ASHBURN – Each one appeared headed to the Redskins at some point. Jake Locker was the supposed target only to be supplanted by Blaine Gabbert or, maybe, Andy Dalton. Then again it was Christian Ponder they really wanted.
But, in the end, the Redskins surprised all. They didn’t draft a quarterback, despite having a record number of choices.
The reason appears to be that the Redskins think they already have that quarterback on the roster.
Head coach Mike Shanahan said John Beck, whom they acquired in an August trade with Baltimore, was his No. 1 rated quarterback coming out of college in 2007. JaMarcus Russell, Brady Quinn and Kevin Kolb were all drafted ahead of Beck.
“It wasn’t even close,” Shanahan said. “He has everything you look for in a quarterback. No. 1 you have to love the game, you have to have the mindset. What I’m looking for is a guy first to work and last to leave. You’ve got to be able to run this offense at a very high level. He can do things with his legs that a lot of quarterbacks can’t do.”
However while the Redskins ignored quarterback, they spent the rest of the draft filling multiple other needs.
| SKINS DRAFT OVERVIEW |
| Redskins beat reporter John Keim breakdowns each pick and what impact they’ll have on the Skins. |
Washington ended up with 12 draft picks, their most since the draft went to seven rounds in 1994, when they took the same amount. The Redskins wound up taking three receivers, two running backs and two defensive ends. The fact that they took so many wideouts is not good news for third-year Malcolm Kelly or veteran Roydell Williams. Also, it’ll be tougher for Terrence Austin, a seventh-rounder last season, as well.
They also selected two potential returners — receivers Niles Paul (fifth round) and Aldrick Robinson (sixth round) — considering there are concerns about diminutive Brandon Banks’ durability, it makes sense to bring in other options.
“I’m a speedy guy, I’m quick, I have good hands,” Robinson said. “I’ll be able to do punt returns, kick returns, anything.”
Paul was arrested and charged with DUI in 2009. He was ticketed for public urination and being a minor with alcohol in 2010.
“I’m more mature now,” Paul said.
They also selected local product Evan Royster, a Westfield High alum, in the sixth round.
“When he drafted me, [coach Shanahan] said I reminded him of Terrell Davis and that’s who I want to be,” Royster said.
In the seventh round, the Redskins took Boise State corner Brandyn Thompson, Florida guard Maurice Hurt, Florida State linebacker Markus White and West Virginia nose tackle Chris Neild.
But no quarterback. As of now it’s likely that Beck and Rex Grossman, if he’s re-signed, will battle for the starting job. Beck has made four career starts and none since his rookie year of 2007. The Redskins also have to decide what they want to do with Donovan McNabb, who remains under contract.
They had a chance to draft Missouri’s Gabbert in the first round at No. 10, but traded back six spots. They would have to have traded up to get TCU’s Andy Dalton and Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick in the second round. That left few options the rest of the draft.
Other needs that remain:
Nose tackle » Anthony Bryant was solid in his two starts at the end of the season, but Washington still wanted to improve at this spot. Jarvis Jenkins, a second-round pick, will play defensive end so the need remains. San Francisco’s Aubrayo Franklin will be a free agent when the lockout ends and could be an option if they want more depth. Neild could fill that position, but it’s tough to expect a seventh-rounder to make such a contribution.
Right tackle » The Redskins could always opt to re-sign Jammal Brown, whose play improved last season but whose mobility was still limited. There wasn’t a good spot for them to address this position in the draft so free agency was always the likely option. Denver’s Ryan Harris could be a target as the Broncos apparently tried to trade him in 2010, with Washington as a rumored suitor. However, the Redskins declined the offer at that time.
