NFC East
2008 Redskins Draft - Changing Philosophy:
By Mike Carroll
May 4, 2008, 18:42

For years, the Redskins have built their franchise around star power. They have avoided the draft like the plague and have spent enormous sums of money on free agents. With the arrival of Jim Zorn, all that seems to have changed.

In 2008, Washington added 10-players through the draft. Many were selected for their ability to contribute in the west coast offense which is certain to emerge in the capital city.

Despite the unfamiliar territory of the NFL selection process, they did well.

2008 Draft Grade: B+

Round 2:

The ‘skins elected to trade out of round 1 and picked up two additional draft picks in the second round as compensation. Things could hardly have worked better for the team. They were able to add three pieces to the west coast puzzle on day one.

Devin Thomas, WR (Michigan State): 6’2” 220 Lbs. Thomas is a raw and supremely talented wide receiver. He rarely saw the field at Michigan State until his junior year when he compiled 79 receptions for 1,260 yards and 8 touchdowns. Some call him a 1-year wonder; but, there were many teams where Thomas was the #1 wide-out on their boards. He will be a star in the west coast offense.

I called Thomas to the ‘Skins in the EFS Fantasy Writer’s Draft several weeks ago and I love the pick even more today, as they acquired him in round 2.

A must-draft player in EFS Leagues - Round 1 or 2 projection

Fred Davis, TE (USC): 6’3” 247 Lbs. Davis ended his Trojan career as the all-time leader in receptions (117) and yards (1,408) for tight-ends. He is a big body, who can get in the seams and stretch the field. The team will find a way to get him on the field along with Chris Cooley in 2008; but, Davis’ real value lies down the road in ‘09 and beyond. He will be a red-zone target in the west coast offense for years to come.

A draft worthy player in EFS Leagues - Round 4 projection

Malcolm Kelly, WR (Oklahoma): 6’3” 219 Lbs. After the selection of Thomas, the team stunned all the experts when they added Kelly later in round 2. But, Thomas and Kelly are different players. Kelly is a possession receiver, who will go across the middle and take hits. He lacks a home-run gear; but, he will become a great compliment to Thomas in the future. Kelly ended his career with 144 receptions for 2,285 yards and 21 touchdowns.

A draft worthy player in EFS Leagues - Round 4 projection

Round 3:

Chad Rinehart, OT (Northern Iowa): 6’5” 311 Lbs. The team needed to get younger offensive line help. They did that with Rinehart. He played left tackle in 37 games in college and during his senior year, led the Panthers to the #11 ranking in the nation in offensive production. He has a chance to start early in his career and will be in the line-up opening day 2009.

A draft worthy player in EFS Leagues - Round 5 projection

Round 4:

Justin ‘JT’ Tryon, CB (Arizona State): 5’9” 190 Lbs. Justin is one of those players where you say, “if he was just a couple inches taller”. If he was, Tryon would have been a day 1 pick. In 2007, he had 56 tackles and 3 interceptions, of which one was returned for a score. Despite his height, he has good leaping ability and covers the bigger receivers well. His 23.7 yard per kick-off return average makes him a valuable asset on special teams. He will play some in ‘08.

A practice squad pick-up in EFS Leagues.

Round 6:

Durant Brooks, P (Georgia Tech): 6’0” 204 Lbs Brooks won the Ray Guy award in 2007 for being the nation’s outstanding punter. His family is very close to Guy and Brooks has been receiving pointers throughout his career from the NFL legend. It’s paid off, as Brooks has a very good chance of beating out incumbent, Derrick Frost for the starting job in Washington.

A practice squad pick-up in EFS Leagues.

Kareem Moore, FS (Nichols State): 5’11” 213 Lbs. Moore was an AP All-American as a senior in 2007. He amassed 141 tackles and 5 interceptions in 21 games, as a starter, in college. Although he played free safety in college, he projects to strong safety in the NFL due to his somewhat limited coverage skills. The team is so thin at safety that Moore will get a chance to play in 2008.

A draft worthy player in EFS Leagues - Round 7 projection

Colt Brennan, QB (Hawaii): 6’2” 213 Lbs. Brennan received a lot of hype in 2007. He went into the year as a Heisman Trophy candidate and ended the year as a finalist; but, things started going bad in the Sugar Bowl. He looked flustered under duress and did little right all night long. Post season hip surgery further tarnished his star. So, he ended up here. Make no mistake, he can read coverage in the NFL and will fit well into the west coast offense. He is a great back-up.

Be careful here - Brennan will certainly get drafted a lot higher than he deserves in EFS Leagues, as he is a household name for most college football fans. But, he is destined to be a career back-up in the NFL. He is worth a look - especially if you own Jason Campbell.

A draft worthy player in EFS Leagues - Round 7 projection

Round 7:

Rob Jackson, DE (Kansas State): 6’4” 259 Lbs. Jackson has 4.85 40 speed and is hardly a monster in the pass rush. He had 61 tackles during his 23 game college career and 31 of those were for a loss. He also added 6.5 sacks. He has a tendency to be around the ball; but, needs to bulk-up if he is going to stick with the ‘Skins or any other NFL team. His athleticism will help him on special teams as Jackson started his college career as a tight-end. He does have a great motor; so, look for him to stick in Washington as a role player.

Pass on Jackson in EFS Leagues

Chris Horton, SS (UCLA): 6’1” 210 Lbs. Horton is a beast in the run game - he projects as a strong safety in the NFL due to his limited coverage skills. He will make his mark on special teams and will get a chance to play as the season wears on; but, it will be few and far between. He posted 238 tackles in his college career and 13 sacks - so, look for him to stay in the league a few years as a special team star!

Pass on Horton in EFS Leagues

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