MTK
03-30-2007, 11:25 AM
I'm starting to like these PFT guys:
POSTED 6:03 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 6:36 a.m. EDT, March 30, 2007
'SKINS MEETING WITH RUSSELL MEANS NOTHING
Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com, who used to have Redskins' exec Vinny Cerrato on speed dial until Len (as legend goes) went bonkos on Cerrato after he didn't spoon feed the scoop regarding the return of coach Joe Gibbs to ESPN.com, has periodically been taking gratuitous shots at the 'Skins ever since.
This time around, Len is using a standard pre-draft visit with quarterback JaMarcus Russell to suggest that it might be more than mere due diligence. "[I]t could represent legitimate interest in Russell -- whose recent campus workout was impressive -- and possible unrest with Campbell," Pasquarelli says.
It isn't. NFL teams are permitted by rule to bring in up to 30 members of the draft class. They'll also be bringing in running back Adrian Peterson, and others. So Len (or anyone else) could proclaim: "It could represent legitimate interest in Peterson -- whose recent campus workout was impressive -- and possible unrest with Clinton Portis."
And does the visit of Joe Thomas mean that they've grown dissatisfied with Chris Samuels? And could the arrival of Brady Quinn mean that they're bracing for a Manning-versus-Leaf debate in their effort to replace Campbell?
The Redskins are simply doing their homework, in the unlikely event that Russell slides into their laps. Since they have no selections from rounds two through four, the 'Skins don't have the draft-pick ammo to make a move north. And they likely couldn't take the cap hit that result from trading multiple players.
Two years ago, quarterback Aaron Rodgers unexpectedly slid from the potential No. 1 overall selection to the Packers, at No. 24. We've heard on multiple occasions over the past two years that the Packers pounced on the potential replacement for Brett Favre, but that they simply hadn't done a full pre-draft workup on him because they never dreamed that he'd be available.
The better approach is to be ready for anything. So why not take full advantage of the rule that lets a team bring in up to 30 guys? The fact that the 'Skins tend to spare no expense also could help to make that first impression a very good one, making the player inclined to consider Washington when he hits free agency.
And, after all, free agency is the "real" draft for the Redskins.
POSTED 6:03 a.m. EDT; LAST UPDATED 6:36 a.m. EDT, March 30, 2007
'SKINS MEETING WITH RUSSELL MEANS NOTHING
Len Pasquarelli of ESPN.com, who used to have Redskins' exec Vinny Cerrato on speed dial until Len (as legend goes) went bonkos on Cerrato after he didn't spoon feed the scoop regarding the return of coach Joe Gibbs to ESPN.com, has periodically been taking gratuitous shots at the 'Skins ever since.
This time around, Len is using a standard pre-draft visit with quarterback JaMarcus Russell to suggest that it might be more than mere due diligence. "[I]t could represent legitimate interest in Russell -- whose recent campus workout was impressive -- and possible unrest with Campbell," Pasquarelli says.
It isn't. NFL teams are permitted by rule to bring in up to 30 members of the draft class. They'll also be bringing in running back Adrian Peterson, and others. So Len (or anyone else) could proclaim: "It could represent legitimate interest in Peterson -- whose recent campus workout was impressive -- and possible unrest with Clinton Portis."
And does the visit of Joe Thomas mean that they've grown dissatisfied with Chris Samuels? And could the arrival of Brady Quinn mean that they're bracing for a Manning-versus-Leaf debate in their effort to replace Campbell?
The Redskins are simply doing their homework, in the unlikely event that Russell slides into their laps. Since they have no selections from rounds two through four, the 'Skins don't have the draft-pick ammo to make a move north. And they likely couldn't take the cap hit that result from trading multiple players.
Two years ago, quarterback Aaron Rodgers unexpectedly slid from the potential No. 1 overall selection to the Packers, at No. 24. We've heard on multiple occasions over the past two years that the Packers pounced on the potential replacement for Brett Favre, but that they simply hadn't done a full pre-draft workup on him because they never dreamed that he'd be available.
The better approach is to be ready for anything. So why not take full advantage of the rule that lets a team bring in up to 30 guys? The fact that the 'Skins tend to spare no expense also could help to make that first impression a very good one, making the player inclined to consider Washington when he hits free agency.
And, after all, free agency is the "real" draft for the Redskins.