No D-linemen drafted in first 5 rounds since '97

[paulskinsfan]

I was looking at our defensive line the other day, and I started wondering who was the last D-lineman we drafted? Turns out, the Skins haven't selected a defensive lineman in the first 5 rounds of any draft since they took Kenard Lang (who, although still playing, was a bust for a 1st rounder) in 1997. I really feel like both offensive and defensive lines need to be addressed in this year's draft. Our starting o-line is good, but I think our backups are terrible. On the d-line, we really need a pass rusher, anyone who can get some pressure without having to blitz all the time. I really think Williams is one stud defensive end away from having a dominating defense.

[aehs77]

Originally Posted by paulskinsfan

I was looking at our defensive line the other day, and I started wondering who was the last D-lineman we drafted? Turns out, the Skins haven't selected a defensive lineman in the first 5 rounds of any draft since they took Kenard Lang (who, although still playing, was a bust for a 1st rounder) in 1997. I really feel like both offensive and defensive lines need to be addressed in this year's draft. Our starting o-line is good, but I think our backups are terrible. On the d-line, we really need a pass rusher, anyone who can get some pressure without having to blitz all the time. I really think Williams is one stud defensive end away from having a dominating defense.

didn't we draft ND kalu since then

[BrudLee]

Given our chances at tasting the post-season, I'm inclined to set aside talk of the 2006 draft. Since we don't have a first round pick, we're basically deciding what to do with the 50th overall pick - if the season ended today. That's a little out there for me.

I don't disagree that we need young D-line depth. We have one great d-lineman in Griffin, and many other hard workers who are either past their prime, oft-injured, or not quite talented enough to shine. However, who knows what will be available when Tagliabue finally gets around to calling our name.

[scowan]

We are going to to have to make a trade or go into FA to get a DT/DE next year.

[Redskins_P]

The thing about drafting D-lineman is that its a huge risk. Alot of them don't pan out (ie Courtney Brown). Ask any defensive coordinator and they'll tell you that the hardest position to draft is d-tackle, d-end.

I agree that we could use some depth at O-line as well.

[backrow]

Originally Posted by scowan

We are going to to have to make a trade or go into FA to get a DT/DE next year.

You look at all of those years in-between our last draft of a DE/DL and now, and all have come via FA!

Expect no difference this coming FA period.

I've pulled for a DE at our #1 pick for 10 years straight. Unless Campbell suddenly turns into a Pass rushing DE, we missed again this year.

[FRPLG]

I'd prefer a free agent on the d-line. There are not many d-linemen who come in and can rush the passer effectively their first season. Who is potentitally avaiable?

[#56fanatic]

I may be wrong but I thought we had a chance on getting Demarcus Ware with our first selection this past draft. Although we may not have been able to draft Carlos Rogers, we still may have been able to draft a comperable DB later in the first or traded down to the second for a DB. Woulda shoulda coulda I guess. But I believe Carlos will be stud for years to come. But Ware looks like he is going to be pretty good too.

[Duffman003]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

I'd prefer a free agent on the d-line. There are not many d-linemen who come in and can rush the passer effectively their first season. Who is potentitally avaiable?

I don't agree with that... Will Smith, John Abraham, Terrell Suggs, and Dwight Freeny were all really good their first years... but they were also high draft picks

[paulskinsfan]

What's really disgusting is all of our busts in the mid rounds, hell, 95% of those guys don't make the team.

[Big C]

terell suggs played linebacker his rookie year

[That Guy]

Originally Posted by Duffman003

I don't agree with that... Will Smith, John Abraham, Terrell Suggs, and Dwight Freeny were all really good their first years... but they were also high draft picks

thats what? 3 out of 200+? the stats show that it's much safer to get your
DE/DT through free agency, the downside, of course, being that you'll be paying a lot more for him.

[dblanch66]

too true. where are the Dexter Manleys and Charles Manns?

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Isn't Dwight Freeney in the last year of his contract? Also, it looks like John Abraham will be available. I doubt we'll be able to afford guys of that caliber; I think we'll have to settle for someone who is just adequate. We are going to have to cut some guys or restructure some deals just to keep "our core" together.

[Defensewins]

Originally Posted by paulskinsfan

What's really disgusting is all of our busts in the mid rounds, hell, 95% of those guys don't make the team.

Don't get me started on Snyderatto! I am glad Gibbs is calling the shots now.
As you can tell by my name on TWP I am a firm believer that defense wins championships. All the top SB contenders start with a good defense first, combined with at least a balanced offense. A good defense is a must to winning, something Snyderatto did not agree with. He drafted mostly offensive skill position players.

I will be happy if we draft the best player available, but when there is no clear choice between several players, go defense. Good, young defensive players are always in demand and harder to find. Offensive players are available every offseason in free agency.

Besides the obvious need for D-lineman, our corners are getting old.
Carlos R. was an excellent pick up this year, he will be great. We need more young CB'S.
FS Sean Taylor was a great pick up last year, but we could use a great SS to complement Taylor. Two talented safeties playing together make a good defense great.

Besides the addition of defensive coach Williams, Sean Taylor was a major reason last year our Defense improved so much.