Spring Break
The Pro Side: Their futures in the NFL
Mike Mauro
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: Sports
Before this weekend's NFL Draft, UConn's highest player ever taken was Alfred Fincher in the third round by the New Orleans Saints. On Saturday, that all changed after running back Donald Brown become the first UConn player ever drafted in the first round at pick No. 27 to the Indianapolis Colts, cornerback Darius Butler, offensive tackle Will Beatty and defensive end Cody Brown all went in the second round to the Patriots, Giants and Cardinals respectively.
With their collegiate careers behind them, let's take a look at the opportunities they'll have in their rookie years.
Donald Brown enters a great situation and fiery offense alongside Peyton Manning. Brown will split time with established starter Joseph Addai, but Addai has had some injury problems. Regardless, Brown will get a load of carries and catch passes out of the backfield. He should make an impact immediately and couldn't ask to pair up with a better quarterback.
Butler, considered one of, if not the best athlete at the cornerback position, enters one of the NFL's best franchises with a chance to make impact right away. After trading away Ellis Hobbs during the draft, it opens up more playing time for Butler, who will be competing for action in the defensive backfield but also on special teams and maybe even on offense.
Beatty also is in the ideal situation of being a Giant. With a cohesive line already intact, it gives Beatty time to develop more physically, technically and allows him to learn the position without having to perform on the field in his rookie season. New York loves his athletic ability and by investing a second-round pick in him, envision him as being the future left tackle.
Cody Brown got taken with the second to last pick in the second round by the Cardinals and he should be given a chance to make an impact in his rookie season in passing situations. Without much of a dominant passrush and aging veterans like Bertrand Berry on the outside, Brown will be given the chance to use his pass-rushing ability to make a name for himself.
With their collegiate careers behind them, let's take a look at the opportunities they'll have in their rookie years.
Donald Brown enters a great situation and fiery offense alongside Peyton Manning. Brown will split time with established starter Joseph Addai, but Addai has had some injury problems. Regardless, Brown will get a load of carries and catch passes out of the backfield. He should make an impact immediately and couldn't ask to pair up with a better quarterback.
Butler, considered one of, if not the best athlete at the cornerback position, enters one of the NFL's best franchises with a chance to make impact right away. After trading away Ellis Hobbs during the draft, it opens up more playing time for Butler, who will be competing for action in the defensive backfield but also on special teams and maybe even on offense.
Beatty also is in the ideal situation of being a Giant. With a cohesive line already intact, it gives Beatty time to develop more physically, technically and allows him to learn the position without having to perform on the field in his rookie season. New York loves his athletic ability and by investing a second-round pick in him, envision him as being the future left tackle.
Cody Brown got taken with the second to last pick in the second round by the Cardinals and he should be given a chance to make an impact in his rookie season in passing situations. Without much of a dominant passrush and aging veterans like Bertrand Berry on the outside, Brown will be given the chance to use his pass-rushing ability to make a name for himself.
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