More Training Camp

Following up on some earlier thoughts...

I was wondering where Josh Wilson was...

Williams: Cornerback Kevin Hobbs continues to play well, and at 6-0, 200 pounds is a big corner who can match up with bigger receivers. However, Josh Wilson seems to have responded to the competition and has made some nice plays during 7-on-7 and team drills.

More Williams: Josh Wilson continues to impress, making a couple nice plays and deflecting balls in pass coverage.

And how 'bout a Logan Payne update?

Williams: Payne has caught everything, runs good routes and also would be a solid addition to the receiving core. It will be interesting to see who makes plays during team drills this morning.

Big dose of Farnsworth: In the race between "the young guys" for those fourth, fifth and sixth roster spots, the show of hands by the second-year wide receiver is starting to tilt things toward his favor.
Payne, just as he did as a rookie last summer, is catching just about everything thrown in his direction. In the full-team drill that concluded practice, he made impressive catches on passes thrown by each of the top three QBs.
Cornerback Kevin Hobbs stripped a ball thrown by Seneca Wallace from Payne's grasp, but he double-caught the ball as he was falling to the turf. Then, he got open coming across the middle to take a pass from Hasselbeck. On the third, Payne went down to get a low throw that Charlie Frye put where only Payne could get it.

I love what I'm hearing.

Lastly, John Morgan of Fieldgulls.com made a great observation about Mike Solari's impact on the offensive line's health:

Solari was the Kansas City Chief's line coach from 1997-2005. His offensive lines enjoyed absolutely remarkable health. In 1997, KC's starting offensive line started 79 of 80 contests. The one missed start was not because injury, but a last shot of redemption in week one for first round bust Trazelle Jenkins. In 2002, 2003, Solari's linemen didn't miss a single start. That near-invincible standard existed throughout Solari's time as offensive line coach in Kansas City.

I'm not sure how much preventative measures can be taken for Spencer's shoulders (since he's already on shaky ground), but keeping the rest of the line healthy, especially Walter Jones, will be huge.

I'll be back later with thoughts on the Vikings and Panthers.