Commentary

Rookie Watch: Colt McCoy keeping up

Originally Published: November 17, 2010
By Matt Williamson | Scouts Inc.

Browns rookie Colt McCoy is a poised young quarterback.

Physically, there isn't much with McCoy to get real excited about, but he has shown that the speed of the NFL is not overwhelming to him -- and that in itself is a huge accomplishment for a rookie signal-caller. He has excellent feet and great functional movement skills.

Cleveland has a very underrated defense and a true power running game, so the Browns don't put a ton on McCoy's plate. And their offensive line is strong. But he also has very few threatening weapons. Actually, he might not have one true threatening weapon. But he continues to keep the chains moving and sustains offense.

Clearly, it is McCoy's starting job for the rest of the season. If he keeps up his play at this pace, the Browns should ignore the quarterback position in the draft. But they do need to get McCoy a talented No. 1-type wideout to mature with.

Ranking   Player, position (draft position) Last week
1
 Sam Bradford, Rams QB (first round, No. 1)
He was able to keep up with Troy Smith's regulation time heroics. Bradford even made the throws to win it. But winning on the road is the next step for Bradford and the Rams.
1
2
 Dez Bryant, Cowboys WR (first round, No. 24)
Bryant looked very dynamic for his new head coach. He is spectacular.
4
3
 Mike Williams, Buccaneers WR (fourth round, No. 101)
I keep flopping Bryant and Williams. Bryant had the better week, but Williams didn't disappoint.
3
4
 Ndamukong Suh, Lions DT (first round, No. 2)
The Bills got their first win of the season mostly on the back of Fred Jackson and their ground game. Suh continues to struggle in this facet of the game and isn't yet quick enough to recognize interior blocking patterns.
2
5
 Colt McCoy, Browns QB (third round, No. 85)
Cleveland couldn't knock off the Jets, but the Browns may have their quarterback for the foreseeable future. It has to be McCoy's job for the rest of the season -- and probably longer.
NR
6
 Tony Moeaki, Chiefs TE (third round, No. 93)
This was a down game for Moeaki and he (and many others) might be approaching the rookie wall. We shall see how he responds in Week 11 versus Arizona.
5
7
 Eric Berry, Chiefs S (first round, No. 5)
He is technically sound and closes with furry, but Berry's Chiefs were abused in Week 10 and he has allowed a lot of touchdowns.
6
8
 Rob Gronkowski, Patriots TE (second round, No. 42)
After a terrible showing against the Browns, Gronkowski put on an absolute show in Pittsburgh Sunday night. A true two-way tight end, this kid is going to make an impact for years.
NR
9
 LeGarrette Blount, Buccaneers RB (Undrafted)
In Week 8, Blount was tremendous. In Atlanta (Week 9), he didn't run with anything resembling the same conviction, but he redeemed himself well in Tampa Bay's Week 10 win over the Panthers.
NR
10
 Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers C (first round, No. 18)
Because of a constant barrage of injuries, Pittsburgh's offensive line is being reshuffled on nearly a weekly basis. Pouncey remains very solid in the middle. But the guards on each side of Pouncey have been awful.
8
Other notables: Alterraun Verner, Titans CB (fourth round, No. 104); Lamarr Houston, Raiders DE (second round, No. 44); Devin McCourty, Patriots CB (first round, No. 27); Aaron Hernandez, Patriots TE (fourth round, No. 113); Earl Thomas, Seahawks FS (first round, No. 14); T.J. Ward, Browns S (second round, No. 38); Mike Iupati, 49ers G, (first round, No. 17).

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.

Matt Williamson

ESPN.com
  • Hosts "Football Today" podcast
  • Joined ESPN in 2005
  • Was an NFL and college scout for the Cleveland Browns

SPONSORED HEADLINES

MORE NFL HEADLINES

MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM

ESPN Conversations

comments