Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, February 25, 2007; Page E10

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 24 -- Gaines Adams, the speedy defensive end considered perhaps the best prospect at his position at the NFL scouting combine, made his first comments on Saturday something Washington Redskins Coach Joe Gibbs would not forget.
"It would be like a dream come true," Adams said of the possibility of playing in Washington. "Coming home, coming from a small school, playing eight-man football, it's a dream."

In todays POST. Sounds like he made a good impression? A little worried he's undersized, needs to put on some weight.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

Gaines Adams has room to fill out unlike many of the other prospects. I'd love to draft him! This further cements my place as the conductor of the Gaines Adams train. CHOOOO CHOOOOO!

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

haha...kiss ass?

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

Sounds like the kind of thing Gibbs loves to hear.

If Alan Branch is gone, I think he would be a good pick.:food-smil

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

Too small too small too small. I say draft Okoye if Anderson is gone.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

I would only take him if Anderson and Branch were gone before our pick.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

I'd take Branch, Okoye, or Anderson before drafting Adams. Adams could be a stud, but he's going to have to pack on about 15 pounds to play every down in the NFL and who knows what that extra weight is going to do to his performance.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

If we can trade down I think the coaches might like Okoye or Carriker.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[quote=skinsfan_nn;280219]Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, February 25, 2007; Page E10

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 24 -- Gaines Adams, the speedy defensive end considered perhaps the best prospect at his position at the NFL scouting combine, made his first comments on Saturday something Washington Redskins Coach Joe Gibbs would not forget.
"It would be like a dream come true," Adams said of the possibility of playing in Washington. "Coming home, coming from a small school, playing eight-man football, it's a dream."

In todays POST. Sounds like he made a good impression? A little worried he's undersized, needs to put on some weight.[/quote]


he is just as big as jason taylor the nfl defensive player of the year in 06

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

its nice to hear from players that actually want to be here

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

Alan Branch wants to be here as well. He grew up a big Redskins fan thanks to his uncle. I would take Branch or Anderson before i take Adams, but if both were gone i wouldn't be opposed to taking Adams. I think all 3 of them could be great players in the NFL, Adams is just the one I think has the highest chance of not panning out.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[quote=wilsowilso;280227]Too small too small too small. I say draft Okoye if Anderson is gone.[/quote]

Couldnt you say the same thing about Jevon Kearse, Dwight Freeney,Elvis Dumerville, and a few others, they have all faired pretty well, just my opinion though

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[quote=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;280239]I'd take Branch, Okoye, or Anderson before drafting Adams. Adams could be a stud, but he's going to have to pack on about 15 pounds to play every down in the NFL and who knows what that extra weight is going to do to his performance.[/quote]

What have you seen from Okoye or Anderson to make you take them before Adams?

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[quote=GiantsSuck703;280263]Couldnt you say the same thing about Jevon Kearse, Dwight Freeney,Elvis Dumerville, and a few others, they have all faired pretty well, just my opinion though[/quote]

Good point, add Strahan too, I think he's down to 262 this year. Julius Peepers isn't any more than 270 I believe. I think this points to a trend in the college game for more speed, hence lower weight DEs. Question is, will this be a league wide trend for a while or will there be just a handful of small DEs? I think we'll see more 3-4's w/guys like Adams being OLBs. Since GW's base package is a 4-3, I don't know if it would be good to have 2 pass rushers that are light for the run game.
I know it may sound crazy to some, but I think Wynn & Daniels are still able starters on this team. I would start Wynn in place of AC, but bring in AC for passing downs. GW did this some in the middle of the season, though AC still started.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

I heard a rumor from a pretty decent source, don't know how valid it is though, that the Cowboys were offering the #22 and Julius Jones apparently in an effort to move up to get Adams

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

Thats a big move for the Cowgirls, dump JJ? Sounds like Adams has a big motor and is really smart. Just might live up to all the hype? I agree with dmek, it's mighty nice to hear about young guys that want to be here!

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[QUOTE=GiantsSuck703;280264]What have you seen from Okoye or Anderson to make you take them before Adams?[/QUOTE]

Okoye is more explosive than Branch, is younger (at 19), and has more potential. Anderson is a better all around player, who can play both the run and the pass. I don't like the idea of having 2 260 pound DEs who can get run on.

Although it's true that some players (e.g., Jason Taylor) can play DE effectively even if they are only about 260, it's also true that Spud Webb played in the NBA. Measureables are not everything, but I think that most scouts agree that Adams isn't exactly a run-stopper (which is something we need).

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[QUOTE=skinsfan_nn;280273]Thats a big move for the Cowgirls, dump JJ? Sounds like Adams has a big motor and is really smart. Just might live up to all the hype? I agree with dmek, it's mighty nice to hear about young guys that want to be here![/QUOTE]

Adams and Ware could make for a devastating duo on the outside. Dallas definately underperformed on defense last year, because they have some studs on that unit.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

Adams looks like the real deal to me. I'm afraid we would regret passing on him later. Also, as I have said in the draft forum, I believe that DE is a greater need than DT. Others disagree.

Also, the weight issue should not leave people with the idea that he is purely a speed player. He has tremendous strength.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[QUOTE=70Chip;280304]Also, the weight issue should not leave people with the idea that he is purely a speed player. He has tremendous strength.[/QUOTE]

Adams called himself a "speed end" at the combine. Moreover, I question whether the guy has tremendous strength (relative to other DEs, not other 260 lb.ers) when he refuses to do the bench press exercise at the combine. Guys tend to take part in drills that they know they are going to ace and avoid drills they know will knock their draft status down a notch or two.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

I think Adams has the highest risk vs reward. I think he's one of the more riskier picks, but I think he has a bigger upside than Branch/Anderson.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[quote=TAFKAS;280266]I heard a rumor from a pretty decent source, don't know how valid it is though, that the Cowboys were offering the #22 and Julius Jones apparently in an effort to move up to get Adams[/quote]

trade up with who though? it makes sense since barber seemed to outplay jones (man, no one loves those jones boys)..

as for kearse and freeney, both are faster (freeney ran what? a 4.4... beats the crap out of a 4.6, but he's worthless against the run, just like carter et al).

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

If the Redskins opt for Branch, it's conceivable he could start right away. In three seasons with Michigan, Branch -- who stood at 6-foot-5? and weighed in at 324 pounds at the combine -- didn't produce impressive numbers (61 tackles and nine sacks). But teams are impressed by his athleticism and versatility -- he played defensive end, nose tackle and defensive tackle in college.
"He's a big, athletic man and explosive," Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli said. "He's also strong enough at the nose position and still gives you the athleticism that you like. He's a special inside player."
The knock on Branch, despite his athleticism, has been his lack of production.
"He should be a dominating player and was not at times," Kiper said. "He's a work in progress."
Branch doesn't have a preference on which defensive line position he plays. But if he is picked by the Redskins, he will find a home in the trenches.
"I'm a great run stopper," he said. "I have great explosiveness, and I really go to the point of attack. I feel I'm able to do pretty well on the pass rush or flushing the quarterback outside to the defensive ends."
The Redskins have several options if they go with a defensive end. As many as five could go in the first round. Adams and Anderson have been tabbed by many as the top pass rushers.
Adams, a former eight-man high school football player, is 6-4 and 258 pounds and relies on his speed to get to the passer. Anderson, an early entry player, is bigger (6-5, 275) and was a prolific playmaker last season, recording 65 tackles (19? for lost yardage) and 13? sacks. Adams had 62 tackles (17? for lost yardage) and 12? sacks.
"Anderson will get the edge because he was more consistent," Kiper said. "Adams had his huge games and highlight-film plays, but play in and play out Anderson was better and was more consistent game-to-game. But it's just a slight edge."
Said NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock: "Some people think Anderson is a top five or top 10 pick. I see some inconsistencies in his game. His motor isn't there all the time."
Whomever the Redskins take with the sixth pick likely will be the first defensive player chosen.
"That's the thing that keeps a player going, to be that first defensive player chosen," Adams said. "That's why I've put a lot of time into working out, to hopefully put myself in that position."

Today Times, looks like Adams/Anderson have much stronger numbers.

Branch is big that's the upside, numbers not as strong?

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

With bigger, faster, players, anyone have info as to the longevity of the players who go 300 plus? Are guy's that play at........like 325 having shorter careers than like guys who play same position at 290. More joint, knee problems? Same?

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

wasnt dave butz 300lbs? it seemed like he played forever

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

I've been back and forth on the issue of "which DE would I rather have." At this point, I'm pretty solidly in Gaines' corner. Scouts have 4 years of film on him compared to 2-3 on Anderson, so their projection on him is bound to be more accurate. Anderson has the biggest bust potential of the 3 big guys we are looking at.

Still, it would be a mistake to pass on Alan Branch, espicially in our situaiton. Drafting Gaines Adams is essentially giving up on Andre Carter.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

Or does it mean we're relying more heavily on our LBs? It's possible to have two speed guys on the edges if the LB play is good. I think Marcus, Rocky/Lemar, and hopefully Fletcher is going to be plenty of LB to go around.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

Having two 260lb DE's would not work. Anyone remember the now retired 50 year old Bob Whitfield pushing around Carter the last week of the season?

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[quote=skinsfan69;280416]Having two 260lb DE's would not work. Anyone remember the now retired 50 year old Bob Whitfield pushing around Carter the last week of the season?[/quote]

I remember this year's Super Bowl champs having a 245 lb guy (Mathis) on one end and a 268 lb guy (Freeney) on the other. That seemed to work out. Our 265 lb guy (Carter) and 290 lb guy (Daniels) didn't seem to benefit from the extra weight.

Sometimes looking at just the numbers isn't the best way to analyze effectiveness. Ask yourself if Greg Williams' scheme better utilizes quick, pass-rushing Ends or bigger, run-stopping Ends?

I don't know the answer to that, by the way.

[SIZE=1][I]Weight info provided by NFL.com. Not responsible for inaccuracies obtained from source.[/I][/SIZE]

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[quote=TAFKAS;280266]I heard a rumor from a pretty decent source, don't know how valid it is though, that the Cowboys were offering the #22 and Julius Jones apparently in an effort to move up to get Adams[/quote]

TO WHO?

Not us I take it.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

I have a question. If the Redskins trade down to say the 10 or 11th pick what can we get in return? I'm sure one fo these defensive players we like will be there around that pick.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[quote=dmek25;280401]wasnt dave butz 300lbs? it seemed like he played forever[/quote]
[B]Dave Butz [/B]

David Roy Butz
[B]Position:[/B] DE/DT
[B]Height:[/B] 6' 7'' [B]Weight:[/B] 295
[B]Born:[/B] [URL="http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerbdays.htm?mth=6&dy=23"][COLOR=#0000ff]6/23/1950[/COLOR][/URL], in Lafayette, AL, USA
[B]High School:[/B] Maine South (Park Ridge, IL)
[B]College: [/B][URL="http://www.databasefootball.com/players/bycollege.htm?sch=Purdue"][COLOR=#0000ff]Purdue[/COLOR][/URL]

Played 1973-1988

Good memory Dmec

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[quote=724Skinsfan;280427]I remember this year's Super Bowl champs having a 245 lb guy (Mathis) on one end and a 268 lb guy (Freeney) on the other. That seemed to work out. Our 265 lb guy (Carter) and 290 lb guy (Daniels) didn't seem to benefit from the extra weight.

Sometimes looking at just the numbers isn't the best way to analyze effectiveness. Ask yourself if Greg Williams' scheme better utilizes quick, pass-rushing Ends or bigger, run-stopping Ends?

I don't know the answer to that, by the way.

[SIZE=1][I]Weight info provided by NFL.com. Not responsible for inaccuracies obtained from source.[/I][/SIZE][/quote]

Yes the Colts did get it done with some small ends. Heck the whole defense was small. And they had some serious problems stopping the run. But they somehow got it done when it mattered most. Sometimes it works.

However I don't think it will work here. Freeney and Mathis are better players than anyone we currently have at end. Those guys can get after the QB and we don't have anyone who can rush the passer on the level they do it at. Plus when Sanders came back it was like the Colts defense started playing at a much higher level.

But if our FO think Adams is the best player at the 6th pick then take him. We have to draft the best player and not draft for need.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[quote=Hog1;280446][B]Dave Butz [/B]

David Roy Butz
[B]Position:[/B] DE/DT
[B]Height:[/B] 6' 7'' [B]Weight:[/B] 295
[B]Born:[/B] [URL="http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerbdays.htm?mth=6&dy=23"][COLOR=#0000ff]6/23/1950[/COLOR][/URL], in Lafayette, AL, USA
[B]High School:[/B] Maine South (Park Ridge, IL)
[B]College: [/B][URL="http://www.databasefootball.com/players/bycollege.htm?sch=Purdue"][COLOR=#0000ff]Purdue[/COLOR][/URL]

Played 1973-1988

Good memory Dmec[/quote]Maine South HS is where Hilary Clinton went.

*shudders*

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

Trading down requires a partner. To only trade down 4-5 picks I think we'd have to have someone extraordinary there. Someone like Calvin Johnson.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[QUOTE=Daseal;280465]Trading down requires a partner. To only trade down 4-5 picks I think we'd have to have someone extraordinary there. Someone like Calvin Johnson.[/QUOTE]

Quinn could fall there. That could be a chip for them

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

Very true.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[QUOTE=724Skinsfan;280427]I remember this year's Super Bowl champs having a 245 lb guy (Mathis) on one end and a 268 lb guy (Freeney) on the other. That seemed to work out. Our 265 lb guy (Carter) and 290 lb guy (Daniels) didn't seem to benefit from the extra weight. [/QUOTE]

Yeah, the Colts had a small front four and, except for the playoffs, got run on all season long.

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[quote=GTripp0012;280457]Maine South HS is where Hilary Clinton went.

*shudders*[/quote]

Damn, GT...who would know that little factoid? You're scary, dude:)

Re: Gaines Adams: Dream Come True, being a REDSKIN
 

[QUOTE=12thMan;280542]Damn, GT...who would know that little factoid? You're scary, dude:)[/QUOTE]My guess is that Maine South is pretty close to where GTripp is from.