NFList

Anderson leads rookie surprises

By Joel Buchsbaum, Contributing editor
As published in print Oct. 9, 2000

Broncos RB Mike Anderson

NFL insiders were asked who they believed were the biggest rookie surprises so far this season.

1. RB Mike Anderson / Broncos — Twenty-seven-year-old sixth-round pick who has had the most impact of any runner taken in the draft thus far.

2. OT Mark Tauscher / Packers — Almost did not use his fifth year of college eligibility after hardly playing up until then. Went in the seventh round to the Packers, who liked the way he used his feet while practicing with a soccer ball. Replaced the injured Earl Dotson at right tackle and looks like a real keeper.

3. TE Aaron Shea / Browns — Spent most of his career as a fullback in college but was able to step right in and assume the starting TE spot. Catches the ball well and has enough speed to get downfield.

4. CB Pat Dennis / Chiefs — Considered a major project with marginal CB speed after coming out a year early but is starting as a rookie.

5. OG Brad Meester / Jaguars — A center at Northern Iowa, Meester has made the move to guard and developed a lot faster than most believed he would. Has started from Day One.

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