****OFFICIAL**** 2008 Washington Redskins Off Season Thread! (1 Viewer)

[Sidewinder16]

Rumor has it [redman]'s posting as someone else now. Oh well, a Skins fan is a Skins fan.

And the Colt Brennan pick is intriguing. They said they'd draft a young QB to be QB3, so why not take a guy who could have been a first rounder a year ago.

When they took Colt Brennan, I was thinking to myself "Tony Romo" even down to the long developmental time and the unusual throwing motion they were commenting about. I think it's a great flier type of pick to take at that point in the draft.

Is that really you redman?

 

[T Bell]

Rumor has it [redman]'s posting as someone else now. Oh well, a Skins fan is a Skins fan.

And the Colt Brennan pick is intriguing. They said they'd draft a young QB to be QB3, so why not take a guy who could have been a first rounder a year ago.

When they took Colt Brennan, I was thinking to myself "Tony Romo" even down to the long developmental time and the unusual throwing motion they were commenting about. I think it's a great flier type of pick to take at that point in the draft.

Is that really you redman?

Oh, of course not. Nobody uses aliases around here. But I have it on very good information that redman will be back on May 1.

 

[fatness]

That would make sense, since it looks like he began posting as someone else on April 1. Wait til he finds out we traded him to the Lions.

 

[fatness]

The Redskins filled out their roster by signing 13 players who went undrafted last weekend. The list is cornerback Matteral Richardson (Arkansas), defensive end Dorian Smith (Oregon State), linebacker Curtis Gatewood (Vanderbilt), offensive lineman Devin Clark (New Mexico), safety Kevin Mitchell (Illinois), offensive lineman Shannon Boatman (Florida State), defensive end Alonzo Dotson (Oklahoma), offensive lineman Kerry Brown (Appalachian State), offensive lineman Kyle Devan (Oregon State), wide receiver Horace Gant (St. Olaf, Minn., College), quarterback Bret Meyer (Iowa State), linebacker Bryan Wilson (Morgan State) and safety Justin Scott (Purdue).

LinkThe rest of the article is about how excited Zorn is about the possibilities that 3 new young receivers create. Zorn, who has not given one playbook to one player yet. He's running behind schedule already.

 

[buster c]

This Link will provide everyone with a realistic analysis of both the Redskins Draft, and, critically important, how it compared with the rest of the Teams in the NFC East.

http://www.prodraftguide.net/dymeckarticle20080428.html

It's not a pretty picture, but I believe it's one of the most honest and accurate I've read today.

I read that this morning and pretty much disregarded that analysis after it said this:

Brennan could make it through camp, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Jason Campbell...

What uncertainty does Campbell have surrounding him, and how does Brennan not make it through camp.

Brennan was drafted specifically because the 'Skins want a young QB3 that can become a QB2 when Collins calls it quits. The 'Skins made it known they would draft a QB late for exactly that purpose, and this was a great draft to do that in. Brennan's only "hurdle" to making the active roster is UDFA Sam Hollenbach.

I've been telling you boys that the organization is not 100% behind #17...they canned Al Saunders solely because JC was not able to comprehend his system. He's got this season to sink or swim. If he swims, everybody's happy. but there is certainly an "uncertainty surrounding" him

I think they are pretty solidly behind Campbell.1. Gibbs said, before retiring, there should be an open competition between Campbell and Collins for the starting position. Once Gibbs retired, the Redskins announced Campbell is the starter.



I seem to recall Gibbs naming Patrick Ramsey as his starter and then pulling him before half a game had been played

2. Cerrato was in no particular hurry to sign Todd Collins. They let him test free agency before he signed a fair contract.

don't see this as being a statement about how they view JC

3. They let Brunell go

see #2 above

4. They used a 6th round pick on a 3rd string qb. I believe everyone agrees that Brennan is a project at this point. I suspect that he is a big enough project, that if Campbell got hurt during the season, the Redskins may go out an sign a veteran to be the #2 (Trent Dilfer anyone) rather than have Brennan as the #2.

again, not any commentary here on how they view JC. In fact, you shoot down your 2nd & 3rd points regarding JC's backups when you point out Dilfer's availability

Obviously if he flops, the qb position will look differnt next year. I think that is pretty much a given for any position for any NFL team. Shaun Alexander went from unquestionable starter to cut in one year with the Seahawks.

for the record, it gives me no pleasure to be taking this position because as a fan, I really want to see JC become an all-pro.

 

[Sidewinder16]

An interesting POV from Rich Tandler's blog. Basically, he says the D hasn't been the problem the last 6-7 seasons so everyone griping about not addressing the D-line in the draft needs to chill out. The problem has been putting points on the board consistently, and that problem was definitively addressed in this draft.

He makes a valid point in general, but I still think it's playing with fire to ignore aging and shallow lines, on both sides of the ball.

 

[redman]

An interesting POV from Rich Tandler's blog. Basically, he says the D hasn't been the problem the last 6-7 seasons so everyone griping about not addressing the D-line in the draft needs to chill out. The problem has been putting points on the board consistently, and that problem was definitively addressed in this draft.

He makes a valid point in general, but I still think it's playing with fire to ignore aging and shallow lines, on both sides of the ball.

Between the drafting of Rinehart, and the development of Alexander and Heyer, is it valid to say anymore that the o-line is "shallow"?

 

[Sebowski]

An interesting POV from Rich Tandler's blog. Basically, he says the D hasn't been the problem the last 6-7 seasons so everyone griping about not addressing the D-line in the draft needs to chill out. The problem has been putting points on the board consistently, and that problem was definitively addressed in this draft.

He makes a valid point in general, but I still think it's playing with fire to ignore aging and shallow lines, on both sides of the ball.

Between the drafting of Rinehart, and the development of Alexander and Heyer, is it valid to say anymore that the o-line is "shallow"?

I'm not sure it is.You can say that we added Jansen and Randy Thomas in the offseason since either didn't really play last season. Heyer will be better. I;d like to see him compete with Jansen for the starting spot. Rinehart will be serviceable.

The D-Line and LB depth worries me more than the O-line.

 

[Lowen1]

An interesting POV from Rich Tandler's blog. Basically, he says the D hasn't been the problem the last 6-7 seasons so everyone griping about not addressing the D-line in the draft needs to chill out. The problem has been putting points on the board consistently, and that problem was definitively addressed in this draft.

He makes a valid point in general, but I still think it's playing with fire to ignore aging and shallow lines, on both sides of the ball.

Doc Walker on 980 was saying the same thing earlier this week. The defense carried the team the past few years. The offense couldn't put up points. The draft addressed the offense. You have to score points to win. Joe Gibbs plan to score 17 points (or 21 or whatever low number he thought would be enough) didn't work. While I also agree we need to address the line, hopefullly the defense can make it through another year in good shape - and next year we can focus on defense again in the draft & free agency.

 

[Dexter Manley]

In terms of need, before the draft I would of put dline behind cb, oline, lb, and wr. As I've stated previously, I was extremely disappointed Groves wasn't picked with one of the 2nd rounders, but after him there was no real value at DL. I heard people complaining about not taking Campbell, but I've never been high on him, and he probably fits better as a 3-4 de.

What concerns me most about this draft is the Fred Davis pick. In another thread discussing Byrd getting cut by the Rams, Bloom stated that he heard from people that Davis is a bigger turd than Byrd. If true, that doesn't bode well. Still have no idea how they graded Davis as a 1st round talent.

 

[fatness]

Minicamp this weekend. Jon Jansen will participate (remember him?). Rocky McIntosh and Carlos Rogers will not.

The biggest question in my mind is whether Zorn will finally have a playbook to give the players.

 

[Sebowski]

An interesting POV from Rich Tandler's blog. Basically, he says the D hasn't been the problem the last 6-7 seasons so everyone griping about not addressing the D-line in the draft needs to chill out. The problem has been putting points on the board consistently, and that problem was definitively addressed in this draft.

He makes a valid point in general, but I still think it's playing with fire to ignore aging and shallow lines, on both sides of the ball.

Doc Walker on 980 was saying the same thing earlier this week. The defense carried the team the past few years. The offense couldn't put up points. The draft addressed the offense. You have to score points to win. Joe Gibbs plan to score 17 points (or 21 or whatever low number he thought would be enough) didn't work. While I also agree we need to address the line, hopefullly the defense can make it through another year in good shape - and next year we can focus on defense again in the draft & free agency.

Another thing owrth noting is that offensive players take longer to develop than offensive guys. So if we spend our first 3-5 piacks on D next year everyone will be peaking at the same time. Liek you said though, I hope the D can keep it together as is. I am a little skeptical.

In terms of need, before the draft I would of put dline behind cb, oline, lb, and wr. As I've stated previously, I was extremely disappointed Groves wasn't picked with one of the 2nd rounders, but after him there was no real value at DL. I heard people complaining about not taking Campbell, but I've never been high on him, and he probably fits better as a 3-4 de.

What concerns me most about this draft is the Fred Davis pick. In another thread discussing Byrd getting cut by the Rams, Bloom stated that he heard from people that Davis is a bigger turd than Byrd. If true, that doesn't bode well. Still have no idea how they graded Davis as a 1st round talent.

I saw a couple mocks that had him going in the first. I saw one that had all three of our 2nd rounders going in the first. The way Thomas and Kelly have been talking have impressed me. They are saying how they are all (the rookies) going to push each other to be better. Hopefully they can whip Davis into shape. It is easy to get a big head at USC. Davis is young. He has a chance.

 

[Lowen1]

An interesting POV from Rich Tandler's blog. Basically, he says the D hasn't been the problem the last 6-7 seasons so everyone griping about not addressing the D-line in the draft needs to chill out. The problem has been putting points on the board consistently, and that problem was definitively addressed in this draft.

He makes a valid point in general, but I still think it's playing with fire to ignore aging and shallow lines, on both sides of the ball.

Doc Walker on 980 was saying the same thing earlier this week. The defense carried the team the past few years. The offense couldn't put up points. The draft addressed the offense. You have to score points to win. Joe Gibbs plan to score 17 points (or 21 or whatever low number he thought would be enough) didn't work. While I also agree we need to address the line, hopefullly the defense can make it through another year in good shape - and next year we can focus on defense again in the draft & free agency.

Seems weird to respond to myself, but it looks like Pat Kirwan of ESPN/NFL.com agrees:Washington averaged 22 points a game against NFC East opponents last year, but the Redskins need to generate more offense than that. The team committed to three offensive receiving weapons with its first three picks, adding wide receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly as well as tight end Fred Davis. There's a good chance the development of quarterback Jason Campbell and the new additions will add up to increased scoring -- but did the Redskins do enough to get pressure on division quarterbacks? Last year, the Redskins sacked Eli Manning four times and only gave up two touchdown passes against the Giants. Washington sacked Donovan McNabb five times and allowed four touchdown passes to the Eagles. The Redskins got to Tony Romo twice, while giving up four touchdown passes. So in six games against division opponents, Washington generated 11 sacks and gave up 10 touchdown passes. Washington's decision to skip the pass rusher and generate more offense looks like the right way to go.

linky

 

[Sidewinder16]

An interesting POV from Rich Tandler's blog. Basically, he says the D hasn't been the problem the last 6-7 seasons so everyone griping about not addressing the D-line in the draft needs to chill out. The problem has been putting points on the board consistently, and that problem was definitively addressed in this draft.

He makes a valid point in general, but I still think it's playing with fire to ignore aging and shallow lines, on both sides of the ball.

Between the drafting of Rinehart, and the development of Alexander and Heyer, is it valid to say anymore that the o-line is "shallow"?

Alexander and Heyer were on the roster all season long last year. If they were shallow then I'm not sure the addition of 1 more body suddenly makes for great depth.

Thomas and Jansen are coming off of major injuries. Kendall has bad knees, and Samuels and Rabach both saw the trainers table at some point last season. All of them are over 30. Wade was nicked up and struggled and Fabini is strictly backup material. Heyer is definitely a bright spot, though. I have a feeling Alexander won't see quite as much time as a T-eligible because I doubt we run as many jumbo packages outside the redzone this year.

I really do have a lot of faith in Buges, and I like the potential of Rinehart and Kerry Brown, but it still seems to me that they're a couple of serious injuries away from being a shambled mess. Just like last year. Again, if you consider them to have been shallow last season, at the very least I'd say we're in a wait and see mode for improved depth. It's all dependent on health and on the rookies getting coached up.

ETA: Good to have you back, redman.

 

[redman]

An interesting POV from Rich Tandler's blog. Basically, he says the D hasn't been the problem the last 6-7 seasons so everyone griping about not addressing the D-line in the draft needs to chill out. The problem has been putting points on the board consistently, and that problem was definitively addressed in this draft.

He makes a valid point in general, but I still think it's playing with fire to ignore aging and shallow lines, on both sides of the ball.

Between the drafting of Rinehart, and the development of Alexander and Heyer, is it valid to say anymore that the o-line is "shallow"?

Alexander and Heyer were on the roster all season long last year. If they were shallow then I'm not sure the addition of 1 more body suddenly makes for great depth.

Thomas and Jansen are coming off of major injuries. Kendall has bad knees, and Samuels and Rabach both saw the trainers table at some point last season. All of them are over 30. Wade was nicked up and struggled and Fabini is strictly backup material. Heyer is definitely a bright spot, though. I have a feeling Alexander won't see quite as much time as a T-eligible because I doubt we run as many jumbo packages outside the redzone this year.

I really do have a lot of faith in Buges, and I like the potential of Rinehart and Kerry Brown, but it still seems to me that they're a couple of serious injuries away from being a shambled mess. Just like last year. Again, if you consider them to have been shallow last season, at the very least I'd say we're in a wait and see mode for improved depth. It's all dependent on health and on the rookies getting coached up.

ETA: Good to have you back, redman.

Remember that our starting point for paying any sort of attention to Alexander and Heyer last year was after we'd already lost Thomas and Jansen for the year. Any o-line is going to look thin after that, especially when you're talking about two guys who are rookies as part of your depth. I think all five starters from last year have at least one good year left in them (Kendall, Jansen), and most more than that (Samuels, Thomas, Rabach). Assuming those guys start the year healthy, then yeah, I think three good young o-line prospects behind them, plus of course a guy like Fabini, is a pretty good situation.

Don't get me wrong though. On draft day 2009, I'll want at least one more good o-line prospect picked up then too. This is a multiple year restocking project that involves players getting phased into the lineup, so it's a work in progress, but I do think that we've got enough to be competitive in 2008.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Remember that our starting point for paying any sort of attention to Alexander and Heyer last year was after we'd already lost Thomas and Jansen for the year. Any o-line is going to look thin after that, especially when you're talking about two guys who are rookies as part of your depth.

I think all five starters from last year have at least one good year left in them (Kendall, Jansen), and most more than that (Samuels, Thomas, Rabach). Assuming those guys start the year healthy, then yeah, I think three good young o-line prospects behind them, plus of course a guy like Fabini, is a pretty good situation.

Don't get me wrong though. On draft day 2009, I'll want at least one more good o-line prospect picked up then too. This is a multiple year restocking project that involves players getting phased into the lineup, so it's a work in progress, but I do think that we've got enough to be competitive in 2008.

Fair enough. I think the bolded part, with the added stipulation that they get through the season missing little to no time, is the key, though. I guess that's the key with just about any NFL OL, though, so maybe I'm worrying too much.Last season just has me a little gun-shy with respect to the OL and injuries.

 

[Sebowski]

Last season just has me a little gun-shy with respect to the OL and injuries.

I think we are all guilty of that. Health will be a huge factor for both lines. Actually, probably our whole defense needs to stay healthy. I hope Carlos and Rocky will be ready to start the season.

 

[Sidewinder16]

I hope Carlos and Rocky will be ready to start the season.

Carlos will certainly not be ready. I think there is a good chance that Rocky will.

 

[redman]

Remember that our starting point for paying any sort of attention to Alexander and Heyer last year was after we'd already lost Thomas and Jansen for the year. Any o-line is going to look thin after that, especially when you're talking about two guys who are rookies as part of your depth.

I think all five starters from last year have at least one good year left in them (Kendall, Jansen), and most more than that (Samuels, Thomas, Rabach). Assuming those guys start the year healthy, then yeah, I think three good young o-line prospects behind them, plus of course a guy like Fabini, is a pretty good situation.

Don't get me wrong though. On draft day 2009, I'll want at least one more good o-line prospect picked up then too. This is a multiple year restocking project that involves players getting phased into the lineup, so it's a work in progress, but I do think that we've got enough to be competitive in 2008.

Fair enough. I think the bolded part, with the added stipulation that they get through the season missing little to no time, is the key, though. I guess that's the key with just about any NFL OL, though, so maybe I'm worrying too much.Last season just has me a little gun-shy with respect to the OL and injuries.

And for good reason. Jansen and Thomas have both had two season-ending injuries in the last four seasons played (though at least Thomas' first injury caused him to miss only a couple of games), and Jansen played an entire other season with not one but two broken thumbs. I personally doubt Jansen is anything more than a shell of the player he was pre-2004, and I don't like that his major injuries have all been to the lower body; Thomas I'm more optimistic about. We'll just have to see.

 

[Bizkiteer]

I don't know guys, I'm still scratching my head over the Fred Davis pick. I understand the logic of taking two WR's, but Q. Groves was still available. Granted he most likely not the second coming, but he's a speed end rusher that we could surely need. Given that Fred Davis is a pass catching TE, which we all know Cooley is and especially after Cooley signed big contract...makes me wonder if he was a good selection. Yes, I agree getting a player rated as 1st rounder in 2nd round is great, but he just doesn't fit. Other than the Davis pick, I think the 'Skins had a very good draft on paper...now let's hope it translates into very good on the field.

 

[redman]

I don't know guys, I'm still scratching my head over the Fred Davis pick. I understand the logic of taking two WR's, but Q. Groves was still available. Granted he most likely not the second coming, but he's a speed end rusher that we could surely need. Given that Fred Davis is a pass catching TE, which we all know Cooley is and especially after Cooley signed big contract...makes me wonder if he was a good selection. Yes, I agree getting a player rated as 1st rounder in 2nd round is great, but he just doesn't fit. Other than the Davis pick, I think the 'Skins had a very good draft on paper...now let's hope it translates into very good on the field.

I said to my wife at the moment I heard it on the radio in the car that this was going to be a controversial choice. The faith I have here is that this was clearly a Zorn pick, meant to enable more packages in the WCO. I've always been a huge fan of 2 TE sets. We're used to thinking with Gibbs that 2 TE's means a running formation, but you've seen in Indy since they picked up Dallas Clark that it can mean good passing opportunities for an offense, especially when the defense if facing 2 TE's and 1 RB, and can't tell whether they're going against a running or passing play. Davis needs to pan out, however, and the reports about his poor work habits bother me, but there's no denying his talent as a receiver. He could be another Cooley.

 

[Sidewinder16]

I don't know guys, I'm still scratching my head over the Fred Davis pick. I understand the logic of taking two WR's, but Q. Groves was still available. Granted he most likely not the second coming, but he's a speed end rusher that we could surely need. Given that Fred Davis is a pass catching TE, which we all know Cooley is and especially after Cooley signed big contract...makes me wonder if he was a good selection. Yes, I agree getting a player rated as 1st rounder in 2nd round is great, but he just doesn't fit. Other than the Davis pick, I think the 'Skins had a very good draft on paper...now let's hope it translates into very good on the field.

I said to my wife at the moment I heard it on the radio in the car that this was going to be a controversial choice. The faith I have here is that this was clearly a Zorn pick, meant to enable more packages in the WCO. I've always been a huge fan of 2 TE sets. We're used to thinking with Gibbs that 2 TE's means a running formation, but you've seen in Indy since they picked up Dallas Clark that it can mean good passing opportunities for an offense, especially when the defense if facing 2 TE's and 1 RB, and can't tell whether they're going against a running or passing play. Davis needs to pan out, however, and the reports about his poor work habits bother me, but there's no denying his talent as a receiver. He could be another Cooley.

Hmmmm. I had not heard about the work habits. Hopefully the coaching staff and the current vets can help him along there.I was real and that first day of the draft, but I guess I'm slowly warming up to the results.Davis' strength is as a receiving TE. Having 2 TEs that can either play off the tackle in a 3-point stance or split wide (we're very familiar with Cooley's abilities here) probably opens up a lot of opportunities to create mismatches and to hide the playcalling. With one player package you could run a 4 "WR" spread formation (with 2 receivers actually being TEs), or a 2-TE running play, or anything in between.Say Davis does start to pan out. How does a DC respond when the 'Skins trot out 2 WRs plus Davis and Cooley? If they come out in a standard 4-3 set, and one or both of the TEs motion off the line, you get favorable TE-LB passing matchups. If they try to defend in the nickel and the TEs stay in, you'll have TEs and/or OL on DBs in run blocking.The more I think about it, these new additions probably have Zorn, Smith, etc. losing sleep at night coming up with all the different ways to use the new "weapons".

 

[redman]

I don't know guys, I'm still scratching my head over the Fred Davis pick. I understand the logic of taking two WR's, but Q. Groves was still available. Granted he most likely not the second coming, but he's a speed end rusher that we could surely need. Given that Fred Davis is a pass catching TE, which we all know Cooley is and especially after Cooley signed big contract...makes me wonder if he was a good selection. Yes, I agree getting a player rated as 1st rounder in 2nd round is great, but he just doesn't fit. Other than the Davis pick, I think the 'Skins had a very good draft on paper...now let's hope it translates into very good on the field.

I said to my wife at the moment I heard it on the radio in the car that this was going to be a controversial choice. The faith I have here is that this was clearly a Zorn pick, meant to enable more packages in the WCO. I've always been a huge fan of 2 TE sets. We're used to thinking with Gibbs that 2 TE's means a running formation, but you've seen in Indy since they picked up Dallas Clark that it can mean good passing opportunities for an offense, especially when the defense if facing 2 TE's and 1 RB, and can't tell whether they're going against a running or passing play. Davis needs to pan out, however, and the reports about his poor work habits bother me, but there's no denying his talent as a receiver. He could be another Cooley.

Hmmmm. I had not heard about the work habits. Hopefully the coaching staff and the current vets can help him along there.I was real and that first day of the draft, but I guess I'm slowly warming up to the results.Davis' strength is as a receiving TE. Having 2 TEs that can either play off the tackle in a 3-point stance or split wide (we're very familiar with Cooley's abilities here) probably opens up a lot of opportunities to create mismatches and to hide the playcalling. With one player package you could run a 4 "WR" spread formation (with 2 receivers actually being TEs), or a 2-TE running play, or anything in between.Say Davis does start to pan out. How does a DC respond when the 'Skins trot out 2 WRs plus Davis and Cooley? If they come out in a standard 4-3 set, and one or both of the TEs motion off the line, you get favorable TE-LB passing matchups. If they try to defend in the nickel and the TEs stay in, you'll have TEs and/or OL on DBs in run blocking.The more I think about it, these new additions probably have Zorn, Smith, etc. losing sleep at night coming up with all the different ways to use the new "weapons".

For the first time in a long time you're going to be seeing a huge number of snaps being shared by a lot of different guys in a variety of personnel groups. No longer will guys like Moss and Cooley always be out there on practically every play (which BTW ought to keep them fresher and healthier). You know those stat lines out of NE that routinely have like 8 guys with catches after a game? That's what I think we're going to start seeing relatively regularly. Not good for fantasy football, perhaps but definitely a big step up for the Redskins.

 

[Bizkiteer]

I don't know guys, I'm still scratching my head over the Fred Davis pick. I understand the logic of taking two WR's, but Q. Groves was still available. Granted he most likely not the second coming, but he's a speed end rusher that we could surely need. Given that Fred Davis is a pass catching TE, which we all know Cooley is and especially after Cooley signed big contract...makes me wonder if he was a good selection. Yes, I agree getting a player rated as 1st rounder in 2nd round is great, but he just doesn't fit. Other than the Davis pick, I think the 'Skins had a very good draft on paper...now let's hope it translates into very good on the field.

I said to my wife at the moment I heard it on the radio in the car that this was going to be a controversial choice. The faith I have here is that this was clearly a Zorn pick, meant to enable more packages in the WCO. I've always been a huge fan of 2 TE sets. We're used to thinking with Gibbs that 2 TE's means a running formation, but you've seen in Indy since they picked up Dallas Clark that it can mean good passing opportunities for an offense, especially when the defense if facing 2 TE's and 1 RB, and can't tell whether they're going against a running or passing play. Davis needs to pan out, however, and the reports about his poor work habits bother me, but there's no denying his talent as a receiver. He could be another Cooley.

Hmmmm. I had not heard about the work habits. Hopefully the coaching staff and the current vets can help him along there.I was real and that first day of the draft, but I guess I'm slowly warming up to the results.Davis' strength is as a receiving TE. Having 2 TEs that can either play off the tackle in a 3-point stance or split wide (we're very familiar with Cooley's abilities here) probably opens up a lot of opportunities to create mismatches and to hide the playcalling. With one player package you could run a 4 "WR" spread formation (with 2 receivers actually being TEs), or a 2-TE running play, or anything in between.Say Davis does start to pan out. How does a DC respond when the 'Skins trot out 2 WRs plus Davis and Cooley? If they come out in a standard 4-3 set, and one or both of the TEs motion off the line, you get favorable TE-LB passing matchups. If they try to defend in the nickel and the TEs stay in, you'll have TEs and/or OL on DBs in run blocking.The more I think about it, these new additions probably have Zorn, Smith, etc. losing sleep at night coming up with all the different ways to use the new "weapons".

For the first time in a long time you're going to be seeing a huge number of snaps being shared by a lot of different guys in a variety of personnel groups. No longer will guys like Moss and Cooley always be out there on practically every play (which BTW ought to keep them fresher and healthier). You know those stat lines out of NE that routinely have like 8 guys with catches after a game? That's what I think we're going to start seeing relatively regularly. Not good for fantasy football, perhaps but definitely a big step up for the Redskins.

Good points by both of you! I agree with the packages and it should and surely will get interesting to see it.

 

[Steady Mooobin]

Sup my hated rivals?

I gotta admit, I'm loving this Jim Zorn character. I just heard the sound bite where he talked about how much he enjoyed the draft process. He commented that he had never been in a draft room and how interesting and fast the draft went.

Personally, I like his candor.

 

[fatness]

I gotta admit, I'm loving this Jim Zorn character. I just heard the sound bite where he talked about how much he enjoyed the draft process. He commented that he had never been in a draft room and how interesting and fast the draft went.

Andy Polian was talking about the same thing on SportsTalk 980 the other day, comparing Zorn to Beaver Cleaver. "Gosh, Wally, I never been to a real draft before!"

 

[fatness]

Jansen and Thomas have both had two season-ending injuries in the last four seasons played (though at least Thomas' first injury caused him to miss only a couple of games), and Jansen played an entire other season with not one but two broken thumbs. I personally doubt Jansen is anything more than a shell of the player he was pre-2004, and I don't like that his major injuries have all been to the lower body; Thomas I'm more optimistic about. We'll just have to see.

Jansen was getting pushed around on the line of scrimmage last preseason. That's the first time I had heard that about him, and I'm afraid we'll see further physical deterioration of him this year. I would not be surprised if he's not an opening day starter.

 

[DCThunder]

I gotta admit, I'm loving this Jim Zorn character. I just heard the sound bite where he talked about how much he enjoyed the draft process. He commented that he had never been in a draft room and how interesting and fast the draft went.

Andy Polian was talking about the same thing on SportsTalk 980 the other day, comparing Zorn to Beaver Cleaver. "Gosh, Wally, I never been to a real draft before!"

Yeah, but that's just "Negative Andy Polley". He and Czabe have spent all week ripping the draft and Danny as usual.

 

[DCThunder]

Jansen and Thomas have both had two season-ending injuries in the last four seasons played (though at least Thomas' first injury caused him to miss only a couple of games), and Jansen played an entire other season with not one but two broken thumbs. I personally doubt Jansen is anything more than a shell of the player he was pre-2004, and I don't like that his major injuries have all been to the lower body; Thomas I'm more optimistic about. We'll just have to see.

Jansen was getting pushed around on the line of scrimmage last preseason. That's the first time I had heard that about him, and I'm afraid we'll see further physical deterioration of him this year. I would not be surprised if he's not an opening day starter.

As much as I like Jansen as a "core Redskin" and a team guy, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get hurt in training camp and end up retiring at the time of one of the last cutdowns.

 

[Steady Mooobin]

I gotta admit, I'm loving this Jim Zorn character. I just heard the sound bite where he talked about how much he enjoyed the draft process. He commented that he had never been in a draft room and how interesting and fast the draft went.

Andy Polian was talking about the same thing on SportsTalk 980 the other day, comparing Zorn to Beaver Cleaver. "Gosh, Wally, I never been to a real draft before!"

Yeah, but that's just "Negative Andy Polley". He and Czabe have spent all week ripping the draft and Danny as usual.

True, but it was still comical.I think the Redskins did fine. They did need Rec's and more importantly, offense.

 

[redman]

The other thing to think about here is that next year, barring utter disaster at the QB spot, no high draft pick needs to be spent on offense. They can really focus on defense.

In fact, from top to bottom in the draft I'd only like another pick or two spent on OL and maybe an early 2nd day pick on a RB.

The keys here are Campbell and Zorn. If they are who we hope they are, then the team will be fine. If not, it's going to be a frustrating year.

 

[fatness]

The other thing to think about here is that next year, barring utter disaster at the QB spot, no high draft pick needs to be spent on offense. They can really focus on defense.

I agree it would allow them to do so. But after puffing up the value of the offensive players on their draft board, it remains a question whether they have the ability to "focus on defense".

 

[fatness]

Minicamp started.

"It's on now," Campbell said. "We really didn't get into the offense too much before [minicamp], but that's what we're doing now. It's a great offense and it's not a real hard offense to learn. There's a lot of key things that you have to keep in mind, as far as technique-wise, reading coverages and getting the ball out of your hand fast. That's the main thing about this offense."

The pass-oriented offense of former play-caller Al Saunders was predicated on timing. Quarterbacks threw to spots before receivers completed their routes, and receivers, in theory, were supposed to make big gains after catching balls in stride. Timing is a component of Zorn's offense as well, "but the drops of the quarterback are totally different. It's like night and day," Campbell said. "Last year, we took really, really quick steps and get back. Where this year, we may spread our steps out a little bit more. And I know I've said this before, but the pace is so much faster. Coach Zorn wants you to play at a faster speed than you've ever played before."

 

[fatness]

Lots of information in JLC's blog:

We have seen many different formations and it feels like real Redskins season out here -- as evidenced by Fred Smoot's trash talking after breaking up a pass.

The rookie wide receivers didn't get any reps with Jason Campbell and the first team during 11 on 11s, but Fred Davis got out there in some sets along with Chris Cooley. Running back Clinton Portis was rocking his yellow shoes and practicing, with only four players inactive (CB Carlos Rogers, LB Rocky McIntosh, QB Colt Brennan and S Kareem Moore).

The Play of the Day came during 7 on 7 drills, when Jason Campbell dropped back and found wide receiver Anthony Mix down the right sideline in the back of the end zone. With a corner in his face, Mix bobbled the ball after a deflection, but hauled it in one-handed. He was out of bounds by the time he got control and nearly sprinted into the woods behind the field, but Zorn had already sprinted 10 yards down the field and screamed encouragement at Mix for the catch

rookie wideout Devin Thomas just made a great grab. The Skins' top pick ran a 20-yard route, and turned inside, but the pass from quarterback Sam Hollenbach was delivered to his outside shoulder. With seemingly no time to react, Thomas dove back to the outside and made a fantastic grab to the delight of his teammates who whooped and cheered after the play.

Apparently, Washington Redskins Coach Jim Zorn has a temper, too.

Zorn has a reputation as a good teacher and a nice guy, but he erupted in anger after cornerback Shawn Springs intercepted quarterback Jason Campbell's pass and attempted to lateral the ball to cornerback Fred Smoot. Zorn stopped play while shouting, "Don't do that! Don't do that!"

It is risky to lateral the ball because it could be fumbled, and Zorn made it clear that the Redskins will not take chances like that with him in charge.

 

[Ripleys]

Kneel before Zorn, I mean, Zod!

 

[thayman]

Good info on the mini camps....I must say I am rather stoked about the draft and our prospects overall, the Brennan pick in the 6th really has me excited.

 

[Steady Mooobin]

Minicamp started.

"It's on now," Campbell said. "We really didn't get into the offense too much before [minicamp], but that's what we're doing now. It's a great offense and it's not a real hard offense to learn. There's a lot of key things that you have to keep in mind, as far as technique-wise, reading coverages and getting the ball out of your hand fast. That's the main thing about this offense."

The pass-oriented offense of former play-caller Al Saunders was predicated on timing. Quarterbacks threw to spots before receivers completed their routes, and receivers, in theory, were supposed to make big gains after catching balls in stride. Timing is a component of Zorn's offense as well, "but the drops of the quarterback are totally different. It's like night and day," Campbell said. "Last year, we took really, really quick steps and get back. Where this year, we may spread our steps out a little bit more. And I know I've said this before, but the pace is so much faster. Coach Zorn wants you to play at a faster speed than you've ever played before."

(Again, as a Cowboys fan) This worries me. I think a former QB like Zorn really knows offense and more importantly, knows what players like and what will work. I think this offense will go as far as Jason Campbell will take them. (Obviously)

 

[fatness]

Which veterans might lose their jobs.

 

[fatness]

Interesting stuff at MVN

Let’s be honest here: on the large scale “wins and losses” level, it’s Cerrato who is predominatly responsible for this team. After all, he did hire Jim Zorn, and Zorn is only going to be as successful as his players–the ones that Cerrato has acquired–will perform. Zorn can’t control those things that will significantly affect how the fans and his associates and higher ups will judge him.

But Zorn has total control over how his players will judge him as a coach. And that is what is next for the Redskins. This is the time of the season when the Redskin players will decide how good of a coach they have. This will not only affect team morale, but also will determine how badly free agents want to come to Washington when their contracts are up.

For a team that is currently a bit capped strapped, and will be facing a potential situation in 2010 where the free agents will have to decide from far more large-market suitors if the league year is uncapped, that last point may turn out to be most critical. The future success of this organization, and the immediate success of its coach, depends heavily on the reputation the aforementioned coach develops for himself.

The Redskins do not have a complete roster. They have a quarterback and receivers who figure to mature around the same time…which is not now. They have a defensive line and an offensive line that are among the oldest in the NFL, and figure to be due for a significant production decline…soon, if not now. The leader of the defense–London Fletcher–is 33, his partner in crime at linebacker–Marcus Washington–is going on 31.

These are the guys that Joe Gibbs, and now Vinny Cerrato built the Redskins with. They are the oldest team in the NFL, and still a few steps from the top. Nothing Zorn can do will change that.

Regardless, today, Jim Zorn began to build his legacy. We have a pretty good idea of what the future may hold–the only thing that’s hazy is exactly how Jim Zorn will affect this future.

 

[fatness]

Chris Cooley's blog, which he writes himself. It's impossible to dislike the guy.

1. Who was the first Redskin that befriended me after I was drafted and where did we have a beer at?

The first player I was really friends with was Brian Kozlowski and I guess he was as new to the team as me. We actually became great friends and drank at a lot of bars together.

5. If I was to build my own draft guru what would his or her characteristics be?

I would take Mel Kiper's arrogant, know it all personality and put it into some really hot chick. The girl from the movie Transformers would be great. I would watch the draft all day.

10. What is more likely, Chris Cooley getting dreadlocks or Colt Brennon getting a fro.

I didn't know Colt Brennon had dreadlocks, but I can't stand dreadlocks. They're dirty, they stink and I think they look stupid. I thought the white man afro was awesome. I wish my hair would grow faster so I could have it back. I would recommend that look to anyone.

And then there's
.

 

[fatness]

Minicamp stuff

Stephon Heyer looks to be in much better shape than this time last year. The best way to describe it is to say he lost a lot of baby-fat. He says he spent the offseason boxing.

Clinton Portis says he wants to go down and drive one of Joe Gibbs' race cars before the season starts. I'm betting against.

I think it is great how much football talk you get out of Zorn. While Gibbs is a legend to us fans, he was so polished with the press that you rarely got anything of substance out of him in terms of football talk. In Zorn we have a guy that will tell you exactly what something means from a football standpoint.

the new D-line coach, John Palermo. I wanted to watch Palermo work to see how he managed the squad. A 29-year veteran of coaching, Palermo has coached at the collegiate level only. I wanted to see how he handled professional, veteran players. He seemed to do well. I saw him get into some of the young guys during the first practice during 7-on-7s. It was a brief, but effective tongue-lashing. Working with just the line however, he reminded me a bit of Coach Blache; not especially loud or intense. One difference between he and Blache I did notice was that he never stops teaching. On almost every drill he moved among the squad, teaching and correcting.

As those two or three of you who read me regularly on camp-coverage know, I am a fan of Greg Blache. Today however, I may have developed a perma-mancrush. When asked if his defense would feature fewer packages, he answered with no hesitation, “Yes,” he said. “We’ll have fewer packages. Our stuff will be tailor-made for our players.”

My first impression of Zorn is that he clearly doesn’t look like an NFL head coach. We joked on the sidelines that he would look comfortable in flip flops and with a surfboard in his hands than in anything you’ve seen Grandpa Gibbs sport over the years. But just when you start to doubt this guy, practice begins and you immediately notice something about the rookie coach – he may not look the part, but he definitely sounds the part. He’s very involved and if you close your eyes and just listen to him in between plays, there’s no doubt he’s the man in charge.

And lest you think he’s a Steve Spurrier kind of guy, he’s talking to defensive players too. On one particular play, Shawn Springs picked off an errant pass and pitched it back to Fred Smoot who juggled the ball for a few steps before Jon Jansen sent him flying. Immediately, Zorn came flying in and basically said, “cut the @#$%. We don’t do that here.” More than anything else, that moment stuck out today because, as one veteran writer put it “I guess the inmates won’t be running the asylum around here anymore.”

In my opinion, Devin Thomas was incredibly nervous this morning. Take a look at my photos and you’ll see him drop more than a few passes he should have caught. The good news is, he warmed up as the day went on and looked perfectly fine by the end of the day. In fact, Thomas made one of the two best plays of the day, by reaching back for a pass that was thrown behind him and hauling in a beauty of a catch that earned cheers from his peers.

Fred Davis, who I admit I wasn’t exactly thrilled with when they drafted him, looked to be the most steady throughout both practices. Folks on the sideline were commenting on his explosiveness, especially after making a catch. Add in what was probably my favorite interview of the day, and I’m now rooting for Mr. Davis to make an impact. Malcolm Kelly didn’t get as many passes thrown his way as Thomas, but he didn’t drop as many either. I talked to him about the biggest difference between college and the pros and he said everything has to be perfect. For example, if he’s a little off on a route, they know it and the coaches call him on it. I talked to a few people today who have interacted with him more than I have and they assured me that this kid seems like a good guy, and not the malcontent he was reported to be during the draft process. None of the other faces really stood out. I asked Casey Rabach how Chad Rinehart looked today and he replied, “Which number was he?” kind of puts a rookie in his place, huh?

 

[redman]

Minicamp started.

"It's on now," Campbell said. "We really didn't get into the offense too much before [minicamp], but that's what we're doing now. It's a great offense and it's not a real hard offense to learn. There's a lot of key things that you have to keep in mind, as far as technique-wise, reading coverages and getting the ball out of your hand fast. That's the main thing about this offense."

The pass-oriented offense of former play-caller Al Saunders was predicated on timing. Quarterbacks threw to spots before receivers completed their routes, and receivers, in theory, were supposed to make big gains after catching balls in stride. Timing is a component of Zorn's offense as well, "but the drops of the quarterback are totally different. It's like night and day," Campbell said. "Last year, we took really, really quick steps and get back. Where this year, we may spread our steps out a little bit more. And I know I've said this before, but the pace is so much faster. Coach Zorn wants you to play at a faster speed than you've ever played before."

(Again, as a Cowboys fan) This worries me. I think a former QB like Zorn really knows offense and more importantly, knows what players like and what will work. I think this offense will go as far as Jason Campbell will take them. (Obviously)

My (premature) impression is that this offense fits Campbell's style a little bit better with it's allowance for some discretion and ad libbing than the Gibbs/Saunders system which was more rigid and based upon strict adherence to what was drawn into the playbook. Hopefully this takes them places.

 

[fatness]

My (premature) impression is that this offense fits Campbell's style a little bit better with it's allowance for some discretion and ad libbing than the Gibbs/Saunders system which was more rigid and based upon strict adherence to what was drawn into the playbook.

I see it that way, too. And I think Campbell is plenty smart enough to learn it, and is quite willing to learn.

 

[fatness]

From a message board post about this mornings' minicamp practice:

- Kedric Golston injured his right leg and was carted off the field. We have no update as of yet.

- I'm claiming draftee DE Robert Jackson as the most improved player from Day 1. He showed today that he has a hell of a burst, beating Stephon Heyer and Jon Jansen on separate plays. I can see what they like about him.

- Draftee CB Justin Tryon is confident and vocal to the point of being Smoot-like. Unfortunately, this didn't help him much when receiver Maurice Mann nearly juked him out of his shoes, fainting right and cutting in for a 20-yard reception. Tryon did recover well.

- Greg Blache showed his dark side today, taking an entire defensive group to the side and lighting them up for not getting the huddle set up in time.

- The quarterbacks looked better this morning than yesterday. The plays looked to me to be more aggresive as well during 11-on-11s, featuring deep outs and more complicated crossing patterns.

- Zorn is still yelling at Campbell and the other quarterbacks to stay low and not stand up so straight.

 

[Marvelous]

This Link will provide everyone with a realistic analysis of both the Redskins Draft, and, critically important, how it compared with the rest of the Teams in the NFC East.

http://www.prodraftguide.net/dymeckarticle20080428.html

It's not a pretty picture, but I believe it's one of the most honest and accurate I've read today.

I read that this morning and pretty much disregarded that analysis after it said this:

Brennan could make it through camp, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Jason Campbell...

What uncertainty does Campbell have surrounding him, and how does Brennan not make it through camp.

Brennan was drafted specifically because the 'Skins want a young QB3 that can become a QB2 when Collins calls it quits. The 'Skins made it known they would draft a QB late for exactly that purpose, and this was a great draft to do that in. Brennan's only "hurdle" to making the active roster is UDFA Sam Hollenbach.

I've been telling you boys that the organization is not 100% behind #17...they canned Al Saunders solely because JC was not able to comprehend his system. He's got this season to sink or swim. If he swims, everybody's happy. but there is certainly an "uncertainty surrounding" him

I think they are pretty solidly behind Campbell.1. Gibbs said, before retiring, there should be an open competition between Campbell and Collins for the starting position. Once Gibbs retired, the Redskins announced Campbell is the starter.



I seem to recall Gibbs naming Patrick Ramsey as his starter and then pulling him before half a game had been played

2. Cerrato was in no particular hurry to sign Todd Collins. They let him test free agency before he signed a fair contract.

don't see this as being a statement about how they view JC

3. They let Brunell go

see #2 above

4. They used a 6th round pick on a 3rd string qb. I believe everyone agrees that Brennan is a project at this point. I suspect that he is a big enough project, that if Campbell got hurt during the season, the Redskins may go out an sign a veteran to be the #2 (Trent Dilfer anyone) rather than have Brennan as the #2.

again, not any commentary here on how they view JC. In fact, you shoot down your 2nd & 3rd points regarding JC's backups when you point out Dilfer's availability

Obviously if he flops, the qb position will look differnt next year. I think that is pretty much a given for any position for any NFL team. Shaun Alexander went from unquestionable starter to cut in one year with the Seahawks.

for the record, it gives me no pleasure to be taking this position because as a fan, I really want to see JC become an all-pro.

I guess we just disagree. Trent Dilfer's availability makes a big statement. The Redskins clearly prefer Jason Campbell AND Todd Collins to Trent Dilfer. Otherwise, they would have signed Trent Dilfer. Trent Dilfer's availability also says that 31 other NFL teams prefer their #1 and #2 qbs over Trent Dilfer. My only point earlier is that the if Campbell and Collins both get injured, the Redskins may prefer Dilfer over Brennan as the starter.

 

[thayman]

This Link will provide everyone with a realistic analysis of both the Redskins Draft, and, critically important, how it compared with the rest of the Teams in the NFC East.

http://www.prodraftguide.net/dymeckarticle20080428.html

It's not a pretty picture, but I believe it's one of the most honest and accurate I've read today.

I read that this morning and pretty much disregarded that analysis after it said this:

Brennan could make it through camp, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Jason Campbell...

What uncertainty does Campbell have surrounding him, and how does Brennan not make it through camp.

Brennan was drafted specifically because the 'Skins want a young QB3 that can become a QB2 when Collins calls it quits. The 'Skins made it known they would draft a QB late for exactly that purpose, and this was a great draft to do that in. Brennan's only "hurdle" to making the active roster is UDFA Sam Hollenbach.

I've been telling you boys that the organization is not 100% behind #17...they canned Al Saunders solely because JC was not able to comprehend his system. He's got this season to sink or swim. If he swims, everybody's happy. but there is certainly an "uncertainty surrounding" him

I think they are pretty solidly behind Campbell.1. Gibbs said, before retiring, there should be an open competition between Campbell and Collins for the starting position. Once Gibbs retired, the Redskins announced Campbell is the starter.



I seem to recall Gibbs naming Patrick Ramsey as his starter and then pulling him before half a game had been played

2. Cerrato was in no particular hurry to sign Todd Collins. They let him test free agency before he signed a fair contract.

don't see this as being a statement about how they view JC

3. They let Brunell go

see #2 above

4. They used a 6th round pick on a 3rd string qb. I believe everyone agrees that Brennan is a project at this point. I suspect that he is a big enough project, that if Campbell got hurt during the season, the Redskins may go out an sign a veteran to be the #2 (Trent Dilfer anyone) rather than have Brennan as the #2.

again, not any commentary here on how they view JC. In fact, you shoot down your 2nd & 3rd points regarding JC's backups when you point out Dilfer's availability

Obviously if he flops, the qb position will look differnt next year. I think that is pretty much a given for any position for any NFL team. Shaun Alexander went from unquestionable starter to cut in one year with the Seahawks.

for the record, it gives me no pleasure to be taking this position because as a fan, I really want to see JC become an all-pro.

I guess we just disagree. Trent Dilfer's availability makes a big statement. The Redskins clearly prefer Jason Campbell AND Todd Collins to Trent Dilfer. Otherwise, they would have signed Trent Dilfer. Trent Dilfer's availability also says that 31 other NFL teams prefer their #1 and #2 qbs over Trent Dilfer. My only point earlier is that the if Campbell and Collins both get injured, the Redskins may prefer Dilfer over Brennan as the starter.

This year yes.....next year we will all be loving the fact that Brennan is on the roster.

 

[fatness]

Yesterday afternoon's practice:

The veteran receivers had a good day. Santana Moss made a spectacular catch while rolling on his back. Cooley stretched out for a dynamite catch in the flat. Randle El had a good day with good running in traffic.

The running backs did well overall today. Betts looked better and Portis has been consistently solid. The guy that stood out the most for me today was Marcus Mason. I tell you, that kid has good moves in traffic and I am pulling for him. The guy that has not been so impressive to me has been Nehemiah Broughton. He hasn’t displayed the quickness or precision that I would expect to see from him.

On the O-line they had draftee Chad Rinehart playing some guard today when I noticed. He seems to have good footwork and I am anxious to see how he develops. The biggest surprise today was Jon Jansen snapping from center during the 9-on-9s. Coach Bugel was asked about it after practice and said that Jansen would be getting some reps at center in the event he is ever needed in an emergency.

This is not to say the defense didn’t get theirs today, as there was some fine play on the part of the defensive ends. As I mentioned earlier, Robert Jackson showed good quickness from the edge this morning and this continued this afternoon. Buzbee owned Heyer on one occasion. Daniels got his, as did Demetric Evans.

In the secondary LaRon Landry had a good day. On play in particular he may have killed Santana Moss had this been a contact practice. He seems to be positioning himself well. UDFA CB Matteral Richardson picked off Jason Campbell during the 11-on-11s and looked good doing it. Smoot looked good today, although he got an ankle stepped on during practice.

The linebackers looked solid today with starters like Fletcher and Washington getting it done. One guy that is getting more reps it seems is Matt Sinclair. I saw him at middle and strong LB today. H.B. Blades looked good when I keyed on him.

 

[Steady Mooobin]

My (premature) impression is that this offense fits Campbell's style a little bit better with it's allowance for some discretion and ad libbing than the Gibbs/Saunders system which was more rigid and based upon strict adherence to what was drawn into the playbook.

I see it that way, too. And I think Campbell is plenty smart enough to learn it, and is quite willing to learn.

Just the fact that Zorn is going to install an easy to understand offense that will make use of the current players rather then an unnecessarily complicated system is good news for all the players on O. Granted, Todd Collins seem to make that system work incredibly well when he was under the gun. Kinda sucks to be him. He probably had a great shot at getting some starts if Campbell struggled. Now that window got as small as it's ever been.

 

[Swing 51]

Posted at 12:23 PM ET, 05/ 4/2008Fred Davis Misses Day 3From JReid:Former USC tight end Fred Davis, the Redskins' second draft pick, did not attend the final practice of minicamp this morning. Because Coach Jim Zorn said the Redskins had not heard from Davis this morning, team security became involved."Either there was some real trouble and we needed to find him or he screwed up," Zorn said after practice. "I haven't even got to talk to him yet. I know he's been found; I believe it's more in the 'I screwed up' category."That is also the way things appeared to Davis's brother, Kedran. "I haven't talked to him yet, but I talked to his roommate out there, and I'm not hearing anything to really be worried about," Kedran said in phone interview from Los Angeles. "Really, I'm assuming it's nothing bad because he always calls me if there's something wrong."And like I said, I haven't talked to him yet, but I know him. And knowing Frederick the way I do, he was probably just out late and he overslept, he probably just didn't hear the alarm. And I know he wasn't feeling too good the other day."The team located Davis at some point during practice and he was scheduled to meet with Zorn and other team personnel this afternoon, Kedran said. "I know they know where he is, that's what I heard," he said. "He's supposed to go up there and talk to the coach. He could be up there right now. I'm sure that after he talks to them, he'll call me and let me know everything that's going on. But I really don't think it's anything bad."The Redskins selected Davis with one of their three second-round picks - No. 48 overall - in the April 26-27 draft. As a senior at USC, where he finally thrived after being converted from a wide receiver to a tight end, Davis had a personal-best 62 receptions for 881 yards (a 14.2-yard average) and eight touchdowns. Davis, who holds all of the Trojans' season and career receiving records for tight ends, was the recipient of last season's Mackey Award, presented to college football's top tight end."Fred worked real hard to get to where he's at and he's going to work real hard for the Redskins," Kedran said. "I haven't heard anything that I'm worried about."Posted by Cindy Boren

 

[redman]

Posted at 12:23 PM ET, 05/ 4/2008

Fred Davis Misses Day 3

From JReid:

Former USC tight end Fred Davis, the Redskins' second draft pick, did not attend the final practice of minicamp this morning. Because Coach Jim Zorn said the Redskins had not heard from Davis this morning, team security became involved.

"Either there was some real trouble and we needed to find him or he screwed up," Zorn said after practice. "I haven't even got to talk to him yet. I know he's been found; I believe it's more in the 'I screwed up' category."

That is also the way things appeared to Davis's brother, Kedran. "I haven't talked to him yet, but I talked to his roommate out there, and I'm not hearing anything to really be worried about," Kedran said in phone interview from Los Angeles. "Really, I'm assuming it's nothing bad because he always calls me if there's something wrong.

"And like I said, I haven't talked to him yet, but I know him. And knowing Frederick the way I do, he was probably just out late and he overslept, he probably just didn't hear the alarm. And I know he wasn't feeling too good the other day."

The team located Davis at some point during practice and he was scheduled to meet with Zorn and other team personnel this afternoon, Kedran said. "I know they know where he is, that's what I heard," he said. "He's supposed to go up there and talk to the coach. He could be up there right now. I'm sure that after he talks to them, he'll call me and let me know everything that's going on. But I really don't think it's anything bad."

The Redskins selected Davis with one of their three second-round picks - No. 48 overall - in the April 26-27 draft. As a senior at USC, where he finally thrived after being converted from a wide receiver to a tight end, Davis had a personal-best 62 receptions for 881 yards (a 14.2-yard average) and eight touchdowns. Davis, who holds all of the Trojans' season and career receiving records for tight ends, was the recipient of last season's Mackey Award, presented to college football's top tight end.

"Fred worked real hard to get to where he's at and he's going to work real hard for the Redskins," Kedran said. "I haven't heard anything that I'm worried about."

Posted by Cindy Boren

Don't be that guy, Fred.