, keeping him off the field.

Cincinnati -- Bernard Scott (6th round, 209th overall)
Scott has been arrested five times and was kicked out of the University of Central Arkansas for allegedly punching a coach. Sounds like a match made in heaven for the strife-riddled Bengals, right?
Actually, this could become one of the more compelling NFL stories if Scott truly has matured and straightened out his life as he claims. Scott has first-round talent -- an amazing set of skills and instincts. But he's been a first-rate knucklehead.
His NFL future is a clean slate right now; what he does with it is entirely up to him.

Cleveland -- David Veikune (2nd round, 52nd overall)
It's a long way from the sunny shores of Hawaii to the bitter howling winds of Cleveland, but Veikune has made a habit of adjusting nicely to change.
A college defensive end, Veikune has a lot coming at him as he is making the switch to inside linebacker. So far, so good. Even without a firm grasp on NFL linebacking schemes and the demands of the job, Veikune has showed nice instinctive playmaking ability. He's another one of those high-octane players always looking for contact, which should play well in Cleveland.

Pittsburgh -- Keenan Lewis (3rd round, 96th overall)
Mike Tomlin clearly has been impressed with the plays and attitude Lewis has brought to the world champs. You can't get a better start to your NFL career than that.
He won't be in the rotation to start the year, but Lewis will get every chance. In Pittsburgh, it's all about making plays, which is Lewis' strong suit. Another of his strengths is one that cannot be taught: size (6-foot, 208 pounds). He already has drawn comparisons to current Steelers corner Ike Taylor. Several observers of Steelers activities this summer say Lewis was clearly the most impressive of any rookie.

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Veikune has a lot coming at him as he is making the switch to inside linebacker.

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And OLB - he played inside and outside in the mini camps. Who's he gonna unseat? DQ? Barton? Wimbley? Hall? ??? Maybe Specials Teams is where he gets a shot at being an "impact rookie".

He is going to receive looks at both but he is being groomed to replace Barton.

Think he'll see significant time inside this year? And physically, isn't he more suited as a pass rushing OLB?

I think he will see playing time this year. It all depends on how quickly he can pick things up. He brings a strong physical presence and pass rushing ability to the inside. This is a boom or bust situation inside but if it booms it really booms. Its all about the inside pass rush. Its why they wanta swing wimbley inside from time to time.

I'm excited to see both Veikune and Maiava play, hope they pick up the system and see some time on the field. I'd also like to see what Veikune could do rushing from Wimbley's spot.

I'd just like to see an all out rush be successful...

I hated seeing Davis blitz and then he get picked off... I hated seeing D'Qwell get picked off... I hated seeing Hall get picked off... I hated seeing Wimbley get picked off...

Well w/ the combo of Wimbley, D'Qwell, Hall, and Veikune... We can get some success..

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Well w/ the combo of Wimbley, D'Qwell, Hall, and Veikune... We can get some success.

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Promise?

j/c

didn't seem to be worth it's own thread and mack isn't exactly a "hidden rookie gem" but:

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The Browns seem like good bets to start at least two rookies in Week One. The battle at wide receiver, with second-round picks Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi looking like top contenders to push for the starting spot opposite Braylon Edwards, will garner a lot of attention in the weeks to come. In addition, however, you should also keep a close eye on the progress of first-round pick Alex Mack at center. We’re hearing Mack, who starred at Cal, is basically assured of being the starter, a move that relegates Hank Fraley to a reserve role and could spell the end of his career in Cleveland. Steady progress from Mack throughout the summer is essential, considering the tough interior linemen he will encounter in AFC North play. He took an important step toward being ready for the regular season by avoiding a training-camp holdout and not missing any practices with the club.

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http://www.profootballweekly.com/2009/07/30/macks-progress-at-center-key-for-browns

Man.. Mack is lucky that he gets to practice against a BEAST in Rogers... He should be pretty schooled and ready to go by week 1 against the Vikings...