HarveyWallbangers
05-15-2006, 03:35 PM
First looks at the NFL's top picks
By Jim Wyatt, Rich Cimini, Tom Silverstein and Kent S - SportingNews
Mario Williams is a myth; his Texans are weeks from their first minicamp of 2006. The Saints' rookies practiced last weekend -- and Reggie Bush tweaked a hammy faster than you can shout, "Trade Deuce!" But four of the most prized young pros in the game have spent quality time on the field with their new teams -- and our NFL correspondents were on hand to see it.
QB Vince Young, Titans. He stood out in the crowd of 33 players at the Titans' rookie orientation, establishing himself as the leader with his actions and outgoing personality. "Even though it was our first day, he was immediately taking control and leading the team," receiver Jonathan Orr said. "I know I was impressed." Outfitted in a red No. 10 jersey, Young showed patience in the pocket and nice touch on some deep balls, although some of his throws were wobbly.
OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Jets. It's hard to grade a lineman in a noncontact camp, but Ferguson displayed quick feet and excellent lateral quickness. He used his long arms to get into the chests of oncoming pass rushers, disrupting their moves and countermoves. Ferguson looked almost gangly -- he's listed at 6-6, 312, which seems inflated -- indicating he might need time to grow into his body.
LB A.J. Hawk, Packers. Hawk lined up on the weak side with the starting defense and showed great speed and determination. He later had the gauntlet dropped at his feet when veteran cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson both fantasized out loud about how much Hawk could help their games.
QB Matt Leinart, Cardinals. He threw tight spirals and had good zip on his passes. His accuracy was decent, but he missed high on several occasions. He was quick to pick up the offense -- at one point, he stepped back from center and corrected a veteran tight end who had not lined up properly.
By Jim Wyatt, Rich Cimini, Tom Silverstein and Kent S - SportingNews
Mario Williams is a myth; his Texans are weeks from their first minicamp of 2006. The Saints' rookies practiced last weekend -- and Reggie Bush tweaked a hammy faster than you can shout, "Trade Deuce!" But four of the most prized young pros in the game have spent quality time on the field with their new teams -- and our NFL correspondents were on hand to see it.
QB Vince Young, Titans. He stood out in the crowd of 33 players at the Titans' rookie orientation, establishing himself as the leader with his actions and outgoing personality. "Even though it was our first day, he was immediately taking control and leading the team," receiver Jonathan Orr said. "I know I was impressed." Outfitted in a red No. 10 jersey, Young showed patience in the pocket and nice touch on some deep balls, although some of his throws were wobbly.
OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Jets. It's hard to grade a lineman in a noncontact camp, but Ferguson displayed quick feet and excellent lateral quickness. He used his long arms to get into the chests of oncoming pass rushers, disrupting their moves and countermoves. Ferguson looked almost gangly -- he's listed at 6-6, 312, which seems inflated -- indicating he might need time to grow into his body.
LB A.J. Hawk, Packers. Hawk lined up on the weak side with the starting defense and showed great speed and determination. He later had the gauntlet dropped at his feet when veteran cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson both fantasized out loud about how much Hawk could help their games.
QB Matt Leinart, Cardinals. He threw tight spirals and had good zip on his passes. His accuracy was decent, but he missed high on several occasions. He was quick to pick up the offense -- at one point, he stepped back from center and corrected a veteran tight end who had not lined up properly.