NFC East minicamp report: Rookie rundown
Source: SN correspondents
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys liked what they saw from running backs Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Jones, the Cowboys' first-round pick, showed the speed and quickness the Cowboys expected, but he demonstrated better hands than they thought. He caught just about everything thrown his way, which is a positive because the Cowboys want to get him the ball in space where he can make big plays if he makes one defender miss.
Choice, drafted in the fourth round, showed a strong all-around game, which is important because the Cowboys want to get more out of their third running back this year. They also need Choice to be capable of carrying the ball 20 times, if Marion Barber was ever injured because owner Jerry Jones said the Cowboys don't envision Felix Jones as a full-time starter capable of doing that regularly.
Choice knows that his best bet for rookie playing time will come on special teams. If he shows a commitment, especially on the coverage units he will be active every week.
New York Giants
It came as no surprise that safety Kenny Phillips looked to be the most polished and physically-ready rookie in camp. The first-round pick out of the University of Miami appears to be a natural free safety and stood out not only in stature but also in the way he darted across the field, seemingly never breaking stride.
Phillips looked rangy and quick to the ball, once coming up with a fingertip interception of a deflected pass that seemingly was headed to the turf. The coaching staff was immediately impressed with the way Phillips handled his classroom assignments and the way he translated that force-fed education on to the field.
The plan is to get him as ready as possible and hope that he develops quickly enough to make an immediate impact on defense. Phillips will be given every opportunity to win the starting free safety job that was vacated when Gibril Wilson opted to sign with the Raiders.
Philadelphia Eagles
Intimidation wasn't a problem for wide receiver/special teamer DeSean Jackson, a second-round pick. The explosive return man fielded punts and ran routes with reserves on offense. Jackson weighs only 169 pounds but showed quickness in his routes and didn't appear confused by the playbook, a common problem for rookies in the club's West Coast offense.
Jackson is the front-runner to fill the club's desperate need for a return man with moxie while he integrates into the offense. Although Jackson's impact should immediately be felt on the return units, he said he's also hoping to see time at wide receiver right away.
Jackson will need to outperform third-year pros Jason Avant and Hank Baskett for the No. 3 receiver job behind starting wide receivers Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown. Mastering the playbook would be a good first start.
Washington Redskins
The Redskins were looking for a big receiver in the draft, and might have found their answer in Devin Thomas. Thomas looked sharp in minicamp. He ran crisp routes, got off the line quickly and showed good speed. He missed one practice to attend a family funeral, but was back the for the next day's practice.
Thomas has the potential to be a deep threat and take pressure off Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El. If Thomas progresses through the summer and training camp, he should be able to win the job as the No. 3 receiver. If he can line up on the outside and draw attention from the secondary, Randle El can move into the slot, where his quickness will be an asset down the middle.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys liked what they saw from running backs Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Jones, the Cowboys' first-round pick, showed the speed and quickness the Cowboys expected, but he demonstrated better hands than they thought. He caught just about everything thrown his way, which is a positive because the Cowboys want to get him the ball in space where he can make big plays if he makes one defender miss.
Choice, drafted in the fourth round, showed a strong all-around game, which is important because the Cowboys want to get more out of their third running back this year. They also need Choice to be capable of carrying the ball 20 times, if Marion Barber was ever injured because owner Jerry Jones said the Cowboys don't envision Felix Jones as a full-time starter capable of doing that regularly.
Choice knows that his best bet for rookie playing time will come on special teams. If he shows a commitment, especially on the coverage units he will be active every week.
New York Giants
It came as no surprise that safety Kenny Phillips looked to be the most polished and physically-ready rookie in camp. The first-round pick out of the University of Miami appears to be a natural free safety and stood out not only in stature but also in the way he darted across the field, seemingly never breaking stride.
Phillips looked rangy and quick to the ball, once coming up with a fingertip interception of a deflected pass that seemingly was headed to the turf. The coaching staff was immediately impressed with the way Phillips handled his classroom assignments and the way he translated that force-fed education on to the field.
The plan is to get him as ready as possible and hope that he develops quickly enough to make an immediate impact on defense. Phillips will be given every opportunity to win the starting free safety job that was vacated when Gibril Wilson opted to sign with the Raiders.
Philadelphia Eagles
Intimidation wasn't a problem for wide receiver/special teamer DeSean Jackson, a second-round pick. The explosive return man fielded punts and ran routes with reserves on offense. Jackson weighs only 169 pounds but showed quickness in his routes and didn't appear confused by the playbook, a common problem for rookies in the club's West Coast offense.
Jackson is the front-runner to fill the club's desperate need for a return man with moxie while he integrates into the offense. Although Jackson's impact should immediately be felt on the return units, he said he's also hoping to see time at wide receiver right away.
Jackson will need to outperform third-year pros Jason Avant and Hank Baskett for the No. 3 receiver job behind starting wide receivers Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown. Mastering the playbook would be a good first start.
Washington Redskins
The Redskins were looking for a big receiver in the draft, and might have found their answer in Devin Thomas. Thomas looked sharp in minicamp. He ran crisp routes, got off the line quickly and showed good speed. He missed one practice to attend a family funeral, but was back the for the next day's practice.
Thomas has the potential to be a deep threat and take pressure off Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El. If Thomas progresses through the summer and training camp, he should be able to win the job as the No. 3 receiver. If he can line up on the outside and draw attention from the secondary, Randle El can move into the slot, where his quickness will be an asset down the middle.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:23 AM
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