Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

If the top 4 o-linemen are gone, I would take Maualuga because he does fullfill a need and there are other o-linemen like Loadbolt, Vollmer, and Fulton for example who may still be around in the 3rd round. Or we could make a deal and move up to the 2nd. All 3 of these guys would more than likely be an improvement but I would'nt take any of them at 13. If we can't get an o-lineman worthy of the 13th pick, take the best DE or LB. Preferably LB.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=The Goat;532517]WRT the depth at OT and LB for this year's draft i think there's a huge difference of opinion... Kiper lists his top 5 OTs:

1. Jason Smith, Baylor
2. Eugene Monroe, Virginia
3. *Andre Smith, Alabama
4. Michael Oher, Mississippi
5. *Eben Britton, Arizona

but goes on to say anyone taken after these will be a project in the NFL. Personally i think all five will go in the first round though maybe 1 or 2 fall into the 20's.

Onto LB it's a pretty bleak picture. Kiper's ILBs:

1. Rey Maualuga, USC
2. James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
3. Jason Phillips, TCU
4. Scott McKillop, Pittsburgh
5. Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina

Obviously Rey is the big prize but beyond him there isn't a guy who really stands out.

Finally Kiper's take on the OLBs is the most disappointing:

1. Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
2. Clay Matthews, USC
3. Brian Cushing, USC
4. Larry English, Northern Illinois
5. Clint Sintim, Virginia

Curry's ability isn't in question but he'll be gone by the 5th overall pick. Kiper says Sintim really isn't 1st round talent. Also like mentioned a hundred time Cushing has a big durability downside.

Now i've seen a lot of posts here and comments around the web that OT talent is pretty deep and LB talent is uber deep... it doesn't look that way according to the authority, albeit a dorky guy, on college players.

I think the bottom line is that if we hope to get two legit starters at OT and LB from the draft we're probably gonna have to move our 2nd pick up from the 3rd round. On the other hand I loath the idea of trading down from 13 if we have to then pass on A. Smith, Oher or Rey.[/quote]

We do not want to get James laurinatis , he's going to be a bust...if aSmith is still around at 13 we get him, and call it a day, if not we trade down get more picks...

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

Ive been thinking about this subject a lot, and doing some research and ive come to the conclusion that Michael Oher is the only OT we should even consider taking in the first round of the draft. The idea that Andre Smith could fall to us was appealing at first, but i seem to read more and more that teams are doubting his ability to play left tackle. Oher definitely would need some grooming and he Bugel would need to leave a continuous fire under his @ss to keep him perfroming at a high level, but he is the only tackle who will possibly be available when we pick that has the potential to play left tackle.

Under no circumstances, should we use our first round pick on a tackle who can't play on the right side. Oher is much more comfortable on the left side, and drafting him would allow us to move Samuels to the right side [I]this [/I]year. An offensive line of Oher, Dockery, Rabach, Thomas, and Samuels would be pretty darn good. However, if we can't get Oher, our first priority should be trading down.

According to the latest Redskins Insider, alot of people in redskins park think Heyer can be an "above average right tackle" in this league. that really surprised me, but if its true, we may be alright in 2009 if we start Heyer. When i started thinking about it, Heyer never really got a chance to start much at RT this year. After winning the starting job in the pre-season, heyer got hurt and Jansen reclaimed his spot and never gave it up. When Samuels went down late in the season, Heyer was starting again, but at left tackle, not right. Heyer made huge strides between his rookie and sophomore seasons. If he makes similar strides this offseason, i would be comfortable with him starting RT for us in 2009 if we were unable to land Oher.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;532633]Ive been thinking about this subject a lot, and doing some research and ive come to the conclusion that Michael Oher is the only OT we should even consider taking in the first round of the draft. The idea that Andre Smith could fall to us was appealing at first, but i seem to read more and more that teams are doubting his ability to play left tackle. Oher definitely would need some grooming and he Bugel would need to leave a continuous fire under his @ss to keep him perfroming at a high level, but he is the only tackle who will possibly be available when we pick that has the potential to play left tackle.

Under no circumstances, should we use our first round pick on a tackle who can't play on the right side. Oher is much more comfortable on the left side, and drafting him would allow us to move Samuels to the right side [I]this [/I]year. An offensive line of Oher, Dockery, Rabach, Thomas, and Samuels would be pretty darn good. However, if we can't get Oher, our first priority should be trading down.

According to the latest Redskins Insider, alot of people in redskins park think Heyer can be an "above average right tackle" in this league. that really surprised me, but if its true, we may be alright in 2009 if we start Heyer. When i started thinking about it, Heyer never really got a chance to start much at RT this year. After winning the starting job in the pre-season, heyer got hurt and Jansen reclaimed his spot and never gave it up. When Samuels went down late in the season, Heyer was starting again, but at left tackle, not right. Heyer made huge strides between his rookie and sophomore seasons. If he makes similar strides this offseason, i would be comfortable with him starting RT for us in 2009 if we were unable to land Oher.[/quote]

Why not just keep Samuels at LT, and Oher or Andre Smith can start at RT. Heyer can back up either OT spot

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

moving samuels for a rookie? that's probably more than a longshot. and heyer is nowhere near above-average right now.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

What should we do in the 2009 Draft:

[B][U]PLAN A: Oher Is available when we pick at 13[/U][/B]

[b]1. Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss[/b] - Oher should start for us at LT in 2009, moving Samuels to the right side. Unless he is just plain horrible, we should stick with him there throughout the 2009 season. Having Dockery (our best guard) line up beside him should help alot. I'd give him TE help regularly if he needs it, but id not move him to the right side unless he's just playing horribly.

[B]3. Marcus Freeman, LB, Ohio St. [/B] - Hopefully, we can bring Marcus Washington back so this kid doesnt have to start right away. However, if we don't make any other improvements at the position, i'd start him over Blades. Jason Taylor should be playing a signficant number of snaps at LB, so that should help take some of the pressure of Freeman. I've seen a couple mocks have him off the board before we pick. If thats the case, [I]Zack Follett [/I]from Cal becomes a decent alternative.

[B]5. Jeremiah Johnson, RB, OR[/B] - I know we don't have alot of picks, but we need a change of pace guy for Portis and this guy would be a steal in the 5th round. Right now, we carry one running back who never plays running back. We need more explosiveness in our backfield than Portis and Betts can supply at this point in thier careers. This guy would get carries in the offense and replace Rock as our primary return guy. Heres his draft profile:
[url=http://www.draftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/rb/Jeremiah-Johnson.php]Jeremiah Johnson | Oregon Scouting Report - 2009 NFL Draft Prospect[/url]
[B]6. Jasper Brinkley, LB, SC[/B] - He's HUGE, has played inside and outside linebacker, and is a heavy hitter. He's had some injury problems which is why he'll still be around in the 6th round. He's certainly worth taking a chance on.

[B][U]PLAN B: Oher Is not available when we pick at 13.[/U][/B]
As I see it now, the Patriots are the team most likely to trade with us. They have three 2nd round picks and it could be worth their while to move up. They dont need depth as much as they need playmakers so moving up is in thier interests. Our first round pick (13th) is roughly equivalent to their 1st (23rd) and natural 2nd (55th) round picks. They'd still owe us about 40pts, so I also have us giving our 6th (119th) rounder for their 4th (173rd) rounder.

[B]1. Clay Mathews, OLB, USC[/B] We seemed to like him alot at the Combine, but no one expects him to be taken as high as 13. if we trade down and he's available, he would be a great pick. Another option would be [I]James Laurinaitis [/I]from Ohio st. He's listed everywhere as an ILB, but he can could really play anywhere in a 4-3 defense. He could step in right away and replace Washington.
[B]2. Herman Johnson, G, LSU[/B] Yes, I know we all want an OT here, but theres simply no one worth the pick at this spot. Johnson is one of the best guards in the draft this year and Randy Thomas' better days are behind him. We need someone to push him this year and possibly replace him in 2010.
[B]3. Eric Wood, C, UL [/B] This guy is very, very underrated. I can easily see this guy pushing Rabach for a job in camp. If does well in camp, we could cut Rabach and save about 2M this year. I doubt that happens, but this guy should be ready to start by 2010.
[B]4.Jonathan Cassilas, OLB, Wisconsin [/B] No matter how many picks we have in this years draft, two of them need to be spent on linebackers. He was injured so he didnt practice at the combine, but the guys a solid linebacker when healthy.
[B]5. Jeremiah Johnson, RB, OR[/B] - see above.

[B][U]PLAN C: Oher Is gone when we pick at 13 and we can't find a trade partner to move down[/U][/B]
I'll cry.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=SmootSmack;532649]Why not just keep Samuels at LT, and Oher or Andre Smith can start at RT. Heyer can back up either OT spot[/quote]

We can keep Samuels at LT, but he's going to slow down sooner or later. We don't [I]need[/I] to move him now, but we need to start planning for it. Its almost impossible to find starting LTs in the draft below the first half of the first round in the draft; whereas teams regularly find starting RTs in the first two rounds every year. Hopefully, we won't have a pick as high as 13 any time soon so this may be our last best chance to find Samuels replacement at LT. Samuels should be able to play RT for atleast another 5 years, so if we can find his replacement now, we've got our tackle situation settled for quite some time.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=That Guy;532653]moving samuels for a rookie? that's probably more than a longshot. and heyer is nowhere near above-average right now.[/quote]

Apparently some in the organization disagree. And remember, you never really got to see Heyer play much at RT in 2008. Coaches spoke of his improvement from 2007 but we never really got to see how he'd play on the right side since we saw him play mostly at the more difficult LT spot last year.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

I think we need to go with best available @ 13. If that is Andre Smith on the slide or one of the 2 USC backers. If none of those options are available then maybe we look to trade down to around 18-20 and take Moreno.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

two things here
Oher or smith, or both will be available when we pick at 13
and BigHaredAristocrat, herman johnson is too tall to play guard and doesn't fit our system...and both the Ohio state linebackers are going to be bust IMO

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

Just checked in @ NFL.com and see that Kirwan has us taking... wait for it, Brian Cushing @ 13 (we pass on Rey Maualuga and he falls to San Diego @ 16). If either of these things happen I will lose my f'ing mind. Cushing has huge durability issues and played next to the best MLB college ball has seen in quite a while. We just dumped one LB mostly because of his durability and have yet another w/ degenerative knees. Seriously if we pull the trigger on Cushing I will flip my lid. If we take him over Rey I'm not buying any more Skins gear through '09... so there Danny.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

imo passing on maualuga if he is available is a tremendous mistake. this guy will be the next dominant linebacker in the nfl imo we must draft him if he is there

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

I agree, if we take cushhing, i'll shit on the FO of washington, that would be such a huge mistake.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=tootergray34;533907]I agree, if we take cushhing, i'll shit on the FO of washington, that would be such a huge mistake.[/quote]

This could mean several things and i'm not sure it makes sense... but i still laughed.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

BTW... I think the FO has to get Willis from Seattle now. I just don't think there's any question about it. As we get closer to d-day it looks more like the 4 big OTs will be gone by 13, maybe even by 10. This shouldn't be a surprise. Lousy crop of QBs and meanwhile OL is a safer pick. But the point is i think out of prudence we have to plan like all 4 guys are gone... in which case i hope to hell Rey is still there. Pleeeeeeeeaaaaaaaase!

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=Big C;533902]imo passing on maualuga if he is available is a tremendous mistake. this guy will be the next dominant linebacker in the nfl imo we must draft him if he is there[/quote]

Totally agree.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

I'd be happy (and a bit sad) with any of the three USC linebackers. But I'd be skeptical about taking any of them at #13

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=SmootSmack;533958]I'd be happy (and a bit sad) with any of the three USC linebackers. But I'd be skeptical about taking any of them at #13[/quote]

Even Rey Maualuga? Thats right I now know how to spell his name by heart. You just have to remember that before -luga you got aua-. I think thats the tricky part.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;533977]Even Rey Maualuga? Thats right I now know how to spell his name by heart. You just have to remember that before -luga you got aua-. I think thats the tricky part.[/quote]

Still not 100% sold on can he start at OLB from the get-go. A top 15 pick, I want that guy starting by week 4 unless it's a QB

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

Just wanted to throw in my thought regarding the T situation.. Since there are some people who claim that Samuels would shift to RT in two yrs or so.. I don't know if Redskins re going to do that but if it is the case, then shouldn't we draft a T to play LT for the upcoming season and go ahead and shift Samuels to RT? It would show that Redskins aren't planning ahead if we draft a T to play RT just for two years or so, then switch both players to opposite positions??

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

If I'm to get a linebacker I either want maualuga or larry English ...but we need to get oline and I disagree with the people that say that all the four olineman will be gone by the time we pick, jsmith and Monroe will be yes but Oher and asmith I think could still be here by the time we pick, or they might even be arund by the 20th pick according I a lot of mock drafts and experts..what do people think of phil loadholt to be a right tackle for us; I know that he struggles against real good passrushers, which is the main reason he's projected in the third round, but if we move him to the right side next to a TE I think he could be pretty good, your thoughts (plus we could still get mack in the late first early second)

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

We need to take Oher, not only could he start at RT from day one but Redskins co-owner Fred Smith is a close family friend and his movie company is producing a movie based on Oher's life. Think of the synergy opportunities!

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

oher or orakpo (unless crabtree or raji do the rodgers nosedive on draft day).

rey's great, but I don't think playing him at a 4-3 OLB position is a good idea due to speed concerns and the fact that, unlike a typical 3-4, our OLBs are asked to cover a decent bit.

I mean, if he's our future MLB, it's a great pick, and i don't think he'd be a terrible OLB either; it just wouldn't be strength on strength.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=That Guy;534075]oher or orakpo (unless crabtree or raji do the rodgers nosedive on draft day).

rey's great, but I don't think playing him at a 4-3 OLB position is a good idea due to speed concerns and the fact that, unlike a typical 3-4, our OLBs are asked to cover a decent bit.

I mean, if he's our future MLB, it's a great pick, and i don't think he'd be a terrible OLB either; it just wouldn't be strength on strength.[/quote]I would hope that Maualuga has decent coverage skills, or he's not going to be much of a linebacker in this league.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

If the draft were held today, considering who I think would be available, I think the Skins would select either Oher or Cushing if they did'nt trade down.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=53Fan;534674]If the draft were held today, considering who I think would be available, I think the Skins would select either Oher or Cushing if they did'nt trade down.[/quote]

Why Cushing?

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=SOUL-SKINS;534684]Why Cushing?[/quote]

He had a good showing at the combine, it's a position of need, and I have read that the FO likes him.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=GTripp0012;534076]I would hope that Maualuga has decent coverage skills, or he's not going to be much of a linebacker in this league.[/quote]

at 4.8something how great can he be? athletic TEs would eat him for lunch...

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=That Guy;534707]at 4.8something how great can he be? athletic TEs would eat him for lunch...[/quote]

He pretty consistently runs it at around a 4.6. He was hurt (both physically and emotionally) during the combine

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

I Think Cush is a late 2nd to 3rd round choice at BEST. that's just my opinion though. we really need to address the OL before LB too.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

I would pass on Malauga, and Cushing. Both our very slow, and Cushing does not stay on the field enough to select him at 13. Malauga has good game speed but a 4.8 at the combine is disturbing. He plays MLB, a position which is a strength, and he hasn't shown he can play OLB. I like Cushing but I would wait until the third round to get a guy like Jason Williams:

Williams of Western Illinois didn't receive a Combine invitation, but 14 scouts did reportedly show up to his March 3 Pro Day, where he was clocked as fast as 4.46 second in the 40-yard dash. Only one small problem - [B]the time came on a basketball court.[/B] But he also put up 26 reps at 225 pounds and had a 39-inch vertical jump, according to the Chicago Sun-Times

The basketball court is a forgiving surface but I think we should look into him

[url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/risersandfallers]NFL Draft - 2009 Risers and Fallers - CBSSports.com Football[/url]

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=vallin21;534745]I would pass on Malauga, and Cushing. Both our very slow, and Cushing does not stay on the field enough to select him at 13. Malauga has good game speed but a 4.8 at the combine is disturbing. He plays MLB, a position which is a strength, and he hasn't shown he can play OLB. I like Cushing but I would wait until the third round to get a guy like Jason Williams:

Williams of Western Illinois didn't receive a Combine invitation, but 14 scouts did reportedly show up to his March 3 Pro Day, where he was clocked as fast as 4.46 second in the 40-yard dash. Only one small problem - [B]the time came on a basketball court.[/B] But he also put up 26 reps at 225 pounds and had a 39-inch vertical jump, according to the Chicago Sun-Times

The basketball court is a forgiving surface but I think we should look into him

[URL="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/risersandfallers"]NFL Draft - 2009 Risers and Fallers - CBSSports.com Football[/URL][/quote]

Good call on Williams. I read that earlier on CBS. He'd be worth a late round gamble depending on how the rest of FA and the front end of our draft goes.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=SmootSmack;534726]He pretty consistently runs it at around a 4.6. He was hurt (both physically and emotionally) during the combine[/quote]

emotionally?

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=That Guy;534805]emotionally?[/quote]

He lost a close relative earlier in the day

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=vallin21;534745]I would pass on Malauga, and Cushing. Both our very slow, and Cushing does not stay on the field enough to select him at 13. Malauga has good game speed but a 4.8 at the combine is disturbing. He plays MLB, a position which is a strength, and he hasn't shown he can play OLB. I like Cushing but I would wait until the third round to get a guy like Jason Williams:

Williams of Western Illinois didn't receive a Combine invitation, but 14 scouts did reportedly show up to his March 3 Pro Day, where he was clocked as fast as 4.46 second in the 40-yard dash. Only one small problem - [B]the time came on a basketball court.[/B] But he also put up 26 reps at 225 pounds and had a 39-inch vertical jump, according to the Chicago Sun-Times

The basketball court is a forgiving surface [B]but I think we should look into him[/B]

[url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/risersandfallers]NFL Draft - 2009 Risers and Fallers - CBSSports.com Football[/url][/quote]
I agree Vallin. I think there are some diamonds in the rough out there.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=That Guy;534805]emotionally?[/quote]Well, even though I wouldn't think that would affect a 40 time, pulling up lame before the finish line seemingly would.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

This is pretty easy.

Before Phat Albert they needed a DT, a linebacker (possibly two) an OG, a RT, a P, and a PK.

After Albert they need a DE, a linebacker (possibly two) an OG, a RT, a P, and a PK.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=The Goat;531676]Good thread idea Ruh.

I think we still go OT [I][U]IF[/U][/I] our scouting indicates the available prospect(s), Oher and/or A. Smith probably, can successfully become a LT, not immediately but as Samuels transitions to RT (my own prediction). If the verdict is different for who's available and Rey Maluauga is available then it's a no-brainer IMO. Rey is the hardest hitter in the draft and plays a position we're already thin at. As GTripp has said if Fletcher gets nicked up for any period of time our defense will really suffer. Bottom line is Rey could play SLB as long as London is our QB on D and then transition to the middle... anyway i just don't think we can afford to pass on him cuz he's very special and top defenses need a monster MLB.

Our 2nd pick should be OL if we take LB @ 13 and vice versa...

5th round will be a tough call if Sidbury is there and a nice RB prospect is still available.

Last pick... punter LOL.[/quote]

As soon as the defenses realized the Skins couldn't pass block for any longer than short yardage plays it was Blitz City. Forever 3 and outs wore down our D so we ended up 8 an 8. Need to prop up the OL.

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

Although this is my first post i'm a follower of the skins since birth and pay attention to the small stuff. Since Jansen costs too much to let go I say stay with the line we have now and let Jansen and Heyer battle it out again.

Try a trade with NE that would swap our 13th pick with their 23rd, and then one of their 2nd rd picks...since they have two (34 and 47). Draft the best available LB or DE in the 1st, best available interior o-lineman in the 2nd (better value for interior than tackle in the 2nd), and the best available LB or DE in the 3rd since both positions are deep in the draft. The last two picks use on a LB or FB for depth on special teams!

Hail!

Re: Draft Thoughts - The Post-Haynesworth Edition
 

[quote=ibleedburgandy;535073]Although this is my first post i'm a follower of the skins since birth and pay attention to the small stuff. Since Jansen costs too much to let go I say stay with the line we have now and let Jansen and Heyer battle it out again.

Try a trade with NE that would swap our 13th pick with their 23rd, and then one of their 2nd rd picks...since they have two (34 and 47). Draft the best available LB or DE in the 1st, best available interior o-lineman in the 2nd (better value for interior than tackle in the 2nd), and the best available LB or DE in the 3rd since both positions are deep in the draft. The last two picks use on a LB or FB for depth on special teams!

Hail![/quote]

NE has never traded up, so i don't see that happening.

welcome though, and good first post ;).