Usually, I don’t like taking a look at another publication’s player rankings. So when someone comes out with their top 100 list, it’s nice and fun but not worthy of rehashing on the blog. But when it’s done by a collection of scouts then it’s at least worth taking a look at, to see where they rated the Redskins. Keep in mind that the rankings are based on the past and not necessarily a projection.
One other little note: Scouts Inc.’s top 200 players in the NFL included four Redskins — TE Chris Cooley (119), LB Brian Orakpo (122), LB London Fletcher (138) and CB DeAngelo Hall (142).
Before we get started, here’s another little ranking from the NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi. This one deals with players he considers blue chips (top 5 at their position) and red chips (top 10 at their position). The Redskins had no one in the top 10 on offense and two on defense. Both Orakpo and safety LaRon Landry rated as red chippers. And Lombardi did not include Mike Shanahan as one of his top 10 coaches. Lombardi’s explanation: “The Redskins’ Mike Shanahan would have appeared on this list in the past, but the last few years his teams have taken a step back.” None of this is a surprise; the Redskins don’t have many elite players. I will say, they have a lot of decent feisty players and that helps; won’t win titles right now, but it will keep them in games.
Now, onto the position rankings and how the Redskins’ defensive players compare to others at their positions, according to ESPN insider Scouts Inc.:
Linebackers:
17. Brian Orakpo (81)
20. London Fletcher (81)
48. Rocky McIntosh (77)
90. Keyaron Fox (69)
130. Lorenzo Alexander (63)
150. Horatio Blades (62)
Note: Orakpo was listed just behind Brian Urlacher, Chad Greenway and Elvis Dumervil. Gotta say, the way Orakpo has looked this summer he’ll shoot up the list. It’s amazing how long Fletcher has played and that he still ranks this high. Blades was the last linebacker listed. Here’s what they wrote about Orakpo: “Orakpo fits well as an outside linebacker in the 3-4. He is an explosive up-the-field player off the edge. He shows the quickness to turn the corner as a pass-rusher.
“He has an excellent closing burst and bend to get to the quarterback. He uses his hands well for a young player and understands how to maintain leverage on blockers. He is effective versus the run and is active to separate to the ball.
“His biggest deficiency is in coverage, but he showed marked improvement as the 2010 season progressed. Orakpo is an excellent, young linebacker who brings toughness and attitude to the Redskins’ defense.”
And here’s what they said about Fletcher: “Fletcher is a short, compactly built player with great power and deceptive athleticism for the position. He plays with excellent instincts and reactions as blocking schemes unfold. He shows excellent vision in sniffing out run plays, maintaining proper leverage at the line of scrimmage.
“He is an excellent technician playing with active hands and a low center of gravity. He takes on blocks with the correct shoulder and uses his hands well to separate from blockers and stay alive to the ball. He shows very good speed and range to make plays outside the tackle numbers.
“He takes excellent angles in run support redirecting well in the open field. Fletcher has played at a high level for most of his career and brings invaluable experience, attitude and leadership to the Redskins’ roster.”… The top linebackers listed: Patrick Willis, James Harrison and DeMarcus Ware, all of whom scored a 92.
Safety
21. LaRon Landry (78)
25. Oshiomogho Atogwe (76)
61. Kareem Moore (67)
74. Reed Doughty (65)
98. Chris Horton (55)
Note: Ten other safeties received the same score as Landry, including Chris Hope and Antrell Rolle. Had Landry played all season, he’d have been much higher. The concern with Landry and Atogwe is health. … The top safeties: Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed, both of whom scored a 91.
Cornerback
16. DeAngelo Hall (81)
65. Josh Wilson (68)
83. Phillip Buchanon (65)
95. Kevin Barnes (63)
Note: Hall received the same score as Chris Gamble and Asante Samuel, which is fair. Though he made the Pro Bowl, Hall was not an elite corner. He’s a playmaker who gets beaten. By the way, Carlos Rogers was ranked 44. … Here’s what they wrote about Hall: “Hall is a good combination of size, strength and athleticism and is a very quick learner. He is a fluid athlete who transitions well out of his pedal.
“Hall is excellent in space, both as a coverage player and breaking down to play the run, where he also shows very good wrap-up skills. Hall is better in zone than man coverage at this point and can tend to peek into the backfield too much, which results in big plays.”…The top corners: Darrelle Revis (95) and Nnamdi Asomugha (92). Big surprise there, huh?
End
32. Stephen Bowen (77)
48. Adam Carriker (70)
51. Kedric Golston (69)
Note: I’m fine with this one; Bowen hasn’t appeared to be anything special, but a definite upgrade over Golston. They’re going to miss Jarvis Jenkins. Phillip Daniels was 80th and Vonnie Holliday was 88th. The top ends: Justin Tuck (91) and Julius Peppers (90).
Tackle
29. Barry Cofield (75)
Note: Cofield will rise much higher next season. He might not be a Pro Bowler, but he will make plays and help the defense improve. And the importance of his position makes him more valuable. Albert Haynesworth was 15th while Maake Kemoeatu was 66th. … The top tackles: Haloti Ngata (92) and Justin Smith (90).
Placekicker
32. Graham Gano (58)
Note: Five kickers were rated below Gano. They must have been dreadful last season. The top kickers: Nate Kaeding and Rob Bironas, both with a 76. Oh, and yes this should have been with the offense.
Punter
25. Sav Rocca (60)
Note: That still represents an upgrade for the Redskins. The top punter: Shane Lechler (80).
Here’s the link to the offensive ratings.
