After the second day of training camp, Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel had some thoughts on a couple Missouri players that were involved in this week’s rookie mini camp.
**On Rucker: “He played at a big school, in a big conference and good competition, and so he was a productive player there. In this camp, we won’t know much about his blocking. Once we get to training camp and put the pads on, we’ll find out more about his blocking. I’m not judging anybody right now, just looking at them,evaluating them and seeing what they look like. So far, it looks like he can catch the ball, he’s got a big body, he moves well underneath and working through and against the linebackers and that’s encouraging.”
And…
**Crennel also singled out tryout cornerback Milvon James for being around the ball and said undrafted cornerback Darnell Terrell is off to a “decent” start.
It’s too early to read anything into either comment, though the blocking jab has been a punch Rucker has been dodging this entire offseason. He says he can do it, the scouts weren’t exactly impressed watching him do it, and now the Browns’ coaching staff is preparing Rucker to put up or shut up. This mini camp is limited contact and limited pads. Rucker can show off his route running and catching ability this time around and maybe lessen the blow if he can’t block as well as they need him to during the next camp.
As for Terrell, well, not sure what “decent” means, but it is interesting that Crennel singled him out. “Decent” doesn’t seem like a term that makes you an NFL player. “Decent” probably helps you lose your collegiate starting spot. It will be interesting to see if the Browns try to work him as a safety instead of a cover corner. Yes, his size is great for a cover corner, but if you can’t cover, the point is kind of moot.
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If you’re wondering when I’ll update Will Franklin, keep waiting. No, da ‘Copter didn’t get cut. He’s not at mini camp this weekend. The Kansas City Chiefs decided to be trendsetters and invite only non-drafted players to camp. That’s 67 players, including 35 rookies, nine first-year players and 23 players who have already signed a contract. Former Missouri safety Pig Brown is one of those players seeking a pro contract with a strong showing this week. That won’t be easy with 16 other defensive backs fighting for spots.
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Just a heads up that all rookie camps end Sunday and first cuts will be made. I’ll keep you up on all the Missouri players whose professional careers end before they begin.