NFL ‘N’sider V2.1

After a sabbatical, I feel privileged to return to the great DXP website. Last year I tried to make my ‘N’sider and ‘Take the Double Extra Points’ articles as much fun as I could. This year I hope to do the same. A few times a week you might have to put up with erroneous rhetoric on all things gambling, NFL, and of course girls. That’s just what I do.

Well, let’s get started…

I definitely don’t want to bore you with statistics and updates on every Husker in the NFL as the preseason is just beginning, but I will keep you updated on the rookies trying to make their first NFL rosters this preseason. NU had 4 players drafted in 2007 (4 were drafted in 2006 and only 3 in 2005), while 7 more were signed as undrafted free agents. There have already been some casualties, but there have also been some rising stars in the making.

Drafted


Adam Carriker (NT, 1st Round, St. Louis Rams): That’s right. The Rams believe Carriker’s ogreish body is strong and big enough to move to the middle of the line. He is currently listed as #1 on the depth chart at Nose Tackle and in his first outing, had 1 tackle at Minnesota.

Brandon Jackson (RB, 2nd Round, Green Bay Packers): Jackson is already listed at #2 on the depth chart, and with Vernon Morency listed as the #1 RB, expect Jackson to see the ball early and often. If 114 yards on 32 carries and 2 receptions for 2 yards in his first exhibition at Pittsburgh doesn’t convince you, then maybe you also still believe Sam Keller and Joe Ganz are in a dead heat to be the starting QB against Nevada.

Stewart Bradley (LOLB, 3rd Round, Philadelphia Eagles): In his first pre-season game against Baltimore, Bradley shone with 5 solo tackles and 2 assisted tackles. Evidently losing 12 lbs. after shaving your head only adds to your speed.

Jay Moore (ROLB, 4th Round, San Francisco 49ers): In San Francisco’s 3-4 scheme, Moore is a perfect fit for outside linebacker. In fact, here is a great article discussing how Moore was overshadowed throughout his career at NU by Carriker, including stats and combine results that are truly impressive. Moore is still only listed at #3 on the depth chart and had only 1 assisted tackle against Denver in their first preseason game.

Undrafted

Ola Dagundro (DT, Dallas Cowboys): Mercifully, the Cowboys haven’t release Ola even though he hasn’t played and hasn’t recorded a tackle this preseason. Furthermore, he is not listed on the depth chart.

Matt Herian (TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Herian’s career has never been the same after his broken leg in 2004. The Matt Herian and Zac Taylor combination appears to have ended in Tampa. Matt is 5th on the depth chart and Taylor is back in Lincoln and was last seen holding Callahan’s hand.

Kurt Mann (C, Green Bay): Cut and out of work. I do, however, have a consolation picture. Cheeseheads are awesome. Dr. D likes dancing with them and I occasionally enjoy a cheese taco here and there.


Andrew Shanle (S, Chicago Bears): Although still listed on the Bears’ roster, Shanle recorded 0 tackles in their first preseason game against the Texans. On an encouraging note, Mike Brown returned to the starting lineup and had 1 solo tackle and 1 assisted.

Zac Taylor (QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Whether it was Callahan’s idea or his agent’s, someone decided that it would be a good idea to sign with Tampa Bay. What’s the problem you ask? Joining Taylor in training camp at QB was Jeff Garcia, Chris Simms, Bruce Gradkowski, Jake Plummer, and Luke McCown. Taylor has said repeatedly he wants to pursue a professional career at any level, but I find it difficult to understand why he chose to compete when he clearly had no shot – even though the Jon Gruden WCO is a mirror image of Callahan’s WCO.