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 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. And someone like Tim Hightower, who appears to be a better fit in the Redskins’ offense than he was in Arizona’s, could shoot higher in 2012.
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’ offensive players compare to others at their positions, according to ESPN insider Scouts Inc. (here’s the link to their defensive rankings):
Quarterbacks:
45. Rex Grossman (62 points)
59. John Beck (59)
60. Kellen Clemens (59)
Note: As a point of comparison, ex-Redskins QB Patrick Ramsey also scored a 59, as did Charlie Batch. In Beck’s case, it’s hard to rank a guy who hasn’t played in four years, though that also suggests one thing: backup. The question for Beck is, what will his ranking be next year? That’s the one that matters more to this season…The top QBS: Tom Brady (95), Peyton Manning (95), Drew Brees (94).
Running backs:
52. Ryan Torain (68 points)
56. Tim Hightower (67)
81. Keiland Williams (59)
86. Darrel Young (59)
Note: I don’t know why they rated Young with the running backs considering they have a fullback category. That’ll change in next year’s preseason rankings. As for where they have Torain and Hightower, considering neither one has been a bust-out player it’s fair. Other backs in their range: Chester Taylor, Donald Brown, Michael Bush, Tashard Choice and Marshawn Lynch. But both Hightower and Torain have a chance to elevate themselves considerably….The top backs: Adrian Peterson (95), Chris Johnson (92).
Fullback
11. Mike Sellers (62)
Note: Sellers, obviously, is now a backup fullback/TE/H-back. But he can still help and make plays on special teams. Anyway, here’s what they said about Sellers: “Sellers is a tough, hard-nosed lead blocker who is clearly playing with diminishing skills. He is more of an H-back or hybrid fullback/tight end in the Washington offense. He has explosive power as a lead blocker.
“He is better blocker on the move or in the backfield than when playing on the line of scrimmage. He plays with excellent pad level at the point of attack. He gets some lift and drive on initial blocks. He rarely carries the football and is limited in this phase of the game. He has reliable hands as a target in the passing game but shows little after the catch. Sellers is on the backside of his career, but should continue to contribute in a big way as a core special-teams player in 2011.” … The top fullback: Vonta Leach (75).
Wide receivers
48. Santana Moss (74)
59. Jabar Gaffney (70)
92. Anthony Armstrong (66)
102. Donte Stallworth (63)
116. Malcolm Kelly (60).
Note: Yes, I’m not sure why Kelly is ranked after not playing last season. But he was last on the list. Moss is ranked along with Braylon Edwards and Steve Smith. Moss is one of two players with more than 1,000 yards last season not ranked in the top 25 (Buffalo’s Steve Johnson is the other at 34. Moss could have been higher; he runs good routes is tough and durable. He’s also never played with a Pro Bowl QB. But the fact that he no longer scares a defense surely kept him down. Would it make you feel good to know that Brandon Lloyd is 18th? I’ve never blamed the Redskins on that one; not sure there’s been a guy more disliked in the locker room than Lloyd during his two seasons…. The top receiver: Andre Johnson (95).
Guard
37. Chris Chester (68)
57. Kory Lichtensteiger (65)
68. Artis Hicks (64)
Notes: No problem with these rankings. The Redskins don’t have an impressive collection of talent at this position, but their best attribute is the ability to move which will be highlighted. The scheme will help them… The top guards: Logan Mankins and Jahri Evans (both 68).
Centers
34. Will Montgomery (65)
Notes: Again, no problem here. Montgomery has never started a full season at this spot. Based on his play in the preseason, he’ll have a good block followed by a not-so-good one … The top center: Nick Mangold (90).
Tackles
26. Jammal Brown (77)
42. Sean Locklear (73)
51. Trent Williams (69)
Notes: Guess they saw a lot of the same issues with Williams that others saw. He was wildly inconsistent and did not play that well down the stretch. By way of comparison, Russell Okung was 12th. Different players; Williams is much more athletic. Jermon Bushrod also was rated a 69. But Locklear at 42? Wow. They must have really thought poorly of Williams to have him nine spots lower. … Top tackles: Joe Thomas (93), Jake Long (91).
Tight ends
8. Chris Cooley (82)
29. Fred Davis (69)
97. Derek Schouman (49)
Note: Here’s what they said about Cooley: “Cooley is an undersized tight end with good athleticism and average strength for the position. He is one of the most productive players in this offense when he is healthy. He is a versatile player who can align all over the field. He is an excellent route runner with reliable hands in traffic. He shows very good push off the line of scrimmage and can stretch the field down the seam.
“He understands how to use his body to separate from defenders. He has very good hands and can adjust to make catches outside his frame. Cooley isn’t a physical blocker but can lock on and wall off at the point of attack. Cooley can be an excellent weapon when utilized in a variety of formations to create mismatches in the passing game.”…No Logan Paulsen in the rankings. Top tight ends: Antonio Gates (89), Jason Witten (89).
We’ll take a look at the defense later today.
