Commanders rookie wondering what might have been?

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http://nflblogs.profootballweekly.com/AroundtheNFL/2008/05/devin_thomas_over_matt_forte_i.html



Devin Thomas over Matt Forte in Madden 08

SANTA MONICA -- So last night, Mike Wilkening and I headed over to the Loews Hotel and checked out the 2008 Rookie Madden Bowl sponsored by EA Sports. The tournament matched up eight rookies in a Madden 08 tournament:

Matt Ryan vs. Brian Brohm
Kevin O'Connell vs. Matt Forte
Devin Thomas vs. Rashard Mendenhall
Mario Manningham vs. DeSean Jackson
Ryan beat Brohm, Forte killed O'Connell, and Thomas and Jackson won. And then Thomas -- playing with the Cowboys, I might add -- beat Forte in the finals, setting off a flurry of excitement among the gaming media community (actually, I am serious). It's a fun event and the rookies generally are very approachable. In fact, there wasn't a guy I talked tolast night who didn't have something interesting to offer.


Jake Long is a very down-to-earth guy. He talked at ease about the pressure he faces as the highest-paid offensive lineman in the game despite not taking a snap yet, and he looks ready to go.


Thomas is a character. He called the Madden win "the greatest moment of his NFL career to date" to which one gaming reporter mouthed, "Wow" and scribbled notes on a pad. Funny stuff. But Thomas has a big personality and all the confidence in the world. He just might fit in well in D.C.


Jackson is a confident kid, too. He said he's working primarily in the slot but thinks he'll make a big impact as a returner. The Eagles hope so too.
Ryan is a classy kid. I think he's born to be a star. He has Tom Brady's poise and maturity - and we'll find out if he's close to the player Brady is, but I can't help but root for the kid.

Dustin Keller carries himself well. He said he's excited to find out how he'll be used, and he's sick of hearing he's a deficient blocker. He told me he will be an effective blocker in the NFL. Period.

Jordy Nelson admitted to me he didn't expect to be a Packer. But he is excited to work up there and will be heading out Sunday night straight from L.A. He did admit, though, that it would have been nice to play with Brett Favre. I told him to hang tight, his chance might just come.


I have plenty more on the event, as does Mr. Wilkening, who will file later. In a few hours, we're going to the L.A. Coliseum to watch these guys run around in their new unis, and we'll talk to a few more of them and report back.
 
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