Justin Tuck says rookie Mario Edwards has been "Bright-eyed, bushy tailed...energetic"

The Raiders have received some criticism for their selection of Florida State defensive end, Mario Edwards with the second round pick. Among the negatives have been a perceived inconsistent effort. A quality which veteran defensive end Justin Tuck says he has not seen in his rookie teammate.

"It's early so not much yet other than the fact that he's a true athlete. The talent level is there. I hear the things that people have said about him as a knock on him that hasn't showcased at all yet. He's been bright-eyed, bushy tailed in meetings. Obviously very energetic, running to the ball on the field and I think that's what you want to see from a rookie guy of his caliber, so early on for me I think he's doing pretty well."

Tuck went on to say Edwards has a great grasp on the defense so far and most of his questions are about the "do's and don'ts" with regard to his transition from college to the pros.

Edwards cut a lot of weight from his playing days at Florida State where he hovered around 300 pounds. His playing weight is now around 280 pounds which the Raiders are hoping will make him more of a pass rusher. He had just 3.0 sacks last season and just 8.0 sacks in three years at Florida State.

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