Training Camp Studs and Duds

[nobodyinparticular]

Every year team have players who break out with incredible training camp performances and players who flop like a fish out of water.

For the Raiders the past 3 years, Darren McFadden always made the defense look slow when running plays in shirts and no pads. He is up to more of the same this year. But he's not the TC stud of the year for the Raiders...

Stud: WR (5th round rookie) Denarious Moore is putting on a clinic so far in camp. Moore has not taken a day off as Raider TC Stud as he is constantly flying down the field for deep passes or coming across the middle on short routes. He may end up speeding his way into the starting lineup. If he and Ford start fir the Raiders, Oakland may have the fastest pair of starting WRs in the league.

Dud: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey Has been almost non-existent in training camp thus far. It took DHB a week just to get into camp and even after arriving in Napa he has hardly participated in any practices. According to Coach Jackson, the Raiders receiver has some form of an injury, but neither party will disclose the type or severity of the injury and beat writers in camp have not witnessed any limps, taped limbs or other signs of medical attention. After he was drafted number seven overall, this was the year DHB needed to step up. To this point the much maligned receiver has not taken the first steps toward a breakout year, thus earning the designation as the Raiders' TC Dud.

Who are the TC Studs and Duds for your teams?

[BufFan71]

Buffalo

Stud: Stevie Johnson/Shawn Merriman


Dud: Aaron Maybin- Can someone please explain to me why hes still in an NFL uniform
He hasnt made one play so far in TC

[Matthew Jones]

Originally Posted by BufFan71

Buffalo

Stud: Stevie Johnson/Shawn Merriman


Dud: Aaron Maybin- Can someone please explain to me why hes still in an NFL uniform
He hasnt made one play so far in TC

Shawne Merriman has been a stud for the Bills? Wow. Is it because their offensive line is incredibly weak, or what?

For the Patriots:

Studs: Taylor Price, Rob Gronkowski, Brandon Spikes

Dud: Jermaine Cunningham

[Go_Eagles77]

Stud: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - I've been to camp twice so far and I haven't seen DRC get beat once. Granted, neither Jackson or Maclin has been in camp but he makes covering the WRs we do have look effortless. Has the speed to run with everyone and the size to go up and either bat the ball away or pick it off whenever it gets near him. Still can't believe this is our 3rd best CB.

Dud: Vince Young - Has thrown multiple picks (including one to Nnamdi) and is just overall not looking very accurate. Again, granted, he's not playing with first string guys and he's new to the system but he just looks lost most of the time.

[YAYareaRB]

They wrote an article about the guys that are impressing in TC.

http://www.examiner.com/san-francisc...k-of-practices

- WR Chris Hogan (#5)
Hogan has been one of the most impressive wide receivers that I've seen during camp. The undrafted rookie out of Monmouth has played consistently throughout the practices and had a very impressive outing on Friday, topped off with a 50-yard diving catch during the two-minute drill.

- QB Colin Kaepernick (#7)
Kaepernick is the wild card. When he was the top quarterback last week, he had an amazing zip to his throws and looked to be progressing well. But when Alex Smith came back in, Kaepernick's accuracy was a little off and he didn't seem to have a good grip on the short quick passes.

- WR Kevin Jurovich (#14)
Jurovich could become the team's fourth wide receiver. Having studied the playbook the entire off-season, he has shown his knowledge on the field with a great amount of consistency.

- CB Tramaine Brock (#26)
With Shawntae Spencer nursing a hamstring injury, Brock has stepped up as a ballhawk during camp. He's taking advantage of this opportunity and so far, has looked pretty good at it. He ended Thursday's two-minute drill with a pick six.

- S Reggie Smith (#30)
With the team's first offense, Smith has had his shares of interceptions and that might be what secures a starting spot for him. So far in camp, his ability to target in on the ball is what has stood out so far.

- RB Kendall Hunter (#32)
The backup running back job is up in the air and Hunter has emerged as the top choice right now. He's not too far ahead of Anthony Dixon, but Hunter's cuts at the line have been much more fluid. It's still an early camp battle, so we'll see if he can maintain his play.

- LB Larry Grant (#54)
On Friday, Grant was everywhere on the field. He was closing in on running backsand knocking down passes. His play could earn him a backup role.

- NT Ian Williams (#64)
At this pace, the undrafted rookie will be a lock on the roster. He has impressed me with his pressure with the second team and he continues to hold his own at the line. Williams was a late-round hopeful and the 49ers picked up a steal when they signed. He will be a solid backup if he continues to play like this.

- TE Vernon Davis (#85)
The team's top aerial threat in a tight end-happy offense. Of course Davis would stand out and he has made his quarterbacks look good.

- WR Ronald Johnson (#88)
The rookie has shown solid hands and has emerged as a receiver worth taking note of throughout camp. His footwork has also been impressive, which could help elevate his chances of moving up the depth chart.

- LB Aldon Smith (#99)
Every day, Smith continues to impress with his pressure on the quarterback. And with his long arms, he bats down passes with ease. At this pace, he could very well earn himself a starting job soon and make fans forget about the last player to wear his number.

- Head coach Jim Harbaugh
During practices, he has punted the ball, caught the ball, thrown the ball, blocked on a running play and even played imitated a shutdown cornerback. His hands on approach has helped the players understand and engage into the new scheme.

[BufFan71]

Originally Posted by RavenOfProphecy

Shawne Merriman has been a stud for the Bills? Wow. Is it because their offensive line is incredibly weak, or what?

its not only him causing pressure in the backfield, but hes also been making impact plays, like recovering fumbles, tipped passes.

Our offensive line isnt as weak as the media thinks.

we are solid at every position except RG

[phlysac]

Stud - Aldon Smith
It's been written about ad nauseum. I'm glade the article above mentioned others.

Dud - Taylor Mays
I have no confirmation of his failures on the field in camp, but he went from running with the 1st-team opening week, to now only getting partial reps with the 3rd team.

[cvv84]

Studs:

B.J. Raji - Dominating in one on one drills

Randall Cobb (R) - Showing explosiveness early on

James Starks - Really coming on, looks better than Grant

Duds:

Brandon Underwood - Can't seem to take advantage of his opportunities

Charlie Peprah - Finished season as the starter but Morgan Burnett has been starting in camp

Lawrence Guy (R) - Tools are there but he's raw and a project

Guys who've vastly improved:

Bryan Bulaga - Looks alot better and stronger than last year. He beat the Claymaker a few times during one on ones

Erik Walden - Gives opposing tackles all he's got, could be a sleeper starter at OLB

Rookies to look out for:

Davon House (R) - Had really started to come on until a hamstring injury. Could be our dimeback this year with potential for more.

Derek Sherrod (R) - We're playing him at LG but he's a natural tackle. I think we have a keeper here.

Chris Campbell (R) - Playing OT for us, holding his own, a little project but could have come potential future to him.

[vidae]

STUDS:

Eric Berry
Dexter McCluster
Jeremy Horne
Jon Asamoah

DUDS:

Tyson Jackson. Ugh. Ugh ugh ugh. fml.

[SchizophrenicBatman]

The Panthers media is hyping up Armanti Edwards

But the Panthers media is nothing more than a shill arm extension of the Panthers so I'm not sure what to read into that

[V.I.P]

Studs: Mike Williams

Duds: Aqib Talib (probably still covering from hip injury, or Mike is to beastly)

[billybeejr]

Originally Posted by V-I-P

Studs: Mike Williams

Duds: Aqib Talib (probably still covering from hip injury, or Mike is to beastly)

Talib is in camp? What happened to the murder charge? Wasn't he supposed to get suspended?

[V.I.P]

Originally Posted by billybeejr

Talib is in camp? What happened to the murder charge? Wasn't he supposed to get suspended?

Yes Talib is at camp, his trial is set for March '12. I'm thinking he can't get suspended till then right? Hopefully he gets acquitted :)

[Hines]

Studs:

Baron Batch
Antonio Brown
Weslye Saunders
Stevenson Sylvester
Chris Carter


Duds:

Limas Sweed- Dude has been hurt all camp.

[cmarq83]

It's already been mentioned, but Rob Gronkowski is dominating TC so far. He's been making everyone look like a fool, even our best DB's McCourty and Chung.

Here is some snippets from Training Camp Reports:

Rob Gronkowski continued to excel in the red zone, hauling in a couple touchdowns in the back right corner of the end zone from Brady. After each one he ran over to the Patriots Charitable Foundation tent in that area of the field and celebrated with a few high-fives with excited fans.

TE Rob Gronkowski, once again, was unguardable running pass routes against linebacker coverage. He ran great routes, got open with nice juke moves, and caught everything thrown his way, even with ‘backers sometimes draped all over him.

Gronkowski ran an up-and-out pattern from the right side, with linebacker Gary Guyton providing the tightest possible coverage. But Brady dropped a precision strike over Guyton’s head, which Gronk softly cradled to his body, leaving Guyton flailing on the ground. Gronk then turn upfield in front of the stands on the right sideline, drawing huge cheers from the masses. Would’ve been a gain of at least 40 yards, as safety Brandon Meriweather gave chase at the end.

Gronkowski was one of the biggest stars of the practice, displaying his incredible hands throughout the various red zone segments. In one red zone drill he almost toyed with Patrick Chung before beating him for the touchdown. At this very early point he looks ready to pick off where he left off as a rookie.

Rob Gronkowski dominated red zone drills. It seems that he and Tom Brady have picked up where they left off last year.

– TE Rob Gronkowski is a beast. Ask Gary Guyton or Dane Fletcher about that. Gronk crushed both with nasty blocks in drills. Considering how stellar he’s looked catching the ball, he could be primed for a huge year.

On more than one occasion there were some instances that caught the eye. One came when Rob Gronkowski, who has been the best player in camp thus far, absolutely buried defensive end Mark Anderson on a sweep. The tight end locked in on the newcomer, who was signed earlier in the day, knocking him back several yards before finishing with a pancake block that drew some cheers – both from the crowd and his offensive teammates. Gronk rose to his feet enthusiastically before receiving kudos from his fellow tight ends and receivers.

So yeah

Duds:
Jermaine Cunningham has been blocked by pretty much everyone. Not a good sign for an already severely lacking Patriots pass rush.

[M.O.T.H.]

Younger Studs:

RB Felix Jones
RB Lonyae Miller
TE Martellus Bennett
WR Dez Bryant
WR Raymond Radway
WR Lyle Leong
OLB Victor Butler
OLB Brandon Williams
OLB Alex Albright

Veteran Studs:

NT Jay Ratliff
OLB Demarcus Ware
S Abram Elam

Duds:

K David Buehler (Terribly inconsistent from all distances)
WR Teddy Williams (Track guy, he's not a football player)
DB Terence Newman (Injured)
OT Sam Young (Potential swing tackle, who has been getting destroyed in camp)

[devinhester=R.O.Y 2006]

Originally Posted by Go_Eagles77

Dud: Vince Young - Has thrown multiple picks (including one to Nnamdi) and is just overall not looking very accurate. Again, granted, he's not playing with first string guys and he's new to the system but he just looks lost most of the time.

I hope the Eagles keep Kafka as their #2.

[bornnraisedwhodat]

Went to Saints TC yesterday. Here are my observations of some of the rookies:

Studs:

Mark Ingram. The dude is a freakin tank out there. We havent had a back of his physicality since Duece in his prime. The kid is catching on fast and has been running with the 1's. He makes some decisive cuts and seems to love contact. Him and FS Malcolm Jenkins have been battling it out in the secondary. His immediate burst is amazing. I know his 40 time wasnt spectacular but when he comes through the hole he comes thru like a frieght train. He is showing some great vision and balance. If he remains healthy the guy could have an awesome year. Pierre Thomas is still the clear cut starter but look for Ingram to be the main bell cow.

Johnny Patrick CB: I am pleasantly suprised with how he has been in camp. He shows good ball awareness, great fluid hips, and has shown that he is capable of sticking his nose in there for the tackle, something that was a knock on hiim coming out of Louisville. Gregg Williams is throwing a lot at him so you can tell his head is spinning, but he is coming along very well considered this is the 1st week of TC. He has been running with the 1's and 2's since Tracy Porter is out with a knee.

Cam Jordan DE: He's only been in camp a few days, but watching makes me wonder how he fell to #24. Dude seems to be catching on fast and has been abusing some of the offensive linemen on the 2nd and 3rd teams. He shows good hustle getting to the ball, and is real physical once meeting the ball carrier. It will be interesting to see how he does when he works with more of the starters.

Jarred Fayson WR: We got him in UDFA, and this kid has done nothing but catch everything. He is physical and has run some crisp routes. Hes got a lot of praise from teammates and coaches. It will still be tough for him to crack a deep WR corps but if he excells in special teams, we will find a way to keep him on the 53.

Martez Wilson SLB: Gregg Williams has been all over Tez at camp, but that is a good thing. GW is hard on rookies and i imagine Tez's head is spinning right now. But just from an I test, I love what I see. The kid gets to the ball super fast and has some good read and reaction. He has surprisingly looked damn good in coverage and has shown a nack for the ball. I expect him to push hard for playing time.

Duds:

Greg Romeus DE: He hasnt practiced but that was expected with him rehabbing injuries.

Nate Bussey WLB: Special teams guy at best.

[TitanHope]

Studs: Rookie OLB Akeem Ayers has been a force, and has been the best LB in TC. In fact, it's him who has cemented himself as a starter (likely at SLB), and veterans in Will Witherspoon and Gerald McRath (both starters last year) are the ones battling it out for the WLB spot.

Duds: CB Cortland Finnegan and RB Chris Johnson - hold outs. As well as the interior OL, which has been getting beat by Jurrell Casey, a rookie 3rd RD pick.

[V.I.P]

...or maybe Jurrell Casey is just a stud :D

[DoughBoy]

Originally Posted by V-I-P

...or maybe Jurrell Casey is just a stud :D

probably a little of both.

[Bob Sanders Dreadlock]

Originally Posted by SchizophrenicBatman

The Panthers media is hyping up Armanti Edwards

But the Panthers media is nothing more than a shill arm extension of the Panthers so I'm not sure what to read into that

As QB, receiver, or??

[yo123]

I like how most people's studs list is like 3 times as long as their duds list, and all of the duds are injured.

Gotta love training camp.

Also-

Studs- Jaymar Johnson, Michael Jenkins, Jared Allen
Duds- Entire offensive line

[Don Vito]

Originally Posted by RavenOfProphecy

For the Patriots:

Studs: Taylor Price, Rob Gronkowski, Brandon Spikes

Dud: Jermaine Cunningham

Steven Ridley has looked very good, so did Vereen before he got banged up. Apparently Mankins has been a beast but that isn't shocking. Lee Smith has received good reviews as the #3 TE for a rookie.

Another dud is Brandon Tate.

[Timbathia]

Doom was apparently unstoppable in a scrimmage on Saturday. At least the Broncos will have some pass rush this year with him back to full health.