Things are different for former Utes playing in the NFL. Camps are in full swing so lets take a look at a few players and what the outlook is for their upcoming seasons.
Alex Smith
Having been through an astounding measure of up and downs, 2010 holds promise for the former #1 pick of the 49ers. No QB competition here, he is the starter and should have a solid grasp of the offense for the first time in his NFL career. He also has been handed the keys to an array of weapons at his disposal. WR Micahel Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis, and RB Frank Gore give Smith options he has not had in the past. They have upgraded on the offensive line with two first round draft picks at taclke and gaurd.
Having limited playing time in his rookie season for the Ravens Kruger has bulked up to 273 lbs to try and match up better against bigger offensive lineman in the NFL. He plays behind perennial pro bowl DE Terrel Suggs so minutes are hard to come by. He also does not play on special teams, (my guess is Kruger has good burst of speed but not sustainable speed needed to run down the field on kick off or punt returns.)
Kruger gained the extra weight as requested by Ravens coaches hoping to get more plays and prove that he was worth a second round pick. Here is the outlook for him from a Baltimore football site. Good input.
#99 Paul Kruger
AJ Smith, GM for the Chargers, traded a bunch of draft picks to move up and get Weddle in the 2007 NFL draft. Although it is hard to determine whether or not San Diego feels the move paid off, it sure looks like he has a lock on the safety position for this season. Consistent seems to be the word coming out of San Diego when asked about Weddle. He is not flashy, but gets the job done. If he has a steady season I can see the Chargers trying to sign him to a new deal, (he is in the final year of a 4 year $4.165 million contract), even though some critics claim he has not played up to the price they paid to get him.
From everything that I have read coming out of Dolphins camp, Koa Misi is the real deal and could be starting immediately, very rare for a rookie defensive lineman. Coaches are impressed with his work ethic and attitude. While playing for the Utes in his junior year, Misi seemed to be playing under the radar, but his senior season he showed strength and speed required at the next level. His commitment to hard work seems to be paying off and check out what some people are saying about him.
Koa Misi Report
To try and be fair and balanced to my BYU Cougar buddies here are a few news items. Jon Beck has been traded to the Redskins from the Ravens. That makes him the fourth QB on Washington's roster.
Dennis Pitta, after dropping a few passes in shells the first day of camp, has impressed since. Coaches are raving about his route running and great hands. OK enough of that.
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