WP: Redskins Set Up for Final Minicamp

[bubba9497]

Redskins Set Up for Final Minicamp

By Nunyo Demasio

Washington Post Staff Writer

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/16/AR2005061601165_pf.html

On the eve of Washington Redskins minicamp, Coach Joe Gibbs said yesterday that his three-day session will be similar to the voluntary workouts regularly held during the offseason.

"There won't be a lot of difference between the work," Gibbs said. "Basically what we're doing, we're adding a lot [of plays]. I think we're at the point now where it's overload, defensively and offensively."

The minicamp, which will run today through Sunday, officially concludes the Redskins' offseason. Afterward, the bulk of the team will be off until July 31, when players are due back for training camp (though some informal rookie workouts will take place next week).

"It gives you a real good feeling for how quick a guy can pick up stuff," Gibbs said of the minicamp, the first -- and only -- time this offseason that the full complement of players is required at Redskins Park. Nonetheless, with the notable exception of safety Sean Taylor, attendance had been high.

Yesterday, the Redskins took their final organized team activity (commonly known as OTAs) after being stripped of three workouts for violating rules governing the intensity of the sessions.

"It's probably the best attended offseason program I've been a part of," Gibbs said. "Because of that, hopefully when we get back in camp we'll be ready to roll."

Besides Taylor, minicamp will be without wide receiver Rod Gardner, whom the team is expected to release or trade. Linebacker LaVar Arrington and defensive lineman Brandon Noble won't participate because they are rehabilitating knee injuries. Tight end Chris Cooley (hamstring) also may be forced to sit.

The status of linebacker Mike Barrow -- who didn't play last season because of acute tendinitis in his knee -- remains uncertain. Barrow has returned from Arizona, where he was rebuilding strength in his knee with specialists. The linebacker will meet with the Redskins' training staff with hopes of being cleared to resume workouts with the team, Gibbs said.

Redskins Notes: The Redskins signed their sixth-round pick, Jared Newberry. Newberry became the first member of the team's current draft class of six picks to sign. Terms were not disclosed. Newberry, who played mainly strongside linebacker at Stanford, is among several players competing to replace Antonio Pierce at middle linebacker. The Redskins also signed free agent offensive linemen Tyler Lenda and Tam Hopkins, both of whom completed stints in NFL Europe. . . .

The Redskins released offensive lineman Dominique Richardson. . . . The team worked out cornerback Artrell Hawkins, defensive lineman Aaris "Tank" Johnson, wide receiver Tony Johnson and defensive back Jason Shivers. . . .

Mike Grieco, a Miami-Dade prosecutor, has been named to handle the Taylor legal case. The safety faces two felony charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and simple battery.

In 2002, Grieco prosecuted felony charges against former NFL wide receiver Brian Blades for resisting arrest and assaulting an off-duty police officer after a brawl in a South Beach bar. Although Grieco reportedly wanted Blades to serve at least four months, he accepted a plea to avoid jail time. Last year, Grieco also handled a case with similar charges involving Antrel Rolle, Taylor's former Miami Hurricanes teammate. But Grieco dropped the charges against Rolle, drafted eighth in the 2005 draft by the Arizona Cardinals. . . .

Trent Baalke -- the Redskins scout who oversaw Taylor's background check -- has left the team to join the San Francisco 49ers in the same capacity, according to two club sources, although they didn't believe the change was related to Taylor.

[fish]

Originally posted by bubba9497

Redskins Set Up for Final Minicamp

By Nunyo Demasio

Washington Post Staff Writer

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/16/AR2005061601165_pf.html

Trent Baalke -- the Redskins scout who oversaw Taylor's background check -- has left the team to join the San Francisco 49ers in the same capacity, according to two club sources, although they didn't believe the change was related to Taylor.

:doh:

49ers sources claim that Baalke has been hired to fill the recently vacant Director of Personnel Training Films and Media Relations Specialist.

[budski]

Maybe Ray Lewis will get in Taylors ear and Taylor will see the light.

[Dead Money]

ARIS "TANK" JOHNSON ARTICLE

MORGAN STATE defensive tackle AARIS "TANK" JOHNSON was cleared by the NFL league office to be included into Saturday's draft after the NCAA decided earlier this week that he would not be eligible for the upcoming college season based on the fact that he missed time in 2001 with an injury, but review of his playing time that season revealed that he would not be credited with a medical red-shirt... an official letter was sent by the Morgan State head of compliance to the league office, and according to two sources he will be officially part of this weekend's draft... to date he has shown a good motor and better-than-advertised quickness for his size... has needed to be double-teamed on a regular basis... robust upper body... still shows good balance and quickness... more of a run stuffer, but can surprise blockers off the ball at times and shoot into the backfield for a sack or pressure... might need to shed a few pounds to be most effective... as he has played at between 330-340 pounds... ran 4.98/5.02 at 315 pounds... has been timed at 5.12/5.20 at his current weight, 355 pounds... averaged 40 tackles per season from his defensive tackle spot the past few years... born and raised in Washington D.C... will not turn 22 years old until 11/25/83... he is 6036, 355 pounds... #66 on game film.

THIS GUY IS NOT TANK JOHNSON FROM CHICAGO.. HES AN UDFA FROM MORGAN STATE IN 2005.