Draft grades

[sdskinsfan2001]

We were 8-8-1 with last year's line. The chances of this line being better than last year is around 90%. Outside of the OL, if Howell can just be solid, we are the same or better at every other spot.

Our success will be determined by: is the new OL enough of an improvement over last year and can Howell at least play like a top 20 QB.

[AnonEmouse]

I'm thinking that improvements/consistency from young guys starting alongside him, will improve Leno's play. The new OL may be a greater than the sum of its parts scenario.

[sdskinsfan2001]

Originally Posted by AnonEmouse

I'm thinking that improvements/consistency from young guys starting alongside him, will improve Leno's play. The new OL may be a greater than the sum of its parts scenario.

If last year was just a bad season for Leno, that would be awesome. Because he's only 31, he's plenty young to still have some juice left in the tank.

[nonniey]

Originally Posted by Chief X_Phackter

Four different players started at Center last year, arguably the most important position on the offense besides the QB. I like Roullier, but the writing was on tI think the O-line will be improved.

I hope you're wrong about center being the most important position, other than QB, because right now I'd say Gates is the weakest starter on the offense (that is saying a lot since Leno is still going to be starting).

[Chief X_Phackter]

Originally Posted by nonniey

I hope you're wrong about center being the most important position, other than QB, because right now I'd say Gates is the weakest starter on the offense (that is saying a lot since Leno is still going to be starting).

It's just my opinion that the Center is the most important position on the offense besides the QB. What other position would be more important? LT maybe... obviously it's a team sport, but the Center plays a crucial role with communication, and anchoring the interior...

Not sure I get all the Gates hate, unless there is concern about the injury he seems to have recovered from.

[sdskinsfan2001]

All I want is for Harris to own the team by week 1.

Forbes is gonna be a stud.

I do wish drafted a true 100% LT prospect.

If the sale goes thru, we win 10 games. If not, we suck again.

[Chief X_Phackter]

I wanted B Jones and either J M Schmitz or O Torrance. Didn't have a chance (without trading up) to draft B Jones or any other "top" tackle... passed on the other two.... I'm hoping the defense is top 5 and the O-line isn't terrible.

[sdskinsfan2001]

Originally Posted by Chief X_Phackter

I wanted B Jones and either J M Schmitz or O Torrance. Didn't have a chance to draft B Jones or any other "top" tackle... passed on the other two.... I'm hoping the defense is top 5 and the O-line isn't terrible.

I agree with going CB in round 1 based on how the 1st 15 picks went.

But I would have liked to have added 100% tackle prospect, ala a Breeland (BYU) type prospect at some point.

I like Daniels as a player but when everyone else besides Rivera says he's likely a G, I tend to think he's best at G.

He's athletic though, so maybe he can be the swing T week 1. But I'd feel better with a more known option. Looking forward to the post-draft cuts that will be happening league wide soon.

[Chief X_Phackter]

Washington Commanders Have Most Improved Offensive Line Post-NFL Draft? - Sports Illustrated Washington Football News, Analysis and More

https://www.si.com/nfl/commanders/ne...raeden-daniels

[That Guy]

As long as you don't conflate "most improved" with "good" that statement can make logical sense. (article says top 3 most improved)

[Chief X_Phackter]

Here I thought I found a good news story, something to be happy about, and someone has to pull the rug right out from under me. LOL. I guess it's just easier to focus on the negatives, turn positives into negatives, and walk around with half empty glasses.

[Meks]

Stop conflating things would ya 😅

[punch it in]

Originally Posted by Chief X_Phackter

Here I thought I found a good news story, something to be happy about, and someone has to pull the rug right out from under me. LOL. I guess it's just easier to focus on the negatives, turn positives into negatives, and walk around with half empty glasses.

Chief until our wins fill more than half the glass neither will our expectations….

[BaltimoreSkins]

Originally Posted by Chief X_Phackter

Here I thought I found a good news story, something to be happy about, and someone has to pull the rug right out from under me. LOL. I guess it's just easier to focus on the negatives, turn positives into negatives, and walk around with half empty glasses.

I prefer the term pragmatic instead of negative, but in deference to trying to be glass half full. There were plenty of games were the o line play was a huge liability in losses. So any upgrade has to better than this, right?

[Chief X_Phackter]

Originally Posted by punch it in

Chief until our wins fill more than half the glass neither will our expectations….

I hear you. You seem to have a half-full approach with Howell though.

Here are my expectations. The offense will improve, the defense will improve, and we'll finally find a return game. However, it won't translate to more wins due to the tough schedule. 10 of their 17 games are against playoff teams from last year, along with games against improved teams like Jets, Bears, Broncos, Falcons.

Unfortunately, I think we're headed toward yet another average-record season, maybe slip into the postseason with Howell OR Brissett, maybe just miss it... somewhere in the 7-10 win range.

Something to build on though - hopefully.