3:12 PM Tue, Jul 29, 2008 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon E-mail News tips
This idea is shamelessly stolen from Calvin "Lucky" Watkins. Follow the jump to read about five risers and five fallers.
RISING
1. CB Orlando Scandrick -- The fifth-round pick had two very good practices yesterday, showing a good grasp of the defense and eagerness to compete against/learn from the best. He covered T.O. well on a couple of deep routes and then peppered him with questions at the end of practice.
2. TE Martellus Bennett - The second-round pick from Texas A&M is showing signs that he's getting it, although he was bowled over by DE Jason Hatcher on one running play. Bennett vs. Tony Curtis for the No. 2 TE spot is one of the camp's best position battles.
3. RG Leonard Davis - Can a Pro Bowler's stock rise during training camp? Yes, if he's as dominant as Bigg was during the morning practice. Seven-time Pro Bowler Zach Thomas, who was de-cleated at least once when they butted heads, is definitely impressed.
4. NT Tank Johnson - He's simply too good for the second-team offensive line, which has to double-team him. We'll start seeing more of Jay Ratliff, who has been impressive all camp, at defensive end. Is Chris Canty/Tank/Ratliff the Cowboys' best DL? Maybe.
5. S Dowayne Davis - He's come a long way when fellow DBs were laughing at him during ball drills at rookie minicamp. Wade Phillips said yesterday that this guy reminded him of Keith Davis (no relation), meaning he might be able to stick because of special teams.
FALLING
1. OLB Erik Walden - The sixth-round pick really struggled during pass-rush drills yesterday, getting roughed up by backup LT Doug Free and Bennett. He's expected to struggle while making the transition from 4-3 DE to 3-4 OLB, but that shouldn't affect his performance in pass-rush drills.
2. OLB Tearrius George - Can't make the club in the tub, and George has been sidelined for a couple days by a bone bruise in his knee. He's missing out on an opportunity with Walden struggling.
3. CB Quincy Butler - He's sitting out, too, nursing a hamstring injury. Alan Ball is getting reps with the nickel and dime defenses with Terence Newman (groin) out, and Evan Oglesby had picks in both practices yesterday.
4. WR Danny Amendola - It's not that Amendola has done anything wrong over the last couple days. He just hasn't done anything to stand out like he did during the first couple days of camp. And undrafted free agents usually need to stand out in camp to make the team.
5. LB Justin Rogers - It's not his fault he got sick and dehydrated, but missing yesterday's practices doesn't help the cause of a kid moving form OLB to ILB. Bobby Carpenter got the reps as Bradie James' backup that were going to Rogers.
