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NFL Rookies of the Week – Chiefs’ WR Dwayne Bowe & Browns CB Eric Wright
The NFL ’07 season enters the final two months with several rookies emerging as bona fide playmakers. Chiefs' wide receiver Dwayne Bowe continues his fine rookie season after being selected in the 1st round with the 23rd overall player last April. In the loss to the Broncos last week, he caught 9 passes for 105 yards in a losing cause. He has been very productive since early in the season and leads all rookies with 38 receptions for over 600 yards and a 15 yard + average per catch, in addition to 3 TDs. He is on pace for a 100 yard receiving season, a rare feat for any rookie wideout.
Cleveland’s CB Eric Wright has emerged as a fine starter this season after being selected in the 2nd round last spring. In the tough loss vs the Steelers, he had 12 tackles, including his first career sack. Over his rookie season, he leads all defensive backs with 68 tackles with 1 interception and 1 sack. He was the 5th cornerback selected in April and has been one of the best first day values in the NFL Draft ‘07
Rookie Runner ups
Offense – Selvyn Young - RB - Broncos
Defense – Jon Beason - LB - Panthers
Dwayne Bowe - Scouting Profile from Draft Insiders’ Yearbook in March ’07 is below.
Dwayne Bowe #80 - 6’2� 220 lbs. - LSU - Sp. 4.55 Rating 88
Hindu Theory - Muhsin Muhammad
Big athletic senior wideout completed his career with another strong performance in ’06 earning first team SEC honors for his efforts. Dwayne has shown dominant skills at times over his SEC career especially in the intermediate zones where his physical skills allow him to win most matchups. Over his three starting seasons, he has been unstoppable in single matchups especially going over the middle or at the sidelines. He addressed his biggest problem over the past year – too many dropped passes. He underwent successful lasik eye surgery last spring that improved his sight significantly for his final season. He displayed more consistent hands for the first time of his career after earlier flashing big play ability but always marred by critical drops. He showcased his talent in the postseason vs top competition at the Senior Bowl where he rose to the upper echelon of the senior class of prospects. He has imposing size and the athleticism to become a fine possession receiver, though he needs to show he can separate consistently vs top cover men.
The Numbers:As a senior, he caught 65 passes for 990 yards and 12 TDs for a 15.2 yard average, starting in 13 games which earned him first team SEC honors. As a junior, he started 9 of 12 games and caught 41 passes for 710 yards and 9 TDs while sitting out the season opener with an ankle injury. He caught a TD pass in 7 straight games setting a new LSU record. Over his career, he caught 154 passes for 26 TDs with virtually all the production coming over his final three seasons. He provides a good target with long arms and large hands to naturally snatch the ball in front of him. He has improved his route running with further experience and has learned to sink his hips and make better cuts at the breakpoint. He has the separation speed to get deep occasionally and make the big play. He combines fine size, decent speed and overall athleticism to become a fine NFL starter. He has the frame, toughness and strength to take hits over the middle. He gets off the line with adequate quickness to eat up a corner’s cushion, but he must show more consistency at the break point to separate better. He catches the ball well using good body control with the leaping skills and toughness to make the difficult catch in a crowd. He can track the ball in the deep game and will win many jump ball situations. He is a good blocker who uses his strong frame well in that role with the ability to control a safety or corner. He is a tough, competitive performer with good field awareness and football instincts.
The Skinny:He should compete for a #3 WR spot early as a pro and a starting job soon in his career. He has the talent to rate as a solid #2 wideout at some point of his career. He is similar to Muhsin Muhammad and Bryant Johnson in size, AA, quickness and overall ability. At the combine, he ran a 4.58 time with a 33� VJ and 10’5� BJ. Strong athletic possession receiver with further upside, but must show he can catch the ball consistently and get open to earn playing time. Top 40 prospect with some big play ability, but with no return skills to help on special teams. Good early round value. He may need a little time to refine his talent and can still drops too many passes to rank in elite company. He has only good speed compared with the elite prospects. Clubs like the Titans, Chargers,49ers and Chiefs are interested.
Draft Projection: 1st Round