As the XFL’s inaugural mini-camps come to a close, rosters are starting to take form, and we’ve got a first look at how the Dragons will shape up come February. They’re getting down to business, and the guys are really starting to bond. Looks like they’re having a good time out there.
Minicamp mood. #BreathingFire ?? pic.twitter.com/WZgfHd7n1D
— Seattle Dragons (@XFLDragons) December 7, 2019
Offense
Dragons Coach and former Seahawks QB Jim Zorn is making an impression on the team’s QBs already. They have a good room with AAF standout Brandon Silvers, and NFL Vets BJ Daniels and Chase Litton.
According to each of them, they’re all meshing well and helping each other grow. Silvers looks comfortable in the pocket and is accustomed to the quick passing game associated with Zorn’s West Coast scheme. Daniels, 30 still has moves and scored on the ground. He’s a legit dual threat.
WR coach Larry Kirksey has a legendary resume. In his 17 years as an NFL coach, he’s worked with Elite talent like Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, Andre Johnson, and DeAndre Hopkins. He knows how to help receivers maximize their potential, and that ability is already making an impact.
The Dragons WR corps features guys like Keenan Reynolds, Jalen Rowell, and Austin Proehl, but Reuben Mwehla has been making a name for himself already in camp. The speedy receiver made plays all over the field and could be a great option to stretch defenses deep.
The RB, TE and OL groups are forming up too, but we’ll need to see full contact practice with pads before we can really tell how they’ll play. In 11 on 11s in shorts, Trey Williams broke out some chunk plays on the ground, and the former Texas A&M RB is penciled in as the starter.
Defense
Stansley Maponga is gearing up to be a pass-rushing phenom, and the TCU product has all the tools. After a few years in the NFL, seeing limited playing time and learning from Von Miller in Denver the past couple seasons, he’s ready to flash those pass rush moves. Even though minicamp just saw light contact scrimmages, he burst through the line a few times and got to the quarterback.
The secondary stood out as well, and they’ve been locking down their end, giving pass rushers time to do their job. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Steve Williams and Sterling Moore are the best pair of cornerbacks in the league, and they’re proving me right. Veteran Safety Kentrell Brice is looking good too, and one of the other young guys like Santos Ramirez, Jordan Martin or Godwin Igwebuike will step up next to him.
Special Teams
The ST unit is adapting to the XFL way. Per the new return rules, kickoff coverage and return teams can’t move until the returner catches the ball. This means these units have to completely relearn how they approach their assignments, and returners have more opportunities to set up lanes and angles.
So far, it’s looking like Kasen Williams will get looks as the returner, and he’s taken to the new rules well.
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