“He’s further along than I thought he would be,” Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache said. “Some of the things he can do athletically helps bring him up so when his mind catches up with his athletic skills, he’ll be on the field sooner than we thought.”

Jarmon still has a ways to go before he’s ready to contribute. For starters, he’s playing behind a deep group, especially with the versatility offered by tackle Albert Haynesworth — who can move to end on occasion — and rookie Brian Orakpo, who will line up at right end in passing situations.

“He has time to learn and adjust,” Blache said of Jarmon.

The 6-foot-3, 277-pound Jarmon still needs to get stronger, an offseason project. But his athleticism could provide an immediate contribution on special teams. And his learning will continue at end. Because the Redskins did not select him until the third round of the July supplemental draft, Jarmon missed the minicamp and organized team activities in the spring.

“I’ve done a good job as far as understanding what we’re trying to do on defense and playing fast,” he said. “I’m a quick learner. That’s something I told the coaches when they got me — that the playbook would not be a problem.

“I’ve been able to show I’m a consistent pass rusher. Even on stunts I’ve shown I have enough strength where I can lock onto a guy and drop him into the backfield.”

His position coach has noticed.

“He’s physical,” said defensive line coach John Palermo. “He has a good natural body lean. And he’s very coachable. Those are the things that really got me excited.”

Jarmon was suspended for taking a banned substance — he said it was an over-the-counter supplement. It forced him to put his other plans on hold. Jarmon already graduated with a degree in political science and had wanted to study abroad this summer for his degree in theater (he once played Col. Nathan Jessup in a high school production of a Few Good Men), though his eventual goal was to work for the FBI or CIA.

“I definitely wasn’t expecting to be here,” Jarmon said, “but I’ve adapted well.”

Skins Notes

» There is “no chance” quarterback Michael Vick will sign with the Redskins, his agent Joel Segal said Tuesday.

However, Segal said, “We’ve talked to a host of teams and Mike is excited.”

Segal said he “sure hopes” Vick is on a roster when the season opens. Vick was reinstated to the NFL last month after serving a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring.

“Mike was a special player and we believe he will be a special player,” Segal said. “He understands the mistakes he made and he is ready to do the right thing.”

Segal was at Redskins Park Tuesday, visiting clients Jason Campbell, DeAngelo Hall, LaRon Landry and Robert Thomas. His comments followed what has been written for two months. In June, multiple league sources said the Redskins had discussed Vick, but came to a unanimous conclusion not to sign him.

The sources, who were familiar with the team’s thinking, said they felt because of where the Redskins played, it would draw too much negative attention. Last month, Redskins vice president Vinny Cerrato and coach Jim Zorn both said the team had no interest in the former Pro Bowl quarterback.

» DT Albert Haynesworth will not play in the preseason opener against Baltimore. Haynesworth has practiced all week, but the Redskins want to save the wear and tear on his knee. Running back Clinton Portis is doubtful, coach Zorn said. Receiver Santana Moss (hamstring) has not practiced this week and is unlikely to play.

» The Redskins will use kicker Shaun Suisham in the first half vs. the Ravens and Dave Rayner will kick in the second half. In practice Tuesday, Suisham made five of eight field goals to six of eight for Rayner. Suisham missed two from 51 yards and another from 40; Rayner missed from 42 and 51.

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