Secondary is a Primary
 

concern going into the offseason. How do we rebuild? Who do we keep or get rid of? What players do we bring in? We go through free agency or draft? We are limited but the cap penalty, but they are ways to still add talent to a unit that was inconsistent at best. Yes adding Orakpo and AC on the pass rush will help but I think we come back with a couple new starters. What sayth the mob as one poster used to say…

CB

I think the number issue facing us is what to do with D Hall. He’s another year older and has a massive cap number that if we cut we pay a limited penalty. Id say its time to move on. No restructure, no moving to safety.

Josh Wilson was inconsistent but in the last year of his contract with a relative small number. Id say let him play out the contract. He still can come up with big plays.

Crawford and Minnifield need to continue to develop. Keep both around for the 4 and 5th CB positions.

Id say we use FA to bring in another guy at a affordable contract. Sam Shields and Leo McKelvin could be two guys worth giving a look too. McKelvin been mentioned by SS, think its not a bad add. Shields decent, he can cover the slot receiver pretty well.

I also use the 2nd round pick on a player like Trufant, Poyer, or Rhodes. Let’m compete for a starter position or at least the slot. Gives us someone else young to develop before Wilson leaves next year.

Safety

I believe we should keep Merrieweather around another year at Strong Safety. We saw a glimpse and he played very well in the preseason and the 1 game I believe he started. Reed D played his ass off this year, mos def the best Ive ever seen him play. He’s under contract and we should let’m stick around. I think Gomes and Bernstein also are safety options but see both as Strong and not Free. One should be able to stick and contribute on special teams.

Free Safety needs an obvious upgrade. Id look to the draft here. The safety position is deeper than Kim K’s…Its really amazing. Reid, Swearinger, Rambo, Cyprien, Jefferson, Duke, Thomas etc. it goes on and on. Take the 3rd round pick and grab someone. M Williams is done, T Jax is done. If we need someone else, Id look at roster cuts and bring someone in at an affordable price.

Whats your plan?

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

I think it would be too risky to cut Hall. We're just too thin in the DB to let him go. I also think he played better football during our playoff run.

We need to keep Josh Wilson, as well.

There is no way I would plan to put the FS position in the hands of a rookie to start the season. If we were to sign a FA corner and no FA FS, then I'd look to move DHall to FS and back him up with a good rookie who might be able to take over later in the season, if necessary.

And I would definitely draft both a CB and a FS.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

Good thread

I'd sign Corey lynch and the Miami safety in FA (see what grimes asks for; if its ridiculous no) sign leodis mckelvin to a cheap prove it deal.

I'd draft cyprien , baccari Rambo, Leon McFadden, and mathieu.

And yes we can get all those guys

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

[quote=CultBrennan59;994172]Good thread

I'd sign Corey lynch and the Miami safety in FA (see what grimes asks for; if its ridiculous no) sign leodis mckelvin to a cheap prove it deal.

I'd draft cyprien , baccari Rambo, Leon McFadden, and mathieu.

And yes we can get all those guys[/quote]

Well let's hope they would be willing to sign for cheap. And hopefully the skins keep drafting well.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

I feel like I've seen this thread before

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

DJ Swearinger whether it be in the 2nd or 3rd. Thats who I want starting at FS for us next year. He flys around like very few. I keep Hall and draft a cb as well preferably Trufant or Rhodes.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

According to draft guru Mel Kiper, ihe Redskins will draft Phillip Thomas out of Fresno State at FS. He lead the NCAA division I free safeties in the interceptions category with 8. He's in the mold of Sean Taylor and Ed Reed and a real ball hawk. He's a very underrated player because Fresno State isn't a powerhouse program. But the Redskins can't let him get away.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

I'm pretty sure I remember D Hall saying he was willing to restructure his contract to stay with the Skins. I know a lot of fans have a love/hate relationship with the guy, but the fact is we don't have a lot of depth in the secondary and he has played well enough IMO to warrant him sticking around provided we can renegotiate his contract. I think it also helps that he could, if needed, be able to play safety. That gives us flexibility. Not every CB can move to safety.

I wondered if we would take a look at George Wilson. Heard this morning on the radio he has meetings lined up with the Titans and Lions.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

I just dont think Hall showed me anything when he did play FS this year. I do remember him getting killed in the slot against the Rams. Ive been a D Hall supporter in the past, I just think its time. I think we can get a more consistent player at both FS and CB with the entire amount of his next year salary (8 mil?).

Mentioned above is letting a rookie man the FS position. I share that concern too, and thats why Id bring in a roster cut/vet to provide leadership at that position to help the transition. M. Williams was ok at times, but we should be able to get a better player for that role.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

Of the draft prospects mentioned above:

Baccari Rambo, probably 3rd Round, Cyprien 4-5, McFadden 4-5. I have no idea where Mathieu might be drafted. All are good players, IMO.

I'm very high on both DJ Swearinger and Phillip Thomas. I'd say 5th round for Swearinger and probably 3rd round for Thomas.

As far as the draft is concerned, I think this is a bountiful year for safeties and corners but most of them need some time to develop. It would certainly help the Skins to stock up on 2-3. For now, we just need to sign a FA to start at FS. Then, as the rookies develop, they can challenge for more playing time.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

DB's played fine after the d line started getting preasure on the QB. My guess is if you could look at on sacks, hits, and hurries from each game you will see that as the year went on those number got better and so did our pass coverage. In the begining of the year it seem QB's would drop back pop open a beer while waiting for a WR to get open. As the year progressed something changed and we started getting to the QB.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

[quote=firstdown;994236]DB's played fine after the d line started getting preasure on the QB. My guess is if you could look at on sacks, hits, and hurries from each game you will see that as the year went on those number got better and so did our pass coverage. In the begining of the year it seem QB's would drop back pop open a beer while waiting for a WR to get open. As the year progressed something changed and we started getting to the QB.[/quote]

So keep the status quo? Another year of questionable FS and slot corner play...noway. Like I stated above, Orakpo and AC will be coming back so yeah pass rush will help. The primary reason we got pressure was because we blitzed like 60% of the time. Its like the 3 pointer in basketball, you live and die by it. If our defensive stratgdy is gonna be blitz, thats fine, but damn if I want M Williams, Gomes, D Hall, Reed and Wilson back there in man to man.

Another thing I wanted to mention we had 2 players suspended in the secondary as well, T Jax (tweeds) and C Griff (adderol?). I think neither of these guys should come back and we need to do our due dilligence a little better before we bring guys in with questionable backgrounds. I was for signing Talib previously, but not now. Too many questions in his background, plus I think we will be priced out.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

nobody is saying keep the status quo.. we all know we need some draft and or free agency help in the 2ndary... but cutting D. Hall without a viable replacement and him being willing to re-structure is just assanine. the dude played well down the stretch ... credit is due for the effort and level this team rose to on our win streak... and he was a key part to that IMO

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

[quote=Meks;994249]nobody is saying keep the status quo.. we all know we need some draft and or free agency help in the 2ndary... but cutting D. Hall without a viable replacement and him being willing to re-structure is just assanine. the dude played well down the stretch ... credit is due for the effort and level this team rose to on our win streak... and he was a key part to that IMO[/quote]

I dont think cutting Hall and saving 7+mil in cap space and replacing him with someone like McKelvin at 3.5 mil is assanine. I think it would be an improvement coverage-wise.

Hey I agree, DHall played well down the stretch, about the first time in 2 years. Id like to get younger, along with more consistent play at CB. Also spending a high pick on a CB to come in and compete for a starting position/slot corner serves us well. I think you'll be able to find a similarly skilled CB such as D Hall if there is a problem for a cheap price.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

it's possible.. guess we really wont know whos interested and what type of $ we can spend til next month

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

[quote=Chico23231;994252]I dont think cutting Hall and saving 7+mil in cap space and replacing him with someone like McKelvin at 3.5 mil is assanine. I think it would be an improvement coverage-wise.

Hey I agree, DHall played well down the stretch, about the first time in 2 years. Id like to get younger, along with more consistent play at CB. Also spending a high pick on a CB to come in and compete for a starting position/slot corner serves us well. I think you'll be able to find a similarly skilled CB such as D Hall if there is a problem for a cheap price.[/quote]

I wholeheartedly agree. DeAngelo Hall's game Sometimes he's good but most of the time he's terrible. His main weakness is that he has always had trouble covering elite NFL receivers. Anquan Boldin scorched him for TDs last year and although he did well against Dez Bryant, it still can't make up for the tons of yardage that Hall gives up. I think Hall will end his career as a FS like Ronde Barber and Rod Woodson.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

I would say its certain that the Skins will use an early pic on a DB . Maybe a F/A also . I think how well cb's Crawford and Minnifield look might affect how we draft. Merriweather and T. Jackson returning could only help . Maybe find a De/Lb in the mid rounds who can really put heat on the Qb ?

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

[quote=budw38;994333]I would say its certain that the Skins will use an early pic on a DB . Maybe a F/A also .[B] I think how well cb's Crawford and Minnifield look might affect how we draft[/B]. Merriweather and T. Jackson returning could only help . Maybe find a De/Lb in the mid rounds who can really put heat on the Qb ?[/quote]

Well how did they look? Minniefield cannot be counted on to be healthy and Crawford looked decent but certainly isnt ready to start. At this point, I think they are competing for depth at the CB position. I dont think they affect how we draft.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

[quote=Chico23231;994334]Well how did they look? Minniefield cannot be counted on to be healthy and Crawford looked decent but certainly isnt ready to start. At this point, I think they are competing for depth at the CB position. I dont think they affect how we draft.[/quote]
I was suggesting , if the coaches see something over the next 2 months , such as Minnifield running at 100% they might take a ( S ) or ( T ) in rd 2 as opposed to a ( CB ) because of a run on corners in rd 2. As far a Merriweather and T Jackson , how they look or how much they really like them as opposed to who is available in rd/s 2 & 3 could affect which pics they make . I hope we draft either CB or S with our 2nd rd pic , we need a pro bowl type guy in our secondary . Im confident that Allen and Co. will make the necessary moves in regards to the secondary .

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

T Jax shouldnt be on the team. He's a free agent and shouldnt be resigned.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

[quote=Chico23231;994362]T Jax shouldnt be on the team. He's a free agent and shouldnt be resigned.[/quote]

Yeah he's not even eligible for reinstatement until Aug 31, meaning he can't even step foot in Redskins Park all offseason. Hard to see him back with the team.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

[quote=Chico23231;994362]T Jax shouldnt be on the team. He's a free agent and shouldnt be resigned.[/quote]

T Jax is good as gone.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

[quote=budw38;994355]I was suggesting , if the coaches see something over the next 2 months , such as Minnifield running at 100% they might take a ( S ) or ( T ) in rd 2 as opposed to a ( CB ) because of a run on corners in rd 2. As far a Merriweather and T Jackson , how they look or how much they really like them as opposed to who is available in rd/s 2 & 3 could affect which pics they make . I hope we draft either CB or S with our 2nd rd pic , we need a pro bowl type guy in our secondary. Im confident that Allen and Co. will make the necessary moves in regards to the secondary .[/quote]

You make a good point about the development of players who are already on the roster affecting draft day decisions. In the case of drafting a CB, it's not just the development of CB's who are already on the roster that might affect the round(s) in which we take a CB but many other circumstances, as well.

For example, what if the Skins are very pleased with the progress that OT Tom Compton has made and rate him above any potential Right OT that they might get in the draft. That might cause them to turn away from drafting an OT in Rnd 2 who they rate higher than a CB who they decide to draft instead.

What if London Fletcher decides to retire? Would the Skins move heaven and earth to move up into Rnd 1 to draft a player like Kevin Minter? That would probably mean trading our 2nd Rnd pick and more.

Regardless of what we do internally or by way of FA to upgrade the CB and/or safety positions, I feel certain that we're going to address both of those areas at some point in the draft. That's because we need more depth in those positions and this year's draft is deeper than usual at those positions.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

Agree with you KI , we should be able to find both S and CB in what looks like a deep draft !

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

Scouts take on Cornerbacks from Keim's report:

Eyeing the draft: Cornerbacks

With no first-round pick, the Redskins won’t have a chance to grab one of the elite players at a position. But they still can find a solid player in the second. Considering cornerback is a position of need — even if they keep DeAngelo Hall and re-sign Cedric Griffin — we’ll take a look at this spot with the help from ex-NFL scout Russ Lande, currently in charge of scouting for the National Football Post. These are not Lande’s official rankings but rather grouped by projected rounds.

The top corners in the draft are easy to identify: Alabama’s Dee Milliner and Florida State’s Xavier Rhodes. Lande said Milliner is a “real athletic kid, powerful. Willing to play physical, which NFL teams love because most corners are not. He’s the whole package.” And of Rhodes, Lande said, “Very good size. Well-built kid. He can run. He’s been a dominant guy since he stepped on the field at Florida State. He’ll play, and he’ll play early.”

A couple high-round guys we did not discuss: Rutgers’ Logan Ryan and Southeastern Louisiana’s Robert Alford, both of whom project as second-rounders. Ex-Redskins safety Matt Bowen likes Alford: “He’s 5-9, but Tim Jennings had nine picks for the Bears, and he’s about 5-2. It doesn’t really matter. Alford competes.” Ryan, at 6-feet, 190 pounds, has good size and plays physical. But he only runs the 40-yard dash in the 4.5s.

Here’s what Lande has to say about the other corners who could tempt the Redskins in the second and third rounds (if they’re available).

Desmond Trufant, Washington

“A lot of scouts see him as a third- or fourth-round player off film, but at the Senior Bowl he was awesome. I’ve heard a lot of scouts say, ‘I don’t like him.’ He’s 5-11 and will run in the mid to low 4.4s, and he had a great week in front of the coaches. He’ll be a first-round pick, and he’ll get picked on. He’s athletic and willing to play physical. He is tough. The question is can he become a more consistent corner. He’ll get picked higher than his production warrants because he’s so gifted.”

Range » Late first-early second. He’s unlikely to fall to the Redskins’ pick at 51.

Jamar Taylor, Boise State

“He’s a well-built kid, and he is explosive. He can close on the ball in a heartbeat. He really impresses me. He’ll be a very good player. He’s a tough, physical aggressive corner. He has very quick feet. He has a nice backpedal. He can change directions easily. He’s a little aggressive trying to make plays, and that will lead to him biting on receivers when they make a fake or when a quarterback pump fakes it. He’s the type of guy physically who can stay with most receivers. He has good size. He’s an intriguing kid. He’s a guy I wouldn’t be shocked if a month from now people are talking about him as a late first-round pick. When you’re 5-11 and explosive, which he is, those guys tend to zoom up the draft boards.”

Range » Late first-second.

Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State

“He’s one of the most interesting corners in the draft. When you look at him physically and watch him play, there are many similarities to Jimmy Smith in terms of pure talent. He’s a long linear kid who can run and has loose hips and great coverage skills and instincts. He’s just real thin. He gets pushed around at the point of attack, and receivers get open because they shove him off. But it’s hard to find 6-2 corners with great feet and natural hips and good coverage skills. That’s the type of guy you want to take a gamble on. He’s a smart kid; he’s already graduated. He has a lot of positive traits in terms of character and intangibles, which leads me to believe he’ll keep getting better. There are a lot of scouts that like him.”

Range » Late first-second.

Jordan Poyer, Oregon State

“He’s very instinctive, a little thin. Great break on the ball. Poyer was also at the Senior Bowl. He’s a good player, but he’s not a blazer. That will be the thing that leads him to being there in the second round. I’ll bet he runs in the mid 4.5s at the combine, but he’s a really good player. He has a good feel for what’s going on. He’s one of those guys who gets in the league without a lot of pub and two years later when he’s a good starter you’re like, ‘How did he end up being drafted in the second round?’ He has a feel you can’t teach. He reads the route combinations, the quarterback. He reads all of that well.”

Range » Second-third round.

Leon McFadden, San Diego State

“He’s a kid that three years from now people will say, ‘Son of a gun, he’s another guy we overlooked.’ If you just watched film and never worried about 40 times, you’d say his production warrants a first- or second-round grade. He’s 5-10. He’s physical. He’s aggressive. He’s so smooth and athletic, and his technique is great. He’s just not a fast kid, so premier fast guys will run by him. But the bulk of receivers, he’ll stay on their hip and disrupt their route. He reads the route, he closes and he makes plays on the ball. Then you add in the fact that he’s not only willing but he loves to come up and make hits and tackle. He’s a really good player. I don’t think he’ll run well; I’d say high 4.5s. But every scout I speak to is saying, ‘I hope my team snares him in the third round; I think he’ll be a starter even though he runs bad.’ ”

Range » Third-fourth round.

Darius Slay, Mississippi State

“He’s not as well-known as the Banks kid, who is obviously a premier prospect. But he’s a really good player. You watch film on this kid, and he’s the type of guy who gets overlooked because Banks is playing across from him. But he’s a good sized kid — 6-1 or 5-11 and a half. A good athlete. He’s a quick twitch kid who can explode and close on the ball. Definitely as a slot corner he’ll play, and he has potential to be a starter.”

Range » Third round.

Terry Hawthorne, Illinois

“Talk about a kid who should be a first-round pick. He’s 6-foot, and he can run with anybody. He’s a tremendous athlete. But I don’t know what it is. … I spoke to a bunch of different scouts, and they think it’s a lack of football instincts with him because he has no real awareness where the receiver is or when the ball is coming. He’s often right there, right on the hip, and then the guy turns and catches the ball, and he has no idea it’s coming. But he’s a gifted kid who I think will work out tremendously well. It’ll lead to some team taking a gamble on him way higher than his production dictates.”

As a possible safety: “A big part of that is because he’s not great when his back is to the quarterback. When you’re in coverage and he can’t watch the quarterback, he struggles. When he can watch the quarterback, he’s more effective. I don’t think he’s consistently physical as a tackler, and he doesn’t fly up to make tackles. Those guys make me nervous putting them at safety.”

Range » Fifth round.

More corner chatter

» Is Chase Minnifield a realistic option for 2013? Difficult to say, but there’s a definite sense that the Redskins would not have kept him around after the ACL surgery on his knee last summer otherwise. It marked the second time in six months that he needed surgery on that knee, the first being a microfracture surgery in January. The problem with microfracture surgeries is that it increases the likelihood of more surgery for that knee.

But the point is this: If the Redskins did not think Minnifield might help them, they would not have kept him around. He’s working out at Redskins Park and said to be running fine on the treadmill. Of course, cutting is another matter. It’s uncertain when the Redskins would let him return to full-time work in terms of offseason practices.

There’s still a risk of him incurring further injury because of the surgeries he’s had, so fingers must be constantly crossed with him. Still, the Redskins are telling people that he’s rehabbing well. Eventually we’ll find out how well.

» So Pro Football Focus suggested Bills corner Leodis McKelvin as a potential target for the Redskins? Here’s what one Bills insider said in an email about McKelvin: “1 of 10 most physically gifted CBs in the league, but … relies solely on physical ability, and that gets him in trouble. Rarely in position to make plays on the ball. Inconsistent with his leverage, doesn’t have a feel for his coverage assignments week to week. Just kind of goes out and plays. … Dynamic returner because his physical ability can take over, but when he has to read plays and make quick decisions, he’s late to the party on defense.”

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

Safety prospects from Keim's report:

Eyeing the draft: Safety

With no first-round pick the Redskins won’t have a chance to grab one of the elite players at a position. But they can still find a solid player in the second. Considering safety is a primary position of need, we’ll take a look at this spot first with the help from ex-NFL scout Russ Lande, currently in charge of scouting for the National Football Post. These are not Lande’s official rankings, but rather grouped by projected rounds. There are two corners included because some teams consider them best at safety.

1. FS Kenny Vaccaro, Texas »

“He’s the only guy that is consistently productive in coverage, not just playing deep. There were one or two times this year they brought him down and said this receiver is your guy and he covered him the whole game. He can cover in the slot, the tight end, deep. He comes up in run support. He’s a hitter and a tackler. He’s a top-10 guy in the draft – better than Mark Barron coming out a year ago. There’s no question he’s a better athlete.”

Range: First round. Barron was picked seventh by Tampa Bay last April. Obviously the Redskins have no shot at him.

2. FS Eric Reid, LSU »

“He’ll be the next guy picked. He’s a tremendous athlete, a highly competitive kid who loves blowing plays up. He flies around the field and plays with an ‘I’m going to knock your head off’ attitude. He gets out of control and misses tackles but athletically he’s all there. He has great range. I’d like to see more consistency. He likes to bite on stuff.”

Range: Middle of the first round to around 25. That’s too early for the Redskins.

3. SS Matt Elam, Florida »

“He’s a very intriguing kid. He’ll have issues. He’s the old-school, close-to-the-line-of-scrimmage safety. There aren’t many teams that play with differentiated safeties. Most have to cover and this kid has issues in coverage. He’s not great in coverage. He’s not a big kid, but he can run with guys man to man. But at 5-foot-10, it’s an issue defending the pass against tight ends. Against the run this kid is a missile. He attacks the play. He can get through traffic. He’s more a launch-and-hit guy than a wrap-up guy. There’s a lot to like about what he contributes against the run; he’s a physical player. He could be exposed in coverage at the next level. He may be a backup, but he’ll be a dynamic special teams guy.”

Range: Second round. He could be available at 51 when the Redskins pick.

4. SS Jonathan Cyprien, Florida International »

“This kid walks in the room and [people are like], ‘That’s my guy.’ He’s muscled up, thick, but athletic. He has nice feet and can peddle and change direction. He’s what you want in today’s NFL. He can be a box guy, but he can cover. It wouldn’t floor me if he ends up being the second or third safety taken. He’s a really good player. But small-school guys aren’t well-known and that will cause some teams to pass him up. He occasionally would get flexed deep and at the Senior Bowl people were shocked at how easily he moved and his range. I was standing with a DB coach who has been in the NFL or Division I college football for more than 20 years and he said, ‘Russ, I’m telling you those are the feet of a starting safety. This is what you want in a starting safety.’ “

Range: Second. At one point he seemed like a safe bet to be available for the Redskins’ first pick. But after offseason workouts he could go higher.

5. FS Bacarri Rambo, Georgia »

“He’s an athletic kid and can run. He has great coverage skills, especially when you look at the history of covering in the slot and tight ends. He’s not afraid to hit guys even though he’s slender-framed. He’s not big. He’s versatile.”

Range: Second-third round. He’ll be available for Washington. One good thing for the Redskins: Their ex-linebackers coach, Kirk Olivadotti, is Georgia’s linebackers coach and could provide a good scouting report for them.

6. FS Tony Jefferson, Oklahoma »

“Very athletic. Long, linear. He can hit but he misses a ton of tackles. He really misses a lot of tackles. A low, dive-and-lunge guy. I wonder about his overall awareness. He often seems lost in coverage. He’s an athlete and he’ll probably work out well.”

Range: Second-third round. Clearly in the Redskins’ range.

7. FS Phillip Thomas, Fresno State »

“He’s one of those typical Fresno State guys who plays with a chip on their shoulder. An aggressive kid. Good at everything, but not elite at anything. That’s why teams like him. He’s not a special athlete, but he’s a good one. He’s effective in coverage. He’s not Ed Reed. Overall he’s just one of those guys who will probably be a workmanlike starter, but not a guy you read about much. He does his job and doesn’t make errors but he won’t make highlight-reel plays. He’ll be a consistent guy. He’ll have some trouble with really fast guys if you pair him up one on one, but otherwise he’s a good solid player.”

Range: Second-third round.

8. FS T.J. McDonald, Southern California »

“I’m not a big fan of him. Someone will take him in the second or at worst in the third. He’s what you want when getting off the bus. He looks like an All-Pro specimen. But when you put in the game film he’s a disappointment. He doesn’t attack the play; he’s hoping teammates make the play. When he wants to he makes it, but he’s not a consistent tackler. He can be one of those guys who strikes a guy and knocks him off his feet and does it with great technique about once a game. He can run and he has range deep and over the tight end but I don’t know if he’s instinctive or not being real aggressive. But he always seems to be on the periphery and not involved in a lot of plays. At the Senior Bowl I had a few people say he didn’t look good moving around with those other athletes.”

Range: Second-third round.

9. CB/FS David Amerson, N.C. State »

“He’s been a corner his whole life. Many projected him as a top-10 pick as a corner [before last season]. But he’s not a fast guy. If a team plays cover-2 and their corners don’t have to be great runners, … or if you want a real athletic safety who’s willing to hit, he could be the sleeper safety of the draft. He’s tall, linear and for a safety he can run and is athletic.”

Range: Second to third round. His future could be at corner or safety.

10. SS Shawn Williams, Georgia »

“One kid who will go higher than he should. I could see any team where the coaches have the power falling in love with him. Like McDonald, walking off the bus this kid is unbelievable. He has the intangibles, the leadership. He’s top of the line and he’s freaky smart so when you put him on the chalkboard he’ll be unbelievable. The problem is he’s not very good. But he’s a three-year starter and so smart that some team will say he’ll be a great last guy on defense and making the calls. But he’ll have trouble in coverage because even though he’s athletic ,he’s not natural in terms of football. Even at the Senior Bowl where he wasn’t impressive he just looks the part. Rambo is the better player.”

Range: Third round.

11. SS Duke Williams, Nevada »

“The kid who may end up being the best of all of them other than Vacarro. He’s a violent player. He flies up the field. He also played a bunch of corner. He’s 6-foot or 5-11 and is versatile, and in today’s NFL teams will love having a guy like him because he can move around. He’s a smart kid. He’s one of the more intriguing guys at the position because of his experience at corner and his willingness to hit. He’ll test great on the chalkboard.”

Range: Third-fifth rounds.

12. FS D.J. Swearinger, Clemson »

“He has experience covering and being deep. He’s aggressive. He has great range and versatility. I like him. He’s not a guy you take in the second, but in the third or fourth round area he’s very intriguing. He’s a good player.”

Range: Fourth round.

13. CB/FS Micah Hyde, Iowa »

“He’s not a high pick, maybe a fourth rounder. He’s a very intriguing kid. He started his whole career at corner. He’s a tall, long-armed linear athlete. But he’s not an explosive kid, which is why he could be moved out of corner and to safety. But he’s so smooth and a very bright kid. I don’t love him, but I could see him being that type of guy who people aren’t high on but who gets into camp and you say he’s a smooth, fluid athlete and does all the things you want him to do.”

Range: Fourth-sixth rounds.

14. SS JJ Wilcox, Georgia Southern »

“He’s a dominant small-school kid. The big question on him is when you watch a play he looks like he’s fast enough and a good athlete, but you want to see how he handles it in coverage in the NFL. The biggest issue I have with him is, does he have the athleticism and speed to cover at the NFL level?”

Range: Fifth-sixth round.

15. SS Cooper Taylor, Richmond »

“He has a chance to not just make it but be good. He started his career at Georgia Tech. He measured in at 6-4 ½ and 225 pounds and he looked so athletic for a big kid with such range. I know a lot of teams don’t like tall safeties because they don’t feel they can change directions and can be exposed. But in all-star games he doesn’t look like he has any issue in coverage.”

Range: Late rounds.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

Thanks for the scouting of DBs Chico . I read some similar scouting reports on Walters football and rotoworld .

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

[quote]2. FS Eric Reid, LSU »

“He’ll be the next guy picked. He’s a tremendous athlete, a highly competitive kid who loves blowing plays up. He flies around the field and plays with an ‘I’m going to knock your head off’ attitude. He gets out of control and misses tackles but athletically he’s all there. He has great range. I’d like to see more consistency. He likes to bite on stuff.”[/quote]


Did anyone read this about Eric Reid and think:

2. FS [B]Laron Landry[/B], LSU »

“He’ll be the next guy picked. He’s a tremendous athlete, a highly competitive kid who loves blowing plays up. He flies around the field and plays with an ‘I’m going to knock your head off’ attitude. He gets out of control and misses tackles but athletically he’s all there. He has great range. I’d like to see more consistency. He likes to bite on stuff.”

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

[quote=Skinzman;994473]Did anyone read this about Eric Reid and think:

2. FS [B]Laron Landry[/B], LSU »

“He’ll be the next guy picked. He’s a tremendous athlete, a highly competitive kid who loves blowing plays up. He flies around the field and plays with an ‘I’m going to knock your head off’ attitude. He gets out of control and misses tackles but athletically he’s all there. He has great range. I’d like to see more consistency. He likes to bite on stuff.”[/quote]
Yes , LOL . Everyone likes Reid , but every scouting report says the same thing , gets beat too often . The .... Jets , Raiders or Rams can have him.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

Love the scouting reports. And I want to point out that earlier Keim made a great point about "If Chase wasn't in the Redskins plans for next year, they would have cut him." But also that Keim said "his multiple surgeries on his knee and microfracture surgery, make him more injury prone when cutting" which is also a big problem.


As for the scouting;

- I've come to start liking Cyprien the past few weeks, now I feel like he'll go in the first.
- Elam not being able to cover TE's in the NFL could be a problem; didn't really think of that, because his plays of flying all over the field and knocking out players came to mind first.
- I watched Vaccaro in a couple of games and just thought that he was good, not top 10 good. He maybe great against the pass but run support..eh not that good.
- I think that TJ McDonald could, could be the next Kam Chancellor. They both were star players on their teams but had many questions by scouts in terms of coverage, backpedaling and changing direction. I think that TJ will go 4-6 range in the draft and be a starting Safety in the NFL.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

Regarding the scouting reports, I have some observations and opinions on some of these players, as well. I'm just an average guy who loves NFL football and who has closely watched players for over 50 years, so I do have a point of reference. I'd like to share some of my quick and dirty observations on these players.

[B][U]CB's[/U][/B]

First of all, I agree with the author that Milliner, Rhodes, and Trufant should go before we pick. However, I'm surprised that he didn't list Johnthan Banks as one of the top corners in the draft. I would rate him second behind only Milliner who, IMO, is clearly the best CB in the draft.

The rest of the corners that I would rate as Tier 1 are Poyer, Ryan, Alford, and (surprise!) Adrian Bushell. Any of those players could either fall to us or be drafted before we pick at #51 (except for Bushell).

IMO, Alford covers as well as any CB in this draft. Half the time, it almost looks like he's the WR.

Poyer is one of my favorites because he is a playmaker who is an exciting PR. We'll have to see how he runs at the Combine.

I see Bushell as a potential bargain in the draft. He might go as low as the 4th or 5th Rnd but he is fast, he covers well, tackles well, and is a great ST player as a KR/PR.

Now for my Tier 2 CB's:

I sincerely hope that Jamar Taylor is taken by somebody in the 1st or early 2nd Round because I think he's an average prospect and that will leave one more good CB for us. Taylor is a willing tackler, though.

To me, Leon Mcfadden has everything you would want in a CB. He's very talented but, I think, a bit raw. He's a converted WR, so that's to be expected. he'd be a very nice pick in the 4th Rnd.

Terry Hawthorne is no NFL CB at all, IMO. However, I think he could be a very good NFL safety, in time. He's strong, fast, and a great tackler. He'd be a very nice 6th Rnd pick as a safety, IMO.

[B][U]Safeties[/U][/B]

On to the safeties. Man, there are a lot of good safety prospects, IMO.

Kenny Vaccaro is #1 and it ain't even close. Here's my initial note on him: "Heat-seeking missle!" He could be a great one.

I'm not nearly as positive about Eric Reid. He is a punishing tackler with good range but can he cover and is he fast enough? I say let's hope that another team takes him before we draft and let them find out.

I don't share the writer's concerns about Matt Elam. He is a great tackler with good range.

Cyprien has good size, great range, and he competes well. But he seems to me to play a bit out of control. He may not go as high as they think.

I think Baccari Rambo would be a good pick for us in Rnd 3. He is a silky smooth athlete with size, very good ball skills, and he's a good tackler. Who wouldn't want a player named Rambo as their FS?

I don't understand the concerns about Tony Jefferson. I think he is dynamic player who does it all. I've had my eye on him for years.

Ah yes, Phillip Thomas! According to the article Thomas is "an aggressive kid" who is "good at everything, but not elite at anything". I strongly disagree with those observations. Thomas has spectacular ball skills, he's a big hitter, and he's an outstanding blitzer. I would be thrilled if the Skins were to draft him in the 3rd Rnd.

As the man said, T.J. McDonald is not a willing tackler. I would not draft him.

I also agree with the author on David Amerson. He could either struggle as a CB or excel as a safety. I like him a lot at FS. He's very big and he's a great athlete with good hands.

I like Shawn Williams. Maybe I shouldn't like him so much but he really knows how to play the game and he'll knock your damn head off. He will be feared in the NFL.

Duke Williams is a hitter who can cover. He has good size and speed. It bothers me that he often takes bad angles. Would I take him as a 5th or 6th round pick? Sure.

I really like DJ Swearinger. He is a very tough player who can do it all. Lack of speed might be an issue with him.

To me, JJ Wilcox has all the skills you want as well as good size but he looks like someone who will need to be developed as a player. Could be a 6th Rnd pick.

I don't know enough about Micah Hyde and Cooper Taylor to comment on them.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

This team is ready for more talented youth. They'll buy into the recent success they're having.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

restructure Hall
cut: Brandon Meriweather
draft a FS projected to be a starter as rookie
sign a middle tier FA FS Corey Lynch, Glover Quin

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

Don't believe everything you read from the draftnik 'experts' often what they say doesn't match with you see

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

There's a ball hawking safety named Chris Banjo from SMU...I wouldn't doubt that Bruce and Mike have an eye on this kid since we've drafted players from SMU the past couple of years.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

[quote=30gut;994554]restructure Hall
cut: Brandon Meriweather
draft a FS projected to be a starter as rookie
sign a middle tier FA FS Corey Lynch, Glover Quin[/quote]

What do you think the chances are that the Skins draft [U]three[/U] DB's in this class? Perhaps a CB and two safeties, one high and one late? It's such a good class for DB's (safeties in particular) IMO, I wonder if this might be the time for them to fix the secondary.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

[quote=KI Skins Fan;994560]What do you think the chances are that the Skins draft [U]three[/U] DB's in this class? Perhaps a CB and two safeties, one high and one late? It's such a good class for DB's (safeties in particular) IMO, I wonder if this might be the time for them to fix the secondary.[/quote]

I would not be surprised at all to see us take 3 DB's, for exactly the reasons that you mentioned.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

[quote=KI Skins Fan;994560]What do you think the chances are that the Skins draft [U]three[/U] DB's in this class? Perhaps a CB and two safeties, one high and one late? It's such a good class for DB's (safeties in particular) IMO, I wonder if this might be the time for them to fix the secondary.[/quote]
I could see it , if they have DB's rated highest when they pic. We did draft 3 OL last year and 3 WR's the prior year . Maybe we end up with a draft like the 49ers in 1981 [url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/1981_draft.htm]1981 San Francisco 49ers Draftees - Pro-Football-Reference.com[/url] which by the way led to a SB victory .

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

[quote=KI Skins Fan;994560]What do you think the chances are that the Skins draft [U]three[/U] DB's in this class? Perhaps a CB and two safeties, one high and one late? It's such a good class for DB's (safeties in particular) IMO, I wonder if this might be the time for them to fix the secondary.[/quote] I would love it and I agree with you that this draft is a good time to address the secondary but I think the chances are low that we draft 3.
Maybe 2 but almost certainly 1.

Re: Secondary is a Primary
 

at least 2.