12 NFL Rookies That Fell Flat on Their Faces at NFL Minicamps

There are more than a few levels of "falling on your face" when it comes to football. Not every mistake is a disaster, but for a rookie, any mistake can hurt his career. Some of the players on this list will find a window of opportunity closing because of a poor performance or off-field mistake.

Most of the issues are short-term problems, and there's plenty of time to right the ship. Still, NFL teams have a ton of talented players, and one mistake could open the door for someone else.

Bernard Pierce, Baltimore Ravens

Damage Control: Medium-Low

The Baltimore Ravens need someone to step up and seize the No. 2 running back spot behind Ray Rice. Bernard Pierce figured to have the inside track at winning that job, but he failed to stand out during the summer minicamp, reports John Eisenberg of CSN Baltimore.

Pierce will have plenty of opportunities during training camp to earn carries. However, he had a chance to really separate himself from the competition and failed. In fact, there's a possibility that the Ravens could look to the free-agent market if they feel Pierce won't be able to contribute this season.

The NFL is all about taking advantage of opportunities. Failing to impress early could allow someone else to step up and close the door on that opportunity.

Devon Wylie, Kansas City Chiefs

Damage Control: High-Low

According to Josh Looney of KCChiefs.com, Devon Wylie had an up-and-down performance that ended with a hamstring injury. He faced issues with dropped passes and the speed of the game. However, the injury is the most concerning.

During his career at Fresno State, Wylie missed a lot of time due to injuries. This makes any time missed a concern. At some point, there needs to be a concern surrounding Wylie's durability. Players that can't stay healthy tend to have a very short NFL career.

His struggles are also hurting his chances of earning an important role in the offense. He has the skills to be an excellent slot receiver, but he must first beat out Dexter McCluster for playing time.

A.J. Jenkins, San Francisco 49ers

Damage Control: High-Low

Every NFL roster has a ton of great athletes fighting for a job, so when A.J. Jenkins showed up at the San Francisco 49ers minicamp out of shape, it really raised questions. Jim Harbaugh isn't the type of coach to just hand someone playing time because he's a first-round pick; his players must earn playing time.

Jenkins' chances to make an impact this year appear very slim at this point. His poor showing has put him behind Michael Crabtree, Mario Manningham and Randy Moss on the depth chart. He also must compete with Kyle Williams and Ted Ginn Jr., who have an advantage because they're familiar with the offense.

Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins

Damage Control: Low-High

Ryan Tannehill hasn't gotten as much time with the first team as David Garrard and Matt Moore have received, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson.

This could be a clear indication that the coaching staff feels Tannehill isn't ready to begin the season as the starter. Honestly, if the Miami Dolphins have any plans to start him immediately, he should be receiving every first-team snap.

There was a thought that Tannehill actually had a leg up on the competition because of his familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike Sherman. However, it looks as though the Dolphins might be taking the slower approach with Tannehill.

This a short-term issue, but it actually serves both parties better in the long term. Based on his college career, Tannehill didn't show much to say he's ready for the NFL. He could really benefit from sitting behind someone like Garrard to learn the ins and outs of the game.

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Damage Control: Low

Stanford's academic year prohibited Andrew Luck from working out with the Indianapolis Colts until after June 7. This limited his ability to learn the Colts offense and build relationships with his teammates. Luck admitted that he feels behind in the learning process.

Luck is a very smart individual, but learning a new playbook takes time and practice. The fact that the Colts are counting on him to make an immediate impact only clouds the situation. In the end, Luck will be fine, but there's going to be pressure for him to speed up his learning curve.

A slow start to the season could really derail the Colts' hopes of a successful season. Two of their first three games come against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings. Both of these games are very winnable, but they become much more difficult if Luck isn't comfortable with the full playbook.

DeVier Posey, Houston Texans

Damage Control: Medium-High

The Houston Texans have a few open spots in their wide receiving corps. This is an opportunity for someone like DeVier Posey to earn significant playing time. However, Posey failed to impress the coaching staff during offseason workouts, per Pro Football Weekly.

In order for Posey to really have a chance to make a difference this year, he'll have to beat out the likes of Kevin Walter, Lestar Jean and Jeff Maehl. Being on the roster last season has given these guys a head start. The coaches already know what to expect and might feel more comfortable with them on the field.

However, Posey possesses some real upside, and a strong training camp could change things. Still, he's going to have to earn playing time by standing out, not by playing average football.

Travis Benjamin, Cleveland Browns

Damage Control: Medium-High

When Terry Pluto of The Plain Dealer talked about the Cleveland Browns' wide receiver position, he failed to mention Travis Benjamin. He had good things to say about Mohamed Massaquoi and mentioned Jordan Norwood and Josh Cooper as two competing for the No. 3 receiver role.

Benjamin is raw but has the speed to stretch the field. However, the fact that he hasn't stood out is worth mentioning. Josh Cooper is an undrafted rookie, and he managed to turn some heads. Being selected in the fourth round doesn't guarantee anyone a roster spot.

The upcoming training camp isn't only important for Benjamin to earn playing time; it's also going to be a fight to make the active roster.

Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears

Damage Control: Low-High

Alshon Jeffery started off his tenure with the Chicago Bears on a good note by showing up in shape and ready to work. However, the optimism he created has started to wash away. Jeffery missed most of the latest minicamp with a lower-leg injury.

The Bears traded up in the second round to land Jeffery because they saw what he could bring to the offense. They made this move despite some questions about his maturity and explosiveness. Now, there might be some injury issues piled on top.

Obviously, the Bears are taking a cautious approach, but it's better for a player with question marks to receive all positive reports.

Dre Kirkpatrick, Cincinnati Bengals

Damage Control: Medium-Low

Dre Kirkpatrick was hurt a little by the defensive system run at Alabama. He's having to play catchup in order to fit into the Cincinnati Bengals' attack.

Kirkpatrick had this to say about the transition he's dealing with (per Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com):

"

I never backpedaled. We were always press man, Cover 2. It was never just sit there and reading the receiver on his route. It was something new.

"

Having to focus on such a basic part of the game is really hurting his chances to earn an immediate starting job. The Bengals expect to be in the playoff hunt and can't afford to deal with a rookie's learning curve. They are more likely to allow veterans like Terence Newman, Jason Allen and Adam Jones to take the bulk of the snaps.

Kellen Moore, Detroit Lions

Damage Control: High

Kellen Moore might have had a very successful college career, but he just doesn't possess the tools needed to make it in the NFL. His limited arm strength has been very noticeable so far at the Detroit Lions' offseason program (via Anwar S. Richardson of MLive.com).

The athletes in the NFL make it impossible for quarterbacks with poor arm strength to succeed. Defenses don't only feature top athletes, but also have players that know how to read the quarterback. This combination of skills means Moore is likely to throw a ton of interceptions.

At this point, it's a stretch for Moore to even earn an opening-day roster spot. The No. 3 quarterback is usually someone with potential that needs development. Moore doesn't fit that mold, as he has reached the peak of his ability.

Brandon Brooks, Houston Texans

Damage Control: Medium-Low

It's never a good idea to start a new job by disappointing your boss. Brandon Brooks did exactly that when he showed up to Houston Texans minicamp overweight.

Lance Zierlein of the Houston Chronicle tweeted that Gary Kubiak wasn't pleased with the way Brooks showed up to camp.

"

Gary Kubiak said he was not happy with Brandon Brooks after his weigh-in and that Brooks needed to lose weight.

— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) June 12, 2012"

Brooks may have cost himself a shot at a starting job, because the Texans needed someone to replace Mike Brisiel, who signed with the Oakland Raiders. It how appears that Antoine Caldwell has the inside track to win that job.

The future is still bright for Brooks, but he had a real chance to make an impact as a rookie.

Justin Blackmon, Jacksonville Jaguars

Damage Control: Medium-Low

Justin Blackmon's off-field issues won't really impact his play on the field, but it hurts his standing with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Players selected in the top five aren't expected to just perform on the field; they are often asked to be the face of the franchise.

The NFL doesn't just revolve around on-field play, as there's also the moneymaking aspect. Organizations use their star players to sell tickets, merchandise and other moneymaking ventures. Someone with multiple DUI arrests might not be the person you want representing your franchise.

Blackmon will have an opportunity to get on the right track, but he's on a short leash. The last thing he can afford is a slow start to the season. He put a lot of pressure on himself with his poor decisions.