John Clayton: Spotting some early free agency trends

we should stock with the defensive line regardless of where we draft from cause there is a plethera of talent in the d line in this years draft

If Branch is gone before #6 (with Tampa Bay picking ahead of us, it's very likely - they love picking defensive linemen) then we should stick with the D-line and take either of the two top defensive ends -- unless there's a blockbuster trade offering.Has Tampa even drafted on the DL in the last 3 years at all?

I think they want Calvin Johnson.

I hope Clayton's right.

Different approach for Redskins' Snyder? Even though this would be Dan Snyder's type of market, watch for a change in the Redskins' strategy.

With limited cap room, free agent gaffs and few draft picks, what choice do they have?

It's not that the Skins rely on free agents; it's that they rely on it to excess. The team only needed one wide receiver free agent last year. The did not need another big hitting safety (and would not have signed Archuleta if they knew in advance that Sean Taylor would get a "get out of jail card"). They did not need a whole new playbook in a "super bowl year." It's excesses that hurt the team.

If any good came out of 2006, it would be that Snyder & company have finally figured out that being smart with the cap is not the same as being smart with the roster.

Has Tampa even drafted on the DL in the last 3 years at all?

I think they want Calvin Johnson.

After doing some research, you're right - they haven't used their top pick on a d-lineman since 2003. And yes, Calvin Johnson might be what allows us to get Branch.

As I see it, Oakland and Detroit will take quarterbacks. But Cleveland, Tampa Bay, and Arizona could go either way (offense or defense). If Branch is as awesome as people are saying -- a superstar at the defensive line is sometimes as lucrative to teams as franchise quarterbacks. Romeo Crennel is a defensive guy, and the Bucs always seem enamored with collecting players for a swarming defense, making that their primary focus -- they've always been known as a 'defense first' team. But hopefully Calvin Johnson will sway them the other way.

Adrian Peterson is the other offensive gem that the Browns might not want to let get away. They need help everywhere.

Like my sig says, I'm a Branch guy. Let's face it, when was the last time the Redskins had a cornerstone at defensive tackle? Branch could give us that for the first time since ... Dave Butz?

Christian Fauria when healthy is one of the best blocking te's in the nfl and chris cooley has really shored up his run blocking in the past two seasons the redskins need alot of things but tight end is not one of them
please tell me this is a joke. fauria was down right horrible last season. and i enjoy reading claytons work. usually dead on with no slant to it