Q: What is actually happening during Phase 2 right now?- Jennifer Carver
A: Got a few questions about what the Bolts are up to on the field. Phase II marks the first chance for coaches to interact with the players on the field. Practice may be conducted on a "separates" basis, but no live contact or team offense vs. team defense drills are permitted. We are currently midway through the three week portion, with Phase III (OTA's) beginning on May 23.
Q: So much is being said about the usual guys like Philip, Gordon, Keenan, Perryman, Verrett, etc and the draft picks. Any guys you think are flying under the radar that aren't talked about but you personally are looking forward to watching? – Roman Phinney
A: There are a number of guys I am excited to watch this year that won't get the pub they deserve, but that is the nature of the business. I wrote about one of them yesterday in Darius Philon. He flashed when he was on the field last year, but a hip injury cost him most of the season. He is only 22 so I want to see how much of a step forward he takes in year two. I am also eager to watch Tenny Palepoi. He had an impressive rookie year in 2014 before a training camp injury cost him all of last season. Another young player is Tyrell Williams, who I profiled last week. He ended 2015 with a bang catching an 80-yard TD pass, so I want to see if he takes another leap forward as well. There are too many to name, and I could go on and on, but I think the trend here is I am keeping my eye on a number of second and third year players to chart their development.
Q: How is Joey Bosa looking so far in practice? – Jimmy Sheridan
A: While the rookies arrived on Monday, they do not hit the field until Rookie Mini Camp beginning Friday. They are meeting with coaches, learning the playbook and watching practice. We won't get our first glimpse of Bosa in his number 99 jersey until this weekend. If you want to see how he looks, for the first time ever, the team is opening Rookie Mini Camp to the public. Join us Saturday morning to see Bosa and the rest of the rookies in action.
