So, the NFL draft is only 23 days away. Since we're roughly half way through the off-season, I thought it'd be worth doling out our first report card. An interesting thing does stand out: the Redskins have exactly the same team age average after cutting 12 players and adding 7 so far this year.
The Redskins have replaced most of the players they've cut, but the youth is still lacking (hence the draft). The roster really has been built well so far everything considered. Shanahan has signed veterans for cheap, minimal contracts, who will have their starting roles competed for by the draft picks. What sucks is Vinny as a going away present only left the Redskins five picks.
|
Redskins Cuts |
Redskins Signings |
|||
|
Randy Thomas, G |
34 |
|
Artis Hicks, G |
32 |
|
Cornelius Griffin, DT |
34 |
|
Ma'ake Kemoeatu, DT |
31 |
|
Ladell Betts, RB |
30 |
|
Larry Johnson, RB |
30 |
|
Todd Collins, QB |
38 |
|
Rex Grossman, QB |
29 |
|
Fred Smoot, CB |
31 |
|
Phillip Buchanon, CB |
29 |
|
Hunter Smith |
32 |
|
Josh Bidwell, P |
34 |
|
33.166667 |
30.8333 |
|||
| Others... | Others... | |||
|
Antwaan Randle El, WR/PR |
30 |
Kory Lichtensteiger, OL |
25 |
|
|
Rock Cartwright, KR/RB |
30 |
|||
|
Eddie Williams, FB |
22 |
|||
|
JD Skolnitsky, DE |
23 |
|||
|
Marcus Mason, RB |
25 |
|||
|
Chris Samuels*, LT |
32 |
|||
|
30.083333 |
30 |
|||
|
*-retired |
- Randy Thomas simply cannot play anymore. He's a beloved Redskin, but anyone at that position is an upgrade simply because they can stay on the field. I am actually still in shock he wasn't a.) cut before last season, and b.) had a backup in place in case he did fall. (BMW was a project at best).
- I struggled with Ma'ake vs Griffin since Ma'ake is coming off an Achilles tear, which has to be a difficult rehab for someone 345 pounds. His agent claimed as of 20 days ago he was jogging and everything was sound. If it wasn't for the 3-4, I'd choose Griff, but even an immobile Ma'ake is enough to stuff the middle.
- Betts tore his ACL later in the season, which makes his recovery time for camp all the more difficult. LJ, even with the mental baggage, is an upgrade, minimal as it is.
- Todd Collins: the perennial bench warmer. It's clear Rex is an upgrade here simply since he knows Kyle Shanahan's scheme. I took a good look at Todd at training camp last year. He surely throws a pretty ball; the problem however is that it wasn't consistent.
- Phillip Buchanon is an easy upgrade on Smoot. Fred definitely has lost a step and some tackling skills, which was evident to anyone watching the game. He'll always be a fan favorite, but Phillip is an upgrade in speed and adds the possibility for some returns.
- Hunter Smith I feel is the better kick. Not simply because he tied Clinton Portis in TDs last year, but the fact he's healthy and is the best holder in the league. Bidwell is coming off Injured Reserve for a hip tear. Bruce Allen knew Bidwell in Tampa, but that was 2 years ago.
The roster will dive back into the 20's once the draft comes, but cleaning up Vinny's mess is not an easy task. There are some questionable signings on the roster, but when you can cut them for a minimal salary loss, that makes for a much more flexible situation. Thank the Lord the 2000s era is over.
In short...based on the 2/7 hand Shanahan and Bruce were dealt, I think they've done well. A-.