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PHILADELPHIA -- Ryan Howard isnt the slugger he once was. He can still clear the fences, though.Howard homered and Maikel Franco singled home the tiebreaking run in the seventh inning to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 4-2 victory over the New York Mets on Saturday night.Howard put Philadelphia in front 1-0 by leading off the second with a 428-foot drive to right-center off Mets starter Logan Verrett. It was the 13th homer of the season and the 370th of his career for Howard, who moved into a tie with Gil Hodges for 77th on the all-time list.Obviously, in the moment, youre playing a game, but when I get time to sit back and reflect on it, its actually pretty cool, some of the names that Im there with, Howard said. Ive still got some work to do, but Im going to enjoy this one today.Carlos Ruiz doubled and had two hits for the fourth-place Phillies, who have won 11 of 15. Philadelphia also silenced a large contingent of Mets fans, who sometimes made Citizens Bank Park sound more like Citi Field for the second straight night.It was a good win, Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. I didnt want to hear the Mets fans.Jose Reyes and Travis dArnaud drove in the runs for the Mets, who have dropped four of five since All-Star slugger Yoenis Cespedes was injured.Were not taking care of opportunities, manager Terry Collins said. Weve got to take advantage of all those opportunities. We had a chance to add on and we didnt get it done.New York failed to homer for just the second time in the last 14 games. The Mets entered having hit 14 homers in four games at Citizens Bank Park this season and 33 long balls over the last two years at Philadelphias home park.The Mets appeared primed to take the lead in the top of the seventh, but pinch-hitter Kelly Johnson flied out to short left field with runners on second and third and one out before left fielder Cody Asche made an excellent sliding catch for the final out on Asdrubal Cabreras sinking liner with the bases loaded.Cespedes was available as a pinch-hitter, but Collins said he went with Johnson because Cespedes couldnt run the bases in the event of a walk.Philadelphia capitalized on Cabreras throwing error at shortstop in the bottom half for the go-ahead run. Cabrera threw wide of first baseman James Loney, allowing speedy Peter Bourjos to reach with one out. Bourjos went to second on Asches walk against Jerry Blevins (3-1) and scored on Francos single to left.I had all the time, said Cabrera, who has four errors this season. It happens.The Phillies tacked on a run in the eighth when Ruiz led off with a double, went to third on a groundout and scored on Erik Goeddels wild pitch.Edubray Ramos (1-0) worked a hitless inning for his first major league win. Jeanmar Gomez pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 25th save in 27 chances.The Mets tied it in the third on Reyes sacrifice fly that scored Juan Lagares.New York took a 2-1 lead in the fourth on dArnauds sacrifice fly before the Phillies tied it in the fifth on Asches groundout that scored pitcher Jerad Eickhoff.PHILLIES STARTING REPORTEickhoff allowed two runs and five hits with three strikeouts and one walk in six-plus innings. The right-hander singled and doubled to help his own cause.He really wasnt that sharp, but he pitched well enough to win, Mackanin said. Too many baserunners for my liking, but he got us into the seventh inning, so he did a good job that way.METS STARTING REPORTVerrett, making his seventh start in 25 appearances this season, gave up two runs and eight hits with four strikeouts and one walk in six innings. The right-hander is 1-4 with a 5.20 ERA as a starter this season. He took Matt Harveys spot in the rotation this month when the former ace was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome.I felt good, Verrett said. I felt like I threw the ball well and kept us in the ballgame.TRAINERS ROOMCespedes missed his fourth straight game due to a strained right quadriceps. Collins said the outfielder will undergo testing Sunday morning to determine if he is able to play.UP NEXTThe teams wrap up their three-game series Sunday when Mets RHP Jacob deGrom (5-4, 2.61 ERA) opposes RHP Zach Eflin (2-2, 4.08). In six career starts against Philadelphia, deGrom is 3-0 with a 3.03 ERA. 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NFL Nation reporters pick the rookie each team will rely on the most in 2016. Some first-round picks are obvious immediate-impact players, but other teams will count on late-round picks.AFC East | AFC North| AFC South | AFC West NFC East | NFC North | NFC South | NFC WestAFC EASTBuffalo BillsAdolphus Washington, DE, third roundWith top picks?Shaq Lawson (shoulder) and Reggie Ragland (knee) sidelined, the Bills focus turns to Washington. Like Lawson and Ragland, he was immediately named a starter after being drafted. If all goes well, Washington will eat up space as a 3-4 defensive end and contribute as an interior pass-rusher in sub packages. -- Mike RodakMiami DolphinsLaremy Tunsil, OT, first roundIts not a sexy pick, but the Dolphins took Tunsil at No. 13 overall for a reason. He?is expected to immediately start at left guard and transition to left tackle, his natural position, later in his career. For now, Tunsil is working with the second team as he goes through the ups and downs of learning the position. The Dolphins expect him to be a 16-game starter this season. -- James WalkerNew England PatriotsJoe Thuney, OG, third roundWhen the Patriots selected Logan Mankins in the first round of the 2005 draft, they inserted him at left guard and didnt have to worry about the position for the next nine years. Could history be repeating itself with Thuney? He has been the top left guard since the start of spring practices, and no player?seems to be threatening him for the spot. -- Mike ReissNew York JetsDarron Lee, LB, first roundLee wont start at inside linebacker in the base 3-4 defense, but he will be an X factor because of his ability to blitz and cover. He can be a hybrid player in sub packages, rushing from the edge or walking out to cover a tight end. The coaches will devise a specialty role for the speedy linebacker, and itll be fun to see how it unfolds. -- Rich CiminiAFC NORTHBaltimore RavensRonnie Stanley, OT, first roundNot only is Stanley?the Ravens first top-10 pick in 13 years, but he?is also protecting the blindside of quarterback Joe Flacco, who is coming off a season-ending knee injury. Stanley has lived up to the hype of being the first offensive lineman drafted this year. He is extremely athletic. That shows in how he moves his feet in pass protection and how he gets up to the second level in run blocking.?-- Jamison HensleyCincinnati BengalsTyler Boyd, WR, second roundFellow draft picks Andrew Billings and William Jackson III are injured, so it could?be up to Boyd?to lead the Bengals class this year. He?has shown flashes in the first two preseason games, which gives the Bengals hope that the transition to life after Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu might be easier than anticipated. -- Katherine TerrellCleveland BrownsCorey Coleman, WR, first roundColeman looked every bit the playmaker that the Browns said he was when they made him the No. 15 overall pick.?Colemans work and play were noticeable the first two weeks of training camp, as he made catch after catch and big play after big play. Coleman ran good routes and caught the ball well. The negative was that he was slowed by a hamstring issue, something the Browns will have to carefully monitor all season. -- Pat McManamonPittsburgh SteelersSean Davis, DB, second roundDavis came into training camp well-conditioned and entrusted with learning two positions: first-team slot corner and second-team safety. He has held his own with double duty. Davis?looks athletic and fluid at 6-foot-1 and 200-plus pounds. He?will play a lot of snaps with the defense in year one, and his length should help him deflect passes in the open field. Third-round tackle Javon Hargrave also had a standout camp with his quick first step. -- Jeremy FowlerAFC SOUTHHouston TexansWill Fuller, WR, first roundAlthough receiver might be the Texans deepest position, it is still likely that Fuller will make the biggest impact of the rookie class. So far in training camp, Fuller has shown his speed and athleticism. Quarterback Brock Osweiler has spoken highly of the receiver and says he is happy to see Fullers game finally come together. Second-round pick Nick Martin was expected to start at center, but an ankle injury will sideline him for at least four months. -- Sarah BarshopIndianapolis ColtsRyan Kelly, C, first roundKelly immediately became the Colts starting center when he was selected No. 18 overall?in Aprils draft. Kelly, who starred at Alabama, will become the Colts sixth starting center since quarterback?Andrew Luck was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in 2012. -- Mike WellsJacksonville JaguarsJalen Ramsey, CB, first roundThe Jaguars are figuring out different ways to use Ramsey. They originally wanted him working only outside, but after a few days in OTAs, they realized he can handle playing inside as the nickelback too. Its rare for a player to be able to do both, but Ramsey has shown that he can, which will be invaluable through the first month of the season because of Aaron Colvins PED suspension. There are those inside the organization who?believe Ramsey will be one of the top defensive players in franchise history. -- Mike DiRoccoTennessee TitansTajae Sharpe, WR, fifth roundThe Titans are certainly expecting solid play from right tackle Jack Conklin, the teams first-round pick. But the surprise impact could come from late-round pick?Sharpe. He has been the story of camp, with precise routes, one drop by his count and play that has earned the confidence of the teams quarterbacks and coaches. -- Paul KuharskyAFC WESTDenver BroncosDevontae Booker, RB, fourth roundThe Broncos didnt think of Booker as a fourth-round talent when they selected him, and its certainly not how he has presented himself since he arrived. From Bookers?first day in the building, he has carried himself like a player intent on getting as much playing time as possible as quickly as possible. Even as he recovered from the knee surgery he had in the wake of his final season at Utah, Booker showed the Broncos that he has vision as a runner and quality hands in the passing game and is able to finish runs with purpose. It all means he will get playing time in important situations and might lead a 2016 draft class that could turn out to be an important, productive group. -- Jeff LegwoldKansas City ChiefsTyreek Hill, WR, fifth roundHill wont be a starter, but he could have the most impact of any Chiefs?rookie.?He?has delivered several big plays at training camp. He will be the punt and kickoff return specialist. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub compared Hills return ability to that of Devin Hester, perhaps the greatest kick return specialist in NFL history. Hes the fastest player Ive ever had, hands down, Toub said of Hill. I say that, and I coached Devin Hester. Devin Hester is probably a tenth of a second slower than Tyreek. I see a lot of similarities with the way they catch the ball. Theyre natural catchers. -- Adam TeicherOakland RaidersKarl Joseph, S, first roundYes, a first-round draft pick should be a breakout candidate, but when you combine the strong safetys hard-hitting style and soft hands with the veterans around him (free safety Reggie Nelson and cornerbacks Sean Smith and David Amerson),?Joseph should be able to pick his spots -- and pick off passes -- and grow into the role. -- Paul GutierrezSan Diego ChargersHunter Henry, TE, second roundWith first-round pick?Joey Bosa still unsigned, Henry will have the most impact among a talented Chargers rookie class. The Arkansas product is a polished route runner who has shown that he can be an effective blocker in the run game. Henry should pair nicely with veteran Antonio Gates to form a potent, pass-catching tight end combination. -- Eric D. WilliamsNFC EASTDallas CowboysEzekiel Elliott, RB, first roundHow is the answer not Elliott? If he isnt the answer, then something has gone wrong. Elliott has been slowed early in camp by a sore hamstring, but the teams deliberate approach with how they are handling him speaks to how much he will be counted on in the regular season. Elliott has the ability to do foor the Cowboys what DeMarco Murray did in 2014.ddddddddddddElliott probably wont lead the NFL in rushing, but the Cowboys view him as an every-down player and dont plan to be shy with how they use him. They believe he is dynamic with the ball in his hands. -- Todd ArcherNew York GiantsSterling Shepard, WR, second roundOdell Beckham Jr. finally has a?sidekick in?Shepard, who?has impressed just about everyone this spring and summer with his crisp routes and immense catch radius. Playing next to Beckham in this?pass-heavy Giants offense, Shepard will make an instant impact. As one NFC executive said: Hes going to be a really good player. -- Jordan RaananPhiladelphia EaglesIsaac Seumalo, OG, third roundSeumalo could find himself filling a very large role right out of the gate. The left guard spot was previously filled by Allen Barbre, but Barbre has?been working at right tackle in advance of a possible Lane Johnson suspension. Seumalo has been getting steady work with the first team at left guard and could end up being the starter there. Running back Wendell Smallwood and cornerback Jalen Mills could get some action, and all bets are off if the Eagles decide to roll with quarterback?Carson Wentz at some point, but for now, it looks as if Seumalo has the best chance to be a contributor early. -- Tim McManusWashington RedskinsSua Cravens, LB, second roundThis is difficult because none of the Redskins rookies?project as starters and the first-round pick,?Josh Doctson,?has yet to practice. Cravens has the potential to eventually provide some big plays as a nickel linebacker. He has made mistakes, but he has also shown speed and instincts playing near the line of scrimmage, which gives him a chance to help as a blitzer -- either through the middle or off the edge -- or in coverage. Washingtons draft class is designed to help down the road more than in 2016. -- John KeimNFC NORTHChicago BearsJonathan Bullard, DE, third roundBullard might?not begin the year in the starting lineup, but he has the talent to be a really good player. He?is quick off the snap and has made several plays in the opponents backfield in preseason. The Bears dont have a ton of impact players on defense, so his?development is critical. The coaching staff is high on Bullard, who at the bare minimum is expected to be in Chicagos game-day defensive line rotation in Week 1 at Houston. He projects to possibly have a much larger role in the near future. -- Jeff DickersonDetroit LionsTaylor Decker, OT, first roundThe Lions have one clear-cut starter in their rookie class, and Deckers role is going to be critical. As he is the left tackle and protector of Matthew Staffords blind side, Detroit needs him to play better than a?typical rookie. The No. 16 overall pick has shown progress in training camp, but he needs to have more consistency for the Lions to feel good about it. Dont be surprised if you see tight ends lining up next to him to help out, especially early in the season. Decker has?shown massive potential, but like any rookie tackle, hell take time to develop.?-- Michael RothsteinGreen Bay PackersBlake Martinez, LB, fourth roundWhile all eyes are on first-round pick Kenny Clark, its Martinez who might be the key to the Packers defense. Hes expected to take over as the signal-caller of the defense and play inside linebacker on all three downs. Expect his athleticism, instincts and intelligence to shine through and help improve the Packers up the middle. -- Rob DemovskyMinnesota VikingsLaquon Treadwell, WR, first roundTreadwell is the only member of the Vikings draft class who could be counted on for a sizable impact in year one. The Vikings have been patient with him in training camp, and they might not start him right away, but theres little doubt that hes going to get chances in an offense hoping to improve from 31st in the league in passing a year ago. The Vikings took Treadwell 23rd overall to give quarterback?Teddy Bridgewater a big target, and especially in the red zone, Bridgewater figures to be looking his way. -- Ben GoesslingNFC SOUTHAtlanta FalconsKeanu Neal, S, first roundThis is a hard one to answer because the Falcons have a handful of rookies capable of making immediate impacts. But lets stick with Neal. He has displayed so much poise on the field already and looks like a natural. Plus, Neals big hits are sure to make the highlight reels once the action goes live. Said veteran tight end Jacob Tamme, who was involved in a skirmish with Neal for being too physical in practice: Hes a physical player, and I love it. -- Vaughn McClureCarolina PanthersJames Bradberry, CB, second round, or Daryl Worley, CB, third roundItll be a cornerback -- or cornerbacks. Bradberry and Worley are poised to start. The Panthers drafted Bradberry with the hope that he could replace Pro Bowler Josh Norman. He even wears Normans No. 24, though he hasnt been as flashy a rookie as Norman, who once intercepted Cam Newton three times in one practice. But Bradberry?isnt making big mistakes. -- David NewtonNew Orleans SaintsMichael Thomas, WR, second roundAt this point, it probably will be impossible for the rookie?out of Ohio State to live up to the hype, as he has generated so much buzz with his terrific downfield catches in practices and preseason games. Coach Sean Payton, unsolicited, doled out some free fantasy advice the other day: I dont follow fantasy football, but shoot, Id try to have him. Expectations should be tempered, as the Saints have a lot of other proven pass-catchers. But the big, sure-handed Thomas has a ton of upside and should emerge as a red zone target. -- Mike TriplettTampa Bay BuccaneersVernon Hargreaves III, CB, first roundThe 11th overall pick has shown progress in the nickelback position and is now getting reps on the outside with the first-team defense. He had two interceptions in the second preseason game and two more during Wednesdays joint practice with the Browns. No matter where he lines up, he has a knack for being around the ball. -- Jenna LaineNFC WESTArizona CardinalsRobert Nkemdiche, DT, first roundNkemdiche might be part of the Cardinals deepest position, but he?will quickly become a spectacle to behold on the field. Arizona plans to?rein in his snaps to harness his energy and limit fatigue. The more bounce Nkemdiche has, the more hell be able to show just how quickly and often he can get to the quarterback. -- Josh WeinfussLos Angeles RamsPharoh Cooper, WR, fourth roundCooper is already the No. 3 receiver on a Rams team desperate for playmakers. He?is listed at 5-foot-11 and 207 pounds, with breakaway speed and a running back mentality with the ball in his hands, which gives him the ability to rack up yards after the catch. The Rams dont possess much of a vertical-passing threat, regardless of whether its Case Keenum or No. 1 overall pick?Jared Goff under center. But Cooper can be a weapon as a slot receiver and perhaps even out of the backfield. -- Alden GonzalezSan Francisco 49ersDeForest Buckner, DE, first roundThis is a tough choice because a handful of the teams rookies have looked like potential immediate contributors.?Buckner has been impressive enough to get plenty of snaps with the first-team defense in training camp and the preseason. His pass-rush skills are still a work in progress, but he has?the athleticism, size and strength to put it all together and establish himself as a foundational piece of this defense in year one. -- Nick WagonerSeattle SeahawksGermain Ifedi, OL, first roundIfedi looks like the rookie who will contribute the most in his first season. The Seahawks see him as their right tackle down the road, but he?will begin his career at right guard. He has looked powerful in the run game this preseason and has held up well in pass protection. Ifedi has shown an edge in practices, including standing up to veteran defensive linemen who have tried to test him. He has plenty to prove, but the signs so far are positive. -- Sheil Kapadia ' ' '