GibbsFactor Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 The NFL work stoppage is here. Many hoped and thought this day would never come. Others, have long anticipated this day and are prepared to miss 1 to 4 games in the fall. From all accounts, it is assumed by those in the know that once tomorrow comes with no agreement in place, 6 months will pass before any further progress is even attempted. What does that mean? Teams will not be able to communicate with players through spring and summer. No OTAs, no minicamps, no playbooks handed out, no calls to see how the wife and kids are doing. For the Redskins, this is significant in that there will be no progress made on perfecting Kyle’s offense or Jim’s defense. We will have a draft, a draft in which the Redskins have 7 picks, no 3rd or 4th but two 5ths and two 7ths. By most accounts, the Redskins need talent at every position minus tight end and strong safety. By my count, we have the need to upgrade 11 starting positions. By upgrading these positions and keeping as many that are in the role now as possible, depth will be had. Teams such as the Patriots and Chargers have positioned themselves well. The Patriots began rebuilding their dynasty team two years ago and fielded a talented and young defense to go with an aging patch work offense. They are in position to own this draft, yet again, due to having 6 picks in the first three rounds, two picks each round. They can choose to package those picks to move up and snag more talent in the beginning of the rounds if they choose. Most agree that when the new CBA is in place, there will be a salary cap with a rookie wage scale. Suddenly, moving into the top 10 isn’t as costly as in years past. This means trades should be abundant during this April’s NFL draft. The NFL insiders indicate that due to the uncertainty of the CBA, most clubs will be very conservative. The Redskins have owned the league in two similar years back in the 80s, winning the league title both years the NFL had a work stoppage. The success could be attributed to two men, neither of who are still with the organization. Between the GM and coach of the time, they were able to field a talented team of scabs and keep the NFL players focused once the season started back up for the union players. The teams were much more talented then today. So let’s give up on that pipe dream. Since winning the Superbowl is unlikely this year, let’s use the collective wisdom of ES to come up with some innovative strategies regarding the only source of player movement, the NFL Draft. 1. Business as usual - Go into the draft as if nothing has changed. Follow model of BPA and fill holes using picks in hand. Sure, this is the safest bet, which means the risk/reward is minimal. This model will be followed by 80% of the clubs. 2. Focus on offensive talent – There’s talent to be had at the offensive level. The Redskins need improvement everywhere but TE. Since offenses are behind the defensive learning curve, drafting players such as WRs and QBs, that generally take a few years to “get it” could benefit the Skins since the season will be an abnormally. Most will agree that rosters in 2011 will be very similar to rosters in 2010. Why not get that first year out of the way this year with the Julio Jones’ and Jake Lockers of the draft. I expect rebuilding teams (Rams/Browns) to look to this as a good strategy to compete next year quicker. 3. Focus on defensive talent – This is an awesome year for defensive talent. Switching to the 34 left us with very little talent to scheme fits. We need a right defensive end, a nose tackle, a SAM, a corner, a free safety and depth at every position minus Strong Safety. Defensive talent drafted could come in right away and help at any position. When the CBA is signed, these blue chippers will start contributing right away. I expect the contenders to go this route. 4. Trade for the future. – Ah yes, you all knew it was coming. This move has been labled “retarded” by some. 11 positions needed. Will Julio Jones or Von Miller or Cameron Jordan help us? Of course. Drafting BPA the traditional route is the safe thing to do. Many feel that gambling with our picks is the last thing we need since we have so many holes. Plus, we’d waste a good year of Orakpo/Landry, etc… To that I say their year will be wasted anyway. The season will be short, the team won’t have camps to improve their knowledge of the scheme, with so many holes, this team is not contending next year. .500 is the best we could hope for. With lack of player movement in free agency, teams will be looking to move up, acquire extra picks to contend this year. We are not one of those teams. With that being said, extra value will be placed on draft picks. Couple that with future year draft picks weighted lower, and you could walk away from this draft set for the next 5 years. What I mean is by trading the #10 and #41 pick, you could go into the 2012 draft with 7+ picks in the first two days of the draft alone. You could package those picks to trade up for one of the three QBs that will outclass this years, you could trade some for future picks and be set to have draft collateral for years to come. Wouldn’t that be nice? Wouldn’t that be a true change in culture? I realize this thought is sickening to most, but it’s big picture thinking. It’s the type of move that would change the fortune of the Skins for years to come with two moves. Trading for the future may not work for you. Focusing on Offense alone may not work for you. One thing is clear. This is an uncertain time and our beloved team needs a lot of work. What’s the best way to get to contender status in the quickest way? I ask you, let’s get creative and come up with a plan that optimizes the lack of player movement. Any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GibbsFactor Posted March 3, 2011 Author Share Posted March 3, 2011 Really? Nothing? :kickcan: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holmester Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 There is already multiple draft scenario and "should we" threads? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conn Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 There is already multiple draft scenario and "should we" threads? Exactly. And its been well-advertised by you that #4 is your preferred option. And not many people agree. Since you spent so much of the OP on that, and so little on the other options, its obvious that this seemingly unbiased thread is really just a way to pimp your views on trading our 2011 draft for 2012 picks. And you've been making that argument enough in other relevant threads that it didn't need its own stage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsHokieFan Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 In my opinion there is too much defensive talent to pass up in this year's draft. If this draft was like the NBA draft 2011, option 4 would be an option. But I think you go with option 3 and run with it, in particular with the 3-4 talent available Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floodzone004 Posted March 3, 2011 Share Posted March 3, 2011 Lol, drafting offensive and defensive talent are innovative solutions? When is that not the game plan? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GibbsFactor Posted March 3, 2011 Author Share Posted March 3, 2011 Exactly. And its been well-advertised by you that #4 is your preferred option. And not many people agree. Since you spent so much of the OP on that, and so little on the other options, its obvious that this seemingly unbiased thread is really just a way to pimp your views on trading our 2011 draft for 2012 picks. And you've been making that argument enough in other relevant threads that it didn't need its own stage. That's fair. However, I was more interested in other views on how we can use this work stoppage to our advantage. It seems to me the only way is with the draft since everything else will be locked out. But it doesn't have to be that way. Also, no one seems to consider the fact that we won't be able to work on scheme. The way I see it, 2010 was to evaluate what would work on our roster. I'd use 2011 as a practice for the schemes. I'm obviously not counting on this year and trying to field the best team possible in 2012. For instance, concentrating on offense seems to be like a worth while talking point. While you wouldn't get the off season to prep the rookies, you'd still have a season in which to groom them, a season that looks to be either shortened or at the very least have a very minimal free agency period. Would it be a good idea or bad idea? Everyone seems to want to do business as usual and I just can't help but think that's a mistake. The Pats and Chargers are setup. Why can't we? Everyone wants to be more like them but when it comes time to do something that lets us be like them, fans balk. ---------- Post added March-3rd-2011 at 03:18 PM ---------- In my opinion there is too much defensive talent to pass up in this year's draft.If this draft was like the NBA draft 2011, option 4 would be an option. But I think you go with option 3 and run with it, in particular with the 3-4 talent available That seems to be the consensus. We could get some great talent to put in the front 7. Talent that actually fits. However, most draftniks agree that year in and year out, the talent keeps rising. So who's to say next year isn't better? I'd rather have 5 or 6 players next year that have the same talent as the 2 we will get this year. We won the last two work stoppages. I'd hate to give up that title. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darrelgreenie Posted March 4, 2011 Share Posted March 4, 2011 I ask you, let’s get creative and come up with a plan that optimizes the lack of player movement. Any ideas? I think the best thing to do is find a plan that works regardless of the outcome of the CBA. We wouldn't want to risk everything on something that may or may not occur. I'm all for team and player development and building through the draft, which in itself is a novel concept for the Burgundy and Gold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shakinaiken Posted March 4, 2011 Share Posted March 4, 2011 That's fair. However, I was more interested in other views on how we can use this work stoppage to our advantage. It seems to me the only way is with the draft since everything else will be locked out. But it doesn't have to be that way. Also, no one seems to consider the fact that we won't be able to work on scheme. The way I see it, 2010 was to evaluate what would work on our roster. I'd use 2011 as a practice for the schemes. I'm obviously not counting on this year and trying to field the best team possible in 2012.For instance, concentrating on offense seems to be like a worth while talking point. While you wouldn't get the off season to prep the rookies, you'd still have a season in which to groom them, a season that looks to be either shortened or at the very least have a very minimal free agency period. Would it be a good idea or bad idea? Everyone seems to want to do business as usual and I just can't help but think that's a mistake. The Pats and Chargers are setup. Why can't we? Everyone wants to be more like them but when it comes time to do something that lets us be like them, fans balk. ---------- Post added March-3rd-2011 at 03:18 PM ---------- That seems to be the consensus. We could get some great talent to put in the front 7. Talent that actually fits. However, most draftniks agree that year in and year out, the talent keeps rising. So who's to say next year isn't better? I'd rather have 5 or 6 players next year that have the same talent as the 2 we will get this year. We won the last two work stoppages. I'd hate to give up that title. i admire your adament demeanor in consistently sticking with your opinion, but theres to much uncertainty surrounding the CBA, and current events to fully support your theory. As many have stated, we have a top 10 pick in a draft where there is probably 15 potential studs available.. it would seem foolish not to take advantage of procuring a stud in this draft, and instead mortgaging the future for uncertain optimism. Also, citing teams like the patriots is unfair... old hoodie conned, literally conned teams out of picks... the seymour trade to oakland? the moss trade to tenn for a third? i doubt we could pull trades off like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GibbsFactor Posted March 12, 2011 Author Share Posted March 12, 2011 Now that the lockout is official, any one got any other ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mania Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 I was in Israel last week and I put in a prayer for the Redskins at the wailing wall. Hopefully it comes true! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darrelgreenie Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Now that the lockout is official, any one got any other ideas? If I was Shanahan I would "fire" Matt LaFleur or Richmond flowers. That would give Maybe LaFleur and Richmond some free time to I don't know maybe coach a flag-football team or something? I wonder if some of the players would want to play some flag football to stay in shape? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsKin26 Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 I would like to play devil's advocate for a moment. Let's say one of the top prospects drops to us with another team chomping at the bit to get him. Our options are select the player or trade down. If we draft the player, do people really feel he will be the big difference maker in our title hopes for next year? One player will not make the difference. You can argue he could be a major piece for years to come, but what if we do not have players around him? People openly admit we have holes everywhere. Then, we're wasting years of his career like people argue for Landry/Orakpo. You could even say they compliment each other to bring us over the top for that unit, but okay, what about the other unit? As a realist, I have title aspirations for this year, but it will most likely end up being a wash, so that year of their career should be seen as another transition year into a more stable system. It is not even a guarantee we hit on this prospect. We set ourselves back if we miss. Now let's say we trade down. I'll use the Patriots for an example. For the tenth pick, valued at 1300 points on the draft chart, it is possible to obtain a first this year, (17th overall valued at 950 points), a first next year (valued as a second rounder at 300 points), and a second next year (valued as a third rounder at 132 points). Will that happen, probably not, but it could, and there are other deals out there just as juicy. If we had done something like this last year, let's say we would have the tenth overall and seventeenth overall following my Patriots example. Then, we would have the opportunity to draft a Julio Jones/whoever and a JJ Watt/Aldon Smith/whoever. That'd be stellar. There is no reason to believe the draft class next year will be weaker and imagine having two top 25 picks along with a couple seconds next year and a first and second this year . This is the most unrealistic outcome, but there are slight variations that are a lot more likely and still greatly beneficial to us. We could do major damage if we draft properly, or trade a couple to move up to still get the two to three upper level prospects. We have more options, a higher chance statistically to land one or more starters, and I would not mind it. This is all dependent on having the partners to trade with, but people should not automatically consider this approach crazy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tibbidoe Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Every offseason around this time, I re-open the doors to the Church of the Tradedown and Acquire Extra Picks, Praise the Lawd, LLC. I SHOUT to the heavens, via the typed word, for the need to amass extra picks for the current, and for the future, rookie jersey sales leader selection extravaganza. But, sadly, each year I find that the pews remain almost completely empty. The rows of now room temperature cups of Grape Drink, the mostly untouched stacks of triangle-cut bologna sandwiches and the deafening sound of my own thoughts of hope for the future and remembrance of Super Bowl victories past... Man, am I bored today. PS- I hope we trade down several times, in case there was any confusion above. PPS- I wonder what Oprah's doing right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s0crates Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 Good post. If they play with replacement players this season, we should call up Joe Gibbs. I would be fine with trading picks for more picks, this year or next. The problem with this is that you have to have somebody to trade with, which doesn't always work out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GibbsFactor Posted October 31, 2011 Author Share Posted October 31, 2011 Anyone have any other ideas now that everyone has finally shown up to the party? :kickcan: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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