First, before we jump into any of the details on camp so far, what do you feel you can really take away at this point from what you see?
I think it depends on the player. You can’t take away a lot but you can take away some things at first glance.
You look at guys like Norwood and Pierre and you can see their athleticism and the ground they can cover and how much, for example, Pierre has come even since last season. It’s not about playmaking right now – it’s about who looks comfortable and who gets the playbook. It’s early but stuff like that says a lot. Once you get in pads it is different – once the hitting starts. But you have to have the playbook down.
Any guys stand out most to you in a positive way?
Pierre was the star of camp. He came in and looked big – he just looked good in OTAs. Then he picked Ben off twice and took most of the first team reps while Haden rested – he’s a vet so he doesn’t need to be doing much.
Norwood was another guy. He’s been compared to Sutton and you can see why – he’s smart on the field – a big football IQ. He can play in the safety and the slot – they’ll move home all over the field and he’s probably good on special teams too.
On offense, McFarland has looked good. He’s bigger and really fast. He looks like what he always had the potential to be in the NFL – he was just underdeveloped coming out of college last year I think.
Any guys look disappointing to you, early on?
I think Dan Moore – he’s looked real stiff so far, to be honest. He’s been getting beaten by guys like Curtis Marsh and guys who’s names we won’t even remember. That’s been concerning.
And Justin Layne – I can toss him in here as well. It’s not that he’s looked bad, it’s just that you want to see more from him. He’s just out there – just a guy right now.
As far as positional needs – anyone show you any potential to step up and be a solid depth guy at outside linebacker?
I’d have to say I haven’t seen anyone that made me feel comfortable. Marsh has been the best backup and that’s not saying much. I don’t know enough about him to say he can be the guy.
As a group I think they want to see if any one of those other guys steps up. Maybe that’s why they are waiting before they sign a free agent – to see if someone does. But I haven’t seen anyone in mini-camp doing so.
It seems like there is some early indication of how the secondary depth is shaking out?
It’s definitely shaping up. You got a glance at how athletic some of these guys are. I know people were high on Shakur Brown for example, but he looked super slow.
I think between Brooks, Maulet and Norwood – those are the three potential starters in the nickel, with Brown and Wade behind them. Then there’s a bunch of mix and match types of guys.
My early guess is that Cam will slip into the dime role and Pierre will play on the outside. In the nickel, my best bet is Maulet starting week one – he’s looked good. Brooks and Norwood have the potential to play there as well.
On offense – any glimpse of how different Canada’s offense will look?
I think it will be a similar offense – the differences will be in things many fans won’t notice. More running and zone blocking, a ton of motion and more 12 personnel. I think the offense will look a lot like it did the first seven or eight games of the season and they’ll continue to add things every week – more jet sweeps and using Watt and two-back sets more. And of course Ben under center, which will be weird to see.
I would definitely watch out for McFarland and how he’s used. I’m excited to see it – I can see him in their 50% of the time – enabling them to use Najee Harris in different ways because of what he and McFarland can both do.
Any other fun battles or guys to take note of?
The punter battle is exciting – Berry and Harvin are going toe-to-toe right now. And Hightower – I think people will be shocked at how he’s looked. Claypool will be a monster too.
A lot of focus on the offense – but should defense be a big concern as well seeing how they’ve struggled in big games lately?
The defense is my biggest concern. They have no depth and that was their big problem last year. One or two big injuries can change this defense completely again and open up some big holes. The same thing can happen again this year.
Have you been impressed at all with Haskins?
I have been. We all met with him last Thursday and it was a tough interview for him – a lot of questions on what happened in Washington and who he is and what he will become. He handled them real well. He let us know he’s here to change. I have high hopes for him and you can see on the field his play is developing.
Lastly, any guys we should watch out for as surprise candidates?
LaMont Wade is the guy – he can shine on special teams. Defensive backs never return kicks but he does – he’s real fast and good with the ball. And Danny Smith really loves him.
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