Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

When we had Williams & Blache we were a top 10 defense but we still couldn't get off the field because the offense couldn't sustain drives. Despite McNabb's mess ups he is moving the ball better than JC did last year. But he also doesn't have the time to make magic happen like he did in Philly. Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming draft and fix the trenches before we worry about drafting skill pllayers? Reason being I think it s going take 2-3 years under Allen & Shanny before the Redskins start to turn the ship anyway. So would it be better to replace the LG, C & RG get a solid unit upfront to help McNabb, help the defense stay off the field and rest. What are yall thoughts?

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

I would sign Logan Mankins, draft a C with the 2nd rounder. Trade the 1st rounder for more picks and get a QB, DE or NT to fill those needs.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

Can't just draft on need alone otherwise you end up reaching all over the place. And we have other needs than just OL. Have to fill needs with the draft and with free agency.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

There are too many holes. They need to fix the offensive line and get the right personnell for the 3-4. They are either going to have to half ass fill needs on both sides of the ball or neglect one side entirely. I cannot see them neglecting one side entirely so I believe that they will try to put some duct tape on both sides of the ball rather than making either side elite.

Honestly the production from the WR's hasn't been that bad this season. McNabb just doesn't have time to throw.

Personally I believe that they could get away with drafting nothing but offensive lineman next season and waiting another year to fix the defensive front seven as long as the guys that they draft can open holes and pass protect better than what we have now. If the offense could manage 4 touchdowns a game next season then this defense is good enough to hold most victories with the personnel that they have. Sadly, you cannot guarentee that type of production out of a brand new unit.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=Mattyk;766437]Can't just draft on need alone otherwise you end up reaching all over the place. And we have other needs than just OL. Have to fill needs with the draft and with free agency.[/quote]

True I do agree but also think totally ignoring the OL has been the Skins downfall also before Trent the only high draft pick we had at OL was Samuels in 98 or 99.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

Both o-line and d-line. Once again our division foes are beating us by dominating up front. We need to feed the front on both sides of the ball.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=Lotus;766441]Both o-line and d-line. Once again our division foes are beating us by dominating up front. We need to feed the front on both sides of the ball.[/quote]

Hell yea facing Ware, Tuck, Osi, Cole twice a year is killing us. Getting no pressure Eli, Vick & Romo is killing us too fix the trenches.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=Lotus;766441]Both o-line and d-line. Once again our division foes are beating us by dominating up front. We need to feed the front on both sides of the ball.[/quote]

Agree 100%...both the Oline and DLine should be the focus on the offseason. Add a WR and RB and we're gud...

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=Redskin Warrior;766440]True I do agree but also think totally ignoring the OL has been the Skins downfall also before Trent the only high draft pick we had at OL was Samuels in 98 or 99.[/quote]

Shanahan already showed last year he's not going to ignore the OL, so I wouldn't worry too much about that.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

You take them when the opportunity presents itself. No reaches, because there's a damn good chance reaching will result in a bust, and another position is also left unimproved along with the O-line. It's just that the past GMs here, for some unfathomable reason, always avoided O-line like they were the plague.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

one draft isnt going to do it alone. I think the O-Line is our biggest need for sure, but we have a horrible defense too. that side needs addressing i think more than the o line.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

Our problem with the OL is primarily the right side from C to RG. Hopefully Mike Williams can come back next year, draft a C and sign a FA like Mankins. OL problems resolved, then go for the DL. There will be lots of FA available that can be signed and fill needs with.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

Gotta take the best player available. This theam is short on talent and we simply can not afford to draft for need.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

yes, yes and yes. lets stop playing to win each season and try for a multi-year plan to build a sustainable winning franchise.

that starts with the o-line. a mediocre core of WRs, TEs, RBs and QB would be playoff material with an extra 2 seconds - and a stellar O-line can do that. None of the coaches over the last 10 years had the time to let their plays develop because the O-line was well coached, and hard working but undertalented.

on the other hand an all-star cast of WRs, RBs and QB would look like losers with lots of sacks and interceptions due to pressure if the O-line can't give them time.

I say, let the defense rot and go all out for a solid O-line this year. if we can sustain long running drives and pass the ball then our defense would look a whole lot better. they'd also be a lot less tired and stronger if they play less. our defense is actually fine this year - with moral down and too many injuries we get run all over the last few weeks. but before we had too many guys go down our D kept us in games and an O-line would have won it for us.

maybe al can play center ;)

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=SolidSnake84;766448]one draft isnt going to do it alone. I think the O-Line is our biggest need for sure, but we have a horrible defense too. that side needs addressing i think more than the o line.[/quote]

This team needs 3 full years of solid drafting.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

I think as a team you go for the BPA, but luckily for us we have so many holes there's a decent chance the BPA could fill one of those holes. The only spots on this team that I wouldn't use our first round pick on are CB, TE, and FB, because nobody ever drafts a FB in the first round even though we need help there too. I think at the end of the year we might be looking at a 6-10 or 7-9 record which could place us anywhere between 5th and 15th.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

Personally I'd go;

1st round: RT. shore up the right side.
2nd round: Center. shore up the 3 main spots LT, Center, RT, and thats half the problem. Plus it's easier to fill the LG and RG spots with lesser talent.

5th round: NT. plus look at FA.
6th round: FS.
7th round: LB. Plus look at FA.

Did we pick up an extra 4th round pick? not sure

Then I'd go hard after Vince Jackson, and TJ Houshmendzadeh since they are FA's after this year. If there are any other WR's with talent available I'd look into them also.

I'd bring in as many UFA OL, LB, FS, and who knows maybe a NT.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

So are we giving up on Brown at RT? He should be back to 100% next year and can probably be resigned for a reasonable deal.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

Personally I think that the starting lineup for the offensive line should be what we had against the Titans. Draft the BPA and let them fight for jobs.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=SBXVII;766574]Personally I'd go;

1st round: RT. shore up the right side.
2nd round: Center. shore up the 3 main spots LT, Center, RT, and thats half the problem. Plus it's easier to fill the LG and RG spots with lesser talent.

5th round: NT. plus look at FA.
6th round: FS.
7th round: LB. Plus look at FA.

Did we pick up an extra 4th round pick? not sure

Then I'd go hard after Vince Jackson, and TJ Houshmendzadeh since they are FA's after this year. If there are any other WR's with talent available I'd look into them also.

I'd bring in as many UFA OL, LB, FS, and who knows maybe a NT.[/quote]
The draft is not a shopping list. You take whatever is going to be a "success" over the "need" and risk a greater chance of failure.

Also, NTs tend to be [I]high[/I] round picks. Three stud NTs in the league are first rounders. Those NTs are Wilfork, Hampton, and Raji. Shaun Rogers was a second rounder.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=SirClintonPortis;766580]The draft is not a shopping list. You take whatever is going to be a "success" over the "need" and risk a greater chance of failure.

Also, NTs tend to be [I]high[/I] round picks. Three stud NTs in the league are first rounders. Those NTs are Wilfork, Hampton, and Raji. Shaun Rogers was a second rounder.[/quote]

Jay Ratliff was a 7th rounder.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=Mattyk;766578]So are we giving up on Brown at RT? He should be back to 100% next year and can probably be resigned for a reasonable deal.[/quote]

I'm not sure. I'd probably sign him but would still go after a RT. Heck he can play RT and we would still have someone to fill in if he's tired or gets hurt. Heyer or Hicks is not the answer.

If Brown can stay healthy then I'd be good with that, problem is he was injured with the Saints and after we pick him up only played a few games and gets injured. If nothing else we need a bonified back up who will be looking to start at some point. Whats Browns age?

But if the team wanted to go Center then RT I'd be good with that also. I have been a fan of picking skill position players in the past and it has gotten us very little. I'm trying something different in saying we need to build from the inside out. Build up the OL and give DM time to throw the ball or make a hole for the RB. Maybe then this team will be better.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=SBXVII;766583]I'm not sure. I'd probably sign him but would still go after a RT. Heck he can play RT and we would still have someone to fill in if he's tired or gets hurt. Heyer or Hicks is not the answer.

If Brown can stay healthy then I'd be good with that, problem is he was injured with the Saints and after we pick him up only played a few games and gets injured. If nothing else we need a bonified back up who will be looking to start at some point. Whats Browns age?

But if the team wanted to go Center then RT I'd be good with that also. I have been a fan of picking skill position players in the past and it has gotten us very little. I'm trying something different in saying we need to build from the inside out. Build up the OL and give DM time to throw the ball or make a hole for the RB. Maybe then this team will be better.[/quote]

He's not 100% recovered from the hip injury he had with the Saints, I think we knew that it would be an ongoing issue this year, but next year he should be back to full speed.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=SirClintonPortis;766580]The draft is not a shopping list. You take whatever is going to be a "success" over the "need" and risk a greater chance of failure.

Also, NTs tend to be [I]high[/I] round picks. Three stud NTs in the league are first rounders. Those NTs are Wilfork, Hampton, and Raji. Shaun Rogers was a second rounder.[/quote]

Any of those 3 a FA this yr? :)

I really don't know. Fine pick a NT if it makes you happy. It still doesn't help our OL giving the QB time to throw or making holes for the RB. Any chance at all Shanahan and Alex Gibbs can make amends and bring him on board to work his magic with the OL? I was just not excited with our OL coach prior to him being here or now that he is.

Depending on what players we can bring on board from FA I still might go after a RT and C. But if we pick one up in FA then I might switch up and pick a NT high and pick a late round RT or C. Our problem (I feel) is we just don't have the players to run Shanahan's style of zone blocking or cut blocking. I saw very little cut blocking especially recently.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=Mattyk;766586]He's not 100% recovered from the hip injury he had with the Saints, I think we knew that it would be an ongoing issue this year, but next year he should be back to full speed.[/quote]

If he seems healthy and our crack pot voodoo doctors can keep him healthy then maybe go after a late round RT.

Someone said they liked the OL after it was all changed up in the Titans game. I'd go back to that for the rest of the games and see if the players are worth keeping in those positions. Perhaps Heyer is better at RG. Montgomery seemed better then Rabach. If that OL works out then simply draft for highest need.

I'm still going to say you don't go after BPA all the time. What if the BPA is a QB? and we have other needs. I take BPA at the position we have need for.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

This team needs playmakers. Yes, we need OL and DL help but we are seriously lacking in players that teams have to scheme against. I can think of 3 players on our entire ROSTER that if they were on an above average team an opponent would have to scheme against. Landry, Orakpo and [i]maybe [/i]McNabb. That's it. Other than that we really have no playmaking talent. Cooley, Moss, Hall, Fletcher are all decent players that most teams would [i]like[/i] to have but none of them are difference makers.

I get really tired of the people who think if we JUST address the lines we'll be just fine. Miami tried that and they suck. Cleveland tried that, guess what-suck. Don't get me wrong, upgrades are desperately NEEDED on both lines as well but until we have players who can actually change the game, the rest is just window dressing.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

There is not one position on this team where you can say its a bad pick. We need young talent and depth at every single position. I dont think any unit on our team is an area of strength. That being said the O-Line needs the most work and i think they have to use the 1st two picks on the solidying that unit. Watching our offense is embarrassing because we cant run or pass block well. Thats why we have so many terrible drives. Trent Williams was a great start now but we literally need a new starting LG, C, RG and RT. Jamal Brown is always hurt, if he can get healthy he is an option to start at RT. Change of pace Tailback and big tall receiver late in draft. Defense next season. No more patchwork.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=SolidSnake84;766448][B]one draft isnt going to do it alone[/B]. I think the O-Line is our biggest need for sure, but we have a horrible defense too. that side needs addressing i think more than the o line.[/quote]I agree. We are probably 3 solid drafts away from being on par with the rest of the NFC East in terms of talent.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

I don't believe we should just draft OL? For what? To say we drafted offensive linemen? That seems pretty counterproductive to me.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

Have you ever seen a team that needs everything? It's in your big picture.

This team has more holes than a window screen, "A" single draft is just a stepping stone to where this team needs to go, it needs multiple [smart drafts] to just begin to turn the corner towards respectability. Offensive line has been a major priority for years, I'll always be a proponent of building inside out.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=SBXVII;766587]Any of those 3 a FA this yr? :)

I really don't know. Fine pick a NT if it makes you happy. It still doesn't help our OL giving the QB time to throw or making holes for the RB. Any chance at all Shanahan and Alex Gibbs can make amends and bring him on board to work his magic with the OL? I was just not excited with our OL coach prior to him being here or now that he is.

Depending on what players we can bring on board from FA I still might go after a RT and C. But if we pick one up in FA then I might switch up and pick a NT high and pick a late round RT or C. Our problem (I feel) is we just don't have the players to run Shanahan's style of zone blocking or cut blocking. I saw very little cut blocking especially recently.[/quote]

You pick the damn stud player over the need player every time because the stud player is sure to be with you 5+ years down the road while the "need" player is likely a reach and more prone to failing, in which case you then have to draft for need once again in a future draft. For example, we "needed" big WRs, we grabbed two extremely risky WRs with red flags. We bombed on them. We could have had more "sure things" like DeSean or Eddie Royal OR stayed in the 1st for round just grabbed Chris Johnson, Sam Baker, etc.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=HolyLandSkinsFan;766455]yes, yes and yes. lets stop playing to win each season and try for a multi-year plan to build a sustainable winning franchise.

that starts with the o-line. a mediocre core of WRs, TEs, RBs and QB would be playoff material with an extra 2 seconds - and a stellar O-line can do that. None of the coaches over the last 10 years had the time to let their plays develop because the O-line was well coached, and hard working but undertalented.

on the other hand an all-star cast of WRs, RBs and QB would look like losers with lots of sacks and interceptions due to pressure if the O-line can't give them time.

I say, let the defense rot and go all out for a solid O-line this year. if we can sustain long running drives and pass the ball then our defense would look a whole lot better. they'd also be a lot less tired and stronger if they play less. our defense is actually fine this year - with moral down and too many injuries we get run all over the last few weeks. but before we had too many guys go down our D kept us in games and an O-line would have won it for us.

maybe al can play center ;)[/quote]

But a great QB wins in either of those situations; and we need to start thinking long term with that position. If an undervalued quarterback is available at any point, we should consider drafting him.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=SirClintonPortis;766651]You pick the damn stud player over the need player every time because the stud player is sure to be with you 5+ years down the road while the "need" player is likely a reach and more prone to failing, in which case you then have to draft for need once again in a future draft. For example, we "needed" big WRs, we grabbed two extremely risky WRs with red flags. We bombed on them. We could have had more "sure things" like DeSean or Eddie Royal OR stayed in the 1st for round just grabbed Chris Johnson, Sam Baker, etc.[/quote]

Wouldn't be surprised at all to see us make a play for Royal. It's been kind of rumored for a few months now

As for Jackson, he was far from a "sure thing"

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=SmootSmack;766662]Wouldn't be surprised at all to see us make a play for Royal. It's been kind of rumored for a few months now

As for Jackson, he was far from a "sure thing"[/quote]

Yeah ok, but was he more "sure" than Devin or Malcolm? I think the answer is closer to "yes" than "no" since I would guess most of the doubts were due to his size.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=SirClintonPortis;766663]Yeah ok, but was he more "sure" than Devin or Malcolm? I think the answer is closer to "yes" than "no" since I would guess most of the doubts were due to his size.[/quote]

Not just his size. In college he apparently was a diva and people were afraid that he might be an NFL head case.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=Lotus;766666]Not just his size. In college he apparently was a diva and people were afraid that he might be an NFL head case.[/quote]

Exactly. Wasn't he suspended once or twice for violating team rules in college?

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=SmootSmack;766662]Wouldn't be surprised at all to see us make a play for Royal. It's been kind of rumored for a few months now

As for Jackson, he was far from a "sure thing"[/quote]

I would be salivating if the Redskins went after Eddie Royal. Not just because I'm a VT guy and Royal has impressed in limited time earlier in his career when Shanny was the coach, but also because I can definitely see him having the potential to be a great #2 wideout for us. I'd pull the trigger on that one if he is available.

And I'm def. not on the Vincent Jackson train. If there's one thing Haynesworth has taught us, it's that you can't trust a head case. And I feel like with the stuff V.Jax pulled with the Chargers, the DUI's, the holding out for more money, there's no reason take on a risk/reward guy like that, especially considering he's like one more DUI away from getting suspended. Plus Eddie Royal will be cheaper too.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

Shahanan still has very high hopes for Malcolm Kelly...so we'll see

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=SmootSmack;766668]Exactly. Wasn't he suspended once or twice for violating team rules in college?[/quote]

Whoa. Are you guys talking about Eddie Royal? When I think of diva's, I def. don't think of him, and I followed him throughout his collegiate career when he was at VT. I don't even think he's made so much as a negative comment in his time in the league so far.

Re: Would it be practical to just (mostly) draft o-line this upcoming year
 

[quote=Lotus;766666]Not just his size. In college he apparently was a diva and people were afraid that he might be an NFL head case.[/quote]
These people were dense then, as being a head case has little bearing on success and productivity. See T.O. At the VERY WORST, he could be considered a simple special teamer who may have turned into trade bait.

And Philly sure didn't mind even though they had T.O before.