The reason teams liked him are obvious. Just look at the man: 6-foot-6, 334 pounds, long arms, large frame. He’s a house in football pads; a three-story one at that.
The reason they didn’t draft him is less obvious, though equally big. It’s his knee, the one that was surgically repaired in 2005 causing him to miss the entire season. And the one that didn’t start to feel completely normal until late this past season.
That’s why offensive tackle Stephon Heyer is an intriguing possibility with the Redskins, with whom he signed as an undrafted free agent last week, with fellow Maryland Terp, quarterback Sam Hollenbach.
“The No. 1 thing you love is the size,” Redskins vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato said, “and the arm length. For a tackle, that really helps.”
So, too, did a strong game against Clemson end Gaines Adams, which the Redskins watched on film.
“He can slide his feet in pass protection,” Cerrato said. “That’s what stood out about that game … plus he’s smart.”
Other scouts pointed to his game against Dallas’ No. 1 draft choice, end Anthony Spencer, as more proof of what he could do.
It’s why Heyer was told at one point that he could go anywhere from the fifth round on. That he signed as a free agent isn’t surprising. Shortly before the draft, though, he anticipated not being drafted.
“I saw my chances didn’t look good,” he said. “I’m a grown man; I’ve done heartaches. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I’ve got a chip on my shoulder and I want to show them what I can do.
“I can’t dwell on it. It wasn’t like I should have gone in the fifth round and I’m mad. You can’t control what others think of you. All I can do is, when I’m given the shot, show them what you were supposed to be.”
Hollenbach knew he wouldn’t be drafted. But healso knew he was prepared, having played in Ralph Friedgen’s offense — which shares similarities with Al Saunders’. The two coached together in San Diego.
Cerrato said they like Hollenbach’s size (6-foot-5, 215 pounds).
It’ll be difficult for both players to make the roster. But they’re dreaming.
“I believe I can play quarterback in Washington,” Hollenbach said. “I believe I can be the starting quarterback. If you’re trying out for this position, you have to have that mindset.”
Skins notes
» The Redskins signed veteran running back Derrick Blaylock to a contract Monday, along with tight end Zach Hilton, a Silver Spring native, and receiver Adrian Madise. Blaylock spent four seasons in Kansas City — with Redskins associate head coach/offense Al Saunders — and two with the New York Jets. Hilton caught 35 passes for New Orleans in 2005, but did not play last season having been cut by both the Saints and the Jets. Madise played in 11 games with Denver in 2003. He also has been cut by Tampa Bay and Tennessee. The Redskins also cut running back Kerry Carter and receiver Taylor Sele.
