Robert Griffin III going through his progressions better, Jay Gruden says

Demand for Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is at its usual pace, even in mid-June.

Following the first sweltering day of the Redskins’ mandatory veteran minicamp at Redskins Park, Griffin was summoned to the side for photos and signatures by the fans in attendance.

More, as it always is, will be expected of Griffin during his second season in coach Jay Gruden’s offense. After pointing out Griffin was in a new system last season with multiple new receivers ­­— DeSean Jackson, Andre Roberts and Ryan Grant — Gruden said Griffin appears to be moving through his progressions better.

“Every day he is doing something a little bit better, and that’s all we can ask, man,” Gruden said. “We’re just taking baby steps right now. We’re all getting better together. You can see that he’s starting to have confidence in the pocket and going through his progressions. That’s got to be a consistent theme with him, and not always is that possible with the pocket the way it is, but for the most part, he’s coming along at a good rate right now. He’s doing a great job of exhausting all of his progressions, playing the quarterback position with good fundamentals and getting better, that’s all we can do.”

Griffin was able to make plays on the move and throws from the pocket on Tuesday. However, any assessment of his play at this point of the year comes with gargantuan caveats, not the least of which is that players are not allowed to tackle.

That leaves Gruden looking for other things: footwork, mechanics and a desire to get the ball out to receivers quickly. Gruden said Tuesday the Redskins are emphasizing to Griffin to deliver the ball early because they feel multiple playmakers — like Jackson, Pierre Garcon and tight end Jordan Reed, when healthy — are available.

“If he can anticipate some throws, get the ball out of his hands, his footwork sound, I think everything will be fine with him,” Gruden said.