No college football conference produces more NFL-ready players than the SEC. Here are five who have received high marks in camp and how they performed in their preseason openers: 5. QB Ryan Mallett (Patriots) » New England is becoming a refuge for talented knuckleheads. Is Mallet (12 of 19, 164 yards, TD) next? Though going against second-teamers, the Arkansas product outplayed Jaguars touted rookie Blaine Gabbert (9 of 16, 85 yards).
4. RB Mark Ingram (Saints) » He had a 14-yard TD run and has been impressive in camp. Many in New Orleans envision the former Alabama star starting, with Darren Sproles as the change-up, an upgrade over Chris Ivory-Reggie Bush. A steal at No. 28 overall?
3. WR A.J. Green (Bengals) » He had four catches for 29 yards. Coach Marvin Lewis has already declared the position an upgrade even after the departure of Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. “Catches everything,” wrote Geoff Hobson of bengals.com. “No one’s covered him, and when he is, he jumps up and takes it away.”
2. WR Julio Jones (Falcons) » He had two catches for 43 yards. Teammate Tony Gonzalez called Jones the “best incoming receiver I’ve ever played with. Come to think of it, it’s not even close.” Enticing thought: Matt Ryan throwing to Jones and Roddy White.
1. QB Cam Newton (Panthers) » His numbers weren’t great (8 of 19, 134 yards), but Newton got high marks in his debut for things some questioned — presence in pocket, command of huddle and accuracy on deep throws. Didn’t have a rushing attempt. Don’t expect many in preseason.
– Kevin Dunleavy
