Category: Rookie Notes

Nick Foles outplays Brandon Weeden

Browns, Eagles, Rookie Notes
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Philadelphia Eagles rookie quarterback Nick Foles outplayed Cleveland Browns rookie Brandon Weeden on Friday night, and it wasn’t all that close.

Source: Matt Sullivan/Getty Images North America

Weeden struggled against the Eagles

Weeden fumbled twice while completing just 9 of his 20 pass attempts. Weeden also did not appear to be on the same page as his No. 1 receiver, completing just one of fourpasses aimed at Greg Little. Both Weeden and Little were visibly frustrated on the field due to their miscommunications on two of the incompletions.

The issue with Weeden was handling Philadelphia’s pass rush, which brought consistent pressure and forced Weeden into multiple mistakes.

Foles, on the other hand, exceeded expectations and likely made Andy Reid feel very comfortable about his quarterback situation. Foles was expected to be Philly’s third string quarterback behind Mike Vick and Mike Kafka, but could now push Kafka for the backup job.

Against the Browns Foles looked poised under pressure, especially for a rookie, and completed 12 of 19 passes for 146 yards.

Leonard Johnson not expected to make Buccaneers roster

Buccaneers, Rookie Notes
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According to Patrick Southern of CBS Sports, undrafted free agent Leonard Johnson is not expected to make the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 53-man roster.

Johnson was initially projected as a potential Day 2 pick in the early stages of the draft process, but his stock plummeted after a poor showing at the combine. He remained one of the most physical defensive backs in the 2012 draft class, however, so it came as a surprise when he went undrafted. He will likely end up on the Bucs practice squad if he isn’t picked up by another team.

Jeff Demps participates in first Patriots practice

Patriots, Rookie Notes
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The New England Patriots added a potentially dangerous weapon to their offense last week by signing undrafted free agent Jeff Demps, fresh off his Olympic performance. On Wednesday, Demps participated in practice for the first time.

While Demps was on the field, he played a small role in practice and acknowledged he still has a long way to go: “I haven’t touched a football since [January]. Today is my first time, so I have a long way to go, but I just want to come out each and every day and work hard.”

It would seem unlikely that we’ll see Demps in a significant role early in the season, but if the Patriots are interested in using him strictly as a return specialist it may not take long for him to get back up to speed.

Bobby Wagner set to start for Seahawks

Rookie Notes, Seahawks
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Seattle Seahawks 2nd-round pick Bobby Wagner is expected to take over the starting role at middle linebacker. He had been in a close competition with veteran Barrett Ruud, but the Seahawks dealt Ruud to New Orleans on Tuesday. Wagner’s backup will be veterans Heath Farwell and/or Matt McCoy.

Wagner was a four-year starter at Utah State and a team captain during his junior and senior years. Pete Carroll has reportedly been impressed with his work ethic and it sounds as though he’s at the beginning of a promising career in Seattle.

Rookies competing for Vikings punt return job

Rookie Notes
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Four players are reportedly in the mix to win the Minnesota Vikings punt return job, including rookies Jarius Wright and Josh Robinson.

Vikings special teams coach Miek Priefer offered this insight into where each players stands:

The guy I’m most comfortable with would be Marcus [Sherels], because he’s done it before and he’s very sure-handed. Josh has got some juice to him, as you’ve seen on defense as well. [Bryan] Walters has been there before, and Jarius is kind of in the developmental stage right now, to be honest with you.”

Considering the Vikings aren’t likely to compete this year, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them test multiple players in this role during the regular season until they find their long-term guy.