By John D. McKinnon, Jr.
One month after the NFL Draft, some Redskins fans can be left with mixed feelings. Firstly, the Skins front office didn’t bite on any proposed trades and in the eyes of some; they maximized their Draft picks. On the other hand, the Skins seemingly ignored what is arguably their most palpable weakness; their defensive line. The Redskins have added marginal talent to their line in recent years (save Andre Carter) however; their 2008 draft choices may help to quell some of the confusion for Skins fans.
After the 2008 Draft was complete, the Redskins added Devin Thomas (possibly the strongest receiver in the Draft), Malcolm Kelly (one of the most talented receivers available) and Fred Davis (arguably the best Tight End taken). Durant Brooks, the winner of the Ray Guy Award (Awarded to the college football’s top punter) was also taken in the later rounds. These picks addressed the teams need for tall, young receivers and a punter that can help to improve field position. The Skins also added youth and talent to its offensive line and secondary with the acquisitions of OG Chad Rinehart and CB Justin Tyron, respectively. In short, the Skins could have fared a lot worse in the Draft.
“Yeah John but what about the Defensive Line?” Ok, I’m getting to that. With former Defensive Line coach Greg Blatche taking over for the supplanted Greg Williams, the defensive philosophy shouldn’t change that much. For about a decade or longer, the Skins’ greatest weakness has been pass-rushing. Staying true to form the Skins didn’t address this need in the draft; however, they may have other solutions.
Georgetown University’s Alex Buzbee may be a pleasant surprise as a back up defensive end. The Redskins drafted Buzbee last year but kept him on the practice squad in order for him to increase his strength and refine his technique. Perhaps the most intriguing addition to the D-line could be Erasmus James. James was chosen by the Vikings as the 18th overall pick in the 2005 draft. He has shown flashes and has a tremendous upside; however, his career has been marred by serious injuries. James was traded to Washington for a conditional 7th Round pick in 2009. If James doesn’t make the 53 man roster, the Redskins won’t owe the Vikings anything. If he can stay healthy and play up to his potential, he may prove to be a tremendous steal. This move by the front office may indicate the Skins front office is finally moving in the right direction.
Drafting potentially explosive offensive players may allow fans to forgive the Redskins for not going after a talented lineman once again. If the Redskins can maximize their talent potential on defense this season they may be a force to reckon with. If not, their best defense may be their offense.
Hail To The Redskins!
After the 2008 Draft was complete, the Redskins added Devin Thomas (possibly the strongest receiver in the Draft), Malcolm Kelly (one of the most talented receivers available) and Fred Davis (arguably the best Tight End taken). Durant Brooks, the winner of the Ray Guy Award (Awarded to the college football’s top punter) was also taken in the later rounds. These picks addressed the teams need for tall, young receivers and a punter that can help to improve field position. The Skins also added youth and talent to its offensive line and secondary with the acquisitions of OG Chad Rinehart and CB Justin Tyron, respectively. In short, the Skins could have fared a lot worse in the Draft.
“Yeah John but what about the Defensive Line?” Ok, I’m getting to that. With former Defensive Line coach Greg Blatche taking over for the supplanted Greg Williams, the defensive philosophy shouldn’t change that much. For about a decade or longer, the Skins’ greatest weakness has been pass-rushing. Staying true to form the Skins didn’t address this need in the draft; however, they may have other solutions.
Georgetown University’s Alex Buzbee may be a pleasant surprise as a back up defensive end. The Redskins drafted Buzbee last year but kept him on the practice squad in order for him to increase his strength and refine his technique. Perhaps the most intriguing addition to the D-line could be Erasmus James. James was chosen by the Vikings as the 18th overall pick in the 2005 draft. He has shown flashes and has a tremendous upside; however, his career has been marred by serious injuries. James was traded to Washington for a conditional 7th Round pick in 2009. If James doesn’t make the 53 man roster, the Redskins won’t owe the Vikings anything. If he can stay healthy and play up to his potential, he may prove to be a tremendous steal. This move by the front office may indicate the Skins front office is finally moving in the right direction.
Drafting potentially explosive offensive players may allow fans to forgive the Redskins for not going after a talented lineman once again. If the Redskins can maximize their talent potential on defense this season they may be a force to reckon with. If not, their best defense may be their offense.
Hail To The Redskins!
1 comments:
An excellent article. Very well researched and written with very good taste. I will continue to log in to your blog for further information on the Redskins.
Post a Comment