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.

Ocho Cinco

Kudos to Vinny Cerrato for attempting to trade for Chad Johnson. He is definitely worth two hit-or-miss first round picks. He should have another 3-4 good years left. It's too bad that it didn't work out.

On a related note, though, it seems a bit ridiculous that NFL players are decrying the contracts they signed just a couple years ago, saying that they've "outplayed" their contracts. What's the point of signing a contract in the first place if you don't abide by it and play to the best of your ability? This only tells me that all players have to negotiate in their contracts performance escalator clauses.

Malcolm Kelly

Don't do it! Don't draft Malcolm Kelly in the 1st round. If CB Aqib Talib is available, draft him to replace Shawn Springs.

When I see Malcolm Kelly, I can only think of one thing - Rod Gardner.

Jerome Mathis

I don't understand the move to sign Mathis when the Skins already have recently re-signed Rock Cartwright and also have Ladell Betts back to return kickoffs. They have Randle El to return punts. And they have James Thrash as a proven backup for both return spots. It would have made sense if the team had lost Cartwright to free agency but since they didn't, the Mathis signing is a head scratcher.

Darrell Green

February 2, 2008 was an amazing day for Washington Redskins football fans as two recent legends of the game were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. For Darrell Green, it was hard to see him not being a first ballot HOF'er. For Art Monk, it was a long time coming.

Darrell Green played at a high level for an inconceivable 20 years. He played in three Super Bowls and won two (XXII and XXVI). Green probably could have played a few more years too because he was still running a 4.2 40 at 40 (years old). He had won the NFL's fastest man competition four years in a row, and Wikipedia states that he has the fastest 40 time ever recorded (4.09). Besides speed, Green's longevity was key. It's amazing to think about all the fellow corners Green played opposite -- Vernon Dean ('82-'87), Barry Wilburn ('85-'89), AJ Johnson ('89-'94), Martin Mayhew ('89-'92), Tom Carter ('93-'96), Cris Dishman ('97-'98), Champ Bailey ('99-'02), Deion Sanders ('00), and Fred Smoot ('01-'02).

In addition to his speed and extraordinary longevity, Green also had some "signature plays," including chasing down Tony Dorsett on Monday Night Football and his punt return against the Bears in a divisional playoff game.