Team has more Needs than Draft Picks

[PlayAction]

You are right. That's why there is free agency.

Duckett, Lloyd and Archuleta. Big signings, big busts. Proves that free agency can be as hit or miss as the draft. But much more expensive.

[BLEED-B&G]

We need to accept we are more than a year away. Our 2 year draft plan needs to go something like this:

Kiddin? Didn't we make the playoffs this year? We had an offensive line meltdown in Seattle....if we didn't we might still be ballin right now.

Would you have put NY in the NFC Championship at the beginning of this season.

I don't believe you are ever 2 years out if you aren't playing to win the Superbowl every year then don't suit up. We went from 5-11 last year to 9-7 after a few personell moves. A couple more good moves this season and we are right back in it.

[BLEED-B&G]

For instance, if we can go after someone like Bryant Johnson (WR) and one of the corners on the market (Nnamdi Asomugha, Marcus Trufant, Asante Samuel, or Drayton Florence), then we can use the draft to take care of the offensive line and defensive line, and we would only have to splurge on one big-time free agent (one of the corners mentioned).

I'm down for trying to snag Trufant he murdered us in Seattle and the last corner we got from there wasn't too bad....this is all of course if Springs is truly gone this year which I believe he will be.

And I think you are right that would untie our hands a little bit in the draft. I think this was a good strategy last year, Trufant would be the London Fletcher of the 08 season...hopefully.

[PlayAction]

Vere I'm with you on a few items....

I'm definately pro D-Line and I do feel we should go DE in round one if the player is there; and if you look at my original post I said go WR 3rd round...I'm not saying we break the bank for a WR in FA either. I am saying, however, that WR is a need and absolutely not a Luxury.

Your logic is a little off in respect to the O-Line and WR....you look at one bad game for our O-Line as a sign of huge need when the line actually performed above expectation consistenly all season considering the shape it was in. You also forget how poorly our receivers performed consistenly all season; we were the only team without a TD by WR in the middle of the year doesn't that say something.

And to pin the hopes of the WR position on a kid off of the NY practice squad is really grasping at straws. I hope Mix is the next Colston like everyone on this board but let's hedge our bets here and live in reality.

We need a 3rd WR; look at every team still playing? How many cabaple WR do they have playing?

There is only one question mark on offense; 2/3rd WR. Every position on O has a definative starter except our 2/3rd WR and I'll go out on a limb here and say 2nd WR because I feel Antwan is better suited to the slot and playing 3rd WR. The O-Line...old yes but every "starter" will be back next year and if (big IF) we get a healthy year out of that group we have one of the best in the business.

Should we be bringing in O-Linemen...yes. Should we be bringing them in to start...No.

WR play at the beginning of the season was poor. But was that because of injuries to Moss and Randel El, poor pass protection, and/or inability of Campbell to completely grasp the nuances of Saunders Offense? Or, all three? The big unknown is whether Saunders comes back as offensive coordinator. I hope he does because I think it was finally starting to click. I'd love to have a dominant WR for the offense but I think Saunders offense needs it less than other offensive styles. If a star falls into the Skins lap then maybe you draft one but I think DL, CB and OG are higher draft needs.

Kendall has arthritic knees, is 35 years old and has one year left on his contract. OL-men take time to develop. In the worst case, your draft pick sits a year and starts in year 2. You don't need to use a first round pick on the OL because you would expect that guy to start right away. But you want a high talent guy for the following year - - one that will start for a long time. After all, each year thereafter the Skins will need to be drafting at least one OLmen to replace everyone else.

[PlayAction]

We need to accept we are more than a year away. Our 2 year draft plan needs to go something like this:

Year 1:

Trade Griffin, Cut Daniels, WR keep Moss, Mix, ARE, Caldwell. Pucillo gone, Wade Gone, T from 49ers our 2nd b-up T behind Heyer for now. Try and find some undeveloped GEM on practice squad or undrafted at WR, then cut Caldwell. Let Cartwright walk, give Mason a shot. Accept that Campbell has another year at least before he's seasoned, scuttle the old vets. Mix and our #6 pick had better learn to excel at special teams. Draft best available player. Sign servicable vet to 1-2 year deal at CB, QB.

No big name FAs. No 8 million dollary per year guards. No 27 year old DEs that will be old in 2 years. No not-quite-shutdown corners looking for Clements money. We avoid the temptation, stay under cap, so we don't always have to scramble at the end of each season, and convert roster bonuses to signing, making vets cost a fortune to cut.

1. If no Calais Cambpell, trade down. LDE replace Daniels.

2. DT. Cut Griffin, start Monty, Golston, This Guy, Alexander, solid rotation, keep people fresh.

3. OG. Whoever gets hurt next season, Kendall or Thomas, gets cut, this guy starts.

4.

5. OG. To replace whoever is left out of Kendall or Thomas the year after, b-up for now.

6. WR. Big One, Possession.

7 (For Griffin). DL or OL

7 DE

7 (Compensatory, optimistically) QB

Hey, we stocked the trenches for once, imagine that.

Watch the fans go mad as there is no glamour skill position guy to pine about.

Order might be different, but you draft OL and DL, positions that take time to get good at, and get a QB learning new system.

Year 2. Kendall and Rabach are gone. Trade or cut Moss, Fletcher, Jansen and Washington for whatever you can.

1. CB or WR

2. CB or WR (End of round 2, a starting WR and CB).

3. OLB starts in place of Washington

4. C

5. CB

6. DE/DT (Cause odds say one above will be a bust)

7. LB back-up for OLB, or MLB

7. (for Moss, assuming pessimistic in all cases) T 4th back-up

7. (for Washington/Fletcher, trade one, cut one) G

This is a growing pains year, going into year 3, you can now round out roster, and go after bigger name FAs again.

T - Samuels, Heyer

G - Drafted G1, Drafted G3

C - Rabach, Drafted C1

G - Drafted G2, Drafted G3

T - Heyer, 49ers Guy, or Drafted T1

TE, Cooley, Ecker, Gem or Reasonably Priced Veteran

WR #1 - Drafted WR1, Drafted WR2

WR #2 - Mix, Drafted WR2

WR #3 - ARE, Gem or Reasonably Priced Veteran

RB Portis, Betts, Mason

FB Sellers or Broughton

DE Drafted DE1, Drafted DE2

DT Monty, Alexander

DT Golston, Drafted DT

DE Carter, Drafted DE3 or Evans

WLB McIntosh, Drafted LB

ILB Blades, Drafted LB

SLB Drafted LB

CB Rogers, Smoot, Torrence, Drafted CB, Drafted CB

Safety Doughty, Landry,

Year 3 you scuttle Betts, draft Samuels replacement T, RB, another b-up QB, LB, C, WR and you are approaching a yound, solid roster. You round out roster with FAs, a few big ones even, and then can draft ahead, looking at what players may be old, contracts expiring, etc.

Yeah, lots of its and whats, but it shows you that we are 2-3 years from being a true contender IF we make good long term choices.

We could argue over the specifics but you have the right idea. Skins need to plan not only for next year but several years down the road. Otherwise, we and everyone else will be watching the same teams winning the Superbowl every year (unfortunately not the Skins).

[Veretax]

Vere I'm with you on a few items....

I'm definately pro D-Line and I do feel we should go DE in round one if the player is there; and if you look at my original post I said go WR 3rd round...I'm not saying we break the bank for a WR in FA either. I am saying, however, that WR is a need and absolutely not a Luxury.

Your logic is a little off in respect to the O-Line and WR....you look at one bad game for our O-Line as a sign of huge need when the line actually performed above expectation consistenly all season considering the shape it was in. You also forget how poorly our receivers performed consistenly all season; we were the only team without a TD by WR in the middle of the year doesn't that say something.

And to pin the hopes of the WR position on a kid off of the NY practice squad is really grasping at straws. I hope Mix is the next Colston like everyone on this board but let's hedge our bets here and live in reality.

We need a 3rd WR; look at every team still playing? How many cabaple WR do they have playing?

There is only one question mark on offense; 2/3rd WR. Every position on O has a definative starter except our 2/3rd WR and I'll go out on a limb here and say 2nd WR because I feel Antwan is better suited to the slot and playing 3rd WR. The O-Line...old yes but every "starter" will be back next year and if (big IF) we get a healthy year out of that group we have one of the best in the business.

Should we be bringing in O-Linemen...yes. Should we be bringing them in to start...No.

We have a difference of opinion on the WR. I think a good one can be had later on, so its not a pressing need. I didn't say I was HAPPY with their performance last year, but I'll digress on that one.

As for the O-Line: I am not just looking at the Seattle game, the line has been woefully inconsistent all season. We've been fortunate it did as well as it did. Fabini and Pucillo are not the answer long term. Heyer is a Gem for the future, but maybe sits the bench next year, but I'm of the opinion he could beat out Jansen. Wade may be a casualty of Heyer's success. Yes the WRs performed poorly, but that's only part of the issue. Because our Running game under performed most of the time, the passes we were throwing were predictable and thus more difficult for Campbell or Collins to make. If we improve the O-line that gives JC/TC more time in the pockett, improves our running game, and improves our chances in the passing game. I agree Moss and Lloyd were lousy this year. ARE was a bright spot at times, but even he was out injured a few times. The entire WR corp was and is a question mark, but we've got too much money tied up in Moss and ARE to throw them out now. Lloyd may be gone anyways, so if he's gone I think you Keep Mix, maybe you resign caldwell, Thrash I'm not sure on. Yes our team had only 1 TD by a WR, but we did have multiple TDs to Chriss Cooley, practically one per game there for a while. The problem was we weren't calling plays with more then 1 WR most of the time (and that was Thrash), when you run jumbo packages, and don't hit on your long passes, whether due to bad routes, or over thrown by the QB, then your going to see that stat happen. I'm not saying MIX is the Answer, but I think he may be the heir to James Thrash. I don't know about CAldwell, and I'm not against Drafting a WR, but I don't see it as a NEED, if need be we can stick with what we have (ARE, MOSS, LLOYD, MIX, Thrash, and either McCardell or Caldwell) We don't have to feel pressure to get a guy. We brought in two guys last year (ARE and LLOYD) and that did not work out. As for 3rd WR, Who is the Chargers 3rd or 2nd WR? GB has a platoon of great wide outs as does the Pats. NY has a few good ones. I agree we need a third consistent WR, but we also need more consistency from our current WRs.

Yes our O-Line is old: Samuels and Rabach are serviceable for a few more years, Kendall has 1 Year left on his contract, Thomas I don't know about, nor Jansen. But I think we need at least one Guard/Center Drafted this year in the first three Rounds. I'm not saying they need to come in and start, heck wouldn't it have been better if Jansen/Samuels hadn't been thrust in as early? Maybe, maybe, I think you get what you can, and if the Rookie beats out Kendal or Thomas then we are better off, but I don't expect anyone we draft to beat out those guys fresh out of College. I do think Heyer may end up taking Jansen's spot, but I could be wrong, if Jansen is hungry enough, he might pull it out. I maintain that my Preference on needs were:

1. DE = Solid DE that is good at Rushing the Passer and Defending the Run (if we are going after sack specialists this probably should be a later pick

2. DT = Solid DT that can bust through the line and cause havoc in the pocket. Could be a 2nd or 3rd Rounder, but you never know who may be on the chart early

3. G/C = need a G or C with 2nd or 3rd Pick at least, future replacement for either Thomas or Kendall (more likely the later)

4. WR/QB = since we have no 4th rounder the 5th round should be best player left on our charts either a WR or QB if we haven't drafted either. We need a backup if we don't retain collins and brunnel, but we also could use a young WR to push those guys in camp. Moss and ARE are safe, Mix is safe, but Lloyd and thrash are not.

5. CB = Because of the nature of the game, if we don't pick a CB in round 1 or 2, we may have to look to FA to find someone if Rogers isn't progressing. Smoot and Springs are okay if still here, but we need three corners. I am not keen on taking a low rounder on this unless its a player that was a surprise fall down the draft.

6. K = Kicker, like it or not we may need a kicker, but I'm not sure if its a Punter or Place Kicker that we need more :/ We can't replace both of them.

7. RB = If Rock Is not retained, we may need a 3rd RB and possible return man.

Those are how I'd put them

[Richard2]

Actually we proved this year that we have depth at a number of positions. I would dare to suggest a FA DE (Jared ALLEN) and shutdown corner. But most of all keep the current coaching staff minus JG in place and we are only 1 to 2 years away from the SB.

[Veretax]

Actually we proved this year that we have depth at a number of positions. I would dare to suggest a FA DE (Jared ALLEN) and shutdown corner. But most of all keep the current coaching staff minus JG in place and we are only 1 to 2 years away from the SB.

We have depth yes, but I feel the following players have about reached their Shelf life:

1. Kendall
   
2. Jansen
   
3. Thomas
   
4. Daniels
   
5. Washington
   
6. Griffin
   
7. Springs
   
8. Fletcher
   

Of those three are OLineman (2 guards and a Tackle) 2 Dline (DE and DT), Two LInebackers, and a Corner.

I think you draft a Guard in the 2nd round if not the first, and if he beats out kendall you don't start him right away, but maybe mid season you do. I'm torn on whether we need a DT or DE more, Daniels needs to be replaced, but Wilson and Evans did okay on passing downs. I'm not impressed with our pass rush up the gut, and how much of that is technique or system, I can't be sure :/

[ChocolateCitySkin]

Why don't we have a fourth rounder? I thought we kept all our draft picks this year.

[Veretax]

Why don't we have a fourth rounder? I thought we kept all our draft picks this year.

I thought it was the Duckett Trade or Brandon Lloyd Trade, but I could be wrong. If we do have a 4th Rounder, then that gives us more margin for error.

[stwasm]

That's true, but we don't need to ignore it completely. This draft combined with the players that are out in FA could be the most talented pool of young players we'll see in a while. Almost every position is stacked, and we would be foolish not to at least take a look at some of the less costly free agent.

As the OP said, we have many more needs than draft picks, and while we can rely on the depth we've created in some areas, we definitely cannot do the same with some positions (such as guard, defensive tackle, or defensive end). If we use free agency to fill some positions, we can make free agency much more effective.

For instance, if we can go after someone like Bryant Johnson (WR) and one of the corners on the market (Nnamdi Asomugha, Marcus Trufant, Asante Samuel, or Drayton Florence), then we can use the draft to take care of the offensive line and defensive line, and we would only have to splurge on one big-time free agent (one of the corners mentioned).

Given our salary cap situation, though, do we have the money to do that? Also, if I'm a Redskin who's been with the organization for five or six years, and I suddenly see a player from the outside make tons more than me, I'm not going to be very happy about it. I'm not saying ignore free agency, but I do hope that we show more restraint than we have in the past.

[Touchdown Redskins]

Why don't we have a fourth rounder? I thought we kept all our draft picks this year.

We lost that in the Duckett trade.

[illone]

This thread assumes we need one draft to fill every need on the current roster.

We don't.

I'm of the opinion that the O-line should be better with Thomas and Jansen returning. Certainly not better as in long term, but good enough to show improvement in 2008. I'd hope the Skins look to find long term replacements for Randy, Jon, Pete, and eventually Rabach and Samuels, but that can be addressed in future drafts.

In 2008 I would put a premium on a player who can consistently rush the passer, whether that be a DE, OLB, or even DT. WR should be a target as well, judging by the lack of performance from Lloyd, and to a lesser extent the injury concern of ARE and Moss.

Other than those two positions, I would also consider drafting a project CB or safety. Landry should be the long term answer at FS, and Doughty will provide solid depth at either safety spot so bringing in a legit SS wouldn't be a bad idea. I like the kid from Cincy, Haruki Nakamura, who can be had in the 3rd/4th round.

If the Skins drafted the above positions I would be more than happy, then keep the same model heading into 2009 where the draft picks are kept and used in the actual draft.

[Touchdown Redskins]

Given our salary cap situation, though, do we have the money to do that? Also, if I'm a Redskin who's been with the organization for five or six years, and I suddenly see a player from the outside make tons more than me, I'm not going to be very happy about it. I'm not saying ignore free agency, but I do hope that we show more restraint than we have in the past.

Well, I don't know much about the salary cap situation, but I know that the front office always seems to be able to spend the big bucks, so for argument's sake I'm going to assume we can at least be competitive in the free agent market.

I agree that we shouldn't break the bank, and I only want to go after a couple guys who will make drafting that much easier. Some of the biggest busts in drafts can be receivers, and with our history of drafting poorly at that position, I'd say Bryant Johnson makes a lot of sense. He's also a "second tier" free agent as well, so we wouldn't have to spend a lot of money on him. I do want to spend some money on a corner, because that will allow us to cut Springs and get younger at the same time.

In any case, if a Redskins player gets jealous over this money, it won't be the first time a team has splurged on a free agent, so he should understand that it's part of the business. Also, Dan Snyder usually pays well-performing players handsomely, so I wouldn't worry too much about hurt feelings.

[BLEED-B&G]

We have a difference of opinion on the WR. I think a good one can be had later on, so its not a pressing need. I didn't say I was HAPPY with their performance last year, but I'll digress on that one.

Those are how I'd put them

Seems we feel the same way just about different groups....

My opinion of our O-Line=Your opinion of our WRs

And I will mention that everything I said is rooted in the feeling that Lloyd is OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOuuuuuuuuuuta HERE......good riddance.

[Veretax]

Seems we feel the same way just about different groups....

My opinion of our O-Line=Your opinion of our WRs

And I will mention that everything I said is rooted in the feeling that Lloyd is OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOuuuuuuuuuuta HERE......good riddance.

Oh I agree if our O-line doesn't have fluke injuries it COULD be good, but the problem is, how many times have we said that recently? It's time to start grooming some replacements for 2 or 3 years down the road. I'm not saying replace the entire line, but With Fabini FA I believe, you need a Guard for depth anyways. So why not a good one. I think Lloyd has 1 year, personally, its just too costly to get rid of him this year, but I could be wrong.

[TheLongshot]

This thread assumes we need one draft to fill every need on the current roster.

We don't.

I'm of the opinion that the O-line should be better with Thomas and Jansen returning. Certainly not better as in long term, but good enough to show improvement in 2008. I'd hope the Skins look to find long term replacements for Randy, Jon, Pete, and eventually Rabach and Samuels, but that can be addressed in future drafts.

In 2008 I would put a premium on a player who can consistently rush the passer, whether that be a DE, OLB, or even DT. WR should be a target as well, judging by the lack of performance from Lloyd, and to a lesser extent the injury concern of ARE and Moss.

Other than those two positions, I would also consider drafting a project CB or safety. Landry should be the long term answer at FS, and Doughty will provide solid depth at either safety spot so bringing in a legit SS wouldn't be a bad idea. I like the kid from Cincy, Haruki Nakamura, who can be had in the 3rd/4th round.

If the Skins drafted the above positions I would be more than happy, then keep the same model heading into 2009 where the draft picks are kept and used in the actual draft.

Pretty much everything I wanted to say. The OL will probably be fine next year, but I do see the team drafting a guard relatively high and him eventually taking Kendall's spot in the starting lineup. Jansen is a question mark, but we do also have Wade and Heyer, so I'm not as concerned about that. Every other position on the line should be good for the next 2-3 years, so we have some time.

The other major need is a guy who can be a force on the D-Line. That can be found in the draft.

I can certainly see some places where we could use some depth players. WR, CB, TE, S and QB. None of those positions are huge needs, tho.

The nice thing is, there are many ways to address these positions, from FA to RFA who work their butts off.

Jason

[PlayAction]

This thread assumes we need one draft to fill every need on the current roster.

We don't.

Some fans assume we are one draft away from being a Superbowl caliber team. I'm not as hopeful unless the Skins become exceptionally lucky. The more unmet needs on the roster the less likely the Skins can get to the playoffs. It doesn't get easier when looking at two drafts. As you eliminate one need in year 1 you gain more needs down the road as existing players reach the end of their football careers. The point is that the Skins organization has to plan for turnover in addition to the current weakness.

[Veretax]

Some fans assume we are one draft away from being a Superbowl caliber team. I'm not as hopeful unless the Skins become exceptionally lucky. The more unmet needs on the roster the less likely the Skins can get to the playoffs. It doesn't get easier when looking at two drafts. As you eliminate one need in year 1 you gain more needs down the road as existing players reach the end of their football careers. The point is that the Skins organization has to plan for turnover in addition to the current weakness.

It doesn't matter whether we are one year away, you can't keep planning on the short run, at some point you have to draft young guys on the O and D Line, that's just how it is.