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One of my main objectives this summer on my training-camp and preseason-game tour around the NFL was to get a good feel for all the defensive linemen who were taken in the first two rounds of the 2003 NFL Draft.
If you recall, 11 defensive linemen went in the first round, and four more went in the second round. The 2003 draft always will be remembered as the "defensive line draft."
My travels gave me the opportunity to watch 11 of the top 15 defensive linemen practice or play, and I studied the other four on preseason game tapes. The good news is they all can play in the NFL, the bad news is the fan and media expectations for most of these young players far outreaches what these rookies can do, or should be able to do, at this point in their careers.
Before I get into my view of the rookie defensive linemen, a little history lesson is in order: Here are the rookie statistics for many of today's most recognized NFL defensive linemen.
on Kelsay
LINK TO THE FULL ARTICLE
Add to Kelsays numbers 2 tackles and a sack from last nights game
interesting article.. it shows that even the best Dlineman dont necessarily blossum in their rookie year.
If you recall, 11 defensive linemen went in the first round, and four more went in the second round. The 2003 draft always will be remembered as the "defensive line draft."
My travels gave me the opportunity to watch 11 of the top 15 defensive linemen practice or play, and I studied the other four on preseason game tapes. The good news is they all can play in the NFL, the bad news is the fan and media expectations for most of these young players far outreaches what these rookies can do, or should be able to do, at this point in their careers.
Before I get into my view of the rookie defensive linemen, a little history lesson is in order: Here are the rookie statistics for many of today's most recognized NFL defensive linemen.
on Kelsay
In a rotation. I was impressed with him at camp and he will get some solid playing time as the season goes on. He is a steady, fundamentally sound player who has had decent production in the preseason with five tackles but no sacks.
LINK TO THE FULL ARTICLE
Add to Kelsays numbers 2 tackles and a sack from last nights game
interesting article.. it shows that even the best Dlineman dont necessarily blossum in their rookie year.
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