Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

With the season coming to a close and free agency and the draft coming up I would like to evaluate our LB's and make suggestions on what I think we should do with our LB's. Let's start off with........

Marcus Washington: Well Marcus is definitely the lone brightspot of our LB's although his production has dropped off this year I still think that he is a great linebacker and the emotional leader of our defense, we need to keep him around as long as possible.

Lemar Marshall: I had a lot of hope for Marshall after his brilliant season last year filling the void Antonio Pierce left, but this season has been a disaster for him, he can't seem to get off blocks and receivers make him look silly in pass coverage. So after watching Marshall for two seasons, one great, one serviceable at best, I would decide to keep Lemar around but bring in some competiton for him at MLB or move him to WLB and if worse comes to worse with him and he can't find a starting spot on our defense next year he could make contributions on special teams, Lemar is a player definitely worth keeping.

Warrick Holdman: Well what can I say about our old friend Warrick not to much as far as his skills at LB go. Teams flat out just run to his side and 80% of the time he can't stop it. Warrick definitely should not be a starting LB in this league he is a special teams player/ backup at best, he just can't get the job done, and this is going to be a spot we desperately need to adress this offseason.

Rocky McIntosh: I haven't seen him play enough to judge him, but I definitely think he has potential to be a decent LB, I still think he is a project though and i'm not sure how he is going to turn out for us. To me Rocky is a big question mark, but he has to be able to do better than Holdman and hopefully we will be able to see a lot of him these last 3 games.

Khary Campbell: I don't think Khary can start at LB in this league, but I think he is a great special teams player and I also think he adds good depth to our LB corps and could step in and play well if we ever needed him.

Jeff Posey: He is a career journeyman at LB and is a backup/ special teams player for us at best, however I don't think you will see Jeff in a Redskins uniform next year

So what I would do to address our LB situation in the offseason would be to draft a MLB H.B. Blades, Patrick Willis, Buster Davis, to bring in some competition for Marshall, I would also like to see us bring in a FA at LB to push for a starting job or add depth. I would keep Washington, Marshall, McIntosh, and Campbell, and say goodbye to Holdman, and Posey.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

Washington: not his best season, but our best linebacker

Marshall: backup MLB or possible starting OLB, but id rather bring in someone new and have him backup

Holdman: just a backup

Macintosh: no clue what he can do for us. his progress will dictate what we do in the offseason, whether he plays MLB or OLB, and if we go after MLB or OLB

i hope we look at a mlb in the draft (willis especially), and adibi if we trade down. a london fletcher should also be looked at for his knowledge of the williams system and his skills still at his age

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

Wait, we have line backers on the field, i never noticed them in a play

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=Redskin;259158]Wait, we have line backers on the field, i never noticed them in a play[/quote]

Great post.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=RMSkins;259149]With the season coming to a close and free agency and the draft coming up I would like to evaluate our LB's and make suggestions on what I think we should do with our LB's. Let's start off with........

Marcus Washington: Well Marcus is definitely the lone brightspot of our LB's although his production has dropped off this year I still think that he is a great linebacker and the emotional leader of our defense, we need to keep him around as long as possible.

Lemar Marshall: I had a lot of hope for Marshall after his brilliant season last year filling the void Antonio Pierce left, but this season has been a disaster for him, he can't seem to get off blocks and receivers make him look silly in pass coverage. So after watching Marshall for two seasons, one great, one serviceable at best, I would decide to keep Lemar around but bring in some competiton for him at MLB or move him to WLB and if worse comes to worse with him and he can't find a starting spot on our defense next year he could make contributions on special teams, Lemar is a player definitely worth keeping.

Warrick Holdman: Well what can I say about our old friend Warrick not to much as far as his skills at LB go. Teams flat out just run to his side and 80% of the time he can't stop it. Warrick definitely should not be a starting LB in this league he is a special teams player/ backup at best, he just can't get the job done, and this is going to be a spot we desperately need to adress this offseason.

Rocky McIntosh: I haven't seen him play enough to judge him, but I definitely think he has potential to be a decent LB, I still think he is a project though and i'm not sure how he is going to turn out for us. To me Rocky is a big question mark, but he has to be able to do better than Holdman and hopefully we will be able to see a lot of him these last 3 games.

Khary Campbell: I don't think Khary can start at LB in this league, but I think he is a great special teams player and I also think he adds good depth to our LB corps and could step in and play well if we ever needed him.

Jeff Posey: He is a career journeyman at LB and is a backup/ special teams player for us at best, however I don't think you will see Jeff in a Redskins uniform next year

So what I would do to address our LB situation in the offseason would be to draft a MLB H.B. Blades, Patrick Willis, Buster Davis, to bring in some competition for Marshall, I would also like to see us bring in a FA at LB to push for a starting job or add depth. I would keep Washington, Marshall, McIntosh, and Campbell, and say goodbye to Holdman, and Posey.[/quote]Just like last year, we really need to bring in a guy who can play the middle. Lemar is simply out of position there. He's good enough to be serviceable, but we need someone better. If we get that, Lemar can start the season in the middle or outside depending on how ready Rocky is.

Marcus Washington needs to rebound next year or we simply stand no chance to make a run.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[QUOTE=RMSkins;259149]With the season coming to a close and free agency and the draft coming up I would like to evaluate our LB's and make suggestions on what I think we should do with our LB's. Let's start off with........

Marcus Washington: Well Marcus is definitely the lone brightspot of our LB's although his production has dropped off this year I still think that he is a great linebacker and the emotional leader of our defense, we need to keep him around as long as possible.

Lemar Marshall: I had a lot of hope for Marshall after his brilliant season last year filling the void Antonio Pierce left, but this season has been a disaster for him, he can't seem to get off blocks and receivers make him look silly in pass coverage. So after watching Marshall for two seasons, one great, one serviceable at best, I would decide to keep Lemar around but bring in some competiton for him at MLB or move him to WLB and if worse comes to worse with him and he can't find a starting spot on our defense next year he could make contributions on special teams, Lemar is a player definitely worth keeping.

Warrick Holdman: Well what can I say about our old friend Warrick not to much as far as his skills at LB go. Teams flat out just run to his side and 80% of the time he can't stop it. Warrick definitely should not be a starting LB in this league he is a special teams player/ backup at best, he just can't get the job done, and this is going to be a spot we desperately need to adress this offseason.

Rocky McIntosh: I haven't seen him play enough to judge him, but I definitely think he has potential to be a decent LB, I still think he is a project though and i'm not sure how he is going to turn out for us. To me Rocky is a big question mark, but he has to be able to do better than Holdman and hopefully we will be able to see a lot of him these last 3 games.

Khary Campbell: I don't think Khary can start at LB in this league, but I think he is a great special teams player and I also think he adds good depth to our LB corps and could step in and play well if we ever needed him.

Jeff Posey: He is a career journeyman at LB and is a backup/ special teams player for us at best, however I don't think you will see Jeff in a Redskins uniform next year

So what I would do to address our LB situation in the offseason would be to draft a MLB H.B. Blades, Patrick Willis, Buster Davis, to bring in some competition for Marshall, I would also like to see us bring in a FA at LB to push for a starting job or add depth. I would keep Washington, Marshall, McIntosh, and Campbell, and say goodbye to Holdman, and Posey.[/QUOTE]

Pretty good summation. Good post.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

All good points. I would add that Marshall was coming off shoulder surgery & many game announcers said that was a factor in his play. It certainly looked like he couldn't shed blockers as well. At 225 lbs. he's already seriously undersized at his position. In 05 he made a no. of big plays, but they've been few & far between this year. I like his athleticism, but if he can't regain his form he's definitely not the guy to play MLB.
Let's HOPE that Mcune comes out of nowhere & wins the job.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

We really need to add a playmaker at LB, someone like Lance Briggs would be great.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[QUOTE=freddyg12;259194]All good points. I would add that Marshall was coming off shoulder surgery & many game announcers said that was a factor in his play. It certainly looked like he couldn't shed blockers as well. At 225 lbs. he's already seriously undersized at his position. In 05 he made a no. of big plays, but they've been few & far between this year. I like his athleticism, but if he can't regain his form he's definitely not the guy to play MLB.
[B]Let's HOPE that Mcune comes out of nowhere & wins the job.[/B][/QUOTE]

i really dont think thats happening, i think hes a special teamer at most

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=Mattyk72;259195]We really need to add a playmaker at LB, someone like Lance Briggs would be great.[/quote]

I'd like this too - but how much is he going to cost being one of the top LB on the market? If we have to throw a lot of money at a free agent I'd like to see a DL or cover corner be brought in first.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;259195]We really need to add a playmaker at LB, someone like Lance Briggs would be great.[/QUOTE]

There are some good LB's out there-Briggs, June, and Thomas for starters

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=Bill B;259237]I'd like this too - but how much is he going to cost being one of the top LB on the market? If we have to throw a lot of money at a free agent I'd like to see a DL or cover corner be brought in first.[/quote]

He's going to be top dollar of course, but we desperately need playmakers on D. CB and LB have to be top priorities, with DL being the next priority after that.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=Mattyk72;259239]He's going to be top dollar of course, but we desperately need playmakers on D. CB and LB have to be top priorities, with DL being the next priority after that.[/quote]

This is maybe the fist time I can say I disagree w/you Matty, but only w/a caveat. We just drafted a LB at a steep price. If Rocky can start, that gives us he, Marshall & Washington, not bad. The only way I see it as a top priority is if the coaches feel they have to replace Marshalll at MLB, which is a key position in GW's D. I could see getting a MLB in the draft to groom as a replacement to LM, or in FA. Olb is less I think cause we just drafted one (If Rocky can't crack the lineup in 07 we're in trouble).
I'll agree w/CB as top priority, followed by D-line.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

Someone said in another thread that Rocky played MLB in college. Why not move him into the middle, move Marshall back to WLB where he excellend?

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

two words for you, Paul Posluzny

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=freddyg12;259252]This is maybe the fist time I can say I disagree w/you Matty, but only w/a caveat. We just drafted a LB at a steep price. If Rocky can start, that gives us he, Marshall & Washington, not bad. The only way I see it as a top priority is if the coaches feel they have to replace Marshalll at MLB, which is a key position in GW's D. I could see getting a MLB in the draft to groom as a replacement to LM, or in FA. Olb is less I think cause we just drafted one (If Rocky can't crack the lineup in 07 we're in trouble).
I'll agree w/CB as top priority, followed by D-line.[/quote]

The problem is right now we know nothing about Rocky. At this point we're left with nothing to assume that he can step in next year and perform at a high level. Unless Rocky is an ace up the sleeve of Gregg Williams, we'll be looking for a veteran in free agency.

Not bad isn't going to cut it next year, we need to reload on defense.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

Where we really need help is on the line. A DE that can rush the passer and cause havoc is a must.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=skinsfan69;259260]Where we really need help is on the line. A DE that can rush the passer and cause havoc is a must.[/quote]

If we do get one in the draft/free agency - do you cut Wynn or Daniels or both?

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=Bill B;259261]If we do get one in the draft/free agency - do you cut Wynn or Daniels or both?[/quote]

I would cut Wynn and bring back Daniels as a backup. Or bring both back as backups. But neither are no longer full time starters. Daniels has not done a damn thing all year long.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=skinsfan69;259265]I would cut Wynn and bring back Daniels as a backup. Or bring both back as backups. But neither are no longer full time starters. Daniels has not done a damn thing all year long.[/quote]

I agree, Carter has outplayed Daniels as of late

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=The Zimmermans;259274]I agree, Carter has outplayed Daniels as of late[/quote]

Daniels has been hurt, but played on passing downs. He's been beating his man consistently, he's just not fast enough to get to the qb before the throw (add to that that our cb's have been letting wr's get into their routes untouched, so the play is sped up).
Daniels & Wynn are big team guys but we do need some young dudes to give them some competition.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=Big C;259223]i really dont think thats happening, i think hes a special teamer at most[/quote]

He looked pretty good in preseason from what I remember... and a lot of draft boards last year had him sandwiched in between guys like Kirk Morrison and Lofa Tatupu.... I have a hard time believing "hes a special teamer at most"...

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=Mattyk72;259257]The problem is right now we know nothing about Rocky. At this point we're left with nothing to assume that he can step in next year and perform at a high level. Unless Rocky is an ace up the sleeve of Gregg Williams, we'll be looking for a veteran in free agency.

Not bad isn't going to cut it next year, we need to reload on defense.[/quote]

True, I only saw his jersey after the plays on sunday, didn't notice him doing anything. I sure hope he's earning his pt & he'll get more these last 3 games. If we do sign a vet LB, I don't see it being a big name like Briggs.
I agree we need to reloac on D, the problem is there is NO area that we don't desparately need some young blood in. Line, LBs, DBs, we've got senior citizen players at each position.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=freddyg12;259283]True, I only saw his jersey after the plays on sunday, didn't notice him doing anything. I sure hope he's earning his pt & he'll get more these last 3 games. If we do sign a vet LB, I don't see it being a big name like Briggs.
I agree we need to reloac on D, the problem is there is NO area that we don't desparately need some young blood in. Line, LBs, DBs, we've got senior citizen players at each position.[/quote]

We are older on the line than at LB or DB.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

Yeah, I wish we had more youth in more positions on defense, these guys are old, and are only gonna get slower, more injury prone, and worse in time. Personnel improvements are a must on defense....I hope GW understands that.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;259257]The problem is right now we know nothing about Rocky. At this point we're left with nothing to assume that he can step in next year and perform at a high level. Unless Rocky is an ace up the sleeve of Gregg Williams, we'll be looking for a veteran in free agency.[/quote]

Something HAS to be wrong with Rocky. If we benched Brunell for Campbell, and have nothing to play for but experience, why is Rocky not in? Our LB's are playing horribly, so I would think Rocky would be in a lot more, but he's not. What is Greg Williams not telling us?

[quote]Not bad isn't going to cut it next year, we need to reload on defense.[/QUOTE]
ABSO-FREAKIN-LUTELY!

Defense wins championships. Look at us last year, our d brought us to 10-6. Our offense did very little to help. This year our offense has yet again done little to help and our D sucks...thus 4-9.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

Just thought I would give everybody a list of the 2007 free agent LB's with a comment.......

Lance Briggs: It would be great to get him but I think it's to unrealistic to bring him in because he will be looking for big money, and there is still a big chance that the Bears will retain him.

Na'il Diggs: Na'il has been a steady LB thourghout his career, but he has been plauged by injuries and he is getting old, although Na'il is a veteren LB and probably won't be looking for a lot of money, but I would still pass on him.

Cato June: Cato is very undersized, but has a lot of speed, and he is also a very good tackler, and a former pro bowler. I think it will take a lot of money to pull Cato from the Colts, which we cannot afford, and I don't think Cato is what we need.

Adalius Thomas: Thomas will probably be leaving the Ravens next year, and he would be a great addition to our LB's he could easily step in at MLB or OLB and play well, but I also think Thomas will be looking for a lot of money, I think if we can afford him we should definitely go after him for I think he is the best LB on the market for our needs.

London Fletcher: Fletcher is a very solid veteren LB with ties to GW, he could also be very inexpensive, but he will be 32 heading into next season and we will probably want to look at somebody more youthful to build around.

Other FA LB's
Kawika Mitchell
Rob Morris
Chase Blackburn
Randall Godfrey
Chad Brown
James Darling

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=RMSkins;259419]Just thought I would give everybody a list of the 2007 free agent LB's with a comment.......

Lance Briggs: It would be great to get him but I think it's to unrealistic to bring him in because he will be looking for big money, and there is still a big chance that the Bears will retain him.

Na'il Diggs: Na'il has been a steady LB thourghout his career, but he has been plauged by injuries and he is getting old, although Na'il is a veteren LB and probably won't be looking for a lot of money, but I would still pass on him.

Cato June: Cato is very undersized, but has a lot of speed, and he is also a very good tackler, and a former pro bowler. I think it will take a lot of money to pull Cato from the Colts, which we cannot afford, and I don't think Cato is what we need.

Adalius Thomas: Thomas will probably be leaving the Ravens next year, and he would be a great addition to our LB's he could easily step in at MLB or OLB and play well, but I also think Thomas will be looking for a lot of money, I think if we can afford him we should definitely go after him for I think he is the best LB on the market for our needs.

London Fletcher: Fletcher is a very solid veteren LB with ties to GW, he could also be very inexpensive, but he will be 32 heading into next season and we will probably want to look at somebody more youthful to build around.

Other FA LB's
Kawika Mitchell
Rob Morris
Chase Blackburn
Randall Godfrey
Chad Brown
James Darling[/quote]

I wouldn't sign any of these guys. More FA's IS NOT the way to go. A. Thomas was a 6th round draft pick. Why can't we go find someone in the draft like him and groom him? Plus he's going to be 30 next year. Same with Briggs. 3rd rounder that they kept around and groomed. Just becase these guys are good FA's names does not mean they will come here and thrive. I think we have learned the hard way about FA's. Draft and look for small name FA guys for depth.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=Mattyk72;259257]Not bad isn't going to cut it next year, we need to reload on defense.[/quote]Not bad might cut it actually as I expect the offense to be as good as it's ever been here next season. But one thing we can all agree on: we NEED to see improvement.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

I was just posting the list for everybody to see what our options are with FA LB's. I know our recent woes with free agency, and I never said we should sign anyone accept A.Thomas but that is only if we could afford him and let's face it Holdman, and Posey probably won't be here next year so that will leave us with four LB's so we're going to have to get somebody for depth so why not get somebody who can push for a starting position like A. Thomas. I agree with you on drafting a rookie and grooming him but we all know how GW is with rookies i.e. Rocky McIntosh, so who's to say that rookie will come in and have an impact right away, and that is what we need a LB that can come in and make an impact.

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

Please take Derek Smith back. I'll throw in Jeff Ulbrich for free!

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=freddyg12;259194]All good points. I would add that Marshall was coming off shoulder surgery & many game announcers said that was a factor in his play. It certainly looked like he couldn't shed blockers as well. At 225 lbs. he's already seriously undersized at his position. In 05 he made a no. of big plays, but they've been few & far between this year. I like his athleticism, but if he can't regain his form he's definitely not the guy to play MLB.
[B]Let's HOPE that Mcune comes out of nowhere & wins the job.[/B][/quote]
McCune just got signed by the Dolphins off our practice squad.
[url=http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/MIA/9867211]NFL.com - Miami Dolphins Team News[/url]

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=steveo395;259476]McCune just got signed by the Dolphins off our practice squad.
[URL="http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/MIA/9867211"]NFL.com - Miami Dolphins Team News[/URL][/quote]

Shit, I didn't even know they could DO that. Maybe they're interested in a slightly used special teams guy? Errr... starting safety?

Re: Evaluation of our Linebacking Corps
 

[quote=steveo395;259476]McCune just got signed by the Dolphins off our practice squad.
[URL="http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/MIA/9867211"]NFL.com - Miami Dolphins Team News[/URL][/quote]

bastards!!!