The NFL season is getting ready to begin and with preseason and training camps moving along, The MMQB and writer Peter King looked at some thoughts from his bus tour, writing in 10 Things I Think I Think that Tavon Austin, Barkevious Mingo, E.J. Manuel, Le'Veon Bell and Kyle Long were the best rookies that he saw during his trip.
All of the rookies mentioned likely will get major playing time, especially Manuel and Austin. Manuel may end up with the starting job at one point, while Jeff Fisher loves what Austin brings to the table as a speedy receiver. Kyle Long will have some pressure in Chciago as the offense line is in tatters and Bell should be the primary back after the team ditched Rashard Mendenall last season. Mingo is looked at as a consistent rushing threat for the Browns.
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Mingo was the last rookie to sign with the Browns after cornerback Leon McFadden, safety Jamoris Slaughter, defensive end Armonty Bryant and guard Garrett Gilkey and that was a priority for Chudzinski heading into camp, as the team has a number of questions at various positions heading into the season. Chudzinski will look at how quarterback Brandon Weeden looks in camp and running back Trent Richardson will also be a primary focus, as he is banged up heading into workouts.
Mingo was considered one of the top athletic talents in the draft this past year and he played in 40 career games at LSU, including 15 starts last season when he recorded 119 tackles and 15 sacks. Mingo came out of the draft as a defensive end and there is a chance he will play there a bit this season, but the Browns and defensive coordinator Ray Horton will likely use him as an outside linebacker to make the most of his speed and explosiveness.
From Peter King:
"I think the best rookies we saw were:
a. Barkevious Mingo, OLB, Cleveland. Beat two left tackles with speed moves, and didn't even look like he was sweating. Just hope the lung injury he suffered Thursday night against Detroit isn't serious.
b. Tavon Austin, WR/KR/PR, St. Louis. Saw him make Cortland Finnegan, a $10 million-a-year cornerback, look very mortal on an eight-yard curl. Preview of things to come.
c. Le'Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh. Stands his ground in blitz-blocking drills against 250-pound linebackers, and he can juke safeties too. Hobbled with a knee sprain now. Steelers really need him.
d. E.J. Manuel, QB, Buffalo. Saw his eighth camp practice. Impressed by his poise and self-assuredness in and out of the pocket for a player so early in his first camp.
e. Kyle Long, G, Chicago. Played very well in the Friday preseason opener at Carolina. Poised and very strong. Looks like a 10-year pro.
f. David Amerson, CB, Washington. A feisty, combative corner, just what an aging secondary needs."