ALAMEDA - Earlier today Lane Kiffin commented on how tough it is to evaluate linemen during minicamps where contact is supposed to be at a minimum.
I was able to watch a good portion of one-on-one pass rush drills during today's afternoon (or is evening since it ended at 6 p.m.?) practice.
And since there wasn't anything else to do, I took a stab at judging who was winning these battles.
Just as a disclaimer, I'm not claiming coaches would agree. I just thought it would be worth looking at. I think the offensive line is at a disadvantage because in a game, there would help from another lineman or tight end. Also, unless it's late or third and long, defensive linemen can't always be certain a play will be a pass.
Nevertheless, enjoy.
RT Cornell Green vs. DE Derrick Burgess
Winner: Burgess.
RG Cooper Cooper Carlisle vs. DT Josh Shaw
Winner: Even
C Chris Morris vs. DT Gerard Warren
Winner: Warren. These drills are tough on centers.
LT Kwame Harris vs. DE Jay Richardson
Winner: Even. Richardson won the first time around, but Harris seemed to hold his own in Round 2.
LG Robert Gallery vs. Shaw
Winner: I gave the edge to Shaw.
C John Wade vs. DT Terdell Sands
Winner: Sands. Again, this drill doesn't give center help he'd have in a game. Also, Sands is really, really, really big.
RT Mario Henderson vs. DE Greg Spires
Winner: Spires. Not even close. He blew through Henderson, knocking him backward on the first snap.
RG Mark Wilson vs. DT William Joseph
Winner: Wilson
LT Seth Wand vs. DE Kalima Edwards
Winner: I gave this one to Wand.
And I'm sure the coaching staff would find plenty of reasons to disagree with me.
*Sebastian Janikowski missed a 46-yard field goal wide left at the end of the and defenders raised their hands victoriously.
But that wouldn't be the last play of practice. Janikowski booted the second kick through the goal posts and that ended practice.
The field goal try came at the end of a two-minute drill.
*Todd Watkins continues to catch nearly every pass that comes his way.
The Raiders from Atlanta claimed him off waivers back in February.
Thus far, no JaMarcus Russell pass is too hard or too high for him to snag. He could make noise in training camp and press for a roster spot if he keeps this up.
*Johnnie Lee Higgins bounced back from a rough start catching the ball to make some catches late in the second practice.
*DeAngelo Hall and Thomas Howard each had an interception during the team's seven-on-seven session.
*The music was blasting during stretching. There was some rock (Warrant and Def Leppard I'm told) followed by Ludacris (Get Back) and T.I. (What You Know About That).
Music was a staple at practice that was missing during the minicamp.
*"Two in the mornin' got the Fatburger"
That Ice Cube lyrical reference was brought to you by Chester McGlockton's appearance at Wednesday afternoon's practice.
He's co-owner of a Fatburger in Pleasant Hill and was wearing a polo shirt with the franchise logo. Not to mention, have you had a Fatburger at 2 a.m.? I did a couple of weeks ago in L.A. (with chili and egg). It's definitely not healthy, but definitely good.
Back to McGlockton. He's an assistant coach at Chabot College and was checking out practice and saying hello to old friends. He also visited training camp last year.
*FB Oren O'Neal said he hurt his right knee this morning and would be seeing a doctor. He said the team didn't think the injury was serious.
*TE/DE Fred Wakefield was wearing a white practice jersey even though he sat out the session. He wears a black jersey when playing defense. He said he'll be playing offense for tomorrow's practice.
And I leave you with more about the Fatburger and Ice Cube. I'll be back tomorrow for the final practice of minicamp.
--Jason Jones
@Nyx.CommentBody@