Cowboys rookies: Both good and bad surprises
By Andy Targovnik on August 30, 2006 12:37 AM
Evaluating draft choices and rookie free agents this early can be tricky. But with less than two weeks to go before opening day, let's see how the Dallas Cowboys' rookie class of 2006 has progressed:
First round - Bobby Carpenter:
Based on the hype, Carpenter has been a disappointment so far. He looks more like a project than an immediate contributor. He was supposed to compete for a starting outside linebacker position but has been moved to the inside. The Ohio State product has also been hampered by a foot injury he sustained during the first preseason game against Seattle.
Second round - Anthony Fasano:
The supposed Mark Bavaro clone has caught only one ball in the preseason but he's been mainly concentrating on blocking from the H-back position. As the head coach likes to say: We need to see more.
Third round - Jason Hatcher:
The defensive end from Grambling looked sharp against the 49ers with four tackles and two sacks. Parcells is pleased with his pass rushing but disappointed in his run-stopping. He should definitely get playing time on passing downs.
Fourth round - Skyler Green:
It looks like Green is the chosen one: The guy Tuna loves to publicly needle. That aside, Green was supposed to be the main return specialist but he got off on the wrong foot when he reported to camp overweight; and it hasn't gotten much better since. Parcells says Green is still fighting for a job - whether that's true or just a motivational ploy still remains to be seen.
Fifth round - Pat Watkins:
Watkins has been a pleasant surprise. He's competing to be the starting free safety and has excelled on special teams.
Sixth round - Montavious Stanley:
Stanley is having a hard time adjusting to nose tackle from his more familiar defensive tackle spot and appears headed for the practice squad.
Seventh round - Pat McQuistan:
After passing on an offensive lineman in the second round to draft Fasano, Parcells appears to have struck gold late; and it couldn't have come at a better time. With Flozell Adams still hurting, McQuistan may actually get the starting nod at left tackle against Jacksonville on opening day.
7th round - E. J. Whitley:
He tore his ACL in mini-camp and is on injured reserve.
Free agent rookie - Sam Hurd:
Hurd has a legitimate shot to make the squad, but he has a flaw in his receiving technique which causes him to drop balls. So with the emergence Jamica Rector and Patrick Crayton apparently healthy, I give Hurd about a 50-50 chance.
Free agent rookie - Abraham Elam:
He's come out of nowhere after not playing at all in 2005. He can play both safety positions and has shined on special teams. I'll be shocked if Elam isn't on the 53-man roster.
Evaluating draft choices and rookie free agents this early can be tricky. But with less than two weeks to go before opening day, let's see how the Dallas Cowboys' rookie class of 2006 has progressed:
First round - Bobby Carpenter:
Based on the hype, Carpenter has been a disappointment so far. He looks more like a project than an immediate contributor. He was supposed to compete for a starting outside linebacker position but has been moved to the inside. The Ohio State product has also been hampered by a foot injury he sustained during the first preseason game against Seattle.
Second round - Anthony Fasano:
The supposed Mark Bavaro clone has caught only one ball in the preseason but he's been mainly concentrating on blocking from the H-back position. As the head coach likes to say: We need to see more.
Third round - Jason Hatcher:
The defensive end from Grambling looked sharp against the 49ers with four tackles and two sacks. Parcells is pleased with his pass rushing but disappointed in his run-stopping. He should definitely get playing time on passing downs.
Fourth round - Skyler Green:
It looks like Green is the chosen one: The guy Tuna loves to publicly needle. That aside, Green was supposed to be the main return specialist but he got off on the wrong foot when he reported to camp overweight; and it hasn't gotten much better since. Parcells says Green is still fighting for a job - whether that's true or just a motivational ploy still remains to be seen.
Fifth round - Pat Watkins:
Watkins has been a pleasant surprise. He's competing to be the starting free safety and has excelled on special teams.
Sixth round - Montavious Stanley:
Stanley is having a hard time adjusting to nose tackle from his more familiar defensive tackle spot and appears headed for the practice squad.
Seventh round - Pat McQuistan:
After passing on an offensive lineman in the second round to draft Fasano, Parcells appears to have struck gold late; and it couldn't have come at a better time. With Flozell Adams still hurting, McQuistan may actually get the starting nod at left tackle against Jacksonville on opening day.
7th round - E. J. Whitley:
He tore his ACL in mini-camp and is on injured reserve.
Free agent rookie - Sam Hurd:
Hurd has a legitimate shot to make the squad, but he has a flaw in his receiving technique which causes him to drop balls. So with the emergence Jamica Rector and Patrick Crayton apparently healthy, I give Hurd about a 50-50 chance.
Free agent rookie - Abraham Elam:
He's come out of nowhere after not playing at all in 2005. He can play both safety positions and has shined on special teams. I'll be shocked if Elam isn't on the 53-man roster.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:50 PM
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