The NFL set the rule that the first four practices of all training camps are to be used as an “acclimation period”. That means there will not be any pads worn at all by the players and very light contact. The goal of this rule is to allow players to pace themselves to build up to full pads and heavy contact. So basically it is like a public OTA/mini camp caliber practice for four days. So any highlights and lowlights made by the players from today through Saturday 31 July are not any indication of “Who is the starter now?” Today was mainly stretching, position group drills, 1 on 1 drills and 7 on 7 drills. This is what I observed:
WR Keith Kirkwood
He caught every pass thrown his way. His route running looked precise. Getting separation from his defender was constant.
WR Terrace Marshall Jr
He started off with two dropped passes. His physical dimensions are very impressive. Finished strong with making several catches.
WR Shi Smith
He made a great one handed catch over his back. His acceleration creates so much separation. Watching his footwork in drills is a must see.
WR DJ Moore
He caught balls low and high with ease. His route running looks much improved from last year. Attacking the ball with his hands looks more natural.
RB Reggie Bonnafon
He cuts so smoothly without any wasted steps. His acceleration appears to be better. Changing speeds at the right moment was often on display.
RB Trenton Cannon
He was with the WRs during position drills. His double move on CB Donte Jackson was sickening and led to a wide open TD pass. Returning kickoffs and punts comes very natural to him.
TE Dan Arnold
He displayed above average route running. His ability to break in and out of his cut moves are effortless. Catching the ball in stride is what he showed.
CB Troy Pride
He broke up three passes with good timing and anticipation. His receivers got the better of him a few times. Once he figures it all out he will be a good defender.
CB Stanley Thomas-Oliver
He almost had an INT when he jumped the route by WR Robby Anderson. His mechanics and footwork have made a nice improvement. Playing with confidence would be huge for him.
CB Jaycee Horn
He stayed in the hip pocket of nearly every WR he covered. His closing speed is kinda scary. Athleticism is better than advertised.
LB Denzel Perryman
He did a decent job of staying with RBs and TEs in pass coverage. His instincts on where the ball is going were solid. Wasting footsteps does not appear to be an issue with him.
And Finally…….
There was a lot of 3-4 base looks today. NT: Derrick Brown. DEs: DeQuan Jones and Morgan Fox. OLB: Brian Burns and Hassan Reddick. CBs: Jaycee Horn and Donte Jackson. SS: Jeremy Chinn FS: Sam Franklin.
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