Prospects for Shanahans offense/Hasletts 3-4 D

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by Buster

Bowen is 6'1" and 222. Not that I think he's a starter-quality LB.

Is that a comparison or a typo?

[The Goat]

Really? Horton at LB in the 3-4. Really? I'm no expert but the 3-4 typically works best w/ outside guys who can rush the passer well and inside guys who stuff the run (tackling machines). Horton doesn't fit either mold.

[GTripp0012]

Horton's a linebacker at heart: with the physical build of a defensive back.

[freddyg12]

Shannahan is smart, he's either putting out a big hint that we might take Suh or McCoy to potentially attract trades, or he's simply being honest in that they are open to running more 4-3. I would love to see Suh & AH together inside. I know that O line is a major need, but Suh seems too good to pass up if he falls to #4. (of course the signing of Kemo does indicate some 3-4)

Redskins Insider - Mike Shanahan elaborates on what Redskins' defense will be

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by freddyg12

Shannahan is smart, he's either putting out a big hint that we might take Suh or McCoy to potentially attract trades, or he's simply being honest in that they are open to running more 4-3. I would love to see Suh & AH together inside. I know that O line is a major need, but Suh seems too good to pass up if he falls to #4. (of course the signing of Kemo does indicate some 3-4)

Redskins Insider - Mike Shanahan elaborates on what Redskins' defense will be

We should have the best d-line in football if this scenario plays out. I don't know what that's worth when you're OTs are among the very worst in football. I mean right now we have a very decent dline (worse than last year's since Griff is gone) but an absolutely terrible oline.

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by The Goat

We should have the best d-line in football if this scenario plays out. I don't know what that's worth when you're OTs are among the very worst in football. I mean right now we have a very decent dline (worse than last year's since Griff is gone) but an absolutely terrible oline.

You don't think Kemo is an upgrade over Griff?

He is assuming Griff's spot on the injury report.

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by Pocket$ $traight

You don't think Kemo is an upgrade over Griff?

He is assuming Griff's spot on the injury report.

Griff was the 2nd best DT on the roster last year behind Al. Dude was extremely stout against the run. Kemo is only an upgrade if 1) he's completely healthy and 2) we run the 3-4.

Griff may not have been able to maintain he play however. He's signed nowhere and I believe retirement is just around the corner, so even had we kept Griff (instead of getting Kemo) our dline in '09 > '10. I think unless we take one of the two top DTs at 4 or get really lucky later in the draft our dline takes a step backward this year (I'm hoping for a little luck cuz we NEED LT far more than a DT).

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by The Goat

Griff was the 2nd best DT on the roster last year behind Al. Dude was extremely stout against the run. Kemo is only an upgrade if 1) he's completely healthy and 2) we run the 3-4.

Griff may not have been able to maintain he play however. He's signed nowhere and I believe retirement is just around the corner, so even had we kept Griff (instead of getting Kemo) our dline in '09 > '10. I think unless we take one of the two top DTs at 4 or get really lucky later in the draft our dline takes a step backward this year (I'm hoping for a little luck cuz we NEED LT far more than a DT).

I don't know. I loved Griff, don't get me wrong, but he hasn't been a force since '04 and '05. Now Kemo's injury status is key, but he is a monster. He was on a pretty good Panthers D a couple of years ago. He was pretty good in front of Ray Ray too.

[CultBrennan59]

Heres some Return men for us to look at:


Finally, Kevin Weidl of Scouts Inc. was kind enough to run through the best return prospects in the draft:
Return Specialists

These guys will either be drafted or signed as free agents strictly for their return skills. Due to lack of size, they will need a creative offensive coordinator to contribute offensively at the next level.

Brandon Banks, Kansas State (5-7, 159) -- Banks is the top pure returner in this years’ class. He possesses a nice combination of vision, quickness, speed and elusiveness to consistently set offenses up with favorable field position.

Brandon James, Florida (5-6, 176) -- James possesses great vision to locate and the short-area burst to quickly get through first line of defense. He also displays a quick stop and start and is very reliable tracking and fielding punts. Questionable overall long speed to outrun defenders when they have favorable angle in pursuit.

Trindon Holliday, LSU (5-5, 172) -- World-class track speed, and has the ability to exploit even the slimmest of creases. He is shifty but lacks elite elusiveness to make defenders miss in confined areas.

Other prospects that bring added value as returners (sorted by position);

Running backs

C.J. Spiller, Clemson -- The most dynamic and versatile offensive weapon in this year’s class. Explosive short-area burst and elite top-end and long speed give him ability to rip off a big gain at any point in both phases of the return game.

Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss -- McCluster is pint sized (5-8) but shows great versatility and quickness to contribute as a change-of-pace back and wide receiver at the next level. Elite open-field capabilities make him dangerous as a punt returner.

Other RBs with returning experience: Joe McKnight, USC; Ben Tate, Auburn; Andre Dixon, UConn

Cornerbacks

Javier Arenas, Alabama -- Instinctive and tough football player who should step in and contribute immediately as a sub-package nickel back. Despite lack of elite top-end speed, Arenas is one of the more effective returners in this year’s class. I love his vision, balance and quick stop and start as a returner.

Kyle Wilson, Boise State -- Physical press corner who shows great anticipation and ball skills out on an island. Wilson brings added value as a reliable punt returner with good speed and open-field capabilities.

Devin McCourty, Rutgers -- Not many holes in McCourty as a cornerback. Easy change of direction, strong overall ball skills, plays bigger than size indicates and not afraid to get jersey dirty in run support. McCourty is one of the most versatile special teams prospect in this year's class, an effective kick returner and outstanding gunner with punt coverage.

Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, IUP -- Possesses a nice combination of size, speed and ball skills teams covet as either a press corner or free safety at the next level. Owusu-Ansahis a strong open-field runner who has experience as both a kickoff and punt returner.

Other cornerbacks with returning experience: Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State; Syd’Quan Thompson, Cal; Walter Thurmond, Oregon; Dennis Rogan, Tennessee

Wide receivers

Golden Tate, Notre Dame -- Aggressive, savvy and sure-handed and should develop into at least a strong No. 3 WR at the next level. Reliable punt returner with good vision, balance and deceiving top-end speed.

Damian Williams, USC -- Smooth athlete and one of the most polished route runners in this year’s receiver class. Despite lack of top-end speed, Williams will consistently field punts cleanly and has enough elusiveness to pick up positive yardage.

Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati -- Instinctive and passionate playmaker on the field who should develop into a solid No. 3 WR. By no means a burner, but a difference-maker as a returner in both phases as he shows elite body control and never slows down out of cuts.

Jacoby Ford, Clemson -- World class track speed and should be a nice vertical threat at the next level. Elite top-end speed gives him ability to hit the home run at any point as both a kick and punt returner.

Antonio Brown, Central Michigan -- Quicker than fast, and should contribute working out of the slot at the next level. Brown brings added value as both a kick and punt returner with his open field capabilities and overall elusiveness.

Other receivers with returning experience: Jordan Shipley, Texas; Emmanuel Sanders, SMU; Andre Roberts, Citadel; David Reed, Utah

[CultBrennan59]

Toby Gerhart, Myron Rolle seek to overcome NFL stereotypes - Ross Tucker - SI.com

This is an article that relates to something I have mentioned a while ago about how we shouldn't get Gehrhart because he's a white running back, and I believe that SFRedskin was the one I was debating this about. Nice article though.

[NYCskinfan82]

Originally Posted by CultBrennan59

Toby Gerhart, Myron Rolle seek to overcome NFL*stereotypes - Ross Tucker - SI.com

This is an article that relates to something I have mentioned a while ago about how we shouldn't get Gehrhart because he's a white running back, and I believe that SFRedskin was the one I was debating this about. Nice article though.

Good article, a nice little look into NFL sterotypes.

[CultBrennan59]

From ESPN.com

Washington Redskins

We know where Washington stands at quarterback and left tackle. I think Jason Campbell could do a nice job for Mike Shanahan, but so far, the coach isn't really embracing the incumbent starter. But those are the obvious needs. Honestly, there are no under-the-radar needs because the Redskins need help at pretty much every position. Maybe with the presence of Albert Haynesworth and Maake Kemoeatu, folks have been lulled into thinking the Redskins are OK at defensive tackle. But I don't think that's the case. If you can find a nose tackle early in the draft, you have to think about selecting him. Haynesworth's going to line up at defensive end the majority of the time. He wants no part of playing nose tackle, although he'll be there some of the time.

The Redskins would also be wise to look for inside linebackers for their new 3-4 scheme. If you think London Fletcher's going to succeed in a 3-4, you haven't studied the league. Little guys like Fletcher simply don't function well in this type of defense. Ask the Cowboys' former mighty mites Dat Nguyen and Dexter Coakley. It just doesn't work for 5-10 guys to be taking on 340-pound guards who are light on their feet. So yes, inside linebacker might qualify as an under-the-radar need.

The Redskins still have questions at punter and placekicker as well. They have needs all over the roster, so this could rank as the most important draft in the last 20 years. Nothing's really under-the-radar when it comes to this team's draft needs.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by CultBrennan59

From ESPN.com

Washington Redskins

We know where Washington stands at quarterback and left tackle. I think Jason Campbell could do a nice job for Mike Shanahan, but so far, the coach isn't really embracing the incumbent starter. But those are the obvious needs. Honestly, there are no under-the-radar needs because the Redskins need help at pretty much every position. Maybe with the presence of Albert Haynesworth and Maake Kemoeatu, folks have been lulled into thinking the Redskins are OK at defensive tackle. But I don't think that's the case. If you can find a nose tackle early in the draft, you have to think about selecting him. Haynesworth's going to line up at defensive end the majority of the time. He wants no part of playing nose tackle, although he'll be there some of the time.

The Redskins would also be wise to look for inside linebackers for their new 3-4 scheme. If you think London Fletcher's going to succeed in a 3-4, you haven't studied the league. Little guys like Fletcher simply don't function well in this type of defense. Ask the Cowboys' former mighty mites Dat Nguyen and Dexter Coakley. It just doesn't work for 5-10 guys to be taking on 340-pound guards who are light on their feet. So yes, inside linebacker might qualify as an under-the-radar need.

The Redskins still have questions at punter and placekicker as well. They have needs all over the roster, so this could rank as the most important draft in the last 20 years. Nothing's really under-the-radar when it comes to this team's draft needs.

I think if Shanahan sticks with his "fit the scheme to the personnel" motto, we'll be more 4-3 than 3-4 in 2010. From the sounds of it, we're not gonna have much of a choice. With our roster, we simply can't be a really effective full time 3-4 at all this coming season.

[GridIron26]

Originally Posted by GMScud

I think if Shanahan sticks with his "fit the scheme to the personnel" motto, we'll be more 4-3 than 3-4 in 2010. From the sounds of it, we're not gonna have much of a choice. With our roster, we simply can't be a really effective full time 3-4 at all this coming season.

That would be ideal

[LandrySlice]

I second that!!!!