Rookie Report: Preseason Recap
by Luke Paul Chandler
With the final cuts announced and the practice squads filled, the real season will begin Thursday. These are the rookies to keep an eye on for the first week and beyond.
Practice Squad Heroes
It’s no shame for a player to start his career on the practice squad. Players like former Saint and Falcon receiver Joe Horn began their careers on the practice squad. The squad can lead to big things for a player if he continues to improve. Whether it’s for the team a player is on or the other 31, it’s a constant audition.
Andy Studebaker, OLB, Eagles: Philadelphia’s depth at linebacker made his opportunity to be a member of the active roster impossible. His workout numbers and quickness are through the roof, but he played at small school, and the Eagles defensive playbook is voluminous. The Eagles do a good job at developing athletic talents like Studebaker.
Jason Parker, DE, Chiefs: The former Arizona Wildcat was a mild surprise not to make the final 53-man roster given the Chiefs lack of depth at end. He is a strong worker who can play both end spots and has a knack for creating pressure. Look for him to be elevated to the active roster at some point this season.
Josh Barrett, SS, Broncos: Barrett was a high pick for the practice squad, but he came into the league with several questions. He has the size of big safety or small linebacker and the speed of corner. He can be beaten in deep coverage and had problems with recognition. Barrett has the kind of speed that makes coaches drool, so keep an eye on him this season. Denver likely can’t keep on the practice squad all season.
Tough Luck
Being placed on IR for a player’s rookie season can be beneficial for a player even though he loses a year of playing time. This redshirt-type season can in essence give a player a year to concentrate on the nuances of the game, often with increased time spent in the film room. If a player was a behind because of his injury, it can serve as a year to get acquainted with the playbook.
Justin King, CB, Rams: The fourth-round selection from Penn State has big athletic upside. His on-field technique has always been suspect though, and this season could allow him to grow. He has made it so far just on speed, but this season will allow him to refine his overall game. If he had played this season, he would have been a player without a position.
Anthony Alridge, RB, Broncos: A smaller name like Alridge may not mean much, but he could have had a real shot at contributing this season in the Broncos deep ground game. Mike Shanahan has never shied away from playing an undrafted free agent either. Alridge is a smaller back, but his quick feet and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield are eerily reminiscent of a young Clinton Portis.
Adrian Arrington, WR, Saints: Arrington had been impressive so far in camp, and he looked like a steal for the Saints in the seventh round. Arrington has sure hands and ability to create separation. He will be given a shot at not only making the team, but being a solid contributor in 2009.
Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Eagles: No one will benefit more from the year off than Ikegwuonu, whose freak knee injury in pre-draft preparations severely hurt his stock. Graded as a likely second-round pick before tearing his ACL, he should be able to take his rehabilitation slowly. With the Eagles already deep at corner heading into this season, this move makes great sense.
Week 1 Rookie Match-ups
Kevin Smith, RB, Lions vs Curtis Lofton, MLB, Falcons: In a perfect match-up of rookie starters, the Lions new-and-improved ground game is matched up against a new key to the Falcons run defense. Smith is a tireless back who wears out defenses. Lofton is a physical run stuffer who plays bigger than his size, and he is carrying a lot o hype this season. Look for Smith to get the upper hand in this battle, but it should be a great fight.
Dexter Jackson, WR, Buccaneers vs Tracy Porter, CB, Saints: Jackson’s emergence in Gruden’s offense has been slow; the two could see extensive action against each other not onlty on offense, but also special teams. Jackson is handling both kick- and punt-return duties in Tampa along with playing the slot. Porter is playing punt coverage and playing extensively in the Saints passing formation defenses. He has moved inside to cover the slot at times during the preseason, looking solid. Right now Porter is a bit farther ahead of the curve than Jackson, and he should be able to control this match-up.
Marcus Harrison, DT, Bears vs Steve Justice, C/Jamey Richard, C, Colts: The Colts troubles on the interior line became worse when veteran Jeff Saturday went down last week with a knee injury. That leaves the Colts inexperienced at center against the athletic Harrison. Harrison is fast off the snap and can be un-blockable at times. The Colts have yet to say which one of their rookie centers will start, but they both should have their hands full. Being the Colts center is complicated enough, but having to go up against the Bears pass rushing tackles can make for a long night.
Contact Luke at Luke@newerascouting.com.