With NFL training camps in session for the upcoming 2014 season, former Gator greats are on the rise while others are not.
Matt Elam has shown he’s ready to be a standout for the Baltimore Ravens defensive unit.
The second-year safety out of Florida complied 77 combined tackles last season, which is eight fewer than former Raven Ed Reed had in his rookie campaign.
Elam will now be reuniting with his natural position of strong safety and is expected to improve on what he has already accomplished.
Elam registered 66 tackles with only three pass breakups and an interception at the free safety position in 2013. James Ihedigbo, now with the Detroit Lions, occupied the strong safety slot.
With Ihedigbo out of town, Elam is now returning to pressuring the line of scrimmage instead of playing the backfield.
In one start at strong safety last season, Elam had his highest-rated game as he disrupted the Chicago Bears’ offense throughout the Week 11 matchup.
With Ihedigbo signing with the Lions this offseason, Elam can return to the position he dominated during his time at Florida. As a result, the 22-year-old has the potential to have a breakout season in 2014.
Jordan Reed vying for Pro Bowl: Washington Redskins’ tight end Niles Paul is convinced former Gator and fellow teammate Jordan Reed will become a Pro-Bowl tight end in 2014.
“That’s a Pro Bowl tight end right there,” Paul said after practice Friday to the Washington Post. “Mark my words: He will be a Pro Bowler.”
After totaling 499 yards and recording 45 receptions, which ranked second on the team, Reed will have the opportunity to extend his play-making skills under new Washington head coach Jay Gruden.
Although he had an injury-shortened rookie campaign, the former Florida tight end understands the Redskins have big plans for him on offense.
However, Reed has decided to not wear a special protective helmet despite suffering a season-ending concussion against the Philadelphia Eagles during Week 11.
Mike Pouncey’s return date extended: Miami Dolphins’ center Mike Pouncey, who was already going to be sidelined for the beginning of the 2014 season due to hip surgery, is now expected to be out for the first half of the year.
Pouncey’s rehab from a torn labrum in his hip was originally predicted to last until September. However, the former Florida center is now projected to miss the first eight weeks of the year.
Because the Dolphins have a bye week in early October, Pouncey would miss seven games if the timetable is correct.
Aside from being physically immobile to practice at training camps, Pouncey is also dealing with a legal situation off the field.
A lawsuit was filed on Friday concerning a club fight involving both Mike and Maurkice Pouncey on July 12.
But according to SI.com, the brothers were not mentioned in the incident report.
Follow Lawrence Laguna on Twitter @LagunaLawrence
