Schedule Tweak
Taylor is looking at every way possible to get off to a fast start and mix things up. He's tweaked his routine this spring and meets with the team every day of voluntaries.
"We haven't done that in the past, and that's for a chance for me to get up and kind of get the message of what we're trying to focus on for now," Taylor said. "At the same time, get to know your teammates. We're asking more of our players to get out there and present those things, to show their teammates what they're capable of and just get to know those guys a little bit better."
Golden Days
From what Tayor can see in these very early stages, re-hiring former linebackers Al Golden as his defensive coordinator has been a coup. He can feel the energy.
"Hunger and urgency would be two words that I see from that group," Taylor said. "They're really eating up what those coaches are giving them. When you sit in on those unit meetings and you look at the pre-practice work and all the stuff that they're getting as a unit going through practice, it's a very hungry group and I can tell that they're buying in to everything that Al and those position coaches are giving to them.
"They're eating it up. They're prepared every single day. It's really extraordinary to watch how much those guys have really looked at their iPads."
Slants and Screens
Veteran defensive tackle B.J. Hill, who has been seen in a boot this spring, is taking it easy. But Taylor is optimistic about him being ready for training camp: "I think it is more short term than long term." …
Burrow is bullish on wide receiver Jermaine Burton after a tough rookie year Burton was benched twice.
"I think he's stepped up this year so far. Has taken it very seriously. Has matured, it seems like," Burrow said. "Based on the conversations that we have had, he's in a good spot mentally and physically. And he's been working hard, which is exciting to see." …
No. 1 pick Shemar Stewart isn't practicing as he waits to get his contract hammered out, but he's doing everything he can. Even being available to defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery if he needs a body to take up space in a drill.
"He's in meetings, he's studying, he's been great about all that,' Taylor said …
Taylor says he's talked to Trey Hendrickson, the NFL sack champion who hasn't been here because of a contract impasse. Hendrickson was here last week to meet the press.
"It was good to see him, good having him," said Taylor, who had no update on his status …