clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Jay Gruden Presser: The first day of Redskins rookie mini-camp

Gruden gives updstes from rookie mini-camp

By Scott Jennings
NFL: Denver Broncos at Washington Redskins Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Redskins held the first day of their rookie mini-camp and had their 8 drafted rookies, 13 of their UDFA signings, and 48 tryout players. Camp continues for the next two days, but today was the only day open to the media. Head Coach Jay Gruden answered questions about the rookies, Arie Kouandjio's injury, and more.

Information:

Who's coming to camp?:

Wide Receivers in camp:

“I think that’s an important process these next two days - see how they learn ‘cause we’re throwing quite a few plays at them, number one. And then, get a chance to see how they run around and catch the ball. Then we do some one-one-one drills against defensive backs, see if they can separate. For the most part, we just need to see which guys we are going to bring to camp – which we have a pretty good idea – but we’re hoping that some of these tryout guys might sneak in the mix also. But I like what I saw from a lot of different guys. Tomorrow will be a good test for us to see how they improve in their performance. “

First round picks:

“I think it’s very important. You know, it’s a critical process as far as building football teams. Your first rounders are critical in that process. We expect a lot of things from Josh Doctson and obviously Jonathan Allen coming back from injury. But Daron Payne, throwing him in there with Jonathan will be a big plus for both those guys. They’ve played together. They know each other. They both have a similar skill set and I think they will be productive side-by-side. Obviously, keeping them healthy, we can never predict that. Josh had an unfortunate Achilles deal and then obviously Jonathan’sfoot last year. Knock on wood, hopefully we get all three of those guys healthy and they will be major contributors. “

Derrius Guice:

“He looked fine. Nobody tackled him, so that was a good thing [laughter]. He’s just a ball of energy. He’s really excited to be here. He’s willing to learn. He’s first in the meeting, got his playbook open and just soaking in all the knowledge. We sent him in here a little bit early to get with Chad [Englehart] and our strength staff to get him a couple good days of weightlifting and try to get on par with the rest of the guys so when we start OTAs he’ll have his feet under him. A lot of these guys who have been – these draft picks – they’ve been traveling around so much, we don’t want to overload them out there and have them pull something. So, we got them some good individual work, sent Daron [Payne], Shaun Dion Hamilton, and obviously Derrius in the weight room to get the with the strength staff.”

Fish Smithson:

“I think it’s a chance for him to just get some more reps and go through the process again. These young guys who get an opportunity to go through this, it’s not a punishment for them, it’s actually an opportunity for them to get on the field, listen to the coverages again and go through it and perform and separate themselves from the rest of the guys. Fish showed up, and obviously [Ondre] Pipkins did a great job today. All those guys that were invited to come back to the rookie minicamp all looked well.”

Quin Blanding:

Arie Kouandjio injury:

Shawn Lauvao;

Competition:

Punt returns:

Observations from mini-camp:

Geron Christian:

Trey Quinn:

Troy Apke:

Tim Settle:

Derrius Guice:

Arie Kouandjio:

Da'Ron Payne:

More From Hogs Haven