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Every NFL Team's Most Impressive Player at OTAs

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Every NFL Team's Most Impressive Player at OTAsBy Tyler BrookeJune 2nd  2014Impress_Zps2Ce956C4.Jpg The NFL's organized team activities—or OTAs—have officially begun, and as some players report to their respective teams, a number of others have already impressed during workouts.With the season still a few months away, OTAs are a good time for seasoned players to get accustomed to their new teams and for rookies to get acclimated to the NFL. The practices aren't intense, but they're a good way for players to get back into the swing of things before training camp.Still, just because these practices are less physical than training camp doesn't mean injuries don't occur. In fact, according to Todd Archer from ESPN Dallas, the Cowboys already lost middle linebacker Sean Lee to a torn ACL.It's difficult to determine too much from OTAs, but some players have already been noticed by teammates, coaches, executives or even members of the media for what they've done either on or off the field.We'll take a look at one player in particular for each team.NFC SouthImpress1_Zps9Fababa8.JpgAtlanta Falcons: Jake MatthewsOne of the biggest needs for the Atlanta Falcons this offseason was on the offensive line, as quarterback Matt Ryan was knocked around constantly in 2013. The Falcons made sure to address that need in the draft, as they selected Jake Matthews with their first pick.Many scouts believed that Matthews was the most pro-ready offensive lineman in this draft and possibly the most pro-ready prospect overall. So far, Matthews has proven those scouts right, as ESPN's Vaughn McClure mentioned on Wednesday that Matthews looked more like a veteran than a rookie when out with the rest of the starting offensive line, showing off plenty of quickness.Impress2_Zps8Df455Fc.jpgNew Orleans Saints: Champ BaileyEven as he prepares to turn 36 years old in June, Champ Bailey continues to show that he can play at a high level in the NFL, even with a new team in the New Orleans Saints.Bailey has quickly grown on his teammates, as some even grew up watching him play for the Broncos. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has loved what he's seen from Bailey so far, according to Brett Martel from the Associated Press:He looks fantastic. You look out there and you think he’s one of those young guys running around. But he’s bringing excitement to our defense and knowledge and it’s awesome to add a great player like him.The Saints have a revamped secondary thanks to additions like Bailey, Jairus Byrd and Stanley Jean-Baptiste. Suddenly, a defense that was historically awful two seasons ago looks like it could be one of the best in the NFC. Even if Bailey isn't as good as he once was, he'll still be able to provide guidance for the younger cornerbacksImpress3_Zps41B81538.JpgCarolina Panthers: Bene BenwikereAfter such a rough offseason in which a number of key players left, the Carolina Panthers are going to need as much help as they can get from this year's draft class. Fortunately, even some of the later picks look good so far, as fifth-round cornerback Bene Benwikere has gotten some love in OTAs. During practice on Thursday, Benwikere saw a lot of time at nickel, coming up with one interception and almost a second one, according to ESPN's David Newton. When Newton asked head coach Ron Rivera who has surprised him, Benwikere was apparently the first guy Rivera mentioned.With Captain Munnerlyn gone, the competition is opening up at corner, and Benwikere will be right in the thick of the battle with Charles Godfrey for the nickel corner spot.Impress4_Zps2504E249.JpgTampa Bay Buccaneers: Johnthan BanksIt was a really rough rookie season for Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Johnthan Banks. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Banks had the third-worst pass coverage grade among all cornerbacks who played in at least 25 percent of the team's snaps.Banks may have struggled, but he still has a ton of potential given his 6'2'' frame and long arms. So far, new head coach Lovie Smith seems to love the young corner, according to Roy Cummings from The Tampa Tribune, saying, "Banks is a great fit for our scheme. I like what he did last year as a young player, and he’s a coachable guy who has talent. I’m excited about coaching him."Even with Alterraun Verner on the roster, Banks is going to be on the field quite a bit this season, so the expectations are higher as he starts his second year. To view the entire league...link

 
Posted : Jun. 3, 2014 2:26 am
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