NFL: Defensive Rookies Making an Impact
Buffalo Bills’ Leodis McKelvin (Troy) – Former Troy defensive back Leodis McKelvin nabbed the first interceptions of his NFL career on Sunday. He intercepted the Kansas City Chiefs Tyler Thigpen twice in the Buffalo Bills 51-31 win. McKelvin had two interceptions in his senior year at Troy. The Tampa Bay Bucs picked up his former teammate Elbert Mack. He has played sparingly for the Bucs after grabbing a league leading 10 interceptions his seniors year at Troy.
His biggest contribution this season to the greater Buffalo area, however, has definitely been this commercial for Dave and Adams Card World. Wait until the end of the video.
New England Patriots’ Jerod Mayo (Tennessee) – Former Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo has been the most effective defensive rookie from the first round of the 2008 draft. When the Pats lost top linebacker Adalius Thomas to injury Mayo stepped in and has played like a veteran all season. With five weeks left, he already has 89 tackles.
Here Mayo welcomes former Rutgers running back Ray Rice to the NFL.
Arizona Cardinals Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Tennessee State) – Drafted 16th overall by the Arizona Cardinals, former Tennessee State defensive back Dominique Rogers-Cromartie became a starter last week after intercepting the Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselback twice in a 26-20 win. The cousin of San Diego Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie said after the game, “It felt like a dream come true and will be something that I remember for a long time.”
The Cardinals probably noticed Rodgers-Cromartie in the Senior Bowl last year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Aqib Talib (Kansas) – Coach Jon Gruden loved former Kansas cornerback Aqub Talib and he was happy to pick him 20th overall in the draft. The Bucs gradually integrated Talib into the defense though he has already contributed three picks and 11 tackles. He may continue to play a significant role as the Bucs push toward a spot in the playoffs.
His first NFL interception was one of Matt Ryan’s first too.
NY Giants Kenny Phillips (Miami) – Despite incumbent strong safety James Bulter being healthy, the Giants promoted the 31st overall pick Kenny Phillips to the starting role. Named first team ALL-ACC in his sophomore and junior seasons at Miami, Phillips has made 49 tackles, intercepted a pass and given the Giants depth in the secondary.
Tom Coughlin must have seen something he liked in this video.