Ok, he isn't running for mayor but how about offensive guard. With the addition of Jamaal Brown, Artis Hicks and Trent Williams I am feeling a lot better about the Redskins offensive line.  However, knowing how vital the offensive line can be to to the success of the team it is safe to say that you can't have enough competition. With that being said, I am wondering if the Redskins are interested in signing Chester Pitts? He was the offensive guard for the Houston Texans for the last 10 years.  Chester Pitts was hurt all last year and the Texan's running game suffered. Through, until last year he hadn't missed a single game in his career. If he can return back to his previous form he could definitely help to bolster the Redskins offensive line.  

Competition on the Oline

There has been a lot of talk about competition on the Redskins roster. And for the most part I believe that to be true.  Especially at the running back, safety, wide receiver, 3rd ,4th and 5th corners, defensive line, and even tight end. The point I want to make is why the position that hurt us the most last year is the one with the least amount of competition. That position being the entire offensive line. The offensive line barely has any competition. Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, the defensive line has so much competition that I can't say with any certainty who will be starting come week one. It's just short of ridiculous what's being called competition on the offensive line.  Can anybody point out some reasonable competition on the offensive line? Other then quarterback Offensive line looks like one of the most set position on the team. I know it is June and the real competition start in training camp but for a group to do so bad last year I have no choice but to worry.  

As of right now the starting lineup looks something like this:

LT: Trent Williams LG: Derrick Dockery C: Casey Rabach RG: Mike Williams RT: Artis Hicks 

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We all know that the Redskins have a need at free safety. O.J. Atogwe could be a way to address that need.

1) He's extremely physical and is an excellent playmaker.

2) He plays both the run and the pass well.

3) Jim Haslett already knows what he can do, having coached him before.

4) He could allow for Laron to move back to his natural position.

Atogwe has been a pro bowl safety who just hasn't gotten the hype or recognition he deserves. With that being said he probably won't come cheap. He is going to make over six million this year if he signs his offer sheet. He is a restricted free agent but Saint Louis offered him the right of first refusal tender. This means there isn't a draft pick associated with his tender.  It couldn't hurt to at least explore this option. I'm wondering how does everyone at Hogs Haven feel about O.J.

Every year it’s the same thing. The Redskins chase all the other teams stars and. This year seems to be no different, at least among the hog’s haven viewers. I have heard the Redskins to be interested in several high profile free agents. Julian Peterson, Antrel Rolle, Karlos Dansby, Darren Sproles are the most notable ones. However we have been down this road before. How many times have we acquired a bunch or high profile free agents and then watch them not live up to their contracts.

How many seasons have we had a huge free agent class but we couldn’t translate that into wins.If you don't know well here is a link to our free agent classes for this past decade. You can track our free agent success stories and our numerous busts.

http://www.redskins.com/gen/articles/Free_Agency__Redskins_Usually_Aggressive_5464.jsp

We only had two playoff seasons this past decade so it’s not like you had a long count. What stood out to me was the 2006 free agency class. We were coming fresh of off a playoff season. We add Brandon Lloyd, Adam Archuleta, Antwan Randel El, and Andre Carter to this playoff team. With that offseason I (along with the entire Redskins community) know I had my sights on the Superbowl. Instead I watched as the Redskins plummeted to a 5-11 record.

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Devin Thomas needs to be the number one target. Santana Moss’ speed can destroy a defense so most teams are going to double him regardless of what happens. This is where Devin Thomas can make serious strides next season. Mike Shanahan loves to get the ball into the hands of his possession receivers. Devin Thomas fits that mold. He rarely gets tackled by one person. He always makes yards after the catch. After Santana Moss, he is our fastest receiver. Unlike Zorn, Shanahan will make sure Devin Thomas gets the ball. If Thomas can stay healthy, (he hasn’t proven that he can) he will be in position to have a breakout season next year. I could definitely see Thomas averaging about 5-7 catches a game.

Projected stats: 96 catches 1344 yards 9 touchdowns

I am all for trading back. I think that picks 11-15 in the first round are the “money picks”. That is where you can get a franchise players who won’t cost as much as the top 5 players. The last two times Shanahan picked in the first round with picks 11-15, he selected pro bowlers each time.

For this mock draft I believe that we will get another second round pick by letting one of our restricted free agents walk. I hope the skins trade back and we swap first round picks with, get a third round and a future pick next year. (I hoping Shanahan takes a page out of the Bill Belichick playbook and stock draft picks like they’re food rations)

                                          Redskins Needs: OT, OG C, RB, FS, OLB, NT

1st round

Anthony Davis -| OT | Rutgers | 6-6 | 325lbs |- We need Lineman and Davis fits that description.

2nd Round

Bruce Campbell  -|OT| Maryland | 6-7 | 310 |- He has the physical tools necessary to play tackle in the NFL. It going to be about whether he can put it all together on the field. I really like Campbell,

2nd Round

Jerry Hughes -| OLB/DE| TCU| 6-2| 257 |- He is such a versatile player. He could be a great pass rusher in the NFL. And just to display of his versatility, in high school Hughes was a first team all district kick returner. Also Carter will be 31 at the start of the season

Alternative – Colt McCoy- | QB | Texas | 6-2 | 212 |- I wouldn’t mind seeing the Redskins reunite him with his former Texas teammate Brian Orakpo. As long as his accuracy holds up at the NFL level he will be successful.

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Reggie Bush is a highlight reel. He has the potential to be a Pro Bowl player. He is also a versatile player. He can run the ball, he can catch, and he can return kicks and punts. He is also a game changing player, which is something the Redskins need desperately. This offseason, due to his 13.5 million dollar contract, he could be released. In that event I would like to see the Redskins acquire Reggie Bush. For those of you who would disagree at least hear me out.

1.) We have no game changer on offense besides Santana Moss. But, regretfully he is starting to lose a step. For the first time ever I watched Moss get caught be a linebacker.  If we are going to have a good offense the Redskins will need at least 2-3 game changers (home run hitters) on offense.

Example: Saints – Reggie Bush, Drew Brees

Cowgirls- Miles Austin, Felix Jones

Viking- Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice

Texans- Steve Slaton, Andre Johnson,

 Chargers- Darren Sproles Vincent Jackson

2.) Also the Redskins don't have a punt returner. Bush would assume that job immediately. ARE should never return another punt as a Redskin again.

3.) Mike Shanahan has made 1000 yard running backs out of Olandis Gary, Reuben Droughns, Mike Anderson, and Tatum Bell. Reggie Bush is a serious upgrade over all of these guys. Sometimes a player doesn’t work in a certain scheme. I’m positive Mike Shanahan and Bobby Turner can put together the scheme that they ran in Denver. This in turn, could help Reggie Bush reach his potential as a running back.

4.) With the acquisition of Bush we would gain a punt returner, and a game changing running back and a good receiver. Those are important pieces we will need if we are going to ever be successful again.

5.) If we were to acquire Bush off of free agency, then he wouldn’t cost us any draft picks and his contract would be reduced.

The Redskins need a game changer in the worst way. We lack excitement and a dominating offense. We have become boring and predictable on offense. Opposing defenses know that if you keep Santana Moss contained that we really are not a threat. Reggie bush would be that other threat. He would be the guy who would keep opposing defenses on their toes and fans at the edges of their seats.

Note: Before anyone says anything about the offensive line; I am assuming the redskins add new starting through both the free agency and the draft.

They say "Defense wins Championships." That true to some extent, but what about the games during the season. Don't you need to win those first. I'll say this, defense may win championships but  "OFFENSE WINS GAMES." And you don't win any championships if you can't win any games. As a Redskins fan I would like to start winning games again before I can even mention a championship. After a decade of seeing the Redskins boast eight  top 10 defenses, I would confidently trade those defenses for eight top 10 offenses. Here is why:

This year, out of the top 16 offenses, not one of them had a losing season. Last year only one top 16 offense had a losing season. In 2007 the Cleveland Browns had the 8th ranked offense in the  NFL. That same year they went 10-6. This is not a coincidence. this is also not taking in accordance scoring offense. This season, eight of the top 10 scoring offenses were playoff teams. Also not a coincidence.

The Redskins need to be competitive offensively next year if we are going to have an opportunity to win games. Shanahan has had six top 10 offenses in his last nine years of coaching (both in scoring and yards). In this span he has only had one losing season. On the other hand, the Redskins have only had two winning seasons in the past decade (both under Joe Gibbs). We have also had five losing seasons. Yet, we have eight top 10 defenses and not a single top 10 offense.  So before any fans can start spouting about how defense wins championships. Remember, OFFENSE WINS GAMES!!!

With Mike and Kyle Shanahan running the offense and Jim Haslett running the defense, I believe that many of Redskins players are poised for a breakout year. After reading this post comment on which Redskins player (or players) you think will have a breakout year.

Jason Campbell /QB- I believe it. Behind a better line and a better coach Jason Campbell could very well take the next step as a quarterback. Did you guys watch the game against the Saints? Jason looked great. He has the potential in him.

Note: Shanahan has been known to bring out a quarterbacks potential. Example: Jake Plummer, Jay Cutler

Marko Mitchell /WR- He’s tall and catches nearly everything thrown his way. Mitchell also has good speed. With an offseason to bulk up, this guy could really start to do a lot of good in Shanahan's offense. From what I’ve seen he is already better than Malcolm Kelly. Personally I like the guy. I would like to see Marko Mitchell and Devin Thomas on the outside and Moss in the slot. That could be a hell of a combination if our offensive line issue gets resolved next season.

Devin Thomas /WR- I watched every game this year. Devin Thomas is a good wide receiver. All he has to do is stay healthy. He’s pretty fast, and could very well be our number one target going into next season.

Chad Rinehart /OG- He was starting to play well last year. Unfortunately his season was cut short when he broke his fibula against the Cowgirls. He has the right size to play Shanahan's zone blocking scheme. Now we just have to find out if he has the ability to run it effectively.

Laron Landry /SS- Landry has star potential. He is lightning fast and plays hard. He is so talented it is ridiculous. All the mistakes he has made in the past can be correct.  He just needs to be coached. Bob Slowick will likely be our new secondary coach. He has worked with some great defensive backs in the past. I'm optimistic that he can get Laron Landry playing at a high level. With a coordinator who uses him correctly we could be talking about Landry as being one of the top safeties in the NFL.

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The 3-4 is Coming

I really enjoy seeing what other fans think of the redskins going to the 3-4. A lot of my friends are excited. However, I see that a lot of Hogs Haven viewers are just the opposite.

I hear a lot of things about why the redskins shouldn’t play the 3-4.

1)      London Fletcher, the heart of the defense is too small to play the middle

2)      Haynesworth doesn’t want to play nose tackles and there is 100 million dollars riding on him

3)      Andre Carter can’t stand up and play as well as he does with his hand in the dirt

On the other hand

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C.J. Spiller is one of college football's dynamic stars. 2009 was his breakout year rushing for over 1200 and it has done wonders in raising his draft status. Spiller makes fools of defenders who try to tackle him. Jahvid Best on the other hand, is a speedy running back who can still make yards after contact. He had his breakout year in 2008 rushing for 1500 yards. He was on pace this year to put up the same numbers until a concussion ended his season early. Still, he is an extremely elusive back with a lot of potential . With the rise of Jamaal Charles and Chris Johnson it make me  curious to see which running back redskins  fans would rather have.

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The Plan For 2010

As it draws closer to the offseason, more and more do I start to speculate the future possibilities for the Redskins. Earlier this season I made a front office plan and predictions on what I believed should happen in the off season. I am now revising those predictions and making some new ones. I challenge all hogs haven reader, bloggers and visitors to make your own predictions as well. Post them here, I like to see what other fans think should/will happen this offseason.

I have written the front office plan I would like to see happen in 2010. I also am a strong advocate for the 3-4 and I believe the redskins could become one of the NFL’s Elite Defenses by running it. when I really study the depth we have at linebacker I question that it can be done this year. It may take two years to complete the transformation.

General Manager- Bruce Allen- I never saw this move coming, but once Bruce Allen was hired it was made clear that Shanahan was coming on board. This looks like it may have been Daniel Snyder’s best free agent pick up ever.

Coach- Mike Shanahan- I made the correct prediction. I have wanted Mike Shanahan to be the Redskins head coach since the Broncos released him. I like this move. Bring in a guy who’s proven and can keep it movin through tough times. Stick it out with him and even if there is a bad season, believe in him. Also if there’s anyone who can breathe life into our running game and our offense it'll be Shanahan.

Offensive Coordinator- Kyle Shanahan – I predicted it would be Gary Kubiac (if he was fired) but Kyle Shanahan isn’t that far of a stretch. The Texans offense has continued to improve over the past year and Kyle is one of the reasons for that.

Defensive Coordinator- (my 1st choice) Mike Zimmer- I wrote a post earlier this month on Mike Zimmer. In the post I stated “Mike Zimmer has gotten the Cincinnati defense playing hard. They are 4th in yards per game, 6th in points allowed and 9th in interceptions. I don't believe that Cincinnati has more talent on their defense than the Washington Redskins (who ranks below the Bengals in all of those categories). When I looked at the Bengal’s roster and depth chart I was ratified in my belief. What's happened to the Cincinnati defense is that Zimmer has their defense playing the best football they can play. All I want from the Redskins is to see them play the best defense they can play”.

Next in line- Jim Haslett- He is the likely hire if Shanahan is unsuccessful in luring Zimmer out of Cincinnati. Cincinnati has recently stated that they are willing to negotiate with Zimmer. So he may opt to stay with them. In Haslett’s case this may give him the opportunity to get back into the NFL.

3rd in Line- Jerry Gray- He has been a coordinator in the league before and has enjoyed some success. He has studied under both Greg Blache and Greg Williams so I'm interested in which type of scheme he would actually run, conservative or aggressive. Since Shanahan is looking for someone who is able to implement the 3-4 in some way. Therefore making Gray's chances of being a coordinator in Washington are looking a bit slim.

My 2nd Choice- Ron Rivera- He has gotten the Chargers defense playing well and he did a great Job with the Bears defense when he was there. This likely won’t happen, but it’s a move I wouldn’t mind to see.

 Particularly I would like someone who has experience running the 3-4 defense. Our defense is good, now it’s time to be great. I believe Orakpo would be a savage on the outside in a 3-4 Defense. But I would be just as happy seeing a 4-3 guy with a great scheme and an aggressive mindset running this defense. Someone who can adjust the game plan to suit the player’s strengths. Someone who knows that Laron Landry should be playing strong safety and that Albert Haynesworth needs to rush the passer.

Special Teams Coach- Danny Smith, I don't see a need to change, this part of our team is solid. However Mike Shanahan lets Danny Smith go I would like to see the skins acquire:

Dave Toub- He has been the special teams coach for the bears. He coached Devin Hester and Brendan Ayanbedjo to their Pro Bowls. Since then their special teams has been one of the league’s best. If Danny Smith were to leave I would like to see Toub join the skins.

Free Agency

My belief for the offense going into the offseason is that every position is open. Don't let anyone on that offense feel like they have their spot secure going into the offseason.

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I have been an advocate for change for a long time now. The obvious change needed to come on offense. However I have also been an advocate for change on the Redskins Defense as well. I have felt that the Redskins defense was underperforming. The talent the Redskins have on Defense is amazing. With names like Andre Carter, Albert Haynesworth, Brian Orakpo, DeAngelo Hall, and London Fletcher there is no reason why the redskins defense shouldn’t be one of the top 3 defenses in the league.

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Change is something that needs to happen on the redskin’s team as a whole if we are going to return to prominence. That includes the Defense as well. If anything this season has taught me anything, it’s that Greg Blache really is not the type of defensive coordinator that I want calling the plays on my team. With that being said. I'm hoping that Blache retires as soon as the offseason begins with his head held high. I’m not saying that he is a bad coach in general. In fact, I believe he is an excellent positions coach. He just doesn’t do that well on calling plays. He is way too conservative. Some people credit him with consistently having a top 10 defense. However, I have some reserves about giving him credit for that.

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Watching this past prime time game against the Cowboys has made me feel completely disappointed in our offense. All of my post supporting some of our offensive players just makes me question even having those thoughts. Everything looked bad against the cowboys this week. Quinton Ganther had no room to run. Marcus Mason was meet at the line of scrimmage often times, by more than one Cowboys defenders. Our only receiver who could make any plays was Santana Moss. After this season I don’t know how many players on this offense will still be on the team. This post may be a little rash, but watching this past Sunday night’s game has inspired nothing but anger towards the effort the Redskins offense put forth on the field. A shut out! Against DALLAS! C’MON MAN!

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Evaluate some of the Redskins players that will be free agents at the end of the season. Comment if you think they should be resigned, released, franchised or traded. I gave a brief synopsis below on each of the major Redskins free agents. Please Comment!

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The Plan For 2010

I have written the front office plan I would like to see happen in 2010. I based all of the personnel decisions on having Mike Shanahan as the Redskins head coach and running his prolific offense in 2010. I also am a strong advocate for the 3-4 and I believe the redskins could become one of the NFL’s Elite Defenses by running it. Please Comment and let me know your thoughts!

Coach- Mike Shanahan- Bring in a guy who’s proven and can keep it movin through tough times. Stick it out with him and even if there is a bad season, believe in him. Also if there’s anyone who can breathe life into our running game and our offense it'll be Mike.

Offensive Coordinator- Gary Kubiak- if Houston chooses to let him go he would be a great fit in Washington with Shanahan as the head coach.

Or Charlie Weis- Yes I know he wasn’t good at Notre Dame but Shanahan will be running the offense anyway and Weis is a great football mind capable of being successful in the NFL. 

Defensive Coordinator- the Defensive Coordinator from the Jets, or particularly someone who runs the 3-4 defense. It’s time to make the switch. Our defense is good, now it’s time to be great. Orakpo and Carter would be savages on the outside in a 3-4 defense. Get someone who knows that Laron Landry should be playing Strong Safety.

Or- if Eric Mangini gets fired he would be a great defensive Coordinator. He’s innovative and is an experienced coach. Also head coaches who are fired generally make good Coordinators (Mike Nolan, Cam Camron, Greg Williams and practically half the coordinators in the NFL)

Special Teams Coach- Danny Smith, no need to change, this part of our team is solid

QB- Jason Cambell- behind a good offensive line he will be a much better quarterback

Resign Levi Jones, Rocky McIntosh, Hunter Smith and Carlos Rogers

(I'm a little sketchy on resigning Rogers, this would depend on how much he’s asking for)

Release- Antwan Randel El, Ladell Betts, Rock Cartwright, and Randy Thomas, (this one pains me because these guys are high character guys that work hard each and every play)

Free Agents- Brandon Marshall WR- yes this is the typical redskin move but don't let a player of this caliber pass by without you at least trying to get him, also with Mike Shanahan as the head coach this would be a great pick up. Also this would

Logan Mankins RG- Helps to sure up the line, also he would provide great pass protection for Jason Cambell

Marcus McNeil- another lineman would help to sure up the run game

Surprise Free Agent- Reggie Bush- he has a 13.5 million dollar cap charge due to them next season and they are likely to release him. I’m not saying we should bonafide pick him up. Though he is worth a look and with the talent he posses could be a sleeper pick.

(3rd and 6th picks are gone due to Jarmon and Jason Taylor)

1st round- CJ Spiller (Clemson) - yes I know this is a wild pick. However, this is depending on what lineman is available. I say we pick up one of the best 2 lineman available. However, if it happens that the best 2 lineman are gone by the time we pick, I say we trade down acquire a first and 3rd and pick up CJ Spiller (Clemson) who should be a highly sought after running back. He should clock in around a 4.3 and seeing what Chris Johnson is doing this year a lot of teams will try to use a speed back in their game plan. He would bring speed to our offense and would thrive down the road in Shanahan's Offense.

2nd round – Ciron Black (LSU) – He is the 6th rated tackle and depending on his combine should be available for the redskins to pick up in the second round.  Either way we know Stephan Heyer is not the answer at right tackle.

Rounds 3-7 – get a free safety/corner, a guard, a Linebacker, and a running back.

No trades for players- (or franchise Carlos Rogers then trade him for a second round pick)

With these off season moves I see the redskins in the SuperBowl and first in the NFC east. Please Comment and let me know your thoughts!