What Changes Should We Make Going Into 08?

[hail_2_da_skins]

The Redskins should concentrate on getting the best players available. They specifically need to upgrade the following positions; offensive line, defensive line and wide receiver.

[SFREDSKIN]

If you guys read JLC's blog carefully you will see that our first 2 picks will be DE and CB, also don't be surprised if a RB (big) is picked. I seriously think Alexander will be converted to G and he'll be a stud pulling G.

[Defensewins]

If there is a position that needs a change, a breath of fresh air, we need to get rid of Snyder's guy Vinny Cerrato and bring a new guy. Before Gibbs came back, nobody personified the mismanagement of personnel and money during those years more then than Vinne Cerrato. Plus our team perfomred terribly on the field during that time.
We need a good, strong GM that can work with Gibbs to fill out our roster and get us away fronm this game of having to renegotiate our veterans deals because we are constantly over the salary cap. Stop the madness.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Here we go again...

NOW we know it's the offseason.

[MTK]

It was only a matter of time.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by SFREDSKIN

And DeMarcus Ware is 252.

But Ware plays outside in a 3-4. I don't think Ware would be as effective if he's in a 4-3.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by EARTHQUAKE2689

Carter is only 256

That's what I mean. We don't need another smallish DE.

[SFREDSKIN]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

That's what I mean. We don't need another smallish DE.

Ok, you want beef and a player who was signed as FA and keeps improving every year. Tommy Kelly DE Raiders 6'6" 300lbs, the only drawback was that he had serious knee injury and got knocked out for the season. I would look at him.

[JoeRedskin]

What we really need to do is sign some CFL player and announce it as the first signing of the off-season. Then, we can debate the efficacy of signing CFL players when we have such glaring needs at other spots. Eventually, we can turn it into a flame war and lock this thread down.

[Paintrain]

Additions-Lance Briggs (only major addition), a starter and depth at CB (move Springs to FS and Landry back to SS), youth at DT, depth at DE, depth at G.. I'd love to add a Chad Johnson or another LEGIT #1 WR but not at what it will likely cost..

Subtractions-Brunell, Lloyd, Frost and Shiusham if upgrades are available.

[mheisig]

These threads always serve as notice that the modern football fan is WAY too influenced by fantasy football.

"We need to sign Chad Johnson and Randy Moss as our #1 and #2 guys, then trade Portis for Tomlinson. Then get Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher and Shawn Merrimen as LBs. Resurrect Ronnie Lot, draft Champ Bailey's illegitimate but talented child and then sign Lavar Arrington and Lawrence Taylor as well.

After that we'll draft an offensive line that are all identical clones of the Patriots offensive line. Then we'll take Peyton Mannings brain and stick it in Jason Campbells head.

That's the formula for a Super Bowl! Redskins FTW LOLZ!!!1!"

[Defensewins]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

It was only a matter of time.

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

Here we go again...

NOW we know it's the offseason.

I did not realize this thread was limited to changes only Matty72 and TMC agree with.

[SmootSmack]

That is emphatically not true! I have to agree with the moves as well

Seriously though, a new GM is not going to come in and overrule Snyder and Gibbs on their philosophy of how to run the franchise. Gibbs, Snyder, and Cerrato have shown that they can work together and with their scouting team to find unheralded players that can be developed into solid to good to great Redskins and keep our key players when we want to. Whether we have to restructure or not, so what? We keep hearing people complain about the cap every year, but every year we're ok.

[rk3025]

Chris Long is a Top pick and will be 'long' gone by our 21st pick
Groves
Blake
Jackson
Campbell
work them out for draft day

QUOTE=skinsfan69;403610]I'm not sure if he's big enough to be a 4-3 end. I think he's only 260lbs. He looks like he fits in well as an outside backer in a 3-4. But I'm sure he still has alot of growing to do. I remember he just abused Ohio State last year so I'm sold on him. Plus he's a local DC guy. It would be a great fit. But I think I'd rather have Chris Long. Long is just like his father. Mean, nasty and he brings an attitude.[/QUOTE]

[Drift Reality]

I think a lot of the contributions in this thread are tactically focused. That is good, but I'd start with an over-arching strategy. I think traditionally our strategy has been focused on acquiring players in their prime for above-market value while often times neglecting homegrown talent.

I think Gibbs has helped changed the thinking here and I'd like to see a continuance of this trend.

I think our strategy needs to continue to place increasing emphasis on using the draft and acquiring young talent who can learn within the system while using free agency in a very targeted fashion to bring in a player who fits our system and fills a need (not necessarily the biggest name out there) - who we can acquire at or below market value.

Using this strategic approach I would identify the following weaknesses in our personnel in '08:

1. Youth along the offensive line - We have a quality, veteran line, but a number of our top-line starters are maturing and probably have a remaining shelf-life of 2-3 years. I think we need to look at bringing in 2 talented offensive linemen - one interior lineman and one tackle. Because I believe we have the coaching in place to develop talent in this unit, I would argue here that we should use the draft as opposed to FA to acquire depth in this area. A top-tier guard can be found in the 2nd or 3rd round. Starting guards can normally be found on day 2. Top-tier tackles are normally found on day 1 however but I don't believe this is as much of an area of need as guard.

2. Youth at linebacker - Two of our starting linebackers probably have a shelf-life of 2 years. We have one quality youth linebacker who is coming off serious knee surgery and one other possible starter (Blades). It would be great to bring in one young, promising outside backer. I would actually argue against Briggs because we would have to pay above-market value for him. I think we could get a guy like Dansby for near market value. Quality linebackers can be found on day 2 of the draft, which is something we should consider.

3. A starting DE - Phillip Daniels has certainly played well throughout his tenure here but I think we really could bring in a top-tier end and turn this position into a real strength for us. Justin Smith or Jared Allen would be good top-tier acquisitions for us here. Using a day 1 pick here might not be a bad idea if we can't bring in a top-tier FA. Most top-tier ends come on day 1 in the draft.

4. 4th Cornerback - I think not only do we need to retain Sean Springs, but I would like to see us bring in a quality fourth corner back. When Rogers went out and Torrence stepped in, we saw what a liability having a sub-par nickel back was for our defense. Historically, top-tier corners have been acquired with 1st round picks. If there is an opportunity with our 1st I think it might be worth consideration but I believe there are other areas of greater need that we should consider using with our 1st rounder.

5. Wide Receiver - I believe we should retain Caldwell and give him an opportunity to compete for a starting role. At the same time, I think we should consider using FA or a day 2 pick to target a large wide receiver who could also compete, along with Espy and whoever we choose to bring back, for a a WR spot on our team.

To sum it all up, I would look at FA to fill the following positions: DE, LB, possibly WR.

I would use day 1 of our draft to look at DE, CB or T while I would focus on day 2 on LB, WR, and G.