A number of rookies had pretty good outings in last night’s pre-season action. Denver QB Jay Cutler, the 11th player selected overall at the 2006 draft, for example, completed 16 of 22 passes for 192 yards and a TD in his pro debut last night, although the Broncos lost to Detroit 20-13. It wasn’t quite as sterling a start for Broncos’ RB Mike Bell, the undrafted rookie free agent who was installed as the team’s starting back last week despite never having carried the ball in an NFL game, was held to 20 yards on 7 rushing attempts and also lost a fumble. Meanwhile, rookie QBs Bruce Gradkowski of Tampa Bay and the Jets’ QB Kellen Clemens staged their own mini-dual in the Buccaneers 16-3 win. Gradkowski, a 6th round pick this year, completed 11 of 13 passes, including two for scores, to key the win, while Clemens was also sharp, completing 10 of 14 passes for 92 yards. On the other hand, it was the backs turn to shine in Atlanta’s last minute win over New England as RB Laurence Maroney, the Patriots’ #1 pick this yaer ran for 66 yards on 9 carries, while undrafted rookie free agent RB Patrick Cobbs caught 3 passes for 80 yards including a 57-yard scoring strike. Falcons’ 3rd round RB Jerious Norwood also had a TD catch – a highlight reel 34-yarder – in the Falcons’ win. Patriots’ rookie TE Garrett Mills, a 5th round pick this past April, was also busy catching 5 passes for 75 yards. And Giants’ DE Mathias Kiwanuka, the final player taken in this year’s opening round, had 1.5 sacks to help the NFC New Yorkers rally to a 17-16 win in Baltimore. Meanwhile, this year’s top three picks will all make their pro debuts tonight. Indeed, New Orleans RB Reggie Bush, the 2nd player taken this year, and Tennessee QB Vince Young, selected 3rd overall, will reprise their Rose Bowl matchup in January when the Saints play the Titans this evening, while Houston DE Mario Williams, the first player taken at the 2006 draft, also sees his first action tonight when the Texans host Kansas City.....

Washington DT Kili Lefotu, the Redskins 7th round pick who was found unconscious in his training camp room earlier this week, was released from the hospital Friday, although doctors still do not know what caused him to lose consciousness. There is also no word on when Lefotu will be able to return to practice.....


CFB NEWS AND NOTES

Wisconsin QB John Stocco, a second-tier prospect for the 2007 draft, could miss extensive playing time this fall after undergoing knee surgery earlier today. Stocco reportedly aggravated an injury he sustained in 2003.