What can we expect from the rookies?

The second minicamp has wrapped up, and now the contracts will start rolling in soon enough. At first there is a trickle, then a flood of new contracts. This time last year, the Lions already had a contract prepared which set the prices for last years rookie pool. This year, the Rams didn't have the same fervour to talk numbers with Bradford.

What about our boys?

I don't expect all our rookies to make too much of an impact on this team. Sometimes we can get caught up in the hype, a circus catch or a killer workout which skews our perception of how the player will actually perform.

Besides, you can pull this post back up and rub my face in the errors down the track.

1 - Trent Williams - He's been penciled in at the starting left tackle and hopefully we will see that in pen at the end of training camp. So far he has said the right things, and if he signs on time, it will confirm that he protects McNabb's blind side this year. Mike Shanahan understands what a LT needs to be in his ZBS moreso than any of the pundits. I think we can all trust his opinion. We have also learned that spending all that time with Bradford served a purpose of finding out more about Williams work ethic and the question marks surrounding it. Having said that, if we were running a more traditional system, Okung would have been the pick.

2 - Perry Riley - The Redskins have their two starting middle linebackers in place, however Riley will be given his chance to run with the two's and show that he can take over that important role in the middle of the defense after Fletcher. Expect him to try and make his mark on special teams, but not much more this year.

3 - Dennis Morris - There is something about this guy that reminds me of Leonard Weaver. You can tell that he isn't afraid of contact, has nice hands and decent speed. With Mike Sellers on the roster, they may store Morris as the 3rd TE and have him learn both positions. The hardest part about being a back is blitz pickup, a concept that he will need to master in order to take the place of Sellers. However while Shanahan hasn't been afraid to cut experienced players, Sellers should be on the roster on opening day.

Don't expect any worthwhile production immediately (in fact he will probably be inactive), but this is the kind of pick that will take time to come to fruition. Can they wait? That is the question.

4 - Terrence Austin - There is already a good feeling about Austin amongst the 'Skins faithful. I would hate to burst anyone's bubble, but this guy isn't DeSean Jackson. Jackson was an accomplished receiver and returner in college, Austin hasn't scored a kick or punt return touchdown. I think a spot on the practice squad will be TA's fate, and he may get an opportunity through injury or good play.

However we know that he is a hard worker. He may just get that 5th WR spot since there isn't an established returner currently.

5 - Erik Cook - This was one player I liked before the draft. His versatility could gain him a place on the 53 man roster, however there are already quite a few players ahead of him in the pecking order to play guard. I think he will be on the practice squad.

6 - Selvish Capers - I remember screaming at the television in the 6th round to grab Capers. However his dreadful performance in the Senior Bowl week dropped his stock further than I thought. Ironically the Eagles picked up Brandon Graham who caused Selvish's downfall.

He has good mobility and strength, ideal for the Zone Blocking Scheme. He should be the back-up swing tackle, assuming he beats out Heyer as I believe he will. However don't expect too much this year unless injuries force him into the line-up.

Do I think this was a bad draft?

No, it was the type of draft this team needed to have. One immediate starter, two next in line prospects, two value prospects in the seventh and a flyer on Austin. You couldn't expect much more from Shanahan, Allen and co. especially with the few picks they had.