Quote
alyoshamucci
Besides the regular hijinks of putting my brother and I together in the heat (sun tzu) ... and the small crowd ... I'll tell you mainly that I saw what I expected. But moreso.
This is not a full camp report ... just a Blinkscout report.
1) Duke Williams is going to make an NFL roster, and if it's not ours ... We're dummies. He had the best practice besides maybe Austin and Britt ... and I can't see that it's close. He's also got the highest upside I've seen at the position on our team in a long time. His hands are huge.
2) Mike Thomas drops the football. Yep. He also doesn't battle hard for it or look all that focused.
I'd cut him. I don't need to see more.
3) The RBS are impressive. In every facet of the game. I think besides the DL they are the best positional group.
4) Tru and TMac are smooth, long, and physical. Really a pleasure to see them in person.
5) Higbee is actually 3 humans tall. And he had the catch of the day. Planting himself firmly in the end zone and then getting a serious shot from behind from Tree. Held on. TD.
6) Joyner is 1/2 human tall. No one threw at him.
7) The LBs, although they may be raw in their new jobs, are feisty and loud.
8) Britt burned Sebsabaugh deep, and Case hit him.
9) Hemingway is getting a lot of opportunities. I like his athleticism. A ton.
10) Tavon worked a LOT on his hands. Different drills and positions. Like lying down and on one knee.
11) Austin Hill deserves some playing time. He hit the drills hard. I don't think there's a shot he makes the 53 because they aren't going to give him that kind of attention ... but he could prove himself on the PS.
12) Troy Hill ... I wouldn't cut him. And he's playing with the 2s. I can't see him cut. Can't.
13) Forrest can play.
14) Robinson moves really well.
15) Rhaney was with the 2s ... Kush with the 3s.
16) Quick has some good moments .. some clumsy moments. I wish he wasn't our issue to deal with. If he gets kept we're definitely losing a quality player to keep him.
17) If Case has to throw longer than 10 yards the guy better be wide open.
18) Jared is getting better with his expectation.
I may hand forgotten a thing or two and can likely answer more questions if anyone has any ...
Wow, Alyo! You certainly saw a helluva lot in just one practice, man. You're hired!
I just can't pass up this rare opportunity to pick your brains after you've seen a live practice. So, here goes...
1) Glad to read your take on Duke Williams. We are kinda desperate for a big, fast, strong WR that can threaten deep. I'm kinda hoping that he makes the 53 as our 5th WR. Heck, maybe we only carry 5 WR's. I dunno. Do you have a theory about why Duke hasn't been targeted in the PS games? One that doesn't sound like a danged conspiracy theory, that is?
2) I was sorry to read your take on Thomas, but it is what it is. More or less confirms my growing fears about the kid. His college weakness seems to have been magnified by the pro talent against him. Had high hopes for him. Sigh...
5) I have yet to hear a bad word about Higbee's attitude or play. Your impression simply reinforces my opinion that he was a 4th round steal. Somebody pinch me! Doesn't he know that it's supposed to take a year for a TE to get a clue in the NFL? I gather that you, too, foresee a heavy dose of Higbee in our opponent's future?
8) Do you see Sensabaugh as anything more than an insurance move by S&F in case Gaines didn't heal? Do you see Sensabaugh sticking now? Other than Troy Hill, did Washington or Jordan catch your eye?
9) About Hemingway. I've read elsewhere that he's been seen in drills as a slot type WR. Did you see that? Another possible reason to suspect that they might keep only 5 true WR's is that they like Hemingway as a non TE receiving threat. Did his hands impress you at all?
12) The bread crumbs are pointing to a Ram future for Troy Hill. And I think they like him on ST, too.
13) Very good news on Forrest. I've been dying for some good LB news. Can you give us a positive on Tree at MLB? Or a Littleton snippet?
15) Rhaney with the 2's, huh? Kush with the 3's. Not sure how I feel about that. Back to worrying about backup C, I guess. Sigh...
16) I've mentally moved on from Quick. Four years was enough time, enough opportunities. An athlete masquerading as a football player. Time for another player to get that roster spot.
Some other players that might jog your practice memory and you might comment about what you saw of them...
Cooper?
Quinn?
Barron?
Bryant?
Alexander?
Any interesting observations of coach Groh or coach Lilly?
Thanks for the great report, Alyo. Any other feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Enjoy your visit with Sun, man.
