Draft Talk Already?
by Skin Patrol on Dec 20, 2006 12:17 PM EST
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PrintWhy not. If the draft were held today, the Redskins would have the 7th pick. Right now the most glaring needs are on the defensive side of the ball, specifically in the secondary and on the defensive line. Middle linebacker also comes up in needs-discussions.
My personal opinion is that we should draft the best value at either D-Line or Secondary (emphasizing pass rush and coverage respectively).
Scout Inc's Top Dogs at those positions (overall ranking):
- Alan Branch DT Michigan
- Gaines Adams DE Clemson
In 2005, he took over as the starting "bandit" DE and made 56 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 29 quarterback pressures, and three forced fumbles.
- Glenn Dorsey DT LSU
- Leon Hall CB Michigan
Hall then started all 12 games in 2005, registering 61 total tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, four interceptions, nine pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Over the past three seasons, he has also returned 14 punts for 163 yards (11.6 average) and one touchdown. Hall lacks elite size and speed, but he is a physical and aggressive cover corner with very good quickness, instincts and ball skills.
- LaRon Landry S LSU
He once again started every game (13) in 2005 registering 69 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, and eight pass breakups. Over the past three seasons, Landry has seen time at free safety, strong safety, and cornerback. Landry is as close to the complete package as it gets for a safety prospect coming from the collegiate ranks. He projects as a free safety in the NFL...
- Amobi Okoye DT Louisville
Okoye started 10 of the 11 games he played in during the 2005 season, missed the Florida Atlantic game with a foot sprain, and finished the season with 23 total tackles, four tackles-for-loss, 0.5 sacks, and three fumble recoveries. Okoye isn't fundamentally sound and he needs to keep his weight down to be effective. However, he is a young developmental-prospect that has the bulk to develop into an effective run stuffer and enough quickness to improve his ability to rush the passer.
James Alder from December 6th:
Phillip Daniels is 33 years old, and has never really been a big pass-rushing threat. Adams might be a little small at 260 pounds, but he could contribute immediately as a pass-rush specialist. He also has the frame to put on another 10-15 pounds without losing much of his agility.
NFL Draft Blitz from December 14th:
Analysis: Washington has been gloriously inconsistent this year. They have not been able to bring a good effort week in and week out. One thing than can't question about Woodley is his effort. He has an amazing motor and a knack for getting into the backfield. Woodley has good technique and deceptive power. Look for him to cause havoc in the backfield of NFC opponents next year.
Huddle Geeks from December 16th:
The Redskins had one of the worst pass defenses in the league last season and Shawn Springs isn't getting any younger. They need a young CB to groom before Springs time is up. Cason has ideal size and is an excellent athelete and will be a great addtion to a struggling secondary.
Footballs Future from December 18th:
The Skins must upgrade their pass rush.
Mock Draft City from December 19th:
Condraft from December 16th:
Gaines Adams (DE, Clemson)
Gaines Adams is arguably the best defensive prospect in the draft, and this seasons ACC defensive player of the year has proven his NFL value throughout his career at Clemson. A pass-rushing demon, Adams has the knack for making the big sack or recovering the big fumble, and it would be surprising if he fell past here come draft day. The Redskins could also look for help at CB, but defensive line is also a need and Adams fits in perfectly.
We're still a good bit away from the draft so this is speculative, but I'll take Gaines Adams or Alan Branch if they fall to us. Best value from the draft is on the defensive line, and we can supplant either Big Joe Salave'a at DT or help Phillip Daniels in passing situations with a good pressure DE.
Readers, what are your early thoughts on the draft?
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Don't count your chickens
For the record
That's why I say take the best value available. We have multiple needs meaning we won't have to force any of our picks. If we have to stretch too far for a DT or DE, picking up a CB or Safety will do the trick and we can try and shore up the D-Line depth on day 2.
by Skin Patrol on Dec 20, 2006 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
My thinking is...
I think the front runners right now are Adams, Moses, and Woodley. I'm not too sure about the DT position, but those are the top 15 range DEs as rated right now. Okoye sounds like too much of a project to help immediately, which is what the defense needs. I've seen Branch play and he looks like a pretty sound pick in the middle of the D line, but I don't know if it's him or Woodley that is the true presence on that line. I don't know much about Dorsey, but they need a pass rusher.
These types of rankings can change a great deal after the combine and such, but that's what I'm seeing right now.
That being said, if it looks like S Landry from LSU is the real deal at FS, then I might have to consider him.
I've always thought of Taylor as a SS
That's just my thinking...
Landry
It would...
I think it would also free up Gregg Williams to blitz more, since both of his safeties would be able to and since he'd actually have guys in the safety position that can run 1v1 with TEs and such.
But he'd be an option in the 7-10 range I think. Earlier than that, and those monster D lineman will still be available. It's a tough call, but I'd like the team to consider all possibilites.
Big change...
I agree completely that Williams should do whatever works, regardless of dogma. I think we'll have a good shot at Landry, if that's who they want. I do NOT want the team to trade draft picks to move up and get him, though.
by Skin Patrol on Dec 23, 2006 12:01 AM EST up reply actions
Neither do I...
I might even think about trading down to get even more help throughout the draft.
And to be honest...
But the Skins can't afford to draft on the offensive side on day 1 and the early part of day 2 of the draft.
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