News from the Combine

[Daseal]

I'd do that trade in a second. Betts is a solid back, but not really a very good blocker and needs to correct his fumbling problems. We get a very good linebacker on a cheap contract and if we really dont give anything up it's a win for us. We still have a full stable of running backs that we can use. Portis is our bell cow.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

While I'd hate to see Betts go, RBs are easily found in the draft, PRO BOWL LBs are not.

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

While I'd hate to see Betts go, RBs are easily found in the draft, PRO BOWL LBs are not.

except they are. washington was a 2nd round pick. demeco ryans was a late first rounder. look at the tags this year, most are on d linemen, not linebackers. both are easy to get. HoF DEs/QBs are the hardest thing to get, followed by shutdown corners, franchise LTs, and game changing WRs (TO/randy moss in their prime, calvin johnson's potential, etc).

[TheMalcolmConnection]

"Adalius Thomas is getting love from the New York Jets..."

Interesting, a replacement for Vilma?

[Beemnseven]

But how much do we need Vilma if Fletcher is coming to town? We wouldn't get BOTH would we?

The dropoff from #6 to #25 is tremendous. The quality between those to slots is nothing short of a plummet.

I've said all along that our weaknesses on defense outweigh the advantages of running back depth. So we should definitely unload Betts if we can get fair compensation. But the Jets want that #6 pick more than they want Betts.

The whole idea of trading Betts was to pick up MORE draft picks. Not lose value on the highest one we have.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

But how much do we need Vilma if Fletcher is coming to town? We wouldn't get BOTH would we?

No. If this trade for Vilma is happening, it will be finalized in the next week. Otherwise we would sign Fletcher.

I don't like moving out of a position to get Branch, but considering we may pass on him anyway, getting Vilma at least gives me something to like.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

No. If this trade for Vilma is happening, it will be finalized in the next week. Otherwise we would sign Fletcher.

I don't like moving out of a position to get Branch, but considering we may pass on him anyway, getting Vilma at least gives me something to like.

You're right about that. Unless they're being REALLY tight lipped about it, which is to be expected, I haven't heard, seen or read anything about the Redskins mention the slightest word about Alan Branch.

All the talk has been about the two D-ends.

[724Skinsfan]

One thing to keep in mind is that we could use either a DT or a DE from the draft. So, take the Defensive Linemen rankings and see what the drop-off in talent is from #6 to #25. If it's acceptably marginal then we save money signing a #25 rather than a #6. Any extra savings will be nice to have for additional signings (CB,DL/DE,backup RB?).

I don't want to see Ladell go but if given the chance to be a starter I'm sure that's what his heart desires.

[Schneed10]

We have too many holes on the defensive line to spend that 6th pick on a linebacker, no matter how good that linebacker is.

Plus if we traded Betts, we'd have no depth at RB. It's be Portis and my two grandmothers at the RB position.

That Vilma trade would be a horrendous idea.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

We have too many holes on the defensive line to spend that 6th pick on a linebacker, no matter how good that linebacker is.

Plus if we traded Betts, we'd have no depth at RB. It's be Portis and my two grandmothers at the RB position.

That Vilma trade would be a horrendous idea.

I agree about the Vilma trade -- bad idea.

But I don't have a problem with Rock Cartwright in a limited back-up role. Plus, if we did trade away Betts, they could make the move to keep TJ Duckett.

You can find solid, reserve running backs just about anywhere. Hell, Kenny Watson was a decent pickup from undrafted free agency.

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

We have too many holes on the defensive line to spend that 6th pick on a linebacker, no matter how good that linebacker is.

Plus if we traded Betts, we'd have no depth at RB. It's be Portis and my two grandmothers at the RB position.

That Vilma trade would be a horrendous idea.

I agree.....We have too many holes to fill on defense to think we can fix every position this off-season. This team needs HELP in the first line of defense more than any other position. We have virtually nothing up front, and I think we should saty at #6 and draft the best DT- DE available.

[12thMan]

I'll do Betts for Vilma all day. He's just plain old good.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

I'll do Betts for Vilma all day. He's just plain old good.

Perhaps. But I think the bigger issue is #6 for #25. I'd like an extra pick thrown in there

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by TAFKAS

Perhaps. But I think the bigger issue is #6 for #25. I'd like an extra pick thrown in there

If there is any truth to this rumor, that's the part the Skins are working on.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

If there is any truth to this rumor, that's the part the Skins are working on.

I still keep hearing for the last several weeks that Michael Turner is the guy the Jets really want. So we'll see