Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2009/03/elton_brown_set_to_visit_redsk.html]Elton Brown Set to Visit Redskins Park Today - Redskins Insider[/url]

re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

He's young. Not too experienced since he's only started a handful of games, but I love that we're addressing the line this year.

re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

Anyone got a scouting profile on this dude? I know nothing of him.

re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

One of the comments on the above link:
[QUOTE]Write up on the Elton Brown

Grade 59
Expert's Take Brown is a fourth-year player who is a backup guard and tackle. He was a backup all year in 2008, but did start five games for Arizona in 2007. He has very good size and strength. He is better suited athletically to play inside at guard rather than outside on the edge versus speed-rushers. He has good initial quickness in the run game, but tends to be upright on contact. Brown has a strong upper body to control and steer defenders, but his footwork is inconsistent to sustain angles. He shows average balance and body control, which limits his ability to finish or adjust versus quickness. In pass protection, he has average foot speed and lateral quickness. He is effective on the short set in a confined area where his size and strength can lock on quickly. His lack of foot quickness will cause him to lean and get overextended versus quicker players who can change direction and get on his edge. Overall, Brown still has upside as a guard due to his size and strength, but he lacks top athleticism as an offensive tackle. [/QUOTE]

re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

I would think Buges is picking Grimm's brain on this kid before any signing happens.

He's a young, versatile lineman who'd be a nice addition. I'd still like Oher or Smith to be our new starting RT, though I'm increasingly skeptical that is happening.

re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/redskins/2009/Mar/05/willis-first-free-agent-visit-redskins/]Willis the first free agent to visit Redskins - Redskins 360 - Washington Redskins Blog - The Washington Times[/url]

what about willis? Is this true? I just emailed the mayor to find out. Sign both of them and our oline is set.

re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

He's a backup G with the Cards, I thought they were looking for starting RT.

re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

2008 Scouting Report
Grade: 61
Comment: Brown is a four-year veteran who Arizona drafted in the fourth round of the 2005 draft and has been a part time starter since. He has had to deal with a bad knee since arriving in Arizona and was on the inactive roster for the whole 2006 season while playing in just nine games in 2007, starting five of them. He is a massive guard with a wide wingspan who can use his long arms to control and steer opponents on past the pocket. He is an above-average athlete with a little stiffness in his hips who has a tendency to play a little tall, or erect. He still needs a lot of technique work because he gets lazy with hand placement and often ends up reaching for blocks rather than adjusting and using his feet. He can be mentally lazy, take false steps and does not finish blocks off as well as he could. He has adequate lateral range in pass pro, but does not recover or adjust quickly to counter moves. He can create a new line of scrimmage with his drive blocks if he keeps his feet active and moving.

re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=Schneed10;534253]Anyone got a scouting profile on this dude? I know nothing of him.[/quote]

From the RI Blog (not sure about the original source):

[url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2009/03/elton_brown_set_to_visit_redsk.html#comments]Elton Brown Set to Visit Redskins Park Today - Redskins Insider[/url]

[quote]Write up on the Elton Brown
Grade 59
Expert's Take Brown is a fourth-year player who is a backup guard and tackle. He was a backup all year in 2008, but did start five games for Arizona in 2007. He has very good size and strength. He is better suited athletically to play inside at guard rather than outside on the edge versus speed-rushers. He has good initial quickness in the run game, but tends to be upright on contact. Brown has a strong upper body to control and steer defenders, but his footwork is inconsistent to sustain angles. He shows average balance and body control, which limits his ability to finish or adjust versus quickness. In pass protection, he has average foot speed and lateral quickness. He is effective on the short set in a confined area where his size and strength can lock on quickly. His lack of foot quickness will cause him to lean and get overextended versus quicker players who can change direction and get on his edge. Overall, Brown still has upside as a guard due to his size and strength, but he lacks top athleticism as an offensive tackle.
[/quote]

If we sign him, hopefully its as a backup/replacement for Fabini or Kendall. He's young and someone on the RI blog said his writeup was very similar to Leonard Davis when he left Arizona - but when Dallas switched him to guard, he went to the pro-bowl the next year.

Randy Thomas is going to need to be replaced sooner or later, so perhaps Brown could replace him in 2010 if he develops. Rinehart certainly sounds like a bust and we need young backup linemen with upside. Brown fits the bill.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

I know nothing about dude

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=ingibbswetrust;534256][url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/redskins/2009/Mar/05/willis-first-free-agent-visit-redskins/]Willis the first free agent to visit Redskins - Redskins 360 - Washington Redskins Blog - The Washington Times[/url]

what about willis? Is this true? I just emailed the mayor to find out. Sign both of them and our oline is set.[/quote]

Interesting that that article says we have 6M in cap room... as opposed to the 12-13 the warpath gurus have calculated. Thats a huge discrepancy. Wonder where the missing space is?

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=ingibbswetrust;534256][url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/redskins/2009/Mar/05/willis-first-free-agent-visit-redskins/]Willis the first free agent to visit Redskins - Redskins 360 - Washington Redskins Blog - The Washington Times[/url]

what about willis? Is this true? I just emailed the mayor to find out. Sign both of them and our oline is set.[/quote]

I sign Willis before Brown, he seems to be more in demand and is considered a sleeper pick.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

Isn't it a little weird that he supposedly visited Redskisn park yesterday and there was no news about it until today and it was broke by the times?

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;534263]Interesting that that article says we have 6M in cap room... as opposed to the 12-13 the warpath gurus have calculated. Thats a huge discrepancy. Wonder where the missing space is?[/quote]

Maybe the WP figure includes the amount set aside for the draft and the article didn't.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;534260]From the RI Blog (not sure about the original source):

[URL="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/2009/03/elton_brown_set_to_visit_redsk.html#comments"]Elton Brown Set to Visit Redskins Park Today - Redskins Insider[/URL]



If we sign him, hopefully its as a backup/replacement for Fabini or Kendall. He's young and someone on the RI blog said his writeup was very similar to Leonard Davis when he left Arizona - but when Dallas switched him to guard, he went to the pro-bowl the next year.

Randy Thomas is going to need to be replaced sooner or later, so perhaps Brown could replace him in 2010 if he develops. Rinehart certainly sounds like a bust and we need young backup linemen with upside. Brown fits the bill.[/quote]


If they are bringing him in to be the answer at RT we are in trouble. You have to like a guy who can play two positions. As far as Thomas, I am not sure that I would be happy if Brown is the heir apparent, especially if we do not find a stud to play RT.

I wouldn't completely write Rinehart off after one year. Some people take longer to develop and it sounds like he was a little shell shocked being called up to the big leagues. He came from a small school so it was a huge adjustment.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

I think it is smart for our FO to stockpile talent on the O-line. I would love for one of the big 4 Tackles to fall to us but I think it is important not to bank on it. I think a signing of a Ray Willis doesnt necessarily mean that he is our solution. I think if anything he is great depth with starter experience (and success being a starter). Jansen is gone next year as is Thomas in my opinion (possibly even Rabach). Its time to get some younger guys in here to groom.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=SFREDSKIN;534264]I sign Willis before Brown, he seems to be more in demand and is considered a sleeper pick.[/quote]
I totally agree..We should sign Willis ASAP, that would change the whole draft strategy for the FO...WE would definately be able to trade down or take the best OLB or DE avaliable then OL in the later rounds

BTw..Id also sign Brown as a backup guard to Thomas, he gets injured atleast once per yr..Never can have too many OL men

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=cobracai1;534274]I think it is smart for our FO to stockpile talent on the O-line. I would love for one of the big 4 Tackles to fall to us but I think it is important not to bank on it. I think a signing of a Ray Willis doesnt necessarily mean that he is our solution. I think if anything he is great depth with starter experience (and success being a starter). Jansen is gone next year as is Thomas in my opinion (possibly even Rabach). Its time to get some younger guys in here to groom.[/quote]

I agree, and these guys they are bringing in are young and have some upside. Can't hate on that.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

And for what it's worth Elton Brown is a real stand up guy. He was roomates with one of my best friends at UVA and was never in any trouble. Always either studying or working out. Pretty impressive work ethic so if thats continued Buges could work with him.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

just a side-note, how is it the Times article refers to Willis as the first free agent to visit the Redskins? Are they unaware of Haynesworth and Dockery?

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

I would like to have either of these guys. I see them making lowball offers and losing both though. The skins are very predictable in free agency...they seem to either lavish a player and sign them imeditately for huge money or they bring them in and send them on their way with a low ball offer to mull. There never seems to be a happy medium with them. Hopefully that doesn't happen this time and they can lock one of these guys up.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

I've got to believe if we get one of these two we're most likely looking at the D w/ the 13th pick. LB or DE. Hoping Malaluga or better yet Orakpo slides to us. I'd be ecstatic w/ one of those guys.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;534284]just a side-note, how is it the Times article refers to Willis as the first free agent to visit the Redskins? Are they unaware of Haynesworth and Dockery?[/quote]

Maybe they screwed up and meant Brown was visiting instead of Willis?

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;534284]just a side-note, how is it the Times article refers to Willis as the first free agent to visit the Redskins? Are they unaware of Haynesworth and Dockery?[/quote]

I don't think either actually visited before they were signed

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

Sign Willis and Brown and then draft an OL with the 13th overall pick.

Your run of the mill Redskin fan would not like that move. That means we would be doing the right thing because your run of the mill Redskin fan wants to sign TO.

Let's do some moves that make the action fans yawn and that is when we'll have really improved our team and finally our depth.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

Brown seems like a fallback if Kendall bolts. I doubt we offer him a contract.

Signing Willis asap makes the most sense right now.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=SmootSmack;534295]I don't think either actually visited before they were signed[/quote]

Well they had to vist before they signed.. They may have agreed to terms before they came here, but their contracts were signed here. They were free agents until they signed their contracts. I dont like the article title. Ok, im done nitpicking.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

^ I think their point is, he's the first Free agent coming here that isn't set to sign. We are trying to woo them. Cany was gonna visit and got cancelled. Hall & Haynesworth both agreed to terms before getting here.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

About freaking time. I've been waiting for this for a while. Being an O-Line junkie I would love to see the team sign Ray Willis then draft Andre Smith in the first and a Center in the third. Then have a starting lineup like so:

LT - Chris Samuals
LG - Derrick Dockery
C - Casey Rabach
RG - Ray Willis
RT - Andre Smith

Backups - Stephon Heyer, Jon Jansen, 3rd Round Center, Chad Rhinehart, Randy Thomas

Of course thats kind of overkill but I wouldn't mind that one bit. Still if they do sign Willis that'll help free us up to truly take the BPA and my money's on Maualuga based on Vinny's infatuation with the guy.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;534328]About freaking time. I've been waiting for this for a while. Being an O-Line junkie I would love to see the team sign Ray Willis then draft Andre Smith in the first and a Center in the third. Then have a starting lineup like so:

LT - Chris Samuals
LG - Derrick Dockery
C - Casey Rabach
RG - Ray Willis
RT - Andre Smith

Backups - Stephon Heyer, Jon Jansen, 3rd Round Center, Chad Rhinehart, Randy Thomas

Of course thats kind of overkill but I wouldn't mind that one bit. Still if they do sign Willis that'll help free us up to truly take the BPA and my money's on Maualuga based on Vinny's infatuation with the guy.[/quote]Given all of the same players, I'd have Smith at RG and Willis at RT. I'd also start said third round center, without even knowing who I'm starting.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

I hope they don't let Willis out of the building without a contract offer. Jansen's been done for years so it's about time we're getting around to replacing him. If we make that move we can make Jansen a backup RT and RG, Heyer our backup LT, Rinehart our backup LG and we can focus on LB/DE with #13 taking Orapko or Rey M.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=Paintrain;534333]I hope they don't let Willis out of the building without a contract offer. Jansen's been done for years so it's about time we're getting around to replacing him. If we make that move we can make Jansen a backup RT and RG, Heyer our backup LT, Rinehart our backup LG and we can focus on LB/DE with #13 taking Orapko or Rey M.[/quote]

unless he spent the night, i'm pretty sure Willis left the building without a contract yesterday.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=GTripp0012;534331]Given all of the same players, I'd have Smith at RG and Willis at RT.[/quote]

Why draft a guy at 13 to play guard? If we draft Smith, he'd HAVE to play RT to justify the pick. However, if Oher and Smith were both available at 13, and we took Smith over Oher, who can play LT, we'd be fools.

[quote=GTripp0012;534331]I'd also start said third round center, without even knowing who I'm starting.[/quote]
You must have forgotten what we did with our 3rd round pick in 2008. I dont trust the skins to correctly judge talent of 3rd round lineman at the present. Rabach was the 2nd best lineman on our roster last year.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

Let's not get carried away & think that even if both of these guys sign that our O line is set. I'm all for signing both (if reasonable $ wise) & drafting an OT w/the #13 if one of the top 4 is there. We need an immediate solution to RT (which I think could be a rook) & a long-term replacement at LT.

I remember E. Brown at UVA. I thought he was a farily highly rated prospect, but I haven't heard much about him in the nfl.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;534328]About freaking time. I've been waiting for this for a while. Being an O-Line junkie I would love to see the team sign Ray Willis then draft Andre Smith in the first and a Center in the third. Then have a starting lineup like so:

LT - Chris Samuals
LG - Derrick Dockery
C - Casey Rabach
RG - Ray Willis
RT - Andre Smith

Backups - Stephon Heyer, Jon Jansen, 3rd Round Center, Chad Rhinehart, Randy Thomas

Of course thats kind of overkill but I wouldn't mind that one bit. Still if they do sign Willis that'll help free us up to truly take the BPA and my money's on Maualuga based on Vinny's infatuation with the guy.[/quote]

Ray Willis is going to come off the street and bump Randy Thomas to the bench? I doubt that.

Why are people giving up on Randy Thomas? He was good in the beginning of the year and was decent down the stretch even with a broken neck.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;534342]Why draft a guy at 13 to play guard? If we draft Smith, he'd HAVE to play RT to justify the pick. However, if Oher and Smith were both available at 13, and we took Smith over Oher, who can play LT, we'd be fools.


You must have forgotten what we did with our 3rd round pick in 2008. I dont trust the skins to correctly judge talent of 3rd round lineman at the present. Rabach was the 2nd best lineman on our roster last year.[/quote]Rabach was like the 7th best lineman on our roster last year. Maybe. Put it this way: playing the "which doesn't belong" game with the Redskins line during tape study isn't very challenging.

I did say given the talent proposed in Dirtbag's proposal, I'd have Willis outside and Smith inside. That's just what I'd do. It's not like I feel like Smith is incapable of handling RT, I'd just play him at his best position in order to win games.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;534337]unless he spent the night, i'm pretty sure Willis left the building without a contract yesterday.[/quote]

Oh, my bad. Well hopefully an offer is forthcoming.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=GTripp0012;534358]Rabach was like the 7th best lineman on our roster last year. Maybe. Put it this way: playing the "which doesn't belong" game with the Redskins line during tape study isn't very challenging.
[/quote]
No way Rabach is worse than Jansen, Heyer, Thomas or any of our backups. At worst, he was our third best lineman behind Kendall and Samuels. I'm not saying I think Rabach is a stud - Center needs to be upgraded... its just the rest of our line is so bad. I think Rabach would play better with Dockery and someone other than Thomas beside him... whereas i dont think Randy would benefit much from having a better RT and Center beside him.

[quote=GTripp0012;534358]

I did say given the talent proposed in Dirtbag's proposal, I'd have Willis outside and Smith inside. That's just what I'd do. It's not like I feel like Smith is incapable of handling RT, I'd just play him at his best position in order to win games.[/quote]

Is that because you doubt Smiths ability or you have some supreme confidence in Willis?

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;534361]Is that because you doubt Smiths ability or you have some supreme confidence in Willis?[/quote]Well, if we're bringing in Willis, it's not to play RG.

I do doubt Smith's ability, to an extent, but if he's there at 13, I'm taking him and putting him in the best position to succeed no questions asked.

Assuming that Oher and Orakpo aren't there.

Re: Redskins Reportedly Bringing OLs Elton Brown and Ray Willis in for Visit
 

lets not even pretend about what's going to happen:

the FO will sign TO to a 2-year deal on this judgement: he can command double teams, open up Moss, ARE, Cooley, and let Portis run to the left. If we're putting up more points, defense doesn't have to be as stellar- so we can get away w/ not addressing either LB or DE.

PISSES ME OFF.