Former Terps Look To Make NFL Rosters As Rookies
NFL training camps have gotten underway with plenty of teams questions left unanswered. The first pre season game is quickly approaching and teams will need to start dwindling their rosters. 53 players will remain when it is all said and done. The following Terps are hoping to be one of those 52 for their teams. Those who get cut will scramble to get picked up teams plagued with injuries, or pray that the team that just cut them will sign them to the practice squad. Let's take a look at which Terps are out in camps this year.
Kevin Barnes - CB - Washington Redskins
Barnes comes into camp bringing decent size and great speed for a CB. Mostly known for his hitting power, Barnes will try to use speed and muscle to make the roster. The 'Skins currently have 7 CB's in camp. DeAngelo Hall, Fred Smoot, and Carlos Rogers will be a lock in the rotation. However, some criticize if Smoot has the speed needed for a developing NFC East. This may open the door for Barnes. Other CB's in camp are second year guys Justin Tryon and Byron Westbrook. Barnes should get a lot of time on special teams and has a good shot to beat out fellow rookie Dough Dutch, Tryon and Westbrook.
Chase Bullock - LB - Arizona Cardinals
Chase may be on the outside looking in for the NFC Champs. The 'Cards have 11 LB's in camp with top position holders Karlos Dansby, Gerald Hayes, and Chike Okeafor returning. UMD is known for their linebackers, however, with only one start at Maryland, he may lack the experience the 'Cards are looking for.
Scott Burley - OT - Washington Redskins
The 'Skins are hurting at the O-line which should help the chances for Burley. Burley looks to be third on the chart behind Chris Samuels and UMD's Stephon Heyer. Burley has been getting a lot of reps as Heyer has been nursing some injuries. Scott is the bigger of the three (6'5" - 335) which may prove useful to a line that gave up the most sacks last year.
Moise Fokou - LB - Philadelphia Eagles
Fokou may end up seeing a lot of playing time this season. The injury to Stewart Bradley will keep the depth chart changing. Fokou is currently listed as third for the WLB slot. However, don't be surprised to see Omar Gaither moved to MLB which will open up a slot for Fokou at second for WLB's. Fokou has been impressive in camp thus far and is getting a buzz from the fans in Lehigh. He brings needed speed and agility to the Eagles LB corps.
Dan Gonkowski - TE - Detroit Lions
Gronkowski really emerged as a pass catching TE last year for the Terps. Known more for his blocking, he addition of route running and smarts should help him earn a slot in the league. The Lions have 7 tight ends in camp this year, providing a lot of competition as teams usually keep two or three. His odds also lessen with one of the three rookies being highly touted rookie Brandon Pettigrew. I expect Gronkowski to be in the NLF this year, it just may not be with the Lions.
Darrius Heyward-Bey - WR - Oakland Raiders
The top WR in the draft had a rough first day in camp having a hard time catching balls thrown his way. A 10 player receiving group in camp is very young with four rookies and three players with only two years experience. Heyward-Bey will be looked upon to change the offensive woes of the Raiders with his speed as a WR and possibly in the return game. His biggest issue may end up being who is under center for the Raiders this year.
Dean Muhtadi - NT/DE - Green Bay Packers
Muhtadi will be competing with four other rookies for a spot on the D-Line. The undrafted free agent will hope that his athleticism and strength can help win the coaches over. Muhtadi may be on the outside looking in, but may have a chance as a practice player.
Jeremy Navarre - DE - Jacksonville Jaguars
Navarre will be up against 7 other DE's for the right to play. Navarre has proven that he can play any position on the line as well as outside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker could design some difficult schemes using Navarre the way the Ravens use Suggs. This versatility could help him stand out above the rest. Navarre should find a home if released by the Jags.
Dave Philistin - LB - Seattle Seahawks
Philistin is currently listed as 3rd on the WLB depth chart. He has been getting more reps in practice with the injury to last year starter Will Herring. Philistin has great special teams experience as well which will help his chances to make the team. Josh Wilson would love to have Philistin opening up holes on the kick returns.
Dave Randolph - T - Green Bay Packers
Randolph is one of three undrafted free agents in camp compteting for a spot on Aaron Rogers' O-Line. The Packers line is pretty versitile across the board. Most players can play either side. There is a good mix of experience on this line. He naturally plays on the right side. Randolph will have to rely on strength. He is currently listed as the second lightest on the roster.
Jaimie Thomas - G - Indianapolis Colts
Being on the O-Line in Indy presents challenges that no other team can offer...keeping up with Peyton Manning. Thomas not only has to prove he can play but that he can adjust on the fly. Ryan Lilja and Mike Pollack should be locks. Below that its open season for the depth chart. Thomas has size (6'4" - 330) that should help on opening up holes for the RB's. Thomas is the largest in camp, his combination of size and strength should help him....if he can keep up with the audibles.
Edwin Williams - C - Washington Redskins
The first team All ACC Selection is on of two centers in camp. He will have to compete against 7 year vet Casey Rabach. With the O-Line under a lot of scrutiny it may come down to which center is a better blocker. If that is the case, we may see Williams out there instead of the vet. Williams has seen a lot of time in camp with Rabach nursing a hamstring
Kevin Barnes - CB - Washington Redskins
Barnes comes into camp bringing decent size and great speed for a CB. Mostly known for his hitting power, Barnes will try to use speed and muscle to make the roster. The 'Skins currently have 7 CB's in camp. DeAngelo Hall, Fred Smoot, and Carlos Rogers will be a lock in the rotation. However, some criticize if Smoot has the speed needed for a developing NFC East. This may open the door for Barnes. Other CB's in camp are second year guys Justin Tryon and Byron Westbrook. Barnes should get a lot of time on special teams and has a good shot to beat out fellow rookie Dough Dutch, Tryon and Westbrook.
Chase Bullock - LB - Arizona Cardinals
Chase may be on the outside looking in for the NFC Champs. The 'Cards have 11 LB's in camp with top position holders Karlos Dansby, Gerald Hayes, and Chike Okeafor returning. UMD is known for their linebackers, however, with only one start at Maryland, he may lack the experience the 'Cards are looking for.
Scott Burley - OT - Washington Redskins
The 'Skins are hurting at the O-line which should help the chances for Burley. Burley looks to be third on the chart behind Chris Samuels and UMD's Stephon Heyer. Burley has been getting a lot of reps as Heyer has been nursing some injuries. Scott is the bigger of the three (6'5" - 335) which may prove useful to a line that gave up the most sacks last year.
Moise Fokou - LB - Philadelphia Eagles
Fokou may end up seeing a lot of playing time this season. The injury to Stewart Bradley will keep the depth chart changing. Fokou is currently listed as third for the WLB slot. However, don't be surprised to see Omar Gaither moved to MLB which will open up a slot for Fokou at second for WLB's. Fokou has been impressive in camp thus far and is getting a buzz from the fans in Lehigh. He brings needed speed and agility to the Eagles LB corps.
Dan Gonkowski - TE - Detroit Lions
Gronkowski really emerged as a pass catching TE last year for the Terps. Known more for his blocking, he addition of route running and smarts should help him earn a slot in the league. The Lions have 7 tight ends in camp this year, providing a lot of competition as teams usually keep two or three. His odds also lessen with one of the three rookies being highly touted rookie Brandon Pettigrew. I expect Gronkowski to be in the NLF this year, it just may not be with the Lions.
Darrius Heyward-Bey - WR - Oakland Raiders
The top WR in the draft had a rough first day in camp having a hard time catching balls thrown his way. A 10 player receiving group in camp is very young with four rookies and three players with only two years experience. Heyward-Bey will be looked upon to change the offensive woes of the Raiders with his speed as a WR and possibly in the return game. His biggest issue may end up being who is under center for the Raiders this year.
Dean Muhtadi - NT/DE - Green Bay Packers
Muhtadi will be competing with four other rookies for a spot on the D-Line. The undrafted free agent will hope that his athleticism and strength can help win the coaches over. Muhtadi may be on the outside looking in, but may have a chance as a practice player.
Jeremy Navarre - DE - Jacksonville Jaguars
Navarre will be up against 7 other DE's for the right to play. Navarre has proven that he can play any position on the line as well as outside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Mel Tucker could design some difficult schemes using Navarre the way the Ravens use Suggs. This versatility could help him stand out above the rest. Navarre should find a home if released by the Jags.
Dave Philistin - LB - Seattle Seahawks
Philistin is currently listed as 3rd on the WLB depth chart. He has been getting more reps in practice with the injury to last year starter Will Herring. Philistin has great special teams experience as well which will help his chances to make the team. Josh Wilson would love to have Philistin opening up holes on the kick returns.
Dave Randolph - T - Green Bay Packers
Randolph is one of three undrafted free agents in camp compteting for a spot on Aaron Rogers' O-Line. The Packers line is pretty versitile across the board. Most players can play either side. There is a good mix of experience on this line. He naturally plays on the right side. Randolph will have to rely on strength. He is currently listed as the second lightest on the roster.
Jaimie Thomas - G - Indianapolis Colts
Being on the O-Line in Indy presents challenges that no other team can offer...keeping up with Peyton Manning. Thomas not only has to prove he can play but that he can adjust on the fly. Ryan Lilja and Mike Pollack should be locks. Below that its open season for the depth chart. Thomas has size (6'4" - 330) that should help on opening up holes for the RB's. Thomas is the largest in camp, his combination of size and strength should help him....if he can keep up with the audibles.
Edwin Williams - C - Washington Redskins
The first team All ACC Selection is on of two centers in camp. He will have to compete against 7 year vet Casey Rabach. With the O-Line under a lot of scrutiny it may come down to which center is a better blocker. If that is the case, we may see Williams out there instead of the vet. Williams has seen a lot of time in camp with Rabach nursing a hamstring


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