As the NFL draft drew closer many of us in Redskins nation were once again thrown into agony as the news came out that Cincinnati had been offered “multiple 1st round picks” for Chad Johnson. It seems the last sentence of my last article was eerily prophetic, thankfully the only front office with less logic then the Skins is the Bengals, and the offer was rejected.

Instead the team surprised us all, for once they were unusually shrewd trading the #21 overall pick to the Falcons in turn for two 2nd rounders. Vinny, Dan, and the gang had spent a lot of time on creating a board, which they faithfully were loyal to on draft day, leading to some questionable decisions.

-2 (34) WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State- The top ranked WR in the draft would’ve been a nice selection at #21 but like manna from heaven he fell on the Redskins in the second round. Yes he really only had one good year at Michigan State, but that was enough to showcase his talent and potential. Being a tall (6’2) receiver, Thomas fits Zorns west coast protocol. He has exceptional athletic ability and is especially dynamic after the catch and excels at bringing down passes over his head.

I would’ve preferred James Hardy, but both are talented. Excellent trade. Excellent Pick.

-2 (48) TE Fred Davis, USC- Davis is athletic with great quickness and route running ability, and a sure pair of hands to compliment. However he does not overwhelm with his speed, size, or blocking but is solid all around. He will be used opposite Cooley in Zorns 2 tight-end packages.

This pick came as a little bit of a shock as big DE Calais Campbell was there for the picking to provide much needed support on the Dline.
 

-2 (51) WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma- Kelly was originally regarded as the top available WR in the draft. However concerns over his health and a poor combine dropped his value. He has had thigh injuries as well as meniscus surgery (knee). Kelly will rarely blow teams away with his speed, however he is a very smooth and fluid runner. He possesses great size (6’4, 225) and is muscular and knows how to use both to his advantage, he also has exceptional hands. He will act as the redzone big target that has been much needed for years.

Although I worry about his knees (Michael Westbrook??) I love this pick. Redskins are now loaded with WR targets and hopefully will not have to address that position for years. Zorn is now set to begin teaching.

-3 (96) OG Chad Rinehart, Northern Iowa- Rinehart (6’5, 320) started at LT in college, but will be used on the interior for the Skins. He is massive and powerfully built and displays adequate quickness off the line with the ability to open gaping holes. When on top of his game he is a ferocious and intimidating blocker. He will eventually work his way into the starting lineup and replace Pete Kendall.

Great to see the Skins bring in a “Hog”. He needs to work on his blocking technique, but Joe Bugel is the best there is when it comes to grooming lineman. Let’s hope Rinehart starts sooner rather than later.

-4 (124) CB Justin Tryon, Arizona State- Tryon is a hard-nosed little CB that loves to play close to the defender and jam at the line. However he’s limited in size (5’9, 190) and may have to change his approach in the NFL.

With Springs and Smoot aging, and Rogers coming off major knee surgery, CB needed to be addressed. Tryons fire and never back down attitude reminds me a little of Smoot, and it will be fun watching him find his place on the team.

-6 (168) P Durant Brooks, Georgia Tech- Brooks is the winner of the Ray Guy award for best punter in the nation. He is very confident and showcases a healthy blend of power and touch.

With the DLine still not addressed. 6th round seemed a little high to be picking a punter, although it has also become a need position.

-6 (180) Kareem Moore, Nicholls State- Moore is a hardnosed safety that works hard and tackles well. He’s stout but at 5’10 is a little on the short side. Although he plays quick Moore is not a very fast safety.

With the loss of Sean Taylor safety was a position that needed to be addressed. This still leaves questions as to whether or not Laron Landry will remain at free safety or move back to strong.

-6 (186) QB Colt Brennan, Hawaii- It has been said many times that Brennan is a “system qb” that played in a spread system... major knocks on a college qb. However Colt is a qb that plays with confidence and accuracy to throw the ball into tight spots. He’s a tough qb as far as playing through pain, and has the ability to escape and even scramble if necessary. He’s a bit structurally frail and is coming off a hip surgery, which may keep him out for the start of the year. Unlike Jason Campbell, Brennan is undersized (6’2, 207) and although accurate, has below average arm strength.

I kind of like this pick. Zorn will have a young qb to groom in his offense as well as backup Campbell in the future... And who knows, maybe give him a little push??

-7 (242) DE Rob Jackson, Kansas State- Jackson is explosive, but a pass rusher and a pass rusher only.

Sure, yeah. We needed help on the Dline especially with the pass rush. Kinda sad to see it addressed so late. For that reason only, I gave it a C.

-7 (249) S Christopher Horton, UCLA- Horton is a high IQ type of Defensive Back. He rarely gets caught out of position and works hard on all aspects of the position. He is however limited athletically in both speed and strength.

Good to see the team bring in another option to compete at safety.

Although the draft style seemed at bit unorthodox, I like the end result for the most part.

Although more depth may need to be added on the O-line, the Redskins have set up their offense. Zorn now has all the pieces in place. In Jason Campbell he has a groom able QB with all the physical tools. Throw in a solid veteran Oline, veteran playmakers (Moss, Portis, Cooley), and now toss in three rookie pass catchers with large upsides. It will be very exciting to watch them grow, let’s hope that Snyder gives Zorn the time and space to make it happen.

Defensive line was not addressed and that is concerning, very concerning. Last year Andre Carter was the lone every down lineman that can disrupt that backfield and put pressure on the QB. They will need to step up as a unit in order to improve on that next year.

DE Tommy Blake, TCU- Would love to see the Skins bring this kid in for a look. If Blake had come out his Jr. year, he would’ve been one of the first DEs selected. He excels as both a pass rusher and run stopper. Plays ferociously and will get into the backfield often.

The knock on him is his mental stability. He missed a lot of his sr. year while recovering from depression. He is a good guy and possesses a deep Christian faith, and if successfully treated, could be a major steal if signed.

DE Darrell Robertson, Georgia Tech- Kind of surprised he didn’t get drafted. Like Rob Jackson he’s undersized but a good pass rusher, may be worth a look.