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Washington Redskins Column
 

By: Matt Rowan

4/30/08

2008 Redskins Draft Review

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.

The Picks

-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.

Grade: A

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.

Grade: C

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.

Grade: A

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.

Grade: A

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.

Grade: B

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.

Grade: C

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.

Grade: C

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.

Grade: B

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.

Grade: C

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.

Grade: B

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

 

My Opinion:

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.

Overall Draft Grade: B
 

Remaining Options:

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.

 

4/21/08

2008 Redskins Off-season and Draft Preview

Hail to the Redskins! Hail Free Agency!

Not this year, all is eerily quiet in Redskins land. Browse the internet, take a look at the Skins forums, listen to sports radio. Media outlets revolving around the Burgundy & Gold strangely are not buzzing with news of the latest free agent touching down in DC. Instead they’re filled with speculation and guessing at what Snyder, Cerrato, and more importantly Jim Zorn are planning.

Redskins big and only “splash” this year so far... Jerome Mathis WR/KR from the Houston Texans. Mathis has world class speed and went to the pro-bowl as a KR in 2005 where he averaged 28.6 yards a return. Mathis has since been injury prone and hasn’t equaled that success. Mathis seems to be an anti-Gibbs pickup in a sense that he has a troubled past, he was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend in February, although charges were dropped..
It is unclear as how he will be used as a Redskin. Rock Cartwright had success as primary KR, and Randle El has been the PR since joining the team. Randle Els numbers have dropped considerably though, and it may be time for a move.
 

Draft

This year the Redskins have 9 picks Round 1 (21), 2 (51), 3, 3, 5, 6, 7, 7, 7.

Most Redskins fans are bracing for the inevitable trade of draft picks, remember dealing a 3rd round pick for TJ Ducketts 38 handoffs??? Fortunately Jim Zorn seems to have a brought a quiet sense of stability to the team. He’s satisfied with his veteran playoff roster, and is looking to fill in the holes and bring in depth through the draft. It’s a timely much needed shift in thinking, and the team actually has the picks this year to back it up.

Look for the Redskins to first address D-Line and WR in pursuit of a pass rusher and a tall pass catcher. Also with the current O-Line and CBs aging, they will be a priority throughout the draft. Redskins will select a QB (yes qb) in the mid to late rounds.

Possible Early Round Selections

1. Philip Merling DE, Clemson - Merling plays with a high motor and was a dominant force throughout his college career. He plays fundamentally sound and is above average athletically. Bulking up his upper body might be a possible need, but with his frame it shouldn’t be a problem.

2. Calais Campbell, DE Miami - Many teams seem to be intrigued by Campbell's size. At 6’7 the debate rages whether it will be a strength or a hindrance once he reaches the professional level.

3. James Hardy, WR Indiana - Hardy has been my favorite WR in the draft since day one, and he’s moving up boards quickly. He’s 6’5+ and runs fluidly with good speed. If he can learn to be more disciplined with his route running, he could be a dominant WR and the redzone target the Skins have been needing for years.

4. Jordy Nelson, WR Kansas State - Jordy will probably go in the mid to late 2nd round. He’s a WR that’s easy to like. He’s built powerfully and makes the tough over the middle catches. He would compliment Campbell greatly on blown impromptu plays as his size (6’2) and knack for finding soft spots in the secondary would come in very handy.

5. Branden Albert, G/T-Virginia - The Skins would be very luck to land Albert at #21 as he will probably go in the top 15. However the team is intrigued with him, and there is always the option of trading up.

Other top tier players of possible interest

-Kentwan Balmer DE, North Carolina

-Limas Sweed WR, Texas

-Malcolm Kelly WR, Oklahoma

-Aqib Talib CB, Kansas

I’d love to see the team wisely spend their top 2 picks on Dline-WR (or flip-flopped), possibly a Merling/Nelson combo? However most of Redskins nation will be holding their breath from now to draft day dreading the news that Dan Snyder has traded this years draft and half of next years for Ocho Cinco, or whatever strokes his urge to restore his teams place in the off-season headlines.

 

 



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