Allen says he expects Haynesworth to return
ASHBURN – The most honest statement Bruce Allen could make occurred in the first minute of his pre-draft news conference. At this time of the year, general managers are paid to do two things: evaluate talent and bluff other teams.
Which is why Allen told the assembled media, “I’m going to attempt not to lie to you all.” Key word: attempt.
At this time of the year, it’s impossible — and poor business — for teams to tell the truth. False signals about a team’s intentions are sent daily, whether it’s by letting word leak out that a certain player is favored or working out a particular player.
Allen also said:
» The Redskins would not rule out taking another quarterback. It might be hard to take one with only four picks and other needs, but the Redskins could take one in later rounds knowing they probably wouldn’t need him to play for several years, thanks to Donovan McNabb.
» He’s had discussions with other teams about quarterback Jason Campbell, but said “nothing is imminent.” It could be that Campbell is on the roster after the draft as other teams evaluate their personnel and then decide if they want to trade for him. Or teams could wait until Campbell is released. Though the Redskins have said he’ll compete for the No. 2 spot, other teams aren’t buying that Washington will keep him.
» He expects defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to return. The Redskins admitted they talked to teams about Haynesworth before March 31 when the bonus in his contract kicked in. But Allen echoed what coach Mike Shanahan said Sunday.
“We really are looking forward to Albert coming in and helping us win,” Allen said.
Of course, if another team offered them a second-round pick for Haynesworth, their minds could change. But they likely already know the market and that teams might not be willing to part with a high pick for the controversial tackle.
» It will be hard to move back from the No. 4 spot and acquire more picks. Allen said the point chart Jimmy Johnson devised in the 1990s is a “deterrent to trading.” The chart assigns point values to each pick in the draft. The Redskins used to follow the point chart under former executive vice president Vinny Cerrato. But Allen said neither he nor Shanahan rely on the point chart.
In Shanahan’s 14 drafts in Denver, he had at least seven picks 10 times. In Allen’s five drafts with Tampa Bay, he always had at least seven picks. So both would prefer more choices.
“We are listening, the phones will be open,” Allen said. “But it’s hard to project what will happen.”
» Owner Dan Snyder is “welcome” in the team’s draft room, as are all the “ownership.” Snyder’s role, though, is smaller than it had been in years past.
