Rookie Review Session

by: Michael Steffes

I thought I would pass along this story. Things are slow, and I am bored in class :-). Anyway, Sporting News went camp to camp and reviewed the new members of each team. Here is what they said out the Hawks....

To Continue....

The most obvious newcomer was second-round pick John Carlson, because the tight end from Notre Dame fills the most glaring need. Coach Mike Holmgren always has said that it is difficult for a rookie to play in his offense because so much is required of the tight end. But Carlson and the team have little choice. He will play -- often. Carlson was more fluid than the coaches were expecting, and still displayed the size and strength that first attracted the team.

The defensive line also needed some help, and appears to have gotten it in USC's Lawrence Jackson, a first-round pick, and Texas A&M tackle Red Bryant, a fourth-round pick. Jackson will work in a rotation with Pro Bowl left end Patrick Kerney and Darryl Tapp, the incumbent starter on the right side.

Jackson also can slide inside to tackle in the nickel and eventually will push Tapp for a starting job. Bryant (318 pounds) possesses the big body the team wanted for its tackle rotation. But he also showed more quickness and pass-rush ability that some were expecting.

However... one of the reasons I posted this link was that I found the Hawks review to be the least interesting, if only because we know about our rookies. I thought it was interesting to look at all the teams because it is interesting to see how the players we were studying deeply only a month ago are doing. Also, read up on the division, we ought to be seeing those players for years to come.

...and those who thought Anquan Boldin would make a great Seahawk, make sure you read Arizona's. Spot on analysis gents.