nice tidbit from tsn team report about udfa de howard

[skinsfan36]

check this out it was in the tsn team report today-
Charles Howard showed well when he was brought in for a tryout during the rookie minicamp and earned a free-agent contract. He has continued to show well during the individual workouts in the organized team activity practices. Howard is exceptionally quick, has decent size, gets a good jump off the ball and plays with a high motor. He has a chance to develop into a pass rush specialist and could help the team this season. . . .
sounds like we found a young promising pass rusher

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

check this out it was in the tsn team report today-
Charles Howard showed well when he was brought in for a tryout during the rookie minicamp and earned a free-agent contract. He has continued to show well during the individual workouts in the organized team activity practices. Howard is exceptionally quick, has decent size, gets a good jump off the ball and plays with a high motor. He has a chance to develop into a pass rush specialist and could help the team this season. . . .
sounds like we found a young promising pass rusher
this is good to hear that howard is still getting some high praise. i know that he was getting good reviews from the earlier camps. hopefully he can be our diamond in the rough.....

[ConradCountry]

I don't understand how a guy that played at Florida St. and got 5 sacks did not get drafted but the NFLs loss is our game.

Howard could earns some time on 3rd down.

[ryflan47]

I don't understand how a guy that played at Florida St. and got 5 sacks did not get drafted but the NFLs loss is our game.

Howard could earns some time on 3rd down.
Yeah, I wonder why so many teams passed on him.

[COUNCILMAN]

Yeah, I wonder why so many teams passed on him.


It could be because of his tackling. Speed and quickness are great but pro scouts look for ability to wrap up. That was one of the weaknesses of Chris Clemons. Last year Clemons was blazing fast and quick at getting to the QB but sometimes he runs right past the QB or ball carrier because he is so focused on getting up speed or getting to a spot....rather than getting the guy down.

Just a thought on why he may have been passed up. However, that doesn't mean he can't learn to overcome whatever the reason he did not get drafted. This will be an interesting preseason with so many speed rushers.

[thecheat48]

Yeah, I wonder why so many teams passed on him.

I'm hoping this guy turns out to be a good pro player. I figured the reason teams passed on him was his size. He's 6'2 260 - not isnt very big for a DE. We'll see how he develops in camp.

[JoeDaSchmoe]

It could be because of his tackling. Speed and quickness are great but pro scouts look for ability to wrap up. That was one of the weaknesses of Chris Clemons. Last year Clemons was blazing fast and quick at getting to the QB but sometimes he runs right past the QB or ball carrier because he is so focused on getting up speed or getting to a spot....rather than getting the guy down.

Just a thought on why he may have been passed up. However, that doesn't mean he can't learn to overcome whatever the reason he did not get drafted. This will be an interesting preseason with so many speed rushers.

Hey, if he's another Chris Clemons, I'll gladly take him. Clemons may not have always wrapped up, but even when he didn't bring the QB down, he usually broke up the play.

[CarMike]

Hey, if he's another Chris Clemons, I'll gladly take him. Clemons may not have always wrapped up, but even when he didn't bring the QB down, he usually broke up the play.

And, wrapping guys up can be taught. Quickness, and to a lesser degree, getting off of the line quickly isn't something that can be taught.

Gibbs and Co. may have found another gem in the rough. I really hope so atleast.

[NamVet4]

I agree with Mike and Joe... If this guy has inate speed he can be taught to wrap it up! Sometimes you trade size for speed and make a player work hard at getting his poorest skill up to snuff. And who better than Coach Williams to make that happen ! :)

[hail2skins]

check this out it was in the tsn team report today-
Charles Howard showed well when he was brought in for a tryout during the rookie minicamp and earned a free-agent contract. He has continued to show well during the individual workouts in the organized team activity practices. Howard is exceptionally quick, has decent size, gets a good jump off the ball and plays with a high motor. He has a chance to develop into a pass rush specialist and could help the team this season. . . .
sounds like we found a young promising pass rusherWhere is the link?

[chrisbcbu]

Where is the link?

its actually just a paragraph from a paid site from the looks of it.

http://warroom.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams//redskins

[BtwnDaTackles]

Yea....Nothing about this guy says "NEXT!" i like him maybe he'll be one of those guys who just shines for us. Only time will tell...

[SkinsKY]

And, wrapping guys up can be taught. Quickness, and to a lesser degree, getting off of the line quickly isn't something that can be taught.

Gibbs and Co. may have found another gem in the rough. I really hope so atleast.

Yep. You and Joe got it. You can't teach speed. You can teach tackling. Being able to bring in a pass rusher as a down lineman and still have the option of blitzing Lavar or Marcus opens things up significantly. Hopefully we'll get some big plays out of this guy.

[redskinz#1fan]

It would be nice to have some of these players (unknowns) become strong players for us this year and years to come, because that would shut up a lot of people about how well our off season went. Everyone is so quick to count us out already.

[ConradCountry]

It would be nice to have some of these players (unknowns) become strong players for us this year and years to come, because that would shut up a lot of people about how well our off season went. Everyone is so quick to count us out already.

This could provide us with a natural pass rusher on the DL but I will not get my hopes up to high because he still is an undrafted FA.

[COUNCILMAN]

This could provide us with a natural pass rusher on the DL but I will not get my hopes up to high because he still is an undrafted FA.

I also wouldn't get my hopes up that Clemons and Howard are going to be in the pro bowl anytime soon as defensive linemen. Remember, these guys are undersized and in fact Clemons is a linebacker. In many respects when Clemons is in, we are running a 3-4 defense with blitzing linebackers.

As far as defensive line goes, I would like to find that defensive end who can be counted on as the starter for the next 5 years and who has double digit sack capability and pro bowl potential. But I don't see even ONE candidate on this years team that fits that mold. Maybe in next years draft we'll fill that slot.

Right now our defensive line is filled with mostly role players, but whatever works is fine with me.

[skins111111]

sounds good....we have everthing to gain, nothing to lose

[Biggie]

I also wouldn't get my hopes up that Clemons and Howard are going to be in the pro bowl anytime soon as defensive linemen. Remember, these guys are undersized and in fact Clemons is a linebacker. In many respects when Clemons is in, we are running a 3-4 defense with blitzing linebackers.

As far as defensive line goes, I would like to find that defensive end who can be counted on as the starter for the next 5 years and who has double digit sack capability and pro bowl potential. But I don't see even ONE candidate on this years team that fits that mold. Maybe in next years draft we'll fill that slot.

Right now our defensive line is filled with mostly role players, but whatever works is fine with me.

I agree that we'll have to draft one. Picking up a free agent may be nice, but if we want a franchise DE who will play that way for years, a top draft pick next year may be the best option.

[GWBlitzST]

It doesn't matter if you're 260 if you've got a motor that runs all game. Eventually, you beat em. If he's got the moves, then suit him up. But please, please dont cut Ron Warner, cause he's gonna break out this year.

[Biggie]

It doesn't matter if you're 260 if you've got a motor that runs all game. Eventually, you beat em. If he's got the moves, then suit him up. But please, please dont cut Ron Warner, cause he's gonna break out this year.

He may be about to break out after, oh, seven years in the league, but the guy's almost thirty. We'll have to replace him eventually.

[GWBlitzST]

He may be about to break out after, oh, seven years in the league, but the guy's almost thirty. We'll have to replace him eventually.
That's true, I just meant that I want to see him play this year, he really shined when he had a chance last season. I think GW is confident with who we have, and I hope this guy Howard shows enough to make it.

[BurgundyNGold]

The kid sounds exciting, but I'm tired of the talk. What is it May, almost June? I can't believe I have to wait another 2 months before I can see Howard, Rogers, Campbell and the rest of our new players in a preseason game. If I were a bear I would hibernate until then.

[colkurtz]

We could use a high speed DE. Daniels will add a lot to the DL mix, but Warner ,etc are just journeymen playing well under a genius defensive coordinator. A DE with some moves would really make a big improvement to the defense, cutting the amount of blitzes needed to be run.

[IowaSkinsFan]

I'd be willing to make a wager that the guy doesn't make the roster coming out of TC.

[PennSkinsFan]

Hope your wrong Robert, but I doubt it. If there is one single position we need a undrafted gem, like Antonio Pierce, to emerge, it would be Defensuive End. We desperately need help there and if he could provide some pressure, even for just third down situations, that will help big.

[NCskinsfanatic]

Sounds similar to Kalu, another guy that we let get away. While not spectacular, he went on to be a good situational pass rusher for the Eagles. Hopefully Howard can fill this role for us.

[redwolf1218]

Yeah, I wonder why so many teams passed on him.
He missed some playing time due to injury, then he switched back and forth from tackle to end, but Williams likes those kind of guys who played all across the line. he got 5 sacks in limited time, playing in a rotation, and one quote i read said his coaches and team mates in college considered him the best pure pass rusher on their D-line.

[SkinsKY]

I agree that we'll have to draft one. Picking up a free agent may be nice, but if we want a franchise DE who will play that way for years, a top draft pick next year may be the best option.

We don't have a top draft pick next year.

[Biggie]

We don't have a top draft pick next year.

For a DE, a second-round pick is pretty good.

[CLTSkin]

He missed some playing time due to injury, then he switched back and forth from tackle to end, but Williams likes those kind of guys who played all across the line. he got 5 sacks in limited time, playing in a rotation, and one quote i read said his coaches and team mates in college considered him the best pure pass rusher on their D-line.

That is very accurate Redwolf... FSU plays many dl's on a rotation, and unfortunately for him he had some injuries early last year and ended up lower in the rotation that he should have been.... When he is on the corner he is a very effective pass rusher... Some people were thinking he wasnt a sure tackler, and that is definitely not the case, he was just one of those guys who things never worked out the way it should have...One poster said the others loss is our gain and I have to agree, great kid and good football player! And to the poster who was willing to bet he doesnt make it after training camp.... I will gladly take it!

[CNYSkinFan]

That is very accurate Redwolf... FSU plays many dl's on a rotation, and unfortunately for him he had some injuries early last year and ended up lower in the rotation that he should have been.... When he is on the corner he is a very effective pass rusher... Some people were thinking he wasnt a sure tackler, and that is definitely not the case, he was just one of those guys who things never worked out the way it should have...One poster said the others loss is our gain and I have to agree, great kid and good football player! And to the poster who was willing to bet he doesnt make it after training camp.... I will gladly take it!

Which is why Gibbs and Co. puts so much effort into the EFA category. Gibbs has been quoted as saying that UFA's are just as important as the draft day rankings as you can always find a few diamonds in the rough that will contridute.

Last year we had a few players make the roster and contribute or at least make the practice squad, Rufus Brown & Garnell Wilds were last year's. If we get one or two out of this year's crop it will be great. Howard has a chance, so does Aki Jones (hell he slept on the ground the day before OTA's started what a work ethic, deserves at least a PS spot), William Palmer (TE is thin right now and no clear backups behind Royal), & Bryson Spinner (could be the fourth QB on the PS and run scout team or at least provide insurance depth).

Only 1 or 2 of those guys are going to make it so it will depend on how depth lines up at the position.

[redwolf1218]

Which is why Gibbs and Co. puts so much effort into the EFA category. Gibbs has been quoted as saying that UFA's are just as important as the draft day rankings as you can always find a few diamonds in the rough that will contridute.

Last year we had a few players make the roster and contribute or at least make the practice squad, Rufus Brown & Garnell Wilds were last year's. If we get one or two out of this year's crop it will be great. Howard has a chance, so does Aki Jones (hell he slept on the ground the day before OTA's started what a work ethic, deserves at least a PS spot), William Palmer (TE is thin right now and no clear backups behind Royal), & Bryson Spinner (could be the fourth QB on the PS and run scout team or at least provide insurance depth).

Only 1 or 2 of those guys are going to make it so it will depend on how depth lines up at the position.
they also brought in those 3 giant offensive lineman after the draft and i'm anxious to hear if one of them could make it as a back-up. i've been wondering how they are doing, but i havent heard anything about them yet.

[CNYSkinFan]

they also brought in those 3 giant offensive lineman after the draft and i'm anxious to hear if one of them could make it as a back-up. i've been wondering how they are doing, but i havent heard anything about them yet.

You are right one of them can make it, espescially if Raymer and Friedman are cut tomorrow.

[smoak]

The kid sounds exciting, but I'm tired of the talk. What is it May, almost June? I can't believe I have to wait another 2 months before I can see Howard, Rogers, Campbell and the rest of our new players in a preseason game. If I were a bear I would hibernate until then.

If I didn't have %*&$-ing bills to pay, I would do my best impression of a hibernating bear!

[RedskinRyan]

in a time of no news, this is good news to hear. im not gonna fall all into it though, go out and buy a custom howard jersey just yet. let everything take place as it comes, he needs to make the roster first before we are concerned with how many sacks he can give us.

[redwolf1218]

You are right one of them can make it, espescially if Raymer and Friedman are cut tomorrow.
True, and it seems Ben Nowland's playing time has dropped off in Europe, for whatever reason.
Ben Nowland, OL, Frankfurt
Week 1: Start, 0 sacks allowed
Week 2: Start, 175 team rushing yards, 0 sacks allowed
Week 3: Start, 91 team rushing yards
Week 4: Start
Week 5: Start, 163 team rushing yards
Week 6: Played In a Reserve Role
Week 7: Did Not Play
Week 8: Did Not Play
Week 9: Did Not Play

[CNYSkinFan]

True, and it seems Ben Nowland's playing time has dropped off in Europe, for whatever reason.
Ben Nowland, OL, Frankfurt
Week 1: Start, 0 sacks allowed
Week 2: Start, 175 team rushing yards, 0 sacks allowed
Week 3: Start, 91 team rushing yards
Week 4: Start
Week 5: Start, 163 team rushing yards
Week 6: Played In a Reserve Role
Week 7: Did Not Play
Week 8: Did Not Play
Week 9: Did Not Play

Hmmm not good on Nowland's part, unless they have some kind of rotational system I do not know about, or orders from the Redskins not to hurtn him but that does not make sense.

Here is more on Howard from the fox sporting news report


Charles Howard showed well when he was brought in for a tryout during the rookie minicamp and earned a free-agent contract. He has continued to show well during the individual workouts in the organized team activity practices. Howard is exceptionally quick, has decent size, gets a good jump off the ball and plays with a high motor. He has a chance to develop into a pass rush specialist and could help the team this season. . . .



SOURCE (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team?categoryId=67062)

[redwolf1218]

CNY, i am always a big fan of the "high motor" reports. it's good to hear that about Howard. anytime there's a couple of guys out there jumping around giving it all they got, it pumps the whole team, the whole stadium, fans, sidelines and everyone.

[NCskinfan]

He jumped out at me on one of the redksins.com OTA clips. First off, he seemed to have a legitimate first step and showed a very high motor. What really got my attention is when they were running some d-line drills and he was lined up at LE beside Griffin, Salavea and Daniels. That's the starting group. I know it was just a clip (and was a non-contact DRILL), but a UDFA lined up with three starters this early is at least worthy of note.

You can pretty much guarantee he is athletic, having gone to FSU, b/c like Miami and U. of Florida, just to be recruited there means you have cream of the crop athletic ability. He played all four years (even as 211 pound true freshman), but missed the 2002 season with a knee injury. He showed a lot of versatility in college, playing OLB, DE and eventually logged most of his time at DT (pass rush specialist).

In summary, this guy may be a real find. The Florida schools are classic over-recruiters. There are guys buried on their depth charts that are blue chip prospects. I wouldn't go overboard about him when we haven't even practiced in pads yet, but he seems pretty promising.