Rookie Defenders (1 Viewer)

[WCWarlords2008]

Just after some feedback from the sharkpool on how the following rookies have been shaping up to date. I live in Australia so haven't been able to source a lot of info on some of these guys and am wondering how bad a thing that is!

DB

Darius Butler

Rashad Johnson

Darcel Mcbath

LB

Gerald Mcrath

DL

Ziggy Hood - will he be a DE or DT in fantasy systems?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Just after some feedback from the sharkpool on how the following rookies have been shaping up to date. I live in Australia so haven't been able to source a lot of info on some of these guys and am wondering how bad a thing that is!DBDarius ButlerRashad JohnsonDarcel McbathLBGerald McrathDLZiggy Hood - will he be a DE or DT in fantasy systems?Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Darius Butler has flashed at times and could work his way into a larger role sometime this season. Don't think he'll have much value in 2009, though. I thought Rashad Johnson was hurt, but he got some time in the first preseason game. With Adrian Wilson now signed, he'll have a hard time cracking the lineup at a productive position. McBath was running with the twos at FS but got bumped over to SS this week to take some snaps. Could be some nice long term value with him depending on how David Bruton works out.Gerald McRath has been impressive enough, but he's stuck behind the two vet OLBs. I still think the Titans feel Tulloch is the short term answer in the middle.Hood will be a DE and has a good chance to be another solid Steeler defender after the usual year of rotational seasoning.

 

[Drop]

Darius Butler

Preseason week 2 vs CIN (Aug 20)

-lined up outside and inside on the slot

-gave press looks at times, didn't always jam by design, will get physical though

-closed out on throws and tipped a few passes, textbook skill basically

-blitzed and engaged the RB with some power and was able to get off the block as well

-shadows wrs well and isn't beat easily, because of his footwork and acceleration

-seems very aware of things around him and will come off a wr to help when the ball is in the air

These are just some things I noticed watching him play against CIN. He played most of the game, I think he started. He was in very early and was still making plays late. He seemed very comfortable with and aware of the game and the speed at which bodies were flying around him. The one thing that he may need to do better is run support and get off of WR blocks, although most of the time the camera zoomed in and I couldn't even see what he was doing. (This Willie McGinest video might help explain why the Patriots don't rely on CBs to run support in certain situations: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d...Coach-McGinest)

From seeing his combine work and some footage at Prime U I knew he could cover, but the thing that surprised me most was that he will hit with some pop. I don't just mean on the blitz, there was some running plays where the WR caught a nice two hand shot to the chest. I'm not saying he's a CB thumper, but he is not going to be pushed around either. He's a football player.

I actually think that he'll play a lot this season for a few reasons. Bodden and Springs aren't must stay on the field guys. The Patriots are probably going to be leading teams all season and they need 3 or 4 corners to face some of the 3 and 4 WR sets they'll see. Terrence Wheatley is not good, he got ripped up tonight and looked a step slow on most plays. From what I have seen of Butler I think that he's a baller and he'll continue to make plays and earn his playing time. He may also play some offense, but that remains to be seen.

 

[steelcityman]

Ziggy appears to be a DE for the Steelers, we still have Big Casey and Chris Hoke at NG, whereas Zig can be DE3 and play a nice amount this season, esp if Smith or Keisel get hurt. I will tell you this, everyone at Steelers camp has been impressed with Ziggy, strong, hard worker, quick, humble.

He may get on the field on passing situations, being fresh, he might have that extra 1/2 step to get the QB.

Once again, the Steelers appear to have made a smart pick to join the list including, Ben, Troy, Heath, Casey, Holmes, Timmons, Faneca....with Mendy yet to be determined...