Quick Takes for Monday
Jacquizz Rodgers
Atlanta_Falcons: Mike Peterson gives Jacquizz Rodgers a friendly pop after a screen. Turner yells to Pete, “Quit picking on little kids!
My Take: Looks like Rodgers got a taste of Monday a day early. Welcome to the NFL. I’m sure you’re time will come. But this year will be a seat at the kiddie table.
Marques Colston
LHolderCBS: We keep being told #Saints WR Marques Colston (knee) is being rested, but he has missed the last three practices.
My Take: I’m not a huge Robert Meachem fan, but I recognize that the receiver has the most potential of any young veteran on the roster. To Meachem’s credit, the former Tennessee Volunteer has a strong deep game and he flashes moments of franchise caliber play. At best, he’s where Sidney Rice was a few years ago – on the cusp of great play. At worst, he’s rotating with Devery Henderson and Lance Moore. Colston’s knee is only going to continue to be a question mark as his career progresses. But at this point, just consider it some rest for a veteran who doesn’t need a lot of reps right now anyhow.
Christian Ponder
1500ESPN: Notebook: Christian Ponder takes ‘a step back’ in situational work #Vikings (via the 1500 ESPN SportsWire) http://bit.ly/nbu0Fz
My Take: Donovan McNabb should be good enough to keep Ponder on the bench for at least a couple of seasons. This will be good thing for the Vikings, because I expect McNabb to be a much better fit for Minnesota than he was for Washington. Expect a rebound season for McNabb.
Dwayne Harris
@BryanBroaddus: In Red Zone work, Dwayne Harris was getting work with first group of WRs Bryant + Austin. Good on middle of field routes.
My Take: Unlike some of my peers attending the Senior Bowl, I liked what I saw from Harris. The reason is that with every rep Harris did a little better than the last. He responded well to coaching and the natural ability was evident. Like Earl Bennett of the Bears Harris won’t catch your eye physically, but he’s a fine runner after the catch and he does a good job of making plays with his hands. He’s going to need some time to really come into his own, but once he refines the techniques he’ll need to become a quality pro receiver, Dallas will have a very good slot receiver/return specialist with potential to play on the outside if needed.
Julius Thomas
@cecillammey: day 5 camp report: Julius Thomas has gone from 4th rounder to running with 1s to drawing double coverage in 5 days #Broncos
Yes. Thomas still rotating in w/ 1st team RT @Broncosfan1915: Is Julius Thomas still making plays now that Rosario & Fells are on the field.
My Take: Looks like Lammey might be right about Thomas as the best prospect of the second- and third-day tight ends that the Broncs selected. This could be a huge development for the offense if Thomas can start and deliver immediately because his versatility as a receiver will provide some nice scheme flexibility for Kyle Orton. Thomas is now a player to watch.
Colin Kaepernick
MWagaman: #49ers TE Delanie Walker on rookie QB Colin Kaepernick “I think there’s gonna be a real good competition between he and Alex.”
My Take: This is more of an indictment of Alex Smith than validation of Kaepernick’s skills. Kaepernick isn’t a bad prospect, but he’s not a player who will benefit from getting rushed onto the field. His skills in the pocket need work and I think a lot of draft analysts and beat writers are infatuated with his physical ability to get outside the pocket.
Mikel Leshoure
Adam Schefter: According to reporters on the scene at practice, Lions rookie RB Mikel Leshoure was carted off field today with a left leg injury. Beat writer Tom Kowalski says it’s a left foot injury.
My Take: This could be a precautionary move by the training staff, but not a good sign. Leshoure was slated for short yardage opportunities as well as a change of pace role. He also was looking good during the first week of camp. Updated: Leshoure has a torn Achilles. This could be the death knell of his career. A horrible injury for a running back.
Adrian Wilson
Adam Schefter: Cardinals Pro Bowl S Adrian Wilson has a torn muscle in his bicep, but he is determined to try to play with it. Will get 2nd opinion.
My Take: Don’t you need your arms to tackle? I guess Wilson assumes he’ll be able to knock opponents to the ground, but he’s going to make himself vulnerable to open field moves. I don’t know how he’ll be able to hold up in run support, either.