Reiss Blog: Rookie Report

[DefenseRules]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

LB Jerod Mayo (1st round) -- Takes control when called upon in sub packages. Shows a little bit of everything a team would want in a linebacker -- power (in rush drills), speed (in 11-on-11 work, covering a RB), and smarts (leading the defense).

CB Terrence Wheatley (2nd round) -- Has shown speed and ability to change directions, while not backing down from the challenge of facing Randy Moss. The recent absence of Jason Webster has elevated him to the first unit, and he hasn't backed down.

OLB Shawn Crable (3rd round) -- His pure physical presence (6-5, 243) makes him stand out among the crowd, and he's shown up in pass-rush work (several pressures, a deflection) coming off the defensive right side.

QB Kevin O'Connell (3rd round) -- Has been the fourth quarterback to take part in drills, but in the limited 11-on-11 full-team work in which he's participated, he's shown signs of promise.

CB Jonathan Wilhite (4th round) -- Most recently has been working in the slot and showed up in the kicking game as a gunner at a recent practice.

WR/S/KR Matthew Slater (5th round) -- Has seemingly worked more at receiver than safety, and is one of the faster players on the field, which is seen in kickoff return work.

The kids appear to be doing well, ESPECIALLY Mayo. BB/Pioli knew what they were doing when they drafted him. I can't wait to see him in a game.

When they traded up to pick Slater, I thought WTF. I was hoping for another linebacker in that spot. I'll tell you what, I haven't heard ONE, NOT ONE negative thing about this kid's ability on the field so far.

Poor Wheatley. BB has thrown him deep into the fire making the poor kid cover Moss. LOL, it's just not fair. But hey if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. It must be an eye opening experience for him, and Moss has shown him NO MERCY.

I will be watching Mayo, Slater and Wheatley very closely in our first preseason game. I'll be watching the others too, but those are the three rookies that I'm anxious to see in a real game.

 

[BradyManny]

Yup, I'm wicked excited about the rookies, so far - as most of the stuff coming from the various blogs, not just Reiss here, has been positive.

I also love that Wheatley has to go up against Moss.

 

[363839]

It will make Wheatly that much more effective when he faces a lesser receiver( every other NFL receiver) than Moss.

 

[bradmahn]

It will make Wheatly that much more effective when he faces a lesser receiver( every other NFL receiver) than Moss.

It's only been a week, but this looks to be a very promising draft class. Very exciting and I can't wait to see them in real uniforms and on the playing field.

 

[WhiZa]

It will make Wheatly that much more effective when he faces a lesser receiver( every other NFL receiver) than Moss.

Considering Jerricho Cotchery, Josh Reed, and Ted Ginn would all be #4 WRs on the Pats, Wheatly should have it easy on Sundays

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

make him cover welker. that will make wheatley's head spin

 

[tombonneau]

Agree, this rookie class looks special so far. And frankly, the Pats needed to hit a home run with this class to infuse some key positions with much-needed youth. Hopefully it translates to the field.

Really, the only non-factor so far is Ruud, which with such a late pick is not a big deal.

If Mayo, Crable & Wheatley pan out as above-average starters, the D is set for the next 5 years.

 

[PonyExpress]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/




The kids appear to be doing well, ESPECIALLY Mayo. BB/Pioli knew what they were doing when they drafted him. I can't wait to see him in a game.

When they traded up to pick Slater, I thought WTF. I was hoping for another linebacker in that spot. I'll tell you what, I haven't heard ONE, NOT ONE negative thing about this kid's ability on the field so far.

Poor Wheatley. BB has thrown him deep into the fire making the poor kid cover Moss. LOL, it's just not fair. But hey if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. It must be an eye opening experience for him, and Moss has shown him NO MERCY.

I will be watching Mayo, Slater and Wheatley very closely in our first preseason game. I'll be watching the others too, but those are the three rookies that I'm anxious to see in a real game.

Don't forget Crable! The Dookfish had great things to say about him...

 

[Leave No Doubt]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/




The kids appear to be doing well, ESPECIALLY Mayo. BB/Pioli knew what they were doing when they drafted him. I can't wait to see him in a game.

When they traded up to pick Slater, I thought WTF. I was hoping for another linebacker in that spot. I'll tell you what, I haven't heard ONE, NOT ONE negative thing about this kid's ability on the field so far.

Poor Wheatley. BB has thrown him deep into the fire making the poor kid cover Moss. LOL, it's just not fair. But hey if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. It must be an eye opening experience for him, and Moss has shown him NO MERCY.

I will be watching Mayo, Slater and Wheatley very closely in our first preseason game. I'll be watching the others too, but those are the three rookies that I'm anxious to see in a real game.

This is all good, all good:rocker: If a rookie can cover Moss, even just "pretty well", he is very good indeed. I'm SO psyched

 

[SHOWTIME15]

It will make Wheatly that much more effective when he faces a lesser receiver( every other NFL receiver) than Moss.

like marvin harrison