I am keeping my fingers crossed on big Oak. We really need that big run stuffer in the middle this year, and hopefully he can be the one to do it.

(on if next week’s mini-camp will be different from OTAs) “I made a decision in the last couple of days. There are about 30 veteran players that are going to be here working out with (head strength and conditioning coach) Ray (Wright) and not practice. I’m going to practice all the young players. We are going to go back and start over from Day 1 when we came out here and really catch these young men up – catch (Connor) Barwin up; catch (Jeremiah) Johnson up. All the players will be here, but only certain guys will be on the field.”
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/St...?story_id=5333
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I think they should rename the upcoming weeks practice the "Connar Barwin mini-camp". Kubiak mentioned wanting to get Jeremiah Johnson (who like Barwin couldn't report before next week either) indoctrinated to, but Barwin is the key guy who they are really looking to get up to speed. There's gonna be a lot of pressure on our 2nd round pick (and the coachs), to be a productive player as early as this fall. They desparately want to get some help for Mario on pressuring the QB.

I doubt Barwin is the whole reason for doing it this way. It actually makes sense to me. The veterans don't need this as much as the young guys...and your going to lose their attention if your installing things in baby steps for the young guys. It makes a lot more sense to spend extra time with the rookies now so that they can be more prepared for the real training camp. The vets will probably benefit from the extra time with in the wieight room more

Plus during the Kubiak era, our guys have started the season with heavy legs. This year the core of the team has playbook down, so why wear them out before the season starts.

This is Kubiak learning from his mistakes, and he is looking for a fast start, IMO.

Mini-Camp begins
 

These are meant to be mandatory. And the first that was seen of Conner Barwin, JJ the RB, and Rex Grossman. Apparently Conner and JJ were both the quickest on their side of the ball today and Conner showed stronger in drills than most, so a good start. Rex improved as practicer went on, so far, so good.

But put an asterick next that. The core of the team, the starters plus some other vets (30 in all) weren't even on the field and Barwin and JJ had fresh legs since it was their first day and most of the others on the field had been here thruout the OTAs.
Barwin said his first day went well and he said he proved he deserved to be on the field in the NFL, but I dunno maybe he didn't know the only other players out there were other rooks like him and scrubs. I mean I'm glad he's finally here, but contrary to what he might think he proved nothing yesterday.