***OFFICIAL*** Washington Redskins 2011 Off-Season Thread (1 Viewer)

[fatness]

Since "Black Thursday" when the Redskins released 10 veterans, Washington has obtained eight players who will be at least 30 years old this season.

Rick Snider

 

[TxBuckeye]

He is sure of this much: Allen likes to keep everyone guessing. "He loves to get mind games going. He's the king of it," McShay said. "He wants people thinking he's capable of anything on draft day." McShay also offered a little prediction, which many around the league would probably agree with: "Something tells me they're going to be the first team to shake things up before all is said and done."

I'm not sure I really like the sound of this. I don't want someone out there playing "mind games" just so he can show he's "the king." Just do WTF is best for the team and leave your ego at the door. Please.

 

[Marvelous]

Now that I think about it, I think the Redskins got a 3rd when Dockery went to Buffalo. My guess is Campbell would be looking for a place where he'd start. If he goes somewhere that is willing to start him, his contract should be decent.

If he stays put this year he's riding the pine. I think a year of doing that effectively kills any value he has as a potential starter. My guess is that he would be viewed strictly as backup material by that time. Maybe some team ends up in such dire straits that they're desperate for a QB and they sign him, but teams in those situations seem to draft QBs, as well.I could be wrong, but I don't think Campbell's value gets any better by staying on the 'Skins roster this year.

Based on a projection of compensatory picks for 2010 (and the guy that does this is pretty good), the range, in $ per year for the contracts is:3rd round pick: $6.8M - $11.37M

4th round pick: none projected

5th round pick: $4.28M - $4.75M

6th round pick: $2.5M - $4.28M

7th round pick: $1.05M - $2.5M

From these figures, we can project what Campbell would net as a comp pick:

7th round - 3rd string or marginal 2nd string qb

6th round - solid 2nd string qb (Collins and other 2nd stringers got $3M per year not long ago)

5th round - 2nd string qb competing for starting spot

At this point, it seems unlikely that Campbell could sign a contract that would make him an undisputed starter for a team.

Note that if Campbell leaves as a free agent in 2011, we would get the comp pick in 2012. Also, Haynesworth and Hall both have options to void their contracts after the 2010 season. If they do this and leave as free agents, the Redskins would be entittled to compensatory picks.

 

[buster c]

lot of guys in this thread have argued with me for a long time that all JC needs is an average OL and he'd be a solid NFL starter. and I've countered with my observation that even when given time to throw, he is indecisive and inaccurate - one of the poorer QB's in the NFL. the book on JC is not yet complete, of course, but it looks like the men who do this for a living agree with my take.

 

[Marvelous]

lot of guys in this thread have argued with me for a long time that all JC needs is an average OL and he'd be a solid NFL starter. and I've countered with my observation that even when given time to throw, he is indecisive and inaccurate - one of the poorer QB's in the NFL. the book on JC is not yet complete, of course, but it looks like the men who do this for a living agree with my take.

It is clear that no one has offered Campbell for a 1st round pick. Also, last year, Denver clearly preferred Kyle Orton to Campbell.On the other side, right now, really are not that many open qb positions. It is clear that the Raiders prefer Gradkoski/Russell and a 2nd or 3rd round pick to Campbell. The Bills prefer Edwards and a pick to Campbell. And Shanahan prefers McNabb to Campbell and a 2nd and a 3rd or 4th.I think most likely, Campbell stays the Redskins this year. If he is not moved on draft day, they may opt to not draft a qb in the later rounds. If Campbell gets some playing time and looks good, maybe he can improve his value. Otherwise it will probably be as a decent to marginal 2nd string qb.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Yet another defensive tackle signed.

Add another one to the list:

Steady defensive lineman Kedric Golston has signed a new contract with the Redskins, the team announced Friday morning. Contract terms were not released.

...

Golston is expected to play nose tackle in the Redskins' 3-4 defense this season. He could become a full-time starter for the first time in his career.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Reid's post makes it seem like Golston is a shoe-in for the NT position in the 3-4. I thought that was a little weird, and here's what O'Halloran has posted:

A 6-foot-4, 300-pounder, Golston said last week he is learning all three defensive line positions in Jim Haslett’s 3-4 scheme.

“I think I’ll be doing a little bit of split duty,” he said. “It’s a different defense so I’m trying to learn all three positions.”

Golston isn’t big enough to play full time at nose tackle, but has enough athleticism to hold up against the run at end and also play defensive tackle in a 4-3 look.

That sounds a little more right to me.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Also from that O'Halloran link, attendance info for the mini camp starting today:

The Redskins begin their voluntary mini-camp Friday. The only session open to media – and to take attendance – isn’t until Sunday. The only non-participants are expected to be defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and quarterback Jason Campbell. Safety LaRon Landry has been spotted at the complex this week and is expected to attend.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Doug Farrar, from Football Outsiders, reviews some of Shanahans playbook in Denver and what it could do in Washington.

I'm very interested to see how much of the playbook will be Papa Shanahan's and how much will be junior's. Or are they even that different?

 

[dgreen]

Doug Farrar, from Football Outsiders, reviews some of Shanahans playbook in Denver and what it could do in Washington.

I'm very interested to see how much of the playbook will be Papa Shanahan's and how much will be junior's. Or are they even that different?

I hope they are working together to come up with some new stuff.I like how they both have used more downfield passing than the tradition WCO and both have successfully utilized TEs. Oh, and the screen game. I'm hoping that can be added to the team's aresenal. It seems both Shanahan's have done well with that and McNabb comes from arguably the best RB screen team in the league.

 

[Sidewinder16]

McIntosh not at mini camp. Jason Reid believes a trade may be imminent.

Linebacker Rocky McIntosh, who has expressed frustration about his contract situation, said Friday he will not attend this weekend's voluntary minicamp and intimated the Redskins might trade him soon.

Contacted by phone at home Friday morning while the Redskins' first practice under Coach Mike Shanahan was underway at Redskins Park, McIntosh said he was not upset with the coaching staff, adding "but I've got to do what I've got to do."

"I'm just chillin'. I respect their decision and I'm not upset at the coaches or anybody. There's nothing I can do about that now. Whatever happens, happens."

Hard to tell from Rocky's quotes whether he (and his agent) decided to not attend, or if the coaches asked him to stay away.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Holy crap, is Landry getting moved to LB!?

 

[Fat Nick]

Holy crap, is Landry getting moved to LB!?

Heck, he sure covers like one, so I'm not opposed to that move.

 

[NickyHatton]

LaRon's always looked jacked like that. I'm sure some of that bulk will come off once the practices get in full swing. But yeah watching him make reads trying to cover is painful sometimes, and his angles are terrible

 

[TxBuckeye]

Contacted by phone at home Friday morning while the Redskins' first practice under Coach Mike Shanahan was underway at Redskins Park, McIntosh said he was not upset with the coaching staff, adding "but I've got to do what I've got to do."

So doing nothing is "doing what I've got to do?" I have to admit, I don't understand pro athletes. Much of the time, I think they are pretty detached from the reality of how the real world works.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Contacted by phone at home Friday morning while the Redskins' first practice under Coach Mike Shanahan was underway at Redskins Park, McIntosh said he was not upset with the coaching staff, adding "but I've got to do what I've got to do."

So doing nothing is "doing what I've got to do?" I have to admit, I don't understand pro athletes. Much of the time, I think they are pretty detached from the reality of how the real world works.

I'm not sure I'd qualify his actions as "doing nothing".I think he's either staying away from mini camp at the advice of his agent because they're working on/waiting for a long-term deal, or the 'Skins brass told him to stay away because they may be on the verge of a trade and they don't want him getting injured. Either way, someone is trying to maximize McIntosh's value to them.

 

[Marvelous]

Contacted by phone at home Friday morning while the Redskins' first practice under Coach Mike Shanahan was underway at Redskins Park, McIntosh said he was not upset with the coaching staff, adding "but I've got to do what I've got to do."

So doing nothing is "doing what I've got to do?" I have to admit, I don't understand pro athletes. Much of the time, I think they are pretty detached from the reality of how the real world works.

My take from reading the article: In previous years under the CBA, he would deserve a new contract now. He believes he still deserves one even though the terms of the CBA are different. It's one of those situation where I feel bad for McIntosh, but in reality, there is very little he can do.

 

[thayman]

lot of guys in this thread have argued with me for a long time that all JC needs is an average OL and he'd be a solid NFL starter. and I've countered with my observation that even when given time to throw, he is indecisive and inaccurate - one of the poorer QB's in the NFL. the book on JC is not yet complete, of course, but it looks like the men who do this for a living agree with my take.

I think with a fresh start on a new team Campbell could be a servicable player. But solid? No.

 

[fatness]

So they may be working on a trade for McIntosh while switching to a 3-4? Who's going to play LB exactly?

I realize things aren't settled yet, that there are plenty more moves left to make. That is just my first reaction.

 

[Sidewinder16]

So they may be working on a trade for McIntosh while switching to a 3-4? Who's going to play LB exactly?I realize things aren't settled yet, that there are plenty more moves left to make. That is just my first reaction.

Obviously Landry.[/sarcasm]I'm starting to wonder if all the talk/speculation in the media of the 'Skins looking to be movers and shakers on draft weekend is going to have similar results to all the talk/speculation that Washington was going to make a big splash/signing on the first day of FA.I hope not.

 

[Marvelous]

So they may be working on a trade for McIntosh while switching to a 3-4? Who's going to play LB exactly?I realize things aren't settled yet, that there are plenty more moves left to make. That is just my first reaction.

Obviously Landry.[/sarcasm]I'm starting to wonder if all the talk/speculation in the media of the 'Skins looking to be movers and shakers on draft weekend is going to have similar results to all the talk/speculation that Washington was going to make a big splash/signing on the first day of FA.I hope not.

I am having trouble picturing what counts as a big move on draft day. The only thing I can think of is trading down from 1.04.From what I have read, McIntosh does not sound particularly upset with the Redskins and Shanahan does not sound upset with McIntosh. I think there is little chance of McIntosh being traded.

 

[fatness]

First time in my life I've ever wanted to see a locker.

 

[fatness]

I'm starting to wonder if all the talk/speculation in the media of the 'Skins looking to be movers and shakers on draft weekend is going to have similar results to all the talk/speculation that Washington was going to make a big splash/signing on the first day of FA.I hope not.

It may be just speculation. The local Redskin reporters do not have solid contacts in the front office any more and there's far more guessing and rumoring being printed now than there used to be. There's some of it in this column by Jason Reid, along with updates on Haynesworth, Campbell, and McIntosh.

Haynesworth only plans to participate in the mandatory minicamp June 16-18, according to people in the organization who are familiar with his situation. He'll skip all but three days of Shanahan's first offseason program.Campbell's agent informed the Redskins the five-year veteran would participate in the remainder of the program, two people familiar with those discussions said, including the voluntary minicamp May 7-9 and the voluntary OTAs, if Campbell remains on the roster after the draft. As for McIntosh, he intimated earlier today that he expects the Redskins to trade him soon.We've been hearing for some time that the Redskins planned to be very active during the draft, and things certainly appear to be lining up for them to make several major moves. Shanahan and General Manager Bruce Allen quickly set out to make-over the roster and change the culture of an organization that has mostly experienced failure during owner Daniel Snyder's 11-year tenure.It seems that the surprising trade for quarterback Donovan McNabbwill not be the Redskins' last big deal of the offseason.

 

[Sebowski]

Where is the uproar for McIntosh not being around? Why isn't he being lynched like Haynesworth?

 

[thayman]

Where is the uproar for McIntosh not being around? Why isn't he being lynched like Haynesworth?

McIntosh didn't recently recieve one of (if not the biggest) roster bonuses in the NFL.I don't have a huge problem with Haynesworth not showing up, but you have to see that there is a giant difference between the two players situations.

 

[fatness]

Where is the uproar for McIntosh not being around? Why isn't he being lynched like Haynesworth?

Because he's perceived as a 'good guy', like Campbell. Haynesworth, you see, is a 'bad guy'. McIntosh is not there because he wants to be traded and apparently that's OK. Haynesworth is working out, somewhere else, and apparently that's not OK.I'm agreeing with you, by the way.

 

[fatness]

The Redskins Are Making A Mistake Changing to 3-4 Defense

Most people are going to give new Skins Mike Shanahan the benefit of the doubt because of the Super Bowl Championships more than a decade ago, but I’m not.

Why is he changing the Washington Redskins’ 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense, since the defense was the best thing about their football team. For years it was one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Skins were in most of the games a year ago, despite having an abysmal offense and the reason for it was their defense. Now, they’re probably going to say good bye to some of their best defensive players in order to change to the 3-4 defense.

The guy running the defense is new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, who was last seen in the NFL as the St. Louis Rams head coach and defensive coordinator. Their defense was horrible and that’s why he got fired. What credentials does Haslett have that makes anybody think he’s going to make this defense better?

Now let’s look at the players who will probably leave because of the change to the 3-4 defense. I know defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth can be a pain in the butt and I know he went through the motions last year and stole some money, but he’s unblockable when he wants to be. They should stay in the 4-3 and put him at the three technique defensive tackle position and set him loose at the snap of the ball. The big fella was much of the reason the Tennessee Titans were 13-3 a couple of years ago. It makes no sense to ship him out for a mediocre draft pick. Everybody knows Shanahan wants to get rid of him. Now he’s going to have to give away one of the most dominant players in the National Football League.

Now I hear quality linebacker Rocky McIntosh is going to walk because the Skins won’t give him a new contract. I don’t know what his contract situation is but I do know that McIntosh is a good football player and he’s only 27 years old right now. I don’t think the Skins have interest in him because they don’t believe McIntosh fits into their new 3-4 defense. This is not wise.

Veteran defensive end Andre Carter, who is one of their best pass rushers doesn’t fit the scheme and will also likely take a walk.

 

[fatness]

Redskins general manager Bruce Allen said on Saturday that he was “very satisfied” with player attendance at this weekend’s mini-camp. The mini-camp is voluntary for players. Allen acknowledged that Albert Haynesworth was not in attendance at the mini-camp, but he said that was not a concern. “It’s voluntary,” Allen said.

On Saturday, the Redskins hosted the second day of mini-camp. Players are in shorts and not wearing pads. The session is heavy on drills and learning assignments as players adjust to a new scheme on offense and defense. “It has been excellent,” Allen said. “The players have shown great enthusiasm. It’s very important for the coaches to get to know these players...When you have a new head coach, you’re allowed an extra mini-camp and we wanted to do one before the NFL Draft” on Thursday.

Allen was asked about the status of running back Clinton Portis, who is returning from a concussion suffered last season. Portis has been cleared to participate in the weekend mini-camp. “He has been cleared to practice,” Allen said. “Really, you have to be patient with a head injury. That’s one of the common sense injuries you’re going to learn: patience.”

Allen added that he would update the status of quarterback Jason Campbell prior to the draft. With Donovan McNabb taking over as the Redskins’ starting quarterback, Campbell is not in attendance at mini-camp as he and his agent seek out a trade partner for his service

Bruce Allen talks to the press

 

[fatness]

Long article on the Redskins and Haynesworth, with input from various NFL front office people.

It does not make either of them look good, but it sure is worth reading.

And maybe that’s the lesson that Snyder and the Redskins are figuring out now. That they created a market for Haynesworth that he never truly deserved, and then removed the financial motivation that many believe led to the best performances of his career. Now they’re saddled with a player that doesn’t fit their new defensive scheme, doesn’t appear inclined to show up when the new regime expects him to, and whose tradability has to be balanced by the steep investment Washington has already made.

For a signing that had the franchise abuzz in optimism a year ago, the backslide couldn’t have come much more quickly. But there isn’t much sympathy from other corners of the NFL. With each new headache, and every day Haynesworth is absent from Washington’s practice facility, the evidence mounts that the skeptics of a year ago were right after all.

 

[fatness]

The Onion's scouting report on Sam Bradford



And the Onion's Sleepers of the 2010 draft.

 

[thayman]

The Redskins Are Making A Mistake Changing to 3-4 Defense

Most people are going to give new Skins Mike Shanahan the benefit of the doubt because of the Super Bowl Championships more than a decade ago, but I’m not.

Why is he changing the Washington Redskins’ 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense, since the defense was the best thing about their football team. For years it was one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Skins were in most of the games a year ago, despite having an abysmal offense and the reason for it was their defense. Now, they’re probably going to say good bye to some of their best defensive players in order to change to the 3-4 defense.

The guy running the defense is new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, who was last seen in the NFL as the St. Louis Rams head coach and defensive coordinator. Their defense was horrible and that’s why he got fired. What credentials does Haslett have that makes anybody think he’s going to make this defense better?

Now let’s look at the players who will probably leave because of the change to the 3-4 defense. I know defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth can be a pain in the butt and I know he went through the motions last year and stole some money, but he’s unblockable when he wants to be. They should stay in the 4-3 and put him at the three technique defensive tackle position and set him loose at the snap of the ball. The big fella was much of the reason the Tennessee Titans were 13-3 a couple of years ago. It makes no sense to ship him out for a mediocre draft pick. Everybody knows Shanahan wants to get rid of him. Now he’s going to have to give away one of the most dominant players in the National Football League.

Now I hear quality linebacker Rocky McIntosh is going to walk because the Skins won’t give him a new contract. I don’t know what his contract situation is but I do know that McIntosh is a good football player and he’s only 27 years old right now. I don’t think the Skins have interest in him because they don’t believe McIntosh fits into their new 3-4 defense. This is not wise.

Veteran defensive end Andre Carter, who is one of their best pass rushers doesn’t fit the scheme and will also likely take a walk.

Switching to the 3-4 still has me baffled. This is probably the one decision they've made that I have a really hard time wrapping my mind around.

 

[thayman]

This makes me smile.

 

[Marvelous]

Where is the uproar for McIntosh not being around? Why isn't he being lynched like Haynesworth?

Because he's perceived as a 'good guy', like Campbell. Haynesworth, you see, is a 'bad guy'. McIntosh is not there because he wants to be traded and apparently that's OK. Haynesworth is working out, somewhere else, and apparently that's not OK.I'm agreeing with you, by the way.

I am under the impression that McIntosh has been at the voluntary workouts and the minicamp is the first voluntary event that he is missing. I think it is better to be at them all, but McIntosh has missed far less than Haynesworth. Also, McIntosh has a one year tender. Haynesworth has pocketed $32M and another $9M is guaranteed. If McIntosh gets injured at the minicamp, he does have a lot more to lose.

 

[Marvelous]

The Redskins Are Making A Mistake Changing to 3-4 Defense

Most people are going to give new Skins Mike Shanahan the benefit of the doubt because of the Super Bowl Championships more than a decade ago, but I’m not.

Why is he changing the Washington Redskins’ 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense, since the defense was the best thing about their football team. For years it was one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Skins were in most of the games a year ago, despite having an abysmal offense and the reason for it was their defense. Now, they’re probably going to say good bye to some of their best defensive players in order to change to the 3-4 defense.

The guy running the defense is new defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, who was last seen in the NFL as the St. Louis Rams head coach and defensive coordinator. Their defense was horrible and that’s why he got fired. What credentials does Haslett have that makes anybody think he’s going to make this defense better?

Now let’s look at the players who will probably leave because of the change to the 3-4 defense. I know defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth can be a pain in the butt and I know he went through the motions last year and stole some money, but he’s unblockable when he wants to be. They should stay in the 4-3 and put him at the three technique defensive tackle position and set him loose at the snap of the ball. The big fella was much of the reason the Tennessee Titans were 13-3 a couple of years ago. It makes no sense to ship him out for a mediocre draft pick. Everybody knows Shanahan wants to get rid of him. Now he’s going to have to give away one of the most dominant players in the National Football League.

Now I hear quality linebacker Rocky McIntosh is going to walk because the Skins won’t give him a new contract. I don’t know what his contract situation is but I do know that McIntosh is a good football player and he’s only 27 years old right now. I don’t think the Skins have interest in him because they don’t believe McIntosh fits into their new 3-4 defense. This is not wise.

Veteran defensive end Andre Carter, who is one of their best pass rushers doesn’t fit the scheme and will also likely take a walk.

Switching to the 3-4 still has me baffled. This is probably the one decision they've made that I have a really hard time wrapping my mind around.

I think it is pretty clear the 4-3 fits the current personnel better. The only explanation I can think of is that Shanahan/Haslet believe in the long run, the 3-4 is a superior defense.

 

[fatness]

You weren't the only one.

 

[Sidewinder16]

Where is the uproar for McIntosh not being around? Why isn't he being lynched like Haynesworth?

Because he's perceived as a 'good guy', like Campbell. Haynesworth, you see, is a 'bad guy'. McIntosh is not there because he wants to be traded and apparently that's OK. Haynesworth is working out, somewhere else, and apparently that's not OK.I'm agreeing with you, by the way.

I am under the impression that McIntosh has been at the voluntary workouts and the minicamp is the first voluntary event that he is missing. I think it is better to be at them all, but McIntosh has missed far less than Haynesworth. Also, McIntosh has a one year tender. Haynesworth has pocketed $32M and another $9M is guaranteed. If McIntosh gets injured at the minicamp, he does have a lot more to lose.

This. Why anyone would think the situations are similar, and therefore should be judged similar, is beyond me.If McIntosh is "holding out" he may deserve some flak, but as Marvelous points out, he's got a lot more to lose than Haynesworth if he gets injured at a mini camp.But the fact remains that at the moment we have no real idea why he's not in camp. So what is there to get in an uproar over?

 

[Sidewinder16]

The Redskins Are Making A Mistake Changing to 3-4 Defense

Switching to the 3-4 still has me baffled. This is probably the one decision they've made that I have a really hard time wrapping my mind around.

I think it is pretty clear the 4-3 fits the current personnel better. The only explanation I can think of is that Shanahan/Haslet believe in the long run, the 3-4 is a superior defense.

Yeah, I think this falls under the "benefit of the doubt" umbrella, if you're inclined to carry it.If this is part of the plan for the long-term future success of this team then I'm all for it. "Decide what to be, and go be it."

Sure the current personnel doesn't fit a 3-4 well, but the vast majority of the current personnel are the acquisitions of a previous front office and previous coaches. It seems to me that the people bemoaning this move based on the current roster expect that this team can still "win now". If you accept that this roster needs to be rebuilt then a move to a 3-4 shouldn't be that big of an issue.

 

[fatness]

Sure the current personnel doesn't fit a 3-4 well, but the vast majority of the current personnel are the acquisitions of a previous front office and previous coaches. It seems to me that the people bemoaning this move based on the current roster expect that this team can still "win now".

I'm going to take issue with you on the bolded part. I have no such illusions about the Redskins. I think they're a 6-win team at present. I think if they keep Haynesworth and McIntosh and draft wisely and sign free agents wisely they're better prepared for the future and they're potentially an 8 win team. I think dumping good players for little value can make them a 4 win team. And to me there's a big difference between 4 and 8 wins. We stink, but we don't want to continue stinking.

I don't see any outstanding record of personnel choices in Shanahan's past, and I don't assume he's always making the right moves. Nor do I think that, since the team stinks, it is OK to make it worse only to satisfy the ego of a coach or GM or owner.

Both Bill Parcels and Josh McDaniels brought in their own guys. One of them did so knowing what he was doing, and the other one just did it and hurt his team. There's no inherent advantage or disadvantage to doing it. I think it's best to keep our eyes open instead of giving the new guys a blank check with no criticism.

 

[fatness]

Why anyone would think the situations are similar, and therefore should be judged similar, is beyond me.

I think the main difference in attitudes towards Campbell, McIntosh, and Haynesworth is the high amount of resentment among fans at how much money Haynesworth was paid. He was a smart guy. He took the money. If it was a bad idea paying it to him, the blame belongs to Snyder.

 

[jbz]

The Redskins Are Making A Mistake Changing to 3-4 Defense

Switching to the 3-4 still has me baffled. This is probably the one decision they've made that I have a really hard time wrapping my mind around.

I think it is pretty clear the 4-3 fits the current personnel better. The only explanation I can think of is that Shanahan/Haslet believe in the long run, the 3-4 is a superior defense.

Yeah, I think this falls under the "benefit of the doubt" umbrella, if you're inclined to carry it.If this is part of the plan for the long-term future success of this team then I'm all for it. "Decide what to be, and go be it."

Sure the current personnel doesn't fit a 3-4 well, but the vast majority of the current personnel are the acquisitions of a previous front office and previous coaches. It seems to me that the people bemoaning this move based on the current roster expect that this team can still "win now". If you accept that this roster needs to be rebuilt then a move to a 3-4 shouldn't be that big of an issue.

If the plan is to look at long-term future success, why trade a valuable 2nd and a future 3rd/4th for a 33 year old QB? You trade away picks for an older QB, you are trying to win now. The whole D, regardless of who put it together, is made for the 4-3. That's what puzzles me. One move looks like a move for the now, the other seems like a plan for the future.

 

[fatness]

But even as signs of change are evident in all corners of Redskins Park, the team will enter this week's draft situated similarly to years past: too many needs, not nearly enough picks. The three-day draft commences Thursday night in New York and the Redskins have only four of the draft's 255 picks, fewer than any other NFL team. In fact, 21 teams have twice as many picks, and Cleveland and New England hold three times as many as Washington.

The Redskins traded away their second-round pick this month as part of the Donovan McNabb deal. They lost the third-round pick because they selected defensive lineman Jeremy Jarmon in the supplemental draft a year ago. And their sixth-rounder belongs to the Miami Dolphins as part of the Jason Taylor trade in 2008.

Kiper believes a team with so many holes should better utilize the draft to build a foundation of talent. "And the Redskins believe otherwise," he said. "They believe in packaging picks to move up, or giving away picks for this guy or that guy. That's not my philosophy. So the Redskins' way is not my way. That doesn't mean that you can't win that way . . . that can get you to a playoff once in a while, as it has. They've had a couple playoff games here and there. But to try to get to a Super Bowl, to me, that's not the way I would build a football team."

And it might not necessarily be the overriding philosophy of Allen and Shanahan either. Though they traded away the second-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles, they're largely playing the hand they've been dealt by the team's previous regime. The Redskins have twice before had four draft picks or fewer -- in 2003 and 2004 -- but many around the league will be looking to see if Shanahan and Allen can successfully stockpile more picks.

Rick Maese

 

[fatness]

The Washington Redskins need to draft offensive tackle Russell Okung with the fourth pick of Thursday's NFL draft -- period.

After trading for Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb, Washington doesn't need quarterback Sam Bradford, who's going to St. Louis with the first pick anyway. The Redskins have too many needs anyway to stockpile a passer for 2013, so a quarterback shouldn't be considered.

Instead, the Redskins are desperate for offensive line help and this is the last chance for something more than a stopgap journeyman. Former Dallas tackle Flozell Adams may be signed after the draft, but he could go play the right side where Hwy. 74 was an exit ramp for speeding pass rushers last season.

If the offensive line is the foundation, then left tackle is the cornerstone. The Redskins currently have nothing. They can't bypass this opportunity, especially since Washington's next pick is No. 103. Unless the Redskins trade Albert Haynesworth or Jason Campbell for picks, Washington has no second chances in this draft.

What happens if Okung is already taken? This is where it's a good thing grownups now run the Redskins draft. Washington can trade down later in the top 10 and still get Williams and pick up a second or third-rounder. That's a real win-win. The downside is Williams is vulnerable to inside pass rushers and just isn't as ready as Okung. Long term, Williams might be a better move, but the NFL isn't a developmental league.

Rick Snider

 

[fatness]

Looking at the ratings for offensive linemen is interesting:

Offensive tackles

(Heyer and Jones very close to the bottom)

Offensive guards

(Dockery slightly above average, Montgomery a bit below average)

Centers

(Rabach near the bottom)

 

[Sebowski]

The Redskins Are Making A Mistake Changing to 3-4 Defense

Switching to the 3-4 still has me baffled. This is probably the one decision they've made that I have a really hard time wrapping my mind around.

I think it is pretty clear the 4-3 fits the current personnel better. The only explanation I can think of is that Shanahan/Haslet believe in the long run, the 3-4 is a superior defense.

Yeah, I think this falls under the "benefit of the doubt" umbrella, if you're inclined to carry it.If this is part of the plan for the long-term future success of this team then I'm all for it. "Decide what to be, and go be it."

Sure the current personnel doesn't fit a 3-4 well, but the vast majority of the current personnel are the acquisitions of a previous front office and previous coaches. It seems to me that the people bemoaning this move based on the current roster expect that this team can still "win now". If you accept that this roster needs to be rebuilt then a move to a 3-4 shouldn't be that big of an issue.

If the plan is to look at long-term future success, why trade a valuable 2nd and a future 3rd/4th for a 33 year old QB? You trade away picks for an older QB, you are trying to win now. The whole D, regardless of who put it together, is made for the 4-3. That's what puzzles me. One move looks like a move for the now, the other seems like a plan for the future.

Exactly.

 

[fatness]

Per a league source, the Redskins are putting out the word that they plan to pick a quarterback with the fourth overall selection in round one.

The contention is being interpreted as a message that the Redskins won't be taking a quarterback, but they'd love to trade down with someone who wants a quarterback.

That said, there's still a chance that they'd take Sam Bradford if he squirts through to No. 4. But that's considered to be unlikely at this point.

PFT

 

[Sammy Traveller]

Per a league source, the Redskins are putting out the word that they plan to pick a quarterback with the fourth overall selection in round one.

The contention is being interpreted as a message that the Redskins won't be taking a quarterback, but they'd love to trade down with someone who wants a quarterback.

That said, there's still a chance that they'd take Sam Bradford if he squirts through to No. 4. But that's considered to be unlikely at this point.

PFT

sounds like a clumsy attempt at a bluff.not going to work.

 

[burgundy and gold]

The Washington Redskins need to draft offensive tackle Russell Okung with the fourth pick of Thursday's NFL draft -- period.

After trading for Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb, Washington doesn't need quarterback Sam Bradford, who's going to St. Louis with the first pick anyway. The Redskins have too many needs anyway to stockpile a passer for 2013, so a quarterback shouldn't be considered.

Instead, the Redskins are desperate for offensive line help and this is the last chance for something more than a stopgap journeyman. Former Dallas tackle Flozell Adams may be signed after the draft, but he could go play the right side where Hwy. 74 was an exit ramp for speeding pass rushers last season.

If the offensive line is the foundation, then left tackle is the cornerstone. The Redskins currently have nothing. They can't bypass this opportunity, especially since Washington's next pick is No. 103. Unless the Redskins trade Albert Haynesworth or Jason Campbell for picks, Washington has no second chances in this draft.

What happens if Okung is already taken? This is where it's a good thing grownups now run the Redskins draft. Washington can trade down later in the top 10 and still get Williams and pick up a second or third-rounder. That's a real win-win. The downside is Williams is vulnerable to inside pass rushers and just isn't as ready as Okung. Long term, Williams might be a better move, but the NFL isn't a developmental league.

Rick Snider

Well many have stated previously that Shanahan may value certain blockers higher than others for his ZBS. This is where you have to really consider that. Just because Okung is the best overall LT in the draft doesn't mean he's Shanahans guy. If you ask me Bulaga seems more like Shanahans guy. But regardless of who his guy is, it seems crystal clear to me that they need to trade down desperately. Swapping with Buffalo (1.04 for 1.09), and getting their (high) 2nd (we throw in JC (thereby getting high 5th rd. val. for him which is pretty much all we're gonna get), would be wonderful to my mind. Buffalo should be willing because that would solidify their qb position and we'd have Williams or Bulaga and a great 2nd round pick (a potential beastly lb maybe).

 

[burgundy and gold]

Well many have stated previously that Shanahan may value certain blockers higher than others for his ZBS. This is where you have to really consider that. Just because Okung is the best overall LT in the draft doesn't mean he's Shanahans guy. If you ask me Bulaga seems more like Shanahans guy. But regardless of who his guy is, it seems crystal clear to me that they need to trade down desperately. Swapping with Buffalo (1.04 for 1.09), and getting their (high) 2nd (we throw in JC (thereby getting high 5th rd. val. for him which is pretty much all we're gonna get), would be wonderful to my mind. Buffalo should be willing because that would solidify their qb position and we'd have Williams or Bulaga and a great 2nd round pick (a potential beastly lb maybe).

Shanny Jr. puts the premium on o-linemen who can "run". He also thinks that our current o-line has alot more to offer. My take ... they'd rather have Williams (the best runner of the top 3 LTs available) OR he'd be be willing to take Bulaga (who is well versed in ZB schemes).

 

[burgundy and gold]

Looking at the ratings for offensive linemen is interesting:

Offensive tackles

(Heyer and Jones very close to the bottom)

Offensive guards

(Dockery slightly above average, Montgomery a bit below average)

Centers

(Rabach near the bottom)

According to this, Shanny Jr. is not concerned about these rankings.

 

[burgundy and gold]

Holy crap, is Landry getting moved to LB!?

Heck, he sure covers like one, so I'm not opposed to that move.

According to this, you may be onto something! But in any case, he'll sure be in the box a helluva lot.At any rate I'm starting to feel a little bit of excitement when it comes to this new scheme. I was really pissed at how Landry was used previously. And he's not the only one.