Rookie Preseason 2 Week Review
By Editorial Staff
NFL Mocks is focuses on everything related to the NFL Draft and that means we keep a close eye on the NFL Rookies. Every Monday during Preseason we will be giving you a review of the top performers from the weekend games.
This weekend marked the first full slate of preseason games and we were able to get first, much anticipated, look at the rookies. While a lot of rookies have positive games I am going to outline the players that caught my eye.
Ryan Matthews– RB- San Diego:
Well most of us anticipated Matthews would get a lot of carries this year and the first preseason game only solidified those thoughts. Matthews looked good in his first action gaining 50 yards on 9 carries with a nice 18 yard gain mixed in. He also caught 2 passes for 11 yards, showing that he is also a receiving threat out of the backfield. Overall this was a nice game for Matthews and we could expect only further development.
Tim Tebow– QB- Denver:
Well of course Tebow caught my eye the media coverage made that almost a given. However, he had a pretty nice opening game. I still think he needs a lot of work on his throwing motion, which looked unchanged from his college days but he was productive. The throw I was most impressed with was dropped which likely would have ended up as a long touchdown pass. The other thing to note is that Brady Quinn looked terrible which could mean a promotion for Tebow. I think labeling Quinn’s performance as terrible is an understatement
Geno Atkins– DT- Cincinnati:
Atkins is putting together a very impressive preseason. Last week he had 5 tackles, 1 sack, and 3 tackles for loss and then this week he put up 4 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 tackle for loss. Don’t think the coaches aren’t noticing his development; Coach Lewis said that he is well ahead of where they expected him to be at this point in the season. If he keeps this up he could be making an appearance on our Rookie Watch Rankings.
Anthony Dixon– RB- San Francisco:
Glenn Coffee’s retirement has really put Dixon on the map. Dixon is now the front runner to be the back up to injury plagued Frank Gore. Dixon had an impressive debut by rushing for 100 yards on 21 carries and getting a goal line touchdown. The 49ers love the power running game and Dixon fits the mold, if Gore gets injured we could see more from this potential breakout star.
Pat Angerer– LB- Indianapolis:
Everyone knows the Colts have an electric offense but they are quietly adding nice pieces on the defensive side of the ball. Angerer the 2nd round pick out of Iowa had a excellent debut compiling 8 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 tackle for loss.
Check out the Rest of the list including Colt McCoy and Jimmy Clausen after the Jump
Colt McCoy– QB- Cleveland:
Up until this point we have talked about the good that caught my eye, here is a bad that caught my eye. McCoy had a rough start throwing 2 interceptions before having to leave with a hand injury. I hope this put to rest some of the fans pushing for McCoy to open the season as the starter. He needs some time to develop.
Sam Bradford– QB- St. Louis:
Bradford had a solid but not spectacular start to the preseason. He was 6/13 for 57 yards and one massive hit. I still think that Bradford wins the starting gig out of camp but it could be a long rookie season for the #1 overall pick.
Daryl Washington– LB- Arizona:
The Cardinals needed to replace Karlos Dansby and maybe they got their guy in Washington. He was all over the field and totaled 13 tackles. As of now he is 2nd on the depth chart but that shouldn’t last for long!
Dexter McCluster– WR/RB- Kansas City:
Well I think the Chiefs showed us this weekend that they plan to use the versatile McCluster in a lot of different ways. He had 5 rushes for 25 yards and 3 catches for 23 yards. The Chiefs needed more offensive weapons and it looks like McCluster is going to provide a spark.
CJ Spiller– RB- Buffalo:
Spiller only had 16 yards on 4 carries but due to injuries he most likely will open the season as the Bills #1 running back.
Lamarr Houston– DT/DE- Oakland:
Houston might have sealed up a starting spot on the Raiders defensive line this weekend by chipping in with two sacks.
Jimmy Clausen– QB- Carolina:
Clausen had a decent game against the Ravens going 8/15 for 80 yards and 1 interception. Watching the game I was a little confused on his mechanics. He seemed to drop his arm slot almost to the side on several throws. He could have been trying to squeeze the ball threw an opening but it was still something that I questioned.
Ed Dickson– TE- Baltimore:
There is little doubt in my mind that Dickson is going to have a big season for the Ravens. He is big and really fast and on a couple plays he looked like a wide out. He ended the game with 2 catches for 26 yards.
Greg Hardy– DE- Carolina:
Hardy looked like he might be potential filler for the hole left by Julius Peppers. He tallied 5 tackles, 2 sacks, and 4 tackles for loss. Not bad for a nights work!