Malcolm Kelly ready to go.

[spudstr04]

I honestly think that this kid is gonna be a great one! Zorn has been excited to get him out there and before his surgery, Zorn said that Kelly was well-ahead of Devin Thomas as far as learning the offense and making plays. His knee is said to be ready and hopefully he can get a burst off the line and go deep for Jason Campbell.

Zorn expressed excitement about the return of rookie wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, who practiced today.

"Good!" Zorn said. "I've got great news today. All this rest, and just the specific work he's been doing in the training room, all the rehab, has really been helping him, bringing him along.

"We're excited about it. As we work, we'll get him involved. There's no way, I don't think anybody can play both offense, defense and even special teams unless they participate."

Kelly, who had arthroscopic knee surgery Aug. 4, sat out the preseason because of hamstring and knee problems, so "he needs the work," Zorn said. "Other guys can get away with just partial practice time, the veterans, but a young player like Malcolm has to be there day in and day out. If he's 100 percent, or even if he's close to 100 percent, he'll get practice reps."

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2008/09/springs_returns_to_practice_at.html?nav=rss_blog

[Wahoo McDaniels]

He'd better show signs of being a player like DeShaun Jackson or Eddie Royal...or once again I'm going to ask what our scouting staff was doing during the off-season. Apparently not evaluating talent.

[MossIsBoss88]

he's not going to.... eddie royal and desean jackson are smaller, more nimble recievers that got their yardage based on agile route running and pure horrible defense. Malcolm kelly is a larger reciever and sure won't put up these numbers anytime soon. The best we can hope for is some YAC after short passes and maybe a fade in the end zone. Not thinking JC will be throwing any bombs to kelly anytime soon either considering they haven't had much time together.

[absinthe1023]

he's not going to.... eddie royal and desean jackson are smaller, more nimble recievers that got their yardage based on agile route running and pure horrible defense. Malcolm kelly is a larger reciever and sure won't put up these numbers anytime soon. The best we can hope for is some YAC after short passes and maybe a fade in the end zone. Not thinking JC will be throwing any bombs to kelly anytime soon either considering they haven't had much time together.

Part of what you wrote are accurate, but a few things stood out:

There's no reason to assume that Kelly won't be as good a route runner as Royal or Jackson based strictly on his size. Route running is a function of mental preparedness and knowledge of the offense, and Kelly has the potential to be just as good at this as Royal and Jackson.

Jackson definitely got the benefit of playing against a horrible defense, but Royal put up huge numbers against a fairly decent secondary. Asomugha is a very solid, underrated corner; DeAngelo Hall is very overrated, but is still a somewhat above-average cover man.

Lastly, Kelly should be able to make plays all over the field based on his size and speed (if not, why was he drafted so high?). He should definitely be able to pick up YAC after short passes by breaking the tackles of smaller DBs, and I agree that he should be a dangerous redzone/jumpball target.
Also, Campbell flew to Oklahoma for a private workout with Kelly prior to the draft, so they may already have a feel for each other.

Will Kelly be an immediate superstar? History says probably not, but if he's healthy and gets the same opportunities to be involved in the offense that Royal and Jackson experienced, there's no reason to think that he can't make a solid contribution early on.

[MossIsBoss88]

he's not going to.... eddie royal and desean jackson are smaller, more nimble recievers that got their yardage based on agile route running and pure horrible defense. Malcolm kelly is a larger reciever and sure won't put up these numbers anytime soon. The best we can hope for is some YAC after short passes and maybe a fade in the end zone. Not thinking JC will be throwing any bombs to kelly anytime soon either considering they haven't had much time together.

Part of what you wrote are accurate, but a few things stood out:

There's no reason to assume that Kelly won't be as good a route runner as Royal or Jackson based strictly on his size. Route running is a function of mental preparedness and knowledge of the offense, and Kelly has the potential to be just as good at this as Royal and Jackson.

Jackson definitely got the benefit of playing against a horrible defense, but Royal put up huge numbers against a fairly decent secondary. Asomugha is a very solid, underrated corner; DeAngelo Hall is very overrated, but is still a somewhat above-average cover man.

Lastly, Kelly should be able to make plays all over the field based on his size and speed (if not, why was he drafted so high?). He should definitely be able to pick up YAC after short passes by breaking the tackles of smaller DBs, and I agree that he should be a dangerous redzone/jumpball target.
Also, Campbell flew to Oklahoma for a private workout with Kelly prior to the draft, so they may already have a feel for each other.

Will Kelly be an immediate superstar? History says probably not, but if he's healthy and gets the same opportunities to be involved in the offense that Royal and Jackson experienced, there's no reason to think that he can't make a solid contribution early on.

In regards to the route running, its not that I don't think that he can run the routes well, just that it is easier for smaller recievers to cut back and change direction (better agility). That's what it appears allowed royal to put up the numbers that he did. I don't see many larger recievers getting open as quickly as royal did tonight.

[BossHog]

Yes, you can definitely judge a draft pick's 'worth' after one game of football... good or bad.



Personally, I just hope that they make sure the knee is healed before needlessly rushing a rookie back to health. I'm as anxious to see what Kelly can do as anybody is, but not enough to jeopardize his entire career because we 'need the receiver now.'

[Chris Luva Luva]

I doubt that we'll see him this week. I'd sit him because a couple of practices won't get him up to speed.

A healthy Thomas only got in for 2 plays. I'd give him another week to ease into the grind and give him some decent playing time in week 3.

Our win/loss doesn't hinge on him.

[PulpExposure]

What I think is hilarious is people who are screaming there's no continuity with the Redskins, and that the Redskins' FO does not look towards the future, are willing to judge this draft (and our rookie WRs) as a bust...even though everyone logically knows it takes a few years for drafted WRs to play, and takes years to logically evaluate a draft.

[Fios]

What I think is hilarious is people who are screaming there's no continuity with the Redskins, and that the Redskins' FO does not look towards the future, are willing to judge this draft (and our rookie WRs) as a bust...even though everyone logically knows it takes a few years for drafted WRs to play, and takes years to logically evaluate a draft.

I get the feeling many people here didn't make it past the opening sentence of 'A Tale of Two Cities.'
"Let's see, this looks good <opens book> ... 'It was the best of times' ... OK, I like where this is heading ... 'it was the worst of times' ... what? DISASTER! DOOM! Someone get me a lighter."

[VetSkinsFan]

What I think is hilarious is people who are screaming there's no continuity with the Redskins, and that the Redskins' FO does not look towards the future, are willing to judge this draft (and our rookie WRs) as a bust...even though everyone logically knows it takes a few years for drafted WRs to play, and takes years to logically evaluate a draft.

I get the feeling many people here didn't make it past the opening sentence of 'A Tale of Two Cities.'
"Let's see, this looks good <opens book> ... 'It was the best of times' ... OK, I like where this is heading ... 'it was the worst of times' ... what? DISASTER! DOOM! Someone get me a lighter."

BURN WITCH, BURN!!!!!

[gibbs4president]

What I think is hilarious is people who are screaming there's no continuity with the Redskins, and that the Redskins' FO does not look towards the future, are willing to judge this draft (and our rookie WRs) as a bust...even though everyone logically knows it takes a few years for drafted WRs to play, and takes years to logically evaluate a draft.

I can't wait until countless fans react negatively on Sunday when neither Thomas nor Kelly does much of anything...

[Bob 0119]

What I think is hilarious is people who are screaming there's no continuity with the Redskins, and that the Redskins' FO does not look towards the future, are willing to judge this draft (and our rookie WRs) as a bust...even though everyone logically knows it takes a few years for drafted WRs to play, and takes years to logically evaluate a draft.

I get the feeling many people here didn't make it past the opening sentence of 'A Tale of Two Cities.'
"Let's see, this looks good <opens book> ... 'It was the best of times' ... OK, I like where this is heading ... 'it was the worst of times' ... what? DISASTER! DOOM! Someone get me a lighter."

What'd you do with the lighter I gave you?

[Countertrey]

What I think is hilarious is people who are screaming there's no continuity with the Redskins, and that the Redskins' FO does not look towards the future, are willing to judge this draft (and our rookie WRs) as a bust...even though everyone logically knows it takes a few years for drafted WRs to play, and takes years to logically evaluate a draft.

I get the feeling many people here didn't make it past the opening sentence of 'A Tale of Two Cities.'
"Let's see, this looks good <opens book> ... 'It was the best of times' ... OK, I like where this is heading ... 'it was the worst of times' ... what? DISASTER! DOOM! Someone get me a lighter."

What'd you do with the lighter I gave you?

You ever see what happens to a lit Bic when you hold it too close to a flatulent cup?

I wouldn't give him another one.



Soooooo... How long before Kelly is up to speed?

[Fios]

What I think is hilarious is people who are screaming there's no continuity with the Redskins, and that the Redskins' FO does not look towards the future, are willing to judge this draft (and our rookie WRs) as a bust...even though everyone logically knows it takes a few years for drafted WRs to play, and takes years to logically evaluate a draft.

I get the feeling many people here didn't make it past the opening sentence of 'A Tale of Two Cities.'
"Let's see, this looks good <opens book> ... 'It was the best of times' ... OK, I like where this is heading ... 'it was the worst of times' ... what? DISASTER! DOOM! Someone get me a lighter."

What'd you do with the lighter I gave you?

When I was driving home that day, I said to my friend "aw, crap ... I just met Bob and I already lost his lighter." I also quit smoking (8 weeks and counting).

[Countertrey]

I also quit smoking (8 weeks and counting).

Excellent! Congrats.

[GSPODS]

I also quit smoking (8 weeks and counting).

Excellent! Congrats.

I'll second that, since I quit about May 1st of this year myself.
It's not an easy thing to do.

[SkinsFreak]

quitters...





(Well done, Fios.)

[Bob 0119]

My apologies to the OP for hijacking your thread. As a mod, I should know better, and stay on topic, my bad.

*Ahem*

Where were we?

Oh, right Malcolm Kelly...

Glad to hear he's feeling better. Hope to see good things from him, but don't expect to see it any time soon.

[SkinsFreak]

I also think Kelly could have a big future with us. As a receiver, he just has that certain something. I'm a Sooners fan and always felt that way about Perterson and Kelly. I was ecstatic when we drafted him. I agree there's no need to rush him back though. A few plays in the red zone would be nice.


(BTW - Quiting smoking is the easiest thing to do. So easy, I've done it several times now. )

[Chris Luva Luva]

Malcom Kelly is going to smoke the competition.

[HEROHAMO]

I must say that rushing Kelly into the fire is not the answer. I want them to thrive but in due time. If his knee is healthy then certainly I want him out there.

[Wahoo McDaniels]

Yes, you can definitely judge a draft pick's 'worth' after one game of football... good or bad.



Personally, I just hope that they make sure the knee is healed before needlessly rushing a rookie back to health. I'm as anxious to see what Kelly can do as anybody is, but not enough to jeopardize his entire career because we 'need the receiver now.'

Apparently several team knew about Kelly's injury prior to the draft and took him off their draft board, thus the reason we got him so low. We must not have gotten the memo.

As for Jackson, I agree with you that you can't tell a lot about a player by one game, but I can tell you that I have seen Deshaun jackson for 5 games now...1 regular season and 4 pre-season games (the NFL Network is a beautiful thing) and I can tell you the guy can play.

[Fios]

Yes, you can definitely judge a draft pick's 'worth' after one game of football... good or bad.



Personally, I just hope that they make sure the knee is healed before needlessly rushing a rookie back to health. I'm as anxious to see what Kelly can do as anybody is, but not enough to jeopardize his entire career because we 'need the receiver now.'

Apparently several team knew about Kelly's injury prior to the draft and took him off their draft board, thus the reason we got him so low. We must not have gotten the memo.

As for Jackson, I agree with you that you can't tell a lot about a player by one game, but I can tell you that I have seen Deshaun jackson for 5 games now...1 regular season and 4 pre-season games (the NFL Network is a beautiful thing) and I can tell you the guy can play.

I'm sure the Redskins were completely in the dark about the injury, that sounds plausible.

[CanesSkins26]

What I think is hilarious is people who are screaming there's no continuity with the Redskins, and that the Redskins' FO does not look towards the future, are willing to judge this draft (and our rookie WRs) as a bust...even though everyone logically knows it takes a few years for drafted WRs to play, and takes years to logically evaluate a draft.

I'm going to have to disagree. That used to be the case, but isn't as much anymore. As more college teams run pro style offenses, receivers are more prepared now coming out of college to contribute on day 1. Dwayne Bowe put up very good numbers for a rookie last season and so did Calvin Johnson. Braylon Edwards contributed in year 1 and was very good by year 2. Marques Colston had over 1000 yards in his first year. Larry Fitzgerald had a very good rookie season (8 td's) and so did Anquan Boldin, who had over 1300 yards and 8 td's as a rookie. Look at Eddie Royal and Jackson as two receivers who are playing and contributing early on in their careers. So the argument that receivers take a long time to develop just isn't all that accurate. Thomas and Kelly need to start contributing soon or else our offense is going to continue to struggle because our receivers simply aren't very good.

[Wahoo McDaniels]

Yes, you can definitely judge a draft pick's 'worth' after one game of football... good or bad.



Personally, I just hope that they make sure the knee is healed before needlessly rushing a rookie back to health. I'm as anxious to see what Kelly can do as anybody is, but not enough to jeopardize his entire career because we 'need the receiver now.'

Apparently several team knew about Kelly's injury prior to the draft and took him off their draft board, thus the reason we got him so low. We must not have gotten the memo.

As for Jackson, I agree with you that you can't tell a lot about a player by one game, but I can tell you that I have seen Deshaun jackson for 5 games now...1 regular season and 4 pre-season games (the NFL Network is a beautiful thing) and I can tell you the guy can play.

I'm sure the Redskins were completely in the dark about the injury, that sounds plausible.

Poor choice of sarcastic comments on my part. I wasn't insinuating we didn't know about it...I just think that Cerrato's the type of guy who tries to be "too cute" with his strategy and it backfires...all the time. Take a look at his past off season strategies and tell me which ones were successful:

1999 - Sign the 1992 All-Pro Team - In 1999, Vinny signs every free agent over 35 to include Bruce Smith, Deion Sanders, Irving Fryar, Jeff George and Mark Carrier.

-- 2001 - 02 No Cerrato --

2003 - Trade Draft picks for free agents - Cerrato decide to sign restricted free agents and give up compensatory draft picks in their place. Cerrato signs Coles in exchange for a 1st Rounder (which turned out to be Ty Warren BTW - Def Captain of the Pats), Trung Candidate - 5th Round, Chad Morton - 5th Round, Matt Bowen - 6th Round, Jerman Haley - 6th Round. Only problem: He's eaten up the entire salary cap signing guys like Bowen with $1.6m signing bonuses. We only really have one good pick and we pick up Taylor Jacobs 'cause the old ball coach really wanted him. We use the rest of the off-season signing old Florida players from their previous team, Walmart.

2004 - Bring in the guys Joe Gibbs wants - In addition to getting his ultimate free agent, Def Coordinator Gregg Williams, Gibbs goes out and gets Portis, Brunell, Washington, Griffin and Springs.

2005 - More Gibbs guys - pick up Santana Moss. Final piece to Skins making their 1st post season since 2000.

2006 - Its not broke so let's fix it! - Snyder adds Saunders and he brings in a big play WR....BLloyd (queue boos now). Williams just gotta have Archuleta to be the running stopping strong safety (queue more boos).

2008 - Trade down for Value - in the 2008 draft, Cerrato trades down and picks three receivers and ignore largest outstanding need, DE. Jury still out.

I think it's obvious that these guys need some adult supervision...the only decent off-season we've really had was with Gibbs pseudo-running it.

Now that I think about it, maybe they didn't know about the injury.