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Redskins rookies learning “fast” about the NFL intensity

Posted at 11:03 PM, May 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-13 23:03:10-04

ASHBURN, Va. - Ask any rookie after the second day of Redskins rookie minicamp what they thought of it, and the answer was uniform: "fast". No matter how good you were in the college ranks, with more plays and a faster pace, adjusting to the NFL way of things can be a grind.

Ryan Anderson working on pass rushing drills during minicamp.

"It's a lot of stuff expected from you," said second round draft pick Ryan Anderson. "They're not going to tell you to do a lot of things over and over again, you've got to know it, got to hit the ground running."

It all feels real for Anderson's pass-rusher in crime Jonathan Allen. After being drafted 17th overall in this year's draft, Allen has had to work back into football shape. "Learning the playbook, learning the schemes, meeting some of the players, being out here practicing, it all feels real to me."

The 'Skins coaching brass would have been proud to hear all the players during media availability talk about studying the playbooks night in and night out, which gives you a glimpse of just how complex things are in this league.

Samaje Perine does running back drills during minicamp.

"Much more plays, I've got to sit down and study them," said fourth round draft pick Samaje Perine. A prolific running back at Oklahoma, Perine has coaches excited about his potential. "It's fun, intense, but very fun."

Former Old Dominion receiver Zach Pascal said practice is becoming more "fluid" for him after some time in the playbook.