Bryan Johnson and the draft

Chamberlain could easily blossom under Gibbs ... I wouldn't argue otherwise ... I just don't feel the TE position is so settled that we can discount the possibility of drafting Kellen Winslow.

As Tom Boswell points out in his excellent column in today's WP, the minicamp that's underway right now will go a long way toward determining whether certain players have what it takes to be Redskins, and much of what's going into that equation is the football IQ of these guys. If Gibbs decides that Chamberlain and/or Royal don't fit for some reason, then I'd say we have a hole at TE that's just as significant as our needs at safety.

But I'm playing devil's advocate here ... I like Taylor at #5 because he's a sure thing and he will change the dynamics of the defense, and I think the Skins need to have a killer defense and Taylor will have a big role in that. But I won't be disappointed if we take Winslow. And more and more I'm hoping we don't trade down to fill a need because the talent isn't as good down there.

Good point, Ghost. Things are still up in the air. Also, h-back is a crucial part of Gibbs O. If he thinks he needs Winslow to make it all work, then go get him. We'll know in a few weeks...

We have Byron Chamberlain, Robert Royal and Brian Johnson who are primarily pass catching TE's/H-backs/FB's, Ok at blocking.
We also have Walter Rasby, Mike Sellers and Kevin Ware who are primarily blocking TE's/H-backs/FB's.
Plus Rock Cartwright who is primarily just a FB.

That is alot of players for these roles. Adding Winslow is a luxury.
The Safety position on the other hand is pretty weak. One injury to Bowens or Ohalete would be devastating.

Interesting, I had thought Sellers was more of a receiver. Thanks for the clarification....What about Leonard Stephens

Good point, Ghost. Things are still up in the air. Also, h-back is a crucial part of Gibbs O. If he thinks he needs Winslow to make it all work, then go get him. We'll know in a few weeks...

plus if Johnson is traded thats one less possibility for the h-back spot plus chamberlain could easily be cut during camp or after. plus isn't he(chamberlain) close to 30 years old?

And according to joecrisp, Chamberlain didn't look very good at minicamp on Saturday.

Interesting, I had thought Sellers was more of a receiver. Thanks for the clarification....What about Leonard Stephens

Sellers is a good receiver as well. But he got noticed, made the team and moved to fullback (with the Redskins) because he was knocking the snot out of people with his blocking and Special Teams play.
He has been playing in Canada the last couple of years because of the legal troubles he got into while in the NFL.
In Canada he stayed out of trouble and impressed everyone (coaches and press) and was particularly praised for his blocking ability. He was a fan favorite. He has great hands as well.
Bryan Johnson is in for a battle. They both should make the team.
Leonard Stephens is still a project, and with the increased talent in the TE position this year, will probably get cut.

...If Gibbs decides that Chamberlain and/or Royal don't fit for some reason, then I'd say we have a hole at TE that's just as significant as our needs at safety.


One thing to remember, in Gibbs system the TE is a blocker first. Gibbs won three Super Bowls with mostly blocking TE's, except for one - Clint Didier. And Didier was a pretty good blocker, besides being a great receiver.

I see Rasby the starter at TE and (either) Sellers or B. Johnson the starter at H-back. I don't see Chamberlain or Royal being good enough blockers to be ever start. They could be used in obvious pass plays/situations.

I think Gibbs is smart enough to adapt his system to produce maximum effect in today's NFL. Winslow can block and we know what kind of receiver he is. He would create real match-up problems for defenses. People like to compare him to Shockey ... I think a better comparison is Tony Gonzalez, who is much more dominant. Just because Gibbs did something a certain way 15 years ago doesn't mean he can't adapt if he thinks a player is special. Winslow is special. So is Sean Taylor. I'll be happy with either.

Adding Taylor to our defense would greatly improve it. Adding Winslow to our offense would make it unstoppable. Taylor is the better player but think about how many defenses Shockey has messed with. I dont see how a team could handle covering Portis, Winslow, Coles and Gardner. Everyplay would have a missmatch that we have a great chance of winning.

The bigger need is on defense, but the opportunity to have an unmatchable offense is interesting.