Zebrie Sanders is an absolute man-mountain of a tackle from Florida State, clocking in at 6’5″, 320. (His 50 games played at Florida State are tied for second all-time in the school’s history.) Zebrie had a poor Senior Bowl showing where he got beaten off the edge which sent his stock plummeting. The Bills grabbed Sanders in the 5th round. Considered a wonderful set or on-the-move run blocker, Sanders has the tools to excel at either left or right tackle if he can improve his overall explosiveness and anticipate the pass rush better. Still many pundits considered him a project to edge into the lineup and wanted him to put on a bit more weight to his gargantuan frame. I think it was a good selection, as his ability to play at both positions, will allow him to sneak onto the field each week and get that needed experience, however at the end of the preseason, the Bills felt otherwise and stashed him on IR.
Casey Hayward played at Vanderbilt, where he got plenty of opportunities to shine on the defensive side of the ball, since he played in the SEC. Hayward proved that he could run with the big dogs primary receiver week in and week out of his time with the Commodores. During his senior season at Vandy in 2011, Casey recorded 62 tackles and 7 picks, pushing his career total to 14 interceptions at the school. A very instinctive player, he reads and diagnoses plays quickly, and has a good jam off the line of scrimmage for physical receivers. Hayward is good in coverage, and not afraid to lay down a hit. His strength lies in man to man coverage, but Casey needs to refine his reaction technique and timing in zone coverage.
After running a 4.53 40, the Packers nabbed Hayward in the 2nd round of the 2012 NFL draft. It was an impressive debut for Casey last year as he nabbed 6 interceptions, defended 21 passes, forced a fumble, and recorded 40 tackles for the Pack all while platooning cornerback with Tramon Williams and Sam Shields. He earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month honors in October 2012, and was named to the All-Rookie team after the season. Casey finished the year 3rd in voting for NFL Rookie of the Year honors.
Diminutive in size at 5’7″, but with a strong build, deceptive game speed, and proven hands out of the backfield, Antwon Bailey was an All Big East selection out of Syracuse playing for Coach Doug Marrone in 2011. A one cut sparkplug of a back, Bailey is an ideal candidate for a ZBS due to his foot quickness and decisiveness in choosing holes to plow through. Starting all twelve games his senior campaign, Bailey rushed for 1051 yards and 6 touchdowns on 240 carries. He’d finish his career for the Orangemen with 2144 yards and 11 touchdowns on 454 carries and 91 receptions for 706 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Although not selected in the 2012 NFL draft, Bailey opted to sign with his hometown Washington Redskins. A fan favorite who frequently spent every minute after practice signing autographs for yearning fans, Bailey grew up just minutes from Fed Ex Field. For him after fielding offers from several teams, it is a dream come true to play for Washington. He’d be cut by the Redskins at the end of camp and briefly spend some time on the practice squad. Currently he is a free agent.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
Card: Leaf Rookies 2012
