Doc Walker Interviews Snyder, Cerrato, Zorn
by Kevin Ewoldt on Apr 25, 2009 2:09 AM EDT
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Below are the comments from the live blogging of Doc Walker's fantastic interviewing of Snyderrato and Zorn today (Friday).
The first half of the comments are from two days ago, from when the Redskins hosted a pre-draft media briefing April 22 at 2 p.m. ET from Redskins Park, which a couple of us listened into and blogged (see comments). The other half of the comments involve Doc grilling the trio of the draft process and Campbell.
(Full Video of the media meeting here..via redskins.com...)
Images via media3.washingtonpost.com, www.espn980.com
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AHHH
I just got called into a urgent meeting..dammit.
Zorn just said there will def be someone at #13 they can take that will start
Direct Question to Snyder regarding Jason...
Snyder picked it up saying “nothing has changed…” as for the draft…’we’re just trying to get to know the players and make a team better…’
Question can they move up to top 5..is it feasible
“anything is possible…depends on what you’re willing to give up”
because of the last 3 first draft picks
zorn says he’s going to basically be a lot more involved in they’re development, and also be on them alot more in having them getting prepared.
once off versus repeat offender
they’re not going to come down on someone that has one blip on they’re rap sheet, but they believe a repeat offender will continue to be one.
To vinny and zorn...what about drafting an OL>
Zorn: We hope Jansen and Heyer to battle…Randy Thomas is healthy. Dockery is there.
RT is important to us…
good question
reporter asked about how important it is for them to get younger on O line since JJ got hurt, and everyone is getting older. zorn responds that they’ve already gotten better with the addition of Dock etc. Chris Samuels is feeling good etc.
Yea
Thats kind of scary…haha. Doesn’t sound like we’re drafting an OL
by Kevin Ewoldt on Apr 22, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
if
there’s a deadlock at #13, and multiple players are available that different people want, they go to the board. no one has more of a say than anyone, they just go to the board
WHAT?!?!?!
danny just said that they don’t want to go with the biggest name on the board. he likes the workers and people need to be patient with the picks, especially in the skill positions. since when did THIS thought occur to him??
It Didn't
I was doing the voice-over. He really said "We are going for the biggest name on the board, I don’t care about workers, and I am not patient enough for picks-especially skill postions (then mumbled ‘and coaches’).
ARMY STRONG
Question to Snyder: What have you learned over the 10 years of the dDraft
If Sean wasn’t murdered, we’d be one of the top draft teams in the leage.
I have learned to let things come naturally…let all the people (scouts) hard work play out. Be patient
Disagree
One exceptional player does make a difference, it just so happened that for the Redskins it was on Defense if it was a QB no one would question this statement.
Perhaps in a shallow analysis of how team X has done. But if you look at a whole roster, and the whole draft (early and late picks), one player, QB or otherwise, isn’t going to ‘dramatically’ alter your rep, as Snyder implied.
Shallow, possibly or the acceptance that some players make the team a Superbowl winner
2000: Does Baltimore win without Ray Lewis
2001: Does NE win without Tom Brady
Will the Colts have a superbowl win without Manning
The list goes on, yes teams win and the team matters…The statement per KevinE:
If Sean wasn’t murdered, we’d be one of the top draft teams in the leage.
That is a FACT
Without Sean the Redskins still have a decent grade on the 33 picks since 2000, with hime they become one of the top draft teams.
I never said one player doesn’t make a team. I said one player doesn’t take a decent draft rep and make it elite.
If Sean wasn’t murdered, we’d be one of the top draft teams in the leage.That is a FACT
That is actually the opposite of a fact. It is a subjective observation with no data or details whatsoever.
well...
he was on pace to break the NFL interception record more than half way through the year, but yea, you’re right. He could have just as easily got a career ending injury…who knows…too early to tell but it was pretty safe to assume he would have been what Ed Reed is to BAL and Troy for PIT.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Apr 23, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Some Facts, inside an article
Fox Sports John Czarnecki
Draft review: How every team ranks from 2003-’08
Still subjective but
WASHINGTON: The Redskins did a lot with only 23 picks between 2003-07, although they were devastated by the loss of All-Pro safety Sean Taylor, who was murdered during a home invasion. The 2005 draft produced CB Carlos Rogers and QB Jason Campbell. The next two drafts produced starters Kedric Golston, Rocky McIntosh and free safety LaRon Landry. The key to the Redskins will be if last season’s top three picks, all receivers, display some maturity and toughness. If they do, Campbell will have a chance to succeed.
Picks: 33
First-round picks: 4
Starters: 8
Pro Bowlers: 2
Grade: B
With Taylor he gives the Redskins a B, which seems a pretty good review and accurate. What could have happened with more picks?
wait, now we’re arguing what our grade would be with more picks?
I thought you were saying if you include Sean Taylor then the Skins’ would be “one of the best drafters in the league”?
Yes, and no
With Sean Taylor, the Redskins were Graded a B, one of the top-10 in the league from 2003-2007.
In addition, if the Redskins would have held onto more picks could the draft performance increased to one of the Top-3?
All the comments started with
“Ugh. The thought that one lost player makes a huge difference in our rep is a joke.”
Without Taylor the Redskins would have been average in picks from 2003-2007, and should reap the critisim of being a poor drafting team.
respect for that
didn’t buy the team for investment, bought them to win a super bowl
Last Question to Danny
Question: You signed Albert, brought back DeAngelo…will this draft be whats needed?
Danny: We were disappointed with the last games of the years, injuries (which are not excuses)….I’m pleased where we came in with our D…I’m just doing what we can. I will always be aggressive to win. I bought the team to win a super bowl. The commitment back with denagelo has been great…been in the building working out. Dockery is in GREAT shape…
that’s the end of the meeting.
sorry if i missed anything
trying to work, listen and type at the same time.
yea....me too..
Snyder came off well in that. He should come out more often.
That meeting I got dragged into had nothing to do with my role…ugh.
danny is a business man
he knows how to sweet talk when the pressure’s on. we’ll see what he’s really up to saturday
I dropped by looking to read what was said
And realized the interview takes place on Friday…
by ReggieBullits on Apr 22, 2009 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Snyder...
Frank Hanrahan is saying he thinks the Skins will definitely trade up. It was great to hear the owner say he did not buy this team for an investment, but to win a Super Bowl.
Though...
That has to be taken with a grain of salt. When I leave Fedex Field I basically feel like I was pick-pocketed.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Apr 22, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
nobody buys a team as an investment, if they do they’re not very smart.
the Redskins are valuable, but there are 100 better things to do with $600M or whatever it cost.
In the 90s...
A few owners bought Pro teams as investments and they paid off very well when the team was sold
Owning a pro team is a FUN investment, but it’s not a particularly shrewd one. You just don’t see a terribly efficient ROI.
Examples
In 2005 Fowler will pay McCombs at least $625 million for the team, which McCombs acquired in 1998 for less than $250 million, the ROI sucks on that one…NOT
In 2004 Art Modell sold to Bisciotti the Baltimore Ravens for a combined 600 million, he purchased the team in 1961 for 3.25 million. Better investments could have been made but it turned out ok
While it is a FUN investment, it’s also been an excellent investment in Returns
your pointing to exceptions, not the rule.
indeed, it is possible to make a lot. that doesn’t make it one of the better things to do with $600M.
+1
Agreed. No financial advisor in the WORLD is going to tell you to buy a professional sports team.
Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.
by DbacksSkins on Apr 23, 2009 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Ok
Still think during there was a period of time it was a wise investment, could be compared to housing today.
A great investment in 2000 but no financial advisor in the World will steer anyone to the housing market now…but give it another 6 months to a year and then it may become a wise investment again.
Investment
So I shouldn’t buy the Mystics then?
by Kevin Ewoldt on Apr 22, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
The Board...
Regarding the draft process, they said they have a board of players ranked, so if the Skins get to the #13 pick, they look at their board who is left and pick that guy.
They’ve said that in the past too…I think they rank people based on talent and then they weigh it unconsciously based on need. No other explanation for them taking 3 pass catchers last year…
I read somewhere...
WRs that are drafted early have a 45% success rate…ugh. I’m trying to keep the faith alive.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Apr 22, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
TORB's interview with Campbell
Scott the Redskins director of Players: Interview from TORB
First:
And basically what we do is, I take that information from the coaches, from the scouts, the input of how they fit into our system and all the factors, and come up with the final Redskin grade.
“That’s what’s going on in those meetings. And we rank ‘em, who we like at the top down on to the bottom, position by position A year’s worth of data, not a couple of months.
Second:
”You don’t factor that into the evaluation of the player. You have to evaluate and stack the board in terms of how they fit in for us as Redskin football players.
Third:
So you’re grading guys, regardless of the team’s draft position.
Campbell: “Yeah, that doesn’t factor into the evaluation process.”
Basically, the board is set and the most valuable “Redskin graded player” is selected. Trades up and Trade downs are based again on the value as based on the Grades. Last year the Trade down was good and it was accomplished with the expectation of not being able to select Thomas…It’s all about grades and values.
Sense
I sensed from listening to Zorn that they really think the Oline is in good shape going into this year. They of course mentioned the right side could always use additional players, but he said they expect Heyer and Jansen to compete and for one to emerge. We tried that last year and it was an epic fail.
agree to disagree on this
The addition of Dockery to the Left side, a healthy Thomas and a battle at right tackle makes the serviceable.
yea
Thomas with a broken neck, Jansen w/ the achilles and ankle, Samuels from all his injuries….would just love to see youth. “Serviceable” is the perfect word. Come week 12 I doubt it will be though.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Apr 22, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
if at wheek 12
IF Thomas’ neck is still fine
IF Samuels is stronger
IF Jansen, no Heyer become a solid pass and run blocker
Then all is well, getting younger is needed, maybe even adding another Dockery…I’ve heard that somewhere.
If we still have our third rounder this year
I see it used on an OL. I think the more you look at this draft, there just doesn’t seem to be a lineman that will be available at #13 that is worth #13. Based on what is out there, #13 seems to be a defensive player. As in, the best player available at #13 is most likely going to be a defensive player…I see Robert Ayers here as a guy picking up a ton of steam right?
haha....seems the opposite
Redskins Insider said the Redskins do not really like Ayers.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Apr 22, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmmmmm
Maybe the Skins don’t think he would fit for them, but I am hearing that Ayers is a guy whose stock is on the rise. Granted, I think the word I am hearing more is “safe” with regard to him as a prospect. I guess the Skins would be looking more for upside instead of safety. But he can definitely play.
Ayers...
how high is Ayers magnet on your draft wall….(aka your kitchen refrigerator)?
by Kevin Ewoldt on Apr 22, 2009 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
well
depends on who’s left at 13 and do we have the option of trading back? but either way i’d put him down by the drawers with the fruit (at the bottom)
ray maualuga
is he even on the Skins radar? At all?
by Hardcore Legend on Apr 22, 2009 4:27 PM EDT reply actions
yes
Redskins Nation has mentioned him multiple times, but we’ll never really know at what level since they obviously need to hold their cards close.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Apr 22, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
hope not
He may (or may not) work at OLB, and unless we switch to a hybrid defense, lets stick to a more natural OLB…
ARMY STRONG
Projected position is nothing
He came and worked out. I think his talent, instincts, and attitude make him a better LB than Cushing. Some may say he’s strictly inside, but that’s all speculation. I think he’ll play a lot like Marcus Washington did.
He did run a 4.65 at his Pro Day. He is also a career MLB. But, after all of this talk about Sanchez, at this point I would welcome Maualuga with open arms.
Curry, Orakpo, or the top 4 OLs... or back.
I like Ray a lot
I think he’s a much better LB prospect than the other USC guys, and will be ready to take over for London, who is getting up there in age.
Skins met with Rey...
To presumably discuss if he could handle OLB….no one knows how that went.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Apr 22, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions
HB
blades…that’s our future at MLB.
ARMY STRONG
I like this one.
Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.
by DbacksSkins on Apr 23, 2009 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions
he’s no wesley snipes, lets not get that wrong
if wesley snipes was our MLB we’d be good at that position till the end of time
Oh snap....
if Wesley Snipes were our MLB, would he be compelled to drive a stake into Jerrah Jones’ heart?
Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.
----------------------------------------
Just doing a blank comment to signify the start of the interview
starting now…
Doc: Dan rank these for me...
1.) Sunday am at fedex gameday
2.) Right before free agency starts
3.) Draft day…
Snyder with no hesitation: game day
Qbs...
Doc: What makes a good QB…if all in the league were available:
Response: Accuracy. How he handles interceptions….is he messed up a few series after. Leadership skills…
What brought about the buzz with Sanchez?
Snyder: We bring in and look at a lot of QBs…Jamarcus Russell in the pass…we evaluate a lot of them.
Snyder is explaining the board now...
“not a mystery board”….big product driven by work…not need or desire or media. Scouts working together reviewing tapes…etc…
the board
Zorn: No one has seen the board.
Snyder: I have seen the grades but I have not seen the board. No one has yet.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Apr 24, 2009 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions
146 names will be on the board...
last year was 150/155…
Vinny: we may only have 18 graded for the first round….Derrick Dockery had a late 1st round grade…but when we got to the 3rd round…and we still had a 1st value card there. We didn’t need that….but the value….we got a 1st round value at a 3rd round value. Did we need him. no? But he came in and did great. Scott Campbell does a great job. You follow the choices.
example
this is a perfect example of Vinny’s ‘draft the best player available’. They didn’t need an OL…but the value was there….
still not sure I buy into this strategy. Derrick was a win, yes, but there are a lot of bad examples too.
by Kevin Ewoldt on Apr 24, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Doc: You guys are living in a bunker....the fan base is concerned....
Doc: Fans felt deflated when you traded back at #21 last year.
Vinny: Plan going in last year was trade back. That was a win. The value wasn’t there. trading back was a much better value. We worked all week on that. We called every team behind us and let them know we’re looking to trade back. We have a value chart for what we want.
Zorn
Doc: What if Zorn comes to you Danny and says “i like a guy.”
Dan: We have a week process for all that.
Jim: I’m not bashful.
Doc: we need a pass-rusher or OL for your organization
Vinny: You always look at Qbs you could take anywhere. It’s been this way with every organization. You should draft one every year to develop the pool of players.
Doc: you have not amassed the wins you want with different philosphies
Snyder: I learned a lot from Gibbs and his philosophies. We’re looking for players of characters.
In the 6th round last year, there were a lot of Qbs..so we looked at Zorn since it was so close and he picked Colt.
Pass protection
Doc: Drafting interior is something the Eagles and Giants do…that ’s their philsophies.
Snyder: Samuels is still young at 32. Center is outstanding. Randy Thomas is only 30…right side we’re trying to address..and we signed another player today. We got Dockery back.
Vinny: We’ll have improvements from last year’s draft.
Doc: I see those guys as red shirts…but I am optimistic.
Vinny: We didn’t draft those guys hoping to be good in 5 years…it wasn’t as exciting as we wanted it to be. They’re going to be outstanding players and they will see the field and their effort has been great.
Doc: Devin Thomas was hurt in college and young to the position
Doc: Fred is a beast…but we already had a pro bowl player. Coach, in your 2nd year, how confident are you you’ll get this guy in the draft on the field
Zorn: depends on how we draft, trading back, etc…Kareem Moore and Horton came in and contributed.
Doc: I’m talking about the top of the board. You want the reverse..the top of the board to contribute
Vinny
He’s talking about Matt Leinart and people taking time to contribute…we hope to get a 1st rounder that makes a pro bowl…
by Kevin Ewoldt on Apr 24, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
What the Fans think of Snyder
Doc: 9/10 times I hear people contradicting your conventional wisdom b/c of how hard you go after free agents.
Snyder: I respect the fans and until we win super bowls, it’s going to be that way. Until we win we won’t get kudos for free agency.
6-2 then 2-6
Are you comfortable you’ll move the needle for the better?
zorn: I know our staff and environment so im much more confident going into this draft.
Zorn
Zorn: Fred Davis will be on the field this year.
Doc: (clapping)
Zorn: devin is ready…he will not pull a hamstring. He has been here every day. he’s working with JC, colt, todd…he’ll be ready.
Yeah.
Washington is where you get PAID.
Well, that, and it’s a pretty effing sweet city. It’d suck to be in Cleveland or something. ::braces self for oodles of angry Clevelanders::
Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.
Doc: You selected Colt...what is his rating?
Zorn: Colt has rehabbed for a small knee issue and a labrum tear. His accuracy and strength has increased dramatically. Colt will play A LOT of preseason. Not all of it but a lot. He won’t unseat JC…. he’s working hard everyday. No one talks about Todd…he’s been very active this off-season..his arm is much more lively than last year. He’s excited to be in this program.
everyone forgets
that all of these guys are still working hard, jason included. if it is an open competition, i don’t think jc is just gonna sit back and let someone take it.
I'm to young to Die Danny...don't make me do it tomorrow....
Honestly,
I feel like Jay-Z should declare it an open competition, but tell Soupy in private that he has full confidence that he’s going to win it.
Insert witty and/or humorous signature here.
Doc: What have you said to the team about your philosophy and all these rumors?
vinny/Zorn: We’ve been honest with them to get the best team we can. There will be another QB…we want 4 in camp. We’re going to sign more than 7 guys….some players that didnt get drafted.
A few possibilites...
Pat White, Graham Harrell, Rhett Bomar, Brian Hoyer, Stephen McGee, Curtis Painter ???
Curry, Orakpo, or the top 4 OLs... or back.
Doc: what do you get out of the dinners that help your organization?
Snyder: So we can get to know them as much as possible…not just stats and combine and tape. Poisiton coaches can get to know them
Vinny: You get only 15 minutes to interview them at the combine and they have agents that program them want to say. When they come here…you see the real guy. There’s been a couple times where after the dinner were were like “NO WAY. THIS GUY WON”T FIT IN THE LOCKER ROOM."
That decreases the possibility
of landing Sanchez unless we throw a player in the mix or another team gets involved in a 3-way trade.
Curry, Orakpo, or the top 4 OLs... or back.
holy crap
they arent’ COMPLETELY dense?!?!?
I'm to young to Die Danny...don't make me do it tomorrow....
Well...
That doesn’t mean they will draft that. They draft based on VALUE. sigh
by Kevin Ewoldt on Apr 24, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
The Board
Me: I don’t understand how they don’t have their board set yet and have guys pegged. Vinny just said first thing tomorrow they’ll look at the final board.
Is this a misunderstanding of the transcripts or does Zorn know about a player which Dan does not...
“I think we signed another player today that we put in the mix,” Snyder said.
“He’s agreed, his name’s not on the contract yet,” Zorn added.
On the show, Snyder said the above then was followed up with a confirmation by Zorn.
Does this mean that Zorn is more involved in the day to day workings, a little more detail “so to speak”, than Dan. If so, a great sign… the coach more involved than the owner.
Quote from the show, and transcribed at TORB.
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