I continue my look at the top-10 NFL newcomers with the NFC East, home of three playoff teams last year including the...and it pains me to say this...World Champion New York Giants.
Enjoy!
1. Asante Samuel—Philadelphia Eagles
This one is obvious. Let's take a look at the career of 27-year old Asante Samuel: 27 career interceptions, including five in the postseason, an All Pro and Pro Bowl selection in 2007, and a two-time Super Bowl champion. Enough said.
2. Felix Jones—Dallas Cowboys
One of the Cowboys' two first-rounders this year, Jones is a speedster who will complement starter Marion Barber perfectly. His ability to take runs to the outside will make this Dallas offense that much more explosive.
3. Mike Jenkins—Dallas Cowboys
The other Cowboy first-rounder, Jenkins, will be able to step in immediately and contribute to an aging secondary. He'll start as the nickel corner behind Terence Newman and Anthony Henry, but will soon get his chance to shine.
4. DeSean Jackson—Philadelphia Eagles
While Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis are good No. 2 and 3 receivers, DeSean Jackson gives the Eagles and McNabb a downfield playmaker who can really stretch the field.
5. Zach Thomas—Dallas Cowboys
Words can't describe how good Thomas has been over his long career. He's been a member of seven Pro Bowls, but is still in search of his first Super Bowl. If he can stay healthy, Thomas has a chance to get Dallas to the big game this year, and cement his Hall of Fame career.
6. Chris Clemons—Philadelphia Eagles
"Diet Calvin Pace" as I call him, Clemons had eight sacks last year with the Oakland Raiders, and he will be part of a formidable pass-rushing rotation including Trent Cole, Juqua Parker, and Victor Abiamiri.
7. Jim Zorn—Washington Redskins
Zorn, the new Redskin coach, brings the West Coast offense to Washington. Known as a quarterback guru, Zorn will try to help Jason Campbell take that next step and get the 'Skins back to the postseason.
8. Devin Thomas—Washington Redskins
Thomas, the 6'2'' receiver out of Michigan State, will give Campbell a viable downfield threat, as well as someone who will be able to take punts and kickoffs into the end zone.
9. Kenny Phillips—New York Giants
The G-Men get their replacement for ex-safety Gibril Wilson here, and it looks like Phillips will contribute from day one. The former Hurricane will bring intensity and speed to the New York secondary.
10. Malcolm Kelly—Washington Redskins
We round out the top-10 with Kelly, another Redskin rookie receiver, who will be just another weapon, along with Thomas and rookie tight-end Fred Davis, for Jason Campbell to throw to.
AFC South up next!
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3 months ago
Very good list, solid analysis; except for Mike Jenkins.
"The other Cowboy first-rounder, Jenkins, will be able to step in immediately and contribute to an aging secondary. He'll start as the nickel corner behind Terence Newman and Anthony Henry, but will soon get his chance to shine."
This just isn't right. First off if you've been reading Dallas area news, or anything about their training camp you'd know that Jenkins has been getting torched routinely. Not only is Mike Jenkins getting made a fool in practice but its not T.O., Glenn, Crayton, or even Witten doing it. But rather undrafted rookie free agent Danny "the next wes welker" Amendola. Now on top of his poor play thus far he is going on to a team that boasts three corners that will immediatly start ahead of him in Pac-Man (sorry buddy i'm not adhering to name changes; to me its set in stone), Newman, and Henry. In fact where the hell is Pac-Man on this list? If its becuase he hasnt been reinstated yet i understand but otherwise he should be #2 right behind Asante. When Jones is healthy he's one of the top 3-5 cover corners in the league, tackles well, and lead the leauge in punt return avg. also scoring a few TD's along the way.
from 3 months ago
I have seen that Jenkins is struggling in practice, but he is an extremely talented player and he'll eventually come around. And yes, I would agree that Pac-Man would definitely be #2 or #3 but as you said he hasn't been reinstated yet so that's why I left him off.
3 months ago
Good article.
3 months ago
Good article.
3 months ago
I'm curious to see how well Asante does in the Eagles system - he looks like he'll be dominant in the NFC.
I remember when he first started getting serious playing time with the Pats - mainly due to Ty Law's injury at the time. The kid showed great awareness, and won over Pats faithful by sticking to his man and delivering some sledgehammer hits (considering his small frame, it was a shocker to see him level the likes of Ricky Williams and Jeb Putzier - this is one of his more famous hits: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqN9JtmCaFI)
Although he quickly moved up the depth chart with his coverage skills, it wasn't until the the 2006 season that he developed sticky fingers and started intercepting the ball (side note: after week 12 that year, I wrote an article comparing him to Champ Bailey and got an ridiculous amount of flack for it - now the two are universally considered the top 2 CBs in the game ... http://www.mattspatsblog.com/?p=221). Opposing quarterbacks took notice, and it was quite a sight to see how reluctant they were to throw to his side of the field.
The one thing that I'd like to point out is that, barring his missed INT in the Super Bowl against the Giants, the kid is the best playoff cornerback in the game. He’s tied with Willie Brown for the NFL record with 3 playoff interceptions returned for touchdowns.
I'm definitely going to miss this game changer, and I think he'll have a wonderful career in Philly.
3 months ago
I completely agree... Asante was one of my favorites and that hit on Stokley is just nasty... I knew he had the 3 return td's in the postseason but I did not know that that was a record. Thanks so much!
3 months ago
I agree for the most part. I think DeSean Jackson will contribute a lot to the special teams of the Eagles. Those of you who remember the Eagles-Packers game last season know what I'm talking about.
And thank you for recognizing Chris Clemons. He's going to be a beast with Trent and Victor on the line.
from 3 months ago
Yeah I think Clemons has a chance to be special with the Eagles and Jackson will be a very good return man for you guys
3 months ago
Great article and list. It will be fun to watch these players (and coaches) battle it out in the toughest conference in the NFL.
3 months ago
'Adam' is by far the biggest addition for the Cowboys, but as you say, I do think Jenkins will find his stride, but when Jones is allowed back Jenkins will be lucky to battle Henry for the nickel this year
As far as the Skins, they already have a solid deep threat in Moss, what they need is someone who can get open inside 25 yards not named Cooley. And I don't know that either rookie wideout will excel this year in a new offense, let alone both...
The Eagles continue to stick to their formula, lock up corners and heavy pressure--great pick up for Phila...but their entire season rests on an aging McNabb
from 3 months ago
No love for my man, Kevin Kolb? Super 5s goin down in week 3 and I hate to say it, but I cant wait. (When McNabb goes down, Reid actually turns the Eagles into a running team which is what we need to be.)
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