SmootSmack
03-22-2011, 12:42 AM
Sorry about the delay in posting. So, as mentioned in the previous thread, we had the chance to speak with former NFL Scout Dan Shonka-who spent some time with the Redskins and had the chance to ask him some questions.
Here's Part I-
http://www.thewarpath.net/redskins-locker-room/41672-thewarpath-net-talks-former-nfl-scout.html
And here's Part II
Q: Talk about the current Redskins roster. Let's start with the offense
A: The roster is very limited on starting talent especially in the offensive line. Trent Williams should elevate his play in 2011 if he stays healthy. They haven no true #1 WR but I think Armstrong can be a solid #2. We drafted Donovan when I was in Philly. He turned out to be the best QB of that draft. He has his strengths and weaknesses. Mike S must play to his strengths if he is going to stick around. I actually think Beck can develop into a solid backup. The running backs are average players that will have a good day now and then. Torain has talent, but he can't hold up. They need a feature back. In Cooley and Davis they have a couple of sure handed TEs. They have talent, but a road grader blocker is needed.
Q: Let's talk about the defense now
A: On the roster there is no true nose tackle that will help spearhead a 3-4 defense. Kemoeatu is better suited for a 4-3 tackle. I like Carriker because of his work ethic and toughness. Golston is a two gap run stuffer, but nothing more really. If you're looking for a player to build the defense around, Brian Orakpo can be that guy. But he's only going to be as good as the front three. Alexander is a nice football player who has adjusted to a new position. As for the other linebackers, I think age and time are starting to catch up with London Fletcher. I like Rocky McIntosh, I think he has talent.
I think DeAngelo Hall has talent but he's too inconsistent. Kevin Barnes is a player who's still developing. The safety position is strong. I like Landry in the run game, but he can be a liability in pass defense if he's left on an island. OJ Atogwe was a good signing. He has great instincts.
Graham Gano must continue to elevate his game, and Bidwell is only as good as his last punt. Banks is electrifying. He's a slippery returner but what's happening off the field? Can he be counted on?
Q: Give me some building blocks from the current roster for the team to build around?
A: Orakpo and McIntosh on Defense. Trent Williams and Chris Cooley on Offense.
Q: What QBs in this draft do you think best fit Shanahan's system?
A: Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker, and Christian Ponder all fit because of their work ethic, ability to learn quickly, and talent. Locker has great mobility, and I like the accuracy Gabbert and Ponder bring. I think Colin Kaepernick could be an interesting developmental project. I think Cam Newton is talented but I question the work ethic. A team won't really know until they draft him. Is that a chance the Redskins want to take? I think, however, they should draft Cameron Jordan at #10 overall. They can get a good developmental QB in the 2nd round.
Q: How important are these months between the end of the season and the draft in terms of evaluating players. Do teams really put a lot of stock into the combine and pro days?
A: Things really don't change except getting verified information at the Combine and pro days. The player paints his picture during his career and touches it up at the Senior Bowl, Combine and Pro days..Sometimes they spill the paint..but not enough to ruin the painting.
Q: It's been said that Mike Shanahan's draft philosophy is to look at player's best work and draft based on that, thinking he has the coaching ability to bring out the best in a player. Is that a sound strategy?
A. I think a track record of how Mike drafted in Denver is a true picture of his philosophy and how it worked....It was a beautiful landscape when John Elway was the QB. But John was there when Mike arrived.
Q: What's your favorite pie
A: Pecan pie (so he and Brian Mitchell like the same type of pie)
Mr. Shonka would also like to call attention to the Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progessiva Foundation. His son Teddy went to school with Chris Bell, a courageous young man who has been afflicted with this disease.
Welcome to The IFOPA (http://www.ifopa.org/)
Here's Part I-
http://www.thewarpath.net/redskins-locker-room/41672-thewarpath-net-talks-former-nfl-scout.html
And here's Part II
Q: Talk about the current Redskins roster. Let's start with the offense
A: The roster is very limited on starting talent especially in the offensive line. Trent Williams should elevate his play in 2011 if he stays healthy. They haven no true #1 WR but I think Armstrong can be a solid #2. We drafted Donovan when I was in Philly. He turned out to be the best QB of that draft. He has his strengths and weaknesses. Mike S must play to his strengths if he is going to stick around. I actually think Beck can develop into a solid backup. The running backs are average players that will have a good day now and then. Torain has talent, but he can't hold up. They need a feature back. In Cooley and Davis they have a couple of sure handed TEs. They have talent, but a road grader blocker is needed.
Q: Let's talk about the defense now
A: On the roster there is no true nose tackle that will help spearhead a 3-4 defense. Kemoeatu is better suited for a 4-3 tackle. I like Carriker because of his work ethic and toughness. Golston is a two gap run stuffer, but nothing more really. If you're looking for a player to build the defense around, Brian Orakpo can be that guy. But he's only going to be as good as the front three. Alexander is a nice football player who has adjusted to a new position. As for the other linebackers, I think age and time are starting to catch up with London Fletcher. I like Rocky McIntosh, I think he has talent.
I think DeAngelo Hall has talent but he's too inconsistent. Kevin Barnes is a player who's still developing. The safety position is strong. I like Landry in the run game, but he can be a liability in pass defense if he's left on an island. OJ Atogwe was a good signing. He has great instincts.
Graham Gano must continue to elevate his game, and Bidwell is only as good as his last punt. Banks is electrifying. He's a slippery returner but what's happening off the field? Can he be counted on?
Q: Give me some building blocks from the current roster for the team to build around?
A: Orakpo and McIntosh on Defense. Trent Williams and Chris Cooley on Offense.
Q: What QBs in this draft do you think best fit Shanahan's system?
A: Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker, and Christian Ponder all fit because of their work ethic, ability to learn quickly, and talent. Locker has great mobility, and I like the accuracy Gabbert and Ponder bring. I think Colin Kaepernick could be an interesting developmental project. I think Cam Newton is talented but I question the work ethic. A team won't really know until they draft him. Is that a chance the Redskins want to take? I think, however, they should draft Cameron Jordan at #10 overall. They can get a good developmental QB in the 2nd round.
Q: How important are these months between the end of the season and the draft in terms of evaluating players. Do teams really put a lot of stock into the combine and pro days?
A: Things really don't change except getting verified information at the Combine and pro days. The player paints his picture during his career and touches it up at the Senior Bowl, Combine and Pro days..Sometimes they spill the paint..but not enough to ruin the painting.
Q: It's been said that Mike Shanahan's draft philosophy is to look at player's best work and draft based on that, thinking he has the coaching ability to bring out the best in a player. Is that a sound strategy?
A. I think a track record of how Mike drafted in Denver is a true picture of his philosophy and how it worked....It was a beautiful landscape when John Elway was the QB. But John was there when Mike arrived.
Q: What's your favorite pie
A: Pecan pie (so he and Brian Mitchell like the same type of pie)
Mr. Shonka would also like to call attention to the Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progessiva Foundation. His son Teddy went to school with Chris Bell, a courageous young man who has been afflicted with this disease.
Welcome to The IFOPA (http://www.ifopa.org/)