Offer to Eric Beverly

The offer the Skins made to Eric Beverly is an important indicator. Beverly is a solid if unspectacular interior offensive lineman who has played center and guard.

One interpretation is that he would provide the needed depth on the offensive line because of his flexibility.

The other interpretation is that the coaching staff has looked at the tapes from last year and they think that either Dockery or the incumbent center is not starting material in the NFL.

I suspect the second interpretation is more correct and signing someone like Beverly who can play multiple positions and can get the job done without any flair or hoopla surrounding him will be very important to the team in 2004. Stay tuned...

I think it's center they're looking to upgrade. Moore is definitely replaceable at his price as Friedman outplayed him last year. Still, I wouldn't feel 100% comfortable with Friedman as the starter, Beverly would be an upgrade at center and his versatility is a plus. Question marks around Fiore are probably another reason they're looking for some more depth up front.

I'm a little higher on Dockery than you seem to be Sports, but his inexperience could definitely be a reason they're looking for another veteran guard/center.

I agree Matty, I am a bit higher on Dockery than Sports, I think that all this shows is Gibbs understanding of the game. We need to stock up on position players and all this illustrates is Gibbs superior knowledge compared to our previous staff

Dockery is a young guy like Ramsey, and Gibbs generally goes with vets but I bet he's hoping the young guys rise to the challenge. Every coach wants that.

I agree. I think Dockery really steped up his game after the loss to Buffalo. He played very poorly in that game, and the first Eagles game. Follwoing that, he did a very good job run blocking ( as did our whole line, but we never ran ) and did a much better job pass blocking. I think they could be looking at this guy for the center, or just as an insurance man incase Dockerys inexperiance catches up with him, or we have an injury.

Beverly has signed with Atlanta

Looks like Raymer is next in line for center. IF he's fully fit, I'd welcome him back.

I like Dockery & think he will fit in fine, just needs time to mature & develop. He's much more athletic then Fiore, just needs to learn how to play his position in the NFL :D

One knock on Dockery has been his speed - he has very little of it. That's how we picked him up in the 3rd round last year. He started out as a projected 1st rounder. He showed me a lot last year. He seemed to be really coming on strong towards the end of the season.

Derrick Dockery 6-6, 347, Guard.

5.35 in the 40 yd dash. 425 bench, 535 squat. 340 power clean, 28 vertical. 34 3/4 inch arm, 10 3/8 inch hands, right handed, 14/22 Wonderlic.

All you had to do was ask. You had me at Hello!