On 2005 roster at present (Bold indicates projected starter)

09: Johnathanio Conley: DT; R
51: Lance Johnston; DE; 10th season
64: Eric Coleman; DT; R
69: David Harley; DT; R
90: Steve Martin; DT; 10th season
93: Kevin Williams; DT; 3rd season
94: Pat Williams; DT; 9th season
95: Kenechi Udeze; DE; 2nd season
96: C.J. Mosley; DT; R
97: Spencer Johnson; DT; 2nd season
98: Darrion Scott; DE; 2nd season
99: Erasmus James; DE; R

Now, I could have lead off the first mini-camp position report with quarterback to let you know how Daunte Culpepper faired without Randy Moss. Did he take over as leader or flounder under the weight of it?

Or I could have gone with wide receiver so you could get a look at #1 draft selection Troy Williamson. Was he speedy or just plain over-rated?

I could have gone with the defensive backfield to give you my first impressions of Antoine Winfield, Fred Smoot, and Darren Sharper. In fact, that's were I first headed when practice started. Over to where the DB's were set up and going through drills. But as I was standing there with my trusty camera, something moved in front of the sun making a cold day even colder.

I turned to see what planet had left its orbit to block out our wonderful Sol. I then just stood there, mouth agape, when I spied the source for the sudden darkening of the sky.

And I was left wondering, "Who in the name of Jerry Ball is this?"

His jersey number was 94 and I did not need a look at the roster listing to know that this was newly aquired Pat Williams. Our new nose planet, er, I mean tackle.

So, I beg of you this question: Would you rather have Chrissy Hovan or THIS!?!?

Hovan or THIS!?!?

Again, ol' Sulking-Hooded-Sweatshirt-Cry-Baby or Pat "The Planet" Williams?

At one point, I saw Williams take on three offensive linemen. I know, I know, you're saying, but COD, that's just not possible. Again, look at the girth of Pat Williams. Yes, three offensive linemen. Which, by the way, freed up Napoleon Harris to rush in untouched and wrap his arms around Daunte Culpepper.

This resulted in Fred Smoot taunting Culpepper from the sideline. "I bet y'all haven't seen a real defense here before, eh Pep!?!" It was a beautiful thing.

The study of the defensive line also allowed me to view the other first round selection, Erasmus James.

James reminds me of Lance Johnstone. (By the way, on that last image notice the man wearing a brown coat and white hat? Ol' Bob Benchwarmer Lurstema!). James is best described as cat-quick. He's a light 266 lbs (Johnstone is 250 lbs) but he seemed to always be in someone's face.

James ran the drills very well and often had his teammates stopping to just watch.

Kevin Williams was in attendance but not participating in practice. Kevin spent a lot of time in conversation with Pat Williams in between drills. The two Williams' seemed to be very much at ease with each other. I expect big, big, things from that duo this coming season.

Another defensive lineman that seems very much in the defensive plan for the coming season is Darrion Scott. At least, his number seemed to be called quite a bit to participate in drills. That could mean that he is already in the dog house or Mike Tice has bigger plans for him.

In all, I was really please with the look of this years front four. It won't evoke memories of the Purple People Eaters just yet, but by the time the Tampa game rolls around in September people will certainly notice a huge, and I do mean huge, improvement over last season.

Other Photos

Steve Martin lines up for a drill.

Steve Martin finishes the drill.

Kenechi Udeze runs a drill.

Spencer Johnson

C. J. Mosley from this year's draft.

Darrion Scott

More Darrion Scott

Working the blocking sled.

Even P.W. needs a breather.

P.W. and Steve Martin

Erasmus James shows some speed.

Erasmus James takes a breather.

Erasmus James and others.

Kenechi Udeze and others.

Erasmus James answers media questions after practice.

Up next: Quarterback!
Previous: Initial Report (just scroll down)

Posted by maasx003 at April 29, 2005 05:04 PM | TrackBack