Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

From John Clayton at ESPN...
• Most people around Indianapolis believe the Redskins will get a quick deal done with Bills middle linebacker London Fletcher. The Redskins were hurt a couple years ago by the loss of middle linebacker [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5742"][COLOR=#000000]Antonio Pierce[/COLOR][/URL], who left for the Giants. Fletcher isn't expected to be re-signed by the Bills. The Redskins don't have the cap room to sign Clements, but most believe Fletcher will head off to Washington and reunite with former Bills head coach Gregg Williams, the Redskins' defensive coordinator.

[url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2775871]ESPN.com - NFL - Clayton: Texans won't give Carr away[/url]

If we can get one really good year out of this guy I dont think its a bad move as long as we dont overpay which is unlikely

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

i think he has several good years left. like ive said in other threads, linebackers can play at a high level longer than many positions. just look at zach thomas, teddy bruschi, junior seau, donnie edwards...etc

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

If we're looking to draft a top prospect DE and not PSUs LB Polusnky, it would be wise to sign Fletcher. Someone needs to talk him up more for me to get excited about having this guy though. I think McIntosh will be ready to start at OLB next year. I would agree that CB is still a pressing need with Springs not reliable to play and Wright on his way out. We're OK at safety.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=EXoffender;279865]If we're looking to draft a top prospect DE and not PSUs LB Polusnky, it would be wise to sign Fletcher. Someone needs to talk him up more for me to get excited about having this guy though. I think McIntosh will be ready to start at OLB next year. I would agree that CB is still a pressing need with Springs not reliable to play and Wright on his way out. We're OK at safety.[/quote]I'm a huge Marshall fan, but I'd rather see Rocky start in 2007 because Marshall's contract expires at the conclusion of 2007 and I don't expect him to be back.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

Check out Fletchers stats, he is incredible. His play has not dropped at all with age. He is still in the prime of his career imo. also note he has never missed a game in his career.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=bigm29;279870]Check out Fletchers stats, he is incredible. His play has not dropped at all with age. He is still in the prime of his career imo. also note he has never missed a game in his career.[/quote]
Hey. I'm excited! At what cost?

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

London Fletcher is good for about 10 tackles a game every single game. I've liked Flet since he was with the Rams. When he teamed with Takeo in Buffalo, I was really excited. I'm happy he's coming here. I think he's probably 2 pretty good years left in him. I just hope it ends up being more than that.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

Scouts Inc. Profile:

Full Name: London Levi Fletcher-Baker
Born: May 19, 1975
Cleveland, OH
Height: 5-10
Weight: 245 lbs.

2006 Scouting Report - Scouts Inc.
Grade: 78 | Key
Alert: B

Comment:
Fletcher has excellent experience, durability and toughness. He plays in regular and sub packages. He is competitive, active and hard-working. He handles all of the Bills' calls and adjustments within the box. He has good recognition skills and key-and-diagnose against the run and pass. He is an instinctive tackler who has sideline-to-sideline range. He can slide, stay square, avoid and play through trash in the box. He has a knack for timing up his blitzes and pressuring quarterbacks. He can open his hips and get good depth in underneath zones. He still has the speed to carry the vertical seam in cover 2. He has very good awareness and effectively communicates pattern recognition. He can match up with tight ends or backs over short areas in man-to-man. But Fletcher is undersized and lacks ideal power. He isn't a natural take-on player. He can get engulfed by bigger blockers and driven out of run lanes. He knows how to use his hands but lacks explosiveness in his stack-and-shed. He doesn't always protect his lower half when moving downhill.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

lets say the skins sign Fletcher. now what? who plays where? you know Washington will start at one linebacker spot. Lemar Marshall is an above average OUTSIDE linebacker, so he will play somewhere. what about McIntosh? where does this leave him?

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[QUOTE=dmek25;279914]lets say the skins sign Fletcher. now what? who plays where? you know Washington will start at one linebacker spot. Lemar Marshall is an above average OUTSIDE linebacker, so he will play somewhere. what about McIntosh? where does this leave him?[/QUOTE]

I don't know that Lemar Marshall is above average. I think he's servicable at both positions, but there are plenty of players better than him. Whether Rocky is going to be ready to start ahead of him next season or not, I'm not sure. However, I don't really wanna see Marshall lining up as a starter next season.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

I think Marshall goes to the bench and helps provide valuable depth for the outside and middle. Rocky starts along with MW and Fletcher.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

I wish he were younger than 32. I fear we'll throw way too much money at him. I hope if works out if it happens.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

Unfortunately the success of the linebackers we have signed in recent years seems to be inversely proportional to their NFL success prior to signing with the Redskins. Marcus Washington was probably the least touted, but he's been phenomenal for us. Unfortunately can't say the same for Armstead, Trotter, Barrow and Holdman.

I have mixed feelings on this move

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=bigm29;279870]Check out Fletchers stats, he is incredible. His play has not dropped at all with age. He is still in the prime of his career imo. also note he has never missed a game in his career.[/quote]
remind you of anybody?

(mike barrow)

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

well i sure hope we get a corner. if we dont sign clements who then?

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

well, they say the mike is the defense's qb... and with matty's posted scouting report, he's got the goods. if he can stick with his man in coverage and help protect the middle a bit more, sean taylor is less apt to make mistakes.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[QUOTE=dall-assblows;279948]remind you of anybody?

(mike barrow)[/QUOTE]

barrow was 35 when he got here i believe, 3 years older. if we can get 3 good years out of fletcher id be extatic

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

I like Fletcher, and I think he would be a significant upgrade over Marshall, but I'm still very concerned about his age, although he has a reputation of being an extremely durable MLB. I just hope we get 2-3 good years out of him, and draft a MLB next year to groom as his replacement. Hopefully he won't be another Redskins veteran FA bust.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=Mattyk72;279920]I think Marshall goes to the bench and helps provide valuable depth for the outside and middle. Rocky starts along with MW and Fletcher.[/quote]

do you really think he'll go back to the bench ? he's been a starter for the past 3 years and he did a very good job the first 2. last year he slipped but so did everyone else on defense. i thought he played reall well when he took lavar's spot. imo, he'll go back to that spot this upcoming season and rocky will be a situational lb.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

How about Roderick Hood from Philly? I really dont know much about him but he seems like a good CB from what I remember of him.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

We'll find a way to get Nate Clements. We have to.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[QUOTE=Dirtbag359;279961]We'll find a way to get Nate Clements. We have to.[/QUOTE]

I don't know. I have trouble believing that we could: (1) get a guard in free agency or resign Dockery; (2) sign Fletcher; (3) sign the #6 draft pick; AND compete with other teams who have $20M+ in cap space for the only quality corner on the market.

There are a ton of teams with between $15M-$30M of cap space. There are a ton of teams who need a corner. There are few quality free agents to speak of, let alone free agents at one of the most difficult positions (i.e., corner). Common sense seems to indicate that teams will deliberately try to front load deals for free agents because: (1) such deals are more palatable to players than front-loaded deals; and (2) teams will try to utilize as much of their current free cap space so as to avoid future cap problems.

I think we could offer Clements a deal comparable to what other teams will offer (both in terms of SB and overall compensation), but will be unable to offer him a front-loaded deal.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

no clements just smooot!

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=diehardskin2982;279964]no clements just smooot![/quote]


hehe...Id take em both if at ALL possible!

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=bigm29;279853]From John Clayton at ESPN...
• Most people around Indianapolis believe the Redskins will get a quick deal done with Bills middle linebacker London Fletcher. The Redskins were hurt a couple years ago by the loss of middle linebacker [URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5742"][COLOR=#000000]Antonio Pierce[/COLOR][/URL], who left for the Giants. Fletcher isn't expected to be re-signed by the Bills. The Redskins don't have the cap room to sign Clements, but most believe Fletcher will head off to Washington and reunite with former Bills head coach Gregg Williams, the Redskins' defensive coordinator.

[URL="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=2775871"]ESPN.com - NFL - Clayton: Texans won't give Carr away[/URL]

If we can get one really good year out of this guy I dont think its a bad move as long as we dont overpay which is unlikely[/quote]


i still think we will work out a way to get clements no one thought we would spree like we did last year the skins have their ways

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=Mattyk72;279912]Scouts Inc. Profile:

Full Name: London Levi Fletcher-Baker
Born: May 19, 1975
Cleveland, OH
Height: 5-10
Weight: 245 lbs.

2006 Scouting Report - Scouts Inc.
Grade: 78 | Key
Alert: B

Comment:
Fletcher has excellent experience, durability and toughness. He plays in regular and sub packages. He is competitive, active and hard-working. He handles all of the Bills' calls and adjustments within the box. He has good recognition skills and key-and-diagnose against the run and pass. He is an instinctive tackler who has sideline-to-sideline range. He can slide, stay square, avoid and play through trash in the box. He has a knack for timing up his blitzes and pressuring quarterbacks. He can open his hips and get good depth in underneath zones. He still has the speed to carry the vertical seam in cover 2. He has very good awareness and effectively communicates pattern recognition. He can match up with tight ends or backs over short areas in man-to-man. But Fletcher is undersized and lacks ideal power. He isn't a natural take-on player. He can get engulfed by bigger blockers and driven out of run lanes. He knows how to use his hands but lacks explosiveness in his stack-and-shed. He doesn't always protect his lower half when moving downhill.[/quote]


This is the type of player that the Redskins need. A champion who does his job. They need a guy who tackles everything that moves. It is gravy that he knows the system as well as he does. And on the plays that he ties up a blocker or two, the Grim Reaper will deliver the kill shot.

As far as Marshall, I would like him to be the first OLB off the bench. Mongoose Washington is a no-brainer as long as the hip doesn't linger and with what they gave up for Rocky, he should be the most talented LB on the team.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

I like Fletcher because he makes tackles. The guy is a fundementally sound tackler! IMHO that's what the D lacked more than anything else. If we can get him we should do so immediately!

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=artmonkforhallofamein07;279960]How about Roderick Hood from Philly? I really dont know much about him but he seems like a good CB from what I remember of him.[/quote]
hood sucks big time. but i wouldnt mind seeing the skins go after michael lewis. for some reason he ended up in phillys doghouse the second half of the year

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=Grim21Reaper;279993]
As far as Marshall, I would like him to be the first OLB off the bench. Mongoose Washington is a no-brainer as long as the hip doesn't linger and with what they gave up for Rocky, he should be the most talented LB on the team.[/quote]

maybe it's just me but i don't understand why you would want to put marshall back on the bench. he's been the starting mlb the last two years and knows the system inside and out. it's for that reason that i believe he should move back to the outside and let rocky be the situational lb. marshall and rocky are probably pretty close physically but marshall has a huge advantage when it comes to knowing the system.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=dmek25;279914]lets say the skins sign Fletcher. now what? who plays where? you know Washington will start at one linebacker spot. Lemar Marshall is an above average OUTSIDE linebacker, so he will play somewhere. what about McIntosh? where does this leave him?[/quote]

on the bench, but don't worry, he's used to it. I mean, he couldn't push WARRICK HOLDMAN for a starting spot last year .

fletcher still has years left, and it's a great idea if they don't give him 6mill a year or some such.

still, we'll have a dreadfully inadequate secondary, especially if they decide to axe springs.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=dmek25;280005]hood sucks big time. but i wouldnt mind seeing the skins go after michael lewis. for some reason he ended up in phillys doghouse the second half of the year[/quote]

lewis forgot how to cover. they moved him to LB and his play improved.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=Twilbert07;279922]I wish he were younger than 32. I fear we'll throw way too much money at him. I hope if works out if it happens.[/quote]


i just hope we dont have a mike barrow reanactment

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=Mattyk72;279920]I think Marshall goes to the bench and helps provide valuable depth for the outside and middle. Rocky starts along with MW and Fletcher.[/quote]

You guys have to remember Rocky was a rookie last year.I know i want Rocky to do go and be our starter.With that being said i also want the best guy in there.I have not see enough from Rocky to make that judgment.So i expect both Marshall and Rocky to play certain packages.What ever guy looks the best after 3 to 5 games should be the starter.Rookies don't always work out and we all have to remember that.So Rocky might not be our starter.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=EXoffender;279865]If we're looking to draft a top prospect DE and not PSUs LB Polusnky, it would be wise to sign Fletcher. Someone needs to talk him up more for me to get excited about having this guy though. I think McIntosh will be ready to start at OLB next year. I would agree that CB is still a pressing need with Springs not reliable to play and Wright on his way out. [B]We're OK at safety[/B].[/quote]

Are you kidding me??? We have ONE quality safety. We need to address that this offseason

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=AlvinWalton'sNeckBrace;280122]Are you kidding me??? We have ONE quality safety. We need to address that this offseason[/quote]

taylor is good, prioleau is fine. that's two.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

Prioleau was a backup before last year...we're very VERY shallow at S

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=wolfeskins;280033]maybe it's just me but i don't understand why you would want to put marshall back on the bench. he's been the starting mlb the last two years and knows the system inside and out. it's for that reason that i believe he should move back to the outside and let rocky be the situational lb. marshall and rocky are probably pretty close physically but marshall has a huge advantage when it comes to knowing the system.[/quote]

When did Marshall demonstrate that he knows the system inside and out? Pierce knew it inside and out, Lemar is no Pierce. They were decent in '05 but plain awful last year. As the QB of the defense he should receive a large portion of the blame for that.

I would put him on the bench because he isn't as talented as Washington or Rocky. It is as simple as that. To compare Rocky and Lemar phisically is definitely a stretch. Even though the Redskins may have tapped Rocky a little early, he was a stud in college and was definitely a second rounder. Lemar is a "no-name" who did well with his opportunity in '05 and regressed severely in '06.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=AlvinWalton'sNeckBrace;280129]Prioleau was a backup before last year...we're very VERY shallow at S[/quote]

I think we are fine at safety. D-line and LB are higher priorities.

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

Again...this is a joke right...Taylor...Proileau and who??? Vernon Fox? We already know Archuletta can't cover and doesn't even want to be here in my opinion

Re: Skins expected to sign Fletcher
 

[quote=Grim21Reaper;280137]I think we are fine at safety. D-line and LB are higher priorities.[/quote]

I don't agree about being fine at safety.With that being said if we upgrade our d-line and sign a corner.I think our defense will be fine.It all starts up front.We need to get more pressure on the QB.If we do that our secondary will look good.