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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Sep 25, 2007
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Best draft this decade!
I expect improvement this year.
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Apr 19, 2008
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Snap Judgement: I think the Redskins did a solid job in the draft this year. They traded down, which in my opinion, was the best option for them with so many glaring needs. Lets take a further look...
Devin Thomas-WR: With the first pick, they drafted, what many considered to be, the highest rated wide receiver in the draft in Devin Thomas. With an obvious need at a larger receiver, especially in a WCO (west coast offense), the Redskins got "their" guy. Offense has been the Redskins biggest issue the last several years, so drafting an offensive player with the first pick is very understandable. Did I mention this kid is extremely fast. He fits the WCO wide receiver mold perfectly.
Fred Davis-TE: This is the only pick I have a problem with this year. There is no denying his athletic ability and pass catching skills. Again, he was considered by many to be the best tight end this year. However, with pro bowl Chris Cooley and veteran Toddy Yoder who has made great contributions and still has plenty of rubber on the tire, a tight end here was ridiculous. I would have like to see them pick at this spot an offensive lineman, or defense back. The only positive is that in the WCO, utilizing two tight end sets in very important, and having to dynamic tight ends could prove menacing for defenses, especially in the red zone.
Malcolm Kelly-WR: I was very surprised with this pick. After having already addressed the WR in the same round, a defensive player was sure to be taken here. Kelly had a lot of concerns coming out this year because of "character" concerns after having a ran a poor 40 yard dash time. However, his play making abilities, physical attributes (6'4), great hands, and explosiveness off the line still kept Kelly being one of the top five wide receivers in this draft. Picking him up this late in round two is a steal. I don't have a problem at all with this pick...in fact, I like it. Antwan Randel El (30) and Santana Moss (30), were injury plagued all last season. With only James Thrash and a big question mark with practice squad Anthony Mix, depth at wide receiver was still a concern even after drafting Thomas. Kelly is a great pick to add depth, and build for the future. The offense has been the Redskins weakest side of the ball in many, many years. It is good that they are looking to solidify it. But after drafting Fred Davis, it frustrates me a bit.
Chad Rinehart-G: The need for an OL was huge this off-season. Pete Kendell is 34 and has arthritic knees. Pro Bowler Chris Samuels has plenty of gas left in the tank, but is no spring chicken at 30-31 years of age. Did I mention he is the youngest starting lineman. Randy Thomas is coming off a season ending injury and Jon Jansen is injured every year. So getting young at OL is very important. Rinehart seems to be very strong and could and should develop into an eventual starter. The Redskins were looking for a versatile linemen and Rinehart can play guard, tackle, or center. Again, good quality pick.
Justin Tryon-CB: Drafting another corner was high on my off-season priority list. I'm surprised the Redskins waited until the fourth to grab one. The stated the week before that they did not feel that many corners that would be available to them would be able to come in and contribute the way we would have liked. So drafting one this "late" is probably where they were thinking. This kid is a bit small but plays big. Physical attributes and play style remind me of Darrell Green. He is mostly a nickel corner at best.
Durant Brooks-P: Love this pick!! I know I know, he is a punter. However, he was not only the best punter in college last year, but has set all kinds of NCAA records for his position. A sixth round pick on a punter with a strong leg is awesome in my book. Derrick Frost has been inconsistent and field position is everything in this league. Addressing the special teams can never be under emphasized, especially in late round picks. This maybe the safest pick of the draft for the Redskins. I like being "aggressive" here and going after a guy they wanted but still may have been there later.
Kareem Moore-S: The Redskins need depth at safety. LaRon Landry was spectacular his rookie season and this best is yet to come. Unknown Reed Doughty stepped in after Sean Taylor's passing, and played more than admirable. Many believe Doughty will develop even more. I would have like to seen a safety taken higher because Reed's physical abilities worry me a bit, but his football IQ and awareness keep him on the field and making plays. Drafting Moore was just to add depth to a safety group that only has three with two starters.
Colt Brennan-QB: The Redskins showed that they have more than a viable backup in QB Todd Collins. However, Collins is 36 turning 37. Jim Zorn and the Redskins believe in starter Jason Campbell and he has earned the right to prove himself the next couple of years. Redskins released Mark Brunell in the offseason to in order to get younger at QB. Addressing the third spot on the QB depth chart during this draft was no surprise. What was, to some, surprising was that the Redskins were able to acquire a prolific passer in Brennan. Say what you will, but Brennan showed that he can run an offense and pass with great accuracy. Questions have surrounded Brennan including his health and character. But at the 186th overall pick, how can you not be pleased with the large upside this kid brings, especially filling in only the void of the backup. He will have more than enough time to learn from veteran Todd Collins and head coach and former successful QB coach Jim Zorn. This was a value pick at its best.
Rob Jackson-DE: The Redskins are looking for depth and a defensive end has been an area of concern. It was surprising that the Redskins waited this long to draft a DE. However, with the emergence of Chris Wilson last season, the Redskins feel confident that he can be their pass rusher on third down. Jackson is a camp body and roster hopeful. He may add depth at the position.
Christopher Horton-S: Another depth guy, Houston was picked up simply to add depth to a slim safety group. Tough player but roster hopeful. His chances are great than other teams because of lack of depth.
Overall: I give the Redskins a B-. They deserve a lot of credit for trading down, more than once, to acquire more and quality picks, and got great value with those picks. They addressed the offense which is a major concern given that it has been the weakest side of the ball for this team. The team drafted three top rated players in the second round. However, they left some glaring needs to be filled. Perhaps the Redskins feel they are more stable in some positions than others feel, but it is hard to believe that they are. The only draft blunder was drafting a tight end in the second round. I'm sure having drafted a top notch pass catching tight end won't upset this team or its fans too much once he steps on the field.
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Feb 7, 2007
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I also think we should of drated another O linemen and D lineman. If our O line get's hurt and can not protect Jason well drafting those Wr's are of no help if he does not have time to throw to them. Plus on D line with drafting CB and S, well if our D line gets no pressure the other teams wr will get open if there QB has all day. This guy we drafted at DE is small and I have read that some people did not have him even being drafted. Still with everyone giving out grades it is hard to tell until we see them on the field in games and on the roster to give a true grade on this draft. Also does anyone know who these guys are they signed after the draft?
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Feb 7, 2007
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Rob Jackson did not light the world on fire.
<st1:city w:st="on"> MANHATTAN</st1:city> , <st1:state w:st="on"> Kan.</st1:state> – <st1:place w:st="on"> <st1:placename w:st="on"> Kansas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on"> State</st1:placetype> </st1:place> ’s Rob Jackson became the second Wildcat to be selected in the 2008 NFL Draft as the defensive end was taken in the seventh round by the Washington Redskins.<o:p> </o:p>
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Jackson, who became K-State’s 47<sup> h</sup> player drafted since 1992, followed wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who was Green Bay’s first selection of the draft at No. 36 overall on Saturday. Kansas State has now had two or more players taken in the NFL Draft in eight of the last 10 years.
<o:p> </o:p>
A native of <st1:city w:st="on"> West Haven</st1:city> , <st1:state w:st="on"> Conn.</st1:state> , <st1:city w:st="on"> Jackson</st1:city> started 23 of 25 career games as a Wildcat and totaled 61 tackles, 13 of which went for losses, and 6.5 sacks in two seasons in <st1:place w:st="on"> <st1:city w:st="on"> Manhattan</st1:city> </st1:place> .<o:p> </o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
This past season, <st1:city w:st="on"> <st1:place w:st="on"> Jackson</st1:place> </st1:city> tallied 25 total stops, 4.5 behind the line of scrimmage, with two sacks in 12 games played.
As a junior, <st1:city w:st="on"> <st1:place w:st="on"> Jackson</st1:place> </st1:city> earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors from the coaches after collecting 36 tackles while ranking second on the team in both tackles for loss (8.5) and sacks (4.5). <st1:city w:st="on"> <st1:place w:st="on"> Jackson</st1:place> </st1:city> ranked 20th in the Big 12 among defensive linemen with 24 total tackles in league games and eighth in the league with four sacks in conference games.
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Reputation:90
Level:All-Star
Since:Mar 21, 2007
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we wanted to trade for boldin? Devin Thomas compares himself to anquan. why trade the whole draft when we can develope our own playmakers.
malcom kelly. most of the highlights i see from him hes constantly making catches that are poorly thrown balls,low and not in stride. he is 6'4 and makes the red zone a bit easier to reach.this guy will move the chains.
Fred Davis. how many teams do you see with 2 tight ends who will be such tough matchups? im seeing fred davis tearing it up next year. besides if cooley goes down we dont miss a beat.this is a passing league now 2 vertical threats...mmhmm
you have got to like the competition here. even Anthony Mix will have to say to himself now...i better step up my game.
the oline pick was decent,they couldve had roy scheuning but they traded it to the Rams.either way its obvious they need depth,and this guy is nasty.
i would've liked to see a d-end taken,but the season isnt even close to starting. daniels is getting up there but he is stout against the run,while Chris Wilson proved he deserves a chance to rush the passer he finished with 6 sacks i think...not bad for a situational guy who will only get better and stronger. there is time to pick up someone who may get cut next month. even Jason Taylor is a possibility.
i reall like the pick of the saftey from ucla. read his bio. has sent several guys to the sidelines for medical attention? sounds like another bully to cover the middle. also creating competition with doughty.
the corner tryon. he is raw but has alot of skills to cover and you can never have enough of those. even as a solid nickel. and i see him stepping up by next year for serious playing time with the possible departure of springs.
colt...give him some time....also he knows he has to come in and compete...and he has plenty of weapons here in the nfl...fits west coast perfectly.
overall this was one of the best drafts ive seen from the skins. i believe the offense will turn into something explosive. campbell showed flashes last year with a banged up wr corp. now there are no excuses...hes being coached by a true pro with a great track record. he can only improve and with the competition at wide out now to even get open,add in the o-line being healthy...oh yea and that pro bowl snub of a running back they still have. look at the Packers last year. they came from nowhere to the 2nd best offense in the league because they put a few young recievers out on the field.
while im a lil worried about the defense...i still think its solid. its another year for landry,rocky,montgomery and rogers (who was playing great before he went down) to get better. and we had a pretty solid d last year that isnt expected to change. fletcher will not let anyone take plays off...he was a big pickup!
this team got better. hands down and we were already a playoff team.
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Jul 19, 2007
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I have nothing against Fred Davis. He sounds like a very capable Tight End (perhaps first round quality) and adds another receiving threat to our WCO. The more the merrier.
..... However, it is a zero sum game. The cost of Davis is neglect for the Defensive line. Quinten Groves or Calais Campbell seemed like the better pick at that spot.
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Jul 27, 2007
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Well, the draft is done and I'm estactic but not overly. I was hyped about getting a DE in the first 3 rounds and trading out of the 1st looked smart. Taking 3 offensive players means we are putting everything on making the WCO work and giving JC the best possible WR corp he can get. Now our WR corp are stacked and Fred Davis means more targets for Soup. The ball is in JC's court now, he now must step up his game and feed these guys the ball.
However, not getting a solid pass rusher means another year of feeble pass rushing especially from the interior. Hopefully snubbing the DLine needs doesn't come back to haunt us against good offenses. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that some good LBs and DTs get cut prior to September so we can add some solid experience in those areas.
Overall. The Redskins draft is B. (I think the Bills have the best top 3 picks.)
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Oct 8, 2007
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The decission to pickup Fred Davis over Calais Campbell I think came from the Redskins already having the inside track on Calais. One of our own had first hand experience coach calais and we still opted to go another direction tells me the redskins didn't feel like he would be better then what we already have.
I like the idea of adding Fred Davis even though it was a little surprising at first but after hearing Zorn speak of what these three will do for us when in the Red Zone along with Chris Cooley, Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El. Zorn was almost giddy when he thought of the different possibillites the six of these guys bring to the table. A defense can only cover so many and the 6 of them will create all kinds of mismatches then Clinton Portis comes out of the backfield for a little screen pass . Visions of sugar plums already dancing in my head. 
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:May 14, 2007
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After seeing the draft in its entirety, and looking at the whole selection list, I will say that I now think I was wrong in my initial assessment. We did much better than I thought.
We got much better in the receiving corp right away. Now, we can be a threat to put 30+ points on the board every week, and that wasn't the case last season.
I think Rinehart has the potential to be a beast. Add him to an O-line that, although it is aging, is one of the best in the game. The injuries of the past two years are not due to recurring situations, they have been bad luck one-timers. This year, the entire line has trained with Randy Thomas, on his regime, and Samuels has said that he is stronger now at this point of the year than he has ever been.
We picked up enough on defense to support our squad, although we may not have gotten that big impact player. I can live with that. Picking up the best punter in the draft was good, as well as picking up a QB to train for Collins' future departure. Youth and depth. Always good.
No single draft or single player makes a grade. What we look for is a trend. I think we are seeing the beginning of a new trend from our front office. I'm glad to see it. I'm gonna back off my jaded skepticism for a while, and give them a chance.
HTTR
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Apr 19, 2008
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I honestly think Pete Kendell has another year left. With that said, Rinehart will have time to learn and develop. Signing SOOO many undrafted rookie FA's, there is bound to be a "diamond in the rough". See Stephon Heyer...not to say he is a gem, but a good pickup for an undrafted rookie. That will allow us to pursue more the defensive side of the ball next year.
The offense seems to be set in place to make a strong run.
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Jul 27, 2007
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Dawgandhawg
You're right, initial reactions are always brash especially not taking an impact D-player but a second look tells me that we have improved the main area where we struggled, offense. I think I can live with the dline as it is, I'm pinning my hopes on Chris Wilson stepping it up and Daniels beefing it up so he can play interior on 3rd downs. The | |
