Welcome to Washington
Su'a Cravens, USC's highest-drafted player in 2016, was quick to dive into the Redskins' fanbase when he put his new jersey number up to popular vote after the draft. Now a stranger in a foreign land, the DB/LB is again taking to Twitter for a personal Yelp guide to the city. Whether for food recommendations, local entertainment or even a personal decorator, Cravens is open to suggestions.
With time on his hands in between the draft and Washington's rookie mini camp, Cravens eagerly got out and about to check out his new home, touring the capitol, dominating in recreational bowling and learning the hard way about D.C. taxis.
But Cravens' real focus throughout the last three weeks has been on the football field, where he has already made a strong impression on the Redskins' staff. Four days on the practice field and several weeks in the playbook have some eyeing Cravens as a Top 25 rookie in the upcoming season.
Competition in Cleveland
Former USC captain and quarterback Cody Kessler heard his name called on Day Two of the NFL Draft, selected in the third round by the Browns, and in the weeks since coaches, teammates and analysts have been heaping praise on Clevelands' newest QB.
From former NFL No. 1 draft pick David Carr: "He can absolutely be the Browns' starting quarterback."
From head coach Hue Jackson: "I see, and saw, and will continue to see a guy who's going to ascend into the National Football League and play when the time's right."
Kessler, who battled for his starting spot at USC three years ago, is no stranger to competition or the challenge of leading a team amidst adversity. The newest member of the DawgPound isn't worried about what anyone thinks of him now, he's simply eager to get his shot.
"I'm excited," said Kessler during last week's mini camp. "I kind of love that pressure. I love the fact that they believe in me as well and I'm a guy that feels if he gets challenged, he's going to respond. I want to show that they can really trust me, that I'm a guy they can rely on."
Here's a look at his first day of mini camp...
Pretty good first day at the office for QB @CodyKessler6https://t.co/trkePOgxIu
-- Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 14, 2016
Love at First Sight
The furthest from home he's ever been, former USC CB and Bills sixth round draft pick Kevon Seymour is getting comfortable with Rex Ryan and the #BillsMafia after three weeks in Buffalo. And according to a recent story on BuffaloBills.com, Seymour's new team has reason to be excited about their late-round pick-up.
This offseason, Seymour had an eye-opening realization when the training staff he was working with for draft preparation had his vision tested. To his surprise, the NFL-hopeful discovered he had 20/60 vision with differing visual impairment in each eye that made depth perception extremely difficult. Frustrated by a lower ratio of interceptions to knocked down balls in college, the cornerback finally had an answer and an immediate solution in a new pair of contact lenses. The Bills realized the potential in Seymour, a speedy player with the physical qualities and skills necessary to excel in the NFL, and are eager to see how much better the cornerback is playing with clear vision for the first time.
"I'm definitely seeing clearer. My depth perception is much better. And I'm tracking the ball down much better," Seymour said on NFL Network this week. "The first day [of rookie mini camp] my head was spinning a lot. But the second day, third day I caught on to it and I was playing much faster and I was way more comfortable."
Quick Hits
Still recovering from offseason ACL surgery, former USC center Max Tuerk was limited to mental reps in San Diego Chargers mini camp last week.
Congratulations to newly-signed Tennessee Titan Antwaun Woods who welcomed his first child, Antwaun Woods Jr., into the world on May 12! The former USC defensive lineman will continue competing for a Titans' roster spot through OTAs and mini camp.
Former USC defensive end Greg Townsend Jr. is looking to continue the legacy his father started with the Oakland Raiders. Townsend Sr. is the team's all-time sack leader and contributed to the team's Super Bowl XVIII-winning squad.
The recent tradition of USC-Hawks, Trojans making their NFL home with the Seattle Seahawks in the Pacific Northwest, continues this offseason as former USC RB Tre Madden joined the team, and former teammate George Farmer, as an undrafted free agent. D.J. Morgan worked out with the pair at the Seahawks' mini camp on a tryout basis.
