Official Washington Redskins Forum Thread

[manchild24]

Redskins signed LB Brian Orakpo, the No. 13 overall pick, to a five-year contract worth up to $20 million.

The deal includes $12.1 million in guarantees. Orakpo is penciled in as the starting SAM linebacker on early downs, moving to pass rushing defensive end in nickel and dime situations. With Albert Haynesworth wreaking havoc and attracting extra attention inside, Orakpo's sack total stands to benefit

[manchild24]

Former receiver James Thrash was hired to assist with the Redskins' player programs.

Thrash was released in June after struggling with a neck injury. He was a below-average receiver and solid special teamer for the Redskins and Eagles.

[manchild24]

Redskins coach Jim Zorn says he has "a lot more confidence in where Devin Thomas is headed" this summer.

Zorn said Thomas is "a little more seasoned" than fellow second-year receiver Malcolm Kelly. Zorn also pointed out that Thomas actually knows what to do on each play and where to run his routes this year. It appears that Thomas is finally starting to "get it" after showing maturity issues as a rookie. If he keeps it up throughout training camp, Thomas will push Antwaan Randle El into the slot.

[manchild24]

Redskins coach and quarterback guru Jim Zorn is spending more time with backup QB Colt Brennan than Todd Collins so far in camp.

That's probably just because Brennan needs more coaching than the 39-year-old Collins. It also could be because starter Jason Campbell is a free agent after this season and Brennan could be the 'Skins starter in 2010. Either way, Collins is still No. 2 on the depth chart for now

[manchild24]

The Redskins' defensive line has reportedly been dominating the team's offensive line at early-training camp practices.

Guards Randy Thomas and Derrick Dockery are predictably having trouble with Albert Haynesworth, while Phillip Daniels has been "hard to move" and rookie Brian Orakpo has displayed terrific pass-rushing technique. The Skins' defensive line looks great on paper, but the offensive line could be a liability.


GREAT NEWS

[manchild24]

Redskins GM Vinny Cerrato blames Clinton Portis' 2008 second-half dropoff on offensive line injuries.

That certainly played a part. Portis' per carry average dropped by a full yard in the second-half, and his own laundry list of nagging injuries played a major part as well. He's still a heck of a foootball player, but the 325+ carries in four of the past five years have robbed him of his explosion. His longest run last season was just 31 yards.

[manchild24]

NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reports that the Chiefs will work out free agent D.J. Hackett on Monday.

This isn't the greatest sign for Mark Bradley. Devard Darling ran with the first-team offense at Sunday's training camp practice, indicating that Bradley won't be handed a starting role. Hackett would add even more competition

[manchild24]

Albert Haynesworth received an injection Sunday to "help cushion" his left knee.

It's the same knee Haynesworth sprained late last season with the Titans. Coach Jim Zorn dubbed the injection a "normal" treatment, but it's a situation that the Redskins will keep tabs on throughout camp

[manchild24]

Devin Thomas is expected to be the Redskins' starting Z receiver (flanker) opposite split end Santana Moss this season.

Thomas has finally been showing the commitment to warrant pushing Antwaan Randle El into the slot position. Arguably the top receiver prospect in the 2008 draft, Thomas makes for nice WR5/6 flier while helping to draw attention away from Moss.

[manchild24]

According to the Washington Post, the Redskins are considering using Ladell Betts as a full-time third-down back this season.

Clinton Portis' fierce pass protection has always kept him as an every-down back, but the Skins are serious about limiting his workload. "He was a second-round draft pick for a reason," offensive coordinator Sherman Smith said of Betts. "He can play. I think he deserves to play. We need him to play."

[manchild24]

Albert Haynesworth assured reporters Monday that the knee he's been needing injections in at Redskins camp isn't badly injured.

"It's not serious," Haynesworth said. "If I had to play today, I could." It sounds like he's day to day and the Skins are just taking necessary precautions

[manchild24]

Redskins receiver Roydell Williams is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery to correct a broken left pinkie.

Williams had a plate inserted into his hand, and coach Jim Zorn says it will be "weeks" before he'll practice again. We're betting he won't make the

[manchild24]

Redskins first-round LB Brian Orakpo is getting consistent pressure on the quarterback early in camp.

Orakpo has reportedly been blowing past Chris Samuels on a regular basis and has even planted him on several occasions. Orakpo could make an instant impact as a pass rusher with Albert Haynesworth wreaking havoc with multiple blockers in the middle.

[manchild24]

Redskins RT Stephon Heyer will undergo an MRI after injuring his knee on a goal-line play in Tuesday morning's practice.

Reclamation project Mike Williams also hurt his groin, so Jeremy Bridges was likely running with the first team. C Casey Rabach (calf) and RG Randy Thomas (knee) are banged up too. This remains the Skins' team weakness

[manchild24]

The Redskins were reportedly encouraged by the results of the MRI on RT Stephon Heyer's knee Tuesday.

Heyer doesn't have a timetable for return, but it appears to have avoided serious injury. The former undrafted free agent is going to start this year