By Thomas Tereshinski
Published: April 30, 2008 PrintEmail
I think I've finally calmed down enough to rationally take a look at
the Redskins 2008 draft. At first, I did not like the second round at
all. Why three pass-catchers? Why no defensive help? Why a sixth
rounder spent on a punter?
There are still some head scratchers, but I'll look at this as neutral
as I can, starting with the trade down from spot 21. There were also
some minor trades made in later rounds, but I'm not worrying about
those.
Also, you have to realize that this was new head coach Jim Zorn's first
draft as head coach, and it's the first one that de-facto GM Vinny
Cerrato has fully been in charge of for quite some time.
1.) Trading down from 21. This was a great move. While I really liked
Phillip Merling at this spot, you can not deny the value that they got.
In return from Atlanta, the Redskins got two second-round picks, and
also gave up their third rounder and fifth. This allowed the Redskins
three selections in the span of 17 picks during the second round.
Grade: A
The Redskins had looked at Thomas at #21, and with Merling off the
board, the Redskins made this an easy pick. Many teams had Thomas as
their top-rated receiver, and a ton of mocks had him as the first
receiver going, sometimes before the 21st pick. So, the Redskins made
out very well here, getting a receiver who will fit the West Coast
offense and who has #1 potential.
Grade: A
3.) Round 2, pick 17 (48): TE Fred Davis, USC
The Redskins had Davis with a first-round grade on their draft board,
and took him ahead of defensive help with this pick. I thought it was a
horrible pick at first, but Davis should step in immediately in two-TE
packages that will be run in Zorn's WCO. Davis will make an immediate
impact as a receiver, and is a willing blocker, with room to grow. Not
a need pick, but good value from Washington.
Grade: B+
This was one I was incensed on. I could understand Davis for the two-TE
set, but Kelly? Again, the Redskins had him with a first-round grade,
same as the two players picked before him, so he was excellent value
for them. But, this is the same player who complained about his workout
at Oklahoma and went on a tirade against the school, and who had some
disappointing 40-times. However, he has produced at the college level,
and was a favorite of the coaches and front office. Definitely not a
need, but it's solid value, though I do not like the tantrum he threw.
Grade: C
5.) Round 3, pick 33 (96): OG Chad Rinehart, Northern Iowa
The Redskins stayed away from defense yet again, but found some help in
the offensive trenches in Rinehart. He will not be called upon to help
right away, and will be a project of offensive line coach Joe Bugel,
who has developed some of the best. Rinehart has all the talent and
things you look for physically, but is very raw. The faults he does
have- footwork, hands and leverage, can be corrected with good
coaching, which he'll have.
Grade: B
6.) Round 4, pick 25 (124): CB Justin Tryon, Arizona State
Tryon was a bit of a reach here, but he's extremely athletic and will
find his niche in man coverage. Tryon also gets a plus for being a
willing tackler, even though he is on the small side. He might only be
a nickel back at the NFL level, but that is what this defense requires-
corners to play man coverage, which Tryon can do. Is also a return man,
and can contribute on special teams.
Grade: B-
7.) Round 6, pick 2 (168): P Durant Brooks, Georgia Tech
Brooks was last year's Ray Guy winner, and has also been mentored by
Guy himself. Has a power leg, and can place kicks. Half of his kicks
last year were downed inside the 20. I still don't like this pick,
because of the season that Derrick Frost had. When he finally stepped
up and showed that the loyalty that Joe Gibbs showed him was merited,
the Redskins go out and draft someone to challenge him. I don't like
this pick at all.
Grade: C
8.) Round 6, pick 14 (180): S Kareem Moore, Nicholls State
Moore is a smart player who is tough and a leader. He is not the
fastest athlete, but has intangibles that the Redskins are looking for.
Is a big hitter, and should be able to play inside this system. Will be
a good safety and special teams player for the Skins.
Grade: B
9.) Round 6, pick 20 (186): QB Colt Brennan, Hawaii
Brennan is probably the biggest boom or bust pick out there in the
draft. His doubters say that he is from a system with bloated stats,
and that his funky 3/4 delivery and a hitch in his throwing motion will
cause him to fail in the NFL. But, he was a quarterback who had a 70%
completion percentage and who had over a 2/1 TD/INT ratio in his final
season. Not to mention, he has former NFL quarterback Jim Zorn teaching
him. We might not hear from Brennan for a year or two, but I feel he
can be a solid NFL QB. A starter? Only if Jason Campbell fails to
continue his development.
Grade: B+
10.) Round 7, pick 35 (242): DE Rob Jackson, Kansas State
Player who is described as a "Jack of all trades, a master of none,"
Jackson can fill a variety of roles for the Redskins. He's strong at
the point of attack and can defend the run, and has a great motor. Like
the pick of Moore, Jackson will excel as a backup in this system, and
will be important in a rotation. A little late for defensive end help,
but Jackson will be a great depth player.
Grade: B+
11.) Round 7, pick 42 (249): S Chris Horton, UCLA
Just take a look at what I wrote about Moore, and you get a similar
player in Horton, but with a wrist injury and is weak in coverage. Not
sure what the Redskins were thinking here. A depth linebacker would
have made more sense.
Grade: C-
Immediately after the draft, I was tempted to grade the Redskins at a C
or lower. I honestly could not see them justifying three pass catchers
on the first day, with no defensive help. However, I can live with
them, and they will help get the WCO off the ground and give Campbell
more weapons. I also like some of the depth players we got. However, I
do not understand the Brooks selection at all, as well as Horton. The
Kelly selection does not do much for me, either. In the end, I see this
draft being a B, but it could have been an A without Kelly drafted, and
replaced with a linebacker like Dan Connor.
