NFL Training Camp Update: Travis Beckum Freed

With a week of training camp in the books, let’s check up on what’s new with all the Badgers in the NFL.

Travis Beckum (3rd year, New York Giants)

With the news that Kevin Boss is leaving the G-Men to sign with the Raiders, Beckum is officially the number one receiving tight end in New York.

"“It sucks,” said Beckum, who is entering his third NFL season. “Because obviously, Kevin’s been here since my rookie year, and he’s established himself. Kevin and I were close. He taught me a lot of stuff, but it’s nothing personal. Kevin knows I wish nothing but the best for him, but he has to do what he has to do, and that’s be in Oakland.”"

At Wisconsin, Beckum burst onto the scene in his sophomore year after convincing the coaching staff to convert him from a linebacker to a tight end. By his junior year in 2007, Beckum had passed his own mark for most catches in a season by a Wisconsin tight end, and earned All-American honors by finishing first and second in the country in yards and receptions for tight ends, respectively. Even after a senior year cut short by injuries, the Giants drafted him in the 3rd round in 2009 to help back up Boss.

Now as the primary target from the tight end position, Beckum should be able to provide the Giants with solid hands and a consistent target. His impact will be limited by the fact that the Giants haven’t targeted their tight ends much in the past few years, which certainly could be one of the reasons Boss decided to leave. Beckum’s inability to distinguish himself as a downfield threat in his first 2 years (21 catches for 171 yards) plus his lack of blocking skills should also contribute to a lessened role in the offense. Coach Tom Coughlin wants better consistency from Beckum:

"“We’re continuing to develop Beckum into a more consistent player,” Coughlin said. “He’ll make a great play and then a not-so-great play."

But, assuming Beckum holds onto the role, he has shown signs of promise. Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride tried to shoehorn him into the offense at the vague “H-back”  position, which is part of the reason why he hasn’t made much of an impact yet. Now with a clearly defined role, I wouldn’t put it past Beckum to become a significant part of the Giants attack. His only 2 touchdown grabs last year came inside the 20, where the Giants have historically struggled to get in the endzone. If he can become a reliable option in the red zone, Beckum will definitely have a real impact on the 2011 New York Giants. For his part, he’s ready for anything:

"“I’m ready to do whatever I have to do, whatever they ask me,” said Beckum, who was featured in a lot of two tight-end packages with Boss last season. “Whether I’m coming out of the backfield, split out, at the ‘Y’ or in goal line sets; whatever they ask me to do, I’m willing to do it.”"

JJ Watt (1st year, Houston Texans)

See Dan Sinclair’s report for your up-to-date info on one of the most highly-touted Badgers prospects in a while. He’s been installed as the team’s starting left defensive end in camp, and also is making an impact off the field already with his charity work. A  one word summary of all news Watt-related: Awesome.

Scott Tolzien (1st year, San Diego Chargers)

Tolzien found his way to San Diego as an undrafted free agent, but it appears he has a good shot at being their third string QB behind Philip Rivers and Billy Volek. As the AP notes, Tolzien got a shot as one of the main quarterbacks in camp due to the rules limiting who can practice right away after the lockout, and he seems to be making the most of it. According to the North County Times,  he’s learning the playbook quickly, and already impressing head coach Norv Turner:

"He’s a sharp guy who has a quick release and is an accurate thrower. So far, I like the decisions he’s making."

And according to Pro Football Weekly:

"The team needs a young third-string quarterback behind Philip Rivers and Billy Volek, and the Chargers think Tolzien could be a good fit. The former Wisconsin Badger is a student of the game and the type of player Bolts head coach Norv Turner will want to keep around."

Gabe Carimi (1st year, Chicago Bears)

Carimi recently signed his first-round deal to officially become a Bear, and is already impressing in training camp as the starting right tackle, according to the Chicago Sun-Times:

"Carimi played left tackle in college, so the right side is an adjustment. But whether he was up against Israel Idonije, Julius Peppers or Henry Melton, he didn’t appear overmatched."

Lance Kendricks (1st year, St. Louis Rams)

Kendricks was the Rams’ second round draft pick, and with Daniel Fells leaving St. Louis he becomes the number one receiving threat at tight end. So far, he’s “shining” in camp with the first team according to the Columbia Daily Tribune, adapting to the playbook quickly and impressing QB Sam Bradford:

"“He’s probably taken more reps than anyone in our offense,” Bradford said. “It seems like every time I look out there he’s in there.”"

O’Brien Schofield (2nd year, Arizona Cardinals)

Schofield was hampered by injuries last year, but now has a good chance at winning the starting right outside linebacker slot in the Cardinals’ 3-4 defense, despite Joey Porter’s return.

Blake Sorensen (1st year, Free Agent)

Sorensen was cut by the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday, after signing as an undrafted free agent. He was part of a number of cuts that helped fit in tight end Zach Miller, among others,  to the Seahawks. Hopefully he can catch on with another team soon, and work his way onto a practice squad at least.

Chris Maragos (2nd year, San Francisco 49ers)

Maragos hung on with the 49ers last year, moving from undrafted free agent to training camp cut to practice squad player to actually getting into 3 games. Now, with the news that the 49ers bizarrely used the fantasy tactic of sending out a league-wide email to try and trade safety Taylor Mays, Maragos could be in line for more significant playing time in San Fran.

We’ll give you more news as it continues to roll in. Stay tuned.