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JimmiJo

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http://washingtontimes.com/sports/20060419-120500-9837r.htm

Redskins focus on linebackers

By David Elfin

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

April 19, 2006

Yesterday's re-signing of linebacker Warrick Holdman didn't change the likelihood that the Washington Redskins will look for linebacking help with the 53rd pick -- their only choice before the fifth round -- in the April 29-30 draft, which is considered deep at outside linebacker.

"We still want to look at picking a linebacker there," Redskins linebackers coach Dale Lindsey said. "There should be a couple of good ones available when we pick."

Holdman, on the verge of stardom before hurting a knee in 2002 with Chicago, had little impact in his Washington debut in 2005 with just 23 tackles and no interceptions, sacks or forced fumbles despite starting seven games before yielding the weak side job to the since-released LaVar Arrington.

"Warrick didn't play as well as he could have last year," said Lindsey, who coached Holdman with the Bears from 1999 to 2001. "He knows that. It was his first year in the system and he played tentatively early, like he didn't want to make mistakes. He looked more like his old self late in the year, but he needs to play better."

Not only is Holdman, barring a renaissance, a stopgap starter at 30, but backup Chris Clemons has served only as a third-down pass rusher and is coming off knee surgery.

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I'm not sure that Holdman is the answer, but I disagree with the concern over his age. LB is a position that people succeed in well into their 30's. I think if he should be able to sustain whatever level of play he shows this year for at least another ~4 years, which is an eternity in football (barring injury of course).

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I think we should be discussing the topic here which is the Skins are looking for a linebacker in the draft (which may or may not be true). There is a huge thread on Horrible Holdman about 2 topics up :)

I don't believe this report either. Maybe we will draft a LB but I think we're gonna get another corner.

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We need speed from our LBs. We use them to blitz and cover. I think if D'Qwell Jackson is available we must take him and either put him or Lemar on the outside and the other in the middle...If Warrick is the best then we use him on the outside. After a year in the system he should be more comfortable in his assignments...

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I talked bad about Holdman last year, cause there were a few plays where he did not contain, which gave up big runs for the other team. But, If Dale Lindsey says he didn't play to his potential and they want him there, the coaches know best, they see these guys play everyday and know what they can do. I guess I just didn't like the way LaVar was treated, but we all know that LaVar was only half speed in the beginning of the year. I am now thinking Holdman can redeem himself this year.:logo:

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It's a position coach thing. They talked to Lindsey he said they want linebackers. If they talked to Blatche he would say they want D Linemen, Bugel would say they need O linemen. Byner thinks we need more running backs. At least that's the way I always heard it. Each position coach looks for his squad first.

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remember though, at this timewhen we are nearing the draft lots of teams like to give the media false information about what they are trying to get in the draft. I heard about this kind of stuff on espn. So dont believe it just yet.

While that is true i really do hope that we invest in a LB inthis draft to fill the starting role at WLB. I like Clemons as a 3rd down specialist but i am not convinced that he is good enough at stopping the run to play there every down. Warrik Holdman could stop the run better by leaving the feild entirly so as not to get in the way...so i still think we need some help.

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The article is an embarrassing fluff piece. Why didn't elfin review the possible LBs avaiable at # 53 and stick his neck out by calling for one to be selected? He mentions Jackson as a tremendous prospect but does not back it up with facts. Quoting Lindsay is ludicrous. I agree with DC ... picking a top-notch CB at # 53 is a better value than a LB. In any event, my gut tells me the Skins will trade up and grab a player no one anticipated ... on offense.

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The article is an embarrassing fluff piece. Why didn't elfin review the possible LBs avaiable at # 53 and stick his neck out by calling for one to be selected? He mentions Jackson as a tremendous prospect but does not back it up with facts. Quoting Lindsay is ludicrous. I agree with DC ... picking a top-notch CB at # 53 is a better value than a LB. In any event, my gut tells me the Skins will trade up and grab a player no one anticipated ... on offense.

I think we will trade up (2007 1&3), but for a CB/LB and then draft a CB/LB at #53.

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Why would we take another CB when they just signed Wright? He started for Jax last year - and they had a pretty solid D as I recall. He can handle the nickle spot and maybe a spot start here and there. Whatever the Skins take - I am pretty sure there is a reason for it.

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I'd take a top-notch corner over a top-notch linebacker any day. But are you going to find a "top-notch" corner at #53? No. I think a second round linebacker is better for our defense than a second round corner.

If I remember correctly, Fred Smoot was pretty good when he was here.

Certainly, you can find damn good corners in the 2nd round. They may need a little polish, but there are good values to be had. I mean, look at Denver and Dominique Foxworth last year. He was a 3rd rounder and he played a ton.

Why would we take another CB when they just signed Wright?

Because the draft is about the future, not about next season. Springs isn't getting any younger, and none of the guys behind him are going to challenge for his spot, more than likely. Plus, we could use the depth.

Jason

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Most of the LBs likely to be available at # 53 are undersized or suspect (Mcintosh may be only exception). The Draft is extremely deep at CB. The following might be available at # 53: Griffin; Manning; Minter; Webb; Zematis; Maxey; Hunter and Phillips. A 'top notch" CB is a distinct possiblity.

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