My initial thoughts on the Redskins trade for defensive lineman Adam Carriker today:
1. It’s a good move. It’s hard to say otherwise, considering they merely swapped picks in the fifth and seventh rounds. Washington fell back 28 spots in the fifth round, but moved up three in the seventh. So the draft will end around 10 to 15 minutes earlier for us! Not bad. But in all seriousness, the Redskins did not give up anything of value for a former first-round pick.
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2. Carriker was miscast in St. Louis. He played nose tackle in 2007 under Jim Haslett, now the Redskins’ defensive coordinator. But coming out of college he was considered a good fit as a 3-4 end; but the Rams used him more as a tackle in a 4-3. At 6-foot-2, 296 pounds, he’s a good size for an end in the Redskins’ new scheme, plus he could swing inside on passing downs.
3. Carriker played through an ankle injury in 2008 and missed all of last season with a shoulder injury. Supposedly, he’s healthy, but everyone says they are this time of year. But if he is healthy, maybe he can help. If not, then he provides depth and he’s gone soon (his contract ends in two years).
4. Here’s a description of Carriker from Pro Football Weekly before the 2007 draft: “Versatility may be his greatest asset … Could be a three-down player for a 3-4 front and possesses the size, smarts and strength to be a great pro. Has all the intangibles and will look very attractive to the Bill Belichick coaching tree. A very safe first-round pick.”
5. And the Rams gave him up for almost nothing.
6. If the Redskins trade defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, this at least gives them a little more depth up front. The Redskins signed nose tackle Howard Green on Monday and added Ma’ake Kemoeatu earlier this offseason. Kedric Golston and Phillip Daniels both will play end. This is not an imposing bunch, nor is there a playmaker in the group. However, each of these players would do a good job of playing within the defense.
7. As far as a Haynesworth deal, there are reports that Tennesse has talked to the Redskins and I also heard today that Tennessee’s name had been mentioned. However, the Titans lack a second-round pick this year, which means they’d have to probably give up a third and then a pick in 2011. The story suggests they’d want to get Haynesworth on the cheap; that might not get it done.
