Who Will be This Year's Biggest Pleasant Surprise ?

[shally]

okay, all you lumsden-lovers out there.. here is your chance to show your crystal ball skills.

last year we had at least 3 major surprises with players who came out of nowhere to earn roster spots and have an impact wildly grater than anyone could have expected:

Lo Alexander
Stefon Heyer
Chris Wilson

this year, before we get to even mini camp, i am asking who you think will be this year's version... and why ? candidate must be at the very least a second day pick or free agent. can be a holdover from last year..

my pick(s) would be:

kyle devan C--- precisely because he is the only other true center on the roster and that will give him a chance that he will grab.

curtis gatewood-- OLB-- he has much the same skill package that marcus washington had coming into the nfl. undersized DE being converted to LB and rush the passer. we have no other linebacker that fits that profile and i think he will take advantage also..


have at it....

[Smiley]

Fred Davis. I think the dual threat between him and Cooley is going to be awesome.

[shally]

[QUOTE=Smiley;1104179]Fred Davis. I think the dual threat between him and

not exactly a low rounder, but your vote is recorded...lol

[GloryHog]

okay, all you lumsden-lovers out there.. here is your chance to show your crystal ball skills.

curtis gatewood...

Could you think of a better name for a linebacker?

I actually think several of our free agent OL men have as good a chance as any to be pleasant surprises.

[SkinsASchamps]

Our new CB. Tryon. He will get some big PT and make the most of it. I predict 3+ picks for him this season.

[native skin]

Our new CB. Tryon. He will get some big PT and make the most of it. I predict 3+ picks for him this season.

I'll take that vote!!

[FunBunch5]

Brandon Lloyd - He will average a catch every other game for the Bears and receive the most improved player award at the end of the year.

[akhhorus]

Brandon Lloyd - He will average a catch every other game for the Bears and receive the most improved player award at the end of the year.

He could average a catch every other season and get that award.


I'm going with Gatewood. I think he outplays Washington at the SAM and makes him expendable.

[skins111111]

He could average a catch every other season and get that award.


I'm going with Gatewood. I think he outplays Washington at the SAM and makes him expendable.


Wow that would be incredable...........not sure how I feel about it.....love Marcus buuuut hey you get someone that can out play him then you have one hell of a player

[akhhorus]

Wow that would be incredable...........not sure how I feel about it.....love Marcus buuuut hey you get someone that can out play him then you have one hell of a player

I watched a lot of Gatewood in the SEC. He can rush the hell out of the passer and attack the run from the Sam, he's just not good at coverage. Not comparing him to Briggs, but they should use him like the Bears use Briggs-only from the Sam.

[joethefan]

okay, all you lumsden-lovers out there.. here is your chance to show your crystal ball skills.

last year we had at least 3 major surprises with players who came out of nowhere to earn roster spots and have an impact wildly grater than anyone could have expected:

Lo Alexander
Stefon Heyer
Chris Wilson

this year, before we get to even mini camp, i am asking who you think will be this year's version... and why ? candidate must be at the very least a second day pick or free agent. can be a holdover from last year..

my pick(s) would be:

kyle devan C--- precisely because he is the only other true center on the roster and that will give him a chance that he will grab.

curtis gatewood-- OLB-- he has much the same skill package that marcus washington had coming into the nfl. undersized DE being converted to LB and rush the passer. we have no other linebacker that fits that profile and i think he will take advantage also..


have at it....

I'm gonna say Wilson...he sure had better be being as though we didn't draft a DE..IMO the pressure is put on him and MW....

I do like the devan pick as well

[skins111111]

I watched a lot of Gatewood in the SEC. He can rush the hell out of the passer and attack the run from the Sam, he's just not good at coverage. Not comparing him to Briggs, but they should use him like the Bears use Briggs-only from the Sam.

so rotate him with MW to keep him fresh?

[akhhorus]

so rotate him with MW to keep him fresh?

You can't pay a rotational player as much as we pay Washington. If Gatewood can handle the job, buh-bye Washington.

[joethefan]

You can't pay a rotational player as much as we pay Washington. If Gatewood can handle the job, buh-bye Washington.

akh are there any possible june cuts that could come in and help us on the dline?

[shally]

You can't pay a rotational player as much as we pay Washington. If Gatewood can handle the job, buh-bye Washington.

scary when both of us pull the same name out of our b...., uh, back pockets....lol

i sincerely dont think that marcus is the same player he was a couple of years ago. he just isnt making game changing plays and he is a step or two slow getting to the passer.. i totally agree that if gatewood can perform the same pass rushing skills that marcus had, they will let him grow into the coverage responsibilities slowly. as you say, they wont keep marcus to be a 2 down linebacker at his salary. he is either a 3 down player or he goes.

[NCskinsfanatic]

G Brown and/or G Rinehart. I think between Petes arthritic knees and Thomas' penchant for getting hurt... one if not both of these guys will take significant snaps along the line this season.

[shally]

akh are there any possible june cuts that could come in and help us on the dline?

only if we get some catastrophic injuries.. otherwise we will let the younger players grow into their roles...

money is a big issue also.. someone like ted washington would cost a lot because of the years of service.. younger is cheaper..

[akhhorus]

akh are there any possible june cuts that could come in and help us on the dline?

Its not outside the realm of possibility that Jason Taylor gets cut. I think the Hawks will deal Darryl Tapp if they're offered a WR.

scary when both of us pull the same name out of our b...., uh, back pockets....lol

Must be the bourbon lol.

i sincerely dont think that marcus is the same player he was a couple of years ago. he just isnt making game changing plays and he is a step or two slow getting to the passer.. i totally agree that if gatewood can perform the same pass rushing skills that marcus had, they will let him grow into the coverage responsibilities slowly. as you say, they wont keep marcus to be a 2 down linebacker at his salary. he is either a 3 down player or he goes.

Gatewood now(undeveloped) is basically the same player Washington has been for the last 1.5 seasons imo. One dimensional pass rusher, only Gatewood is much faster then Washington is now.

[Skins-fo-life]

JT Tryon gets my vote. He will obviously will be needed from day one. Hopefully someone like byron westbrook improves as well to see playing time.

[ObiWan1278]

I think last year one of the surprises to make the team or the practice squad anyway was Marcus Mason. I believe he looked very good last year every time I saw him touch the ball. Of course I don't totally know how well he did with blocking schemes and such but if he is developing in that department and has another pre-season as he did last year, and with a new coach I think he could get a long hard look at finding some way to make the roster.

And make no mistake about it Mason played his way onto the team last year in a position where he really had only the smallest of chances to do so.

I know I am excited to see how he has developed and see if he still runs as hard as he was last year. I just remember ever time he touched the ball he seemed to hit the holes harder than any back last year I saw in a skins uniform. I know he won't push Clinton Portis to the side. But I think he has the opportunity with a new coach here to maybe compete with either Betts or Cartwright.

[skinsfan36]

rinehart,tyron will do well imo but im going to focus on udfas.

curtis gatewood-very good pass rusher

alonzo dotson-think he suprises

kerry brown-think he will be our top backup at guard

[InsomniaKiller]

I think it's going to be Tryon.

Any pleasant surprises will make me ecstatic, though, obviously.

[guess88]

Colt Brennan!! j/k


Kerry Brown, and Chris Wilson... fo' realz...

[joethefan]

If tyron comes to play half as good as his mouth, we might be saying goodbye to rogers....lol

[Patrick]

I guess I'm looking at the bigger picture....... I honestly am hoping that the BIGGEST/PLEASANT surprise this year will be Coach Zorn.
I would just love to hear ALL the so called experts and "Sports Reporters" eat crow.

[RedskinMike]

I guess I'm looking at the bigger picture....... I honestly am hoping that the BIGGEST/PLEASANT surprise this year will be Coach Zorn.
I would just love to hear ALL the so called experts and "Sports Reporters" eat crow.Thinking the same!:Partyup:

[joethefan]

I guess I'm looking at the bigger picture....... I honestly am hoping that the BIGGEST/PLEASANT surprise this year will be Coach Zorn.
I would just love to hear ALL the so called experts and "Sports Reporters" eat crow.


yea that's what we all should really be biting our fingernails about....if anything....very good point

[warpaint]

the next charles mann gets my vote, alonzo dotson d.e. 6ft 4 260 pounds with the frame to put on a few pounds and has some speed, with such a weakness at this position think he will get a chance to show what he can do,
also has an uncle (santana) and think his gran dad played in the league,so he comes with a pedigree which doesnt hurt, anyways he is my choice this year
yeah would be nice if he was ever close to being as good as charles was.

[GloryHog]

Colt Brennan!! j/k


Kerry Brown, and Chris Wilson... fo' realz...


Unbelievably, I saw Brian Baldinger on the NFL network last night, saying that he had watched Brennan play, spoken at length with June Jones (who said Brennan was the best QB he ever coached) and thought that if JC ever goes down with an injury he may not get his job back.

[dj_stouty]

Reinhart.

Our guards are pretty old, and its easy to assume they could miss a few games or need to be spelled late into games. That leaves the door wide open for Reinhart to get some crucial playing time. I think he will be Buges' pet project this year and I'm looking forward to the game in which he breaks out.

[Skins7ny]

Eric Shelton-more a wish than a prediction. Liked him a lot coming out of college, and he is only guy we have (except Sellers and Nemo) with the size to be a 3rd and 1/goal line banger.
Tyler Ecker-even though we drafted Fred Davis, I suspect Ecker still has a chance to make the roster ahead of Yoder or perhaps even as a 4th TE. The WCO prizes TEs, and they are not always easy to find (just as Zorn's former boss, who keeps drafting and signing them, to no avail). If Ecker shows the skills, they will find a way to keep him around.
Matt Sinclair-size, desire and toughness. I think he emerges as a keeper at LB.
Dorian Smith-doesn't have good triangle numbers, but he knows how to pass rush, is relentless and skilled. May be hard to cut, has a chance to beat out Buzbee/Boschetti for 9th DL.
Bryan Wilson-longshot to make the team, but you can't coach 4.56 in the 40at OLB. Transitioning from DE, also comes from small school, maybe too much adjustment to have to make, but if his learning curve is small, who knows?

[VegasSkinsFan]

I guess I'm looking at the bigger picture....... I honestly am hoping that the BIGGEST/PLEASANT surprise this year will be Coach Zorn.
I would just love to hear ALL the so called experts and "Sports Reporters" eat crow.

I see you and raise you...Biggest/Pleasant surprise will be Vinny Cerrato....through my burgandy and gold rimmed glasses, every pick this year will either make the main roster or the ps...no cuts. Yum, this kool-aid is the best yet. GO SKINS !!!!

[VegasSkinsFan]

Eric Shelton-more a wish than a prediction. Liked him a lot coming out of college, and he is only guy we have (except Sellers and Nemo) with the size to be a 3rd and 1/goal line banger.
Tyler Ecker-even though we drafted Fred Davis, I suspect Ecker still has a chance to make the roster ahead of Yoder or perhaps even as a 4th TE. The WCO prizes TEs, and they are not always easy to find (just as Zorn's former boss, who keeps drafting and signing them, to no avail). If Ecker shows the skills, they will find a way to keep him around.
Matt Sinclair-size, desire and toughness. I think he emerges as a keeper at LB.
Dorian Smith-doesn't have good triangle numbers, but he knows how to pass rush, is relentless and skilled. May be hard to cut, has a chance to beat out Buzbee/Boschetti for 9th DL.
Bryan Wilson-longshot to make the team, but you can't coach 4.56 in the 40at OLB. Transitioning from DE, also comes from small school, maybe too much adjustment to have to make, but if his learning curve is small, who knows?

I like your choices. I think the back-up vets might be in real trouble...guys like boschetti, khary campbell, eubanks, wade/fabini, yoder. A few of the main guys who might be fighting for a spot are rock, moss/are, sellers , betts. Even if they win in camp, i feel their roles will be reduced, just a hunch. To me, the most important thing is not who stays or who goes by name or popularity, but that the better player stays GO SKINS !!!!!

[dogfight6]

Brooks?

[JsMaViSd]

I'm gonna say Wilson...he sure had better be being as though we didn't draft a DE..IMO the pressure is put on him and MW....

I do like the devan pick as well

Wilson is my vote as well

[Redskinmayhem]

Man, everyone seems to be really high on Gatewood. I hope he lives up to the hype.

[Red Bear]

JT Tryon or Leigh Torrence

[CNYSkinFan]

so this is the jesse Lumsden recruitment thread?

[bergiemoore]

Kerry Brown - This guy was a steal as a UDFA
Chad Rinehart - Versatile and ready for the NFL
Durant Brooks - Consistency is his middle name. Frost is doomed!

[coffdogg]

I think Tryon, Kerry Brown and Chris Wilson. We need a nickle back and Tryon should have little trouble beating out Torrence.Kerry will be top backup and see time because I believe injuries on our line are inevitable.I also have to go with what someone else in this post said about Wilson, he better do something since we didn't upgrade.

[Skins7ny]

I like your choices. I think the back-up vets might be in real trouble...guys like boschetti, khary campbell, eubanks, wade/fabini, yoder. A few of the main guys who might be fighting for a spot are rock, moss/are, sellers , betts. Even if they win in camp, i feel their roles will be reduced, just a hunch. To me, the most important thing is not who stays or who goes by name or popularity, but that the better player stays GO SKINS !!!!!
If rock, moss/are, sellers and betts are gone, that is a major roster overhaul. Could happen. I would want to get something for Moss and Betts, and maybe even for Sellers and ARE. I don't think any of those guys are in real danger this year, but you never know. New head coach, no Joe Gibbs around, Vinny & Dan fully in charge...should be interesting.
Kerry Brown - This guy was a steal as a UDFA
Chad Rinehart - Versatile and ready for the NFL
Durant Brooks - Consistency is his middle name. Frost is doomed!
I think Brooks will be getting serious consideration for the Pro Bowl by 2009.

[VegasSkinsFan]

If rock, moss/are, sellers and betts are gone, that is a major roster overhaul. Could happen. I would want to get something for Moss and Betts, and maybe even for Sellers and ARE. I don't think any of those guys are in real danger this year, but you never know. New head coach, no Joe Gibbs around, Vinny & Dan fully in charge...should be interesting.

I think Brooks will be getting serious consideration for the Pro Bowl by 2009.

I dont think the starters will be gone, but their roles may be reduced by implementing the younger guys. Of the backups i listed, it is because if a rookie has any talent he should be able to supplant them. If your main competition is khary campbell or boschetti, or eubanks, it will be easier than trying to win in camp over them then say monty, rogers or MW...just to use names.

[Meatsnack]

Kerry Brown is an evil masher with the feet to play ORG or ORT. He will play this year and impress. Pete Kendall better use his icy hot if he wants to keep his job because Brown will make it hard for the coaches to sit him.

Rinehart will, I am guessing, be given a chance to compete with DeVan as a center/guard swing player. Rinehart played some ORT, so he is mobile enough to pull. DeVan has an uphill battle. DeVan is also a super kid and ultra invovled in the community through services for special needs kids. He is worth rooting for from that alone.

I think Boatman has an outside chance to stick just based on crazy potential. When his Type 1 diabetes and his weight are under control he is a terrific athlete at 6'6" and 320#. If Buges can correct his technique/mental flaws in camp, he will stick. I am really rooting for this guy to fulfill his upside.

[lorimike]

Chad Rinehart will step in for one of our 30 plus year old lineman and fill in very well and will become one of our starting guards for 2009

[ChiefPowhatan17]

I think Chris Horton will be the biggest surprise, he will make the team and be a Special teams demon along with Kareem Moore.

[culpeper]

buzbee...the position has the least amount of competition and he has potential. it even looked as if he put on some weight this offseason

[linzman|skinsfan]

So I will let this be my first post after years of reading everyone elses...

I think it will be a pleasant surprise to have a punter that can consistantly get us out of trouble and pin the opposing offense... of course it would only be a surprise if it were Derrick Frost.

I think it's under appreciated the value Durant Brooks will likely bring us.

BTW, Did anyone watch the camp video? I know he might be undersized but I had to look up #98 to see who had the quick feet on the D line... At least Jackson looks like he has a little burst.

[dj_stouty]

So I will let this be my first post after years of reading everyone elses...

I think it will be a pleasant surprise to have a punter that can consistantly get us out of trouble and pin the opposing offense... of course it would only be a surprise if it were Derrick Frost.

I think it's under appreciated the value Durant Brooks will likely bring us.

BTW, Did anyone watch the camp video? I know he might be undersized but I had to look up #98 to see who had the quick feet on the D line... At least Jackson looks like he has a little burst.

Welcome Linzman! Glad to see you finally "crossed over" and posted. Please continue to post and join our community....

I also like Brooks. The guy has a serious leg, and I witnessed it live at a game last year. I've always felt that field position is overlooked in the NFL; of course every coach and FO exec talks about it...but rarely do they put the necessary people in place to make that difference. Brooks is that difference maker, IMO. Bye, Bye Frost...

[guess88]

I'd also like to add Mix to my list. 3 big, tall, young receivers is gonna be fun.

[skinsfan36]

buzbee in an interview on extremeskins said that he has bulked up to 275.interesting

[VegasSkinsFan]

buzbee in an interview on extremeskins said that he has bulked up to 275.interesting

He is a de/lb tweener right? Sounds like he is preparing more for DE, but if not...thats one hell of a big lb, especially if he kept his speed. GO SKINS !!!!!!

[skinfan43]

To be dead honest, hopefully Chris Wilson. But I'll take Buzbee, Jackson, or Dorien Smith too. Need a DE to truly emerge opposite Carter.
And I have a good feeling about Golston as well.

[jaylen]

I think Wilson is tracking to be like Clemons/Burgess from the Raiders, towards season's end he really started playing well.

[colkurtz]

Kerry Brown

Mason will take over for the Rock

Frost is too inconsistent to win this fight at punter.

[VegasSkinsFan]

Just a quick note, i saw some pics from the mini-camp and here are a couple of observations : Monty and Sellers looked trimmer while Betts looked bulkier. Also, Philip Daniels looks to be in amazing shape, here is to him making it through another season. GO SKINS !!!!!

[skinsfan36]

rob jackson is also someone to watch for i think he gets some action this yr

[PennSkinsFan]

Malcolm Kelly

[MPCSkins]

H.B. Blades. I watched him at Pitt and the guy's name was called after nearly every play. He was always in on the play. I know he's small, but I think he can be a playmaker for us and I hope that he can make an impact soon.

[shally]

Malcolm Kelly

that would not surprise me.. if he can stay healthy, he will produce...

[resdog56]

H.B. Blades. I watched him at Pitt and the guy's name was called after nearly every play. He was always in on the play. I know he's small, but I think he can be a playmaker for us and I hope that he can make an impact soon.

My choice, as well. Blades is always around the football and he has a great bloodline.

[Hr fan]

okay, all you lumsden-lovers out there.. here is your chance to show your crystal ball skills.

last year we had at least 3 major surprises with players who came out of nowhere to earn roster spots and have an impact wildly grater than anyone could have expected:

Lo Alexander
Stefon Heyer
Chris Wilson

this year, before we get to even mini camp, i am asking who you think will be this year's version... and why ? candidate must be at the very least a second day pick or free agent. can be a holdover from last year..

my pick(s) would be:

kyle devan C--- precisely because he is the only other true center on the roster and that will give him a chance that he will grab.

curtis gatewood-- OLB-- he has much the same skill package that marcus washington had coming into the nfl. undersized DE being converted to LB and rush the passer. we have no other linebacker that fits that profile and i think he will take advantage also..


have at it....

Agree on DeVan. He is like Bostic - just gets the job done. Would hope for Gatewood but not for this year - too far to come technique wise in essentially a position shift. Instead I like Mix (JC has confidence in him and he is a STer) and Durant (if he stabilizes the position a lot of teams will regret passing him).

[saratogan]

My vote is for Malcolm Kelly. I can not provide any sound facts to back this up. I just think he has alot of quality intangibles while making good plays. For this to occur, however, the receiver coach is going to have to really help him with running proper routes and make sure he learns the play book.

[smoak]

Fred Davis! I just have a feeling this guy is going to come in well-rested.

[Skins7ny]

Agree on DeVan. He is like Bostic - just gets the job done. Would hope for Gatewood but not for this year - too far to come technique wise in essentially a position shift. Instead I like Mix (JC has confidence in him and he is a STer) and Durant (if he stabilizes the position a lot of teams will regret passing him).
I think that several teams regretted passing on Brooks the instant we selected him. With their being only one draftable punter available, some teams were probably waiting until round 6 to grab him, not wanting to grab him with an earlier pick. Unlike every other position in the draft, you cannot grab a player when there is a run on the position.
I don't think DeVan is going to make it. He is not that good a prospect. The report I read says that he has short, slow hands and slow feet, plays with poor strength and no pop and is just not a good enough athlete. I hope the report is wrong, because we literally have no one else at backup center.
Fred Davis! I just have a feeling this guy is going to come in well-rested.

:lol1:

[linzman|skinsfan]

Fred Davis! I just have a feeling this guy is going to come in well-rested.

Haha!

[dj_stouty]

Fred Davis! I just have a feeling this guy is going to come in well-rested.

LMAO!

Good one, Smoak.

[hogskins]

Fred Davis! I just have a feeling this guy is going to come in well-rested.

He's definitely the "sleeper" pick.

[JsMaViSd]

He's definitely the "sleeper" pick.

LMAO

im gonna go with Mix actually

i dont know if he counts, but i believe this guy is the weapon we have been waiting for.

[skinsfan36]

LMAO

im gonna go with Mix actually

i dont know if he counts, but i believe this guy is the weapon we have been waiting for.

he will probably knock thrash off the roster this year we are going young,i think thrash,mix,toler,mann,mathis,gant(fodder),mcmullen are competiting for two spots. toler,gant may end up on the ps though

[SkinsfaninNJ]

I wonder if baby brother Westbrook is ready to step up this year. There was someone here (sorry I forget who) really high on him last year. We have the need, and he got a lot of mentions during minicamp.

[skinsfan36]

I wonder if baby brother Westbrook is ready to step up this year. There was someone here (sorry I forget who) really high on him last year. We have the need, and he got a lot of mentions during minicamp.

hes going to have a chance with rogers on the pup list to start the season ti stick as the 5th cb with tyron/torrence probably the nickel/dime

[ChiefPowhatan17]

Once Kareem Moore is back, I bet he will be a force.

[Hr fan]

Fred Davis! I just have a feeling this guy is going to come in well-rested.

LMAO!

[warpaint]

Fred Davis! I just have a feeling this guy is going to come in well-rested.

dont know about that smoak, problem is next time he will have to spend much more time coming up with a better story lol worst excuse i have ever heard blame all on the big mouth room mate, davis may turn out to be a great football player but no stephen kings mind for sure.

[HanburgerBum]

Holdovers: HB Blades and Leigh Torrence.

I had thought Blades was strictly a MLB-type due to his limited speed/quickness. But, he surprised me last year. I believe he actually played some WIL and didn't embarrass himself by a long shot. Blades may be versatile enough to play either MLB or WIL and he really has a nose for the football. That makes him a valuable backup and spot starter.

As for Torrence, I don't have any basis to think that he will have a breakout season, but I am desperate hoping he will. As iffy as the CB situation is, Torrence will get plenty of chances to show his stuff. Hopefully, he seizes the opportunity to prove that he can be a consistent starter at this level.

New players: Kerry Brown, Andrew Crummey and Bryan Wilson.

Chad Rinehart will no doubt have a good training camp and be a solid backup at all Oline positions. But, as a 3rd rounder, he shouldn't even be considered a "surprise".

I agree with AKH that it was shocking that Kerry Brown went undrafted. He is a solid bet to make this team.

Andrew Crummey probably should have gone in round 6th or 7th. He, Brown, Rinehart and holdover Heyer will infuse desperately needed youth in the Oline.

Bryan Wilson is such a long-shot, he is not even listed in Ourlads. I am just hoping the 4.56 speed gives him a shot at OLB, where the team is very thin.