SB Nation User Blog: dr WNC

Well, what about a RB-Marcus Mason (yes, that one)

dr WNC — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:11:12 -0000

Look who's been claimed..

So the Redskins, most who have been critical of allowing the RB to be signed by Baltimore, resigned Marcus Mason

Rich Tandler's Real Redskins have the highlights

The Washington Redskins have claimed running back Marcus Mason off of waivers.

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA – The Washington Redskins announced today that they were awarded running back Marcus Mason off waivers from the New York Jets.

Mason was in training camp with the Redskins last year before being waived and signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad. After eight weeks there, the Jets inked Mason to their active roster, where he would spend seven weeks before being waived. Mason was inactive for all six of his games with the Jets.

The 5-foot-9, 218-pound Mason led all National Football League players in rushing in the 2008 preseason with 317 yards on 66 carries. A native of Potomac, Md., Mason also attended training camp with Washington in 2007 after a two-year, All-American career at Youngstown State. The 24-year-old is a graduate of Georgetown Prep in Bethesda, Md.

So the local boy after spending time in Baltimore and New York has come home and back to Washington. While not a position filled in the draft but Identified by some as an area of need they should be satisifed with the claim of the Preseason leading rusher now being on the Redskins again. All Redskin haters who cried about Mason being allowed to be claimed last year should now repent, sometimes good things come to those who wait...Welcome back Mason HTTR

Draft Thoughts

dr WNC — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:28:17 -0000

Why, because it's time to record my thoughts the day later...T

The day after the 2009 draft, people are crying, celebrating and some disavowing the team after what many call poor draft performance or an ok performance which allowed did not address a glaring need...The OL!

Several weeks ago Redskin Insider, by name only, showed how Orakpo could fall to 13, everyone had him ranked in the top-5, No Mock draft I am aware of had him being selected outside of the Top-10. The Redskin Draft Room could not put together a package to trade up, stayed at 13 and may have gotten the Steal of the Draft, but alas everyone is not happy.

The Redskin Insider is now concerned if the Redskins should have chosen Oher:

This weekend, the Skins wasted no time in snagging Brian Orakpo when he was still available at No. 13, even though tackle Michael Oher had slipped to that spot and despite their need for an offensive tackle.

Oher may become a good tackle in the NFL but a late Round 1 graded player should not be selected over a Top-5 graded player because of need. Of course note the "slipped" selection from insider...How does a player selected at 23 slip to 13?

Several Fan's most appear to have no clue about the team. Asked for the Redskins to draft a RB, someone speedy and quick who could spell Portis.

Comment From Day from Richmond]
Betts has been disappointing...I thought he would have contributed more than he has spelling Portis Any decent burner left that would be a good change of pace for Portis?

One quote out of several, Redskins signed Alridge and Dorsey this offseason both are quick running backs which have an opprotunity. Alridge is a better back than any of those in the draft passed the 2nd round, he has made an NFL roster.

A solid CB, local product, a great pick...but not one of need or is it. The Redskins have signed Hall and Rogers as the starting CB, Rogers is in the last year of his contract. Smoot, Westbrook and Tryon are the other CB...Smoot is getting older and IMO the most suspect, Westbrook is ok but has not taken that next step, Tryon is a great dime and improving on Special teams. Planning for the future with the Best Player Available.

OL, did not get addressed, they are old and it is an area of concern. A significant amount of Undrafted Free Agent Lineman go on to become solid OL in the NFL. Expect to see significnat pickups in that area along with a QB : ) [Chase Daniels]

Overall, a solid draft which could have significant upsides with some of the projects taken in the later rounds, OL with the players signed and UFA should be solid. Defense, if it can become a unit will be down right SCARY.

Punter is off the Table! On the positive side

dr WNC — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:19:14 -0000

Per the deep Redskin insider

The Redskins are about ready to have 3 punters which should cause the release of on of the two punters on the team.

Redskins Agree To Terms With Punter Hunter Smith

Redskins are expected to sign Pro Bowl punter Hunter Smith tomorrow, a league source said Thursday, and Smith will join the team for minicamp May 1-3. He has agreed to terms on a one-year deal.

A solid punter and holder, a potential emergency QB as well. This is a good signing.

Possible negative pings,

Wide receiver Kelley Washington, formerly of the New England Patriots, is scheduled to participate in next weekend's minicamp, a league source said. Kelley, from Stephens City, Va., is a six-year veteran.

Is this an indication of what is not occuring with Thomas and Kelly or a positive sign that a local six year vet is being provided an opportunity to provide some depth.

Draft, then Mini-Camp...Never a dull day in Redskin's World

Draft Review-not 2009...

dr WNC — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:00:57 -0000

If only the Redskins kept draft picks where would they be...

Over at Fox sports Mr. John Czarnecki takes a look at each teams draft over the years 2003-2008.

Draft review: How every team ranks from 2003-'08

Each team is graded on number of picks, first round picks, number of starters and number of pro bowlers. Mr. Czarnecki goes on to grade each team, with Pittsburg, New England, New York Giants, and San Diego Charges getting top grades while the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders and Tennesee Titans get the lowest marks.

Yes, Redskin Fans! Washington is not listed as a bottom dweller on the draft, over the last 5 years. While Mr. Czarnecki provides a nice B-grade to the Redskins efforts,

WASHINGTON: The Redskins did a lot with only 23 picks between 2003-07, although they were devastated by the loss of All-Pro safety Sean Taylor, who was murdered during a home invasion. The 2005 draft produced CB Carlos Rogers and QB Jason Campbell. The next two drafts produced starters Kedric Golston, Rocky McIntosh and free safety LaRon Landry. The key to the Redskins will be if last season's top three picks, all receivers, display some maturity and toughness. If they do, Campbell will have a chance to succeed.
Picks: 33
First-round picks: 4
Starters: 8
Pro Bowlers: 2
Grade: B

It's quite amazing when you look at the number of picks compared to other teams. Remember just last season the Washington Redskins had 10 picks, between 2003-2007 only 23 picks were use by the Washington Redskins. The team appears to do well when making picks, so please stop trading away picks, minimize the FA signings and do what they do best pick solid college players allowing them to develop.

A top team Pittsburgh look:

PITTSBURGH: If you skip last year's draft, the Steelers have taken the following players over the previous five drafts: Troy Polamalu, Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Santonio Holmes and LaMarr Woodley. There were others, but those picks include a two-time Super Bowl quarterback in Big Ben, one of the game's best safeties, two playmakers and one of the game's best young pass rushers. Three starting offensive linemen also came out of those drafts. All Pittsburgh needs is for runner Rashard Mendenhall, last year's top pick, to get healthy.
Picks 45
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 9
Pro Bowlers: 2
Grade: A

The Neighbor Baltimore:

BALTIMORE: For all the praise given to GM Ozzie Newsome, his drafts have produced few stars in recent years. Yes, quarterback Joe Flacco might become one, but the only Pro Bowler in the last six drafts is pass rusher Terrell Suggs from 2003. Yes, there are some decent starters in guard Ben Grubbs and fullback Le'Ron McClain. But they busted out with quarterback Kyle Boller and first-round receiver Mark Clayton in 2005. Running back Ray Rice was a solid choice last season and nine rookies did make the final 53-man roster in 2008.
Picks: 53
First-round picks: 6
Starters: 5
Pro Bowlers: 1
Grade: C-

And Finally the division winner last two years New York Giants:

NEW YORK GIANTS: New GM Jerry Reese had a great draft in 2007 that produced four starters and two solid part-time starters. But his predecessor, Ernie Accorsi, deserves high marks for the 2004-5 drafts that brought Eli Manning, Chris Snee, Gibril Wilson, Corey Webster, Justin Tuck and Brandon Jacobs to the starting lineup. Only Wilson is gone and Tuck and Jacobs have become stars. Defensive backs Kenny Phillips and Terrell Thomas came out of last year's draft. The heart of New York's defense is draft choices, the biggest exception being MBL Antonio Pierce.
Picks: 44
First-round picks: 5
Starters: 14
Pro Bowlers: 4
Grade: A

All Restricted Free Agents stay Redskins

dr WNC — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:38:54 -0000

Golston Signs Tender

Per the Official site of the Washington Redskins Kedric Golston has signed his Restricted Free agent tender.

Kedric Golston has signed his restricted free agent contract, the team announced on Friday.

The Redskins had tendered a contract to Golston, the team’s third-year defensive tackle, on Feb. 26.

Restricted Free agent contracts are part of the Salary cap, it has no impact on where the Salary cap is for the Redskins with about best I can tell this leaves the Redskins around 121M with a Cap of 127M.

Golston was the last to sign the Restricted offer.

Golston becomes the third and final restricted free agent by the Redskins to sign the tender offer.

Shaun Suisham signed his tender on March 16 and Anthony Montgomery signed his tender on March 25.

Roster is listed complete with 64 players, pre-draft. This provides a significant opportunity to sign undrafted FA players after the draft to obtain the 80 player roster going into Training Camp. It appears other than possibly LB the Defense is set, which should signal a draft focusing on the offense.

What exactly are they thinking? Redskins Front office:Another QB!

dr WNC — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 17:51:29 -0000

QB is an area of concern? Appears so...

Not to go into deep detail, since that "horse" has been beaten and brought back to life too many times but as everyone is aware the Redskins made overtures for Jay Cutler and lost out to the Chicago bears.

I, along with most fans I think, thought this was Daniel Snyder, owner, seeing " the grass as greener on the other side"; with a solid NFL starter, a solid backup and a 'potential" 3rd QB on the roster the Redskins did not need to be reviewing Quarterbacks.

When it was reported the Redskins were having a one on one with, potential first round pick out of USC, Sanchez, it was reasoned as performing due dilligence and posturing for a potential trade back or something in the draft.

Redskins private showing with Sanchez.

But once again I am amazed, thinking only insider information which I do not know must be in play at the Redskins QB situation.

Via Pittsburg Post-gazette Now: Steelers backup QB Leftwich in talks with Redskins. What?! Why?! it would be nice if a local paper, maybe a "Redskin Insider" had some information

(update: 142pm Redskins confirm to the Insider about a FRIDAY visit)

At least it appears to be a competition for number 2 as per the day late insider

The Redskins informed Leftwich that he would not be competing with Jason Campbell during their meeting with him, according to NFL sources, and made it clear that if signed, he would be there to play only if Campbell was injured or was ineffective during a start.

In the NFL the QB position is important and needs evaluated all the time but....I thought it was not an area of concern for Redsklins, the FO must know something, or could the FO be...leave that for the comments.

Off the Silly(Cutler), on to some Real News

dr WNC — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:23:06 -0000

Phillip Daniels Signed today!

It's official Phillip Daniels signed today, over at TORB he has a write-up:

He's excited to be back

"I feel great man, coming back," he said. "Getting with my old buddies and coaching staff. Being on the Redskins. A chance for us to go out there and do some good things this year and win us a Super Bowl."

He is stronger than ever!

"More. More. The injury actually helped me, I think it helped me. I'm stronger this year. It gave me a year's rest, which is good for me at my age. Also, I'm still in powerlifting. I'm stronger than I was at this point last year.

"So yeah, I'm even more excited about this year, coming back and especially coming back from an injury and showing people that I still can do it. Like I said, last year was the first year time I powerlifted and I expected to come in and do big things.

Another very good signing by the front office at a very good price. Looking at Daniels stats he has the ability to be a solid DE. He's old but sometimes "an old dog can hunt" Great pickup!

Since 2000

Season	Team			Tackles
Season	Team	G	GS	Total	Solo	Ast	Sck
2007	Washington Redskins	15	15	37	24	13	2.5
2006	Washington Redskins	16	15	37	24	13	3
2005	Washington Redskins	16	16	48	37	11	8
2004	Washington Redskins	5	5	4	4	0	1
2003	Chicago Bears	16	16	53	41	12	2.5
2002	Chicago Bears	13	13	43	34	9	5.5
2001	Chicago Bears	16	16	51	44	7	9
2000	Chicago Bears	14	14	--	--	--	6
							37.5

Why debate QBs

dr WNC — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:52:05 -0000

It's really not about the QBs,E is it?

Every other week, a QB discussion is thrown up on the Fan Posts, which generate a lot of banter about which QB is better, comparisons, defenses etc.

Official "STFU about Jay Cutler"

Why not Cutler?

League Source.

Rich Tandler, who's opinion I typically respect even likes the idea of getting Cutler, I think he's dead wrong.

The real issue is if, Vinny or Danny go out and get Cutler does that mean Zorn is on the way out and Shanahan is on the way in? It's been stated time and again that for the 2009 season Zorn and Campbell are tied together. If the team shows improvement, makes strides then Campbell gets a contract and Zorn keeps his job. So, if Campbell is out of a job with a Cutler trade does that mean Zorn is gone too.

Evidence exists that Vinny and Shanahan are having conversations, From TORB, as Vinny stated during an interview...

"And then we also got a guy that Denver cut, Anthony Alridge, who the year before from the University of Houston, at the combine ran 4.34, at his personal workout ran a 4.22 and he is a third down guy. I talked to Mike Shanahan about him. When he got cut, when he was on the wire, I called him and said Mike, what do you think about this guy. He said, get him. He said he is the fastest guy I have ever seen on the field with the ball in his hands. He was a rookie last year.

TORB goes on to even discuss the trade ideas too...The Jay Cutler Rumors Strike Back

The decision and discussion is not Cutler or Campbel, it should be

Zorn and Campbell

Cutler and Shanahan

My vote is Zorn and Cambell

Poll

Who's it going to be?

Zorn and Campbell

12 votes

Shanahan and Cutler

6 votes

Damn, I Just wanted a QB change not the coach, too bad

5 votes

Continued more of the same, no continuity with the Redskins!

4 votes

27 votes | Poll has closed

LDE-No problem

dr WNC — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:17:46 -0000

Old is in...

The Redskins will be set at the LDE position brining in Wynn and according to David Elfin at the Washington Times Daniels will be signing with the Redskins too.

Renaldo Wynn:

Height: 6-3 Weight: 296 Age: 34

Born: 9/3/1974 Chicago , IL

College: Notre Dame

Experience: 13th season

Phillip Daniels

Height: 6-4 Weight: 276 Age: 36

Born: 3/4/1973 Donalsonville , GA

College: Georgia

Experience: 13th season

26 years of experience will anchor the LDE, teams which thought they could run away from Albert will now have to reconsider as both Daniels and Wynn are known for their ability to stop the run. Hopefully the younger cast member will play on passing downs to provide left side pressure to the QB. It's a good and solid addition which makes LB and OL as the dominate areas for the 5 person draft.

Help is on the way - Compensatory Pick

dr WNC — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:21:33 -0000

NFL Annouces Compensatory picks. ProfootballTalk has the Compensatory Picks:

Tenn and Cinci-Gets 4 picks

New England get 3 picks and the highest at pick 97 (33rd of 3rd round)

Our Washington Redskins get an immense amount of help with 1 (ONE!) extra pick to add to the 4 regular picks.

Pick 243, in the 7th round! Redskins now have 13, 80, 142, 173 and 243

WOW! 5 picks, The Pats have a total of 4 in the first 2 rounds, which doesn't include the 3 extras awarded in rounds 3-7, plus the normals which bring the total to 12 picks!

A different team philosphy, which is working...maximize the draft picks!

but at least the Redskins can look forward to #13, and it seems to have a good history...The Om Field:NFL draft history of pick No. 13