So after practice today Todd Bowles was asked about standout rookies in training camp.
He gave four names.
They did not include first-round pick Graham Barton or second-round pick Chris Braswell.
The youngsters named were receiver Jalen McMillan, safety/cornerback Tykee Smith, running back Bucky Irving and undrafted rookie defensive back Tyrek Funderburk.
“I mean McMillan’s been playing well. Tykee’s been playing well. Bucky’s been playing well,” Bowles said. “There’s a lot of guys. Funderburk shows up. We gotta see how they play in games.”
Sure, Bowles said there are other rookies doing good things, but Joe’s experience says the quickly-named players are the ones really in coach’s head — in a good way.
Joe snapped that picture (above) of Funderburk after he made a few good plays last week. Hopefully, the pride of Appalachian State has got more in him. Bubble guys like him are desperate for success in preseason games, which are very valuble for Bowles to assess whether his rookies are contenders or pretenders.
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