As I read more into (which can be dangerous) what Vinny Cerrato and Jim Zorn have be quoted as saying about the Redskins needs (via draft, or other ways),  Blache mentioned in one quote needing an interior lineman, etc. I am lead to think about the following points.

The offensive line is starting to look like a bigger long term issue than any other postion(s) due to health and age of the majority of the players.

A big, great hands, wide out is a definite need.

Pass rusher - but still contains the run - defensive lineman is critical.

Another free safety or corner back is needed.

I still wonder how the coaches have graded out the younger lineman who showed promise last year:  Heyer, Montogmery, Alexander, Wilson, and rookies  Doughty and Mix.  Yoder showed he could catch and actually run with the ball.  

As I look at the 21st pick and whom many of the different mock drafts assume which team picks which player, I get the sense that the top quality (almost can't miss) tags placed on players at DE, OL, CB and WR will be gone.  DT and SS close second.  However, drafts are notorious for misleading information coming from teams as to whom they are after (the game is afoot). And, unexpected runs on certain positions occur.  I think this could occur with d-line positions this year early in the draft, expecially with what the Giants did to the Patriots.

The Redskins defense is very good, but not quite a top 5 unit.  The offense is out of sync and lacking depth.

This Chad Johnson issue is still unresolved.

Therefore, I think maybe an o-lineman may be the first pick.  Significantly, there is good quality and depth in this draft on WR's and defensive linemen and a few 0-linemen beyond the aforementioned can't miss labled high-first rounders.

Cerrato talked of quantity and quality.  Is it possible that the Skins would trade down in the first round?

The only kink in my wild assumptions is the Chad Johnson issue.  If Cinncinati decides to trade him due to all the ongoing antics between the team and Johnson, just what would the Redskins give up?

I don't think he is worth the probably cost, especially when you consider the needs.  I hope the Skins can get several quality linemen for both sides of the line and a very good WR in the first three rounds.  I think if they do trade down to a later place in the first or for a couple of high 2nd round picks, they could actually pull off a draft that helps now and takes a big step in helping the future at several positions.

I would like to hear back from some of you more knowledgeable fans about my wild assumptions.

From a Washington Post article today from an interview with Jim Zorn.  Zorn indicated they tried hard to go after some free agents but the costs were too much.  The Redskins would use the draft to take care of needs and they are:

"[S]afety, defensive lineman and wide receiver and depth on the offensive line"

I am making some deductive assumptions from this:

1. They want to put Landry back to strong safety.  They want to bring in competition for Doughty.
2. Zorn did not say, apparently, defensive linemEn, just lineman.
3.  The offensive starting line is medically sound (the same 5 starters from last year).  Depth was a problem and both reserves were hurt last year.  

My thoughts on this mean that the Redskins will look to the defensive side for the 21st pick.  I speculate that WR and o-line depth will be handled in the 2nd round and (2) 3rd and 4th rounds.  That said, if there is a run on certain positions, then prioritzation may change.  Hopefully, the best player available at each of those identified needs will be selected.

Zorn also talked about the run part of the playbook is the same.  Run will be used to help Jason at the start and methodically introduce the passing game as he learns the new parts.  He said Jason has excellent feet.  That is good.  Apparently, Zorn will be working on his reads and pass release mechanics and speed.

Poll

Will the skins trade their 21st pick?

25%

Move up in the first round

3 votes

16%

Keep the 21st pick

2 votes

50%

Move down in first round and pick up extra 2nd or 3rd round choice

6 votes

8%

Trade 21st to pick up existing player

1 votes

12 votes | Poll has closed