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Yesterday we got to hear from Redskins Vice President of Player Personnel Kyle Smith. Today it’s Redskins Head Coach Ron Rivera’s turn to step up to the podium at the NFL Scouting Combine.
WATCH LIVE: Head Coach Ron Rivera Speaks To The Media At The #NFLCombine https://t.co/F9kMiC30rZ
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) February 26, 2020
Dan Snyder:
Ron Rivera has taken the podium. He starts off the press conference by praising owner Dan Snyder, saying he's been very supportive. #Redskins
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) February 26, 2020
Trade down?:
Rivera time. Asked if they’re looking at trade offers for the No. 2, “We’re looking at everything.” pic.twitter.com/BoB9zx9fJs
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) February 26, 2020
Rivera was asked about the potential of drafting Chase Young over trading back: "First, we have to see what happens with the No. 1 pick, but everything is on the table." #Redskins
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) February 26, 2020
#Redskins HC Ron Rivera when asked about trade scenarios for the No. 2 overall pick:
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 26, 2020
“I have a wish list. I don’t think it’s feasible, though.”
Redskins young depth:
Rivera said one of the things that attracted him to the #Redskins job was the group of young, talented players who have had to play out of necessity.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) February 26, 2020
Dwayne Haskins Jr.:
Asked about Dwayne Haskins, Ron Rivera says the QB has been in the building a lot and is growing.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 26, 2020
Rivera says Haskins has done a good job at being at the facility this offseason pic.twitter.com/x82Ik25ZVK
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) February 26, 2020
Rivera making his strongest positive comments about Dwayne Haskins today. By far. Still saying nothing will be given at the position though.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 26, 2020
Rivera says he saw “progress” with Dwayne Haskins last fall. Was most impressed with fourth quarter of Detroit game
— Les Carpenter (@Lescarpenter) February 26, 2020
Rivera said he was excited about @dh_simba7, especially during the final minutes of the win over the Detroit Lions. "He was calculated...that's what you want." #Redskins
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) February 26, 2020
The thing that excited Ron Rivera says Dwayne Haskins “is not anointed, that’s for dag on sure,” but the thing that excites him was looking at that Detroit game and Haskins poise on those two drives they needed to score. He wants a QB the team can win with and because of #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) February 26, 2020
QB competition:
When asked about what kind of competition he wants to bring in to challenge Dwayne Haskins, Rivera simply goes “very competitive competition.”
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 26, 2020
Replacing Jordan Reed:
Asked if Jordan Reed's replacement is on the roster, Rivera says "that's what the draft is for."
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) February 26, 2020
Redskins fans:
Ron Rivera - I just hope the fan base comes back out and cheers for us
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 26, 2020
Kyle Smith:
Ron Rivera's on the podium in Indy.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) February 26, 2020
Says things have been great with Kyle Smith. He has a background with his dad from their time in San Diego, but he says Kyle has his own personality. RR says he's been very pleased with his work.
Rivera said his relationship with Kyle Smith had been going well. He described the relationship as "very good, very strong." #Redskins
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) February 26, 2020
Filling needs:
Rivera says the Redskins won’t fill weaknesses just to fill them: “They’ve got to be quality”
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) February 26, 2020
Rivera: “we have several positions we have to fill” and adds that they “have to fill them with quality.”
— Les Carpenter (@Lescarpenter) February 26, 2020
Rivera says they feel like they have strengths that they want to make stronger, but obviously also needs.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) February 26, 2020
Key is to match needs w/ draft and FA. Don't just fill a need with a guy. Make sure it's the right guy and essentially don't waste resources.
As far as position of weakness, Ron Rivera says he and his staff feel playing that close to vest is in the best interest of the team. They don’t want other franchises necessarily knowing that. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) February 26, 2020
Trent Williams:
Ron Rivera says things “are a work in progress” with Trent Williams
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 26, 2020
Rivera calla the Trent Williams process “a fluid situation”
— Les Carpenter (@Lescarpenter) February 26, 2020
Young WRs:
When asked about the production of young receivers like @TheTerry_25 , he said they're learning how to be used differently and are coming in more prepared from a physical standpoint.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) February 26, 2020
Versatility:
Ron Rivera says he really likes guys that can play multiple positions. Could bode well for Ryan Anderson in new 4/3 scheme where he might be between spots
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 26, 2020
Something to consider for all the draftniks out there. Rivera says he's a big fan of position flexibility. Specifically mentions OL.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) February 26, 2020
Cole Holcomb:
Rivera says he loves position flexibility and specifically says Cole Holcomb is a guy who may have that in the #Redskins roster.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) February 26, 2020
Holcomb could play Mike or Will in their base. Could play Mike or Dime in nickel.
Rivera says he likes players who are flexible and play different roles. “That’s the kind of player you look for in the draft” — says Cole Holcomb is that kind of player. Calls him “intriguing”
— Les Carpenter (@Lescarpenter) February 26, 2020
Rivera specifically mentions LB Cole Holcomb because of his positional versatility. Day 3 speed LB selection started throughout 2019.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) February 26, 2020
Adrian Peterson:
Redskins Head Coach Ron Rivera addressing the media at the Combine - asked about Adrian Peterson "He's a first round ballot (HOF)." We kept him for a reason, he'll help out with our young guys as well. #httr #redskins
— Julie Donaldson (@JDonaldsonNBCS) February 26, 2020
Beyond what Adrian Peterson does on the field, Ron Rivera said that his value off the field and as a person is one of the reason the team picked up his option. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) February 26, 2020
Montez Sweat:
Rivera: “I think Montez Sweat can be an impact player. I really do.”
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) February 26, 2020
Rivera wants to let Montez Sweat play vertical and believes he can be an impact player this fall
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 26, 2020
Replacing Josh Norman:
HC Ron Rivera on Josh Norman - He was the highest payed when he came to DC from Carolina, "He earned that." but their plan to go forward -- is to play the young guys. #httr #redskins
— Julie Donaldson (@JDonaldsonNBCS) February 26, 2020
Rivera believes the Redskins can replace Josh Norman with the young corners on the roster.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 26, 2020
Narrator: We will see about that.
Rivera says they've got guys at CB they like, specifically a few 4th year guys.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) February 26, 2020
That means Fabian Moreau, who they clearly think they can coach up. He's got crazy physical skills. RR seems to think he's a starting CB, or at least is saying it.
Changing the culture:
Redskins fans you have to like this from HC Ron Rivera "Our goal is to change the culture. We're not here to wallow around." It may take 2-3 years. But they want to do it "The right way." #httr #redskins #NFLCombine
— Julie Donaldson (@JDonaldsonNBCS) February 26, 2020
Changes to the training staff:
RR says that one of the biggest goals he has is to rebuild trust in the training room and he can't think of a better person to do that than Ryan Vermillion.
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) February 26, 2020
This was a problem WAY beyond Trent. Needs to happen.
It’s wild that things got so bad that Ron Rivera is publicly saying he wants the Redskins to “regain trust” in the training room. Things shouldn’t ever get like that.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 26, 2020
Rooney Rule:
Ron Rivera says the Rooney Rule is a “work in progress.”
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) February 26, 2020
Quinton Dunbar:
Ron Rivera provides an update on #Redskins CB Quinton Dunbar pic.twitter.com/yNIAOZabpR
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 26, 2020
Rivera now in a scrum with local reporters. When asked about CB Quinton Dunbar, he said "we had a great conversation...The hope is he'll come in ready to roll because he is under contract. I do understand his point of view." #Redskins
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) February 26, 2020
Joe Burrow/Tua Tagovailoa/Chase Young visits:
Ron Rivera said the team will bring in Joe Burrow, Tua, Chase Young. Just wanted to get that out the way and say that upfront #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) February 26, 2020
Rivera says Redskins will bring in Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa for meetings. Has already spoken with Tua. Keeping all options open cause you never know.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) February 26, 2020
Offense:
#Redskins HC Ron Rivera said offensively, you have to be able to protect the quarterback and have playmakers. pic.twitter.com/7AgYdiTzgE
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 26, 2020
Character:
#Redskins HC Ron Rivera said they’re constantly looking for players with high character and leadership qualities. He said that factored into setting the core and will factor into the draft and free agency. pic.twitter.com/6Ai6oLtppJ
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) February 26, 2020