DiG
02-14-2008, 10:10 AM
Here is the order of where I see the Skins needs now that our coaching staff is taking shape.
1. Defensive End
2. Cornerback
3. Wide Receiver
4. Offensive Guard
5. Linebacker
6. Offensive Tackle
7a. Defensive Tackle
7b. Strong Safety
1. Defensive End - Andre Carter came into form this year and made his presence known coming off the edge but he is going to need more help to avoid double teams going forward. The Redskins have a promising young situational pass rusher in Chris Wilson but they don't have anyone in the wings to take over for the quickly aging and deteriorating Phillip Daniels. Daniels still has some production value left in the tank but he's just about lost his ability to get pressure on the quarterback which has severely hurt our pass defense.
2. Cornerback - Greg Blache has always been adamant about having strong cornerbacks as a staple to a quality defense. When healthy the starting 3 (Springs, Smoot, and Rogers) are very strong but theres is absolutely no quality depth after that. It is also possible that Springs could be a cap casualty or possibly traded this offseason and there is a risk that Carlos could struggle coming back off his injury last season.
3. Wide Receiver - The skins have solid slot and flanker receivers with Moss and Randle El but theres no one on the roster that fits the bill for a split end. The Skins need to look for a possession style receiver with soft hands who doesn't mind going across the middle and taking a hit. It is more than likely that the Redskins will look to get this done via trade or free agency. Don't be surprised to see them make a serious run at Chad Johnson or Roy Williams.
4. Offensive Guard - Injuries the past couple seasons have really shown the Redskins lack of depth on the offensive line. I have guard listed higher than tackle because our starting two guards are respectively 33 and 34 years old next season and our number 1 backup is a defensive tackle who played his first time at guard this past season. In a WCO look for us to go after a VERY athletic guard in the 305-310 range.
5. Outside Linebacker - The skins suffered 2 terrible injuries on defense this past season. The first was at CB with Rogers and then they lost a young stud LB (McIntosh) with a torn ACL and MCL around week 10. There is potential that he could be ready for the 08/09 season but I would be surprised to see him in action before week 6. The skins are set at MLB with London Fletcher and HB Blades but they need another outside guy as depth and an eventual replacement for Marcus Washington.
6. Offensive Tackle - If Jansen is let go for cap reasons than this need immediately moves up to the 2 spot. Potentially even the 1 spot. I think though that Jansen will renegotiate a new contract and stick around a few more years before retiring. Stephon Heyer had a roller coaster rookie year while Jansen was injured and it looks like he is no more than a solid career backup in the NFL. Even if Jansen works out a new contract I am still worried that with the multitude of his injuries and his age that he will slowly start taking a few steps back in productivity.
7a. Defensive Tackle - Cornelius Griffin is still a stud and Anthony Montgomery has been an absolute draft steal. I also really like Gholston in terms of depth but Blache has made it public that he would like to bring in a 3 technique penetrating player to groom as Griffins replacement.
7b. Strong Safety - The skins lost one of the best defenders in the NFL this year to a tragic death. Laron Landry slid over into Sean Taylors position at FS and showed that he is a more dominant player and more comfortable in that role. Reed Doughty was a hidden gem at SS, especially in the box but I'm not sold that he will be able to keep up playing at that level. The staff seems to like him and until he proves otherwise he deserves the starting spot. Adding depth at the position is more than likely a luxury given our other needs but it isnt out of hte question.
1. Defensive End
2. Cornerback
3. Wide Receiver
4. Offensive Guard
5. Linebacker
6. Offensive Tackle
7a. Defensive Tackle
7b. Strong Safety
1. Defensive End - Andre Carter came into form this year and made his presence known coming off the edge but he is going to need more help to avoid double teams going forward. The Redskins have a promising young situational pass rusher in Chris Wilson but they don't have anyone in the wings to take over for the quickly aging and deteriorating Phillip Daniels. Daniels still has some production value left in the tank but he's just about lost his ability to get pressure on the quarterback which has severely hurt our pass defense.
2. Cornerback - Greg Blache has always been adamant about having strong cornerbacks as a staple to a quality defense. When healthy the starting 3 (Springs, Smoot, and Rogers) are very strong but theres is absolutely no quality depth after that. It is also possible that Springs could be a cap casualty or possibly traded this offseason and there is a risk that Carlos could struggle coming back off his injury last season.
3. Wide Receiver - The skins have solid slot and flanker receivers with Moss and Randle El but theres no one on the roster that fits the bill for a split end. The Skins need to look for a possession style receiver with soft hands who doesn't mind going across the middle and taking a hit. It is more than likely that the Redskins will look to get this done via trade or free agency. Don't be surprised to see them make a serious run at Chad Johnson or Roy Williams.
4. Offensive Guard - Injuries the past couple seasons have really shown the Redskins lack of depth on the offensive line. I have guard listed higher than tackle because our starting two guards are respectively 33 and 34 years old next season and our number 1 backup is a defensive tackle who played his first time at guard this past season. In a WCO look for us to go after a VERY athletic guard in the 305-310 range.
5. Outside Linebacker - The skins suffered 2 terrible injuries on defense this past season. The first was at CB with Rogers and then they lost a young stud LB (McIntosh) with a torn ACL and MCL around week 10. There is potential that he could be ready for the 08/09 season but I would be surprised to see him in action before week 6. The skins are set at MLB with London Fletcher and HB Blades but they need another outside guy as depth and an eventual replacement for Marcus Washington.
6. Offensive Tackle - If Jansen is let go for cap reasons than this need immediately moves up to the 2 spot. Potentially even the 1 spot. I think though that Jansen will renegotiate a new contract and stick around a few more years before retiring. Stephon Heyer had a roller coaster rookie year while Jansen was injured and it looks like he is no more than a solid career backup in the NFL. Even if Jansen works out a new contract I am still worried that with the multitude of his injuries and his age that he will slowly start taking a few steps back in productivity.
7a. Defensive Tackle - Cornelius Griffin is still a stud and Anthony Montgomery has been an absolute draft steal. I also really like Gholston in terms of depth but Blache has made it public that he would like to bring in a 3 technique penetrating player to groom as Griffins replacement.
7b. Strong Safety - The skins lost one of the best defenders in the NFL this year to a tragic death. Laron Landry slid over into Sean Taylors position at FS and showed that he is a more dominant player and more comfortable in that role. Reed Doughty was a hidden gem at SS, especially in the box but I'm not sold that he will be able to keep up playing at that level. The staff seems to like him and until he proves otherwise he deserves the starting spot. Adding depth at the position is more than likely a luxury given our other needs but it isnt out of hte question.