patchick

For me it's Shawn Crable. Even his big supporters said "situational pass rusher" early in his career: a fast, athletic guy not ready to drop into coverage, and not bulky enough to anchor. But he's looked remarkably comfortable in coverage, and surprisingly strong at the line. And you have to love those long, long arms batting passes out of the sky.

How about you?

PonyExpress

We knew Crable could run; it's his strength that is remarkable. His upper body strength and long arms allow him to stack and shed extremely well for a rookie. He competes against Olinemen and TEs very well, I have yet to see him ragdolled. If he has been physically overmatched, it generally hasn't repeated itself two plays in a row.

One thing I would like to see from Crable is the ability to bend coming off the edge. Most of his impact plays thus far have been pursuit and coverage sacks.

Slater's instincts at FS are eye opening. He comes up lightning fast and does not miss the tackle on the edge. His game speed is noticeably fast, the product not just of his athleticism but his intelligence, decisiveness and ability to judge angles. We know he can catch considering his KO return history and the game against the Ravens, so he may develop into an impact FS.

DefenseRules

Our Entire Rooky class has been a POSITIVE for me. The play of Matthew Slater really surprised me. When we traded up for him, my friends and I all said...Who the F is that? What is BB/Pioli doing? This kid is IMPRESSIVE. His play on Defense during the Giants game was eye opening. I'm rooting for all of them to succeed, but Slater is my Rooky binky.
When the veterans on our team all said how much they liked these kids, and are impressed with their work ethic, that's a VERY POSITIVE SIGN, IMO.

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everlong

His coverage has blown me away. He looks so natural out there. I don't know one person who predicted it, I certainly didn't.

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"When Peyton Manning was a kid he used to go to bed at night and dream about throwing the winning touchdown for the Saints in the Superbowl. And on Sunday he did."

There's only two conclusions for Patriots fans on rookies. They are either a bust or being fitted for their bust in Canton.


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Tyler.Durden

Ray Ventrone in the slot, quick cutting, staccato stepping and good hands.

Wes Welker II.

DSal

The way Slater plays is very impressive. He's a very disciplined player and is not afraid to deliver the hit. He certainly doesn't seem like a rookie.

This entire draft class has been a pleasure to watch.

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Steve Tyler

Tyler.Durden

They are saying Slater has a GREAT attitude. So i hope it takes him far.

mdhprime

I'd have to say Ventrone. His ability to catch and hold on to the ball in traffic was a little Welker like. I am glad it looks like he may get a chance to show something during the regular season (I do wish Welker a speedy return of course!)

BelizePats

The rookie class has been a real pleasant surprise! It still pisses me off that our second 1st was taken away. I'd love ot see who the player wopuld have been. I know, "get over it"!!!

patchick

...let alone one who couldn't make it onto the field in college! After seeing a bit of Slater at safety, it's even more baffling to me that UCLA never found him a position.

I'm thinking he must have spent the offseason at the Wes Welker soccer academy.