The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

July 16 2004

Every season there are some blue-chip rookies that shine in the draft on the field. This read will concentrate on several first-year players who may become game-breakers for their respective teams. Let’s get started with what most talent evaluators consider sure-things, keeping in mind, though, that there are no guarantees.

Robert Gallery, OL, Iowa, 6-7, 320 – 2nd pick overall, Oakland Raiders

This might be the best pick of the decade. The future Hall of Fame left tackle started every game his last 3 years at Iowa. From all accounts, his work ethic and attitude are exemplary. Besides many All-American and All-Big Ten honors, he added the Outland Trophy (Nations best Interior Lineman) to his hope chest after completing his senior season in the Orange Bowl. The fact that he is a natural Tight-End even enhances what he’ll be able to accomplish in the NFL. Opposing defenses better be on the lookout for when he reports as receiver-eligible, possibly in goal-line situations. Known as “The Mountain”, Gallery may be changing his nickname to “The Volcano” once he explodes on the NFL scene.

Sean Taylor, S, Miami (FL), 6-3, 230 – 5th pick overall, Washington Redskins

If Gallery isn’t the pick of the decade then Sean Taylor is. Already being toted as the next Ronnie Lott, this defensive stud is just what new defensive head-honcho Greg Williams ordered. There isn’t anything this guy can’t do on the field. He’s excellent in coverage, has great speed and size, and plays like the immortal LT. Any opposing player who takes a sandwich hit from this Taylor and Skins All-pro LB Lavar Arrington won’t be returning to the field anytime soon. How there weren’t any All-America honors delivered to Taylor eludes me. “ST” shouldn’t have any problems replacing Champ Bailey as one of the enforcers, on what should be, a much improved Washington defense.

Lee Evans, WR, Wisconsin, 5-10, 195 – 13th pick overall, Buffalo Bills

The Bills are always taking chances, looking for under-valued players with huge upsides. Evans was the second consecutive first round pick taken by Buffalo with a previous knee injury (Willis McGahee). He did, however, come back with a vengeance, and had an excellent senior season. Believe it or not, Evans has the second most receiving yards in Big Ten history, even after missing a whole year. He’s got everything except height, but it wasn’t too long ago that Drew Bledsoe helped Troy Brown (5-10, 195) earn a Pro-Bowl nod. New Head Coach Mike Mularkey is praying the offense can return to the likes of 2002 when the Bills made some noise before fading. The addition of Evans to go along with incumbents Eric Moulds and Josh Reed, should help Bledsoe return to the promised land of 30+ yard passes.

Kevin Jones, RB, Virginia Tech, 5-11, 220 – 30th pick overall, Detroit Lions

The next Barry Sanders? How about going into camp with those expectations? A little taller and heavier than Sanders, Jones will be expected to carry the load on running plays. That’s if Offensive Coordinator Sherman Lewis chooses to call any. With Joey Harrington throwing to Charles Rogers and Roy Williams who needs the run? Olandis Gary is on the roster, but he’s gained only 839 yards in the last 4 years after his sensational rookie campaign with Denver (1,159 yards). This roadrunner has in the best possible scenario to build on his success in Hokeytown and become the new King of the Jungle in the Motor City.

Ben Watson, TE, Georgia, 6-3, 255 – 32nd pick overall, New England Patriots

The fact that New England took a TE with a 1st round pick two years removed from taking Daniel Graham lays the groundwork for their offensive game plan moving forward. With the OL being the squads’ only weakness (some may argue that LB and WR should be included) stockpiling tight ends makes sense. Many offenses overcome line troubles by book ending big powerful ends. Since Watson and Graham fit that bill, look out for short, across the middle routes and bull runs afterwards. He may not have the star power of Jeremy Shockey or fellow rookie Kellen Winslow Jr., but who on New England does?

Chris Snee, G, Boston College, 6-2, 315 – 34th pick overall, New York Giants

Chris joins a team that needed OL help desperately. To say Kerry Collins was pummeled at QB last year would be an understatement. The Giants can’t afford to have that happen to the new Messiah, Eli Manning. First-year Head Coach Tom Coughlin looked into his past and remembered the rich tradition of Offensive Lineman coming out of BC. We’ll also see how much family bonding plays into this professional relationship. Snee has fathered a son with Couglin’s daughter, and they plan to marry soon. Hopefully, Snee will work hard on his pass protection and as long as he isn’t asked to anchor the line in Week 1, he’ll work out just fine for a high second round pick.

Check in next week for the players who have the best chance of becoming this years Rookie busts. So far I’ve targeted Philip Rivers, DeAngelo Hall, Steven Jackson, and Julius Jones. Let me know what you think!

Justice Hog wrote:Funny.....KW Jr. didn't make the list. Can't say I'm not surprised.

Check in next week for the players who have the best chance of becoming this years Rookie busts.

1niksder wrote:

Justice Hog wrote:Funny.....KW Jr. didn't make the list. Can't say I'm not surprised.

Yeah I think he might be on next weeks list

Check in next week for the players who have the best chance of becoming this years Rookie busts.

Non-Impact Rookies: Who will they be?
By PFC Columnist John Schlupf

July 21 2004

Every season there are some blue-chip rookies that shine in the draft, but not on the field. This read will concentrate on several first-year players who might initially have a hard time making the grade. Expectations are sometimes so high that they are impossible to meet. Like this article winning the Pulitzer Prize for journalism. These guys have a better shot of becoming Rookie of the Year, Super Bowl MVP, even President of the United States before that happens. Let’s take a closer look at a few first year players whom all eyes will be on.

Philip Rivers, QB, North Carolina State, 6-4, 225 – 4th pick overall, San Diego Chargers

The second leading passer in NCAA history could have a hard time taking the San Diego to the next level. What I really mean is the next-next level as we are talking about the Chargers here. Can Rivers accomplish what Drew Brees couldn’t? The ACC Player-of-the-Year might be thrown right to the wolves without much of a mentor to show him the ropes. Dougie has been a soldier in San Diego so far, but he might be growing tired, at 41, of bringing on yet another savior. Flutie also epitomizes the mobile quarterback, something Rivers doesn’t plan on being. If Schottenheimer and A.J. Smith don’t draft a QB next year, then his year will have been considered a success.

DeAngelo Hall, CB, Virginia Tech, 5-10, 200 – 8th pick overall, Atlanta Falcons

I’ve based DeAngelo possibly having troubles in the NFL due to his size, (and one game seen defending Larry Fitzgerald) but didn’t take into account his leaping ability. Small corners are having a harder and harder time becoming big-time playmakers these days. Hall will have trouble reading complex defensive schemes, and chances are will get knocked off the line by physical receivers. The referees are supposed to take a closer look at line of scrimmage play by DB’s this year too. However, since these “negatives” are all perceived, we’ll be keeping an eye on this top pick to see if he can near Michael Vick superhero status. A reader TK wonders if Hall (who also is a return man) will wear his cape during the game or have to take it off. Falcon fans hope there is a phone booth inside the Georgia Dome big enough for him and Vick.

Steven Jackson, RB, Oregon State, 6-2, 235 – 24th pick overall, St. Louis Rams

This guy dropped faster in the draft than Dubya’s poll ratings after yet another intelligence faux pas in Iraq. Jackson has the body and the skills to be the complete all-purpose back he was with the Beavers. Why then did he slide so much? Could it be skepticism on his open field athleticism? It couldn’t be his power running or receiving. Could it be an injury scare, or blocking ability? You generally don’t see what many consider a franchise back to be downgraded for blocking shortcomings. Maybe it’s the comparisons to Miami’s Ricky Williams? Jackson’s best bet will be to get a lot of carries early in the season. Is this possible with Marshall Faulk still carrying most of the Ram load? Lots of questions, not many answers.


Julian Jones, RB, Notre Dame, 5-9, 220 – 43rd pick overall, Dallas Cowboys

Jones is here because there is more information available on 2nd year Carolina Panther DB Julian Jones then there is for this soon to be Cowboy with the same name. The Cowboys definitely need a top-flight back. Why The Tuna passed on Kevin Jones and Steven Jackson remains to be seen. He must know something we all don’t, but we knew that. Parcells prides himself on locating draft gems so this must be another diamond in the rough. If there are any Irish out there who can vouch for this guy being what the Cowboys need, then let me know.


That concludes The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of rookie articles. Since it’s just not fair to use the word bust before anyone has played an NFL down, I’ve re-categorized these rooks as ones who possibly will have a hard time meeting expectations. Many times a first year player’s success is based on their environment, coaching, depth-chart at position, and other intangibles. It sure will be fun though checking on these freshmen after the first few months of the season. Let’s re-group then, and circle back on these predictions.