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Washington Redskins 2008 NFL Draft Needs
The Washington Redskins are coming off a season of sorrow and a season of triumph all at the same time. With the unexpected tragic loss of S Sean Taylor, the Redskins were forced to play the final 4 games with out their pro bowler. At the time the team was 5-7, but was able to finished strong and end the season in the playoffs at 9-7. In one of footballs toughest divisions the Redskins will have to make improvements this off-season if they want to compete with the Cowboys, Giants, and Eagles. The will also have a new coach as Jim Zorn will be stepping in for the retired Joe Gibbs. So that brings to question what can the Redskins do on draft day to fill some of the wholes left by aging players and free agent losses. Here is a look at what we think the Redskins will address in the draft, unless they find suitable players in free agency before the draft gets under way on April 26-27th.
1. Defensive Linemen
This unit needs an upgrade here and with a deep draft at DE and a few stud DT’s on the board the Redskins could get a solid player with their first round pick at 21. While the top dogs will be off the board, there is a chance Miami’s DE Calais Campbell could be up for the takings. There is a chance that Florida’s DE Derrick Harvey could slip his way past the middle of the round, and if he does we think the Redskins should jump on the chance to draft him. If the team decides that it needs more help up the middle they could go after DT Kentwan Balmer for North Carolina, who many have listed as the 3rd best DT on the board.
2. Offensive Line
While they were able to get the job done in 2007, this unit needs some attention before they end like the Kansas City Chiefs and they can’t block anyone. Both Guards are getting up in age as LG Pete Kendell is approaching 35 and RG Randy Thomas is almost 32. Thomas is injury prone and may only have a few more solid years left in the tank. While they might wait till later rounds to grab a lineman, they could go with tackles Chris Williams from Vanderbilt or Jeff Otah from Pittsburgh. While the guard class is weak they will most likely be able to grab the best one on the board with their first round pick in Branden Albert from Virginia.
3. Defensive Back
This unit is suffering both the loss of Sean Taylor, but some key injuries from 2007. CB Carlos Rodgers is going to be coming off knee surgery that won’t have him ready for the start of the season. There is also thought that the team might not bring back veteran CB Shawn Spring, which would leave a gaping whole at the position. Reed Doughty did an above average job at filling in for Taylor, but he and fellow safety LaRon Landry have no solid backups to step in if needed. The team could go after a few of the top cornerbacks left at the end of the first round. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie from Tenn. State, and Aquib Talib would both be great fits. If they decide to wait till the second or third rounds they will most likely get a player that will be a hit or miss at becoming a big time corner in the NFL.
4. Wide Receiver
While many people think that this is the team’s biggest need in the draft, we think that the signing of D.J. Hackett has allowed other positions to move up on this list. While they could grab Texas’s Limas Sweed in the first round if he is still on the board, there will likely be a few solid receivers that make their way into the 2nd and 3rd round.
5. Linebacker
This unit was pretty solid in 2007, but they showed just how much they could use another solid backup when OLB Rocky McIntosh went down with an injury late in the season. While the Redskins have yet to sign a linebacker via free agency they could still find someone before the draft starts. Also keep an eye on Randall Godfrey and if the team brings him back in 2008. If the Redskins decide to help this position first they could go after Penn State’s Dan Connor in the first round.
Be sure to continue to check back as we will continue to be bringing you team-by-team draft articles. Also, be sure to check out our first round Mock Draft. Feel free to leave any comments you might have on the draft and each team’s draft needs in our comment box.
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