A year ago, Jacoby was an out-of-shape lineman who was considered a reject by the scouting combines. [Charley] Casserly wasn’t impressed, either, except by Jacoby’s size, which is ideal for the Redskin’s blocking system. Casserly kept checking Jacoby’s progress, encouraging him to life weights after his senior season.

“Joe played well last against some good competition last year,” Casserly said, “but he didn’t have real good upper-body strength. He just never lifted much. But he is an eager learner and he’ll do anything you ask of him. He got on weights and really took off.”

Bugel and Casserly worked out Jacoby a week before the draft. Bugel couldn’t believe it when Jacoby, who has improved his bench press from 315 to 405 pounds since January, walked through the door and more than filled the space. The two told General Manager Bobby Beathard to sign Jacoby as a free agent. Beathard, who had not thought Jacoby was a prospect, finally agreed, giving in to Casserly’s salesmanship.

“I was 275 when I came to the first minicamp at Redskin Park,” Jacoby said, “and now I’m at about 300. But it’s not fat. I think they were surprised at how much bigger I had gotten.”