The Capitals Game 1 win over the Lightning is undeniable proof to all DC Sports fans that this team has what it takes to possibly bring the greatest trophy in all of professional sports to the Nation's Capital. It is also proof that Caps are winning over a new generation of DC Sports fans at the expense of the Washington Redskins. The Redskins are king when it comes to drawing the attention of DC Sports fandom, but for the first time their hegemony over the DC Sports landscape is under serious threat from a single entity. The Washington Capitals have stolen the show this spring as they ended Washington's Conference Finals drought, and with every successive victory the Caps win over another portion of the fan base that has become disillusioned with the product coming out of Ashburn, Virginia. The Capitals are winning over fans in all facets of the fan experience while the Redskins continue to rest on their laurels, and it begins with the team the Capitals have put together this season.
Everyone loves a winner, and the Capitals have certainly proven they can win, but people love a winner even more when they do it with resilience. The Capitals have been one of the best teams in the NHL over the last decade when it comes to winning in the regular season, but those teams were more high flying flashy type teams that wilted under pressure. The Caps this season have been more gritty. No one expected them to do much, and yet they find themselves three wins away from playing for the Stanley Cup because they have proactively persevered through adversity. They won the toughest division in the NHL this season. They came back from down 2-0 in the First Round to beat the Blue Jackets. They finally vanquished their nemesis without three of their top players playing for a majority of the series, and winning Game 6 on the road. They won Game 1 against Tampa in a convincing fashion which no one thought possible. The Capitals are winning with heart, but when was the last time that was said about any Redskins team? RG3's rookie year? Cousins' first year as a starter? It is hard to remember a Redskins team that was called gritty or resilient, and no Redskins team has done that and reached the level the Caps have this season. The Capitals are winning over fans by the level at which they play and the level they have reached in the playoffs, but signs of the Capitals take over of the Redskins' territory can also be seen in the fan experience over the past decade.
Forbes Magazine does an annual valuation of all professional sports teams, and a look at the Redskins and Capitals current value show signs that the Capitals are making headway into taking over a larger part of the DC Fan Base. The Redskins are obviously worth more than the Caps in absolute value, but the Capitals have outstripped the Redskins in growth rate within the DC market. Half of the Redskins value (54.5%) comes from the NFL revenue share, while only 19.9% can be attributed to market size and 7.3% can be attributed to their brand. The last two percentages may be good indicators of how well a team markets themselves within their own city, and if that is the case the Capitals once again outstrip the Redskins. The Capitals market size value is 41.3%, which makes sense considering they do not have a rival in Baltimore to contend with, but the Caps' brand value is also higher at 12.8%. Wouldn't it make sense for the Redskins to have a higher brand value when they need to compete with a team that is a 90 minute drive away? These values show that the Capitals are doing more to endear themselves to the fan base through promotion and savvy marketing techniques, and that they are making more of an effort to reach out to fans to try and draw them in. DC fans have responded by spending more money at Capital One Arena than Fed Ex Field.
Forbes Magazine also gives the numbers for net stadium revenue for each team, and the lack of growth in the net stadium revenue of the Redskins since 2010 is staggering. The Redskins have only seen a 36% increase in revenue since 2010, which is the worst in the NFL since that time and it is not even close. The Colts are the next closest to that number with a 45.1% increase, and the only other teams to have below 50% revenue increases are the Buccaneers and Raiders. So the Redskins have shown poor growth relative to other teams in their sport, and it has nothing to do with the large amount of money they already made. The only NFL teams in 2010 to have $300 Million or more in revenue were the Redskins, the Patriots, and the Cowboys. The Patriots have seen an 80.8% increase in revenue for obvious reasons, and the Cowboys have seen a 100% increase in revenue. The Cowboys increase has less to do with winning, and more to do with a new stadium being opened, but that goes to the notion that the Redskins stadium experience sucks. Redskins fans are unwilling to spend money on the team and it shows in the Redskins' lack of revenue growth. Compare those numbers to the Capitals who have seen a 78% increase in revenue since 2010 and it is not hard to see that the Capitals are providing a better fan experience at their stadium that fans have responded to in a more positive light through spending more money at Capital One Arena. In fact, the Capitals 78% growth is fourth best in the NHL behind the Penguins, the Kings, and the Predators. The Penguins and Kings have both won Stanley Cups in that time frame, but the Predators growth should be an omen to the Redskins of what could happen if the Capitals can just make the Stanley Cup Final.
Last year the Predators made the Stanley Cup Finals and put Nashville into a state of euphoria with their catfish and stadium experience. They did not win the Cup, but that run created an organic frenzied scene around the Predators that carried over into this season. Nashville was hungry for a winner and the Predators delivered, and the Capitals find themselves in a similar situation. A generation of DC Sports fans have come and gone without seeing a winner, and they are finally getting one with the 2017 Capitals. While the Capitals have slowly changed the gravitational fields within the DC Sports landscape through relentless marketing and a positive stadium experience, a Stanley Cup appearance would permanently draw the interest of everyone living in the DC Area. The Redskins would no longer be the automatic choice for kids who grow up in this area because the Capitals win, and win with a style and stadium experience the Redskins cannot duplicate. The Redskins have already been losing fans to the Capitals over this decade, and with every successive Capitals victory this year they draw more fans to a product that has a more likable team, a better fan and stadium experience, and a winning tradition. Seven more victories, and the Redskins will need to share the spotlight with the new kings of DC Sports.
Showing posts with label #HTTR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #HTTR. Show all posts
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Sunday, May 6, 2018
The Caps Have Earned the Right to End the Curse
Be it in Game 6, or in Game 7, the Capitals need to be the team that cures the DC Sports Plague (Its not a curse, its a Plague). It seems counter intuitive, but the Capitals have done everything they can in order to earn the right to be the team that breaks the misery that DC Sports fans have had to endure over the past two decades. If the Capitals are able to finally make it to an Eastern Conference Final, and god forbid a Stanley Cup Final, they would ignite a DC Sports renaissance because of what they have come to symbolize for the DC Sports landscape. The Capitals have embodied all that is good and bad about DC Sports over their decade of resurgence, and it is this cornucopia of characteristics that gives them the right to be the ones to end the malaise that all DC Sports Fans have been under since 1998. The evidence for this argument falls within the answer to the question; Why are the Capitals more special than the other DC Sports teams? Let's answer that question in all of it's facets.
Because they were the last DC Sports team to make it to a Conference Final
It would be poetic justice. The last DC Sports team to make it to a Conference Final is the one that ends the plague (its not a curse, its a plague). The Caps need to win because it would connect the current sports fandom to DC Sports history, and in these times the average sports fan is not tied into what happened more than three years ago.
Because Alex Ovechkin was the original Chosen One
Before Bryce Harper, before John Wall, before Stephen Strasburg, there was Alex Ovechkin. Ovechkin was taken number one overall by the Capitals in 2004, and it was not just because the Capitals were awful. They had given up all of their major pieces from that 1998 Stanley Cup Finals team, including the franchise's all time scoring leader Peter Bondra, in order to find themselves in the position to draft Alex Ovechkin. He was brought in to be the next coming, and he has fulfilled those obligations except for the one about team championships. It is time that he gets the right to play for one.
Because the Capitals have given hope to DC over the past decade
While the Redskins sucked, while the Wizards were dealing with the Gilbert Arenas fallout, and while the Nationals were reminding Washington DC what baseball looked like, the Capitals were putting together consistent playoff teams. The Capitals have made the playoffs every year since the 2007-2008 season except for one. No other DC Sports team even comes close to that consistency, and along the way they have built up their fan base organically through winning and savvy marketing. The Capitals have ingratiated themselves to a city that wanted a winner and a hip sports scene, and got it with the combination of Alex Ovechkin's play and Ted Leonsis's business acumen.
Because they stupidly traded away a superstar.
See Filip Forsberg.
Because they smartly traded for another.
See TJ Oshie.
Because they have endured a disappointment that no other DC Sports team has over the past 20 years
The Capitals were literally 1:41 away from defeating the New York Rangers in 2015 and going to the Eastern Conference Finals. Instead, the Rangers won three games in a row to defeat the Caps in seven games. In fact, the Caps have been eliminated from the playoffs in a Game 7 seven times since 2008. No DC fan knows playoff pain like Capitals fans.
Because they have tried to build a team of immeasurable talent and failed
See 2017. That team was hailed as the best team that had ever been assembled around Alex Ovechkin and they still could not get past the second round.
Because in the after math of that collapse they came out stronger
This year was supposed to be a rebuilding year at best, and some were heralding it as the beginning of the end for the Ovechkin era. But then something strange happened. Somehow these players that no one thought could come close to the accomplishments of 2017's super team began to gel. They pulled out tough games in the regular season. They fought through adversity. They gave Capitals fans something they have never seen before; a team that wins based on grit and determination more than talent level.
That determination was on full display Saturday night as the Capitals defeated the Penguins 6-3 in classic 2018 Capitals fashion. They fell behind early in the first period but took the lead late on a PPG and a successive hard working goal. They subsequently squandered that lead in the second period by taking massive penalties, getting horribly out shot, and looking like they had given up on life. But the Caps would not be deterred by those set backs, and like they have done all year, they found a way to win. The Caps once again find themselves in a position to end 20 years of DC Sports misery, and the Capitals have earned the right to be the ones to cure this DC Sports Plague. Twenty years of evolution has provided DC Fans with a sports team that has rarely been seen in Washington during that time. One that will not back down, that will not give up, that has been built organically to come to this point. The Capitals need to be the ones to end DC Fans' misery on Monday Night.
Because they were the last DC Sports team to make it to a Conference Final
It would be poetic justice. The last DC Sports team to make it to a Conference Final is the one that ends the plague (its not a curse, its a plague). The Caps need to win because it would connect the current sports fandom to DC Sports history, and in these times the average sports fan is not tied into what happened more than three years ago.
Because Alex Ovechkin was the original Chosen One
Before Bryce Harper, before John Wall, before Stephen Strasburg, there was Alex Ovechkin. Ovechkin was taken number one overall by the Capitals in 2004, and it was not just because the Capitals were awful. They had given up all of their major pieces from that 1998 Stanley Cup Finals team, including the franchise's all time scoring leader Peter Bondra, in order to find themselves in the position to draft Alex Ovechkin. He was brought in to be the next coming, and he has fulfilled those obligations except for the one about team championships. It is time that he gets the right to play for one.
Because the Capitals have given hope to DC over the past decade
While the Redskins sucked, while the Wizards were dealing with the Gilbert Arenas fallout, and while the Nationals were reminding Washington DC what baseball looked like, the Capitals were putting together consistent playoff teams. The Capitals have made the playoffs every year since the 2007-2008 season except for one. No other DC Sports team even comes close to that consistency, and along the way they have built up their fan base organically through winning and savvy marketing. The Capitals have ingratiated themselves to a city that wanted a winner and a hip sports scene, and got it with the combination of Alex Ovechkin's play and Ted Leonsis's business acumen.
Because they stupidly traded away a superstar.
See Filip Forsberg.
Because they smartly traded for another.
See TJ Oshie.
Because they have endured a disappointment that no other DC Sports team has over the past 20 years
The Capitals were literally 1:41 away from defeating the New York Rangers in 2015 and going to the Eastern Conference Finals. Instead, the Rangers won three games in a row to defeat the Caps in seven games. In fact, the Caps have been eliminated from the playoffs in a Game 7 seven times since 2008. No DC fan knows playoff pain like Capitals fans.
Because they have tried to build a team of immeasurable talent and failed
See 2017. That team was hailed as the best team that had ever been assembled around Alex Ovechkin and they still could not get past the second round.
Because in the after math of that collapse they came out stronger
This year was supposed to be a rebuilding year at best, and some were heralding it as the beginning of the end for the Ovechkin era. But then something strange happened. Somehow these players that no one thought could come close to the accomplishments of 2017's super team began to gel. They pulled out tough games in the regular season. They fought through adversity. They gave Capitals fans something they have never seen before; a team that wins based on grit and determination more than talent level.
That determination was on full display Saturday night as the Capitals defeated the Penguins 6-3 in classic 2018 Capitals fashion. They fell behind early in the first period but took the lead late on a PPG and a successive hard working goal. They subsequently squandered that lead in the second period by taking massive penalties, getting horribly out shot, and looking like they had given up on life. But the Caps would not be deterred by those set backs, and like they have done all year, they found a way to win. The Caps once again find themselves in a position to end 20 years of DC Sports misery, and the Capitals have earned the right to be the ones to cure this DC Sports Plague. Twenty years of evolution has provided DC Fans with a sports team that has rarely been seen in Washington during that time. One that will not back down, that will not give up, that has been built organically to come to this point. The Capitals need to be the ones to end DC Fans' misery on Monday Night.
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Redskins 2018 Draft Special Round 1 (Pick 13)
Is it Guice? Is it Vea? Is it James? Is it Ward? Do the Redskins trade up? Will the Redskins trade down? Will all 12 teams in front of the Redskins have aneurysms right when they pick and let Fitzpatrick fall to 13? There are so many questions about who the Redskins will draft in the first round. The idea that they will take Guice is gaining tons of traction, as is the notion that they can trade back to recoup the third round pick they gave up for Alex Smith. Wherever they draft in the first round, the Redskins should heed the old boxing adage of "it's not about how well you throw a punch, it's about how well you take a punch" and draft this DT that will help them stop the run.
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect.
Round 1 (13th Overall Selection): Da'Ron Payne DT (Alabama)
Height: 6'2" Weight: 311 lbs 40 yrd: 4.95 Reps: 27 Cone Drill: 7.58
Vita Vea looks like the no brainer pick at 13, but all indications coming from Redskins Park make it seem as if the Redskins' front office may be lukewarm about the underdeveloped nature of Vea's game. Payne is the more polished pick, and with Jonathan Allen and Ryan Anderson already on the team it makes sense that Bruce Allen would want to take a page out of Lefty Driesell's playbook and make Redskins Park the Alabama of the North. Payne would bring the run stopping presence and mentality the Redskins need in order to allow Alex Smith the time to operate an offense. Payne was a Top 20 national high school recruit who weighed in at 350 pounds before slimming down at Alabama. That may have been a good thing since he started the past two seasons at nose tackle for the Crimson Tide amassing 33 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT, and 4 passes defended during that time. Scouts note that Payne already plays like a professional, with an impressive level of natural strength and high leadership qualities. Scouts also highlight his ability to eat up blocks, and teams will need to scheme for him due to his ability to anchor the defensive line and command double teams. Payne has a high level of athleticism for the position, and he showed signs this past year that he is honing that athleticism into better pass rushing skills. He also displayed an ability to beat linemen with both power and skill, and he has the ability to range beyond his assignment in order to make plays. Payne is not without his downsides. His biggest issue is that he does not always get a good jump off the snap, which causes him to lose leverage at the line of scrimmage. Scouts also note his pedestrian pass rush skills that are easily contained if his first move does not work. This could limit Payne to playing solely on early downs in order to stop the run. All players have downsides, however, and Payne's upsides would be a worthy investment of a first round pick by the Redskins.
The Redskins need an answer in stopping the run in order to prevent Alex Smith from having to whip the ball up and down the field to keep pace with the other team. While Vita Vea may be literally, and figuratively, the bigger name on the DT Draft Board, Payne may be more of what the Redskins are looking for in a nose tackle. He has a high level of strength and athleticism for a guy his size, and while Vea has about 20-30 pounds on Payne, Vea lacks the consistency found in Payne's game. There may be less of a learning curve with Payne and Allen having played together at Alabama, and that collective camaraderie is something that has been lacking on the Redskins defensive line for some time. That sense of unity will be needed to stop a daunting list of running backs this season that includes David Johnson, Ezekiel Elliot, Mark Ingram/Alvin Kamara, Leonard Fournette, Jay Ajayi, Devontae Freeman, a rejuvenated Derrick Henry, and possibly Saquon Barkley if the Giants get froggy with their second pick. The Redskins will need to win the battles up front in order to prevent these backs from dictating the pace of the game, and drafting Payne to bolster the D-Line will do just that. It may be tough to justify taking Payne with the 13th pick so there may be a trade down in order to regain the 3rd round pick the Redskins lost in the Alex Smith trade. But the Redskins should not let perception get in the way of drafting the player that they need. If no good offer comes the Redskins way to trade out of 13 then they will need to pull the trigger on Da'Ron Payne and have him finally be the anchor of that 3-4 defensive line they have been looking for or so long.
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect.
Round 1 (13th Overall Selection): Da'Ron Payne DT (Alabama)
Height: 6'2" Weight: 311 lbs 40 yrd: 4.95 Reps: 27 Cone Drill: 7.58
Vita Vea looks like the no brainer pick at 13, but all indications coming from Redskins Park make it seem as if the Redskins' front office may be lukewarm about the underdeveloped nature of Vea's game. Payne is the more polished pick, and with Jonathan Allen and Ryan Anderson already on the team it makes sense that Bruce Allen would want to take a page out of Lefty Driesell's playbook and make Redskins Park the Alabama of the North. Payne would bring the run stopping presence and mentality the Redskins need in order to allow Alex Smith the time to operate an offense. Payne was a Top 20 national high school recruit who weighed in at 350 pounds before slimming down at Alabama. That may have been a good thing since he started the past two seasons at nose tackle for the Crimson Tide amassing 33 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT, and 4 passes defended during that time. Scouts note that Payne already plays like a professional, with an impressive level of natural strength and high leadership qualities. Scouts also highlight his ability to eat up blocks, and teams will need to scheme for him due to his ability to anchor the defensive line and command double teams. Payne has a high level of athleticism for the position, and he showed signs this past year that he is honing that athleticism into better pass rushing skills. He also displayed an ability to beat linemen with both power and skill, and he has the ability to range beyond his assignment in order to make plays. Payne is not without his downsides. His biggest issue is that he does not always get a good jump off the snap, which causes him to lose leverage at the line of scrimmage. Scouts also note his pedestrian pass rush skills that are easily contained if his first move does not work. This could limit Payne to playing solely on early downs in order to stop the run. All players have downsides, however, and Payne's upsides would be a worthy investment of a first round pick by the Redskins.
The Redskins need an answer in stopping the run in order to prevent Alex Smith from having to whip the ball up and down the field to keep pace with the other team. While Vita Vea may be literally, and figuratively, the bigger name on the DT Draft Board, Payne may be more of what the Redskins are looking for in a nose tackle. He has a high level of strength and athleticism for a guy his size, and while Vea has about 20-30 pounds on Payne, Vea lacks the consistency found in Payne's game. There may be less of a learning curve with Payne and Allen having played together at Alabama, and that collective camaraderie is something that has been lacking on the Redskins defensive line for some time. That sense of unity will be needed to stop a daunting list of running backs this season that includes David Johnson, Ezekiel Elliot, Mark Ingram/Alvin Kamara, Leonard Fournette, Jay Ajayi, Devontae Freeman, a rejuvenated Derrick Henry, and possibly Saquon Barkley if the Giants get froggy with their second pick. The Redskins will need to win the battles up front in order to prevent these backs from dictating the pace of the game, and drafting Payne to bolster the D-Line will do just that. It may be tough to justify taking Payne with the 13th pick so there may be a trade down in order to regain the 3rd round pick the Redskins lost in the Alex Smith trade. But the Redskins should not let perception get in the way of drafting the player that they need. If no good offer comes the Redskins way to trade out of 13 then they will need to pull the trigger on Da'Ron Payne and have him finally be the anchor of that 3-4 defensive line they have been looking for or so long.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Redskins 2018 Draft Special Round 2 (Pick 44)
A lot of Mock Drafts have the Redskins taking a skill position player in the second round, but what will those players do if they don't have the protection up front to be successful? The Redskins need to go O-Line in the second round.
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect.
Round 2 (44th Overall Selection): Billy Price C (Ohio State)
Height: 6'4" Weight: 305 lbs
It is concerning that Billy Price suffered a torn pectoral muscle while warming up for the bench press at the NFL Combine. The injury is said to be minor, though, and the Redskins should heed that advice and take a long hard look at Price if he is available at the 44th pick. Price was Co-Defensive Player of the Year as a high school senior in Ohio, but he was moved to offensive line when he got to Ohio State. He began his career as a Guard where he started all 15 games as a freshman on the 2014 National Championship Team. He filled in at left guard his sophomore year where he garnered Third Team All-Big Ten honors, and he moved to right guard the next year and was First Team All-Big Ten. Last year he was moved to center where he won the Remington Trophy as the Nation's top center and was First Team All-American. His meteoric rise throughout his college career is due to an impressive set of skills. Scouts note his incredible strength and ability to move defenders off the line of scrimmage. He has the ability to play in space and to hold his position on the line, and he has significant experience at both guard positions and center. Price sets a strong anchor in pass protection, and he plays with a mean streak to compliment his physicality. It is this mean streak, though, that brings the negative side of Price's game. Price tends to be too aggressive at times, and gets himself out of position by over lunging at the defender. Scouts note that Price may rely too heavily on his brute strength, which causes his footwork to go dead and allow more athletic rushers to get by him. Finally, his mean demeanor has given him the moniker of being a tough personality to deal with, but the Redskins need high level depth on the offensive line after what happened last year.
The Redskins offensive line became a MASH Unit by the end of last season, and it was a big reason why the Redskins had trouble running the football and protecting Kirk Cousins as the season progressed. Guys like Derrius Guice, Courtland Sutton, and Christian Kirk are good, but what happens if the offensive line cannot provide the protection to make these skill players successful? Price is the answer for people who wonder if Arie Kuandjio is up to the task of starting at Left Guard, and it gives the Redskins interior line a jolt of high level starting talent. Price's over aggressiveness is a concern, but that can be remedied through coaching. It is harder to coach up desire than it is to teach temperance, and Bill Callahan seems to be just the guy to work with Price on fixing some of the holes in his game. Alex Smith will need protection, and whatever running back starts for the Redskins will need holes to run through. Price brings all of that to the table, and he should be the guy the Redskins select with the 44th pick if he is there even if Guice is still available.
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect.
Round 2 (44th Overall Selection): Billy Price C (Ohio State)
Height: 6'4" Weight: 305 lbs
It is concerning that Billy Price suffered a torn pectoral muscle while warming up for the bench press at the NFL Combine. The injury is said to be minor, though, and the Redskins should heed that advice and take a long hard look at Price if he is available at the 44th pick. Price was Co-Defensive Player of the Year as a high school senior in Ohio, but he was moved to offensive line when he got to Ohio State. He began his career as a Guard where he started all 15 games as a freshman on the 2014 National Championship Team. He filled in at left guard his sophomore year where he garnered Third Team All-Big Ten honors, and he moved to right guard the next year and was First Team All-Big Ten. Last year he was moved to center where he won the Remington Trophy as the Nation's top center and was First Team All-American. His meteoric rise throughout his college career is due to an impressive set of skills. Scouts note his incredible strength and ability to move defenders off the line of scrimmage. He has the ability to play in space and to hold his position on the line, and he has significant experience at both guard positions and center. Price sets a strong anchor in pass protection, and he plays with a mean streak to compliment his physicality. It is this mean streak, though, that brings the negative side of Price's game. Price tends to be too aggressive at times, and gets himself out of position by over lunging at the defender. Scouts note that Price may rely too heavily on his brute strength, which causes his footwork to go dead and allow more athletic rushers to get by him. Finally, his mean demeanor has given him the moniker of being a tough personality to deal with, but the Redskins need high level depth on the offensive line after what happened last year.
The Redskins offensive line became a MASH Unit by the end of last season, and it was a big reason why the Redskins had trouble running the football and protecting Kirk Cousins as the season progressed. Guys like Derrius Guice, Courtland Sutton, and Christian Kirk are good, but what happens if the offensive line cannot provide the protection to make these skill players successful? Price is the answer for people who wonder if Arie Kuandjio is up to the task of starting at Left Guard, and it gives the Redskins interior line a jolt of high level starting talent. Price's over aggressiveness is a concern, but that can be remedied through coaching. It is harder to coach up desire than it is to teach temperance, and Bill Callahan seems to be just the guy to work with Price on fixing some of the holes in his game. Alex Smith will need protection, and whatever running back starts for the Redskins will need holes to run through. Price brings all of that to the table, and he should be the guy the Redskins select with the 44th pick if he is there even if Guice is still available.
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Redskins 2018 Draft Special Round 4 (Pick 109)
Hopefully moving up four spots in the fourth round from the Su'a Cravens trade allows the Redskins to draft this RB that may not be getting as much run as all the others
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect.
Round 4 (109th Overall Selection): Kalen Ballage RB (Arizona State)
Height: 6'1" Weight: 228 lbs Reps: 15 40 yd: 4.46 Cone Drill: 6.91 Broad Jump: 122
Just hear me out on this one. I know everyone is fawning over the running backs in the first and second round, and I know I have stated that it is not worth taking a running back outside of the second round, but Kalen Ballage (pronounced BA-Lahj) should be a guy the Redskins consider taking in the fourth round and leaving the first and second round picks for other needs. Ballage was a four year player at Arizona State where he split carries with another back his Junior and Senior Year. Even with splitting time over the pats two seasons, Ballage was able to amass 20 rushing TD's and over 1700 yards from scrimmage. These two stats highlight Ballage's value to the Redskins. He is a versatile back that has run out of read option formations, single back formations, I-formations, and wildcat formations. He is a talented receiver out of the backfield, who can also line up in the slot, and he has kick returning ability. Ballage is also extremely fast with a 4.46 in the 40, and you have to imagine a 6'1" 228 lb running back who ran a faster 40 at the combine that Guice can wreck people in the open field once he reaches top speed. The problem is he had a little trouble with that this past season due to teams stacking the box against him. Ballage is not a shifty type back, and he is somewhat tentative at the line of scrimmage which caused him to miss open running lanes. Scouts also note that he lacks the vision and sharp cutting ability to find tight seems when running to the edge. So where's the upside to drafting another running back in the fourth round? The answer is insurance.
Samaje Perine and Rob Kelley do not have the pass catching skills of Chris Thompson, and Thompson does not have the size to run through the tackles to get the tough yards. Ballage has both, and if any of these backs were to go down the Redskins could plug in Ballage and not miss a beat. Ballage has the power to gain tough yards in short down or goal line situations, and he can be a home run hitter in catching passes out of the backfield. Just watch some of his highlights. Ballage can do it all, and he would not have to be THE guy right away. He has spent the past two years sharing time at Arizona State, and he could play the same role to begin his career in Washington with the ability to move up if he shows promise. Taking Ballage after the second round also allows the Redskins to spend a high pick on the offensive line in order to open up better holes for the running game. Yes, Guice and Penny may be the hotter picks, but Ballage has similar running skills and better pass catching ability. He is someone who would add versatility to an RB corps that is one injury away from becoming one dimensional. Just look at what happened last year. Ballage is someone the Redskins should seriously consider taking outside the second round, and he may even be worth trading into the third round to get. Think David Johnson playing for the Redskins without a wrist injury and that is Kalen Ballage. Lets go get him.
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect.
Round 4 (109th Overall Selection): Kalen Ballage RB (Arizona State)
Height: 6'1" Weight: 228 lbs Reps: 15 40 yd: 4.46 Cone Drill: 6.91 Broad Jump: 122
Just hear me out on this one. I know everyone is fawning over the running backs in the first and second round, and I know I have stated that it is not worth taking a running back outside of the second round, but Kalen Ballage (pronounced BA-Lahj) should be a guy the Redskins consider taking in the fourth round and leaving the first and second round picks for other needs. Ballage was a four year player at Arizona State where he split carries with another back his Junior and Senior Year. Even with splitting time over the pats two seasons, Ballage was able to amass 20 rushing TD's and over 1700 yards from scrimmage. These two stats highlight Ballage's value to the Redskins. He is a versatile back that has run out of read option formations, single back formations, I-formations, and wildcat formations. He is a talented receiver out of the backfield, who can also line up in the slot, and he has kick returning ability. Ballage is also extremely fast with a 4.46 in the 40, and you have to imagine a 6'1" 228 lb running back who ran a faster 40 at the combine that Guice can wreck people in the open field once he reaches top speed. The problem is he had a little trouble with that this past season due to teams stacking the box against him. Ballage is not a shifty type back, and he is somewhat tentative at the line of scrimmage which caused him to miss open running lanes. Scouts also note that he lacks the vision and sharp cutting ability to find tight seems when running to the edge. So where's the upside to drafting another running back in the fourth round? The answer is insurance.
Samaje Perine and Rob Kelley do not have the pass catching skills of Chris Thompson, and Thompson does not have the size to run through the tackles to get the tough yards. Ballage has both, and if any of these backs were to go down the Redskins could plug in Ballage and not miss a beat. Ballage has the power to gain tough yards in short down or goal line situations, and he can be a home run hitter in catching passes out of the backfield. Just watch some of his highlights. Ballage can do it all, and he would not have to be THE guy right away. He has spent the past two years sharing time at Arizona State, and he could play the same role to begin his career in Washington with the ability to move up if he shows promise. Taking Ballage after the second round also allows the Redskins to spend a high pick on the offensive line in order to open up better holes for the running game. Yes, Guice and Penny may be the hotter picks, but Ballage has similar running skills and better pass catching ability. He is someone who would add versatility to an RB corps that is one injury away from becoming one dimensional. Just look at what happened last year. Ballage is someone the Redskins should seriously consider taking outside the second round, and he may even be worth trading into the third round to get. Think David Johnson playing for the Redskins without a wrist injury and that is Kalen Ballage. Lets go get him.
Sunday, April 15, 2018
Redskins 2018 Draft Special Round 5 (Pick 142)
The Redskins keep winning in the short term with the Su'a Cravens deal. The Redskins original 5th round pick was number 149, but Cravens moved the Redskins up all the way to 142 in order to draft his potential replacement. Maybe.
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect.
Round 5 (142nd Overall Selection): Godwin Igwebuike S (Northwestern)
Height: 6'0" Weight: 205 lbs Reps: 19 40 yd: 4.44 Cone Drill: 6.56 20yrd Shuttle: 4.12
Admittedly, this would be an ideal scenario for the Redskins to be able to draft Godwin Igwebuike (ig-weh-BYU-kay) at this pick. It is possible he goes earlier than this due to his impressive combine performance. But if he is there, and the Redskins have not already drafted a safety, they would be crazy to pass on a player of his caliber. Igwebuike was a three year starter at Northwestern where he garnered Second Team All-Big 10 honors as a junior and senior, and he was voted team captain his senior year. Scouts highlight his high intelligence level and his physical demeanor that made him a successful run stuffer as evidenced by his combined 7 TFL's his junior and senior season from the safety position. There are concerns that he may be limited to strong safety due to his deficiencies in man coverage, his lack of ability to anticipate and read routes in zone coverage, and the overall stiffness with which he plays in covering receivers. His combine numbers, though, leave room for speculation that Igwebuike's down sides can be remedied with coaching. His 40 time was fifth among safeties at the combine and his Cone Drill was tied for first. These physical skills, coupled with Igwebuike's positive production on special teams and his familial relationship to Christian Okoye, should make him an ideal candidate for the Redskins to draft and develop over the next few seasons.
The Redskins need depth at safety after trading Su'a Cravens, and while Igwebuike may not be a starter that will make an immediate impact, he has the tools that could give the Redskins some options in case anything happens. You know. In case anyone gets injured. In case Montae Nicholson's injury status remain precarious. In case DJ Swearinger's rants become too out of hand this season. In case Deshazor Everett can't cut the mustard. In case we have to rely on some guy named Fish to fill in at safety. Igwebuike could be there waiting to help in case those things happen, and in the mean time he could be a valuable addition to special teams while honing his skills as a cover safety. He definitely has the physical skills to do so, and with his already polished run support capabilities the Redskins should look to take Igwebuike if he is still on the board at 142.
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect.
Round 5 (142nd Overall Selection): Godwin Igwebuike S (Northwestern)
Height: 6'0" Weight: 205 lbs Reps: 19 40 yd: 4.44 Cone Drill: 6.56 20yrd Shuttle: 4.12
Admittedly, this would be an ideal scenario for the Redskins to be able to draft Godwin Igwebuike (ig-weh-BYU-kay) at this pick. It is possible he goes earlier than this due to his impressive combine performance. But if he is there, and the Redskins have not already drafted a safety, they would be crazy to pass on a player of his caliber. Igwebuike was a three year starter at Northwestern where he garnered Second Team All-Big 10 honors as a junior and senior, and he was voted team captain his senior year. Scouts highlight his high intelligence level and his physical demeanor that made him a successful run stuffer as evidenced by his combined 7 TFL's his junior and senior season from the safety position. There are concerns that he may be limited to strong safety due to his deficiencies in man coverage, his lack of ability to anticipate and read routes in zone coverage, and the overall stiffness with which he plays in covering receivers. His combine numbers, though, leave room for speculation that Igwebuike's down sides can be remedied with coaching. His 40 time was fifth among safeties at the combine and his Cone Drill was tied for first. These physical skills, coupled with Igwebuike's positive production on special teams and his familial relationship to Christian Okoye, should make him an ideal candidate for the Redskins to draft and develop over the next few seasons.
The Redskins need depth at safety after trading Su'a Cravens, and while Igwebuike may not be a starter that will make an immediate impact, he has the tools that could give the Redskins some options in case anything happens. You know. In case anyone gets injured. In case Montae Nicholson's injury status remain precarious. In case DJ Swearinger's rants become too out of hand this season. In case Deshazor Everett can't cut the mustard. In case we have to rely on some guy named Fish to fill in at safety. Igwebuike could be there waiting to help in case those things happen, and in the mean time he could be a valuable addition to special teams while honing his skills as a cover safety. He definitely has the physical skills to do so, and with his already polished run support capabilities the Redskins should look to take Igwebuike if he is still on the board at 142.
Friday, April 13, 2018
Redskins 2018 Draft Special Round 5 (Pick 163)
The Redskins actually got something for Su'a Cravens. We'll see if trading Cravens was a bad idea, but in the short term, and in the spirit of sunk costs, this 5th round pick is a boon that could turn into a solid player.
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect.
Round 5 (163rd Overall Selection): Darius Phillips CB (Western Michigan)
Height: 5'10" Weight: 190 lbs Reps: 9 40 yd: 4.54 20yrd Shuttle: 4.18
The Redskins defensive worries cannot all be remedied by beefing up the front seven. There needs to be added talent in the secondary in order to defend the pass, and Darius Phillips out of Western Michigan fits the bill perfectly. A disciple of PJ Fleck's "Row the Boat" philosophy, Phillips was a big in state signing for the Broncos in 2014 as a wide receiver/kick returner. Phillips has modest success as a freshman wide out, but he was moved to cornerback in 2015 where he was an All-MAC Conference Player the last three years. Now, it is easy when you play against a bunch of rejects in the MAC, but in those three years Phillips racked up 35 PD's, 12 INT's, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 sacks, 5 defensive TD's, and 6 return TD's (5 KR, 1 PR). Phillips may have played against perceived inferior competition, but he sure beat their brains in with a talent level that should pique the Redskins interest. Scouts note that he has a quick backpedal and fluid turn and sprint skills. They also note his impeccable ball hawking skills, his instinctive ability to diagnose routes, his ability to play both man and zone, and his experience as a returner. The big knock on Phillips is that he is very soft against the run where he can be exploited if he is to play the slot in the NFL. Unfortunately, most scouts project that he needs to play in the slot in order to maximize his strengths as a man corner. He is also undersized at 5'10", and being undersized and soft is not a good combination, but his skills as a cover corner are what the Redskins need.
This pick may seem redundant since the Redskins drafted Fabian Moreau in the third round last year. Moreau was hurt most of last year, though, and with the departure of Kendall Fuller the Redskins need a reliable cover corner in the slot. Maybe that is Moreau. Maybe that is another converted receiver in Quinton Dunbar, but it is always good to have an insurance policy considering the only other corner on the roster is Josh Holsey. Phillips seems to have the talent in coverage that could replace Fuller, and his abilities as a returner would make him more versatile on this roster. His 4.5 speed leaves something to be desired, but at his Pro-Day he ran a 4.40. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle, but that is a good middle to have and think if the Redskins could finally have a true punt returner that allows Jamison Crowder to focus on catching passes. Phillips's deficiencies in run support are a red flag for a team that was one of the worst against the run, but Phillips could be used sparingly in obvious passing situations in order to develop him at a more modest pace. There are other pressing needs at higher picks, but cornerback depth is something the Redskins cannot neglect with the injury status of Fabian Moreau. Phillips would be a great addition if he can be acquired with this pick.
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect.
Round 5 (163rd Overall Selection): Darius Phillips CB (Western Michigan)
Height: 5'10" Weight: 190 lbs Reps: 9 40 yd: 4.54 20yrd Shuttle: 4.18
The Redskins defensive worries cannot all be remedied by beefing up the front seven. There needs to be added talent in the secondary in order to defend the pass, and Darius Phillips out of Western Michigan fits the bill perfectly. A disciple of PJ Fleck's "Row the Boat" philosophy, Phillips was a big in state signing for the Broncos in 2014 as a wide receiver/kick returner. Phillips has modest success as a freshman wide out, but he was moved to cornerback in 2015 where he was an All-MAC Conference Player the last three years. Now, it is easy when you play against a bunch of rejects in the MAC, but in those three years Phillips racked up 35 PD's, 12 INT's, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 sacks, 5 defensive TD's, and 6 return TD's (5 KR, 1 PR). Phillips may have played against perceived inferior competition, but he sure beat their brains in with a talent level that should pique the Redskins interest. Scouts note that he has a quick backpedal and fluid turn and sprint skills. They also note his impeccable ball hawking skills, his instinctive ability to diagnose routes, his ability to play both man and zone, and his experience as a returner. The big knock on Phillips is that he is very soft against the run where he can be exploited if he is to play the slot in the NFL. Unfortunately, most scouts project that he needs to play in the slot in order to maximize his strengths as a man corner. He is also undersized at 5'10", and being undersized and soft is not a good combination, but his skills as a cover corner are what the Redskins need.
This pick may seem redundant since the Redskins drafted Fabian Moreau in the third round last year. Moreau was hurt most of last year, though, and with the departure of Kendall Fuller the Redskins need a reliable cover corner in the slot. Maybe that is Moreau. Maybe that is another converted receiver in Quinton Dunbar, but it is always good to have an insurance policy considering the only other corner on the roster is Josh Holsey. Phillips seems to have the talent in coverage that could replace Fuller, and his abilities as a returner would make him more versatile on this roster. His 4.5 speed leaves something to be desired, but at his Pro-Day he ran a 4.40. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle, but that is a good middle to have and think if the Redskins could finally have a true punt returner that allows Jamison Crowder to focus on catching passes. Phillips's deficiencies in run support are a red flag for a team that was one of the worst against the run, but Phillips could be used sparingly in obvious passing situations in order to develop him at a more modest pace. There are other pressing needs at higher picks, but cornerback depth is something the Redskins cannot neglect with the injury status of Fabian Moreau. Phillips would be a great addition if he can be acquired with this pick.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Redskins 2018 Draft Special Round 6 (Pick 205)
The Redskins finally did it. Move over Colt McCoy because Kevin Hogan is now here to take your backup job from you. In return for Hogan's services the Redskins had to swap the 188th pick for the Browns' 205th pick this year, where hopefully they can still draft this wide receiver.
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect.
Round 6 (205th Overall Selection): Steve Ishmael WR (Syracuse)
Height: 6'2" Weight: 210 lbs 40 yd: 4.59 Vert: 32.5 Cone Drill: 6.84
What if a receiver was a down field threat because he could catch anything that was thrown to him rather than being a burner? Steve Ishmael is the answer to that question. Ishmael played in 47 out of a possible 48 games for Syracuse with 39 starts between 2014-2017, and his senior year numbers are eye popping. Ishmael hauled in 105 receptions for 1,347 yards and seven TD's in 2017, which garnered him unanimous First-Team All ACC honors and a big Stone Cold Steve Austin Salute from the NFL Combine representatives. That may be good for the Redskins considering that scouts have noted his ability to adjust quickly to the ball and make sudden catches, especially on downfield throws. He is a big receiver who can wall off smaller DB's and he plays with a nasty intensity. His lack of speed, though, is a concern because it has caused him to have a low YAC, slow route speed, and a lack of separation from his defender. Scouts also note that despite his size, Ishmael has trouble beating press coverage off the line. His upside may not be what HTTR nation is looking for, but it may be what they need if they consider a few points.
First, Ishmael's 105 receptions are second all-time in ACC single season history behind.......wait for it.......Jamison Crowder who had 108 receptions in 2013. Second, which receiver do you trust to make those tough catches in traffic or one-on-one coverage? Not Crowder. Doctson has proven to be soft, Jordan Reed is too injury prone, and Richardson was brought in to be the burner. Ishmael is the guy that we need to get the tough yards, and someone Alex Smith can trust will get the ball by winning his one-on-one battles through physical play and intelligence. Just watch his tape and tell me you don't see Pierre Garcon. Redskins fans are calling for a burner, but I say we go with a guy who can catch anything that is thrown to him, create separation at the last minute, and make catches in tight spaces to gain tough yards. Steve Ishmael is that guy who could command safety help because one defender just won't cut it in denying him the ball. A 6th Round pick may be ambitious considering most outlets have him going undrafted, but it may be wise for Bruce Allen to add some edge to the receiving corps before someone else does.
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect.
Round 6 (205th Overall Selection): Steve Ishmael WR (Syracuse)
Height: 6'2" Weight: 210 lbs 40 yd: 4.59 Vert: 32.5 Cone Drill: 6.84
What if a receiver was a down field threat because he could catch anything that was thrown to him rather than being a burner? Steve Ishmael is the answer to that question. Ishmael played in 47 out of a possible 48 games for Syracuse with 39 starts between 2014-2017, and his senior year numbers are eye popping. Ishmael hauled in 105 receptions for 1,347 yards and seven TD's in 2017, which garnered him unanimous First-Team All ACC honors and a big Stone Cold Steve Austin Salute from the NFL Combine representatives. That may be good for the Redskins considering that scouts have noted his ability to adjust quickly to the ball and make sudden catches, especially on downfield throws. He is a big receiver who can wall off smaller DB's and he plays with a nasty intensity. His lack of speed, though, is a concern because it has caused him to have a low YAC, slow route speed, and a lack of separation from his defender. Scouts also note that despite his size, Ishmael has trouble beating press coverage off the line. His upside may not be what HTTR nation is looking for, but it may be what they need if they consider a few points.
First, Ishmael's 105 receptions are second all-time in ACC single season history behind.......wait for it.......Jamison Crowder who had 108 receptions in 2013. Second, which receiver do you trust to make those tough catches in traffic or one-on-one coverage? Not Crowder. Doctson has proven to be soft, Jordan Reed is too injury prone, and Richardson was brought in to be the burner. Ishmael is the guy that we need to get the tough yards, and someone Alex Smith can trust will get the ball by winning his one-on-one battles through physical play and intelligence. Just watch his tape and tell me you don't see Pierre Garcon. Redskins fans are calling for a burner, but I say we go with a guy who can catch anything that is thrown to him, create separation at the last minute, and make catches in tight spaces to gain tough yards. Steve Ishmael is that guy who could command safety help because one defender just won't cut it in denying him the ball. A 6th Round pick may be ambitious considering most outlets have him going undrafted, but it may be wise for Bruce Allen to add some edge to the receiving corps before someone else does.
Monday, April 9, 2018
Redskins 2018 Draft Special Round 7 (Pick 231)
In a 3-4 Defense you can never have too many linebackers, and this one may be hard to pass on if he is there at 231.
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect.
Round 7 (231st Overall Selection): Keishawn Bierria LB (Washington)
Height: 6'2" Weight: 230 lbs 40 yd: 4.79 Bench Press: 16 reps Vert: 30.5
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect.
Round 7 (231st Overall Selection): Keishawn Bierria LB (Washington)
Height: 6'2" Weight: 230 lbs 40 yd: 4.79 Bench Press: 16 reps Vert: 30.5
Not the flashiest pick, but someone who can get the job done. Keishawn Bierria was actually one of the mid to lower performing linebackers at the combine, but his skill set lies outside of pure athleticism. Bierria is noted as having a high football IQ after playing in a majority of every season since 2014 at Washington. Scouts note his ability to diagnose plays and see things before they happen. He is good at reading misdirection, and he possesses good closing speed and aggressiveness at the point of attack that allowed him to be around the ball more often than naught (5 fumble recoveries in 2016 and 7 for his career). The most important feature that the Redskins should covet this late in the draft is his work ethic and his high leadership qualities. Bierria was only the fifth player in 110 years to win Washington's Guy Flaherty Most Inspirational Award twice. The trade off is that Bierria is low on the athletic spectrum. Scouts note that he can be beat on the edge by pure speed, and that he is more reactive than aggressive. This gives him a small margin for error that will get even smaller at the NFL level, and it makes it so that he may need to be moved inside to play more to his skill set. Despite these athletic shortcomings, the Redskins would be crazy to pass on Bierria at this pick.
You either need to draft for skill or intangibles, and Bierria is the latter. A shot of work ethic may be what the inside linebacking corps of this team needs considering what has transpired over the past year. Zach Brown needed a little more time to think about coming back than Redskins fans would have liked, and lets not forget that Mason Foster's little rant after he was shut down for the season back in October made people think he did not want to come back here. With these two players being the starters this season it may be beneficial for the Redskins to choose high character over high skill set at this pick. Bierria brings much more than character, though, and the Redskins should take him as someone who can progress from a college playmaker to an NFL playmaker.
Saturday, April 7, 2018
Redskins 2018 Draft Special Round 7 (Pick 241)
It is that time of year again. The time where the NFL reminds all other sports why it does not matter how many CTE lawsuits come at them, their Draft will outdo any other Spring sports programming. The NFL Draft is less than three weeks away and for the Redskins fan base this year's Draft will be quite a conundrum. The first 12 picks in this Draft will dictate the Redskins strategy, but it is insane how many iterations there are of those first 12 picks that continue to keep all of HTTR nation guessing. Will Minkah Fitzpatrick fall to 13? Derwin James or Vita Vea? Is Derrius Guice worth the 13th overall pick? Should we trade back to get an RB later in the first round? Do we try to recover the 3rd round pick we lost in the Alex Smith trade? Whatever the answers, it will be a crazy Draft and I attempt to guess who the Redskins will select. Remember that I assume there are no trades and the Redskins keep all of their picks. Maybe you should take note because last year was very, very good to me. I called the Josh Harvey-Clemons selection, albeit one round early. I said they would go D-Line in the first round. I said they would choose an RB in the fourth round and not the second, and I said they would go with a center late in the draft. Some would call that luck, I would call it......luck, but here's hoping this year's choices are just as good.
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect. Without further ado lets begin the 2018 Redskins Draft with the gift that keeps on giving....Derrick Carrier. Earlier this year, the Redskins traded Derrick Carrier to the Rams for a 7th Round pick that turned into the 241st overall selection and hopefully into this gem out of Army.
Round 7 (241st Overall Selection): Brett Toth OT (Army)
Height: 6'6" Weight: 291 lbs 40 yd: 5.14 Bench Press: 16 reps 20 yrd Shuttle: 4.75
If you haven't noticed, the Redskins two starting tackles will not be at OTA's due to injury. Trent Williams and Morgan Moses still need time to heal, and in the meanwhile the Redskins could draft an insurance policy with this pick. Brett Toth is an athletic tackle that fits well into a zone running scheme. He looks to move towards the second level, and he has the agility to redirect blocks when they try to come off the edge. Scouts note his toughness at the point of attack, and they note that he shows good hustle in space. His 20 yard shuttle time is from his pro day, but that time would have been first by 0.2 seconds at the combine. There are major concerns with his size and lack of pass protection experience due to Army's offensive scheme, but who better to mentor him than Bill Callahan? Toth is the perfect 7th Round project pick that could turn into a much needed short term backup for the Redskins.
Trent Williams is not getting any younger, and the only legitimate replacement we have for him is Ty Nsekhe. Toth will not be ready to replace either of them this year, but he can learn from the best and develop his skills and size to hopefully be ready by next season. Toth has the intangibles needed to be successful in Jay Gruden's system, and he will have the time in Washington to learn at a more steady pace. The Redskins desperately need more bodies at the tackle position, and Toth gives some sense of competition to guys like TJ Clemmings and John Kling. He may not be ready this year, but they do not need him to be. They just need a return on the investment in 2-3 years, and Toth's skill set may turn out to be a steal for a 7th Round pick.
Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports , NFL Combine Results Page, plus help from Walter Football, Ourlads, Drafttek, and DraftScout. Please check these sites out for all the work that they do in informing all of us laypeople about every possible college prospect. Without further ado lets begin the 2018 Redskins Draft with the gift that keeps on giving....Derrick Carrier. Earlier this year, the Redskins traded Derrick Carrier to the Rams for a 7th Round pick that turned into the 241st overall selection and hopefully into this gem out of Army.
Round 7 (241st Overall Selection): Brett Toth OT (Army)
Height: 6'6" Weight: 291 lbs 40 yd: 5.14 Bench Press: 16 reps 20 yrd Shuttle: 4.75
If you haven't noticed, the Redskins two starting tackles will not be at OTA's due to injury. Trent Williams and Morgan Moses still need time to heal, and in the meanwhile the Redskins could draft an insurance policy with this pick. Brett Toth is an athletic tackle that fits well into a zone running scheme. He looks to move towards the second level, and he has the agility to redirect blocks when they try to come off the edge. Scouts note his toughness at the point of attack, and they note that he shows good hustle in space. His 20 yard shuttle time is from his pro day, but that time would have been first by 0.2 seconds at the combine. There are major concerns with his size and lack of pass protection experience due to Army's offensive scheme, but who better to mentor him than Bill Callahan? Toth is the perfect 7th Round project pick that could turn into a much needed short term backup for the Redskins.
Trent Williams is not getting any younger, and the only legitimate replacement we have for him is Ty Nsekhe. Toth will not be ready to replace either of them this year, but he can learn from the best and develop his skills and size to hopefully be ready by next season. Toth has the intangibles needed to be successful in Jay Gruden's system, and he will have the time in Washington to learn at a more steady pace. The Redskins desperately need more bodies at the tackle position, and Toth gives some sense of competition to guys like TJ Clemmings and John Kling. He may not be ready this year, but they do not need him to be. They just need a return on the investment in 2-3 years, and Toth's skill set may turn out to be a steal for a 7th Round pick.
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