Gil Brandt's "Rising Stars"

[Jeff1220]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story;jsessionid=6A810517D035469DA9F0FF362F7DF809?id=09000d5d803fa614&template=with-video&confirm=true

These up-and-comers made names for themselves in first half of '07
Gil Brandt By Gil Brandt | NFL.com

Running Backs
Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo: He reminds me of Kevin Faulk -- only taller and faster. In addition to running with both speed and power, he can pass protect and has soft hands as a receiver. Lynch runs angry, he is very athletic and a good runner. And he can pass the ball as well.

Offensive Tackles
Jason Peters, Buffalo: Undrafted out of college, where he played tight end, Peters has started for the Bills at three positions -- tight end, right tackle and left tackle. He has lots of upside, as is still learning the position and getting stronger. In 2005, Peters caught a touchdown pass while lined up as a tight end. Now, when the Bills need a yard, they run behind him.

Safeties
Donte Whitner, Buffalo: He is a very good tackler who excels at stuffing the run but does a very good job in pass coverage as well. At 5-foot-10, Whitner can be out-muscled for the ball, however. He is the second-leading tackler for the Bills, and his value was evident just last week when Buffalo held Cincinnati to 28 rushing yards.

Punt Return Specialist
Roscoe Parrish, Buffalo: Midway through his second season, Parrish already has returned two punts for touchdowns and his average per return in 2007 is 19.2.

[camelcowboy]

Re: Gil Brandt's "Rising Stars"

Bills are starting to turn some heads nationally.

[YardRat]

Re: Gil Brandt's "Rising Stars"

Parrish is in his third year, and unless Gil is talking about career stats, Roscoe only has one return for a TD this year.

[Jeff1220]

Re: Gil Brandt's "Rising Stars"

Parrish is in his third year, and unless Gil is talking about career stats, Roscoe only has one return for a TD this year.

I think he means in two seasons as a Punt Return Specialist (or 2 years on the field, since Roscoe missed most of his rookie season).

[Night Train]

Re: Gil Brandt's "Rising Stars"

Marshawn Lynch reminds him of Kevin Faulk, only taller and faster ? What ?

That's like saying Jessica Alba reminds me of Rosie O'Donnell, only shapely and pretty.

[shelby]

Re: Gil Brandt's "Rising Stars"

[mybills]

Re: Gil Brandt's "Rising Stars"

Marshawn Lynch reminds him of Kevin Faulk, only taller and faster ? What ?

That's like saying Jessica Alba reminds me of Rosie O'Donnell, only shapely and pretty.

[Mahdi]

Re: Gil Brandt's "Rising Stars"

Marshawn Lynch reminds him of Kevin Faulk, only taller and faster ? What ?

That's like saying Jessica Alba reminds me of Rosie O'Donnell, only shapely and pretty.

Yeah he lost me on that one,,,,

[madness]

Re: Gil Brandt's "Rising Stars"

He meant Marshall.

[DraftBoy]

Re: Gil Brandt's "Rising Stars"

I still think Whitner is one of the disappointments this year, he really needs to improve in pass coverage.

[madness]

Re: Gil Brandt's "Rising Stars"

I have no problem with Whitner so far. The secondary is playing solid and he's been a major factor in the run defense.

Plus he's put the fear into WRs going over the middle. We all heard it, Johnson dropped an easy pass over the middle because his eyes were fixed on Whitner. The numbers will come but I'm much happier that Whitner has basically eliminated the middle of the field as a passing option.

[FlyingDutchman]

Re: Gil Brandt's "Rising Stars"

Marshawn Lynch reminds him of Kevin Faulk, only taller and faster ? What ?

That's like saying Jessica Alba reminds me of Rosie O'Donnell, only shapely and pretty.

I agree. How do you get Lynch from Kevin Faulk? IMO, he runs like Marion Barber. He runs hard and fast, he'll put the pads down, and has soft hands.

[Forward_Lateral]

Re: Gil Brandt's "Rising Stars"

I still think Whitner is one of the disappointments this year, he really needs to improve in pass coverage.

I don't know if his pass coverage needs to improve, but I was expecting more big plays out of him this year.

[Jan Reimers]

Re: Gil Brandt's "Rising Stars"

I think Poz would have made that list too, if not for the injury.

[SquishDaFish]

Re: Gil Brandt's "Rising Stars"

I think he meant Marshall Faulk