New contributor frankrmineo impresses with his first lengthy contribution on BTSC with the Washington Reskins' selection at #21. I like the pick, and I certainly like the evaluation of the Redskins' needs. Well done, sir. Next up? Terry, represting the Dallas Cowboys
Redskins' Roster Breakdown:
Quarterback: The Redskins seem to have confidence in Jason Cambell although many league insiders are not sure that he will ever develop into a great NFL quarterback, and many believe that Jim Zorn's new West Coast offense is a poor fit for his style of play (long vertical passes as opposed to shorter, timing throws). The Redskins re-signed veteran Todd Collins to be Campbell's primary backup, so it is highly unlikely that the Redskins will devote a first round pick to QB.
Running Back: Running Back is another area that the Redskins should be set at, and I would be surprised to see them use a high pick here. With Clinton Portis, and Ladell Betts both inked to long term deals, and with the re-signing of Rock Cartwright, the Redskins have a solid core group of running backs.
Secondary: With the tragic death of Pro-Bowler Shawn Taylor, safety is a major need for the Redskins. The Redskins may wait until later in the draft to look for a safety to replace Taylor. Defensive Back is also a need as Shawn Springs is upset over his contract situation and the fact that he will be 33 years old means the Redskins need to provide some depth at the position sooner rather than later.
Offensive Line: The interior of the Redskins Offensive line seems shored up with veterans Casey Rabach, Pete Kendall, and Randy Thomas all expected to be starters next season. The only concern with the interior line was injuries that sidelined Thomas for almost the entire season. The Redskins have good depth at these positions and a high round draft pick seems unlikely. The tackle positions have been solid in the past for the Redskins with Jon Jansen and Chris Samuels both contributing consistently for many years for the team. The only issue there was a season ending injury in week one to Jon Jansen, and although he should be ready for the start of the season, the Redskins do need to start thinking about eventual replacements for Jansen and Samuels as they are both over 30. Unless a stud falls into the Redskins lap, a first round draft pick on the offensive line would be a surprise to me.
Defensive Line: The Redskins could improve on the defensive line. At defensive end they have a rising star in Andre Carter who proved to be a force in 2007. They also have a solid veteran, Phillip Daniels who has 12 years of experience including four years spent with new Defensive Coordinator Greg Blache in Chicago. A replacement for Daniels could certainly be in the cards as his age (34) is a concern. Defensive Tackle is probably the Redskins biggest area for improvement in the draft. Currently they have Anthony Montgomery, Kedric Golston, Cornelius Griffin, and Lorenzo Alexander but they do not have a shut down run stopper and the early part of the draft could be the place where the Redskins choose to address this need.
Tight End/Fullback: Tight end is another area that a first day pick is not warranted. Chris Cooley has been signed to a multi-year contract and should be considered one of the top tight ends in the league, although he is frequently left out of such discussions. At back-up the Redskins have Todd Yoder a skilled 8 year veteran that is familiar with the West Coast offense. The Fullback Position should have an increased roll this season due to the new system. Mike Sellers is a Pro-Bowl fullback and should figure prominently into the new system, but the backup roll is incredibly thin. I would expect the team to spend a second day pick trying to find some insurance for Sellers.
Kicker/Punter: The Redskins liked what they saw out of newcomer Shaun Suisham and resigned his services for another year. Derrick Frost did well for the team at punter and it would be more than surprising if the Redskins used a first day draft pick on either of these positions. (But hey I wouldn't put anything past Dan Synder).
Linebackers: The Redskins got a great deal last off-season when they signed 10 year veteran London Fletcher from the Bills. Fletcher led the team with 156 tackles and also added three interceptions and a forced fumble. Rocky McIntosh emerged as a star last season in his second year and if he can return from his late season injury I think all expect great things from him.
Wide Receiver: Outside of a Defensive Tackle, Wide Receiver might be another area that the Redskins could focus on in the early parts of the draft. The Redskins have Santana Moss who had a breakout year in 2005 but hasn't been very good since. The also have former Steeler Antwaan Randel-El on the roster who has filled in as a decent number two receiver. The team really needs a big receiver who can catch passes in the middle of the field in order to utilize the new offense. I wouldn't be surprised if the Redskins used their 1st pick on a receiver.
Pick:
The top two players left on the board of a few rankings I looked at would have the Redskins targeting either Mike Jenkins, the cornerback from South Florida, or possibly Quinten Groves the defensive end from Auburn. Mike Jenkins had some off the field issues that have moved him from one of the top CB's in the draft to somewhat of a gamble in the Roger Godell era of the NFL, but given the Redskins past they may be likely to take a gamble on Jenkins. Groves may have the talent, but his shaky season last year and the new information about a heart surgery could push him out of the first round..
Overall the Redskins need help in their secondary, Shawn Springs is getting older and they need talent and youth at the position. Jenkins would be a steal at number 21 as some mock draft have him as high as number 10 overall.
So, with the 21st pick, the Redskins take Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida.
BTSC Mock Draft Team Selections
#1 - Miami Dolphins, Darren Mcfadden
#2 - St. Louis Rams, Chris Long
#3 - Atlanta Falcons, Sedrick Ellis
#4 - Oakland Raiders, Vernon Gholston
#5 - Kansas City Chiefs, Jake Long
#6 - New York Jets, Glen Dorsey
#7 - New England Patriots, Dominique Rodger-Cromartie
#8 - Baltimore Ravens, Jerod Mayo
#9 - Cincinnati Bengals, Keith Rivers
#10 - New Orleans Saints, Aqib Talib
#11 - Buffalo Bills, Malcom Kelly
#12 - Denver Broncos, Ryan Clady
#13 - Carolina Panthers, Chris Williams
#14 - Chicago Bears, Brandon Albert
#15 - Detroit Lions, Leodis McKelvin
#16 - Arizona Cardinals, Jeff Otah
#17 - Minnesota Vikings, Derrick Harvey
#18 - Houston Texans, Rashard Mendenhall
#19 - Philadelphia Eagles, Jonathan Stewart
#20 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Limas Sweed