http://www.azcardinals.com/press/pressdetails.php?sid=1245
Pasch Reviews Rookie Mini Camp
By Cardinals play-by-play voice Dave Pasch.
DE Calvin Pace:
Imagine having to learn a foreign language in less than a week, then give a presentation to a large panel speaking in your new tongue. Sound difficult? Now you know how challenging NFL rookie mini-camp is. First year players go through a rigorous training process in the classroom and then try to employ what they've learned on the field. At least they don't feel lonely. However, that's about to change next week when the veterans arrive. It's one thing to go one-on-one against another guy who is also learning the ropes, but another to go man-on-man against a well schooled veteran. Despite that disclaimer, there are some major positives to take away from this rookie camp. Let's examine some of them.
Despite missing the first mini camp, first-round draft choice Bryant Johnson (WR-Penn State) seemingly picks things up quickly. He also looks the part in pads. Big upper body and big legs for a guy 6-2. He looks a little like Frank Sanders. Johnson catches the ball well, has good speed, and is a fluid runner. He also catches punts and tracks the ball in the air very well.
First-round pick Calvin Pace (DE-Wake Forest) has quick feet, he's strong, and gets off the line quickly. When the ball is snapped, he's already moving. Plus, he's smart and has a chip on his shoulder. He also has a good inside move and moves his hips well to cut the corner. Watching Pace work in zone-blitz drills, he looks like a receiver going out for a pass--very athletic, and fluid. You can see why the Cardinals are very high on him.
Second-round selection Anquan Boldin (WR-Florida State) has got some serious potential and diversity. He is big and faster than he looks. He explodes out of his breaks and has quick feet. Boldin has great hands and can make the first defender miss. Boldin intrigues the coaching staff because he could be a sensational punt returner and/or kick returner. Both Boldin and Johnson are very hard workers.
Third-round pick Gerald Hayes (LB-Pittsburgh) has some quickness and moves well laterally. He was a great tackler in college. His biggest adjustment will be going from playing MLB in a lot of 8 man fronts at Pitt, to being an OLB in a 4-3 scheme. The coaches are happy with his progress, and don't think the transition will be a problem. The coaches like the fact that he's in the ready position (knees bent) at all times. He is a big hitter, who really drives through the ball carrier.
Fifth-round selection Kenny King (DE/DT-Alabama) has a great motor and also moves quickly for a 285-pound guy.
Sixth-round draft choice Reggie Wells (OT-Clarion) moves well, and due to his quickness can match up against an outside speed rusher. I know of two other teams who were disappointed to see Wells selected before they were able to pick him. Another sixth-round pick, Tony Gilbert (MLB-Georgia) is very instinctive, has a business like attitude, and like Hayes, was a very productive college football player.
There are some intriguing undrafted rookies as well, including Lorenzo Diamond (TE-Auburn), who has quickness, and Lawrence Hamilton (WR-Stephen F. Austin), who has good speed and size (6-3, 204 lbs).
Rookie WR Anquan Boldin:
Pasch Reviews Rookie Mini Camp
By Cardinals play-by-play voice Dave Pasch.
DE Calvin Pace:
You must be registered for see images
Imagine having to learn a foreign language in less than a week, then give a presentation to a large panel speaking in your new tongue. Sound difficult? Now you know how challenging NFL rookie mini-camp is. First year players go through a rigorous training process in the classroom and then try to employ what they've learned on the field. At least they don't feel lonely. However, that's about to change next week when the veterans arrive. It's one thing to go one-on-one against another guy who is also learning the ropes, but another to go man-on-man against a well schooled veteran. Despite that disclaimer, there are some major positives to take away from this rookie camp. Let's examine some of them.
Despite missing the first mini camp, first-round draft choice Bryant Johnson (WR-Penn State) seemingly picks things up quickly. He also looks the part in pads. Big upper body and big legs for a guy 6-2. He looks a little like Frank Sanders. Johnson catches the ball well, has good speed, and is a fluid runner. He also catches punts and tracks the ball in the air very well.
First-round pick Calvin Pace (DE-Wake Forest) has quick feet, he's strong, and gets off the line quickly. When the ball is snapped, he's already moving. Plus, he's smart and has a chip on his shoulder. He also has a good inside move and moves his hips well to cut the corner. Watching Pace work in zone-blitz drills, he looks like a receiver going out for a pass--very athletic, and fluid. You can see why the Cardinals are very high on him.
Second-round selection Anquan Boldin (WR-Florida State) has got some serious potential and diversity. He is big and faster than he looks. He explodes out of his breaks and has quick feet. Boldin has great hands and can make the first defender miss. Boldin intrigues the coaching staff because he could be a sensational punt returner and/or kick returner. Both Boldin and Johnson are very hard workers.
Third-round pick Gerald Hayes (LB-Pittsburgh) has some quickness and moves well laterally. He was a great tackler in college. His biggest adjustment will be going from playing MLB in a lot of 8 man fronts at Pitt, to being an OLB in a 4-3 scheme. The coaches are happy with his progress, and don't think the transition will be a problem. The coaches like the fact that he's in the ready position (knees bent) at all times. He is a big hitter, who really drives through the ball carrier.
Fifth-round selection Kenny King (DE/DT-Alabama) has a great motor and also moves quickly for a 285-pound guy.
Sixth-round draft choice Reggie Wells (OT-Clarion) moves well, and due to his quickness can match up against an outside speed rusher. I know of two other teams who were disappointed to see Wells selected before they were able to pick him. Another sixth-round pick, Tony Gilbert (MLB-Georgia) is very instinctive, has a business like attitude, and like Hayes, was a very productive college football player.
There are some intriguing undrafted rookies as well, including Lorenzo Diamond (TE-Auburn), who has quickness, and Lawrence Hamilton (WR-Stephen F. Austin), who has good speed and size (6-3, 204 lbs).
Rookie WR Anquan Boldin:
You must be registered for see images
