ASHBURN, Va. -- If one minicamp is any gauge, Washington Redskins coach Norv Turner is going to bring an upbeat approach to the job.

When the team finished its first weekend minicamp yesterday -- they'll have a second one at the end of the month -- the new coach was beaming.

"I think it was very successful. I got a lot out of this camp. I have a lot better feel for our football team. We got a lot accomplished," Turner said.

Turner didn't sound like he was describing a team that went 4-12 last year.

"There's a great nucleus of good football players and they're smart guys. They have been well-coached. They're disciplined. You tell them something once and they know what you're talking about. To me, it's a fun group to be around. [We want them to] come ready to [training camp] and say, 'I'm going to have my best season.' If we get a bunch of guys who do that, we'll be a good team," Turner said.

Turner also singled out three young players -- tight end Frank Wycheck, wide receiver Desmond Howard and cornerback Tom Carter -- for performing well in the minicamp.

Of Wycheck, who passed up his senior year of eligibility at Maryland before being drafted by the Redskins last year, Turner said: "He was impressive. He can really catch the football and he's got good quickness. He can play tight end. He can play fullback. He's a versatile guy. With what we want to do, he gives us some flexibility."

Now that the minicamp is over, the Redskins will turn their attention to signing a free agent wide receiver because Art Monk isn't coming back. They'll also focus on preparation for the college draft, which begins April 24.