Devin Thomas Anyone?

[PMG12569]

Anyway, Colt Brennan put up "Quarterback Jesus'' numbers in college. After being drafted he has come in and outperformed all of our qb's, granted it has been against 2nd 3rd and 4th stringers, none the less he has been "impressive".

Yea so did Timmy Chang there fella

[GSPODS]

Not every collegiate football program runs wind sprints.

What does that have to do with anything? Kelly and Thomas were supposed to be getting prepared for an NFL training camp, not a college fall practice. They should have known what was in store for them and should have prepared accordingly. Instead both came into camp out of shape, got injured, and seriously set back their chances of contributing early on in the season.

And how would anyone know what NFL training camp entails?
It's like going into basic training. Unless you know someone who's been there and ask the questions, you have no idea what you've agreed to.
Is it their fault for not asking the questions? Different topic, but yes. I would agree that they should have done more research on what it takes to make it in the NFL. Hindsight at this point.

For starters, the minicamp in May, the OTAs in June, and any team or league rookie meetings or symposia. Being a rookie isn't that much different than starting any other job--if the new hire doesn't know exactly what's expected of him on start date, it's the employer's fault (and in this case, somebody needs to be fired).

It seems far more likely that the players--who, of course, aside from any scheduled activities also had access to the players, coaches and their agents, all of whom could have explained any conditioning tests to them--just didn't care enough to get it done. Say what you want about the applicability of wind sprints to actual NFL games, but it's like the drills at the Combine. It's a test where everybody knows the questions months in advance. Failing it is just stupid.

What may not have been adequately explained to Thomas and Kelly is that the depth chart at the skill positions isn't going to be fluid once the season starts. The Skins being in a new system means that even though Moss and Thrash have played in a WCO before, barring injury, there aren't going to be spare reps with the 1s for Thomas and Kelly. Barring injury, there isn't going to be an opportunity for either to get the chance to contribute more than situationally, because, by missing training camp, they haven't shown that they've earned it. Which of course doesn't amount to being a bust, but makes the team worse as a result. But that's just the way NFL rookie contracts go.

Insanity = Repeating the same actions and expecting different results.
Same QB + Same Receivers = Same anemic passing offense = Insanity.

The Redskins didn't draft three new receivers and bring in several others because they have confidence in the receivers from last season. The Redskins didn't draft a speed receiver because they needed a possession receiver. And the Redskins didn't draft a possession receiver because they needed a speed receiver. The Redskins drafted both because they need both and they damn well better use both this season or they wasted their draft picks. The Redskins had far too many needs to use their top two picks drafting for the future. So, regardless of first impressions and questionable character, work ethic, conditioning, or anything else, the Redskins only have two options. They can get their draft picks on the field and work them like they're in the pre-civil war cotton fields until they learn the offense and produce, or they can call this another failed attempt to resolve the wide receiver issue.

[PulpExposure]

Stick to your guns, my friend. Failing the physical fitness test is indication of something wrong in the brain. The one year wonder college career is another. The stupid, mentally disconnected penalty yet another. So far, there's been nothing to cheer about.

Fred Smoot has never passed one of the training camp conditioning tests. Does that mean he's not a good corner now?

Time to cut Smoot!

[yupchagee]

Not every collegiate football program runs wind sprints.

What does that have to do with anything? Kelly and Thomas were supposed to be getting prepared for an NFL training camp, not a college fall practice. They should have known what was in store for them and should have prepared accordingly. Instead both came into camp out of shape, got injured, and seriously set back their chances of contributing early on in the season.

And how would anyone know what NFL training camp entails?
It's like going into basic training. Unless you know someone who's been there and ask the questions, you have no idea what you've agreed to.
Is it their fault for not asking the questions? Different topic, but yes. I would agree that they should have done more research on what it takes to make it in the NFL. Hindsight at this point.

For starters, the minicamp in May, the OTAs in June, and any team or league rookie meetings or symposia. Being a rookie isn't that much different than starting any other job--if the new hire doesn't know exactly what's expected of him on start date, it's the employer's fault (and in this case, somebody needs to be fired).

It seems far more likely that the players--who, of course, aside from any scheduled activities also had access to the players, coaches and their agents, all of whom could have explained any conditioning tests to them--just didn't care enough to get it done. Say what you want about the applicability of wind sprints to actual NFL games, but it's like the drills at the Combine. It's a test where everybody knows the questions months in advance. Failing it is just stupid.

What may not have been adequately explained to Thomas and Kelly is that the depth chart at the skill positions isn't going to be fluid once the season starts. The Skins being in a new system means that even though Moss and Thrash have played in a WCO before, barring injury, there aren't going to be spare reps with the 1s for Thomas and Kelly. Barring injury, there isn't going to be an opportunity for either to get the chance to contribute more than situationally, because, by missing training camp, they haven't shown that they've earned it. Which of course doesn't amount to being a bust, but makes the team worse as a result. But that's just the way NFL rookie contracts go.

Insanity = Repeating the same actions and expecting different results.
Same QB + Same Receivers = Same anemic passing offense = Insanity.

The Redskins didn't draft three new receivers and bring in several others because they have confidence in the receivers from last season. The Redskins didn't draft a speed receiver because they needed a possession receiver. And the Redskins didn't draft a possession receiver because they needed a speed receiver. The Redskins drafted both because they need both and they damn well better use both this season or they wasted their draft picks. The Redskins had far too many needs to use their top two picks drafting for the future. So, regardless of first impressions and questionable character, work ethic, conditioning, or anything else, the Redskins only have two options. They can get their draft picks on the field and work them like they're in the pre-civil war cotton fields until they learn the offense and produce, or they can call this another failed attempt to resolve the wide receiver issue.

They drafted the highest rated player on their board regardless of position. How else do you explain Fred Davis when we already have a young Pro Bowl TE?

[GSPODS]

Not every collegiate football program runs wind sprints.

What does that have to do with anything? Kelly and Thomas were supposed to be getting prepared for an NFL training camp, not a college fall practice. They should have known what was in store for them and should have prepared accordingly. Instead both came into camp out of shape, got injured, and seriously set back their chances of contributing early on in the season.

And how would anyone know what NFL training camp entails?
It's like going into basic training. Unless you know someone who's been there and ask the questions, you have no idea what you've agreed to.
Is it their fault for not asking the questions? Different topic, but yes. I would agree that they should have done more research on what it takes to make it in the NFL. Hindsight at this point.

For starters, the minicamp in May, the OTAs in June, and any team or league rookie meetings or symposia. Being a rookie isn't that much different than starting any other job--if the new hire doesn't know exactly what's expected of him on start date, it's the employer's fault (and in this case, somebody needs to be fired).

It seems far more likely that the players--who, of course, aside from any scheduled activities also had access to the players, coaches and their agents, all of whom could have explained any conditioning tests to them--just didn't care enough to get it done. Say what you want about the applicability of wind sprints to actual NFL games, but it's like the drills at the Combine. It's a test where everybody knows the questions months in advance. Failing it is just stupid.

What may not have been adequately explained to Thomas and Kelly is that the depth chart at the skill positions isn't going to be fluid once the season starts. The Skins being in a new system means that even though Moss and Thrash have played in a WCO before, barring injury, there aren't going to be spare reps with the 1s for Thomas and Kelly. Barring injury, there isn't going to be an opportunity for either to get the chance to contribute more than situationally, because, by missing training camp, they haven't shown that they've earned it. Which of course doesn't amount to being a bust, but makes the team worse as a result. But that's just the way NFL rookie contracts go.

Insanity = Repeating the same actions and expecting different results.
Same QB + Same Receivers = Same anemic passing offense = Insanity.

The Redskins didn't draft three new receivers and bring in several others because they have confidence in the receivers from last season. The Redskins didn't draft a speed receiver because they needed a possession receiver. And the Redskins didn't draft a possession receiver because they needed a speed receiver. The Redskins drafted both because they need both and they damn well better use both this season or they wasted their draft picks. The Redskins had far too many needs to use their top two picks drafting for the future. So, regardless of first impressions and questionable character, work ethic, conditioning, or anything else, the Redskins only have two options. They can get their draft picks on the field and work them like they're in the pre-civil war cotton fields until they learn the offense and produce, or they can call this another failed attempt to resolve the wide receiver issue.

They drafted the highest rated player on their board regardless of position. How else do you explain Fred Davis when we already have a young Pro Bowl TE?

I explain it as no former QB turned head coach will ever think he has enough offensive weapons.
I explain it as Devin Thomas was specifically targeted in the 1st round.
When Vinny Cerrato saw no receivers had been drafted, he was confident he could get both Thomas and Kelly in the 2nd round.
When Cerrato and Zorn saw Fred Davis still on the board, they jumped, knowing they needed another pass receiving tight end / red zone target, and suspecting Malcolm Kelly, who was also targeted, would still be around on their next pick.
Originally, the Redskins had targeted Malcolm Kelly only.
The Redskins did not expect every wide receiver and the only viable 1st round tight end to be on the board even late in the 1st round, let alone in the 2nd round.
Thomas and Davis still being on the board changed the draft strategy
I explain it as the Redskins will use two tight end formations and now they have one Pro Bowl HB / TE and one potential Pro Bowl TE. They also have two large Red Zone targets instead of one.
I explain it as the Redskins now have at least four, and possibly as many as six possession / red zone targets who are at least 6'2" in Thomas, Kelly, ey, Davis, Mix, McMullen.

I explain it as the Redskins passing offense was so anemic last season that they would have traded all of their picks for Chad Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald or drafted another three wide receivers if any others looked like they had potential.

And I explain it as the Redskins running game suffered due to the anemic passing game, causing a great many 3 and outs, and causing the defense to be on the field more than was necessary or usual and customary.

The Redskins would have traded up for a Top 10 wide receiver if there had been one in this draft. There wasn't one. So they are playing the odds that at least one of the two will pan out. Smarter than playing the odds that one out of one will pan out. Ask Detroit.

[VRIEL1]

The guy had an injury...give him some slack. I'm sure do to his lack of running to build his endurance especially while injured did not help him. The others have probably been running every day.

Waite until Kelly comes back. I'm sure someone will have a similar post for him. Especially for his first game.

[1niksder]

Can you explain this...

I explain it as Devin Thomas was specifically targeted in the 1st round.

Then...

Originally, the Redskins had targeted Malcolm Kelly only.

How Kelly the only one targeted if Thomas was specifically targeted ?

I explain it as the Redskins passing offense was so anemic last season that they would have traded all of their picks for Chad Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald or drafted another three wide receivers if any others looked like they had potential.

They never went after Larry Fitzgerald and everyone knows they only offered two first rounders for Chad Johnson and never offered more when the two #1s were turned down also they only drafted two WRs not three

[fleetus]

It will take all year for both Kelly and Thomas to get up to speed. (I have said this before, I think Kelly will be the better of the two) So this discussion is pointless. Let's talk about this after they have both played about 8 games to see how they are progressing. Until then, I will leave it up to Kelly on Comcast to keep busting their chops over failing their conditioning drills.

[Countertrey]

It will take all year for both Kelly and Thomas to get up to speed. :

That's actually pretty typical of a rookie WR... a fact which seems to escape some here...

(I have said this before, I think Kelly will be the better of the two)

Agree... Thomas is clearly an athlete, but he sure is a lot greener than I expected him to be... failing to drag BOTH feet... The boneheaded penalty on Teams. Gotta be paying attention, kid.

So this discussion is pointless. Let's talk about this after they have both played about 8 games to see how they are progressing. Until then, I will leave it up to Kelly on Comcast to keep busting their chops over failing their conditioning drills.

I think Kelly may make more of an impact this year... Thomas clearly has some work to do (his attitude will dictate whether he becomes a PRO FOOTBALL player, or not). I think he'll probably be just fine, but concerns about where his head is, as voiced by some here, are certainly fair.

[riggofan]

Thus far a bust...thus far.

Thus far the best comment on this message board for the '08 season.

You guys rock!

[Chris Luva Luva]

I expect Thomas to show up for the next game. This game was moreso to give him a taste of what is to come. I believe that Zorn wanted him to dip his toes in the pool before just tossing him into the deep end.

I'm sure that he'll be a capable WR for us, as well M. Kelly once they get accustomed to the speed of the game.

[yupchagee]

I think Kelly has superior football skills right now, but Thomas has more potential. Time will tell if he realizes that potential.

[BurgundyandGoldfaith]

Too early to tell. Also it's retarted to state after one game that Malcom IS better than Thomas. We've seen nothing from either, Malcom hasn't even gotten on the field. I also think the only poor play he had (from what I saw) was a poor block on a run play follwed by a spirited block. I though the pass from Devine was uncatchable for every other reciever on our roster. Since this is preseason coverage they didn't even touch upon it but he was parallel to the ground and then some over the side of his body AND he caught it. Doc Walker said on the show he watched Thomas on that particular play and he was really fast and had a great break on his route.
This isn't New York, give the man a break. If you're ready to write him off as a bust, go buy a L. Coles jersey and your own microphone and head up north cuz we don't need you. I'll make an equally ridiculous prediction and say Thomas will be better this year. This is based on one game for only one of the two as well, making things equal. C'mon, I'm excited to see Thomas get better. I can't think of a WR ever coming out of the gate that fast, have some faith....

[frankcal20]

Also it's retarted to state after one game that Malcom IS better than Thomas. We've seen nothing from either, Malcom hasn't even gotten on the field.

One thing we know is that Malcolm is a better free style rapper than Devon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9RiitZEHxA

[CanesSkins26]

Stick to your guns, my friend. Failing the physical fitness test is indication of something wrong in the brain. The one year wonder college career is another. The stupid, mentally disconnected penalty yet another. So far, there's been nothing to cheer about.

Fred Smoot has never passed one of the training camp conditioning tests. Does that mean he's not a good corner now?

Time to cut Smoot!

Smoot is also an established player. These guys were rookies attending their first camp and should have have been trying to prove themselves from Day 1. There is absolutely no excuse for them to not show up in shape.

[frankcal20]

From my understanding is the only way to get ready for an NFL Training Camp is to go through one. Thats about it.

[Gibbs4Life]

I'm just so excited by the fact that Devin Thomas has shown his dedication to becoming an elite reciever, his work ethic, toughness and positive attitude is all you can ask for from a kid who should've been a first round selection. I'm loving the fact that he came into training camp in tip top condition, ready and willing to help our team win. We are lucky to have such a driven individual as our WR.

[VetSkinsFan]

I'm just so excited by the fact that Devin Thomas has shown his dedication to becoming an elite reciever, his work ethic, toughness and positive attitude is all you can ask for from a kid who should've been a first round selection. I'm loving the fact that he came into training camp in tip top condition, ready and willing to help our team win. We are lucky to have such a driven individual as our WR.

But he, in fact, didn't come into camp in tip top condition. I know that when I'm coming into a new job, I ask a lot of questions if I don't know and try to make sure I bring as little negative attention to myself as possible. Him failing the conditioning test (I know it's not be-all-end-all) is attention he didn't want or need. He, just as Fred Davis, can overcome pretty easily, but it's still not the ideal first impression.

[El Mexican]

I'm just so excited by the fact that Devin Thomas has shown his dedication to becoming an elite reciever, his work ethic, toughness and positive attitude is all you can ask for from a kid who should've been a first round selection. I'm loving the fact that he came into training camp in tip top condition, ready and willing to help our team win. We are lucky to have such a driven individual as our WR.

But he, in fact, didn't come into camp in tip top condition. I know that when I'm coming into a new job, I ask a lot of questions if I don't know and try to make sure I bring as little negative attention to myself as possible. Him failing the conditioning test (I know it's not be-all-end-all) is attention he didn't want or need. He, just as Fred Davis, can overcome pretty easily, but it's still not the ideal first impression.

Agreed.

This is the freekin NFL. You better bring your A-game from day 1.

[PulpExposure]

I'm just so excited by the fact that Devin Thomas has shown his dedication to becoming an elite reciever, his work ethic, toughness and positive attitude is all you can ask for from a kid who should've been a first round selection. I'm loving the fact that he came into training camp in tip top condition, ready and willing to help our team win. We are lucky to have such a driven individual as our WR.

But he, in fact, didn't come into camp in tip top condition. I know that when I'm coming into a new job, I ask a lot of questions if I don't know and try to make sure I bring as little negative attention to myself as possible. Him failing the conditioning test (I know it's not be-all-end-all) is attention he didn't want or need. He, just as Fred Davis, can overcome pretty easily, but it's still not the ideal first impression.

I think he was being sarcastic...

[BnGhog]

You guys notice all the hype that Desean Jackson is getting.

The Eagles may have the right Idea.

They drafted DeSean Jackson, and said you are the starter, get out there and do it.

That's a lot of pressure and brings out the best in a Draft pick.

I mean compaird to the "we have our starters, but get in shap and learn the system". Seems more lax, and easier for them to not work as hard as if they were just drafted and named a starter.

I think they have to get out their with the first team and get as many reps as possible to advance and bring out their potential.

I think I would have Thomas (now that he's healthy) playing almost the entire game in preseason. We will have to give him breathers, and give other guys chances. But as of now, he's not our starter, so we don't have to worrie so much about injury, and he needs to get into football shape, and he needs the reps. Plus, on top of that, we know we are not going to cut him, so why not allow him the time on the field to get better?

[Chris Luva Luva]

You guys notice all the hype that Desean Jackson is getting.

Hype... He may bust in the regular season... Or guys may flourish... It's just hype and until it matters, it's not really concrete.

They drafted DeSean Jackson, and said you are the starter, get out there and do it.

- Do we bench Moss and ARE so that we can put them on the fast track?
- Our guys were both injured so they couldn't have started anyway.
- How could they handle the workload of running with the 1st team offense when they were all broken down from running with the 2nd offense?

I mean compaird to the "we have our starters, but get in shap and learn the system". Seems more lax, and easier for them to not work as hard as if they were just drafted and named a starter.

I think people are just looking for stuff to complain about. Sure, height has been an issue. It's a shame that our tall WR's aren't up to speed but height was not our only problem. Our main issue was the the offense was handcuffed by Gibbs. The reigns are off and I'm sure that ARE, Moss, Thrash, Mix/McDonalds, Davis, ey, Portis/Betts will be able to hold us down until those guys can get up to speed.

Plus I'm sure they'll be in on obvious passing situations...

I mean, whats the big deal? Why rush them and have them playing in an offense they aren't comfy in yet? WHy potentially set them back mentally if they're out there making mental mistakes.

I know for a fact that if we pushed them out too soon and they were running the wrong routes you guys would be pooping bricks.

Plus, on top of that, we know we are not going to cut him, so why not allow him the time on the field to get better?

Other people need to be evaluated also...

This is 1st year offense, EVERYONE needs time. We can't just have Kelly and Devon taking up the entire game. If they'd stay healthy they'd be further along...

[cvillehog]

Great post, Chris. I totally agree.

[BnGhog]

You guys notice all the hype that Desean Jackson is getting.

Hype... He may bust in the regular season... Or guys may flourish... It's just hype and until it matters, it's not really concrete.

Not only hype but highlight reels. Not much hype after 1 preseason game but after two, why you say? Because he is comming along. And is comming along because of playing time.

They drafted DeSean Jackson, and said you are the starter, get out there and do it.

- Do we bench Moss and ARE so that we can put them on the fast track?
- Our guys were both injured so they couldn't have started anyway.
- How could they handle the workload of running with the 1st team offense when they were all broken down from running with the 2nd offense?.

Wow your post went overboard here. No, No , No! Your putting words in my mouth. They were broken down from just plain practice in the NFL. And I didn't say bench Moss and ARL. Those guys don't need to get hurt being our starters and all, so why let them have a few reps, even some with three WR sets, with Thomas in there to help him Grow. No one gets better sitting on the bench is all I'm saying.

I think people are just looking for stuff to complain about. Sure, height has been an issue. It's a shame that our tall WR's aren't up to speed but height was not our only problem.

Where did I say anything about that. I was only talking about developing a new Drafted WR regardless of size or speed. There are mostly two ways to bring them along 1)throw them to wolves or 2) don't let them play for 1 to 2 years.

And IMO, the quicker they get out there, the better. They make the mistakes, and have to learn. They would still make rookie mistakes, if they sit on the bench for a year then come in, only differce would be they wouldn't know the system as well as just throwing them in there.

Our main issue was the the offense was handcuffed by Gibbs. The reigns are off and I'm sure that ARE, Moss, Thrash, Mix/McDonalds, Davis, ey, Portis/Betts will be able to hold us down until those guys can get up to speed.

Who's McDonalds? All I was talking about was bringing along a WR The more playing time the better I all I stated.

Plus I'm sure they'll be in on obvious passing situations....

That would be awsome!

I mean, whats the big deal? Why rush them and have them playing in an offense they aren't comfy in yet? WHy potentially set them back mentally if they're out there making mental mistakes..

You have to get OUT of your comfort zone to get better, otherwise you're not getting better, because you not changing anything. Not rushing, Its pre-season. The question to you is what the big deal with him playing more in pre-season? It's pre-season.

I know for a fact that if we pushed them out too soon and they were running the wrong routes you guys would be pooping bricks.

Not really, that might hurt. Besides, he is a rookie WR not a rookie QB he only has to know his assignments.

Plus, on top of that, we know we are not going to cut him, so why not allow him the time on the field to get better?

Other people need to be evaluated also...

This is 1st year offense, EVERYONE needs time. We can't just have Kelly and Devon taking up the entire game. If they'd stay healthy they'd be further along...

I NEVER said ALL the time. I said MOST. Most of the starters come out anyway after the first quarter.

[fleetus]

Thus far a bust...thus far.

Thus far the best comment on this message board for the '08 season.

You guys rock!

A "BUST" is someone who was expected to play good football and did not. Preseason is NOT FOOTBALL, it is PRESEASON. A multitude of great players play poorly in the preseason, it doesn't mean anything. Saying anyone is a bust before they've played a game is ridiculous. Saying a rookie WR is a bust before they've played a season is bordering on ridiculous.

For example, you could MAYBE say Dwayne Jarrett is a bust because he made a boneheaded decision OFF the field and it cost him ON the field. But it would be easy to argue that it is way too early to call him a bust because we haven't seen what he could do ON the field, AFTER having a season to adequately learn the offense. Calling D. Thomas a bust "thus far" is like saying "I haven't smoked a cigarette since going to sleep last night, therefore I have quit smoking, THUS FAR. Meaningless and a waste of time to make a statement like that.