Three takeaways from Redskins 2019 rookie minicamp
By Ian Cummings
No. 1 – Dwayne Haskins’ path to the starting job is growing more clear
Many have speculated whether or not Dwayne Haskins will start right away at quarterback for the Washington Redskins. There are legitimate arguments for both sides, but the conflict is nullified if Haskins learns quickly enough. Judging from Jay Gruden’s enthusiasm for Haskins early on, the former Buckeye appears to be well on his way.
Gruden referred to Haskins as a “bright guy” in his press conference, and conceded that he was very impressed with the progress Haskins has made in the early goings of his first NFL offseason. When asked about the chances of Haskins starting in Week 1, as opposed to Case Keenum or Colt McCoy, Gruden had this to say.
"We’re gonna go at it, throw the ball out there, and let these guys compete. [Haskins] obviously displayed enough of a skill set to warrant the 15th pick in the draft, and to give him an opportunity to see how far he can take this thing. Been impressed with the other quarterbacks we have here. Case [Keenum] has done an excellent job, in the little bit we’ve seen of him, and Colt [McCoy]’s obviously rehabbing. Josh [Woodrum] has done a good job as well. So, it’s a good group, and competition will be there."
Gruden spoke in more detail later on about the specific strides Haskins has made, saying that Haskins, in a short amount of time, showed the ability to make all the throws, and presented himself as a “big, fundamentally sound quarterback”. It’s early, but if Haskins keeps progressing at the pace he’s set early on, he has more natural ability than both Keenum and McCoy, and as long as he’s ready, giving him starting reps early is the best way to catalyze further development. There will be inconsistency. There will be rough moments. But as long as Haskins is far enough along mentally, those rough moments contribute to the learning process better than a bench.
Next. What is Washington's realistic range in 2019?. dark
Shortly after he was selected, there was speculation over whether or not Haskins was ready to start right away. Some, including yours truly, pegged him as the most pro-ready quarterback in the NFL Draft, despite his young age, and in the first glance received at rookie minicamp, he lived up to that reputation. Time will tell if he can fulfill it, in its entirety.