Here is what you need to know on this Wednesday, June 14, 43 days before the Washington Redskins start training camp in Richmond on July 27.
Timeline
Today at Redskins Park, Minicamp Day 2: Practice 11:30 a.m.; Players and offensive position coaches available coming off the field after practice; Jay Gruden news conference approx. 1:45
Days until:
—Franchise tag contract deadline (7/15) 31
—Preseason opener @ Ravens (8/10) 57
—Season opener Eagles @ Redskins (9/10) 88
The five most impressive players of the Redskins’ offseason
Yes, there is one more day of practice to go but I don’t think it’s too early to declare the Redskins’ five best players of the preseason program. I will revise the list if anything happens later today to change my mind. Note that this is based on the four practices that have been open to the media.
QB Kirk Cousins—He is under more pressure than anyone on the team but he is not showing it. The $24 million man has been accurate and he rarely has been in danger of getting intercepted. Last year Cousins frequently celebrated big plays, sometimes going over the top, but his approach has been more businesslike this year.
OLB Junior Galette—Perhaps I’m grading on a bit of a curve here but I’m impressed that Galette is out there fully participating about 10 months after tearing his Achilles. He has trimmed down to about 250 pounds and he has the burst that helped him get double-digit sacks in his last two seasons with the Saints. He hasn’t done anything spectacular but his determination to come back and be better than he was before sets him apart.
RB Chris Thompson—Jay Gruden and offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh both have hinted at an expanded role for Thompson this year and he has done everything he can do to earn more snaps. He looks like a slot receiver when catching passes, venturing over the middle to make receptions and getting up to full speed in a hurry. And when he takes a pitchout and heads to the edge, defenders often can’t keep him from turning the corner.
WR Terrelle Pryor—This guy is serious about establishing himself as a top wide receiver. He attacks his routes, he attacks the ball, he asks to go back in and get additional reps with the second and third teams. Whether he wants to get it done to cash in on a big contract next year or just to show that he can do it, his attitude will help the Redskins in 2017.
S D.J. Swearinger—The Redskins are his fourth NFL stop and Swearinger is entering just his fifth NFL season. He wants to show that he can play. His three-year contract will give him the opportunity and so far he is making the most of it. Swearinger has been a strong safety for most of his career and the Redskins are asking him to switch free. The former second-round pick of the Texans is doing his best to make the Redskins look good.
Stay up to date on the Redskins. Rich Tandler covers the team 365 days a year. Like his Facebook page Facebook.com/TandlerCSN and follow him on Twitter @Rich_TandlerCSN.
Tandler on Twitter
Doug Williams #Redskins VP of player personnel talks in front of picture of Doug Williams, Super Bowl XXII MVP. pic.twitter.com/jMVzihzfvW
— Rich Tandler (@TandlerNBCS) June 13, 2017
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