It appears the philosophy may have finally changed at Redskin Park. The past few drafts all had the same script, the Redskins, short on picks due to previous trades, fall in love with a player and deal away half of next year’s draft to get him. Whether or not that strategy worked is still up for debate; Chris Cooley has proven to be worth the additional picks, while the jury is still out on Jason Campbell and Rocky McIntosh. Even if all those players work out in the long run, the trouble with moving 2 or 3 picks to get one player is that it eventually hurts your depth.
But this year, the Redskins stayed in their shoes, made their picks and called it a weekend. It was a draft where the Redskins finally took their medicine and played the weak hand they dealt themselves. For the past three or four years, the Redskins were essentially drafting a year ahead. They spent the 2005 draft giving away 2006 picks, and they spent last year giving away this year’s picks. Finally we can grade this year’s draft on just this year’s picks, there doesn’t have to be the fine print at the end saying that they ruined next year’s draft to get through this years.
Much like the conservative approach to trades, Washington never really strayed far off the draft board in any of their picks. Every player, save Jordan Palmer, went to a big-time college and played against top flight college competition. The Skins went with players who have a lot of experience in college and left the workout warriors and one-year wonders to other teams.
The 1st pick, LaRon Landry fits that bill perfectly. He’s a long-time starter with LSU and was the top defensive player on a lot of draft boards. The opinions against picking Landry (including mine) had nothing to do with the player himself, it was about filling holes. Yes, the Redskins had a hole at safety opposite Sean Taylor but they seemingly had much bigger issues at defensive line which could have been addressed at this slot.
Landry is in a unique position as a Redskin draftee. The 1st round picks (especially ones picked this high) are usually hyped to the point where they can’t help but be let downs. Landry will help the defense and will team with Sean Taylor to provide the most talented safety combination in the league. If the two can gel and form a chemistry in the backfield, the Redskins secondary will be lethal for years to come.
Of the rest of the picks, HB Blades is the most intriguing. He has good bloodlines and was the Big East defensive player of the year in his senior season. He slide because of a lack of height, but I’m sure most Redskins fans have visions of Zach Thomas dancing in their heads when they think of Blades’ potential. Dallas Sartz is the only other player drafted this year who has a chance to make an impact on this year’s team.
When it boils down to it, unless Blades or Sartz surprises, this draft is all about Landry. If he reaches expectations quickly and the Redskins defense rebounds, fans will be happy. If the team is struggling to hit double digit sacks in December again, there are going to be some very angry fans especially if Okoye or Anderson excels in their rookie campaigns.
But the most important part of this year’s draft for the Redskins won’t be noticed until next April’s draft. The Redskins might actually have a full slate of draft picks. What a concept.
Grade: C- (Just not enough players to move them up any higher than this, although it can be argued that they picked one of the top talents in each of round 1, 5 and 6)
So what’s your final grade?
why no defensive lineman? not one.