Took a look at some rookies and bubble players in the all-22, at least the ones I cared about. Of course, they are playing mainly against guys going to get cut so all with a grain of salt.
-Crownover: As mentioned he looks the part. Arm length is obvious, size is great. If he was younger, I could see him developing into a starter, as an older rookie I think swing tackle is more likely but tackles is a position that players develop later so you never know. Sometimes gets too high in stance. Holding call was bull crap call on him. Should have been hands to face by defender, actually 3 different times that should have been called.
-Namdi Obiazor: The rookie winner of the game. Again, an older prospect at 24. Led team in tackles, had 1 chance at another that he didn't make but not really a missed tackle due to the angle. Overall, he took good angles, got off blocks, wrapped up well. Occasionally could have been better diagnosing. Was very impressive in coverage for a LB tho limited plays and against backups. Clearly best player on the defense last night IMO.
-Gabe Jacas: Did not do much but was his best game, that's how underwhelming he's been. Limited snaps and limited opportunities to do much but looked more comfortable, showed a little more quickness and just seemed to react quicker. Did allow QB around the edge again on 1 play tho questionable if it was really his responsibility there. Missing all that time in the off season shows, slight uptick though so maybe by game 5 he'll contribute?
-Kindle Vildor: Limited snaps, played much less than Woods or Prunty seems to indicate he made the team? Got completely turned around going the wrong way on one play and had the DPI, otherwise was fine. Patriots played a ton of zone in this game, harder to judge CB's. 2 very bad plays stand out though.
-Charles Woods: On the bubble and clearly passed by Vildor. He wasn't good in limited snaps last year and not been good in pre season games.
-Karon Prunty: Got beat twice on similar plays, down the fields stutter step, jam, in-cut. The TD was worse because there was never contact, on the first one there was at least some contact by WR before he made the cut. Again played a lot of zone, had one mixup in zone coverage, I think he properly switched and the other cb did not but hard to tell, either way left guy wide open. I like Prunty, he's a keeper IMO. Like him better than Vildor or Woods. Just a question if Pats keep Woods, if they do Vildor or Prunty are going to be practice squad. I am personally not seeing why Woods deserves it over Prunty and Vildor, at least those two are raw and have potential.
-Lomu: Only 9 offensive snaps but looked good. His athleticism jumps out. While Crownover was more impressive last week overall, his lack of quickness will keep him from reaching the potential of someone like Lomu. This season will be Lomu at swing tackle and RT when Moses needs a spell. If Campbell struggles, he will eventually move to guard and Lomu to LT, though Lomu really needs a full off season to do that I think. Otherwise, next season he becomes the RT starter. He has impressive athletic skills that you don't see with most tackles. IF Campbell can do the LT job, Pats are set up well with some young tackles.
