New York Jets CB Dexter McDougle earned praise from head coach Rex Ryan and defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman during minicamp for his aggressive play in press coverage.
Jets | Dexter McDougle shines in minicamp

Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett is optimistic that the team’s defense will improve this year. ‘I like our guys. I really do,’ Haslett said. ‘We’ve got a good group. We’ve got some versatility to do different things.’ Haslett believes improvement on the part of the team’s young secondary will help the unit as a whole. ‘You’ve got to have some guys grow up,’ he said. ‘It’s a maturation process. We expect all of those guys to get better and better.’
Redskins | Jim Haslett optimistic about defense

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh issued a warning to his team at the conclusion of minicamp Thursday, June 19. ‘Beware with whom you associate,’ Harbaugh said. ‘Very important to know your surroundings. Friend or foe? There always seems to be a foe present.’ Offseason incidents involving LB Aldon Smith and QB Colin Kaepernick likely played a role in Harbaugh’s comments.

Footballguys View: We’ll see if the 49ers heed his advice. Now is the time when all teams are walking on egg shells. Hopefully there won’t be too many (if any) incidents before training camp.
49ers | Jim Harbaugh issues warning

Carolina Panthers LB A.J. Klein has impressed linebackers coach Al Holcomb with his play this spring. ‘He is definitely more confident,’ Holcomb said. ‘When he is out there taking reps at middle linebacker, he is taking command. It’s all about competition. I consider A.J. a starter. He’s done a good job and he’s going to continue to earn the right to get playing time for us this season.’ Klein has been serving as LB Luke Kuechly’s backup and is competing with LB Chase Blackburn for the starting weakside linebacker spot.
Panthers | A.J. Klein impressing coach

Cincinnati Bengals DE Margus Hunt is a more confident player this year after spending last season making the transition to defensive end. ‘Last year I had to learn the end spot, inside, it was really overwhelming. I was really slow with my play,’ Hunt said. ‘(Playing one spot has helped) a lot. I’m comfortable where ever they can put me because I’ve been in the system for a year and I know the plays. Last year that was a big issue, the plays. Every day there was something new, something different and I was trying to memorize all that. I feel more comfortable with what I have to read.’ Hunt is in the mix for the starting left end job.
Bengals | Margus Hunt more confident this year

New York Jets OT Oday Aboushi got reps with the first-team at both guard spots during minicamp. Aboushi is a potential replacement for OG Willie Colon (knee), who had arthroscopic knee surgery in May.
Jets | Oday Aboushi works with the first-team

Miami Dolphins OT Branden Albert admitted that the team’s offensive line still has some work to do before the season begins. Albert is one of three free agents that were signed in the offseason to help upgrade the offensive line, but the unit struggled in pass protection during practice Thursday, June 19.
Dolphins | Offensive line a work in progress

Buffalo Bills PK Dustin Hopkins went 5-for-5 on field goal attempts during minicamp Thursday, June 19. Hopkins is trying to beat out PK Dan Carpenter for the starting kicker job, but he could also make the roster as a kickoff specialist.
Bills | Dustin Hopkins perfect in practice

Baltimore Ravens CBs Aaron Ross and Dominique Franks are expected to compete with CB Asa Jackson and CB Chykie Brown for the No. 3 cornerback job during training camp.
Ravens | Two new CBs to compete for No. 3 CB job