Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

The Washington Times is reporting:

The Hall of Fame coach hinted he will use the ninth pick in next month's draft to shore up a defense weakened -- particularly at cornerback -- by the loss of key players to free agency.

I've been convinced that we're not going after a wideout in the draft with the 9th overall pick. The Washington Times' latest article on the 'Skins leads me to believe we will in fact draft on defense.

I'm going to say it again, we're drafting Antrelle Rolle (if Adam Jones is off the board when we pick) with the 9th overall pick on draft day. I like the move. Any thoughts?

[EternalEnigma21]

from the film ive seen (which isnt much) antrelle rolle is a more touted prospect than pac man

[e16bball]

Rolle is probably the player I want next after Williams and Edwards, so I guess that is good by me. I would love to get one of those two, but if not, a shutdown CB wouldn't be terrible. I'm a little worried about how a physical corner will adjust to the 5 yard contact rules in the NFL, though.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

It's true that the new emphasis on illegal contact has affected the value of "physical" corners like Ty Law while benefitting faster, more agile cover corners.

However, being physical is still an attribute in any defense. Corners who can stop the run and shed blockers and get sacks are still highly prized - especially in Williams' defense which covets players who can play multiple roles (i.e. run support, blitzing, and covering).

As to Rolle, he ran a low 4.5 40 (good enough to cover 80% of the wideouts in the NFL). That speed, combined with his strength makes him an ideal fit for Williams' defensive schemes.

[Carnage]

We are obviously going corner, whether in the draft or some kind of trade down scenario. Do the Math. We don't have enough bodies (no disrespect Ade) at corner. There have been no substantive free agent discussions, we are going corner. Incidentally, I believe that either of the two top corners will be superior to Smoot in the long run.

[ST21]

I say take Williams, if we had a hella DE pass rusher, it will make it easy on the CB's and Walt Harris will be good enough, plus he will have Taylor covering his back, why pass on a WR, like Mike Williams, do you guys realize in our Division, there is a 6-4 WR playing for each team in our Division, and pac-man at 5-9, and A Rolle, at 6-0, want make that big of a difference, we should make it hard on other teams to by drafting a WR that can change the outcome of the game....just my opinion but I rather get Brown, let him rotate with Wynn, and make sure that on offense we have plenty Depth

[That Guy]

i rather have williams, but i guess they think he'll be gone, or that our old CBs are going to need refreshing sooner than later (they may go rolle, cause smoot was good at coverage but whiffed at open qb shots and gave too much respect to WRs)...

[Big C]

corner is what we need. our CBs are old. sprins will be 30, harris is already 30, and our nickle guy is garnell wilds. while garnell played solidly in his 1 game, i think we should grab some insurance at the very least, and start grooming the next shutdown corner for this league. pacman is a burner, but hes really small. rolle comes from miami, where they breed talent, hes bigger, stronger, and ran a 4.45 i believe. take rolle. if hes gone, then take pacman if hes stil there. hopefully mccants can become that big possession reciever and shape his attitude up

[Hail to the Redskins]

If he is still on the board... do not be shocked if we go with Derrick Johnson at #9. I know the coaching staff loves Lamar Marchall, but he has NEVER played middle LB before... Derrick Johnson is the best LB prospect to come out in years, he is VERY strong and the FASTEST LB coming out (can run down ball carriers sideline to sideline) and if anyone can get the most out of him changing over to MLB, Gregg Williams is that man.

There will always be a Justin Miller, Corey Webster or Fabian Wahington (4.25 40-time) in the second round at CB.... we need a middle linebacker and I'm SURE Williams knows that!!

[jrocx69]

to bad we dont have a 2nd round pick

[56FAN]

rolle or pac man d johnson would be great, bring'em on. we need corner's more but a talent johnson doesn't come around very often so snag 'em if he's there.

[ChounsMan]

I've been all 'D' since the season ended, even before we lost Smoot. I think if we can hold teams to under 20 points a game the offense will eventually get going, but if we are giving up 20+ a game, then we are in even more trouble trying to get an offense to score 3+ TD's a game.

Example:
Baltimore Ravens - Their offense ranked no better than 20th & their 'D' ranked no worse than #1
The Ravens won almost half their games by D turnovers & int TD.

In closing I feel powerhouse offenses are overrated, just look at the Chiefs last season, all the offense & a D that could not keep good teams under 20 a game cost them a shot at a SB.

I can't preach it enough Defense Defense Defense wins championships!!!!!!

[TheMalcolmConnection]

In addition to that, I feel that we DO have the pieces in place TO become and offensive powerhouse. We have more weapons than the Ravens did and still do...

I'd be OK with a CB at #1, I'd still prefer Williams if he is on the board by then.

[skins009]

I'm pretty sure Rolle ran a 4.4, which is why is stock is kind of flying right now. You also have to remember that he had a turf toe injury this year which effected his play. I am definently for the idea of drafting a defensive player. I think its worth considering though droping down if we can and then taking a d-linemen and carlos Rogers from auburn. That guy is a baller i'm telling you guys.

[PSUSkinsFan21]

Originally Posted by Hail to the Redskins

If he is still on the board... do not be shocked if we go with Derrick Johnson at #9. I know the coaching staff loves Lamar Marchall, but he has NEVER played middle LB before... Derrick Johnson is the best LB prospect to come out in years, he is VERY strong and the FASTEST LB coming out (can run down ball carriers sideline to sideline) and if anyone can get the most out of him changing over to MLB, Gregg Williams is that man.

There will always be a Justin Miller, Corey Webster or Fabian Wahington (4.25 40-time) in the second round at CB.... we need a middle linebacker and I'm SURE Williams knows that!!

Johnson is going to be great, no doubt, but he's a natural OLB. I just don't see moving him inside.

I'd be happy with either Pac Man or Rolle (both have their pluses and minuses) if they are still available at #9. If not, trade down a few spots for a third rounder and take Rogers in the middle of the round.