Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

The Washington Times is reporting:

[I]The Hall of Fame coach hinted he will use the ninth pick in next month's draft to shore up a defense weakened -- particularly at cornerback -- by the loss of key players to free agency. [/I]

I've been convinced that we're not going after a wideout in the draft with the 9th overall pick. The Washington Times' latest article on the 'Skins leads me to believe we will in fact draft on defense.

I'm going to say it again, we're drafting Antrelle Rolle (if Adam Jones is off the board when we pick) with the 9th overall pick on draft day. I like the move. Any thoughts?

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

from the film ive seen (which isnt much) antrelle rolle is a more touted prospect than pac man

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

Rolle is probably the player I want next after Williams and Edwards, so I guess that is good by me. I would love to get one of those two, but if not, a shutdown CB wouldn't be terrible. I'm a little worried about how a physical corner will adjust to the 5 yard contact rules in the NFL, though.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

It's true that the new emphasis on illegal contact has affected the value of "physical" corners like Ty Law while benefitting faster, more agile cover corners.

However, being physical is still an attribute in any defense. Corners who can stop the run and shed blockers and get sacks are still highly prized - especially in Williams' defense which covets players who can play multiple roles (i.e. run support, blitzing, and covering).

As to Rolle, he ran a low 4.5 40 (good enough to cover 80% of the wideouts in the NFL). That speed, combined with his strength makes him an ideal fit for Williams' defensive schemes.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

We are obviously going corner, whether in the draft or some kind of trade down scenario. Do the Math. We don't have enough bodies (no disrespect Ade) at corner. There have been no substantive free agent discussions, we are going corner. Incidentally, I believe that either of the two top corners will be superior to Smoot in the long run.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

I say take Williams, if we had a hella DE pass rusher, it will make it easy on the CB's and Walt Harris will be good enough, plus he will have Taylor covering his back, why pass on a WR, like Mike Williams, do you guys realize in our Division, there is a 6-4 WR playing for each team in our Division, and pac-man at 5-9, and A Rolle, at 6-0, want make that big of a difference, we should make it hard on other teams to by drafting a WR that can change the outcome of the game....just my opinion but I rather get Brown, let him rotate with Wynn, and make sure that on offense we have plenty Depth

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

i rather have williams, but i guess they think he'll be gone, or that our old CBs are going to need refreshing sooner than later (they may go rolle, cause smoot was good at coverage but whiffed at open qb shots and gave too much respect to WRs)...

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

corner is what we need. our CBs are old. sprins will be 30, harris is already 30, and our nickle guy is garnell wilds. while garnell played solidly in his 1 game, i think we should grab some insurance at the very least, and start grooming the next shutdown corner for this league. pacman is a burner, but hes really small. rolle comes from miami, where they breed talent, hes bigger, stronger, and ran a 4.45 i believe. take rolle. if hes gone, then take pacman if hes stil there. hopefully mccants can become that big possession reciever and shape his attitude up

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

If he is still on the board... do not be shocked if we go with Derrick Johnson at #9. I know the coaching staff loves Lamar Marchall, but he has NEVER played middle LB before... Derrick Johnson is the best LB prospect to come out in years, he is VERY strong and the FASTEST LB coming out (can run down ball carriers sideline to sideline) and if anyone can get the most out of him changing over to MLB, Gregg Williams is that man.

There will always be a Justin Miller, Corey Webster or Fabian Wahington (4.25 40-time) in the second round at CB.... we need a middle linebacker and I'm SURE Williams knows that!!

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

to bad we dont have a 2nd round pick

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

rolle or pac man d johnson would be great, bring'em on. we need corner's more but a talent johnson doesn't come around very often so snag 'em if he's there.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

I've been all 'D' since the season ended, even before we lost Smoot. I think if we can hold teams to under 20 points a game the offense will eventually get going, but if we are giving up 20+ a game, then we are in even more trouble trying to get an offense to score 3+ TD's a game.

Example:
Baltimore Ravens - Their offense ranked no better than 20th & their 'D' ranked no worse than #1
The Ravens won almost half their games by D turnovers & int TD.

In closing I feel powerhouse offenses are overrated, just look at the Chiefs last season, all the offense & a D that could not keep good teams under 20 a game cost them a shot at a SB.

I can't preach it enough Defense Defense Defense wins championships!!!!!!

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

In addition to that, I feel that we DO have the pieces in place TO become and offensive powerhouse. We have more weapons than the Ravens did and still do...

I'd be OK with a CB at #1, I'd still prefer Williams if he is on the board by then.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

I'm pretty sure Rolle ran a 4.4, which is why is stock is kind of flying right now. You also have to remember that he had a turf toe injury this year which effected his play. I am definently for the idea of drafting a defensive player. I think its worth considering though droping down if we can and then taking a d-linemen and carlos Rogers from auburn. That guy is a baller i'm telling you guys.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

[QUOTE=Hail to the Redskins]If he is still on the board... do not be shocked if we go with Derrick Johnson at #9. I know the coaching staff loves Lamar Marchall, but he has NEVER played middle LB before... Derrick Johnson is the best LB prospect to come out in years, he is VERY strong and the FASTEST LB coming out (can run down ball carriers sideline to sideline) and if anyone can get the most out of him changing over to MLB, Gregg Williams is that man.

There will always be a Justin Miller, Corey Webster or Fabian Wahington (4.25 40-time) in the second round at CB.... we need a middle linebacker and I'm SURE Williams knows that!![/QUOTE]

Johnson is going to be great, no doubt, but he's a natural OLB. I just don't see moving him inside.

I'd be happy with either Pac Man or Rolle (both have their pluses and minuses) if they are still available at #9. If not, trade down a few spots for a third rounder and take Rogers in the middle of the round.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

Let's not forget guys this is the time for smoke screens. I wouldn't be suprised to see us go WR or CB, but he could just be blowing smoke. I still think they're undecided.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

I'm judging only by what people have said on here, but I'm liking Rolle if he is available (he should be).

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

Most people think the Titans are going Rolle. We'll see how that goes.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

Very true. They get rid of one for another...

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

[QUOTE=Ramseyfan]The Washington Times is reporting:

[I]The Hall of Fame coach hinted he will use the ninth pick in next month's draft to shore up a defense weakened -- particularly at cornerback -- by the loss of key players to free agency. [/I]

I've been convinced that we're not going after a wideout in the draft with the 9th overall pick. The Washington Times' latest article on the 'Skins leads me to believe we will in fact draft on defense.

I'm going to say it again, we're drafting Antrelle Rolle (if Adam Jones is off the board when we pick) with the 9th overall pick on draft day. I like the move. Any thoughts?[/QUOTE]
Why is everyone so high on Mike Williams? (I hope he isn't around for the Redskins to pick.)

If Redskins want to make a splash, trade up and get Braylon Edwards if they want the best WR.

If not, pick up Pac-Man Jones for corner depth and future. Not sold on Rolle. Or pick Troy Williamson, he is 6'1", 202 with speed. Or trade down and get a DE and 2nd Rd Pick if possible.

And what's with some Mock Drafts having the Skins pick Heath Miller, TE out of VA? Didn't they just draft a TE/HB last year? And traded up to get him? That logic escapes me....

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

SonnySamFrank, welcome to the board!

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

Thanks Tafkas!

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

I'm as convinced as ever that we will not draft a wide receiver at #9. Gibbs doesn't particularly trust rookies on offense with much playing time anyway. Look how long it took to get Cooley consistent action in the starting lineup. Unless they're planning to get rid of either Thrash or McCants, there'd be no need to spend such a high draft pick on a player who simply won't see much action during the regular season.

I'll be cornerback or defensive end.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

More proof that we need a GM. Tipping his hand again...
I love Joe but he needs to learn to shut his mouth.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

Look at the Skins track record for drafting CB's & you see that we have drafted the best CB's in the last 3-4 seasons. Teams are going to know that we are looking CB initially, no matter what smoke screen we are blowing around. The Skins & Titans lost Pro Bowl caliber CB's so it makes sense to see both teams looking CB with their 1st rd picks.

I still think there will be good WR's in the 3rd to bolster depth.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

Chouns: problem is we have depth we just don't have a #1 type guy.

Beemn - our TD leader last year was a rookie, he must trust them a little bit!

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

I would select Pac Man Jones or Rolle, whoever is there when we pick, or trade down and get David Pollack and another pick.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

[QUOTE=Daseal]Let's not forget guys this is the time for smoke screens. I wouldn't be suprised to see us go WR or CB, but he could just be blowing smoke. I still think they're undecided.[/QUOTE]

That sounds pretty spot on cuz this is the point in getting close enough to the draft where u have to make others drafting around u think and maybe even squirm a bit to possibly sweeten trade up offers. If Williams is available when we pick even though we r decently stocked at wideout, there's practically no way in hell they wouldn't draft him unless they got an offer from a team to move up that absolutely knocked their socks off.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

It's still too early to predict what exactly will happen.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

skinsfan: They were undecided going into draftday last year -- never know!

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

Coach may be thinking of teams below him that want to trade up for defense to make them think they need to deal with us.

It's way too early to put stock into anything said by the team about the draft.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

[QUOTE=Daseal]Let's not forget guys this is the time for smoke screens. I wouldn't be suprised to see us go WR or CB, but he could just be blowing smoke. I still think they're undecided.[/QUOTE]

Exactly my thoughts. I think that we could very well be playing our card to the best of our ability. All we have to do is sell the fact we dont want a WR at nine and if one falls there teams will start calling. Or by saying we want a CB teams the hope to see a guy slide down to them will get nervous.

This is high stakes poker at its finest.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

[QUOTE=BrudLee]It's way too early to put stock into anything said by the team about the draft.[/QUOTE]
exactly...

Gibbs is the type of guy who will take the best available at that 9 slot. whether it's a cover CB (which is almost non-existant now with the 5 yard bump rule), a ball hawking WR, or a pass rushing DE, he is prepared to take the best player available in order to fill one of his needs.

If Brown chooses the Skins over his other suitors, it narrows it down. Since Gardner will not commit beyond this season, he will most likely stay a Redskin (unless we package him and our 9 for one of the top 5 picks), and will not need another WR. Rolle and Jones are both talented, but both crap shoots at best. Everyone talks about Heath Miller, but he's not a top 10 pick...he's a mid to late 1st round pick at best (no matter what Kiper or the mocks say).

we'll all be on the edge of our seats come draft day to see what Gibbs and the braintrust does.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

[QUOTE=Hail to the Redskins]If he is still on the board... do not be shocked if we go with Derrick Johnson at #9. I know the coaching staff loves Lamar Marchall, but he has NEVER played middle LB before... Derrick Johnson is the best LB prospect to come out in years, he is VERY strong and the FASTEST LB coming out (can run down ball carriers sideline to sideline) and if anyone can get the most out of him changing over to MLB, Gregg Williams is that man.

There will always be a Justin Miller, Corey Webster or Fabian Wahington (4.25 40-time) in the second round at CB.... we need a middle linebacker and I'm SURE Williams knows that!![/QUOTE]

Johnson is definitely the prototype OLB...a fast pass rush guy, who is relatively small (6-2 230). Definitely a NOT a run stuffer. Plus I hate what Im hearing about him running around blocks and not taking the most direct route to the play. Thats definitely not the trait I want in my MLB!

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

lets hope and pray that the Titans dont pick rolle and that he is available when we pick. Rolle should be a game one starter and an impact player. Him and Springs would be perfect together. Harris is an amazing nickel corner, but not an elite starting corner, plus he is old. Nickel is a perfect spot for him, after his knee injuries this lets him maximize his playing time without over doing it.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

Problem with Rolle is who do we put on the burning WRs. Springs and Rolle both are big physical guys without the speed to cover the guys who run in the low 4.4 range.

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

What was Rolles 40 time?

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

[QUOTE=Daseal]Problem with Rolle is who do we put on the burning WRs. Springs and Rolle both are big physical guys without the speed to cover the guys who run in the low 4.4 range.[/QUOTE]
Essentially, I agree w/ you Daseal. My own thought is that w/ today's game and the rules emphasis, you go back to the old adage - you can't teach speed.

I am not sure, however, that speed is a big concern to Williams - One of the things I remember Smoot saying after a bad PI call in one of the Philly games was something along the lines of "sure, Pinkston or TO might outrun me - but Mitchell?" Basically admitting that certain receivers were gonna get past him.
Plus, with Taylor and his freaky speed backing them up, I am not sure pure speed is what Williams is looking at.

Also, given what Williams asks his corners what to do and how he schemes, he may prefer two CB's w/ good speed and some size as opposed to one CB w/ great speed but lesser size. Maybe this is why GW didn't seem as high on Smoot as some of us. Maybe it's why he is comfortable with W. Harris.

Since I am not a mind reader, I am just guessing as to Williams take on it but my guess is that he would prefer Rolle to Jones.

One last thought, in our division, are the teams No. 1 WR's really burners? TO, Keyshawn, Plax. No - they are big guys with average (Keyshawn) or good speed (TO and, I think, Plax).

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

Pac Man, Lets Not Forget Our Own Darrell Green The Heart Is Something
You Can't Check Til Game Day.pl Us As Another Guy Said Speed Can't Be Taught. But I Tell You What Mr Brown Out Of Auburn Sure Would Be Sweet Running Out Of Our Back Field, Sorry Guys Just Dreaming But 4.4 Speed And
230 Pounds Of Ouch Sooooo Shhweet. Oh Well We've Got The Mighty Might.
But It Would Be Nice. Thanks For Letting Me Ramble

Re: Gibbs Hints 'Skins Will Draft A Defensive Player with the 9th Pick
 

[QUOTE=EEich]More proof that we need a GM. Tipping his hand again...
I love Joe but he needs to learn to shut his mouth.[/QUOTE]


I don't think he's that dumb, everybody on the planet has us taking a WR at 9, I think he want's to alert san diego and especially Kansas city we may be drafting someone they are targeting, I am starting to here rumores of the first 8 picks will be offensive players, if that scenerio work's out we could trade down with either KC or san diego and take whoever they leave either Rolle or Pac man, while picking up their second round pick, which could net us a WR preferably V. Jackson, I know if it was me I would be trying to get a team to trade up.