Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

[url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/clinton-portis/media-is-permitted-to-watch.html]Redskins Insider - Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today[/url]

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

Terl has been reporting that Portis and LJ are both taking turns with the 1st team at OTAs...seem to be getting an even look. Interesting...

Cooley at TE will work, he's lined up out there before. Anything that gets CC and FD on the field together...great.

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

This team has changed so much at so many positions, I'd be comfortable in seeing development in every area of the game. The chemistry with McNabb is going to be the area most watched.

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

[quote=Mattyk;704398][url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/clinton-portis/media-is-permitted-to-watch.html]Redskins Insider - Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today[/url][/quote]

Do we have an insider to answer our questions?

Here's mine:

o Is London Fletcher the SILB or the WILB

o How does Artis Hicks look at RT

o How does Malcolm Kelly look?
Are his routes sharp?
Where is he lining up the most X or Z?
What routes does he run the most when they're going through plays?

^^ ditto for Devin Thomas

o Which receiver (out of all the receivers) looks the best running routes, getting open and catching the ball?

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

[quote=30gut;704416]Do we have an insider to answer our questions?

Here's mine:

o Is London Fletcher the SILB or the WILB

o How does Artis Hicks look at RT

o How does Malcolm Kelly look?
Are his routes sharp?
Where is he lining up the most X or Z?
What routes does he run the most when they're going through plays?

^^ ditto for Devin Thomas

o Which receiver (out of all the receivers) looks the best running routes, getting open and catching the ball?[/quote]

I have the same questions. I think it's funny how we fans are expecting Kelly and Thomas to become 2, #1 WR's and yet we hear nothing about them. All I keep hearing is Armstrong is making all the catches.

But as some have pointed out.... it seems everytime we hear about how a certain player is doing and how well they are performing, said player ends up cut or on the practice squad. So my presumption is the players we keep hearing so much about are players no one expected to do well in the first place and the media simply talks about them cause their play is unexpected. Everyone expects for Thomas and Kelly to do well so they are not being talked about.

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

The only position I'm worried about is WR. I hope all of you are right about Malcom Kelley and Devin Thomas. I personally think they're number 3's at best. We can't go deep into the playoffs with our current receiving corps.

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

[quote=Kalisto2010;704450]The only position I'm worried about is WR. I hope all of you are right about Malcom Kelley and Devin Thomas. I personally think they're number 3's at best. We can't go deep into the playoffs with our current receiving corps.[/quote]

cough, T.O., cough.....;)

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

[quote=Kalisto2010;704450]The only position I'm worried about is WR. I hope all of you are right about Malcom Kelley and Devin Thomas. [B]I personally think they're number 3's at best[/B]. We can't go deep into the playoffs with our current receiving corps.[/quote]If that's the case, then those were [U]wasted[/U] picks. You don't draft WRs in the 2nd round to be #3 at best. It still pisses me off that we're looking for a #1 WR and a decent punt returner, yet we passed on DeSean Jackson, who has filled both roles in spectacular fashion for Philly. It's year 3 - time for Kelly and Thomas to put up or shut up.

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

^ I think it all goes back to two things.....

Piss poor scouting team

and

Piss poor coaching.

I'm not saying Kelly and Thomas are busts cause I think the coaching of them for their first 2yrs sucked. But if they do end up being nothing but #3 WR's then they should have been shot for letting DeSean Jackson slip by them.

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

[quote=SBXVII;704523]^ I think it all goes back to two things.....

Piss poor scouting team

and

Piss poor coaching.

I'm not saying Kelly and Thomas are busts cause I think the coaching of them for their first 2yrs sucked. But if they do end up being nothing but #3 WR's then they should have been shot for letting DeSean Jackson slip by them.[/quote]
Well, Vinny said that though they graded DeSean as more pro-ready (if he's being honest) they had our two rated, due to potential, higher on the draft board.

Not to bundle Vinny and Shanahan together, but you can argue that we just did the same with the selection of Trent Williams.

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

People would have been screaming to high heaven had we drafted DeSean Jackson what with Moss and Randle El on the team.

We'll be just fine with DT and MK (and Fred Davis). Just wait and see

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

[quote=SmootSmack;704541]People would have been screaming to high heaven had we drafted DeSean Jackson what with Moss and Randle El on the team.

[B]We'll be just fine with DT and MK (and Fred Davis).[/B] Just wait and see[/quote]

Hmmmm....there is much of the usual sky in various forms of descension to...SEE the light?

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

[quote=SmootSmack;704541]People would have been screaming to high heaven had we drafted DeSean Jackson what with Moss and Randle El on the team.
[/quote]

This is an outstanding point...as you recall some were even going so far as to say height was arguably more important as talent at the time.

People were screaming for big targets, possession type receivers who could run fades in the corner of the endzone as example.
I was one of them.

Didn't we have Moss, Randel El and Thrash at one point?
We had a ton of smurfs that got pushed around at the line....and it seemed the only one that got separation (beyond the line of scrimmage screens) was Moss...but he only got separation 20 yards down the field....which we didn't have time for.

Solution?....get big recievers that can catch in traffic and mow people over.
hindsight is 20/20 on Jackson...but he isn't the possession big body guy we needed to round out our squad...the guy is 5'10" at best. Malcolm Kelly is a half a foot taller and 50 lbs heavier. Thomas is just a tad shorter and lighter....not in the same category of our wannabee smurfs.
We got who we got and they are decent number 2 picks at this point...performing more like 3rd rounders so far...give em a chance.

Remember...the thinking was we signed two with the odds that one would succeed...I believe that will be the case. Kelly disappointed me a bit last year as I thought he would be more successful...he may end up being a #3 possession role receiver, and that is ok. I think the only guy that has a chance to be a #1 is Thomas...but I put that chance at 50/50. I really think we need a legit #1 or #2 vet...I am just worried that we end up with the Curse of Death on our squad...I'd rather underperform for another year and just use a TE as a reciever.

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

[quote=SmootSmack;704541]People would have been screaming to high heaven had we drafted DeSean Jackson what with Moss and Randle El on the team.

We'll be just fine with DT and MK (and Fred Davis). Just wait and see[/quote]There are still non-Jackson 2008 draft picks (after pick #49) who have [URL="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/2008.htm"]more approximate value through two years[/URL] than any two of our non-Jackson picks combined (Fred Davis - 7, Devin Thomas - 4, Malcolm Kelly - 3). Most, admittedly, are running backs.
[LIST][*]RB Ray Rice[*]RB Steve Slaton[*]OL Carl Nicks[*]RB Tim Hightower[*]RB Jamaal Charles[*]RB Kevin Smith[*]DB Brandon Carr[*]OL Josh Sitton[*]DB Charles Godfrey[/LIST]I'm not saying, "we should have drafted a RB, look at that value!", because pretty much every draft is like that, where the RBs compile their value a lot earlier than other positions. But, there were at least two lineman there we could have taken with those picks who have already become top ten guards in the NFC. To be fair, both were still on the board when we took Rinehart, so this could be a development issue that I'm spinning as a draft issue.

Either way, the point is that, if you are strong enough at a position to limit your draft pool based on size, you don't have a need at the position. A team that is going to try to justify taking three pass catchers in a single draft round cant also be acting like they don't actually have a need for smaller receivers. That thought process is ridiculous.

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

Having Devin Thomas rated ahead of DeSean Jackson is bad, but, you know, it happens even to professional evaluators. That's just part of the game. Not having DeSean Jackson on our board exclusively because of his size would have been retarded.

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

One of the two young Wrs will pan out, not sure if both will though. WE have had really crappy luck with drafting WRs since Norv. When the best WR we drafted since 1993 has been Michael Westbrook, you know there is a problem. Rod Gardner would be second best. What is really sad is both of those guys have been our best wideouts outside of Moss since Ellard/Sheppard left.

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

jackson would be considered a "almost bust" if we would have drafted him. no receiver would of flourished for the skins theses past two seasons. jackson was simply lucky to get drafted by a team that had a well established coaching staff,offensive line and qb.

to say the skins should have drafted jackson over kelly or thomas is just silly.

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

[quote=GusFrerotte;704581]One of the two young Wrs will pan out, not sure if both will though. WE have had really crappy luck with drafting WRs since Norv. When the best WR we drafted since 1993 has been Michael Westbrook, you know there is a problem. Rod Gardner would be second best. What is really sad is both of those guys have been our best wideuts outside of Moss since Ellard/Sheppard left.[/quote]

Weather or not a receiver is productive or not is usually highly dependent on the QB. Above all teams are always looking for that 1,000+ yard guy that produces no matter who's under center. Right now those guys are very few and far between and include Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Smith, Brandon Marshall, and Calvin Johnson. Randy Moss used to be in that category but now needs a QB that can feed him the ball.

I think as far as Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly are concerned the best we can hope for is the type of turnaround we saw in the Giants last year as Eli came into his own as a passer. Steve Smith (Giants) got 1,200 yards, Mario Manningham got 822 yards, and Hakeem Nicks got 700+ yards.

I think that now with an elite QB at our disposal, not to mention a coach that will actually play them, that it's not to much to expect one of the two second round picks to hit the 1,000 yard mark. However at the same time we do have two tight ends that are frequently going to be on the field together so our receiving situation is a lot different then the G-men but at the same time the turn around in production is something to keep an eye on.

Personally I would love to have one of those two emerge as a Sydney Rice type where a second round pick just explodes after his team acquires a top tier QB.

Of course in the end all this WR talk is moot. Everyone knows that CB is the most important position in football. Geesh, didn't you guys watch the draft. CB is the new QB.

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;704585]Weather or not a receiver is productive or not is usually highly dependent on the QB. Above all teams are always looking for that 1,000+ yard guy that produces no matter who's under center. Right now those guys are very few and far between and include Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Steve Smith, Brandon Marshall, and Calvin Johnson. Randy Moss used to be in that category but now needs a QB that can feed him the ball.

I think as far as Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly are concerned the best we can hope for is the type of turnaround we saw in the Giants last year as Eli came into his own as a passer. Steve Smith (Giants) got 1,200 yards, Mario Manningham got 822 yards, and Hakeem Nicks got 700+ yards.

I think that now with an elite QB at our disposal, not to mention a coach that will actually play them, that it's not to much to expect one of the two second round picks to hit the 1,000 yard mark. However at the same time we do have two tight ends that are frequently going to be on the field together so our receiving situation is a lot different then the G-men but at the same time the turn around in production is something to keep an eye on.

Personally I would love to have one of those two emerge as a Sydney Rice type where a second round pick just explodes after his team acquires a top tier QB.[/quote]

I love this post. If Kelly and Thomas stay healthy this year they have no excuses. I am skeptical of both of them, but an elite QB could make things very interesting.

Top end QB's make most CB's shit themselves. They back off just enough. They have to.

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

And remember Keenan McCardell worked with those Giants WRs last summer and they all praised him for really helping them make their turnaround last season

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

[quote=SmootSmack;704541]People would have been screaming to high heaven had we drafted DeSean Jackson what with Moss and Randle El on the team.

We'll be just fine with DT and MK (and Fred Davis). Just wait and see[/quote]
Definitely. I remember talks of him and some others coming up before the draft and people were freaking out about the idea of a guy that couldn't at least see eye to nose with Anthony Mix.

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

[quote=skinsnut;704566] Thomas is just a tad shorter and lighter.....[/quote]
In fact he was offering a date to the first girl to guess his correct weight which is "bigger than sources say."

[url=http://twitter.com/MrDevinThomas/status/15284937849]Twitter / Devin Thomas : SHOUT OUT TO @Fabuleuse_HG ...[/url]

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

Here's a wrap-up by John Keim on it

[URL="http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sports/blogs/redskins-confidential/Redskins-OTA-notes-observations-95445289.html#ixzz0pjPUW5l0"]Redskins OTA notes, observations | Washington Examiner[/URL]

[quote]1. It's sometimes hard to tell how good [B]Trent Williams[/B] is doing because he's always on the other side of the field from where we can watch. However, it's r[B]are to see him getting beat[/B] (yes, OTAs, June; no pads, long way to go, etc). That's not to say that it won't happen, it will. But he's looked good enough so far to make you think he's a good pick. Obviously training camp will reveal a more complete picture. However, I'll also say he [B]does a good job of recovering when he gets beat[/B]. His footwork and his long arms enable him to escape bad situations. What I'm most curious to see is when guys start setting him up, starting inside and then going wide. That gave him some trouble in college.

2. But I do wonder about how hard Williams will work in the weight room. Certainly you've read these comments from the Oklahoma strength coach. Today, Williams was asked if he wanted to prove people wrong when it came to perceptions about his work ethic. Williams responded mostly to what his former strength coach had to say and capped his comments by saying, "You always have people who have their opinions. Obviously what he was saying didn't match up to what I produced on the field and that's why I went where I went."

Many people questioned his work ethic. It would have been better to hear that, yes, he wants to prove people wrong who held those concerns. But time will tell what direction he takes.

3. The [B]Redskins did make an offer to running back Brian Westbrook[/B] and still await his answer. They also [B]don't seem to have much interest in safety O.J. Atogwe[/B]. Coach Mike Shanahan gave a rather tepid response when asked if they did, telling the reporter who asked, "Even if I did I wouldn't share it with you....If the price is right and someone is available we'll always look at it. But we have depth at certain positions." Safety is one of those spots.

4.[B] LaRon Landry, Josh Bidwell, Rocky McIntosh and DeAngelo Hall all missed Wednesday's workout[/B]. Oh, yeah, so did Albert Haynesworth. Shanahan would not say which players were excused. But he did hammer home the offseason attendance once more (it's around 94 percent), "Guys that have not worked at their careers haven't lasted very long. Guys that are great players and consistent Pro Bowl players usually have a great offseason program." Not that he had anyone in mind.

5. The [B]defense is definitely ahead of the offense[/B]. Saw a number of interceptions today. Saw Lendy Holmes, Chris Wilson and Alvin Bowen pick off passes -- Andre Carter dropped one -- and a number of others bat them down. [B]Rex Grossman was the most victimized[/B]. He did not look sharp. Holmes dropped another possible pick (from Grossman).

6. Carter and Phillip Daniels both worked a lot in the practice. [B]Daniels worked with the starters; Carter was the No. 2 left ouside linebacker behind Lorenzo Alexander.[/B]

7. The Redskins worked on more deep passes today, especially the 25-yard outs. Donovan McNabb was on target with that throw today, squeezing a couple passes into tight spots. The best one? He stood strong in the pocket and then zipped a pass that landed just over the head of Kareem Moore to Joey Galloway, who was just in front of Reed Doughty. Another time he hit Anthony Armstrong on a deep out, just over top of Byron Westbrook.

8. [B]Colt Brennan did not have much luck [/B]on his outs.

9. Others have pointed this out, too, but it bears repeating: the[B] Redskins are definitely practicing at a faster tempo than in recent years[/B]. There's definitely more urgency running plays and getting through drills and that stuff matters. How much? Don't know. But it's a nice change. I have to believe some of that stems from having a coach they trust will make them better.

10. [B]Brandon Banks, Bobby Wade and Phillip Buchanon all fielded punts today [/B](well, more like they fielded balls shot out of a machine since Bidwell was not here). I love Banks' shiftiness, but I just don't see how he can contribute from scrimmage. I root for guys his size, but he's a long way from being NFL ready at that spot. He'll have to make a major impact on the return unit to earn a spot.

11. Shanahan said again today that he'd like Clinton Portis to weigh around 215 pounds, which is 15 less than he's weighed here in recent years. He was around 205 pounds when he played for him in Denver.

12. Artis Hicks is a good addition at least for the media. Very insightful stuff from him. Talked to him today about the different blocking schemes and I'll blog more on that later, but he seems like a smart guy.

13. [B]Rookie Perry Riley worked with the first defense at times[/B], with McIntosh gone. Chris Draft and [B]H.B. Blades worked with the No. 3 defense[/B]. Alvin Bowen and [B]Robert Henson are working with the 2's[/B].


[/quote]

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

Now are these mandatory OTAs? Can't find that info anywhere.

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[quote=Ruhskins;704721]Now are these mandatory OTAs? Can't find that info anywhere.[/quote]

Nope, the next mandatory event is the minicamp in mid June

Re: Some things to watch at Redskins' practice today
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;704722]Nope, the next mandatory event is the minicamp in mid June[/quote]

Gotcha. Looking forward to those.

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I love me some blind faith, I hope the team is not in any situation where they have to rely on plan B.