Reps for rookie quarterbacks
Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders stole the show on the first day of minicamp during a modified 7-on-7 period, as he threw deep pass downfield to WR Gage Larvadain, who ran into the end zone for a touchdown. He also connected on another pass to WR Diontae Johnson in the same period.
In those modified 7-on-7 drills, Stefanski said they use that method to simulate a team drill without making the drill an 11-on-11. In this modified approach, they use offensive linemen lined up as defensive linemen. Stefanski explained it helps the quarterbacks practice playing on time, spatial awareness, feeling where the guards and tackles will be on the offensive line and finding the throwing lanes. It allows the quarterback to get a feel for the pocket and still give the offensive linemen a chance to work on the blitz pickup.
"Just trying to give them a little bit more of a visual," Stefanski said. "This is just one way that we feel like is valuable, and it's also valuable for our offensive line because they can work their stunts and (run) games during that time."
In a set of 11-on-11 drills, Dillon Gabriel took the first reps in the drill. Then, Sanders took reps in 11-on-11, who handed the ball off to RB Dylan Sampson who took off downfield for s solid gain. He had another rep in which he would have been sacked but found a short pass in the middle of the field. He finished the period with a pass down the sideline to WR Luke Floriea.
"I'm pleased with all the young guys and their development. There's a lot that goes into this and these guys work extremely hard," Stefanski said. "At the quarterback position, there's a lot that goes into it. These guys are all well coached when we get them, but there's things in the NFL game, just the rules are different in some areas. So, I think all these guys are making really good progress."