The discussion about having too many impact players at safety resonates with me. When was our defense at its best under Williams? When we had future Hall of Famers Ryan Clark and Vernon Fox starting back there. We merely need comptence at SS, not stardom. The other thing is this: there is only one unit on defense that you know makes all of the other units better, and that is the line. If our fears about Griffin are true, then that line has no anchor meaning no one who all the others can rely upon to occupy multiple blockers to free up other people. That's really all they need. They don't necessarily need a star there. That's why I like Carriker. I think he's going to be productive and versatile, the very kinds of things they need. I think we get too caught up in acquiring stars and that's part of the problem here. Maybe Okoye will fit the bill too. Anyway, I think Landry represents a pimp my ride player for a car that needs a new transmission.
Although I love Landry (and Lance Briggs for that matter) he just doesn't fit the team. It all boils down to the best thing for the team to do would be to trade down and pick up a 2 or 3 round draft choice.Saints Db's are terrible.if we can't resign Springs, could we deal him to Denver or Detroit or NE?![]()
Has anyone seen Mike Holmgren on NFL network talking about when your pick is up and there is a francise player available? He says you take him. Landry is a francise player. Carriker, Okoye, and Anderson aren't. Maybe getting Laundry won't make a significant impact this year but will for many years to come. If the Skins can drop down into the 8-12 range and get a early second rounder I say make that deal. If not take Landry. he is a safe pick.If Springs wants to stay he'll have to restructure. Maybe we can get a 3rd rounder for him. If not he'll probably be gone in June.The discussion about having too many impact players at safety resonates with me. When was our defense at its best under Williams? When we had future Hall of Famers Ryan Clark and Vernon Fox starting back there. We merely need comptence at SS, not stardom. The other thing is this: there is only one unit on defense that you know makes all of the other units better, and that is the line. If our fears about Griffin are true, then that line has no anchor meaning no one who all the others can rely upon to occupy multiple blockers to free up other people. That's really all they need. They don't necessarily need a star there. That's why I like Carriker. I think he's going to be productive and versatile, the very kinds of things they need. I think we get too caught up in acquiring stars and that's part of the problem here. Maybe Okoye will fit the bill too. Anyway, I think Landry represents a pimp my ride player for a car that needs a new transmission.
That guy would be fun to watch but something tells me Gibbs is too old to want to mess with him. And with the new conduct rules he might not even get drafted...which is sad. These are still kids. They are gonna make mistakes. Anyone going to Fed Ex for the draft party? Maybe someone can bring a "Draft Walter Thomas" banner. If gets to us in the 6th I say get him.Walter Thomas
I'd be interested to see the Skins take a shot at this guy later in the draft. Any idea where he might be drafted?
Yeah, what do you have to lose at that point?Yamato said:That guy would be fun to watch but something tells me Gibbs is too old to want to mess with him. And with the new conduct rules he might not even get drafted...which is sad. These are still kids. They are gonna make mistakes. Anyone going to Fed Ex for the draft party? Maybe someone can bring a "Draft Walter Thomas" banner. If gets to us in the 6th I say get him.Walter Thomas
I'd be interested to see the Skins take a shot at this guy later in the draft. Any idea where he might be drafted?
I beg to differ on this. If we are going to ask our SS to cover WR's, like they wanted AA to do, then he fits the bill just right! Landry is a Safety that can HIT and can cover. He's the type of player that can be 8th player in the box or play back in center field.More over, I'd point out that if he was back there...ST and him would be interchangable. Off coord.'s wouldn't know which way to try and expose when it come to the Safety area and add that WR's would have the fear of GOD when making a crossing route in our secondary.The discussion about having too many impact players at safety resonates with me. When was our defense at its best under Williams? When we had future Hall of Famers Ryan Clark and Vernon Fox starting back there. We merely need comptence at SS, not stardom.
The other thing is this: there is only one unit on defense that you know makes all of the other units better, and that is the line. If our fears about Griffin are true, then that line has no anchor meaning no one who all the others can rely upon to occupy multiple blockers to free up other people.
That's really all they need. They don't necessarily need a star there. That's why I like Carriker. I think he's going to be productive and versatile, the very kinds of things they need. I think we get too caught up in acquiring stars and that's part of the problem here. Maybe Okoye will fit the bill too. Anyway, I think Landry represents a pimp my ride player for a car that needs a new transmission.Although I love Landry (and Lance Briggs for that matter) he just doesn't fit the team. It all boils down to the best thing for the team to do would be to trade down and pick up a 2 or 3 round draft choice.
I don't follow your thinking on the argument of it taking DL more than a year to yield some benefit. First of all, the DL, of all the defenders, have the fewest number of assignments to be responsible for among the defense. They're assigned a gap or two, a stunt, or a drop into a short zone on the rare zone blitz, and that's about it. If there's any position that would seem to enable a rookie to perform, it would be DL. Even ignoring that though, S seems to be severely unkind to rookies because as the last line of defense and the only defensive players able to see the whole field, they have a huge number of responsibilities to make reads and sight adjustments, and to realign their teammates when they spot problems. They, and the MLB, must know the defense and the opposing offense's tendencies as well or better than any other defensive players.I beg to differ on this. If we are going to ask our SS to cover WR's, like they wanted AA to do, then he fits the bill just right! Landry is a Safety that can HIT and can cover. He's the type of player that can be 8th player in the box or play back in center field.More over, I'd point out that if he was back there...ST and him would be interchangable. Off coord.'s wouldn't know which way to try and expose when it come to the Safety area and add that WR's would have the fear of GOD when making a crossing route in our secondary.The discussion about having too many impact players at safety resonates with me. When was our defense at its best under Williams? When we had future Hall of Famers Ryan Clark and Vernon Fox starting back there. We merely need comptence at SS, not stardom.
The other thing is this: there is only one unit on defense that you know makes all of the other units better, and that is the line. If our fears about Griffin are true, then that line has no anchor meaning no one who all the others can rely upon to occupy multiple blockers to free up other people.
That's really all they need. They don't necessarily need a star there. That's why I like Carriker. I think he's going to be productive and versatile, the very kinds of things they need. I think we get too caught up in acquiring stars and that's part of the problem here. Maybe Okoye will fit the bill too. Anyway, I think Landry represents a pimp my ride player for a car that needs a new transmission.Although I love Landry (and Lance Briggs for that matter) he just doesn't fit the team. It all boils down to the best thing for the team to do would be to trade down and pick up a 2 or 3 round draft choice.
As for Redman, I agree that we could get away from drafting a S, but DL take more than a year to do anything. Add the age of our team and we need a player who can make more of an impact now. DL can also be more prone to being busts. If we were middle of the road in age or young....DL ALL THE WAY no matter what. Seeing we aren't...take the most surest player that you know will be cornerstone type guy and can help you NOW. Thus, Landry is better IMO.
This has nothing to do with like of Okoye or any other DL either. If the 'Skins walk away from Saturday picking Okoye, I will understand. Good news is that we only have a few more days to wait and then... BAM ... we will know.
Sorry, don't have the time to look it over. I would predict that there are more DL busts in the 1st round than Safeties. DL make little to no impact their first year because they can't just bully or speed around inferior OL, as they do in college. OL in NFL were all the top OL at their college, so DL do have to adjust their game.I don't follow your thinking on the argument of it taking DL more than a year to yield some benefit. First of all, the DL, of all the defenders, have the fewest number of assignments to be responsible for among the defense. They're assigned a gap or two, a stunt, or a drop into a short zone on the rare zone blitz, and that's about it. If there's any position that would seem to enable a rookie to perform, it would be DL. Even ignoring that though, S seems to be severely unkind to rookies because as the last line of defense and the only defensive players able to see the whole field, they have a huge number of responsibilities to make reads and sight adjustments, and to realign their teammates when they spot problems. They, and the MLB, must know the defense and the opposing offense's tendencies as well or better than any other defensive players.I beg to differ on this. If we are going to ask our SS to cover WR's, like they wanted AA to do, then he fits the bill just right! Landry is a Safety that can HIT and can cover. He's the type of player that can be 8th player in the box or play back in center field.More over, I'd point out that if he was back there...ST and him would be interchangable. Off coord.'s wouldn't know which way to try and expose when it come to the Safety area and add that WR's would have the fear of GOD when making a crossing route in our secondary.The discussion about having too many impact players at safety resonates with me. When was our defense at its best under Williams? When we had future Hall of Famers Ryan Clark and Vernon Fox starting back there. We merely need comptence at SS, not stardom.
The other thing is this: there is only one unit on defense that you know makes all of the other units better, and that is the line. If our fears about Griffin are true, then that line has no anchor meaning no one who all the others can rely upon to occupy multiple blockers to free up other people.
That's really all they need. They don't necessarily need a star there. That's why I like Carriker. I think he's going to be productive and versatile, the very kinds of things they need. I think we get too caught up in acquiring stars and that's part of the problem here. Maybe Okoye will fit the bill too. Anyway, I think Landry represents a pimp my ride player for a car that needs a new transmission.Although I love Landry (and Lance Briggs for that matter) he just doesn't fit the team. It all boils down to the best thing for the team to do would be to trade down and pick up a 2 or 3 round draft choice.
As for Redman, I agree that we could get away from drafting a S, but DL take more than a year to do anything. Add the age of our team and we need a player who can make more of an impact now. DL can also be more prone to being busts. If we were middle of the road in age or young....DL ALL THE WAY no matter what. Seeing we aren't...take the most surest player that you know will be cornerstone type guy and can help you NOW. Thus, Landry is better IMO.
This has nothing to do with like of Okoye or any other DL either. If the 'Skins walk away from Saturday picking Okoye, I will understand. Good news is that we only have a few more days to wait and then... BAM ... we will know.
Taylor even after three seasons has never shown the ability to lead the defense as his strengths lie in what he, personally, is able to do with his amazing athleticism on the field. It sounds like Landry is cut from the same cloth. Ryan Clark and Fox are no stars, but what has gotten them on the field and correspondingly gotten the defense to play better with them in the lineup has been their strong leadership abilities and knowledge of the defense.
I'm all for a BPA approach, and Landry does have all the earmarks of a star. When the BPA isn't going to fit in our lineup, though, I start to reconsider.
The only player in the draft that I believe they'd contemplate trading up for is CJ, and I think he's gone by the 2nd or 3rd pick, so no.Anyone feel that the Redskins desire to move up to #4 in a trade with the Bucs? If so, for who? And what do you think they would give up?
Agree and considering that the Bucs are in love with the sme player...won't happen.The only player in the draft that I believe they'd contemplate trading up for is CJ, and I think he's gone by the 2nd or 3rd pick, so no.Anyone feel that the Redskins desire to move up to #4 in a trade with the Bucs? If so, for who? And what do you think they would give up?
You're right. And that's nothing against Landry, I think he'll be a very good player in the NFL, but a good defensive line goes a long way to improve a defense as a whole. Just ask the patriots in 2001 when they drafted Richard Seymour.The discussion about having too many impact players at safety resonates with me. When was our defense at its best under Williams? When we had future Hall of Famers Ryan Clark and Vernon Fox starting back there. We merely need comptence at SS, not stardom. The other thing is this: there is only one unit on defense that you know makes all of the other units better, and that is the line. If our fears about Griffin are true, then that line has no anchor meaning no one who all the others can rely upon to occupy multiple blockers to free up other people. That's really all they need. They don't necessarily need a star there. That's why I like Carriker. I think he's going to be productive and versatile, the very kinds of things they need. I think we get too caught up in acquiring stars and that's part of the problem here. Maybe Okoye will fit the bill too. Anyway, I think Landry represents a pimp my ride player for a car that needs a new transmission.
n a news conference Tuesday, Gibbs and Snyder raved about unidentified prospects that they have interviewed and dined with, saying how mature, impressive and humorous they were. They referred to Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye only when they were asked specific questions about him, and even then kept their remarks brief. But much of what they said is typical of comments about the 19-year-old, who has risen rapidly since the NFL scouting combine in February.
Okoye is considered a slight second to Louisiana State safety LaRon Landry by many within Redskins Park, but sources said the club would be comfortable taking either player Saturday and has told each of them that Washington would draft him unless the team trades the sixth pick. Teams commonly say as much to multiple players this time of year.
I agree. There was also a rumor that the Raiders maybe doing what the Texans did last year. Russel wants 30 mil if he's number 1. Quinn has rumored to say he'd sign less.Barring any trades, I'm convinced that either Quinn or Russell, and possibly both, will be available at 1.06. Either of those guys should be good enough to warrant a trade up for someone.
Really? It sounds like Russell, Johnson, and Quinn are going 1-2-3 in some order. Someone will be available for the Skins to entertain trade offers whether it be one of those guys or Peterson, Thomas, Adams, Landry, or Okoye.Barring any trades, I'm convinced that either Quinn or Russell, and possibly both, will be available at 1.06. Either of those guys should be good enough to warrant a trade up for someone.
Beware of teams blackballing players with info such as drug use and injury issues at this part. Teams or agents of players are just trying to put position themselves to make more money or get that certain player and will throw out ethics. If this AP article was correct we would have heard about it prior to this.http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writ...rson/index.html
There was an article on cnnsi.com this morning about AP. Reportedly, his collarbone is still not completely healed, as he reinjured it vs. Boise St., and they're saying he's going to need another surgery and won't be ready to play until after the start of training camp, at the earliest. Supposedly nfl teams found out about this at the combine.
Combine this with the news that the Falcons owner has allegedly instructed GM McKay to move up at all costs to take CJ, one rumor which I actually believe, and things are looking worse and worse the Skins as far as being able to trade down.
If the Raiders draft Russell, I think the odds of Detroit trading down are > 50%, with the likely favorite being ATL. That eliminates one potential trading partner for us if this does go down.
In addition to this, it looks like AP's stock may not be quite as high as previously thought with this news about his collarbone. This could possibly eliminate all the teams we thought were potentially willing to move up to take AP.
If the Falcons do move up successfully to get CJ, and no one is willing to move up to get AP due to concerns about his collarbone and upright running style, this basically leaves Brady Quinn as the primary player that teams would trade up with Washington to get, unless some team unexpectedly moves up to get Landry or Adams if they're still on the board at 1.06.
I believe that there's a good chance that the Browns take Quinn -- it's at least a 33% chance imo. And even if Quinn falls to 1.06, theres still a chance that Miami might be out of the running as a possible trade partner, if they pull off the Trent Green trade before the Skins are on the clock on Saturday. If the Fish acquire Green before early Saturday afternoon, they could wait to draft a qb in the 2nd round, and fill another need with their #1 pick.
The bottom line: It's starting to look pretty bleak with regards to the Skins being able to trade down. The best case scenario for us is the Raiders stay put and take CJ, Quinn falls to 1.06, and the Fish are unable to pull of the Trent Green trade. I don't see this all happening, however.
The Washington Redskins and Chicago Bears have rekindled talks under which the Bears would trade Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs to the Redskins, NFL sources said yesterday.
While a deal was not a certainty, one source with knowledge of the situation said there was a "50-50" chance a trade would be completed before Washington makes its first selection in the NFL draft tomorrow. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was possible the teams also would swap their first-round draft picks, with the Bears receiving Washington's sixth overall selection in return for Chicago's 31st pick.
Last month the Redskins offered their sixth overall pick to Chicago for Briggs, 26, and the Bears' first-round pick. The Bears countered by asking Washington to add linebacker Rocky McIntosh to the offer, and when the Redskins refused the sides broke off talks. However, the teams have discussed other scenarios in recent days, according to sources, with the Redskins holding firm to their original offer and refusing to include McIntosh or other draft picks in a trade.
The Bears have remained open to trading Briggs and have bristled at the contract demands of his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. According to one league source, the Bears could settle for Washington's original offer prior to Saturday should no better deal come along. The Redskins could in turn request additional compensation for their first-round draft choice.
The Redskins are looking for more playmakers on defense following a season in which they registered just six interceptions and a franchise-low 19 sacks. They have been exploring options to trade their sixth pick since they have lingering questions about many highly rated college prospects.
Briggs was drafted by Chicago in the third round in 2003, and posted one sack and two interceptions last season. He is the only NFL player to return an interception for a touchdown in each of the last three seasons and made 134 tackles in 2006. Some scouts believe his production was a result of Chicago's defensive system, which is designed for the weak-side linebacker to make plays in certain situations. The scouts also noted that the overall talent on the Bears defense -- middle linebacker Brian Urlacher may be the best defensive player in the game -- helped Briggs immensely. They cautioned against expecting he would automatically have the same impact in Washington.
The Redskins are adopting many aspects of the Bears' defense this season, however, according to sources, and on their internal scouting reports they highly value Briggs's ability to thrive in downfield pass-defense coverage. The Redskins have concerns about depth at linebacker, with strong-side linebacker Marcus Washington coming back from major hip surgery and McIntosh having knee problems. Briggs's presence in pass coverage would allow the team to blitz other linebackers as a means of addressing its pass rush problems.
The Redskins' lack of a top-flight defensive end remains a major issue, but there are no ends worthy of the sixth overall pick in this year's draft in the estimation of many NFL clubs, including the Redskins, sources said. Snyder and Gibbs would likely continue exploring trade or free agent options to land one should they get Briggs.
YES!Also, good point by redman on the cover 2 type D.Don't you find yourself wondering if "andyman" will show up again?
x2From PFT.VINNY TWISTING IN THE WIND?We reported several weeks ago that big changes could be coming to the Redskins front office after the draft, but there were no specifics as to who might stay and who might go.The current scuttlebutt in league circles is that V.P. of football operations Vinny Cerrato could be out as soon as right after the draft, and as late as the end of the season -- if the team doesn't win at least 10 games in 2007.Cerrato was fired by the Redskins during the Marty Schottenheimer era, but was brought back by owner Daniel Snyder after Schottenheimer was cut loose after only one season.Some league insiders thought that current coach Joe Gibbs would have run Cerrato off by now, but Vinny has made it through three seasons under the Hall-of-Famer. Frankly, we're not sure why Cerrato should be held accountable for anything, since the widespread belief is that Snyder and Gibbs are the ones calling the shots.
What makes that interesting is that supposedly John Clayton announced this evening on ESPN that the Redskins-Bears trade for Briggs was officially dead, for reasons having to do with the cap hit and with lack of time to take a physical and sign a contract before the draft.The Skins have held firm - to their credit, finally - on their original offer to flop draft picks for Briggs.
Rocky is no longer part of the deal since the Skins rejected that offer weeks ago. The Bears have not asked for him again and instead in recent days asked for an additional draft pick in the deal. The skins, again, said no, and stuck to their orignal offer.
Like the story last night said, the Bears are believed by some to ultimately be willing to take that original offer and move on. Could happen today. Could happen tomorrow. Could happen never.
In the meantime both the Skins and Bears are exploring other options and talking to other teams. In he end, if the Bears do relent and take the original offer from the Skins, I would imagine they might want to get that done today, so they would know that they have the sixth pick and would not likely want to wait for the Skins to get on the clock at 6 Sat. and perhaps get a better offer.
And, the Skins would likely want to have an agreement to do the deal tomorrow if nothing better comes along for their pick. That issue in the end might be what kills it off, should the sides disagree on when to actually execute it.
Jamaal AndersonSome at Redskins Park believe Adams will amount a third-down specialist as a pro, unable to contribute much on other downs and non-passing situations, although sources said assistant head coach Gregg Williams has been more positive about him during personnel meetings.
Regardless, it would be surprising if the Redskins took Adams (6-foot-5, 260 pounds), especially with the sixth pick, given their overall concerns. Adams was inconsistent in college, did not impress during interviews with some teams. "There are some real issues there," said a high-ranking college scout from another NFL team. "He might end up as a really gifted pass rusher, but there's no guarantees and I am not sure he's a good fit for some systems. And if you try to move him around, is he smart enough to play outside linebacker? I'm not sure."
Adam CarrikerAnderson has the potential to be a "freak of nature" type pass rusher, a player who came into college as a wide receiver - with good speed- and played the last two seasons at end. He posted 13 ½ sacks last season, and at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds, has drawn comparisons to Michael Strahan and Julius Peppers by some for his size and ability. But he was a starter for only one full season, also suffered from inconsistency and, although exuding class, manners and good character, has slipped on many draft boards.
"He could be a monster," one college scouting director said, "but he might also have bust written all over him. To me it's 50-50. He's a really nice kid, but we don't see him having that edge you need. I'd be worried about him in the trenches. He's been sporadic in college and we question his toughness a little bit."
Carriker was originally slated to go in later in the first round as well, but scouts from several organizations said his strong work at his workout, his meetings with teams and the quality of his play in college have helped his stock. He has drawn strong feedback from San Francisco (11th overall) St. Louis (13), teams like Denver might trade up to get him and sources said that if the Redskins traded down below 15 to get him they would likely lose out as Green Bay (16) and Jacksonville (17) have him rated as high as the second-best end available.
Carriker (6-foot-6, 292 pounds) could play tackle and perhaps outside linebacker as well, and while not spectacular in his play, has a steady level of production and should be able to contribute long-term. He lacks panache and more of a straight ahead rusher who relies on power and strength - which is why some teams see him more as a tackle in the NFL - but his versatility and tenacity are assets the Redskins prize.
"We love him," said a top college scout whose team is not in the market for an end but who has watched Carriker repeatedly. "If you watch the film you can see he's a player, and he's somebody who you want to play with in the trenches. If you put him in a phone booth with Anderson or Adams and told me only one is coming out, I'd be willing to bet you anything - I'd bet my daughter - on Carriker coming out of there.
Very good article by LaCanfora on DE's being looked at in the first round.
Carriker (6-foot-6, 292 pounds) could play tackle and perhaps outside linebacker as well, and quote]
Outside linebacker? What is that guy smoking?
Yamato said:In a 3-4 as a pass rusher? Why not?fatness said:Very good article by LaCanfora on DE's being looked at in the first round.
Carriker (6-foot-6, 292 pounds) could play tackle and perhaps outside linebacker as well, and quote]
Outside linebacker? What is that guy smoking?
Anyway, I continue to love Carriker among the DE's. If they do a minor-trade down (i.e. between one and six spots down) I want them to get Carriker.
Why not? For starters his 4.90 speed. Put him off the LOS and he will be inapt. Put him on the LOS and you might as well call your D a 4-3. Carriker is best suited to be a 3-4 defensive end. Last time I checked the Redskins were running a 4-3 defense. Thinking of drafting him a 1.06 as some in this forum have stated would be insane. I have no doubt that he will be a good football player but not worthy of a top 10 pick. I would love to get him but at the right slot.Yamato said:In a 3-4 as a pass rusher? Why not?fatness said:Very good article by LaCanfora on DE's being looked at in the first round.
Carriker (6-foot-6, 292 pounds) could play tackle and perhaps outside linebacker as well, and quote]
Outside linebacker? What is that guy smoking?
Anyway, I continue to love Carriker among the DE's. If they do a minor-trade down (i.e. between one and six spots down) I want them to get Carriker.
If we did trade down to 12 (since most expert mocks have Carriker going 13) we could get him and a 2nd round pick. Or we can get Briggs and pick 1.31. Or we can get just LaRon Laundry/Okoye.
So compare the 3:
Adam Carriker, Pick 43
Lance Briggs, Pick 31 (which I think the Skins could trade for a middle 2nd and 3rd rounder and get a DE and DT)
LaRon Landry/Okoye
Course there are other options...but which one of these is best?
Anyway, this is going to be a fun draft to watch.
Draft day is going to be interesting.
This team hasn't even been able to bring pressure WITH blitzes.The trouble is that a Cover-2 defense needs a D-line that can bring pressure without blitzes, and that's the one thing we know this team can't do with its present personnel.![]()
Jason La Canfora is reporting we're going LandryCleveland selects Thomas. Exxxxxxxxxxxxxx-celent![/burns]
I have heard people close to Landry have a "good idea" he's the pick but aren't willing to take it to the bank yet, especially if Quinn slips and other options open for the Skins.
If Brown goes to Zona, we hold the cards....I hope not.Actually this is what he said:
I have heard people close to Landry have a "good idea" he's the pick but aren't willing to take it to the bank yet, especially if Quinn slips and other options open for the Skins.