Meet the Beast: Brian Orakpo

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by DIRTEE

How about torture Rak?

Uhhh, i'm not the most politically correct guy in the world but no that doesn't sit well LOL...bad timing more than anything.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

A few thoughts:

-The interest in Sanchez was legit, but they weren't going to trade up any higher than 8th to the Jaguars and they were relatively stingy in what they were going to give up. Plus, the deal would have had to have been coupled with a Campbell trade (or possibly someone else) for another 2nd or 3rd round pick

-A bit surprised that Orakpo fell, though not entirely (I had in my mock to the Skins a couple of weeks ago). His stock seemed to be falling recently through no fault of his own really. But this was the guy Vinny has wanted for a long time. He was definitely the driving force behind this pick. At the last minute I thought they might pick Cushing (he's another guy I know they liked), but I'm glad they went with Orakpo (Matty, sorry about the Maualuga text-my USC guy was messing with me)

-It is kind of funny though how we put so much focus on the dinner and private meetings they had with Sanchez, yet when a few of us pointed out the same exact stuff was happening with Orakpo...it was ignored.

-As for the pick itself, I think it's a good one. The knee issues obviously are something to monitor closely, but he has the ability to do all the things we envisioned for Jason Taylor (and he's a decade younger). He'll be exciting to watch.

You know that QB isn't the same as every other position. The fact that the FO was even thinking about it kind of makes you really wonder. I'm really looking for JC and the young guys to take off this year.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

You know that QB isn't the same as every other position. The fact that the FO was even thinking about it kind of makes you really wonder. I'm really looking for JC and the young guys to take off this year.

It made me wonder too, but the team never tried anything with Sanchez. Had Sanchez been there at #13, we would have traded with the Jets. I'm glad the team didn't have to trade up to get Orakpo.

[Hog1]

His news conference is on right now
ESPN Radio - SuperStream Player

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by Hog1

His news conference is on right now
ESPN Radio - SuperStream Player

tuned in but it had nothing to do with it

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by tryfuhl

tuned in but it had nothing to do with it

Not sure what's up. I listened to the entire thing and I clicked on the link I posted....no problems
Oh well, good interview, and a nice kid
HTTR

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by The Goat

Uhhh, i'm not the most politically correct guy in the world but no that doesn't sit well LOL...bad timing more than anything.

I love the nickname, especially in D.C.

[hail_2_da_skins]

A...Outstanding selection. The Skins have needed a standout defensive end for years. Orakpo is a workout fanatic. The defense is much improved. I'm still a little concerned about linebacker depth, but guys like Fincher and Blades may step up.

[SouperMeister]

Originally Posted by nimbh2

i would hate to be the opposing qb carter haynesworth and orakpo

And let's not forget how much better these additions make Griffin and Carter, both of whom may never see a double team again. Imagine how much better London Fletcher will be (if that's even possible). I can't wait to see our D smack around QBs this season.

[GTripp0012]

Can we not act like Orakpo and Carter are going to start across from each other at the ends? We just went through a situation like this last year.

They'll be on the field at the same time in pass rushing situations, but on first and second down, it's going to be one or the other.

[vallin21]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Can we not act like Orakpo and Carter are going to start across from each other at the ends? We just went through a situation like this last year.

They'll be on the field at the same time in pass rushing situations, but on first and second down, it's going to be one or the other.

I agree with you G Tripp. You're not gonna see Carter and Orakpo both on the field. That's why they brought back Dainels and Wynn to play 1st and 2nd while Orakpo plays Strong Side, then on 3rd, Orakpo moves to DE so he can rush the passer.

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Can we not act like Orakpo and Carter are going to start across from each other at the ends? We just went through a situation like this last year.

They'll be on the field at the same time in pass rushing situations, but on first and second down, it's going to be one or the other.

GT how do you project Rak as a SLB on 1st and 2nd down? Will he be able to cover and make plays in space as we require of our LB corp?

Edit: Also, how far is he from being a solid LDE...i mean both talent wise and bulk?

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by Hog1

His news conference is on right now
ESPN Radio - SuperStream Player

Best quote from the end of the presser
"Its ironic, I was never a Dallas fan. I am from Houston and we feud."

Tony Romo, meet Brian Orakpo!

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by The Goat

GT how do you project Rak as a SLB on 1st and 2nd down? Will he be able to cover and make plays in space as we require of our LB corp?

Edit: Also, how far is he from being a solid LDE...i mean both talent wise and bulk?

Most teams treat LE as a different animal than RE, so as our future pass rushing stud, I think it would be a mistake to work him anywhere but RE as a rookie. I think he should split time with Carter, and I'd like to see him rush the passer from a standing position on third down.

I think he could handle all the responsibilities of a linebacker in this defense. I wouldn't play him there though, at least at the beginning of the year. If we're going to be blitz happy, we might as well, but again, I'd rather have Blades on the field than Orakpo. Ultimately, defensive lineman have a high bust rate because teams tend to mishandle them, so I think the critical thing is that we develop him properly, and don't be shortsighted with him.

The last time a Blache defense had the 13th overall pick, they drafted some DE named Michael Haynes. Just sayin'. Orakpo is a much more dynamic player, but he's not a sure thing if mismanaged.

[MTK]

I think in the preseason we'll see him lined up all over to get a feel for what he can do. I know some people are already dead set against him playing some LB, but if he can handle it why not?