Quick Notes on new Wolverines in the NFL

I've been trying to keep up with the rookies in the league to see how they've been doing, and what buzz is out there surrounding them.  A few quick notes below:

De’Veon Smith, Dolphins – Competing in a very crowded backfield, and spent about a week on the PUP list.  Expected to be ready for camp today. Probably a practice squad player or ST contributor this year.

Amara Darboh, Seahwks – Talked about as being the 4^th WR for the Seahawks, getting a lot of praise from Doug Baldwin and Pete Carroll. They love his preparation coming out of Michigan

Delano Hill, Seahawks – Looking good so far, coming in with a lot of rookies and with Kam Chancellor expecting a huge payday, if he plays well, he could save them from giving Kam a lot of money by proving to be the future at the position.

Jeremy Clark, Jets  – likely to sit out this year, but this is the plan and not a path to him getting cut. To be placed on PUP, then practice squad for the rest of the year.  Expect him to compete for a job next season.  

Ben Gedeon, Vikings – competing for the 3^rd starting LB role. Coach Mike Zimmer called him a “throwback” player and a thumper.

Jourdan Lewis, Cowboys – has been getting praise from the Cowboys players this offseason. Dez Bryant has noticed a change in attitude and aggressiveness from the DB’s than in years past, and he attributes it to the rookies. Many Cowboys blogs expect him to earn the starting slot corner role this season.

Taco Charlton, Cowboys – A lot of Cowboys fans were not happy with this pick.  Some of the optimists think he’ll end up as a solid long-term starter for them, but not spectacular and they are ok with that.  Others point to his year by year improvement, and think he will continue to get better. In OTA’s he matched up against Tyron Smith, widely regarded as the best LT in football, and while he got beat more often than not, he’s held his own considering he is a rookie.

Also…if there is any doubt that the Cowboys are the most popular team in America…there shouldn’t be.  The amount of news and blogs about the Cowboys on a daily basis is considerably more than any other team out there.

Jake Butt, Broncos – is still out with his ACL. He is unable to practice for another 4-6 weeks, but has been putting in tremendous time in the film room and is already becoming a fan favorite. A lot of the newspapers and blogs are gushing over him and he’s been listed as the steal of the draft a number of times (by Denver blogs)

Jabrill Peppers, Browns - After a brief delay signing his contract, is with the team. Is likely to do the returning duties, and figures to start on D at some point this  year.  They have A LOT of safeties, and he will probably have some defensive packages featuring him. Also expected to contribute offensively as Hue Jackson continues to look for weapons. Also still hated by half of the Browns fans for his college choice.

Channign Stribling, Browns - In a crowded defensive backfield...excellent cover skills but a liability in the run game. Looking like a practice squad player...basically what we expected.

Chris Wormley, ravens - Will likely start before the end of the season. many are impressed with his positional flexibility and strength. Also Willie Henry could earn a starting spot as well as the Ravens try to get younger on the DL.