Washington Redskins head coach Ron Rivera sat down on a video conference call with media members in Washington, discussing his time so far this offseason after joining the Redskins. During the call, Rivera discussed the challenges he’s faced so far due to the coronavirus pandemic, and how the team will best navigate the road ahead as they get ready for an unprecedented virtual NFL Draft.
Rivera also discussed the several free-agent signings that the Redskins made, including one they didn’t make, in Amari Cooper. For all of the best sound bites and quotes from Rivera’s press conference, follow along below.
Rivera says no update on Trent Williams situation. On Quinton Dunbar, Rivera says "he was looking for something we werent going to give him."
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 7, 2020
Ron Rivera says that he and the team have talked to Trent Williams and his agent, and out of respect wouldn't go into detail. Said they're still working on a possible trade. But right now he's under contract a member of the team #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 7, 2020
Rivera said releasing Montae Nicholson was a "fresh start" after the situations over the last few years.
(Narrartor: He's correct)
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 7, 2020
Rivera says Kendall Fuller has "very good value" and that Sean Davis will come in and play free safety right away.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 7, 2020
Rivera said they believe Jon Bostic has the tools to lead the defense. Also talked about Kendall Fuller’s versatility and Sean Davis’ ability to play free safety.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) April 7, 2020
On his level of concern about not being able to workout his players this week and the draft going virtual, says he's drawing from his experience nine years ago. He's not too concerned because he went through this — first season as a head coach there was the lockout #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 7, 2020
"Amari is someone we chased very hard up until the end." Ron Rivera on the interest the team had #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 7, 2020
Ron Rivera says on Zoom conference call that they were in on Amari Cooper to the end. Says were not really in on Austin Hooper (had always been told interest but… $$ too much).
— John Keim (@john_keim) April 7, 2020
Says without meetings and Pro Days, this is when coaches now have to rely on their scouts and the work they do. Getting started tomorrow on positional coaches' readings on skillset, how players fit into the system #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 7, 2020
Rivera offering a little insight in how the #Redskins are preparing for the draft with no Pro Days. They’re going to rely on their scouts heavily for evaluation. “We’re going to find out how good we are” when it comes to scouting.
— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) April 7, 2020
Ron Rivera believes that the competition between Kyle Allen and Dwayne Haskins will be a really good one, because he's seen how he studies and prepares, he's been in the QB room with a strong personality in Cam Newton and he'll be happy whether he wins the job or is backup #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 7, 2020
Logan Thomas, Ron Rivera says, shows flashes of being able to find the crease to a lesser degree than Greg Olsen. Rivera says that Aaron Rodgers described Richard Rodgers as a "safety valve." #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 7, 2020
Rivera said that TE coach Pete Hoener was really excited about @LoganThomasSr_6 because of his smarts, savvy and athletic ability. Plus he’s still continuing to learn the position after switching from QB.
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) April 7, 2020
"I love that guys are proving that they belong and deserving of a longer contract." Ron Rivera on all of the one-year and two-year deals their free agents signed this cycle #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 7, 2020
Ron Rivera says he talks to owner Dan Snyder daily to every other day. Says Snyder just wants to be informed. Says he's done the lassiez-faire thing being hands off, but now, he's just making sure Rivera and Kyle Smith have the tools they need. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 7, 2020
Says the timeline for the turnaround for the team won't be overnight, however, it does need to be soon. He says by the third season in Carolina they were on the up and up. Really wants to earn the fans trust back and have them back in the stands. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 7, 2020
Ron Rivera says its extremely important that whoever they pick in the first round needs to be someone who can come in and play. Same thing with a trade back situation, if they do that, the next guy they take has to be a high-impact guy #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 7, 2020
"I like to believe in the back of my mind, we know what we're going to do," Ron Rivera says on if he knows what they'll do at No. 2, but it is a fluid situation. Never know what could happen. #HTTR
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) April 7, 2020
Ron Rivera didnt even say Chase Young's name but he sure made it seem like that is who the Redskins are drafting when he talked about the value of draft picks.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) April 7, 2020
Rivera on Reuben Foster and Alex Smith working back from injuries. Noted both worked hard when he last saw them, but hard to gauge under these circumstances. Doesn't sound like Rivera is assuming either will be available when practices begin just cause, but remains hopeful.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) April 7, 2020
