NFL Draft Day Two

I won't pretend to have heard of any of the players drafted by the Redskins on day two other than Hawaii QB Colt Brennan.

Judging from the descriptions on nfl.com, though, it appears that the 2008 Redskins draft graded quite well. On day two, they got a couple of defensive backs from big-time programs (Tryon from ASU and Horton from UCLA) and a defensive back from a small program but with good "measurables" (Kareem Moore from Nicolls State). In addition, they all appear to be valuable special teams contributors, a major plus. I predict at least one will stick with the club and it's possible that two of them will.

Rinehart appears to project well as an interior lineman. Between the returns of Randy Thomas and Jon Jansen along with experienced starting backups Jason Fabini, Stephon Heyer and Todd Wade returning, the OL appears fortified. The concern is age and injury history. Projected OL starters on October 1: Samuels (31), Thomas (32), Rabach (31), Kendall (35), and Jansen (32).

Youth on the DL served the team well last year as youngsters Anthony Montgomery and Kedric Golston provided a needed interior push. If anyone has seen them up close and should have confidence in them, it would be Greg Blache. I'd be surprised if the 7th rounder DE makes the 53-man roster.

The "gambles" would be the punter and Brennan. Both seem worthy gambles with 6th round picks. Brennan has plenty of time to sit and develop as a scout-teaming, clipboard-toting 3rd string QB.

The glaring need not addressed by the draft was LB where starter Rocky McIntosh may not be ready to play until 2009 because of two torn knee ligaments. The Skins will have to hope to sign a serviceable LB in free agency.

NFL Draft Day One

1. Devin Thomas, WR. I am SO glad that the Redskins traded out of their spot at #21. I was really hoping that they would draft Aqib Talib but unfortunately, he was picked one spot (#20) earlier by the Buccaneers. It's also too bad that the Skins couldn't draft DE Phillip Merling when they got around to picking at #34.

However, I'm not happy with the pick of a receiver. The Redskins just don't have a good history of drafting WRs with their top choice since Hall of Famer Art Monk. Desmond Howard. Michael Westbrook. Rod Gardner. On the plus side, Devin Thomas was rated the top receiver in the draft. How he'll fit with Zorn's offense will be very interesting.

2. Fred Davis, TE. At first, I was extremely upset with this pick. Seemed like such a waste with Chris Cooley at the position. However, as I started to think about all the potential mismatches during 2 TE sets, it occurred to me that a second Chris Cooley would be a more effective contributor than a big WR. While I was hoping that the team would address defensive needs, I'm fairly satisfied with the pick of the USC tight end.

3. Malcolm Kelly, WR. Ah, the player that I really hoped that Cerrato and folks would not draft at #21. It's great that he didn't cost them a first round pick. But they already added two weapons on offense and return their top two receivers so I still dislike this decision. Is it really likely that the Skins will have two rookies contribute immediately in Zorn's newly installed offense? I'd be very surprised if that was the case. It's more likely that one of the rookies doesn't catch more than 20 passes for 300 yards.

In review, these draft picks put Randle El (728 yards last season) on the trading block. He would be a great fit in St. Louis where Isaac Bruce is gone, Torry Holt isn't happy, and former coordinator Al Saunders is calling the plays. The Rams will probably wait to see if he gets released.

Draft Outlook

According to the Washington Post, Jim Zorn appears to be targeting a bigger wide receiver for his West Coast offense. Question is, can a rookie WR making the jump to the pros contribute? Probably not unless he's a high first rounder. Zorn also will be drafting a young QB to develop behind Campbell.

Blache needs an active lineman to help Andre Carter. At DT, Cornelius Griffin's best days are behind him. The Skins would best be served drafting a DE with their 1st round pick.

Blache also wants CB depth for the injury-prone trio of Rogers, Springs, and Smoot.

After the experience of last year's makeshift OL, the Skins need to add depth and youth there.

The only positions the team is set at are RB, TE, LB, and special teams.

In my mind, priorities ought to be:
1) DE
2) CB
3) WR
4) OG
5) DT
6) OT
7) QB