The Rookie Report Jan 22, 2008 | More

Welcome everyone to the third 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 look back at the 2007 NFL draft’s first two rounds and analyze disappointments and potential busts.

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

WR Ted Ginn, Jr. – Miami Dolphins

Ted Ginn, Jr. was drafted with the 9^th pick of the 2007 NFL draft with the Dolphins expecting Ginn to make an instant impact in the return game while he develops as a WR. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, Ginn failed to make this impact the kickoff return game averaging only 22.7 yards per return. He faired better on punt returns with a 9.6 yard average and scored a touchdown; however, he lost 3 fumbles over the course of the season. Ginn also struggled with his pass route running, which was one of his weaknesses coming out of college. Ginn finished the year with 34 receptions for 420 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns despite receiving significant playing time in 2007. Wide receivers coming out of college typically take time to develop, but based on what Ginn has shown on the field thus far, I think it is unlikely that he will live up to the expected production of a top 10 NFL draft pick.

RB Chris Henry – Tennessee Titans

The selection of Chris Henry in the 2^nd round of the 2007 NFL draft was solely based on his Combine performance after a below average college career at Arizona. Henry saw limited action as a running back in 2007 as he could not beat out veteran Chris Brown for the backup role on the Titans as well as his 4 game drug-related suspension. Henry was utilized on special teams as a kickoff return man averaging a paltry 20.9 yards per return. As a running back, Henry averaged 3.8 yards per carry which were skewed by good games at Houston and Oakland. For the remainder of the season, Henry only averaged 0.9 yards per carry further showcasing the lack of field vision had during his college career. With Chris Brown unlikely to return to the Titans in 2008, Henry is penciled in as the backup running back next year; however, it will be unlikely for the Titans not to bring in another back who will surpass Henry on the depth chart.

WR Robert Meachem – New Orleans Saints

It is hard to categorize Robert Meachem as a bust as Coach Payton indicated that he was showing progress on the practice field; however, Meachem didn’t impress the coaching staff enough in 2007 to rely on him in game action.Payton indicated that Meachem would be in the mix at wide receiver in 2008; however, it remains to be seen whether he will make any impact at all as a receiver after being selected with a first round draft pick.

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. In 5 games in 2007, Beck completed 56% of his passes, threw 3 interceptions, lost 5 fumbles and passed for 1 touchdown. There was good news out two weeks ago 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. The jury is still out on Beck; however, up till 2 weeks before the 2007 NFL draft, most experts projected Beck to be a mid-round draft pick at best and it is possible the Dolphins reached for him similar to the way they reached for Ted Ginn, Jr. in the first last year.

WR Craig Davis – San Diego Chargers

Davis was selected in the late first round to start alongside Vincent Jackson for the Chargers; however, the rookie failed to make an impact in his first season.In 14 games in 2007, Davis recorded 20 receptions for 188 yards and a touchdown. The Chargers also traded for Chris Chambers from the Dolphins to solidify their wide-outs, which wasn’t exactly a vote of confidence for Davis after the Chargers invested a first round pick in him.

WR Dwayne Jarrett – Carolina Panthers

Jarrett was taken in the 2^nd round of the 2007 NFL draft and expected to take over the role of a big possession receiver after the departure of Keyshawn Johnson. Jarrett had a very disappointing season as a rookie only recording 6 catches for 73 yards in 7 games. In the limited game action, Jarrett appeared to be a step slower than opposing defenders and was never able to get separation off the line of scrimmage. Based on 2007, the comparisons between Mike Williams and Jarrett seem justified as neither of these former USC wide-outs seem best suited to play receiver in the NFL.

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

San Diego Chargers vs. New England Patriots

Chargers S Eric Weddle had 5 solo tackles and 2 assists.

Patriots S Brandon Merriweather had 1 solo tackle and 3 assists.

Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants

Packers PK Mason Crosby went 2 for 2 on field goal attempts and hit both of his extra point attempts. RB Brandon Jackson caught 1 pass for 1 yard.

Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw rushed 16 times for 63 yards; caught 1 pass for 9 yards; and scored a touchdown. WR Steve Smith caught 2 passes for 25 yards.TE Kevin Boss caught 1 pass for 12 yards.