Rookie Report: Danny Shelton, Randy Gregory living up to the hype
The Rookie Report highlights first-year players, focusing on how they might perform in their debut season and beyond.
Danny Shelton, DT, Cleveland Browns
Browns defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil has no complaints so far about the team's top draft pick.
"Thumbs up on Danny Shelton," O'Neil said.
The Browns drafted the 6-foot-2, 339-pounder in the hopes that he would be one of the missing puzzle pieces of a defense that ranked dead last against the run last season. While Shelton only has two tackles through the first two preseason games, the Browns should be pleased with his progress.
Shelton has been a disruptive force for the team, displaying a high motor and an ability to win in one-on-one situations. This was particularly evident in the Browns' second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
Shelton's performance prompted Bills head coach Rex Ryan to seek out the rookie after the game and deliver this message, Kevin Jones of the Browns' official website reports:
"I watched the film, and man, I love the way you hustle!"
Randy Gregory, DE, Dallas Cowboys
Character concerns caused Gregory to fall to the second round of the draft, but the rookie defensive end is quickly proving himself as a first-round talent.
Gregory has two sacks through the Cowboys' first two preseason games, the second of which saw him beat four-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley to take down San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for a 14-yard loss. He also drew a pair of holding penalties.
The Cowboys' pass rush was dreadful in 2014, finishing 28th in the NFL with just 28 sacks. With Gregory and Pro Bowler Greg Hardy in the fold, that number should improve significantly this season.
"Some young men have demons in their life that they have to work through," Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones told USA TODAY Sports of Gregory. "He's doing a good job of it. He knows we're trying to help him, and he's lived up to everything he said he'd do."
Quick Hits
- It looks like the Philadelphia Eagles may have found their fourth running back. Head coach Chip Kelly said sixth-round pick Kenjon Barner is making a "huge case" for a roster spot.
- The San Diego Chargers may have found a diamond in the rough in linebacker Nick Dzubnar.
- Ty Montgomery looks like the favorite to emerge as the Green Bay Packers' No. 3 receiver in the wake of Jordy Nelson suffering a season-ending torn ACL.
- San Francisco 49ers running back Jarryd Hayne opens up about life in the NFL in an interview with Michael Chammas of the Sydney Morning Herald.
- Doug Farrar of Sports Illustrated checks in on the top rookie offensive linemen and how they're adjusting to their new roles.