Redskins Defensive Oriented Draft

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by johno

Alright guys, this is my first thread but I feel like it needs to be asked.... Why would'nt we just make the early picks in the draft about the defense?

Now before you jump on the offensive line needs, I understand we have needs on the oline, but I say we assemble a gnarly defense with the first 2 picks and then address the offensive needs down the line. We have a solid defensive core (4th best last year mind you), add Haynesworth&Hall and a talented DE with the 13th pick, and there is a defense worth talking about. Add talented LB in the 3rd round and we are on to something.

There have been teams with mediocre offenses that go deep into the playoffs on the back of their defense right? Maybe I am crazy.

As often happens, I'm with 53Fan. There is nothing better in football than a knock-your-teeth-out, inpenetrable defense. I've thought myself about the question of this thread. And if we use the draft to build an overwhelming defense, I will not cry.

However, although sometimes great defenses do go far in the playoffs as you indicate, quite often they do not. Every year a really good defensive team does not make the playoffs at all or makes an early exit from the playoffs because they cannot get their defense off of the field or cannot overcome mistakes made by the offense or special teams. The Bears are an example of this. A 7-3 loss is still a loss.

I think to win consistently in the NFL you need some balance. For example, the Colts and the Patriots became dominant once they had talent on both sides of the ball, not just one.