***OFFICIAL*** Washington Redskins 2011 Offseason Thread (2 Viewers)

[Sebowski]

Thanks for the updates here. Much easier then combing through other sites for actual news.

 

[dgreen]

From an ESPN and Scouts, Inc. scout:

@WilliamsonNFL Matt Williamson

Bowen is exactly the kind of signing WASH should be making. Fine work.

and from PFF:

@ProFootbalFocus ProFootballFocus.com

@SaleemTheDream Nosir. Showed he's worth that kind of deal. Didn't start in DAL, but played as much as the starters did (better)

 

[Dexter Manley]

From an ESPN and Scouts, Inc. scout:

@WilliamsonNFL Matt Williamson

Bowen is exactly the kind of signing WASH should be making. Fine work.

and from PFF:

@ProFootbalFocus ProFootballFocus.com

@SaleemTheDream Nosir. Showed he's worth that kind of deal. Didn't start in DAL, but played as much as the starters did (better)

My initial reaction was that the Skins overpaid (and I think the same thing about Cofield), but hearing all of these positive takes is promising.

 

[dgreen]

@JasonLaCanfora Jason La CanforaChris chester agreed to deal w redskins for $20M over 5 years. Reunites w/old OL coach.

 

[Dexter Manley]

@JasonLaCanfora Jason La CanforaChris chester agreed to deal w redskins for $20M over 5 years. Reunites w/old OL coach.

I like this. Looks like he replaces Rabach and will obviously be an upgrade. It seems like a reasonable deal.

 

[Sidewinder16]

@JasonLaCanfora Jason La CanforaChris chester agreed to deal w redskins for $20M over 5 years. Reunites w/old OL coach.

I like this. Looks like he replaces Rabach and will obviously be an upgrade. It seems like a reasonable deal.

Chester has played G and C. After Rabach was released, all the beat writers were talking like one of either 'Steiger or Montgomery would move to C. I believe both of them are more "natural" Cs than Gs. One way or the other, it's looking like those 3 guys will be the middle of the OL. Just need to nail down the RT now.

 

[Sebowski]

@JasonLaCanfora Jason La Canfora

Chris chester agreed to deal w redskins for $20M over 5 years. Reunites w/old OL coach.

I like this. Looks like he replaces Rabach and will obviously be an upgrade. It seems like a reasonable deal.

Chester has played G and C. After Rabach was released, all the beat writers were talking like one of either 'Steiger or Montgomery would move to C. I believe both of them are more "natural" Cs than Gs. One way or the other, it's looking like those 3 guys will be the middle of the OL. Just need to nail down the RT now.

 

[Sidewinder16]

@JasonLaCanfora Jason La Canfora

Chris chester agreed to deal w redskins for $20M over 5 years. Reunites w/old OL coach.

I like this. Looks like he replaces Rabach and will obviously be an upgrade. It seems like a reasonable deal.

Chester has played G and C. After Rabach was released, all the beat writers were talking like one of either 'Steiger or Montgomery would move to C. I believe both of them are more "natural" Cs than Gs. One way or the other, it's looking like those 3 guys will be the middle of the OL. Just need to nail down the RT now.

I don't get it.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Grant Paulsen tweet: "The #Redskins have agreed to terms with P Sav Rocca"

 

[Sidewinder16]

From an ESPN and Scouts, Inc. scout:

@WilliamsonNFL Matt Williamson

Bowen is exactly the kind of signing WASH should be making. Fine work.

and from PFF:

@ProFootbalFocus ProFootballFocus.com

@SaleemTheDream Nosir. Showed he's worth that kind of deal. Didn't start in DAL, but played as much as the starters did (better)

My initial reaction was that the Skins overpaid (and I think the same thing about Cofield), but hearing all of these positive takes is promising.

Here's another postitive take. Cowboys beat writer calls loss of Bowen "a big blow" for Dallas.I've also seen some tweets commenting how guys like Wilson, Coefield, Chester and Bowen are on the upside of their careers. Have the 'Skins finally washed all the Vinny residue out of Redskins Park?

 

[Dexter Manley]

@JasonLaCanfora Jason La CanforaChris chester agreed to deal w redskins for $20M over 5 years. Reunites w/old OL coach.

I like this. Looks like he replaces Rabach and will obviously be an upgrade. It seems like a reasonable deal.

Chester has played G and C. After Rabach was released, all the beat writers were talking like one of either 'Steiger or Montgomery would move to C. I believe both of them are more "natural" Cs than Gs. One way or the other, it's looking like those 3 guys will be the middle of the OL. Just need to nail down the RT now.

This is good to hear. I saw that Chester was only listed as a C on nfl.com so I had no idea. I too was under the assumpion that either 'Steigher or Montgomery would be the starting center. I'm curious if they're going to bring back Jamal Brown at RT.

 

[dgreen]

@JasonLaCanfora Jason La Canfora

Chris chester agreed to deal w redskins for $20M over 5 years. Reunites w/old OL coach.

I like this. Looks like he replaces Rabach and will obviously be an upgrade. It seems like a reasonable deal.

Chester has played G and C. After Rabach was released, all the beat writers were talking like one of either 'Steiger or Montgomery would move to C. I believe both of them are more "natural" Cs than Gs. One way or the other, it's looking like those 3 guys will be the middle of the OL. Just need to nail down the RT now.

I don't get it.

My best guess...Seeing as Sebowski believes the Skins are destined to have a top 3 pick next year (not that he's alone in that belief), I assume he's at "Just need to nail down the RT now." By , he's implying that they still have many, many more things to take care of. Of course, my guess is that you were only implying that they "just need to nail down RT now" in terms of the OL for 2011 and you weren't making a team-wide comment about their upcoming multi-year SB runs.

 

[scoobygang]

This makes four straight signings of guys who I would classify as "legitimate NFL starters on the right side of their careers." That's got to be some kind of Redskins record. The WR roulette might not work out (although I'm a Gaffney fan), but I think the moves at DL, CB, and now OL have been dead on. I don't care if they don't have a "true" NT. Maybe Haslett has come to his senses and realized it's easier to run a Wade Phillips style 3-4 or Belichick style multiple set defense anyway. Just getting some threat of a pass rush at the 5 technique should let Orakpo see the better looks he got for the 5 plays a game where Haynesworth was motivated and playing last year. There was like one legit NT on the market (Franklin) and he was going to be overpriced anyway.

One thing I appreciate about Allen is that he's not afraid to admit a mistake and take his medicine. Yeah, we're getting pennies on the dollar for McNabb and Haynesworth. But we did what we had to do to make sure the pain didn't continue for cap purposes, and maybe we get lucky with one late draft choice.

 

[Sebowski]

@JasonLaCanfora Jason La Canfora

Chris chester agreed to deal w redskins for $20M over 5 years. Reunites w/old OL coach.

I like this. Looks like he replaces Rabach and will obviously be an upgrade. It seems like a reasonable deal.

Chester has played G and C. After Rabach was released, all the beat writers were talking like one of either 'Steiger or Montgomery would move to C. I believe both of them are more "natural" Cs than Gs. One way or the other, it's looking like those 3 guys will be the middle of the OL. Just need to nail down the RT now.

I don't get it.

My best guess...Seeing as Sebowski believes the Skins are destined to have a top 3 pick next year (not that he's alone in that belief), I assume he's at "Just need to nail down the RT now." By , he's implying that they still have many, many more things to take care of. Of course, my guess is that you were only implying that they "just need to nail down RT now" in terms of the OL for 2011 and you weren't making a team-wide comment about their upcoming multi-year SB runs.

Pretty much, but mainly laughing at the assumption that the interior of the O-Line is all set now. I don't have faith in any of those 3 yet.

 

[thayman]

This makes four straight signings of guys who I would classify as "legitimate NFL starters on the right side of their careers." That's got to be some kind of Redskins record. The WR roulette might not work out (although I'm a Gaffney fan), but I think the moves at DL, CB, and now OL have been dead on. I don't care if they don't have a "true" NT. Maybe Haslett has come to his senses and realized it's easier to run a Wade Phillips style 3-4 or Belichick style multiple set defense anyway. Just getting some threat of a pass rush at the 5 technique should let Orakpo see the better looks he got for the 5 plays a game where Haynesworth was motivated and playing last year. There was like one legit NT on the market (Franklin) and he was going to be overpriced anyway.One thing I appreciate about Allen is that he's not afraid to admit a mistake and take his medicine. Yeah, we're getting pennies on the dollar for McNabb and Haynesworth. But we did what we had to do to make sure the pain didn't continue for cap purposes, and maybe we get lucky with one late draft choice.

So far their FA signings have been pretty good. I'm a big fan of not breaking the bank.

 

[Eastwood]

again, for a Redskin fan to upset right now, you just aren't paying attention. They are getting younger players, and are collecting picks for the next few drafts instead of giving them away for nothing. They are on the right track with Allen and Shanny. Granted they have a long way to go to become contenders, but at least we are moving in the right direction for a change.

 

[dgreen]

This makes four straight signings of guys who I would classify as "legitimate NFL starters on the right side of their careers." That's got to be some kind of Redskins record. The WR roulette might not work out (although I'm a Gaffney fan), but I think the moves at DL, CB, and now OL have been dead on. I don't care if they don't have a "true" NT. Maybe Haslett has come to his senses and realized it's easier to run a Wade Phillips style 3-4 or Belichick style multiple set defense anyway. Just getting some threat of a pass rush at the 5 technique should let Orakpo see the better looks he got for the 5 plays a game where Haynesworth was motivated and playing last year. There was like one legit NT on the market (Franklin) and he was going to be overpriced anyway.One thing I appreciate about Allen is that he's not afraid to admit a mistake and take his medicine. Yeah, we're getting pennies on the dollar for McNabb and Haynesworth. But we did what we had to do to make sure the pain didn't continue for cap purposes, and maybe we get lucky with one late draft choice.

 

[thayman]

again, for a Redskin fan to upset right now, you just aren't paying attention. They are getting younger players, and are collecting picks for the next few drafts instead of giving them away for nothing. They are on the right track with Allen and Shanny. Granted they have a long way to go to become contenders, but at least we are moving in the right direction for a change.

The only thing I'm upset about is that 4th rounder they could have gotten for Haynesworth last year.

 

[dgreen]

Kerrigan and Jenkins have agreed to deals and should sign in time for tomorrow morning's practice.

 

[thayman]

Kerrigan and Jenkins have agreed to deals and should sign in time for tomorrow morning's practice.

I'm liking the draft picks signing and getting in for practice.

 

[fatness]

Fat Albert to NE for a 5th. Will some of you be happy now?

You have posted a message with more emoticons that this board allows. Please reduce the number of emoticons you've added to the message

 

[fatness]

Casey Rabach told he will be released.

 

[fatness]

The word is now that Brandon Stokely will not be signing w/ the 'Skins.

He probably got injured on the way to signing.

 

[fatness]

I agree it's probably the stupidest Redskins trade. There are other contenders though:2nd and 6th for Jason Taylor3rd for TJ Duckett4th for Trung Canidate2nd + Bailey for PortisAnd there was almost 2 firsts for OchoCinco. That would have been the winner. Vinnie tried to win this competition but amazingly he did not.

It still hurts reading all that.

 

[fatness]

Phillip Daniels released.

They had to release him. He's a great locker room guy and works hard as hell, but some of the linemen and draft choices they're bringing in will be playing DE and Daniels is 38.

Kemo released.

I've never used the pickle emoticon before today.

 

[fatness]

Roydell Williams cut.

How will we ever replace his 9 receptions?

 

[fatness]

Oh man, I forgot about Brandon Lloyd. 2006 was a good year, we also got Archuleta and Randle-El that year...

Aside from acquiring Lloyd, the Redskins were also busy treating free agent wide receiver Antwaan Randle-El, safety Adam Archuleta, defensive end Andre Carter, and quarterback Todd Collins to dinner and dream seats at last night’s Wizards-Pistons game.

http://www.thehogs.net/content/index.php?id=666

That was a big sleepover year, wasn't it?

 

[fatness]

Finally, let's look at the bright side. McNabb and cancer Haynesworth are both gone, the Skins got draft picks in return for each of them, despite all the critics claiming they wouldn't be able to trade either of these guys, and they were also able to keep Haynesworth out of Philly. And the Skins have actually started stockpiling future draft picks. Not only do the Skins have all their picks next year for the first time in seemingly forever, but they also have the Raider's 4th and the Viking's 6th. In 2013 they have all their picks along with NE's 5th and possibly the Viking's 6th.

The things I've quoted are very good for the team. Thumbs up.Honestly though, if you're going to say stockpiling draft picks is good, you can't at the same time say that losing them in the trade for McNabb didn't matter. It mattered a lot.

 

[fatness]

@JasonLaCanfora Jason La CanforaChris chester agreed to deal w redskins for $20M over 5 years. Reunites w/old OL coach.

I like this. Looks like he replaces Rabach and will obviously be an upgrade. It seems like a reasonable deal.

Or he may play guard while Montgomery plays center. Hicks is good to have as a fill-in but he's not a starter.

 

[fatness]

Kerrigan and Jenkins have agreed to deals and should sign in time for tomorrow morning's practice.

:morepickles:

 

[fatness]

CSNwashington.comOn the eve of the first practice of training camp, the Redskins continued to fill out the roster with the first three signed undrafted free agents: Indiana quarterback Ben Chappell, North Carolina running back Shaun Draughn and East Carolina offensive tackle Willie Smith.

 

[fatness]

John Keim

He received criticism in Baltimore a year ago when the running game stalled. In Washington, he received a hefty contract and perhaps a starting job. The change of scenery might help more than his wallet.

The Redskins and free agent offensive lineman Chris Chester agreed to a five-year deal worth $20 million. A league source said Chester will play right guard. That would mean Will Montgomery could shift to center (or left guard if they want Kory Lichtensteiger to play center).

One evaluator said of Chester, "He's a good fit for their system."

The 6-foot-3, 315-pound Chester started 47 games in five seasons with the Ravens, mostly at guard. But he can also play center. The Baltimore Sun had reported that if he returned to the Ravens, he would have been a reserve. The paper reported that the Ravens wanted him to get stronger, a knock that others have made as well.

However, he is said to have excellent agility, a necessity in the Redskins stretch zone running game that relies on lateral movement.

 

[fatness]

By the way, Rick Campbell is supposed to be reporting on training camp for ESPN980 this year. Glad to hear that; Campbell did a great job covering the Skins last year, as did John Keim.

 

[Sebowski]

CSNwashington.com

On the eve of the first practice of training camp, the Redskins continued to fill out the roster with the first three signed undrafted free agents: Indiana quarterback Ben Chappell, North Carolina running back Shaun Draughn and East Carolina offensive tackle Willie Smith.

Looks like that shores up our O-Line. That's a relief.

 

[thayman]

I agree it's probably the stupidest Redskins trade. There are other contenders though:2nd and 6th for Jason Taylor3rd for TJ Duckett4th for Trung Canidate2nd + Bailey for PortisAnd there was almost 2 firsts for OchoCinco. That would have been the winner. Vinnie tried to win this competition but amazingly he did not.

It still hurts reading all that.

Meh I still don't fault the team for the Duckett or Portis trades. Everyone knew Bailey was gone and we couldn't franchise him, Denver forced the 2nd and it was worth it IMO. With Duckett Portis was hurt in the preseason and Betts was dinged up (and an unknown) The Skins were coming off a playoff year and Atlanta knew they could bend the Skins over.

 

[Sebowski]

I agree it's probably the stupidest Redskins trade. There are other contenders though:2nd and 6th for Jason Taylor3rd for TJ Duckett4th for Trung Canidate2nd + Bailey for PortisAnd there was almost 2 firsts for OchoCinco. That would have been the winner. Vinnie tried to win this competition but amazingly he did not.

It still hurts reading all that.

Meh I still don't fault the team for the Duckett or Portis trades. Everyone knew Bailey was gone and we couldn't franchise him, Denver forced the 2nd and it was worth it IMO. With Duckett Portis was hurt in the preseason and Betts was dinged up (and an unknown) The Skins were coming off a playoff year and Atlanta knew they could bend the Skins over.

I think it's pretty clear we did great in the Portis deal, so I don't bother responding to that one. I supported the Duckett deal until he never got a carry. I had an old Taylor #36 jersey and slapped tape over "Taylor" to say "Put Me In Coach". The guy didn't get a chance with us.

 

[thayman]

I agree it's probably the stupidest Redskins trade. There are other contenders though:2nd and 6th for Jason Taylor3rd for TJ Duckett4th for Trung Canidate2nd + Bailey for PortisAnd there was almost 2 firsts for OchoCinco. That would have been the winner. Vinnie tried to win this competition but amazingly he did not.

It still hurts reading all that.

Meh I still don't fault the team for the Duckett or Portis trades. Everyone knew Bailey was gone and we couldn't franchise him, Denver forced the 2nd and it was worth it IMO. With Duckett Portis was hurt in the preseason and Betts was dinged up (and an unknown) The Skins were coming off a playoff year and Atlanta knew they could bend the Skins over.

I think it's pretty clear we did great in the Portis deal, so I don't bother responding to that one. I supported the Duckett deal until he never got a carry. I had an old Taylor #36 jersey and slapped tape over "Taylor" to say "Put Me In Coach". The guy didn't get a chance with us.

I supported it as well, until he started playing, although coming off a playoff year it was a clear panic move.

 

[DCThunder]

Grant Paulsen tweet: "The #Redskins have agreed to terms with P Sav Rocca"

I love his brother Almond Rocca!

 

[Marvelous]

I agree it's probably the stupidest Redskins trade. There are other contenders though:2nd and 6th for Jason Taylor3rd for TJ Duckett4th for Trung Canidate2nd + Bailey for PortisAnd there was almost 2 firsts for OchoCinco. That would have been the winner. Vinnie tried to win this competition but amazingly he did not.

It still hurts reading all that.

Meh I still don't fault the team for the Duckett or Portis trades. Everyone knew Bailey was gone and we couldn't franchise him, Denver forced the 2nd and it was worth it IMO. With Duckett Portis was hurt in the preseason and Betts was dinged up (and an unknown) The Skins were coming off a playoff year and Atlanta knew they could bend the Skins over.

I think it's pretty clear we did great in the Portis deal, so I don't bother responding to that one. I supported the Duckett deal until he never got a carry. I had an old Taylor #36 jersey and slapped tape over "Taylor" to say "Put Me In Coach". The guy didn't get a chance with us.

I supported it as well, until he started playing, although coming off a playoff year it was a clear panic move.

I was certain the Gibbs had a grand plan where Duckett would become the extrodinary goal line back, keeping Portis fresh for all the huge runs between the 5 yard lines. When that never happened, it was clear that the Redskins made a panic trade.I was thinking that other teams don't make panic trades line this. When New England has a rb go down, they have plug in a Benjarvis Green-Ellis or Danny Woodhead and they don't miss a beat. But I guess that requires a team to develop depth on the roster, something the Redskins have continually stuggled with the past 10 or 15 years.

 

[dgreen]

So, this may be the starting D:

Wilson Carricker Coefield Bowen Hall Kerrigan Riley Fletcher Orakpo Landry Atogwe
Six new starters.

If no more starting-quality players are brought in on defense, I'm thinking the only real battle could be between Carricker and J. Jenkins. Regardless of who starts, they're all going to get decent playing time.

 

[dgreen]

Of the six new starters on defense, I'd say Coefield, Bowen, Kerrigan, and Atogwe are clear upgrades over last year. Riley was gaining more PT last year, but I'm not going to go ahead and say he's a clear upgrade over Rocky. I really have no idea how Wilson and Rogers compare.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Six more players released. WR #s down to a more reasonable camp contingent.

Safety Macho Harris, wide receiver Taurus Johnson, defensive tackle Rashaad Duncan, running back Shawnbrey McNeal, wide receiver Maurice Price and safety Sha’reff Rashad all are no longer on the roster.

Washington currently has 61 players on its roster, although more are likely to trickle in throughout the day. The flow of news will be a little slow for a bit this morning as phones — and Twitter — are not allowed at closed practices, but we’ll be back with developments as soon as possible.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Rich Tandler re: the OL this morning:

The O-line

12:30 p.m.—I’ll give the first of many caveats that who lines up with the first team on the first day of a training camp that is not in pads and that is taking place with many players who will be on the roster in September unable to participate is not necessarily meaningful. But here is the first team offensive line:

LT—Trent Williams

LG—Kory Lichtensteiger

C—Will Montgomery

RG—Artis Hicks

RT—Clint Oldenburg

The left side seems to be set. Montgomery will get first crack at replacing the just-released Casey Rabach at center. That is considered to be Montgomery’s natural position.

Kyle Shanahan confirmed today that Chris Chester is slotted for the right guard spot, which will allow Hicks, who can play guard or tackle, to be the utility reserve lineman.

The Redskins are looking for a free agent to start at right tackle. Jammal Brown, last year’s starter, seems to be the favorite but they have yet to close a deal with him. Oldenburg will compete for a backup role.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Day 1, AM session notes from O'Halloran:

Rookie linebacker Ryan Kerrigan missed the afternoon walk-through after sustaining a hyper-extended knee in the morning. The MRI results came back negative.

Also not participating were linebacker Robert Henson (knee) and safeties LaRon Landry (Achilles’) and Kareem Moore (knee). All three players were placed on the physically unable to perform list.

Players can come off the PUP list as soon as they are healthy.

On Landry, Shanahan said: “More preventative than anything. He’s not 100 percent. Hopefully it won’t be too long until he’s ready to go. But he’s out there watching and getting all the mental reps.”

Numbers of note: Ryan Kerrigan (53), Atogwe (20), Roy Helu (26), Niles Paul (84), Evan Royster (25), Gaffney (10), Leonard Hankerson (85), Fred Davis (83, changed from 86), Jarvis Jenkins (99), Chris Neild (66) and Brandyn Thompson (40).

Atogwe had worn No. 21 his entire college and NFL career but switched to No. 20 out of respect for the late Sean Taylor.

“I was a big fan of Sean Taylor,” Atogwe said. “In my heart, the number is retired, so there wasn’t a question of what number I took.”

 

[Sidewinder16]

Some notes from Keim re: first practice:

3. One thing that jumps out about O.J. Atogwe is his knowledge of the game and other players. Atogwe said he has watched Landry, studying him, since he came into the league. If he has a good feel for how Landry wants to play, then Atogwe can adjust his game to complement him. “I know where he’s strong and I know where he’s talented at,” Atogwe said. For what it’s worth, I liked watching how Atogwe moved in the secondary: he stays under control and arrives that way. When you’re having to tackle players in the open field, it helps to be that way.

6. Perry Riley was getting the first look at the inside linebacker spot next to London Fletcher. But Lorenzo Alexander also took work at both inside ‘backer positions. Yes, Robert Henson will be getting looks there as well. But you have to believe Riley has the edge. Why? He was drafted by this group; Henson was a holdover. Riley and Henson were hurt by the lack of an offseason, preventing them from learning more about the defense and working with the coaches. Hurt the young guys a lot.

7. Will Montgomery looks comfortable at center, though it’s not as if he was tested this morning. He is considered strong, and has been one of the strongest players since he joined the team. Last year, Phillip Daniels and Adam Carriker were probably the only one’s stronger than Montgomery. But Anthony Bryant did put a little move on him to get past his outside shoulder in a one-on-one drill. Other than that, however, Montgomery was solid. Again, no pads; first day.

11. A lot was made of the Redskins adding more receivers this week. But the fact is, they had no depth at this spot in 2010 and it’s highly unlikely that a fifth- or sixth-round pick can come in, with no offseason, and contribute. So get some insurance if that’s the case; and add depth.

“Last year the competition wasn’t great,” Kyle Shanahan said. “We had guys who stepped up like Anthony Armstrong. He was our starting receiver last year. He’s 28, but he also had his first career catch last year and we want guys like that to play, but we need him to compete with people too. But we don’t just want them competing with young guys. We want them competing with guys who have done it and are proven…. If these young guys beat them out, awesome. Then we’ve got some guys who really can play.”

 

[Sidewinder16]

Some thoughts from Rich Campbell:

It’s dangerous to draw any significant conclusions under the circumstances—players weren’t wearing pads, and it’s Day One—but Beck looked smooth. “It’s his first day out there, and I don’t have to correct him on anything,” offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said.

LT Trent Williams appeared to be in good physical shape when we spoke to him on Wednesday, and that was the case on the field Friday morning. His gut is much leaner, and it’s noticeable. Unsupervised workouts during the lockout were a major test for him, and he appears to have aced it.

When I was reporting for this profile on FS Oshiomogho Atogwe, former NFL defensive backs Aeneas Williams and Corey Chavous—who train with him in the offseason—raved to me about his body control. That, they said, is a major reason why he has 18 interceptions in the last four seasons.

Well, that body control was obvious even on the first day of practice. Part of it results from knowing where to be in coverage. He also runs low and compact. On one play in team drills today, he sprinted diagonally forward today, through some flying bodies, to tag down a running back for a short gain. Keep that in mind as he gets into game action.

LOLB Ryan Kerrigan abused several guys playing right tackle. Washington’s first-round pick appears very powerful rushing off the edge. He bullied Clint Oldenburg aside with a hard slap to the upper body. That said, the Redskins’ starting right tackle—whoever it ends up being—isn’t in this camp yet, so take it for what it’s worth.

Kerrigan still had his rookie hiccups, though. He was too wide on a running play and quickly experienced the four-letter-worded wrath of linebackers coach Lou Spanos.

 

[Sidewinder16]

H.B Blades and Byron Westbrook were re-signed.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Rich Tandler re: the OL this morning:

Another note from Tandler (same link as above):

1:30 p.m.--There was one interesting wrinkle in the lineup for the “first team” defense this morning.

LDE—Jarvis Jenkins

NT—Chris Neild

RDE—Adam Carriker

The surprise, of course, is at nose tackle. Although Anthony Bryant, who started towards the end of last season in place of the just-released Maake Kemoeatu, was on the field, the rookie Chris Neild, who was one pick away from being Mr. Irrelevant in last April’s draft, was with the starters.

 

[Sidewinder16]

A few more notes from Keim:

4. Keiland Williams said he'll be splitting time between fullback and running back, with Mike Sellers playing more tight end. Williams said he was told that's the plan "as of right now."

8. Shanahan said that newly-signed Barry Cofield will play nose tackle and some end in the Redskins’ 3-4 defense. He called Cofield the “bell cow” of the New York Giants’ defensive line the past few seasons. “You could tell he was a team leader. He played harder than any player on their team.”

Shanahan said that attitude is comparable to another newly-signed player, Stephen Bowen. “You got two guys who are 27 years old, natural leaders, and that’s, to me, how you build a football team,” Shanahan said. “You build it up front. It starts with that defensive line and that offensive line. We’ve got a couple young guys that, I believe, our future captains, guys that can lead and play well.”

11. And, finally, Shanahan on corner Josh Wilson: “He was one of those guys that I kept on watching on film and here’s a guy that is 5-9 and a half and he played all different coverages, two deep, two man, quarters inside-outside, bump coverage against guys like Andre Johnson and had no fear and has great speed. And I said if we have the opportunity to land him because he’s a fierce competitor, going against some excellent wide receivers and never backed down a bit. And the guys in Baltimore said you’re never going to find a better guy in the locker room and that’s the way we like to build our team. He’s a young guy.”

 

[Phantom Knight]

that’s, to me, how you build a football team,” Shanahan said. “You build it up front. It starts with that defensive line and that offensive line.

After his years in Denver "building" up the defensive line by continually bringing in other teams (paritcularly Cleveland's) leftovers, WHY does this statement from Shanny concern me? Praying that Shanny is doing the talking but someone, ummmmm, competent is doing the evaluating/decision making on personnel moves. So far, reserving judgment on Allen but very nervously.