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perivolaki
Mike Jureki gave his outlook on what he saw and heard at the OTA. It was unusual because he and Bickley are usually pretty negative but MJ seemed the most positive that I've ever heard him. He had some general observations and some specific things on certain players. His opinions were gleaned from direct observations of all the practices or from talking with coaches.
He first said what a difference a year makes.
The coaches and players seemed much more comfortable than last year. The coaches feel they know the players and are getting guys in the right positions to make plays. The players are more familiar with their jobs and what the coaches are asking them to do.
What a difference a year makes applies to the guys who were rookies last year. He had the most praise for them. I'll give you what I remember.
Levi Brown-Looks much more comfortable, is in great shape and is much quicker. He seems to have learned what it takes to play in the NFL and has gone about improving himself. MJ said he looked very smooth and confident out there.
Ben Patrick-MJ said Patrick looks like a player trying to win the starting TE position. Again looked much more confident and knew what he was doing. Hes in great shape and caught everything. MJ thinks he will challenge for the starting job.
Alan Branch-I know we've heard some negative things about Branch but MJ said he looked to be in great shape and seemed much more confident about what is expected of him.
Steve Breaston-MJ said that Breaston isn't a guy satisfied with being a return man. He wants to play receiver. He looked extremely fast and seemed much more confident in his routes and cuts. MJ said he is reacting and not thinking now. Thinks this might be the guy to add the speed and excitement to the offense that he gave to the return game. A lot of people are already giving the third receiver position to Doucet but he believes Breaston will not give it up without a fight. Good camp battle.
Tim Castille-Coaches are high on him. Asked him to gain weight and hes put on 20 rock solid pounds. Wouldn't be surprised if he isn't the teams fullback next season.
Rookies
Doucet-Likes him, thinks he will be a big addition.
Campbell and Iwebema-Will add much needed depth on front seven.
Hightower-Surprised at how big this kid is. Doesn't know if he has the speed or moves to be an every down back but thinks if you need to get 1 yard he'll get you 2 or 3.
DRC-Didn't say a whole lot because we already know he has the talent and will just have to wait and see.
Other rookies will add depth
Veterans
Chike Okeafor-Has lost weight and looks like he could play today. Expect big things out of him
Travis LaBoy-Doesn't know if he can play standing up but coaches believe he is one of those guys thats ready to become a very good pass rusher.
Clark Haggans-Doesn't know why he wasn't pursued more, maybe age, but this is a guy who knows this defense and is a high production veteran.
Bryan Robinson-Guy can play all three down line positions. Better than what most fans know and will provide good depth. Has been told that this is a quality NFL player.
Antrell Rolle-Looked very comfortable at safety. He feels good there and coaches feel good with him there. Thinks he could be a real playmaker at safety.
Conclusion-MJ likes the defensive front seven a lot. He feels that this group was hurt by injuries and lack of depth. This year this group has quality depth that will allow starters to get rest and be fresh and team won't be hurt by injuries so much.
He likes the safetys. I think he believes Rolle could be sprecial there.
Offensive line will benefit from a year together and he thinks Levi Brown looks ready to take that next step.
I think he feels the Breaston/Doucet battle could be very interesting.
A lot will depend on quarterback but Leinhart looked good and KW is breathing down his neck so it's time for Matty to step up.
He first said what a difference a year makes.
The coaches and players seemed much more comfortable than last year. The coaches feel they know the players and are getting guys in the right positions to make plays. The players are more familiar with their jobs and what the coaches are asking them to do.
What a difference a year makes applies to the guys who were rookies last year. He had the most praise for them. I'll give you what I remember.
Levi Brown-Looks much more comfortable, is in great shape and is much quicker. He seems to have learned what it takes to play in the NFL and has gone about improving himself. MJ said he looked very smooth and confident out there.
Ben Patrick-MJ said Patrick looks like a player trying to win the starting TE position. Again looked much more confident and knew what he was doing. Hes in great shape and caught everything. MJ thinks he will challenge for the starting job.
Alan Branch-I know we've heard some negative things about Branch but MJ said he looked to be in great shape and seemed much more confident about what is expected of him.
Steve Breaston-MJ said that Breaston isn't a guy satisfied with being a return man. He wants to play receiver. He looked extremely fast and seemed much more confident in his routes and cuts. MJ said he is reacting and not thinking now. Thinks this might be the guy to add the speed and excitement to the offense that he gave to the return game. A lot of people are already giving the third receiver position to Doucet but he believes Breaston will not give it up without a fight. Good camp battle.
Tim Castille-Coaches are high on him. Asked him to gain weight and hes put on 20 rock solid pounds. Wouldn't be surprised if he isn't the teams fullback next season.
Rookies
Doucet-Likes him, thinks he will be a big addition.
Campbell and Iwebema-Will add much needed depth on front seven.
Hightower-Surprised at how big this kid is. Doesn't know if he has the speed or moves to be an every down back but thinks if you need to get 1 yard he'll get you 2 or 3.
DRC-Didn't say a whole lot because we already know he has the talent and will just have to wait and see.
Other rookies will add depth
Veterans
Chike Okeafor-Has lost weight and looks like he could play today. Expect big things out of him
Travis LaBoy-Doesn't know if he can play standing up but coaches believe he is one of those guys thats ready to become a very good pass rusher.
Clark Haggans-Doesn't know why he wasn't pursued more, maybe age, but this is a guy who knows this defense and is a high production veteran.
Bryan Robinson-Guy can play all three down line positions. Better than what most fans know and will provide good depth. Has been told that this is a quality NFL player.
Antrell Rolle-Looked very comfortable at safety. He feels good there and coaches feel good with him there. Thinks he could be a real playmaker at safety.
Conclusion-MJ likes the defensive front seven a lot. He feels that this group was hurt by injuries and lack of depth. This year this group has quality depth that will allow starters to get rest and be fresh and team won't be hurt by injuries so much.
He likes the safetys. I think he believes Rolle could be sprecial there.
Offensive line will benefit from a year together and he thinks Levi Brown looks ready to take that next step.
I think he feels the Breaston/Doucet battle could be very interesting.
A lot will depend on quarterback but Leinhart looked good and KW is breathing down his neck so it's time for Matty to step up.
