May 6-- Rookie Mini-Camp recap

Maryland quarterback Sam Hollenbach was impressive enough in the 3 day rookie mini camp that he was invited back for OTA’s which start next week.. Hollenbach remains a long shot to make the roster, but if he does enough, could at least be brought into training camp.. The likelihood of him beating out Jordan Palmer and Casey Bramlett remains low, but he’s getting a look..



Typically, some of the players brought to rookie camp like this are sent home after one day because the coaches get concerned about a person who won’t make it getting hurt.. Both Joe Gibbs and Al Saunders emphasized this being the best group they’ve had because no one was out of their league.. The team likely will only keep some 10-15 players from this camp to compete in training camp.. But in general, the coaching staff seems very pleased with the young crop they got a look at..



The team is working on a deal with former Chiefs/Jets RB Derrick Blaylock who was the most notable NFL veteran taking part in the camp.. Blaylock told me, “I don’t fee; like this camp is above me,” despite being a 1000 yard rusher during one of the season’s Priest Holmes got hurt in KC.. Blaylock was lauded by Saunders as a great pass blocker and a consummate pro.. And the team is hoping to get a deal done with him to bring him into camp.. Blaylcok said he hasn’t spoken with his agent about other possible teams interested..



Jordan Palmer says he is “coachable,” and contends he will do whatever the Redskins feel are in his best interest even if that means going to NFL Europe.. Palmer will compete with Todd Collins, Casey Bramlett and possibly Hollenbach for the 3rd QB spot..



QB Mark Brunell is throwing some lob passes, but will not take part in OTA’s and will not throw another major pass until training camp.. Brunell is recovering from labrum surgery..

RB Clinton Portis is expected to return to the Park this week, but he will likely not take part in OTA’s dealing with the recovery from his shoulder surgery.. Saunders was unclear when Portis would be healthy enough to practice..

QB Jason Campbell has been spending most of his weeks this off-season working at Redskins Park, he gets an hour a day on the field with the coaches and 3 hours a day in the film room with Saunders and QB coach Bill Lazor.. Saunders said having all the reps as the starter this spring into summer will make a major difference for Campbell heading into this season..

When pressed about not having most of the other vets around this off-season due to an organizational change in policy for the players who adamantly suggested they needed more rest during the off-season, Saunders said it is conjecture whether this will be helpful for the team.. he didn’t say whether he’d want to have had more opportunity to work with the players but did emphasize the passing game’s choreography can’t be taught in the classroom..



WR Steven Harris, who was on the Redskins practice squad last year tore the ACL in his knee on the first day of mini-camp.. He won’t be able to compete in this summer’s training camp..