First Impressions: NFL Rookies Hit Camp

SI Staff | May 17, 2006

First Impressions: NFL Rookies Hit Camp /

First Impressions: NFL Rookies Hit Camp

Mario Williams

The Texans were impressed with Williams after their first practice. There will be a lot of pressure on the No. 1 overall pick, since Houston went against the grain by taking him over Reggie Bush. But new coach Gary Kubiak seems very pleased with the physically impressive Williams.

Reggie Bush

It's already been a tough offseason for Bush. It appears that the NFL will turn down his request to wear number 5, as he did at USC, and he strained his left hamstring and had to leave minicamp practice. The team reportedly was extra-cautious with Bush's injury, which shouldn't amount to much. But despite those setbacks, Bush-mania is running wild in New Orleans, where people are thrilled to have the electric running back.

Vince Young

The Titans QB will be the focus of a reality show on BET as he experiences life in the NFL for the first time. That may be the most action he sees anytime soon. Right now Young is behind Billy Volek and Matt Mauck, assuming Steve McNair will be shipped off to Baltimore or somewhere else before long. This is a key time for Young, who is taking his first snaps under center instead of from the shotgun, as he did in college.

D'Brickashaw Ferguson

Jets coach Eric Mangini said it was hard to tell what he had in Ferguson since their first minicamp wasn't in pads, but Ferguson appears to have a lock on the starting left-tackle job. Some have commented that he looks a little small for an offensive tackle, but the Jets will likely try to bulk him up before the season starts.

A.J. Hawk

Hawk worked out with the Packers' starting unit and will be their weakside linebacker. It wouldn't be surprising if Hawk is expected to be a leader for Green Bay's defense immediately. Brett Favre said that Hawk looks like a "Packer type of guy."

Vernon Davis

Davis is competing with veteran Eric Johnson for the starting tight end job, although the Niners are likely to use plenty of two-tight-end sets. Davis' speed for a big man stood out during the Niners' first minicamp, and he reportedly got in a scuffle with a defensive player, which the coaches must love to see.

Michael Huff

The Raiders placed Huff with the starting team in their first minicamp and used him at various spots in the defensive backfield. The former Texas star got his welcome-to-the-NFL moment when Randy Moss burned him for a touchdown.

Donte Whitner

Whitner looked good in his first minicamp, but because of NFL rules he has to go back to Ohio State, because final exams aren't over there yet. That time away from the team will hurt, but the coaching staff seems to love the hard-hitting safety.

Ernie Sims

Sims looks like the kind of old-school, high-effort guy coach Rod Marinelli is looking for, and didn't collapse after his first set of practices under the drill-sergeant coach.

Matt Leinart

Leinart has gotten more attention than any other rookie in the NFL, because of his budding relationship with Paris Hilton. That can't make the Cardinals happy, but they seemed satisfied with Leinart's performance in minicamp. He threw the ball well and started to pick up the things he needs to know.

Jay Cutler

Cutler has already displayed a strong arm and was throwing tight spirals in practice, although the Broncos have made it clear they really don't want the quarterback out of Vanderbilt to take the field this year.

Haloti Ngata

Coach Brian Billick said Ngata's combination of size and speed is eye-opening. The massive tackle is on track to be a starter for this defense. Ngata, however, will have to miss several workouts, because final exams aren't yet over at Oregon.

Brodrick Bunkley

The Eagles' coaching staff has said all the right things about Bunkley's performance and effort in minicamp. Bunkley has a good chance to either earn a starting spot or see lots of playing time on a defensive line that is weak in the middle.

Tye Hill

Hill might have done just fine at Rams minicamp, but wait until veterans like Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce arrive. Hill should face his toughest assignments in practice. Even though he is a first-round pick, Hill still has to beat out several veterans to earn a starting spot on this team.

Chad Greenway

Greenway got mixed reviews from the Vikings' coaching staff after the first minicamp. They want him to earn a starting spot, but he has worked out with the second and third teams so far.

Bobby Carpenter

The Cowboys seemed excited about Carpenter after the first minicamp. Coach Bill Parcells was impressed with his athleticism, and the former Ohio State standout could become an immediate contributor to Dallas' defense.

Tamba Hali

Hali may not be imposing physically, but his energy stood out at Chiefs minicamp. Many people were surprised that Kansas City took the former Penn State star so high, but all indications are that the Chiefs expect Hali to make an immediate impact rushing the passer.

Laurence Maroney

Maroney reportedly impressed New England's coaching staff with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, which will likely earn him plenty of playing time in the Pats' offense.

Johnathan Joseph

Joseph has already displayed his blazing speed at Bengals minicamp, but it's hard to tell how the South Carolina product will match up against veteran receivers.

Santonio Holmes

Holmes is another Ohio State product who will not be able to attend offseason workouts until final exams are over in early June. That's a shame, because Pittsburgh is going to need Holmes to produce immediately this season. Nevertheless, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had very nice things to say about Holmes after their first minicamp.

DeAngelo Williams

The early returns are positive on Williams. Coach John Fox noted that Williams looked good picking up the blitz, which is now an essential factor for any running back. Since the Panthers weren't in pads, it's too early to tell if the speed and elusiveness Williams displayed in college will translate to the NFL.

Kelly Jennings

Jennings worked out with the second team behind Kelly Herndon. The 29-year-old Herndon suffered a partial tear in his meniscus but was participating in minicamp and looks like he can hold off a challenge from Jennings. The main concern about Jennings is his thin frame (he weighs about 178 pounds), but the `Hawks will have to see him in pads to know if he can handle full contact in the NFL.

Published May 17, 2006

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