The Rookie Report Jan 14, 2008 | More

Welcome everyone to the second post-season installment to the Rookie Report.In case you missed the report earlier this season, the report will cover topics, trends and a game by game analysis of notable performances by the NFL’s 2007 Rookie Class to assist in your pursuit of dynasty championship gold.

In this week’s edition we will analyze the week’s happenings for rookie news.

So sit back, but don’t get too comfortable because here we go with our second post-season week’s installment of this report.…

DE Gaines Adams – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Gaines Adams had a slow start in his 2007 rookie campaign; however, he came on strong down the stretch for the Buccaneers. In the second half of the season, Adams registered 5 sacks. In the opening week of the playoffs, Adams had 1 sack and 5 tackles for the Bucs in a losing cause. With a full offseason in Tampa Bay’s program, Adams should see dramatic improvement in his game and potentially live up to his high first round draft status.

S Laron Landry – Baltimore Ravens

Word out of Washington indicates that Laron Landry is likely to switch to the free safety position in 2008 after spending his rookie year at strong safety.Landry still has the playmaking ability to put up big numbers; however, the switch of positions is likely to lead to a drop-off in tackle numbers for Landry.This is a situation to monitor throughout the offseason as Landry is a stud in the making at the safety position with more potential on the strong side.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw – New York Giants

Ahmad Bradshaw came to the rescue of the Giants in their opening playoff week match up against the Bucs by putting up 66 yards after Brandon Jacobs was hindered by leg cramps. What is most notable is that Bradshaw was first off the bench in a crucial playoff game indicating that he has surpassed Droughns on the depth chart for the Giants.

QB John Beck – Miami Dolphins

John Beck looked like a deer in headlights for most of the 2007 season being bench late in the season in favor of journeyman Cleo Lemon to protect him from being crushed by the lack of success Beck experienced on the field. There was good news out last week regarding Beck as Bill Parcells and Jeff Ireland brought in Ole Miss offensive coordinator David Lee to be Beck’s quarterback coach. Lee was a guiding force in the development of other young talent as none other than Tony Romo. The presence of Lee should help develop Beck in the future; however, Beck will have to demonstrate extreme mental toughness with the Big Tuna looking over his shoulder.

QB Drew Stanton – Detroit Lions

Drew Stanton appears to be in line to start the season as the Lions backup quarterback in 2008 after red-shirting his rookie year on the Injured Reserve list. Stanton appears to be the quarterback of the future for the Lions and will likely see the field in some capacity in 2008 after the departure of Mike Martz.

LB Paul Posluszny – Buffalo Bills

Posluszny appears to be on track to return to full strength by mini-camps after breaking his forearm early in 2007.

ILB Lawrence Timmons – Pittsburgh Steelers

After receiving limited playing time as a rookie, Timmons is expected to battle with Larry Foote this offseason for the starting ILB spot opposite of James Farrior. This position in the Steelers defense is typically responsible for pass rushing duties, so it is likely that even if Timmons wins the starting job over Foote, his tackle opportunities will be restricted by these responsibilities.

The following section of the Rookie Report summarizes notable rookie performances in this week’s playoff games.

Green Bay Packers vs. Seattle Seahawks

Packers RB Brandon Jackson rushed 8 times for 34 yards and caught a 13 yard pass for a touchdown. PK Mason Crosby kicked 6 extra points.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New England Patriots

Jaguars FS Reggie Nelson had 4 solo tackles and 2 assists. LB Justin Durant had 3 solo tackles and 4 assists.

New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw had 6 carries for 34 yards and 1 catch for 6 yards.TE Kevin Boss had 1 catch for 19 yards. WR Steve Smith had 4 catches for 48 yards. CB Aaron Ross had 4 solo tackles and 2 assists before leaving the game with a shoulder injury.

Cowboys PK Nick Folk was 1 for 1 on field goal attempts and hit both of his extra point opportunities.

Indianapolis Colts vs. San Diego Chargers

Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez caught 4 passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. DT Ed Johnson registered 7 solo tackles and 2 assists.

Chargers WR Craig Davis caught 1 pass for 18 yards. S Eric Weddle recorded 2 solo tackles, 3 assists and an interception.