Lawrence Jackson, DE. Southern Cal

[Bill B]

I think DE is a must - especially after I read that Greg Blatche says he will start playing Philip Daniels at DT some - see below. Blatche mentioned that DE is a huge priority so I think the Skins will be targeting this position over CB in all likelihood . Blathce also pointed out that bringing back springs is a priority, so CB will be targeted in next years draft and not this years. Finally targeting the DE position so we can put some pressure off both ends for a change!
Redskins' Offseason: Now It's On - washingtonpost.com
Defensive Line

This is the primary area of concern on the defense, with Blache, a longtime line coach, adamant about adding depth. He aims to retain Griffin and veteran end Phillip Daniels, who team sources said may play more at tackle and is willing to rework his contract. But Blache's first priority it to groom a quicker, faster and more versatile tackle (referred to as a 'three' technique). Blache is also looking for a pass-rushing end who can line up opposite Andre Carter.
Younger players Anthony Montgomery and Kedric Golston developed in 2007, but age is a concern at some spots on the line. Blache will be pushing second-year speed rusher Chris Wilson to become a more well-rounded lineman, team sources said.
Linebackers

Former Pro Bowl linebacker Marcus Washington has been injured often the past three years; third-year linebacker Rocky McIntosh is coming off reconstructive knee surgery and, though making progress, remains a question mark. McIntosh also has a potential degenerative condition in both knees.
Briggs, a player Chicago is not interested in retaining, according to league sources, is a talented outside linebacker who can also rush the passer. He could start at his McIntosh's weak-side spot with McIntosh focused on special teams while he works his way back. Backup Randall Godfrey is mulling over retirement again, team sources said, and also considering joining his mentor, Gregg Williams, in Jacksonville.
Defensive Backs

Cornerback Carlos Rogers is coming off major knee surgery and will have to feel his way through the first half of the season. Rogers was not progressing well in his rehabilitation until very recently, making the addition of a young cornerback another priority. Leigh Torrence and John Eubanks would be pushed if a new cornerback joins the roster. Blache has told others he believes it is imperative that Springs is re-signed. Starting cornerback Fred Smoot also returns after a strong finish last season.
Young safeties LaRon Landry and Reed Doughty played well in the aftermath of Sean Taylor's death. Landry is bordering on stardom and several NFL executives praised Doughty's development. Veteran safety Pierson Prioleau, a free agent and another of Williams's proteges, could decide to join the Redskins' former assistant head coach-defense in Jacksonville.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by CooleyFanOV

Ive got a feeling that our 21st pick will be going to the Bengals for Chad Johnson.. Its all over Mike and Mike this morning.

I think we need a DE bad!!! But you know our owner.

To call him an impulse buyer, would be putting it lightly!

Man don't ruin my morning by this Chad Johnson talk. If we give up our number one pick for an aging wr I'm going to shit in my pants. If this guy Jackson is available then he should be our pick. He could be another Charles Mann where you just put him in as a starter and don't worry about that position for 10 years. I was watching the North/ South game and NOBODY could block the guy. There was also a DT from ND ( I forget his name) that was just killing people.

[EARTHQUAKE2689]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

Man don't ruin my morning by this Chad Johnson talk. If we give up our number one pick for an aging wr I'm going to shit in my pants. If this guy Jackson is available then he should be our pick. He could be another Charles Mann where you just put him in as a starter and don't worry about that position for 10 years. I was watching the North/ South game and NOBODY could block the guy. There was also a DT from ND ( I forget his name) that was just killing people.

Yes but what if we draft him and he produces nothing.................... then people would be saying I wish we would have gotten Johnson who just turned 30 not like he is 37 or something i am not saying get him I am saying dont assume that any DE coming in will pull a 16 sack rookie season.

[skinsfan_nn]

Originally Posted by EARTHQUAKE2689

Yes but what if we draft him and he produces nothing.................... then people would be saying I wish we would have gotten Johnson who just turned 30 not like he is 37 or something i am not saying get him I am saying dont assume that any DE coming in will pull a 16 sack rookie season.

Well thats what the draft is for, to try to bring in top young talent. MOST of these top talent defensive players turn out being just fine even if it takes a couple years in a system, I'll take my chances on a speed rushing DE in either Calais Campbell or Lawrence Jackson which IMO is a primary need we need to adress. Over ocho stinko any day, no room for cancer in the locker room.

[SkinsFanSince91]

Originally Posted by prinzeofmoval

he'll be gone by then...top 12 pick..but if he's available take him and dont look back

LJ is not regarded by any scots or GM as a top 12 pick. He is not one of the top 12 players in the draft, and as a matter of fact, he is projected by many as an early second round pick.

By the time the combine passes, so many skill player would have shot up draft boards that he will undoubtedly fall to us, if not past us.

However, he is still a great player. Saw him in the senior bowl. He can rush and defend the run.

We'd be smart to go with him, Calais Campbell, or Quentin Groves from Auburn (he can play DE and OLB if need be).

Personally I like Groves. He is a bona fide speed rusher, and his versatility allows him to play OLB for us at a time where we are thin due to injuries and rising average age at our LB position.

[SkinsFanSince91]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

Man don't ruin my morning by this Chad Johnson talk. If we give up our number one pick for an aging wr I'm going to shit in my pants. If this guy Jackson is available then he should be our pick. He could be another Charles Mann where you just put him in as a starter and don't worry about that position for 10 years. I was watching the North/ South game and NOBODY could block the guy. There was also a DT from ND ( I forget his name) that was just killing people.

I know who you are talkin about. His name is Trevor Laws from ND. He and Sedrick Ellis were the only two DT's beasting out there.

[skinzaholic73]

hopefully he'll be there at 21.I think it would be a solid pick.

[Veretax]

I think I'd actually prefer him to Campbell being that he played against stiffer competition during his career.

[Dirtbag59]

Looks more and more like the guys going to be available. Personally I'm starting to like him for a few reasons

1. He played LDE in college
2. He usually got 9-10 sacks a year when lining up at End in a 4-3 (Only had 4 sacks as a 3-4 DE but thats equivelent to playing DT in a 4-3).
3. He played in a conference thats known for great offense.
4. Played for a quality program.

YouTube - USC Football 2007 Lawrence Jackson - As you can tell from the video he's coming from the QB's frontside which basically means he played LDE.
Lawrence Jackson
DE | (6'4", 261, 4.919) | USC

Scouts Grade: 89

Flags: (D: DURABILITY) Player that can't stay healthy(S: SPEED) Player lacks ideal speed at positionView by: Player | NCAA School | Position | NFL Team | Flag | All Ranked Players | NFL Draft History You are signed into Insider and have access to the exclusive draft content below.
Strengths: Possesses prototypical size. Is tall and thickly built. Is fluid and mobile for his size. Shows some variety as a pass rusher, using a combination of quickness and power. At his best as a pass rusher when working one-on-one on the perimeter. Displays enough upper and lower body strength to seal off the perimeter when he's playing with leverage. Has long arms and does a good job at times of keeping separation from blockers.

Weaknesses: Is quicker than fast. Lacks ideal top-end speed. He will never be the type of speed-end that can consistently run past offensive tackles. Lacks explosive first-step and closing burst as a pass rusher. Really struggles to split the double-team. Needs to fire out with more consistent leverage and still working to master his array of pass rush moves. He gets frustrated very easily and it affects his performance. He leaves his feet too frequently. Durability is only a minor concern but he has had ankle surgery twice during collegiate career; once in 2003 and most recently in spring of 2007.

Overall: Jackson was redshirted in 2003 and underwent post-season arthroscopic right ankle surgery. During his first three seasons (2004-'06) he played in 39 games recording 121 total tackles, 35 tackles for loss, and 20 sacks. Jackson had another right ankle surgery before 2007 spring practice. Jackson was one of the best young defensive ends in the nation during his first two seasons at USC (2004-'05) but his production tailed off as a junior in 2006. Part of the problem was that Jackson spent more time inside as the Trojans' injected more 3-4 alignments on defense. The other problem was that Jackson didn't handle all the double-team attention well. Regardless, Jackson has prototypical size, good quickness and power. He has the physical tools to develop into a solid starter in the NFL but he will never needs to be used as a traditional end on the perimeter in order to be effective. With all that said; Jackson is an overrated prospect at this point and he needs to show significant improvement as a senior in order to regain what was once considered to be first-round draft potential.