NFC East minicamp reports: Breakout players
Source: SN correspondents
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Cornerback Mike Jenkins, one of the team's two rookie first-round picks, is expected to play quite a bit this season, though don't expect him to start because coach Wade Phillips likes to bring rookies along slowly. Still, the Cowboys expect Jenkins to be a big part of their nickel and dime packages this season in addition to contributing on special teams.
Jenkins can be a difference-maker on kickoff and punt coverage as well as on kickoff returns. The Cowboys like his ability to make big plays and want him on the field as much as possible in situations where that can happen. He will get a chance to compete with Anthony Henry for the starting job at right cornerback.
"To me, it's a job. Everybody is coming out here and trying to help the team," Jenkins said. "Anthony has been here a long time. We all know that, and if I do beat him out, he will understand that. He's still going to help me out and he's not going to stop doing that."
New York Giants
In his first year with the Giants, Domenik Hixon filled a valuable role as the primary kick returner and injected some life into what had been a sluggish return game. Hixon has great speed and his hands proved to be trustworthy. Moving forward, the coaching staff would like to get Hixon more involved in the offense as a wide receiver. He was not a factor in 2007, catching only one pass.
Hixon has good size (6-2) and has the potential to add a long-ball threat to the attack. The Giants are already well stocked at receiver with youngsters Steve Smith, Sinorice Moss and rookie Mario Manningham on the scene behind starters Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer. Plus, Super Bowl hero David Tyree remains on the roster. Hixon is so solid on special teams, however, that force-feeding him into the offense makes sense and it's something the Giants want to explore.
Philadelphia Eagles
Second-year man Stewart Bradley is ready to assume the defense's starting middle linebacker job. He worked exclusively at first-team middle in minicamp after spending most of last season as a backup and contributing on special teams.
Bradley started working out early at the team's headquarters and appeared comfortable running with the first defense and transitioning from reserve to starter. It's important that Bradley knows the defense and understands his position because he will be calling the plays.
He played some middle at the end of last season and showed good speed and great pursuit along with playmaking ability. Bradley sacked Saints quarterback Drew Brees and also intercepted him in his first start. The team released accomplished veteran Takeo Spikes in the offseason to accommodate Bradley's entry into the lineup.
Washington Redskins
H.B. Blades gave a solid performance during minicamp. He is running as the backup middle linebacker, and he appears to be able to get the players around him and in front of him lined up correctly.
Blades showed his versatility last season when he spent time at weakside linebacker, and played capably. Although he is not an overwhelming physical specimen, Blades simply understands the game and the team's defense. He has a knack for getting through traffic and can make tackles from sideline to sideline. He is tough, determined and productive.
Blades won't unseat London Fletcher in the middle this season, but he can be an effective backup at all the linebacker spots and is also a solid special teams player.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Cornerback Mike Jenkins, one of the team's two rookie first-round picks, is expected to play quite a bit this season, though don't expect him to start because coach Wade Phillips likes to bring rookies along slowly. Still, the Cowboys expect Jenkins to be a big part of their nickel and dime packages this season in addition to contributing on special teams.
Jenkins can be a difference-maker on kickoff and punt coverage as well as on kickoff returns. The Cowboys like his ability to make big plays and want him on the field as much as possible in situations where that can happen. He will get a chance to compete with Anthony Henry for the starting job at right cornerback.
"To me, it's a job. Everybody is coming out here and trying to help the team," Jenkins said. "Anthony has been here a long time. We all know that, and if I do beat him out, he will understand that. He's still going to help me out and he's not going to stop doing that."
New York Giants
In his first year with the Giants, Domenik Hixon filled a valuable role as the primary kick returner and injected some life into what had been a sluggish return game. Hixon has great speed and his hands proved to be trustworthy. Moving forward, the coaching staff would like to get Hixon more involved in the offense as a wide receiver. He was not a factor in 2007, catching only one pass.
Hixon has good size (6-2) and has the potential to add a long-ball threat to the attack. The Giants are already well stocked at receiver with youngsters Steve Smith, Sinorice Moss and rookie Mario Manningham on the scene behind starters Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer. Plus, Super Bowl hero David Tyree remains on the roster. Hixon is so solid on special teams, however, that force-feeding him into the offense makes sense and it's something the Giants want to explore.
Philadelphia Eagles
Second-year man Stewart Bradley is ready to assume the defense's starting middle linebacker job. He worked exclusively at first-team middle in minicamp after spending most of last season as a backup and contributing on special teams.
Bradley started working out early at the team's headquarters and appeared comfortable running with the first defense and transitioning from reserve to starter. It's important that Bradley knows the defense and understands his position because he will be calling the plays.
He played some middle at the end of last season and showed good speed and great pursuit along with playmaking ability. Bradley sacked Saints quarterback Drew Brees and also intercepted him in his first start. The team released accomplished veteran Takeo Spikes in the offseason to accommodate Bradley's entry into the lineup.
Washington Redskins
H.B. Blades gave a solid performance during minicamp. He is running as the backup middle linebacker, and he appears to be able to get the players around him and in front of him lined up correctly.
Blades showed his versatility last season when he spent time at weakside linebacker, and played capably. Although he is not an overwhelming physical specimen, Blades simply understands the game and the team's defense. He has a knack for getting through traffic and can make tackles from sideline to sideline. He is tough, determined and productive.
Blades won't unseat London Fletcher in the middle this season, but he can be an effective backup at all the linebacker spots and is also a solid special teams player.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:22 AM
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