Orakpo is Open to Change

[SmootSmack]

Redskins' Orakpo is open to change - NFL Nation - ESPN

[53Fan]

Bring back Marcus Washington and we would'nt need Orakpo at LB. Him and Haynesworth side by side with Marcus at SAM would be pretty imposing.

[Redskins_P]

53Fan, I know you're a fan of MW, but I think there is a reason why he still hasn't signed with anyone

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by Redskins_P

53Fan, I know you're a fan of MW, but I think there is a reason why he still hasn't signed with anyone

Yeah, he's waiting for more money from us! Sorry man, he's only 31. I think he has a couple of good years left and is ready to prove it. But I do admit I'm biased.

[Lotus]

Yes! Bring back MW! Sign the doggone contract, MW!

Then leave Orakpo with his hand in the dirt. While I often disagree with Mosley, who can be a terrible Cowboys homer, this article is spot on.

[FRPLG]

MW is an OLD 31. His hip issues aren't getting better. His main attribute, speed, has been reduced. He can still bring the energy but we didn't see a heck of a lot of MWlike plays year when he was in. He isn't what he from afew years ago and is only getting worse. Plus he wants money that isn't consistent with his current skill set. I love MW but we need to move on from him. Especially for the price.

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

MW is an OLD 31. His hip issues aren't getting better. His main attribute, speed, has been reduced. He can still bring the energy but we didn't see a heck of a lot of MWlike plays year when he was in. He isn't what he from afew years ago and is only getting worse. Plus he wants money that isn't consistent with his current skill set. I love MW but we need to move on from him. Especially for the price.

Very true..."for the price".
If he would sign a MUCH smaller contract, I'd LOVE to have him back.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

Yeah, he's waiting for more money from us! Sorry man, he's only 31. I think he has a couple of good years left and is ready to prove it. But I do admit I'm biased.

FRPLG is right, MW makes 31 look like 37. He's lost at least a step, maybe two. I love his motor and enthusiasm, but there's a big reason no one else wants him and we aren't budging on the vet min contract we've offered. I've got nothing against the man whatsoever, but his skills have diminished significantly over the past few seasons and he can't stay healthy.

As far as Orakpo, I agree with Mosley. To take the best DE in the country and turn him into a 4-3 OLB and only a part time DE wouldn't be smart at all. If we ran a 3-4 and were looking to turn him into a Demarcus Ware, then sure. IMO he needs to have that hand in the dirt on every down. I don't really see the point of selecting the best pass rusher in the entire draft and then putting him out of position, all the while only letting him do what he does best on 3rd downs.

[vallin21]

MW will sign with us by training camp. He has nowhere else to go.

[cobracai1]

Originally Posted by vallin21

MW will sign with us by training camp. He has nowhere else to go.

I would agree if it were pre draft but I think they've moved on. As much as I would like him back for his intangibles, he really has lost a couple of steps. Time to see what we have in the young LB's/Thomas/Blades/Orakpo/Fincher and whoever else I'm missing

[53Fan]

I understand everyones point and I think if he signs it should be at a reduced rate. But I think "losing a step" is directly related to being injured. Who does'nt lose a step when they're injured? This is why I don't think Springs wanted to play less than 100%. The same would have been said about him. I still believe he's a step above anyone else we have and someone like Fincher or Thomas isn't even going to come close no matter how long they play. Either way, I'll guess we'll see at the end of the season.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

I understand everyones point and I think if he signs it should be at a reduced rate. But I think "losing a step" is directly related to being injured. Who does'nt lose a step when they're injured? This is why I don't think Springs wanted to play less than 100%. The same would have been said about him. I still believe he's a step above anyone else we have and someone like Fincher or Thomas isn't even going to come close no matter how long they play. Either way, I'll guess we'll see at the end of the season.

I can agree with that I guess. Problem is, he's injured more often than not these days.

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by GMScud

I can agree with that I guess. Problem is, he's injured more often than not these days.

And yet we still sign players with past injuries and talk about signing guys like Levi Jones. And of course we know the Patriots don't know what they're doing because they sign players like Springs.

[freddyg12]

I would love to see MW back, he became a core guy w/the name to prove it! But I wonder if he can make the team even if he's signed. If nothing else, the young guys we drafted have more upside on spec. teams.

Having Orakpo play some LB will be cool as long as it doesn't stunt his development as a pass rusher. In the near future we may be playing a 3-4, you never know who might be D coordinator in 2-3 years. Blache was ready to retire in 08. So if Rak learns some OLB he'll be ready for any system.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

And yet we still sign players with past injuries and talk about signing guys like Levi Jones. And of course we know the Patriots don't know what they're doing because they sign players like Springs.

Springs is still a top-tier player when he's on the field. Can't really say that about Marcus. Just because we talked about signing Levi Jones doesn't mean the Skins are interested in him. Signing players with past injuries is one thing. Marcus has an ongoing chronic hip issue which has contributed to multiple hamstring issues, and he just can't get to 100% anymore it seems. Trust me, I wish he could. I'd love to have him back at full tilt rocking it out at SAM.