This rookie crop continues to grow
By RICK HERRIN
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
IRVING -- The Cowboys rookie draft class had a noticeable presence in Sunday's 27-10 victory against Washington.
It was an improvement after a mostly no-show opener.
First-round pick Bobby Carpenter got on the field for the first time, playing special teams and in some nickel situations. Tight end Anthony Fasano, a second-round pick, made his first three catches for 39 yards, including an impressive one-handed grab.
Defensive end Jason Hatcher, a third-round selection, added half a sack. And fifth-round free safety Pat Watkins had six tackles in his second start and helped keep Redskins Pro Bowl receiver Santana Moss quiet.
Here's a look at how the 2006 draft class has fared:
ILB Bobby Carpenter
First round
What he's done: Carpenter was inactive for the season opener at Jacksonville. He made his debut against Washington and played special teams and a few plays in the nickel package. He finished without a tackle.
What's next: Carpenter is learning to play inside after being moved when Greg Ellis made a smooth transition from defensive end to outside linebacker. Carpenter plays behind Akin Ayodele and hasn't stood out since being drafted.
TE Anthony Fasano
Second round
What he's done: Fasano displayed his pass-catching abilities with three receptions against Washington. He didn't record a catch against Jacksonville and had a critical pass interference penalty.
What's next: Potentially a solid complement in the passing game. Fasano is a hard-nosed blocker and receiver.
DE Jason Hatcher
Third round
What he's done: Hatcher, who plays in the nickel package, helped set up Jay Ratliff's sack against Jacksonville and had half a sack and two quarterback pressures against Washington.
What's next: He has a strong burst off the edge. Hatcher struggles against the run and has had trouble keeping his weight up.
WR Skyler Green
Fourth round
What he's done: Return specialist was released and signed to the practice squad. Cowboys never saw the explosiveness and speed they scouted and he wasn't accomplished enough as a wide receiver to make an impact.
What's next: Green has been switched to running back.
FS Pat Watkins
Fifth round
What he's done: Earned the starting free safety spot in training camp and has had two solid outings. He had seven tackles against Jacksonville and six tackles and a forced fumble against Washington. Watkins (6-foot-5, 211 pounds) unseated last year's starter, Keith Davis, because of his size, speed and range.
What's next: He has the potential to become the much-needed consistent coverage complement to hard-hitting strong safety Roy Williams. Watkins is a smart player who is getting plenty of guidance from teammates and coaches.
DT Montavious Stanley
Sixth round
What he's done: Stanley was released during the final cuts on Sept. 2. He couldn't earn the backup nose tackle job behind Jason Ferguson. Stanley is with Jacksonville after being signed off the St. Louis Rams' practice squad.
OT Pat McQuistan
Seventh round
What he's done: McQuistan started two games at left tackle in the preseason for Flozell Adams, who was injured.
What's next: Backup will be groomed to be a future starter.
OT E.J. Whitley
Seventh round
What he's done: Former Texas Tech standout tore his anterior cruciate ligament in rookie minicamp and was placed on injured reserve.
What's next: Rehabilitating at Valley Ranch.
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
IRVING -- The Cowboys rookie draft class had a noticeable presence in Sunday's 27-10 victory against Washington.
It was an improvement after a mostly no-show opener.
First-round pick Bobby Carpenter got on the field for the first time, playing special teams and in some nickel situations. Tight end Anthony Fasano, a second-round pick, made his first three catches for 39 yards, including an impressive one-handed grab.
Defensive end Jason Hatcher, a third-round selection, added half a sack. And fifth-round free safety Pat Watkins had six tackles in his second start and helped keep Redskins Pro Bowl receiver Santana Moss quiet.
Here's a look at how the 2006 draft class has fared:
ILB Bobby Carpenter
First round
What he's done: Carpenter was inactive for the season opener at Jacksonville. He made his debut against Washington and played special teams and a few plays in the nickel package. He finished without a tackle.
What's next: Carpenter is learning to play inside after being moved when Greg Ellis made a smooth transition from defensive end to outside linebacker. Carpenter plays behind Akin Ayodele and hasn't stood out since being drafted.
TE Anthony Fasano
Second round
What he's done: Fasano displayed his pass-catching abilities with three receptions against Washington. He didn't record a catch against Jacksonville and had a critical pass interference penalty.
What's next: Potentially a solid complement in the passing game. Fasano is a hard-nosed blocker and receiver.
DE Jason Hatcher
Third round
What he's done: Hatcher, who plays in the nickel package, helped set up Jay Ratliff's sack against Jacksonville and had half a sack and two quarterback pressures against Washington.
What's next: He has a strong burst off the edge. Hatcher struggles against the run and has had trouble keeping his weight up.
WR Skyler Green
Fourth round
What he's done: Return specialist was released and signed to the practice squad. Cowboys never saw the explosiveness and speed they scouted and he wasn't accomplished enough as a wide receiver to make an impact.
What's next: Green has been switched to running back.
FS Pat Watkins
Fifth round
What he's done: Earned the starting free safety spot in training camp and has had two solid outings. He had seven tackles against Jacksonville and six tackles and a forced fumble against Washington. Watkins (6-foot-5, 211 pounds) unseated last year's starter, Keith Davis, because of his size, speed and range.
What's next: He has the potential to become the much-needed consistent coverage complement to hard-hitting strong safety Roy Williams. Watkins is a smart player who is getting plenty of guidance from teammates and coaches.
DT Montavious Stanley
Sixth round
What he's done: Stanley was released during the final cuts on Sept. 2. He couldn't earn the backup nose tackle job behind Jason Ferguson. Stanley is with Jacksonville after being signed off the St. Louis Rams' practice squad.
OT Pat McQuistan
Seventh round
What he's done: McQuistan started two games at left tackle in the preseason for Flozell Adams, who was injured.
What's next: Backup will be groomed to be a future starter.
OT E.J. Whitley
Seventh round
What he's done: Former Texas Tech standout tore his anterior cruciate ligament in rookie minicamp and was placed on injured reserve.
What's next: Rehabilitating at Valley Ranch.
posted by The Gryphon at 4:07 PM
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