With today's surprise announcement that Matt Barkley is returning to USC (and the rumors that Robert Griffin the III and Landry Jones could soon follow), Skins fans seem to be in a frenzy about what to do at quarterback next year. While it is an understandable concern when you stare at a depth chart of Rex Grossman and John Beck, it shouldn't be one that keeps Redskins fans up at night.

Even if the Redskins were not to win another game their chances at Griffin or Barkley were pretty slim. In addition to a team like Browns drafting ahead of them the Redskins had to worry about teams like the Dolphins, Seahawks or Chiefs would be a good position to trade up ahead of the Redskins. They are deeper teams and could afford giving up the extra picks needed in a deal. As for Landry Jones, his stock has been falling, and he's just not a good fit for the Redskins offensive style.This means that the only effect Barkley's decision has on Washington is it means another team will be competing with them for a QB in the 2nd round.

So what is left for the Skins?

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*Note both of these games were previewed by me. Also remember these write-ups are primarily for scouting purposes. With a focus on players and positions that the Redskins are likely looking for (teams are also picked for that reason as well). 

FBS Game of the Week: #15 Auburn @ #10 Arkansas, 7:00 PM, Fayetteville, Arkansas
TV Listing: ESPN
Point Spread: Arkansas -10

Summary: The Tigers have righted the ship in their run to defend their National Title. The Tigers are in the midst of a brutal stretch of games, but showed they can still hang with the best as they knocked off South Carolina last week. Arkansas is coming off a come from behind win over Texas A&M, and needs this victory to propel them into 3rd place in the Western Conference of the SEC. Arkansas has probably the better all-around talent as well as the homefield advantage, making this a tough road for Auburn to climb. The Tigers last week proved that they are still a dangerous team and should make this a close game. In the end I like Arkansas to win and cover, but it will be close for most of the game. Prediction: 35-24, Razorbacks

Players To Watch: Arkansas-

Wide Receiver Jarius Wright (5’10", 180). Wright came into this season as a bit of an afterthought, more of a 5-6th round type of player. But his performance this year including torching Texas A&M for nearly 300 yards, has him moving up draft boards. Wright has always been over shadowed by more well known teammates, but he has clicked with QB Tyler Wilson and looks to be the Razorbacks number 1 WR this year. He profiles as a slot receiver, with good route running, hands and exceptional speed. He was reportedly timed in the 4.2's back in the spring, and he shows that electric ability on the field. While he has moved up he is still probably in the 3rd to 4th round range (though he could skyrocket if he keeps it up with big performances against the SEC).

Quarterback Tyler Wilson (6'3", 220). Wilson is admittedly a bit of a longshot to come out this year with so much quarterback depth and having a thin resume while sitting behind Mallett, it is possible. He's a redshirt junior, and he has numerous weapons leaving this season. Arkansas could very well end up in a BCS game, giving him a huge national profile. While I don't think he will end up coming out, he's definitely worth writing up. Wilson, has made up for lost time with a strong season so far, and really looks to have the makings of a good NFL starer (if not better). Right now if he comes out he could enter the late first early 2nd discussion, but he looks to be more of a 3rd rounder if the draft was held today.

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FBS Game of the Week:  #7 Oklahoma State @ #8 Texas A&M, 3:30 PM, College Station, TX
TV Listing: ABC/ ESPN2
Point Spread: Texas A&M -4

Summary: Ignoring the backdrop of target that Texas A&M has placed on it's back by causing the instability in the Big 12, this game could have National Title implications. Both A&M and OK St. are top 10 teams, and whomever wins this game, will be a top ranked team if they can also knock off Oklahoma later this season. Both schools have high-powered offenses, with the Cowboys having the top ranked passing attack in the nation. The difference in this game is probably going to be A&M's defense, which is far stronger that OK State's. This game will also be watched by a number of scouts as both schools have quite a few potential pro prospects, including both quarterbacks (Brandon Weeden and Ryan Tannehill). It should be a close game, but in the end I think the 12th man and the stronger defense will allow A&M to prevail. Prediction: 35-28, Aggies

Players To Watch: 

OK State:

Note:  I've already looked at QB Brandon Weeden and OT Levy Adcock. Also WR Justin Blackmon appears to be a top 5 pick and unlikely an option for the Redskins. 

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The Hogs Haven community had to be one of the most educated group of people on the prospects in last year's draft. We all learned together, and I think it's fair to say that there was nowhere else on the internet with as many discussions (arguments) about late round draft picks and undrafted free agents. In an effort to continue to learn more about the NFL pipeline, Parks Smith and myself will highlight college games every Thursday this fall. We will have a pair of National games this week, and I'll be posting it with Parks out of town.

FBS Game of the Week:  Arizona @ #9 Oklahoma State, 8:00 PM, Stillwater, Oklahoma Sept. 8th (tonight)
TV Listing: ESPN
Point Spread: Oklahoma State -14.5

Summary: This might not be a top 25 match-up but there is still plenty of reason to tune in or DVR it if you are planning on watching the Packers vs Saints tonight. Not only should Arizona make this a good game, but there are some serious draft implications in this game. Tonight a pair of draftable quarterbacks will be facing off, as well as a host of other quality players that could interest the Redskins. Both teams are pretty strong, but Oklahoma State is the better team, and has the advantage of playing at home. I think they will win this, but it will be closer than the spread. Prediction: 38-34, Cowboys

Players To Watch: 

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Nothing quite riles up a fanbase like the weeks leading up to the NFL draft. This year, in particular, Redskins fans find themselves a bit divided. On a team with so many needs, the options with the #10 pick are endless -- from taking a quarterback, taking a pass-rusher, reaching for Mike Pouncey, trading down, trading up, etc. 

Then comes the second round pick, the only light in the tunnel for three rounds. After pick #41, the Redskins have to wait for 103 quality players and potential future starters to fall off the board -- until we get to round 5 -- before making another selection. Pressure's on, Bruce. 

Everyone has their own opinion about what to do with these picks. I want to run through several scenarios before ultimately convincing you of the best way to go at the top and in the second. 

First, some ground rules for picking in the top 10.

1) Pick a longtime starter. In the top 10, you have to pick someone you think will start for a long time -- like, 8+ years. Many of the Redskins' top picks in the past few years fit that bill. Trent Williams, LaRon Landry, the late Sean Taylor and many others validate this point. 

2) Don't reach. You're in the top 10. If you're reaching, you should be trading down. Someone on the board is an elite player at their position, even if you don't need them, so in theory, someone should want them. You have to get value out of a top 10 pick because of the money and because of the stakes -- in theory, you shouldn't pick in the top 10 that often.

3) If possible, try not to gamble. You know that feeling you had when the 'Skins picked Orakpo? Or the one you had when they picked LaRon Landry? You just said to yourself, "there's no question that guy's gonna be good." 

They passed every single smell test. They showed extensive good play in college, they didn't have any character issues, they were great athletes and smart football players. Any single team in the top 10 had to consider drafting this person. You always want one of those. You don't want any Tyson Alualu's. (Despite the fact that the guy can play.)

Last rule and projection after the jump...

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Just what we needed. Another...tight end? I was just starting to think we were going with the "Best Player Available at a Position of Need" strategy. Forget Blount, LeFevour, and even Jonathan Dwyer (taken 14 picks later by Pittsburgh.) There were offensive linemen available when we took Morris that I thought had a chance to make this team, Sam Young chief among them ( Young went to Dallas a handful of picks later.)

Since we did take the stud Offensive Tackle with our top pick, I find it easier to kind of roll over on this one. My blind faith in Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan at the moment has me wondering if Dennis Miller is a Hall of Famer...I must still be feeling the effects of the draft party on Thursday night.

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Well, that sure was anti-climactic. 

The Redskins made it official just about 30 minutes into the draft last night, taking the player many of us predicted they would at the top of the draft, solidifying their biggest weakness in personnel. 

Trent "Silverback... wtf???" Williams, as the panel of experts/idiots on ESPN said, is not a totally complete package yet, but he clearly has the most upside of any tackle in the draft. Williams is a natural athlete (34 inch vertical when you weigh 315?) who has not seen his potential yet. And, as (I think) Jon Gruden was saying when the Redskins made the pick, when you pick at 4, you want a guy with some upside. Russel Okung will be a good player, but when it's all said and done... I trust Shanahan. And so should you. 

Below I will grade the Redskins pick, discuss the rest of the division, and give some highlights and lowlights of the first round. 

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It may be tough for the Redskins to move back into the Second Round of the 2010 NFL Draft, after sending their origional second round pick to the Eagles for Donavan McNabb, but there are 3 players I have identified, that are still avaliable after the first round, that might be of some consideration to the Redskins.

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