Wynn restructures

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by jsarno

I've asked this question a couple times, but no one has answered, so I am assuming that no one knows right now. It would be tough to tell at this point anyway due to the fact that none of these rookies for any team have been signed. We'll know more in late May I'm sure.

From Jason LaCanfora's Washington Post Blog:

The D Line

Coach Joe continues to say all is fine with the D Line, that the Redskins "really didn't get close to taking anybody" for the line in the second day of the draft and that an improved secondary will elevate the play of the line.

I am not sure how this will work, but I guess we'll all find out. The fact that teams repeatedly beat them up, gashed them for long runs and wore them down, well, having another big-hitting safety in the box might help a bit, but they lack real big bodies on the D Line, period, to stuff the run. Griffin is a beast when healthy and the one true gem of the entire line, but will he ever be healthy and at his 2004 form again?

Coach Joe also said that by investing so much of their offseason resources into the secondary - draft Landry, sign Smoot and Macklin and Stoutmire - they "will force people to hold the ball" longer, and thus allow the D Line to do itsr job. Again, we'll see. They will try to rush Marcus and Rocky more from the LB spot and expect to have more leads and play from ahead, Gibbs said, when you tee-off on people with the rush.

Only time will tell, eh?

All I know is that for three years they have had a difficult time taking teams on straight up at the line and generating a rush. Expecting Salave'a, Griffin, Wynn and Daniels to be healthy and to revert to their old form is a stetch. Expecting Golston and Montgomery to be vital contributors as second-year kids might be a stretch, too. Golston could be a solid starter, but again, you are talking mostly high-motor guys on that line, tweeners like Carter, and no real specimens.

So, knowing these guys and how they operate, don't for a moment think they won't be sniffing around on trades. The Briggs thing won't be over until he is either dealt or signs an extension (highly unlikely), so they could start talking to the Bears about 2008 draft picks should they get the itch.

Also, Joe has not yet assured us entirely that they will have a full compliment of picks next year - exempting the 4th roudner they are already without from the horrible Duckett trade, of course - and I don't blame him. Shopping Springs hasn't and won't yield much and if they are going to make a play for a quality D Lineman in trade it will have to include 2008 picks.

So, who's out there?

Well, they have not expressed an iota of interest in franchised tackle Cory Redding (Motown) and end Justin Smith (Cincy). Carolina tackle Kris Jenkins (Maryland) is out there (although there are concerns about his weight and attitude among the Skins staff), but I have heard internally that people don't think tackle is near the need that end is. Would they look at the right tackle in the right deal? Sure, but the football people really want another end. It's their biggest need.

So, who do I think they might move for?

Well, I hear that things between Buffalo and pass-rushing end Aaron Schobel are getting dicey. He wants a new deal (he has 2 years left but is way underpaid compared to other players of his ilk) and I get the sense the Bills might eventually put more effort into dealing him. Now, would owner Ralph Wilson do a deal with Dan Snyder, one of his not-so-favorite-people? Maybe not. But I know Schobel was a stud in Gregg Williams's system and I know he would be welcome, if not coveted, around here. Going into next year with Carter and Daniels as starters and Demetric as the top backup might not work out.

Also, Oakland's Derrick Burgress, another pass rushing end, is pushing for a new contract and not showing up for voluntary OTAS and the like. The Raiders might try to make nice here, but he's a guy to watch.

Acquiring any of these kinds of players will be difficult and complicated and they won't come cheap. But they are the best options. Also, if the Redskins do make a big move, I would not be stunned if Springs were released to create cap room - in fact people close to the player tell me he is bracing for it - and if Springs is not here you tell me who the elite coverage CB in the secondary would be?

Bottom line is that I think this offseason is far from over.

From my perspective, the two big issues I will be watching are a trade for a D Lineman, and, to a lesser degree, the possible firing of scouts and/or Vinny or Riddick. I asked Coach Joe about it again Sunday and he essentially said those rumors are not true, but I will still monitor the situation.