Sophomore Watch Thread ('12-'13 Season)

[Mufasa]

I'm more interested in how these guys are coming along than the rookies just starting out. Everyone knows how the big breakout players like JJ Watt and AJ Green are doing, but I'm curious about some of the ones you don't hear much about.

Marcell Dareus
Phil Taylor
Gabe Carimi
Derek Sherrod
Martez Wilson
Ryan Mallett
Marcus Cannon
Cliff Matthews

How are these guys progressing?

[T-RICH49]

Justin Houston is continuing to improve each game. had an INT yesterday and is the best player we have on defense right now

[SuperPacker]

Derek Sherrod
Hasn't really played much because he's been either injured or a backup on the depth chart. Could get a chance to play when he's back healthy, because Marshall Newouse is decent, but nothing special.

Randall Cobb
<333

Alex Green
Yesterday was his first real action and he looked quite good. Will be the #1 for the rest of the season and probably into next year as well.

Davon House
Didn't play first season, looked really good in pre-season this year and then got injured before the start of the season.

DJ Williams
Our best TE.

DJ Smith
He's not going to wow you and he's never going to be a top player, but IMO he's serviceable...when not playing next to AJ Hawk.

[Splat]

Originally Posted by T-RICH49

Justin Houston is continuing to improve each game. had an INT yesterday and is the best player we have on defense right now

This.

Also Rodney Hudson was looking really good at C before he got put on IR. :(

[jrdrylie]

I truthfully haven't paid much attention to Gabe Carimi. The only thing he has done that has really stuck out to me is he had false start penalties on consecutive playes against the Jaguars. However, outside of the Green bay game, the offensive line as a whole has look much better so Carimi can't be doing too bad.

[Don Vito]

Marcus Cannon showed some promise as a rookie but has looked pretty bad when called upon this year. That is probably a severe understatement actually. Vollmer was banged up a bit and Cannon looked lost filling in for him, he has talent but is clearly not ready.

[Mr. Goosemahn]

Originally Posted by Splat

This.

Also Rodney Hudson was looking really good at C before he got put on IR. :(

I loved me some Rodney Hudson at FS.

The guy was undersized (not too much though) but he could play.

[Bulldogs]

Julio is being Julio.

[BigBlueNorwegian]

The Giants sophomores:

Prince Amukamara, CB:

Injured a lot last season, and for the start of this season. But when he's played, he has looked like a very good player. Us Giants fans have high hopes for him!

Marvin Austin, DT:

Just started playing after he was injured all of last season. He has not made a big impact thus far, but it's important to be patient with him. He has not played football for two years up until this season due to suspension and injuries.

Jerrel Jernigan, WR:

He has not done much of anything really. Shown some promise in training camp this year, but he's still waiting for his chance to get playing time behind our more established recievers.

James Brewer OT:

Developmental Tackle for us. He has looked alright the few times he's been in there, but he's not ready for an expanded role yet. Hopefully he will be somewhere down the road.

Greg Jones ILB:

Played quite a bit last year on special teams and some snaps on defense. He was just ok, and is no longer with the team.

Tyler Sash, S:

Played on special teams and was our fourth safety last year. showed some flashes, but he's probably better suited for a backup role. Suspended for adderall use( or so he says) the first four weeks of this season, just returned.

Jaquain Williams OLB:

Probably the player from the 2011 draft that has performed best for the Giants thus far. Played fairly extensive last year, and he was one of the heroes from last nights NFCCG, when he forced the fumble in overtime. Looks to be a real keeper at Linebacker, and a steal.

Da'rel Scott, RB:

buried at the depth chart behind Andre Brown, Ahmad Bradshaw and David Wilson. Showed some flashes last year in preseason, but he's probably not going to play much unless injuries ravage the position.

[BucSquad]

Mason Foster- Stud this year, helping the bucs run D average 3.1 YPC

Ahmad Black- rotates in as the 3rd safety, has 1 int.

Luke stoker- average and don't use him much in passing game.

Adrian Clayborn, Daquan Bowers, and Anthony Gaitor are injured

[Thecollegedropout]

Jets sophomores

DE Muhammad Wilkerson had been pretty nonexistant but he wreaked havoc yesterday on the Colts. He has a lot of upside and promise and when he puts on days like he did yesterday, you start to feel as a Jets fan kinda giddy about what's to come for him. Year 1 for Mo was hit and miss, I don't know if he will ever be that DE who will rack up 10+ sacks a year but again he was kind of raw coming out of Temple so I imagine there will be more transitional learning for him. He has the tools much like the next guy I will talk about, its a matter of just some more seasoning.

NT Kenrick Ellis shows promise and the tools but for him its more so a problem of staying on the field. Whether it is that scare about his misdemeanor charge while at Hampton or some injuries, one of which has him sidelined until sometime in November, the problem with Ellis has been trying to get some experience. He's a load when it comes to stuffing the run even if I wish he'd be a bit more consistent with that but for him its a matter of getting and staying on that field. With Pouha possibly declining, Ellis becomes all the more important as a possible NT of the future.

RB Bilal Powell is kind of a bad fit for the Jets...but that's only because we have a similar RB in Shonn Greene. Powell is more of a bruiser back, not necessarily quick but can be perfect for a goal line type of a back. Year 1 he was absolutely nonexistent but year 2 he was our backup RB and showed some promise even though he could never succeed Greene. However much like with Ellis, Powell is out for some time with a separated shoulder he endured vs the Colts. Just the way the Jets season has been.

WR Jeremy Kerley is looking more and more like a really good slot receiver. I don't know if he has the tools to ever be more than that but he's a perfect No.3 for a team and he can be more than a serviceable No.2 for the Jets. Converts 1st downs, outside of his gaffs on punt returning which happens every once in a while to everyone he's a pretty good punt returner who had a TD vs Buffalo and is getting better and better as the season progresses. Very promising.

QB Greg McElroy has yet to get any time in an NFL game but in the preseason, he's really been not too shabby. Yeah he doesn't have the arm strength or athletism you'd want but the guy is pretty good in that "Game Manager" type of a QB. Again he was a 7th round pick so no real reason to get up in arms but some Jet fans wanted to see McElroy play at QB over Sanchez and Tebow. Now that probably means that the Jet fan is upset at the QB play but I also think they just want to see McElroy get a legit shot. I obviously prefer Sanchez and so should many Jet fans since McElroy is unproven but he's more than fine as a No.3 QB on the team.

WR Scotty McKnight was drafted as Mark Sanchez's best friend and has done nothing really and is off the team..........he is dating Hayden Panettiere though!

[vidae]

Jonathan Baldwin - Hasn't done much but no one besides Jamaal Charles has shown up on offense. Our QB situation is god awful but he has shown some flashes. Who knows if he'll ever live up to it.

Rodney Hudson - Starting C was playing really well until he was lost for the year. I'm really excited about his potential.

Justin Houston - Flat out beast. He is great at rushing the passer and is good at dropping into coverage as well. The most complete LB on the roster right now imo and looks like he'll be a star.

Allen Bailey - Solid rotational 3-4 DE. I wouldn't be surprised if he was starting next year after Dorsey walks.

Jalil Brown - Developmental but kind of crappy right now.

Ricky Stanzi - Awful in the preseason. Not likely to amount to anything at this level. The game is too much for him.

Gabe Miller - No longer on the team. Think he's on the Bears though.

Jerrell Powe - Good rotational NT in some sets. Has a place on the team but isn't a starter.

Shane Bannon - No longer on the team.

[Babylon]

Seattle

James Carpenter (round 1)Didn't like the pick at the time and like it even less now. He may find a home at guard and can't see him being any worse than Giacamini at tackle but looks average at best.

John Moffitt (round 2) has had some injuries but it should be a good pick in the long run.

KJ Wright (round 4) Was pretty much their only LB heading into this season and has done great so far.

Richard Sherman (round 5) had teams known what they know now this guy would be a first round pick. Playing at a pro bowl level.

[Pit Bull #53]

Jake Locker - Jury is still out obviously. He has shown enough flashes to get the fanbase excited, though.

Akeem Ayers - Starting at SAM since game 1 of his rookie year, and has just gotten better every week (with the exception of last game). Our most complete linebacker and just a damn good player. He NEEDS to be used in more pass rushing situations though.

Jurrell Casey - IMO our best defensive player. Beast against the run. Makes splash plays week in and week out and is a stalwart on our defensive line.

Colin McCarthy - Took over as starting MIKE midway through last year and has never looked back. Started off this season on fire, but suffered the dreaded high ankle sprain. Just got back for us recently, but he looks like he can't run or cut. He's still hurt and its showing when he does anything but go downhill.

Jamie Harper - We love our fatboy running backs. He hasn't done anything other than score a 1yd TD this week.

Karl Klug - He was a revelation last year rushing the passer from the interior, but he's been invisible this year. He's a hustle player and best suited to play on 3rd and long only, but he has a role.

Byron Stingily - Backup OT

Zach Clayton - Cut.

Tommie Campbell - The guy with insane potential that everyone wants to see on the field more. He can't be worse than Ryan Mouton, can he? .... can he?

[asdf1223]

Originally Posted by Babylon

Seattle

James Carpenter (round 1)Didn't like the pick at the time and like it even less now. He may find a home at guard and can't see him being any worse than Giacamini at tackle but looks average at best.

John Moffitt (round 2) has had some injuries but it should be a good pick in the long run.

KJ Wright (round 4) Was pretty much their only LB heading into this season and has done great so far.

Richard Sherman (round 5) had teams known what they know now this guy would be a first round pick. Playing at a pro bowl level.

I feel the exact opposite about Carp and Moffitt. Carpenter looks really good at LG the last couple of games. Looks like someone who doesn't like playing in space. Average or above-average starter at G is not a good use of 1st round pick but hey he's good and cheap. Moffitt I'm less sure. At his best he is an average guard who cant get on the field?

[abaddon41_80]

49ers

Aldon Smith - Looking to definitely worth the pick. A fantastic pass rusher and is improving against the run and in coverage all the time. Still sometimes has trouble shedding big blockers, though.

Colin Kaepernick - I like the WildKaep at times but Kaepernick himself still needs lots of time. He doesn't look off of his first read and he sometimes doesn't know when to get rid of it, at least so far in the preseason and limited regular season action.

Chris Culliver - Like him a lot. He is a big, physical corner but does get caught out of position at times. Will be our #1 by the end of the year, imo

Kendall Hunter - Awesome pick. Great #2 back and someone who I wouldn't mind starting if Gore goes down

Daniel Kilgore - Hasn't seen any action yet. Was expected to be a project, though, and with Iupati and Boone we have time to let him develop

Ronald Johnson - Never made the team

Colin Jones - Was a good special teamer but not on the team anymore

Mike Person - No longer on team

Bruce Miller - Amazing value in the 7th round. Easily one of the best fullbacks in the league. Excellent lead blocker and decent receiver/runner

Curtis Holcomb - No longer on team

[Don Vito]

That looks like it will be a pretty money draft for SF.

[abaddon41_80]

Two good starters, two players that have already been major contributors and will likely be starters sometime within the next two seasons, and the (supposed) quarterback of the future. I am pretty happy with it.

[Rosebud]

Jacquain and Prince are studs in the making. Brewer, Austin, Scott and Jernigan are still being developed so are still question marks. I do like Scott and Brewer though, Austin I don't expect anything from, and Jernigan will be a decent replacement for Hixon in a year or two.

[BufFan71]

Marcel Dareus--- Looked awesome last year. Thought he'd really pick it up with Kyle Willams back from injury, mario williams, and mark anderson. Truthfully hes regressed alot, even though his sack numbers might not say so.


Aaron Williams-- Was converted from Safety to CB, and last year earned the starting CB position over Leodis McKelvin. Showed a lot of promise.
Has been absolutely terrible so far this season. Every teams motto against buffalo has been
"if u dont find anyone wide open, throw it deep over Williams" hes always 2 steps behind his receiver, and he cant tackle. Needs to go back on the bench.

Kelvin Sheppard---- big thumper in the middle who helps with the run defense... but he cant defend the pass... at all

[LonghornsLegend]

Offense:


Tyron Smith - Has been a cog at LT and outside of that 1 position we have all back-ups across the board, average back-ups at that. He started the entire year at 20 years old, I don't expect him to peak until about 25 so I am extremely happy. He always had superb feet, quickness, and a great pass blocker, people wanted to see him keep the weight on and move at that weight and he has. He needs to get stronger, pack a bigger punch in the box, but he'll be one of the best LT's in the league in a couple years and is still younger then the rookies coming out of next draft. Great pick.



Demarco Murray - He's our franchise back but can he stay healthy with his playing style? He's about as complete as they come, but he's so physical and seeks out punishment, brings it to the defender. Every run seems to end in a big collision. Produces when on the field though, favorite part of his game is his vision and patience, two traits that are too often lost in the shuffle of RB's, but the great ones have it. Can catch everything thrown his way, love his game, but if he can't become more durable we'll go to a more traditional 2 headed monster.



Dwayne Harris - Blew up the pre-season two years in a row now. Punt Returner, should be a really solid slot man if given the opportunity. Think Davone Bess. For a 6th round pick I love it, he can play in this league but for now behind Ogletree.



Defense:


Bruce Carter - Absolutely love this pick and he'll be a household name by the end of the year. Eased in coming off an ACL injury as our 2nd round pick but would have been a 1st rounder if not for that and already 1 of the fastest LB's in the league. His athleticism jumps out at you everytime you watch him. What is most impressive is that he's actually a smart player too, read and reacts well, sheds blocks, and is great in coverage. Reminds me of Michael Boley in that regard, as he can hang with a TE or RB in man to man. He could end up our best pick from the draft.



Finishing with Tyron, Carter, and Demarco, was a pretty nice haul for us. 3 longterm starters more then likely that have all flashed big time ability. Probably the most excited about Carter because this is technically his rookie season, but he's been much better then expected. His athleticism next to the smarts of Lee makes for a perfect fit.

[SuperMcGee]

Williams has had a rough go, for sure. None of our corners were burnt, this week, but Williams has been easy pickings for most of the year. Losing a good amount of time to Terrence McGee.

Dareus is... inconsistent. He has really good games, such as those against Cleveland and Arizona, but has not really been displaying the dominance we had hoped for/expected. Pretty representative of the line, as a whole. Probably the 3rd best player on the line. Still shows a great ability to eat up linemen, break through, and chase players down. It's just not near as often as you would like.

Shep is good, but we spend a lot of time in nickel with Barnett and Scott out there. Solid run stopping instincts, good tackler.

Chris Hairston, like much of last year, has been our replacement LT. Did well against Arizona. Pretty decent swing tackle, you could definitely do worse at his current position. Gailey and D'Alessandris make it a lot easier, I'm sure.

[Pat Sims 90]

AJ Green is already a top 5 WR in the NFL.

Andy Dalton has had his ups and downs this year. Does not help that offense has put him in a lot 3 and long situations this year.

Dontay Moch was suspended at the beginning of the year. Put on 15 pounds while suspended, so he can play DE.

Clint Boling is starting LG this year and has played ok not great.

Sands is on the IR

Whalen is 7th WR and is never active on game day.

[LonghornsLegend]

Originally Posted by SuperMcgee

Dareus is... inconsistent. He has really good games, such as those against Cleveland and Arizona, but has not really been displaying the dominance we had hoped for/expected. Pretty representative of the line, as a whole. Probably the 3rd best player on the line. Still shows a great ability to eat up linemen, break through, and chase players down. It's just not near as often as you would like..

This sucks to hear, as I was a huge Dareus fan, and adding Mario Williams on the same line as him seemed like a recipe for disaster for any offensive line they faced.

[bigbluedefense]

It's so hard hitting on a world class DT in the first round. It really makes me scared to ever draft one in round 1. The bust/disappointment rate is so damn high.

Not saying Dareus is one, but he's on the path to being more of a solid/good player than a dominant one.

The last 2 dominant interior guys I can think of drafted in round 1 were Ngata and Watt (if Watt even counts as an interior guy since he was a DE in college).

Unless I'm missing someone.