Redskins owner Dan Snyder can still surprise us, if only by making smart moves.
Snyder suckered Atlanta into trading two second-rounders for Washington’s 21st selection that was a suspect move by the Falcons. After an offseason of not overspending on free agents and now a good draft move, Snyder looked like he was finally learning something.
And then Snyder blew all that good will with tunnel vision, taking three straight pass catchers in the second round. Are they turning the West Coast Offense into a three-ring circus?
Overall, the Redskins draft merits a B, which is far better than expected given past years. Traditionally, the Redskins have done poorly outside high first-rounders that were no brainers. They worked the board pretty professionally, filling needs on the line and secondary. Tackle Chad Rinehart and cornerback Justin Tryon were nice pickups. You gotta love Tryon calling his first five steps “explosion” while promising to return kicks to the 50.
Taking tight end Fred Davis in the second was a real puzzler, though. Nothing against Davis, a 6-foot-3 standout from Southern Cal who was the nation’s top tight end. But, the Redskins already have Pro-Bowler Chris Cooley at the position. Maybe new coach Jim Zorn wants a second pass-catching tight end in his offense, but the Redskins needed a defensive lineman more. This smacks of past free agent immaturity when Snyder would buy in bulk.
But, this is being picky. The Redskins came away with two talented tall receivers after previously offering essentially two first-rounders for Cincinnati’s Chad Johnson. Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly were both first-rounders who slipped. They fill a need at a bargain rate. Thomas went from community college to 79 catches last year at Michigan State. Kelly looks like a playmaker with 21 touchdowns at Oklahoma.
The Redskins now have Santana Moss downfield, two young receivers in the middle and Antwaan Randle-El, who is more effective roaming all over the field. Throw in Cooley and Davis and two balls are needed — much less one for the running game.
Of course, there are the pesky problems of quarterback Jason Campbell staying healthy after two nicks last year and the offensive line remaining intact. And, let’s not forget a new offense must be assimilated. Will the Redskins keep defenses guessing in the early season while integrating the new scheme? Can running back Clinton Portis remain effective with fewer carries?
The Redskins are a better team today, something not always apparent after some drafts. Indeed, it was the best among NFC East teams. Haven’t said that since Charley Casserly’s final draft in 1999 when stealing Champ Bailey as part of all New Orleans’ picks along with selecting Jon Jansen.
Now, let’s see if these rookies can play.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
