Washington Redskins Post Draft Commentary

The Redskins come off a 2008 season that saw the team fight for a playoff spot under first year Head Coach Jim Zorn. Zorn did rub some players on the team the wrong way during the season, but those issues seem to have tempered a bit. However, the team’s decision to pursue several quarterbacks this off season has affected the relationship with incumbent starter Jason Campbell; who publicly stated that if the Redskins drafted a quarterback he would demand a trade. This issue is one that bears watching as the season progresses.

The team did finish with a 8-8 record, but they were not that far from a playoff spot in the NFC. The team did enter the off season with several issues; key among them was again the defensive line. For the past few years the Redskins have needed to address this area of the team through the draft, but have not done so to any great extent. Defensive end has long been a problem area and with the #13 overall, the team chose Brian Orakpo. Orakpo had a good college career, but he must learn to diversify his pass rushing moves if he is to continue to see the same level of success in the pro game. His presence should only help the unit though as the team released Jason Taylor after a one year rental.

Albert Haynesworth was added to the interior of the line even though the unit allowed under 100 yards per game on the ground in 2008. Haynesworth has some help along the front including Kedric Golston and Cornelius Griffin, so the front should be even better in 2009. However, there still remains a great deal of uncertainty regarding the linebacking corp as there is little talent on the strong side. Rocky McIntosh is a solid player at the weak side, but London Fletcher will slow down sometime and Robert Thomas is better served as a backup. The unit needed some younger players in the fold, although waiting until the 5th round to add talent to the position may be too late in the game. The team did double up on the position; only increasing their chances of finding someone capable to hopefully start in the near future.

The offensive line could use some added talent as well given the team’s need at offensive tackle, but the area was completely neglected. Both Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels are over 30 and neither has been the model of health the last few seasons. Stephon Heyer has played well enough when asked to, but he is better served as a quality backup than a full time starter in my opinion. The team elected to add Kevin Barnes to an already solid secondary, which is bewildering to say the least. Barnes is a solid player, but given the needs along the offensive line adding an offensive tackle should been a priority at that spot. Personally this move could come back to bite the Redskins if both starting tackles continue their tendency to come up injured.

The Redskins did add some help to the areas they needed to, finally addressing their need at defensive end. But, again they completely ignored the offensive tackle position, which I do not agree with. The team really needs to stop trading away picks every year and look to build through the draft. If the front office bought into that philosophy, there would be a great deal more depth on the team in general in my opinion. The Redskins could surprise this year, as they do have a great deal of talent, but they need to find a way to get more from their wide receivers around the goal line. Simply running it in all the time will not work, and it is time to see if Jason Campbell really can handle the starter’s role; the kid gloves need to come off and let him truly run the offense.

Pre Draft Needs: OL, DL, LB, TE