Richard Crawford learning from one of NFL's all-time greats

[PonyPride]

From the Washington Examiner's John Keim:

Five Thoughts: Richard Crawford on Darrell Green; his improvement in the slot

1. He’s the latest Redskins corner to receive tutoring from Hall of Famer Darrell Green. They attend the same church and often talk afterward for 10 or 15 minutes about various aspects of football, focusing often on technique. They’ll talk other times as well. Over the course of a month, Crawford said, they chat up to 45 minutes. "Talking technique and what he used to do; it’s really helping me," Crawford said. They will work together after the organized team activity sessions and mini-camp is done.

2. They met before the Redskins drafted Crawford. The second-year corner played in the same All-Star game that Green’s son, Jared, played in after the 2011 season. Crawford had a strong game and afterward heard someone calling his name. "I looked back and said, ‘How do you know my name?’ We started talking for 45 minutes," Crawford said. "It was a good talk. Ever since then, I’ve had his number."

3. Green has focused on making sure he’s not a one-dimensional corner. When Green played, he hated to be considered just a corner who relied on speed. Yes, other coaches wanted him to improve his technique, but Green studied the game and did not rely just on his God-given gift. "He said, don’t be a one-sided dude," Crawford said. "Be able to work back and put your hands on [the receiver] and do quick jams."

4. And that is in line with what the Redskins want from Crawford as well. I wrote this in my Notes and Observations report from the Thursday organized team activity session, but Crawford is working more on his jams this spring. Last year, he mirrored receivers off the line, something he does well. But secondary coach Raheem Morris wanted Crawford to expand his game. "He said you’re really quick and you could mirror anybody, but I want you to start using your strength," Crawford said. "I’m pretty strong, too. He said to start putting your hands on people and that’s what I’m doing a better job of doing."

5. Crawford’s ability to return punts will help him in his quest to earn a roster spot. Considering the Redskins signed free agent E.J. Biggers and drafted David Amerson, there’s more depth at corner - and fewer open spots. If Chase Minnifield is able to stay healthy, he’s a major threat for the No. 5 spot. But Minnifield remains sidelined and thus remains a big unknown. Meanwhile, Crawford would improve his standing if he excels in the slot. Thus far, he said he’s much more comfortable in that area compared to last year, after playing strictly outside at SMU. "Last year was my first year and I was thrown into the fire," he said. "Got beat for a touchdown. It happens. Learned from it and got better." The key, he said, is that he now knows where his help is in a given package. That was not the case last year. So when he tried to jump an outside route with no inside help vs. Cincinnati, receiver Andrew Hawkins turned his gaffe into a 59-yard touchdown catch. "I was trying to make every play like I was playing outside and that’s not what you do with nickel," Crawford said.

[giacfsp]

Crawford's a little bigger than Green, but not as fast. He should learn a lot, though, since he's working with a guy who was "too small" and still ended up in the Hall of Fame. Crawford is smart to soak up everything Green shares.