SmootSmack
12-09-2008, 03:44 PM
Then it looks like we're arguing about two different things. My point, and I think GMScud's also, is to contrast the drafting strategy of the Redskins under Snyder and Cerrato and Bill Parcells who knows how to build a team up from the ashes.
I'm not ready to dismiss Thomas, Kelly and Davis as busts yet either. And in fact, I was willing to give Cerrato the benefit of the doubt on drafting them because receiver was obvioulsy an area of need. But to ignore the offensive and defensive lines year after year is inexcusable. They haven't spent a high draft choice (3rd or higher) on a D-linemen since Kenard Lang in 1997. And there's been just two high draft picks (Rinehart and Dockery) chosen along the O-line in eight years.
That sort of mindset defies the formula that elite teams use to build themselves up and prepare for the future. And this front office has done it for almost a decade now.
Well, I think we do have some young talent on the defensive line (who cares what round they were drafted in), but they need to stay healthy and play regularly. I'm not overly concerned with our front four on defense. Sure, a dominant pass rusher would be nice. I definitely want some linebacker help though (paging Karlos Dansby!)
Offensively, yeah we absolutely need to improve the line. I'm a huge Rinehart fan (sorry curmudgeon) and I think Heyer can be solid, or at least serviceable as a starter. But we need more help there to be sure. I'd love it if our first two picks were spent on Duke Robinson and Max Unger for example.
I'm not ready to dismiss Thomas, Kelly and Davis as busts yet either. And in fact, I was willing to give Cerrato the benefit of the doubt on drafting them because receiver was obvioulsy an area of need. But to ignore the offensive and defensive lines year after year is inexcusable. They haven't spent a high draft choice (3rd or higher) on a D-linemen since Kenard Lang in 1997. And there's been just two high draft picks (Rinehart and Dockery) chosen along the O-line in eight years.
That sort of mindset defies the formula that elite teams use to build themselves up and prepare for the future. And this front office has done it for almost a decade now.
Well, I think we do have some young talent on the defensive line (who cares what round they were drafted in), but they need to stay healthy and play regularly. I'm not overly concerned with our front four on defense. Sure, a dominant pass rusher would be nice. I definitely want some linebacker help though (paging Karlos Dansby!)
Offensively, yeah we absolutely need to improve the line. I'm a huge Rinehart fan (sorry curmudgeon) and I think Heyer can be solid, or at least serviceable as a starter. But we need more help there to be sure. I'd love it if our first two picks were spent on Duke Robinson and Max Unger for example.