 |
| Search |
|
|
|
|
NFC East
When the 2008 NFL Draft kicks off on April 26th and 27th at the Radio City Music Hall in New York, the Washington Redskins will have the 21st selection in round one.
It is a fitting tribute. The number 21 was the number which for three and one-half, short years, adorned the jersey of star safety, Sean Taylor (Age 24) whose violent death left his team in tears and a town mourning.
Tragedy can leave a lasting impact on a franchise. Taylor’s loss does seem to have had this effect. It has been a very quite off-season for the storied franchise in the capital city.
Now, more than ever, they need their flamboyant owner, Daniel Snyder to step up; to spend foolishly; to do something to pull the franchise out of lethargy.
Times are a Changing:
When Jim Zorn was hired as offensive coordinator and later promoted to head coach this off-season, the month long search for Joe Gibbs’ replacement came to a halt. A typical Snyder move, Zorn had never even held a coordinator’s job in the NFL prior to his hiring.
But, he knows offense and Dan Snyder loves offense!
Zorn’s biggest job will be selling the players, many of whom were disappointed that the head coaching job did not go to Gregg Williams, who has since been lured away by Jacksonville to serve as defensive coordinator.
Sherman Smith, assistant head coach of the Tennessee Titans was brought in as the new offensive coordinator. But, make no mistake; it is the head coach who will be handling the play-calling on Sundays. Smith will serve only to construct blocking assignments and attend to other details.
West Coast Offensive?
The west coast offense - or at least part of it - is headed to D.C. in ‘08 and it should be quite a show. But, with an experienced offensive line; two great backs and a less than experienced quarter back, Washington would be taking a huge risk to deviate from the ground game, for which they are known.
Expect balance…expect rhythm…expect scoring.
The ‘skins were 15th in offense in 2007: 12th rushing and 14th passing and those numbers should only improve in 2008.
Jason Campbell, 2700 yards, 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions - a sixty percent completion rate should hook up with Chris Cooley a lot this year. So, much so that Cooley will likely be the top tight end in 2008 and should eclipse 90 receptions and 1,000 yards.
Clinton Portis (1262 yards 11 touchdowns) and back-up Ladell Betts (335 yards 1 touchdown) form a solid duo at running back. Short yardage specialist, Eric Sheldon 6’1” 246 Lbs was added this off-season from Carolina, where he was unable to overcome a string of injuries.
Wide receivers are the key to making the west coast offensive work, with Santana Moss (61 receptions, 808 yards, 3 touchdowns) on the outside edge and Antwaan Randle-El (51receptions, 728 yards, 1 touchdown) moving to the slot, there should be plenty of fireworks.
There are a host of wide receivers waiting in the wings to fill the spot opposite Moss including former NY Giant, Anthony Mix (6‘5“ and 230 Lbs). Mix played with Campbell at Auburn and the two have a nice chemistry. The 6’4” 215 pound Billy McMillen, picked up in January, played in the west coast offense in Philadelphia and Minnesota and is another strong candidate to see increased stats in ‘08.
Look for the ‘skins to add another big body in the draft with the 6’3” 230 Lb Adarius Bowman (WR-Oklahoma St) getting consideration in round two,
The offensive line is experienced but old and several key contributors are coming back from injuries in 2007. Jon Jansen (LT), Pro-bowler Chris Samuels (RT), Casey Rabach (OC), Pete Kendall (LG) and Randy Thomas (RG), Washington make up a good core. Jason Fabini (10-years experience) and Todd Wade will offer solid back-up options if Jansen or Thomas are unable to return from their injuries.
But, the team has only one, young lineman, Stephon Heyer (OT) on the roster. It is likely that they will look to add both depth and youth in the ‘08 draft with the likely candidates being: Tony Hills (OT-Texas) and Eric Young (OG-Tennessee).
Defensive Outlook:
The numbers on defense last year were better than the talent. Credit has to go to Gregg Williams and his loss might be the most significant change on defense in ‘08.
In ‘07, the ‘skins were 8th in total defense - 16th against the pass and 4th against the run. Led by Andre Carter and Phillip Daniels, the defensive line was a strength. Both will be back this year; but, a speed rusher off the edge would really make this unit dangerous.
Look for the team to address this need in the draft. If Derrick Harvey (DE-Florida) is on the board when the Redskins draft, they would be crazy to pass on him. Trevor Laws (DE-Notre Dame) is another big-time rusher that could really help out.
At linebacker, the team is solid. The ageless, London Fletcher patrols the middle and solid HB Blades backs him up. If rising star, Rocky McIntosh can avoid the type of injuries that plagued him last year, he should have a break-out campaign. On the other side is Marcus Washington, is a dependable player holding down yet another position where the team could use an upgrade.
In a perfect draft scenario, future pro-bowler Keith Rivers (OLB-USC) would drop to the Redskins at 21. Rivers can rush the passer and is a side-line to side-line player who can help extend the career of Fletcher. Flanked by Rivers and McIntosh, it is easy to see Fletcher in the middle for 2 to 3 more years.
The secondary needs help. Taylor’s death left a tremendous void.
LaRon Landry (SS) is a star in the making - totaling 97 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season. Landry moved to free safety at the end of the season with Reed Doughty stepping into the starting line-up. Doughty is serviceable and Pierson Prioleau, the main back-up is an UFA this off-season.
Carlos Rogers (RCB) is still working to recover from his week 8 knee injury. He is doubtful to be ready for the opener. Shawn Springs and Fred Smoot will start at the corners. Both are solid but the best parts of their careers are over and they lack the playmaking ability that the team needs to compete for a playoff spot in 2008.
Any and all players in the secondary would be welcome in the draft. Look for Kenny Phillips (S-Miami) to get strong consideration in round one and players like the speedy, Tracy Porter (CB-Indiana) and fast-rising, Reggie Smith (CB-Oklahoma) to drawn attention as well.
All-in-all, 2008 will be a rebuilding year for Washington. They will be a fun team to watch and may challenge for a play-off spot in the soft NFC.
2008 Draft Needs:
Defensive End: Big time pass rusher
Offensive Linemen: Guards, Tackles and Centers
Wide Receiver: A west coast style “big body” to play opposite Santana Moss
Cornerback
Safety
Middle linebacker: To replace Fletcher in a year or two
Outside Linebacker: A speed rusher with great lateral pursuit
EFSports Fantasy Football
© Copyright 2003 by EFSNews.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
NFC East
Latest Headlines
|
|