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JuliIt's been a long time since a Redskins GM or executive has stepped up to the podium for a formal media session at the NFL Scouting Combine. Former Redskins GM and/or Team President Bruce Allen preferred the comfort of hotel hallways at 8 am with a select few local reporters to the scrutiny of the national media.
It's a new day and a new regime in Washington under Head Coach Ron Rivera(speaking tomorrow at 11:45am). Today we get newly promoted Vice President of Player Personnel Kyle Smith answering questions about this year's draft. The Redskins hold the #2 pick, and are expected to have 6 other picks throughout the draft once compensatory picks are announced.
VP of Player Personnel Kyle Smith speaks to the media at the #NFLCombine
Posted by Washington Redskins on Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Kyle Smith’s press conference is now up at https://t.co/QZvl3LJ3JI. Lot of good stuff in there.https://t.co/6oZlQMa4JX
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 25, 2020
Kyle Smith at the podium and starts by thanking Dan Snyder and Ron Rivera for the opportunity. Then thanks all of his staff. pic.twitter.com/y3j8sqCZkW
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 25, 2020
Contract disputes:
Any players under contract are expected to report, per Kyle Smith. He said the staff got started on its offseason conversations a little earlier than usual. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) February 25, 2020
Trent Williams:
Smith finishes his press conference with a question about Trent Williams. #Redskins
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 25, 2020
“Trent’s under contract, and he’s one of those guys, like I mentioned before, that we expect to report.” pic.twitter.com/m9app2mxZF
Answer came after being asked about Ron Rivera’s face to face with Williams, Smith and Rivera’s conversation about core players and knowing what he knows about Williams why it’s important to bring him back https://t.co/yJYesC0lte
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) February 25, 2020
FA/draft meetings:
Kyle Smith is talking to the media now. He says the Redskins have done their free agent meetings internally and are also in the process of evaluating draft prospects pic.twitter.com/7h91iIdlNZ
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) February 25, 2020
Smith says the Redskins have set their core players and have identified what positions they need to attack in free agency and in the draft.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 25, 2020
VP of Player Personnel Kyle Smith said the #Redskins have set their core after fully evaluating the roster. Now it’s about figuring out who they can add at positions of need. pic.twitter.com/3W5qfdyrtd
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 25, 2020
Free agency:
When asked about who has final say about free agents, Smith said it will be a collaborative process, just as Rivera said in his introductory press conference.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 25, 2020
“I love how things are running [with Rivera].”
Smith added that in terms of setting their specific needs, that will not happen until free agency unfolds and specific players are available. https://t.co/OmiELQDXD7
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 25, 2020
Getting younger:
#Redskins VP of Player Personnel on the prospect of wanting to get younger. Said it’s just not about age but if the player can help the team. pic.twitter.com/MnO1kYWGdz
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 25, 2020
Ron Rivera:
VP of Player Personnel Kyle Smith on what’s been different with new #Redskins head coach Ron Rivera. pic.twitter.com/EdXuybmHL6
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 25, 2020
Needs:
Kyle Smith said they’re still working on the areas of need or focus, but said the team will keep that internal. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) February 25, 2020
Running the draft:
Smith says the pre-draft largely remains the same under Rivera. He is still running the draft.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) February 25, 2020
Says they've identified the core pieces and need areas. As you might expect, mums the word on those details.
Roster cuts:
Kyle Smith said the staff — including scouts — reviewed the players let go, Josh Norman, Paul Richardson and Jordan Reed. And ultimately made a decision when he and Ron Rivera got behind closed doors to make the final decision on fits #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) February 25, 2020
#2 overall pick:
Smith said the front office will look at every scenario when it comes to deciding what to do with the No. 2 pick. #Redskins
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 25, 2020
Kyle Smith said the Redskins will run through every possible trade scenario so they’re ready for what happens on Draft night. pic.twitter.com/Eby8cyKED5
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 25, 2020
Chase Young:
Smith’s short but sweet evaluation of Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young: pic.twitter.com/UAUWufMzOT
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 25, 2020
Kyle Smith says he has spent a lot of time researching Chase Young, said he has heard “good things” about Young.
— Les Carpenter (@Lescarpenter) February 25, 2020
Terry McLaurin:
Smith said the main reason Terry McLaurin “hit the ground running” when he broke into the NFL was because of his character. Called him a pro and praised his intelligence. #Redskins
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 25, 2020
Derrius Guice in the Christian McCaffrey role:
When asked about if the #Redskins have anyone who could handle a Christian McCaffrey type role, Smith brought up @DhaSickest. Said that when healthy he can do it all.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 25, 2020
Bryce Love:
I know there were some in past who weren't sure about Love. But definite mixed thoughts, which means some, of course, believed he'd be back. Both would be huge helps if healthy... https://t.co/mJX6acGxNO
— John Keim (@john_keim) February 25, 2020
Went back and listened to Smith tape. To clarify he said "we're hopeful, when all those guys are healthy, it's going to be a good stable of backs." The Redskins have been optimistic both Guice and Love will be ready to go but Smith did not commit to that today. https://t.co/ypXV6Ok41t
— Les Carpenter (@Lescarpenter) February 25, 2020
General manager:
Kyle Smith says he would like to be GM but he’s not worried about that right now.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 25, 2020
Dwayne Haskins Jr.:
Kyle Smith: “I’m really excited about Dwayne...he’s excited and energized... all he needs is time.”
— Les Carpenter (@Lescarpenter) February 25, 2020
Kyle Smith said he’s very excited about Dwayne Haskins and his potential. “He’s ready to go.”
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 25, 2020
Didn’t get it on video, but Smith seems very excited about #Redskins QB Dwayne Haskins.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 25, 2020
“He’s ready to do everything he possibly can. He’s doing all of the extra stuff we’ve asked of him, and he’s got a bright future.”
Offseason workouts:
Smith says Haskins plans on bringing the Redskins WRs down to Florida for offseason workouts.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 25, 2020
QB at #2?
Smith, though, was also asked if the Redskins would consider drafting a quarterback high like Arizona did, and he didn’t exactly shoot it down. He just said all positions are being evaluated.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) February 25, 2020
Player interviews:
Smith said the #Redskins have 45 player interviews lined up.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 25, 2020
A.J. Smith:
Smith also provided a funny anecdote between him and his dad.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 25, 2020
Said his dad will typically gloss over his personal life before getting into the nitty gritty of NFL scouting.
I’ll have the exact phrasing soon. https://t.co/FdHEjjmqQF
Kyle Smith on his bond w/his dad, former GM A.J. Smith:
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 25, 2020
“I still talk to him every day about players. Once and a while he’ll ask me ‘Who you dating? What’s her name? What’s she look like? OK great, now tell me about that Alabama pass rusher.’ That’s kind of our relationship.”