BAMAPHIN 22
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First-round picks usually get to relax during the preseason, especially in the first exhibitions when starters usually play a quarter or less.
That will not be the case for Detroit receivers Charles Rogers and Mike Williams or Denver wideout David Terrell on Friday night, when the Lions host the Broncos in the preseason opener for both teams.
Rogers, Williams and Terrell are competing for roles -- and perhaps roster spots.
Despite being drafted high and paid millions, Rogers and Williams should get an opportunity to show what they can do against Denver because they're deep on the depth chart.
"They're going to get a chance," new Lions coach Rod Marinelli said. "They'll get some good looks."
The Lions were the first team to take receivers in the first round three straight years since the NFL and AFL merged in 1967, and only Roy Williams has produced.
Rogers has just 36 catches for 440 yards and four touchdowns in three seasons. He played five games, catching three TDs, as a rookie before his season ended with a broken collarbone. The next season, he had the same injury after only one game.
The former Michigan State star was finally healthy last season, but was suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy and was left off the roster for two games after he was eligible to return.
In practice, Rogers gets few repetitions because he's not running routes with the first- or second-string receivers.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/08/10/bc.fbn.broncos.lions.ap/index.html
That will not be the case for Detroit receivers Charles Rogers and Mike Williams or Denver wideout David Terrell on Friday night, when the Lions host the Broncos in the preseason opener for both teams.
Rogers, Williams and Terrell are competing for roles -- and perhaps roster spots.
Despite being drafted high and paid millions, Rogers and Williams should get an opportunity to show what they can do against Denver because they're deep on the depth chart.
"They're going to get a chance," new Lions coach Rod Marinelli said. "They'll get some good looks."
The Lions were the first team to take receivers in the first round three straight years since the NFL and AFL merged in 1967, and only Roy Williams has produced.
Rogers has just 36 catches for 440 yards and four touchdowns in three seasons. He played five games, catching three TDs, as a rookie before his season ended with a broken collarbone. The next season, he had the same injury after only one game.
The former Michigan State star was finally healthy last season, but was suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy and was left off the roster for two games after he was eligible to return.
In practice, Rogers gets few repetitions because he's not running routes with the first- or second-string receivers.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/football/nfl/08/10/bc.fbn.broncos.lions.ap/index.html