While the front office quarrels over who should be the next coach of the Redskins, a question with a very easy answer in Greg Williams, there is nothing we can do but sit and wait to see if Snyder has learned his lesson on head coaches. What we can do is look towards the future of the burgundy and gold.
That future looks very bright. Aside from a 4 game losing streak mostly caused by Sean Taylor's injury then untimely death, the Skins went 9-3. Those three losses were to New England, Green Bay and the Giants; a pretty good collection of teams. All in all the Redskins ended up with the second hardest schedule and finished with the Wild Card even with all their adversity.
The talent on this team clearly then is very good. Possibly only one or two smart moves from making a run at the superbowl good. So then the questions for the immediate future we can ask is who will the Skin's take with their 21st pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
The two major weapons that the team needed this year were either a another defensive linemen to pressure the quarterback, or a big possession receiver to draw attention away from little guys Santana Moss and Antwan Randle El. At their spot in the draft they have the ability to fulfill either of those needs rather sufficiently.
The ability to pressure the quarterback was far improved in 2007. The 2006 defense was one of the worst in the NFL and set a record for the least forced turnovers. This wasn't necessarily because of personnel, but injuries to the secondary and the inefficiency of Adam Archelleta. This caused a usually heavy blitz, heavy man coverage defense to fall back into zone. But with the improvement in the health of the secondary, the defense returned to form last season. However most of the pressure to the quarterback came from the blitzing linebackers as opposed to the aging defensive line. A good strong young defensive tackle or end could facilitate the work for all parties involved.
There are a couple of options at this position for them:
-Kentwan Balmer, UNC: At 6 foot 5 295 pounds he is a viable option for defensive tackle to clog up the run game and go after the quarterback. His size will demand attention from opposing teams offensive lines, helping the blitz get to the quarterback.
-Calais Campbell, Miami: Another member of ‘The U' to D.C? Campbell actually looks like one of the best fits for the Redskins. At 6 foot 8 280 pounds, Campbell is drawing comparisons to Mario Williams. He was recruited at a tight-end showing his agility and athleticism.
-Derrick Harvey, Florida: With good size at 6 foot 5 he also proves a double threat with great speed. Harvey will force double teams with his ability to get past the tackles, once again aiding the blitzing defense.
Now to the issue of a possession receiver. It's true the Skins have a very talented receiver core as is, however the offense only moves down the field when it can come up with the big play to receivers like Santana Moss or Chris Cooley. What's missing is a large receiver or tight-end who can go over the middle to catch a five to ten yard pass or go up for a jump ball in the end zone. Not only would it add another much needed dimension to the somewhat what stewarded offense, it would force double coverage freeing up the speedy Moss and sneaky Cooley. In fact for this offense to work at its best it really needs a big possession receiver. Look at Saunders offense in Kansas City, the Skins need their Tony Gonzalez.
Here are the options for big receivers:
-Malcolm Kelley, Oklahoma- 6 foot 4, 220 pounds, has solid speed and great hands.
-Limas Sweed, Texas-6 foot 5, 220 pounds, can play tight end or wide receiver. Coming off wrist surgery in 2007, but Sweed put up great numbers in both receptions and touchdowns his freshman and sophomore years.
-James Hardy, Indiana- Definitely has the size part down at 6 foot 7 220 pounds, and is progressing on his receiving ability. While Hardy may not have a huge impact immediately, with his size and speed his potential is tremendous.
So who should the Redskins take with pick number 20 to try and make a move to the next level in the NFC? To me it comes down to two players, Sweed and Campbell. Campbell could help our offense go from good to great. His athleticism and ability would be a key addition and would help the defense do everything they already do, a little bit better. Sweed however would help an offense that is average go to an offense that is a step above. With Al Saunders offensive genius, and Jason Campbell's maturation, Sweed may be the single addition this talented offense needs to help the Redskins compete even when the defense is having an off day.
Pick #21 for the Washington Redskins? Limas Sweed...
I say "No" to Limas Sweed as a first round pick for 2 main reasons.
1. That's a lot of money and effort tied up in the wide reciever position for a team that honestly has more pressing needs. Moss and Randel El are earning big contracts already (as is Branden Lloyd, richest bench warmer in the NFL), and I would like at least 1 year to see what Anthony Mix can do, since he has size and played at LSU with Jason Campbell.
2. Having another big name/big money reciever won't do much if the offensive line is as pourous as it was this year. I know that Jansen and Randy will be back and (presumably) healthy, and I don't think the team needs to spend this pick on an O-lineman, but big recievers can still be found in later rounds for much cheaper.
I would prefer that the team either spend this pick to insert some youth into an aging defensive line (preferrably D-end, as Daniels is older than Griffen and Montgomery and Golston in the middle are proving adequate) or to enforce a secondary that might not have its 2 starters from this year back on opening day (Springs might be a cap casualty if he doesn't take a paycut and Rogers is recovering from an ACL/MCL combo injury from the Patriots game). I think receiver is a need, as I said, that can be addressed later on, after D-line and O-line attention
I think you mean Auburn with Campbell and Mix, but anyways, thats a fair assesment. When I said big reciever I didn't really mean big name but big size, and while we are stuck with Lloyd's contract he's not going to be productive any time soon. I would say give Mix a chance but he was signed off of the practice squad of the Giants so I would be surprised if he produced at a high level. You're right about the aging defensive line, however I feel the offensive line played much better down the stretch and once they're healthy next year will improve.
I think you are on the wrong track with your draft selection ideas. You have to look at what our problems where this year that caused the Redskins to lose so many games: inability to run the ball effectively and inability to stop the big play on defense.
My first selection would be to find a safety to replace the loss in Sean Taylor. LaRon Landry did an excellent job in having to fill the roll of playing both safety positions (with occasional help from Doughty and Prioluea). He proved he has the range, speed and hands to be a free safety in the NFL. My first look is Tom Zbikowski from Notre Dame. He was a 5 year player, listed at 6-0 207lbs he has good speed and flies to the football on run support - he can also fill the punt/kick return roles if necessary. Second, I'd look no further then the BDC Champions LSU Tigers in Craig Steltz. Similar size and speed to Zbikowski - has a knack for finding the football on run plays, does a good job in pass defense (better then Roy Williams, haha!).
As far as upgrades at the DE position - I'd say we are OK. Andre Carter seemed to have a switch turn on the past two years, he's only 28 and had 10.5 sacks this past season. Another DE I like is Chris Wilson. He was 2nd on the D-Line with 4 sacks in his 2nd year in the league, he came up big in the Dallas game with 2 sacks. The center of the line seems OK as well with veteran Griffin and youngsters Montgomery and Golston.
In mid rounds we need to pick some offensive lineman, maybe 2 or 3. Jansen has missed 2 full years out of the last three I believe, Thomas is ageing, as is Kendall a
Been a D.C sports fan since birth. Helped fight to get the Nationals here, in the process fell in love with my dads childhood team the Mets. Some may say it's weird to have your two favorite teams play in the same division...bu t as long as the nationals hire washed up veterens...i wont have to worry about that. I'm a Journalism student at Ohio Wesleyan University.
