A New Era in Washington

by HTTR4LIFE on May 3, 2011 9:49 AM EDT

A new era has made its face known in the nation’s capital within the last week as 2nd year GM Bruce Allen and 2nd year coach Mike Shanahan had a chance to show their draft day smarts off. By trading back in multiple rounds, the Redskins were able to maneuver their way into a pick in every round (a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since 1995) and also stockpile picks in the later rounds of the draft.

The aftermath when all the dust settled was 12 draft picks, 6 offensive players and 6 defensive players were selected. While there is no way of knowing yet if these players will pan out in the long run, the feel around this draft is like one that hasn’t been felt in many years for Redskins fans….competence in the front office is something us Redskins fans are not used to after the way things in D.C. have been done for years now. By making moves and drafting players by need, not want, Shanahan and Allen assembled an impressive collection of young prospects.

This could very easily go down as the best draft since Daniel Snyder bought the Redskins. As many of you know, the Redskins are not exactly known for building successfully in the draft in recent years and often times have traded key draft picks away for players that were thought to be the answer to needs that have been around since Joe Gibbs retired the first time.

This regime has yet to see a ‘real’ free agent class as of yet since the NFL has been without a solid CBA since before last season. This may have honestly been the best thing that could have ever happened when you look at the fact that instead of chasing players with character issues (see Albert Haynesworth) they are drafting good character players like Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Williams. When free agency does in fact resume, it’s pretty clear by how things were done last year that Bruce Allen will not overpay players in acts of desperation, like back in the days of Vinny Cerato and company (see fantasy football).

Sometimes in life the best thing that you can possibly endure is a fresh breath of air….and Redskins fans can finally breathe a little in…now exhale, the future is getting brighter. Hail to the Redskins!

by HTTR4LIFE

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IF the Redskins can get half of these guys they drafted to make the team then I say this was a great first movement towards a rebuild.

by HTTR4LIFE on May 3, 2011 11:00 AM EDT reply actions

"This could very easily go down in as the best draft since Daniel Snyder bought the Redskins"

Just a tad bit premature…just a tad

These draft picks can’t even find Redskins Park and already could be the best draft class in 10 years…give me a break

by Obey on May 3, 2011 12:08 PM EDT reply actions

In all honesty....

the Skins have set much of a benchmark in the last 10 years. The fact that we went from 6 picks to 12 already puts it in the conversation. I will agree it’s premature….but was a step in the right direction for sure.

2001
1 Rod Gardner
2 Fred Smoot
4 Sage Rosenfels
5 Darnerien McCants
6 Mario Monds

2002
1 Patrick Ramsey
2 Ladell Betts
3 Rashad Bauman
3 Cliff Russell
5 Andre Lott
5 Robert Royal
6 Reggie Coleman
7 Jeff Grau
7 Gregory Scott
7 Rock Cartwright

2003
2 Taylor Jacobs
3 Derrick Dockery
7 Gibran Hamdan

2004
1 Sean Taylor
3 Chris Cooley
5 Mark Wilson
6 Jim Molinaro

2005
1 Carlos Rogers
1 Jason Campbell
4 Manuel White
5 Robert McCune
6 Jared Newberry
7 Nehemiah Broughton

2006
2 Rocky McIntosh
5 Anthony Montgomery
6 Reed Doughty
6 Kedric Golston
7 Kili Lefotu
7 Kevin Simon

2007
1 LaRon Landry
5 Dallas Sartz
6 H. B. Blades
6 Jordan Palmer
7 Tyler Ecker

2008
2 Devin Thomas
2 Fred Davis
2 Malcolm Kelly
3 Chad Rinehart
4 Justin Tryon
6 Durant Brooks
6 Kareem Moore
6 Colt Brennan
7 Rob Jackson
7 Chris Horton

2009
1 Brian Orakpo
3 Kevin Barnes
5 Cody Glenn
6 Robert Henson
7 Eddie Williams
7 Marko Mitchell
**2009 Supplemental
3 Jeremy Jarmon

2010
1 Trent Williams
4 Perry Riley
6 Dennis Morris
7 Terrence Austin
7 Erik Cook
7 Selvish Capers

Yet another offseason......another few months for the Skins to "shine".

by shvd98z24 on May 8, 2011 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Key word there was “could”. I’m highly impressed with how the front office put together the draft and added a dozen new prospects.

by HTTR4LIFE on May 8, 2011 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes, we have a competent front office.

Now let’s see if they can return us to greatness.

"By far the worst performers on the (Redskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins

by smutsboy1 on May 3, 2011 1:08 PM EDT reply actions

The Skins may have gotten a minimum of 5 new starters out of this draft. Considering 22 positions (offense and

defense), the Team still needs to pick up 6 free agents that are starter quality this season. Until the rules for free agency are known, it will not be possible to target the 6 with only one alternative. Whether in takes 4 or 5 years of NFL experience is the main issue that will determine what players are restricted (RFA) or unrestricted (UFA) free agents this season. A few months back it looked like about 500 players and 70 of these starters would be available as UFAs. It would still be great to be going after players finishing their rookie contracts (young but experienced) to keep the youth movement going this season. If a top notch NT is not available under age 30, however, then there needs to be flexibility. The age 30 rule should not limit the 2011 goals.

by Jefferson1935 on May 3, 2011 2:51 PM EDT reply actions

I think the best course of action going forward is...

to prepare for a return of the 2010 FA rules. It appears unlikely that the impasse will be resolved anytime soon, and last minute negotiations will be required. A new rookie cap will probably be in place, and the 5 yr rule will be re-instituted again this year. That’s the most conservative of the options, and thus, the most likely. Prepare under those guidelines, with a plan B of course, and you won’t be caught offguard or over optimistic.

A very short window of free agency will be frenetic, and long term mistakes can be made in the feeding frenzy. Looking for new starters in such a period will most likely lead to overpaying and buyer’s remorse. I believe it is unlikely to expect to pick up any quality players this year as the good players will just be too expensive, and the average player not worth a premium price.

I would recommend just staying pat this year, let the dust settle and the new cap take hold. See what the team has with the new additions, and make moves next year. They have all of last year’s and this year’s draft picks to sort out, see which ones are of starting caliber. Add some UDFAs to the roster, and let the scrum begin. No sense in signing an expensive 28-32 year old to a rebuilding team at this point. My humble and honest opinion only.

by JDC15 on May 3, 2011 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Quality players, who (all indications) are quality persons.

All of the player profiles that I’ve read on our picks mention the same thing; “hard worker” “locker room leader” “team captain” “plays until the whistle sounds”.

by 1x1an on May 3, 2011 7:07 PM EDT reply actions

Yes, yes, yes-this is what I've been shouting from the top of the mountain for…

And I finally get to see some semblance of it.
"wanting a team of Boy Scouts", well maybe not the whole team, but these are the types of players that become your "core players". And we have needed them bad for the last decade plus.

The world looks mighty different when you're peeking out your belly button

by Skins Fan '77 on May 4, 2011 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Many were captains on their perspective teams as well, drafting leaders on the field leads to a stronger locker-room and better team atmosphere….two things the Redskins have desperate needs with.

by HTTR4LIFE on May 8, 2011 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions