We still don't feel strongly for draft picks

by Skin Patrol on Aug 23, 2007 12:46 PM EDT in Redskins Analysis

I read it first at The Redskin Report so he gets my hat tip towards the Redskins Insider who confirms:

The Redskins have acquired guard Pete Kendall from the New York Jets to fill their void at left guard, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

Kendall, who has endured a rocky relationship with Jets management in recent years, is a smart, capable veteran who can replace departed free agent Derrick Dockery. He can play all three interior positions but the Redskins have an immediate need at left guard, with tackle Todd Wade struggling to make the transition to that position, and relying on reserve Mike Pucillo in that spot in last week's preseason game.

Jason La Canfora calls the move necessary and good given the situation we've been put in by injuries on the line and perhaps Todd Wade's struggles at adjusting to guard. That he can play center or either guard is a huge plus for a coaching staff that places an emphasis on versatility, no doubt.

And the fallout:

The Redskins have been averse to trading any more 2008 draft picks - their 4th rounder is already gone from last year's acquisition of TJ Duckett - and I have not been able to nail down if they gave up a 4th or a 5th in 2009, but it's believed to be one of those two picks. They gave Kendall a $1 million raise as part of the deal as well, so he'll make $2.7 million this season. Kendall has played previously for Seattle, Arizona and New York.

4th rounder? 5th rounder? Oh who is counting anymore anyways. They're just draft picks.

I understand the move. This is necessity driven by what the coaching staff sees on the offensive line, and I'd rather lose a draft pick than lose Jason Campbell to injury down the line (pun intended) because we can't protect him. If they think Pete Kendall can do the job then so be it. Count on backlash if he doesn't, as this is the quintessential mortgaging of the future for the present as Pete the youngster (he's just 34, yuck yuck yuck) isn't going to be a long-term fix at this position, and neither is one of either our 4th or 5th round pick in 2009. Or our 4th rounder in '08 thanks to TJ Duckett.

Speaking of TJ Duckett, he was brought in at RB as a result of injuries when it turned out we didn't need him at all. He cost us a 3rd and a 4th, much more than Pete Kendall, but let's still hope that's the last comparison made between those two players. If it turns out that Kendall isn't the player the staff thought he was, that he wasn't as necessary as they thought, that it turned out we overreacted to injury, it wouldn't be the first time. Just sayin'.

AOL Fanhouse, Jets Trade Pete Kendall to Redskins
Riggo's Rag, Help for the Line?
Mister Irrelevant, Skins Trade Pick for 34 Year-Old Guard

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Though I don't know this guy...

I think it might be a good move. I was never a fan of Wade (having seen his awesome skills up close in Houston) so I think this guy could be a good fill in for a seaosn or two.

The team still needs to draft for the O-Line, especially the G spot, but this guy could be a (relatively) cheap fix.

by TexSkins on Aug 23, 2007 1:37 PM EDT reply actions

As you said

This is once again a short term fix without a long term plan.

Obviously we needed Kendall otherwise the LG position may have tanked the entire line. But the real problem is that our GM thought Wade, Pucillo and/or Whitley would definitely be able to fill in.

Well, none of them could, and now we're trading away picks again.

It's like Gibbs is incapable of learning nuanced lessons, or looking at the big picture in any way.

sigh.

by smutsboy on Aug 23, 2007 1:38 PM EDT reply actions

This trade needed to be done.

We could go on for hours about this endless downward spiral that is us trading draft picks, but I really like this one.

Even at 34 he should give us at least 2 good years and that gives us time to find a replacement through the draft.

Wade can move back to tackle and can challenge Jansen for a starting spot or at the very least be a solid backup.

And we now have solid depth behind Kendall with Pucillo

by BritishRedskin on Aug 23, 2007 6:40 PM EDT reply actions

Good Analysis

I think your take on this is right-on. Snyder is off again trading draft picks for older players and then paying them more than anyone else is willing to. My bet is that he isn't with the team anymore when they are watching the Jets use their draft pick on a good prospect (can anyone say TJ Duckett?).

For your sake I hope he has better luck keeping Campbell healthy than he did Pennington!

by Wilbert Montgomery on Aug 24, 2007 8:24 AM EDT reply actions