Redskins team needs

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AtV5znhOK6m7KKCoeM3Y4HBDubYF?slug=rivals-teamneeds-2006-28&prov=rivals&type=story_draft_team_needs

Washington Redskins Team Needs Frank Coyle, Special to Rivals.com
Washington Redskins (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/was/) (10-6)
Head Coach – Joe Gibbs – Third Year

Key needs:
1. Linebacker
2. Cornerback
3. Tight end
4. Defensive tackle
5. Offensive lineman

1. Linebacker - The Redskins and Lavar Arrington parted ways this offseason. He was a disgruntled player last season and was limited to a role player in their base defense. They have little depth behind starters here and hope to draft into the deepest area of talent this April. In the second round they probably will get a chance at linebackers like Thomas Howard, Roger McIntosh and Jon Alston (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/7679/). They have attempted to sign free agents at this position and may yet, though most likely just stop-gap veterans while addressing this unit in the draft.

2. Cornerback - The loss of Walt Harris (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/3523/) has created a major need on a unit with little depth. They are considering moving up in the second round in an attempt to get a chance at one of the top prospects who falls out of the first round - like Kelly Jennings or Johnathan Joseph. With little room to trade other than next year’s draft choices, look for them to possibly package several picks to move up to obtain one of the above mentioned cover men. At the 53rd overall pick, they have Richard Marshall and Cedric Griffin on their short list.

3. Tight End - The Redskins love Anthony Fasano and Marcedes Lewis and see them as early starters in their multiple set attack. Fasano may be the more developed and all around prospect, though Lewis is a terrific red zone receiver who head coach Joe Gibbs would utilize to the fullest.

4. Defensive Tackle - The Redskins’ front four did a fine job last fall and was instrumental in the success of the defense. They have little depth though, and would like to add a quality prospect to their line rotation. Their front four went through a rebuilding over recent years with fine results - especially the addition of defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5071/) and defensive end Phillip Daniels (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/3634/) who provided big plays. Their presence improved their overall pass pressure. They like DT John McCargo and Jonathan Lewis in the mid-to-late first day area.

5. Offensive Line - Washington has added several offensive linemen in the recent late rounds with little success. They may attempt to address this on the first day, though they have only two picks in the top 150 selections and have higher priorities at several other positions. This position will most likely be addressed on the second day of the draft.

Insiders’ Insights
The Redskins made news right from the start of the free agency period with several big signings and a key trade. They brought in wideouts Antwaan Randle El (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/5948/) and Brandon Lloyd (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6460/) - who are excellent fits for a Gibbs offense though the price in dollars and draft picks was high. They hold only two picks in the top 150 selections but eight draft choices overall. They have needs at selective spots on defense that could dictate most of their early decisions. They were aggressive in free agency this winter and have shown the ability to make big trades for the right players in the NFL Draft using future draft selections. They should address their back seven on defense with their early selections, and the availability of the highest rated prospect may dictate which direction they choose.

Second-round pick - LB - Thomas Howard - UTEP – Speedy athlete would be a good fit for this defense.

Alternate pick - LB – Jon Alston - Stanford – Fast rising defender may be the highest rated player left at this need position.

I agree mostly with what this is saying, but I am not sure that TE is in our top 3 priorities. We have Cooley, Fauria, and that other guy that was interviewed at redskins.com(forgot his name). We seem to have depth in that position, and I would think we would go for a D or O-lineman before that.

I agree mostly with what this is saying, but I am not sure that TE is in our top 3 priorities. We have Cooley, Fauria, and that other guy that was interviewed at redskins.com(forgot his name). We seem to have depth in that position, and I would think we would go for a D or O-lineman before that.

Robert Johnson?
TE isn't an immediate position of need like LB & CB, but it definitely is. Cooley play H-back (assuming the Gibbs' offensive set remains), and Fauria is old & not a long-term solution. Since Gibbs has been back this has been a sore spot I believe, we don't have that reliable D. Warren/Doc Walker type that blocks the best LB on the field all day & doesn't complain about not getting the ball thrown his way. The TE can be an essential part of the O line.
I agree w/most of his analysis as well, good post. Seems an objective review too.

2. Cornerback - The loss of Walt Harris (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/3523/) has created a major need on a unit with little depth. They are considering moving up in the second round in an attempt to get a chance at one of the top prospects who falls out of the first round - like Kelly Jennings or Johnathan Joseph. With little room to trade other than next year’s draft choices, look for them to possibly package several picks to move up to obtain one of the above mentioned cover men. At the 53rd overall pick, they have Richard Marshall and Cedric Griffin on their short list.

MAJOR need? I think an average nickel corner with subpar tackling skills can easily be replaced. Nevermind he already has been replaced, Kenny Wright anyone.

as far as tight end, if anyone has noticed on the redskins roster they changed chris cooley from HB to TE and changed Mike Sellers to a FB. This is Al Saunders system now. so with Cooley and Fauria as our tight ends think were straight at tight end

I like Richard Marshall if we go CB. He's a playmaker, and our D didn't have that many big plays til the end of the season, which is when we need them most obviously, but I think Marshall could force some turnovers.

I think we're going to draft an LB though, so I'd like to see DeMeco Ryans wind up with us. He's an intelligent and intense player. He'll be a solid contributor wherever he's plugged in.

Both of these guys would most likely have to drop though for us to wind up with them.

Robert Johnson?
TE isn't an immediate position of need like LB & CB, but it definitely is. Cooley play H-back (assuming the Gibbs' offensive set remains), and Fauria is old & not a long-term solution. Since Gibbs has been back this has been a sore spot I believe, we don't have that reliable D. Warren/Doc Walker type that blocks the best LB on the field all day & doesn't complain about not getting the ball thrown his way. The TE can be an essential part of the O line.
I agree w/most of his analysis as well, good post. Seems an objective review too.

I guess TE then becomes a long term need, that the Skins should try to get at the bottom of the drat.

I don't know if it's a long term need as much as it's a current, less important need. If you want to talk about guys on the offensive side of the ball that we could and would take who would be starters this year, I think that list starts and ends with Anthony Fasano. Hes a good blocker, great reciever, and could challenge Fauria right away.

Another tight end would be a waste of a pick. Just feed the receivers. I would rather see balls going to Patten as the #4 then a rookie tight end.

i think TE is just the fallback if everyone else is gone. This guy is going by what the team has done, who they're actually brought in etc.

we have 7 picks though (2,5,6,6,6,7,7) not 8.