By Thomas Tereskinski
Published: August 17, 2007 PrintEmail
Another veteran looking for a home, former first-round pick (14th overall) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kenyatta Walker, signed a contract with the Panthers.
So tell me, why were the Redskins so interested in Pinkston?
Here is a guy who hasn't played since 2004. Last year, he attempted to play with the Vikings, under Brad Childress, his former coordinator in Philadelphia. Pinkston only lasted six days before being cut.
His numbers were never really that impressive, either. His best season, 2002, saw Pinkston catch 60 passes for 798 yards and seven touchdowns. Good for a solid #2 receiver, but nothing more. He never came close to matching his catch totals in his final two years with the Eagles, catching 36 each year, and his highest yardage total was in 2004, where he had 676.
Throughout his career, Pinkston has been criticized for having "alligator arms," or as it is called now, "hearing footsteps." It seemed that Pinkston was constantly afraid of getting hit. Despite being 6'3, he is a lean 180 pounds.
Who knows, maybe getting hit by Brian Dawkins in practice caused Pinkston to be afraid of a hit. They don't need another Brandon Lloyd, someone afraid to make a catch.
In either case, the Redskins have enough receiving weapons. They have Santana Moss, one of the best in the business. Antwaan Randle-El is known more for his return skills and trick-play threat, but he can be a solid #2. James Thrash is a hard-working veteran, but is a better fit as a fourth wide receiver in a spread offense. Mike Espy is a favorite of the coaching staff. Corey Bradford has some potential and solid speed.
With those five, I would not mind going into the season with them at receiver, if you combine Chris Cooley, who functions as a #2 receiver in this offense. Plus, Al Saunders loves to use the running back, so expect him to utilize both Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts as pass-catchers.
Their focus now, after a horrible showing in the pre-season, has to be the offensive line. Stephon Heyer could be a solid project player, but he was clearly overwhelmed in his first game, against Kyle Vanden Bosch. He should not be here. Neither should Jason Fabini, who has struggled in camp and performed poorly when he played against Tennessee.
This is where Kenyatta Walker comes into play. He has the resume, having played both tackle spots with Tampa Bay and being a former first-round pick.
Having Walker would address an immediate need- keeping Jason Campbell upright and well through the pre-season. Even with the concerns that he will hold superior pass-rushers, Walker would be an experienced player to plus in right away.
Long-term, he would probably make the roster. Heyer would go to the practice squad for the year. If Fabini improves, he would be kept on to backup Jon Jansen. If not, he's out, and Walker would backup both Samuels and Jansen.
One thing is for sure- it would certainly not be the reach of Pinkston- out of the NFL for the past two years save for six days.
It is just the tip of the iceberg for the Redskins. Many were on them this past off-season for failing to address needs along the defensive line, offensive line and wide receivers.
The piling on continues now, as the Redskins made two veteran signings (Bradford and Jason McAddley) to the receiving corps before camp and to the offensive line (Fabini.) The 'Skins are obviously concerned about something, since they signed Pinkston, with the receivers. With the line, just look at their play on Saturday.
Something needed to be done. The Redskins made their choice- a receiver, and not a lineman. A receiver who has been out of the NFL and very similar to someone already on the roster. Not a player who has started for a good team and brings a solid pedigree to the table, where the team desperately needed someone to step in now to protect Campbell.
Even when there are two players like Pinston and Walker involved, relatively minor players in the scheme of things, the Redskins miss the boat again. It doesn't even involve these players.
If we hadn't traded for TJ Duckett, I wouldn't even be writing this. Washington could have drafted Notre Dame offensive tackle Ryan Harris, instead of the Broncos. Or, Jacoby Jones from Lane. Or, Lamon Figurs from Kansas State. Or Brandon Lloyd, and the team could have addressed needs both last year and this year.
