I should have seen it coming

photo courtesy of ap!

I should have seen it coming. I should have known who the Redskins were picking.

Pre-draft talk about So. Cal. quarterback Mark Sanchez dominated the airwaves. Most people figured the Redskins were trying desperately to trade up and pick the smooth QB. Huge smokescreen! Well, maybe. Who knows.

Then the choosing time came around, and nothing happened. Everything happened as it should have. I found myself hoping the Rams would pick Sanchez, just to get it over with. But no. OT Jason Smith off the board.

The Chiefs up next. Would they trade down? Nope. DE Tyson Jackson to KC. Seattle goes with Curry.

And then finally Cleveland trades down, the J-E-T-S move up and take Sanchez. Brett Favre for one year and then Sanchez time. Good move for them, no doubt.

Better move for the Redskins by not trading up. I told you all last week that trading up would be a bad idea. I still believe that.

But the Redskins stayed put and chose Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo with their first draft pick.

If you haven't see anything on Orakpo, check out some highlights:



I should have seen it coming. Maybe. Think about it. Who was the last free agent the Redskins signed? I'll let you think about it.

The team signed offensive lineman Mike Williams just a day before the draft. Still don't get it? Where did Mike Williams play college football? Texas. ... Orakpo is from Texas! Boom!

So, yeah. I should have seen it coming.

Combining with new Redskin Albert Haynesworth should help Orakpo. And the addition of both of these guys should help defensive end Andre Carter. One thing is for sure, it's pretty obvious that the team's front office recognized that the opposing quarterbacks had FOR-EV-ER to throw the ball.

Other picks

One thing I noticed about four of the Redskins' six draft picks: injury problems. As good as Orakpo is, he's had a few knee sprain problems in his college career. As for the other picks, we now have a guy who has a broken shoulder, another who has knee problems, etc. It'll be interesting to see whether these injuries hamper the rookies. Anyway, onto the picks.

• In the third round, the Skins picked Maryland CB Kevin Barnes. A YouTube star:

Seems decent. Broke his shoulder blade last year that required surgery. Not sure that I think he's better than Macho Harris, who went to Philly later in the draft. Very sad about that. But scouts think Barnes is worthy of the pick.

• In the fifth round, the Skins picked Nebraska linebacker Cody Glenn. He started his career as a running back. He's another guy with injury issues. Missed a lot of time in college with various injuries. In all, I suppose I'm pretty "Meh" about this pick. Maybe he's good at special teams.

• In the sixth round, the team picked TCU inside backer Robert Henson, who seems very average. Ran a slow 40-yard dash time. Here is a highlight video. He was a four-year starter though.

• With the first seventh-round pick, the team picked Idaho tight end/fullback Eddie Williams. Williams is yet another guy with big injury problems. Not sure what it means for current Redskins fullback Mike Sellers. According to Williams' agent, he think he'll be playing fullback.

• With the team's second seventh-round and final pick, the Redskins drafted Nevado receiver Marko Mitchell. Dude is big and tall, but his speed isn't great. Seems slow, but that's just his running style. Looks like a solid pick, which is rare when the Redskins draft (sad to say). Here is a highlight reel.

Overall, if Orakpo works out, then this draft will be a success. I think WR Mitchell is a good pick. I'm not sure about the rest of the picks. Just not sure we'll get anything out of them. Too many injury problems.

I'll give it a C.

Who I would have picked
The team had six draft picks. Only picked one I really agree with. Here are the selections I would have made.

First round
Brian Orakpo. I got nothing against this selection. Good pick. I hope he works out.

Second round
No pick. Traded to Miami for the rights to Jason Taylor. Who lasted one year before getting released. Good job Redskins.

Third round
Victory "Macho" Harris, CB, Virginia Tech. I don't care if he fell all the way down to the fifth round. He's a great corner. He fell because he ran a slow time at the NFL Combine, but the guy can play. Not saying that Kevin Barnes, whom the Redskins drafted, isn't great. Just got a great feeling about Macho. Too bad whatever happens will be with the Eagles.

Fourth round
No pick. Traded for Pete Kendall, whom the Redskins released after last season. Another good job Redskins from me.

Fifth round
Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma. The best guard in the entire draft fell all the way to the fifth round. Apparently he has "slow feet." The Redskins need offensive lineman, especially inside guys. But the team did not draft an offensive lineman. Not a one. I would have changed that one. Robinson is absolutely huge. Carolina nabbed him just after the Redskins picked.

Sixth round
Aaron Kelly, WR, Clemson. Kelly was on his way to being a first-day draft pick last year. But Clemson had a horrible year offensively and Kelly dropped like a rock.

Seventh round
Willie Williams, LB, Union College. This guy has had way too many problems. But he's a solid prospect. Seriously, he was the No. 1 high school prospect at one point, and then he bombed out of Miami, and he bombed out of like 3 other schools, including Louisville. Green Bay signed him to an free-agent contract, so we'll see how that works out. Head problems with this one, but sometimes you have to take a chance.

needed hunter

The story may by only three paragraphs, but the Redskins signing an actual NFL punter is big news in my book.

The team will sign Hunter Smith to a one-year deal. Praise the Lord.

I seriously don't remember the last time the Redskins had a real NFL punter. Anyone wanna help me out?

Anyway, I am happy about this.

In other news, Draft Watch 2009 continues.

Dan Snyder, Mark Sanchez and the 09 draft

One thing that I know can not, and will not, happen this Saturday on draft day: The Redskins will not draft Mark Sanchez. It will not happen. It's either a giant "smokescreen," or a giant media fabrication.

Sanchez will not drop to No. 13, where the Redskins pick. Trade up? More on that later.

No way in hell he drops to No. 13. The Lions could draft him No. 1 overall (unlikely -- probably will pick Georgia QB Matthew Stafford); The Seahawks could draft him at No. 4 (my bet is he's gone here, though some think Seattle will select Texas Tech receiver Michael Crabtree).

If he makes it past the Seahawks, the Browns, Jags and 49ers could all be interested in a potential franchise QB.

So no way does he fall that far.

I am quite sure that Redskins owner Dan Snyder is indeed "in love" with Sanchez, the super-smooth Southern Cal quarterback.

But the cost to trade up (likely to K.C.'s spot at No. 3) would be way too high. We're talking multiple first-round picks. Mortgaging the future, Ricky Williams style.

Snyder isn't that damned crazy*. Some have said he is.

I'm remaining calm and betting on the Redskins picking up either a offensive tackle or defensive end with their first selection. Or trading down for more picks.

Sanchez, though? No way.

*I hope.

Other Redskins news

• Early rumor: Former Denver boss Mike Shanahan comes in next year to be the Redskins' coach. Of course he could also go to Dallas. Silly rumors, tricks are for kids.

Prime time is NOT a good time

Why do Redskins fans look forward to prime-time games? Because you can watch it on ESPN?

Remember your history! And start being afraid.

Since 2004, the Redskins are 3-8 in prime-time games (those games on Sunday or Monday nights). Here's a breakdown:

2008: 0-3
2007: 1-0
2006: 0-2
2005: 2-0
2004: 0-3

So, when the NFL's schedule was announced Tuesday, it was not with great joy that I saw the team was playing three prime-time games. And divisional games at that. Whoopee.

First off, for those that use this site as their NFL news haven, here is the Redskins' 2009 schedule:

Sept. 13 @N.Y. Giants, 4:15
Sept. 20 vs. St. Louis Rams, 1
Sept. 27 @Detroit Lions, 1
Oct. 4 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1
Oct. 11 @Carolina Panthers, 1
Oct. 18 vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 1
Oct. 26 vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 8:30 (Monday night)
Nov. 8 @Atlanta Falcons, 1
Nov. 15 vs. Denver Broncos, 1
Nov. 22 @Dallas Cowboys, 1
Nov. 29 @Philadelphia Eagles, 1
Dec. 6 vs. New Orleans Saints, 1
Dec. 13 @Oakland Raiders, 4:05
Dec. 21 vs. New York Giants, 8:30 (Monday night)
Dec. 27 vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 (Sunday night)
Jan. 3 @San Diego Chargers, 4:15

If the Redskins get interesting in the last half of the season, there is always flex scheduling to deal with, too. Maybe more games will go prime time. Yay?

Given the Redskins' horrendous nature in prime-time games, I suppose it's a saving grace that at least all of the games are at home. Not that FedEx Field has been great to the Redskins lately - the team was a mediocre 4-4 last season.

The rest of the games
Overall, the schedule isn't that bad.

The good news is, since the Redskins finished dead last in the NFC East, they get to play the K.C. Chiefs, the Lions and the rest of the bad teams in the NFL.

The crucial stretch is Nov. 22-Dec. 27. Out of those six games, four are against divisional rivals (@Dallas, @Philly, vs. Giants, vs. Dallas), plus you add in a tough road game against Oakland (they were terribad last year, yes, but the team is still traveling across the county), and that's a tough month of football.

If I've learned anything, it's that just because a team was bad one year does not mean that it'll be bad the next. Except maybe the Lions. And the Chiefs. And the Raiders. ... Maybe I do feel better about the Redskins schedule.

The opener against the Giants will be tough. Last year, if you'll recall, the team basically got stomped in New York in the season-opener. Well the Skins get to travel to N.Y. again this season for the season-opener. Hopefully it'll turn out better.

I think hoping for a 10-6 record with that schedule isn't crazy. I said hoping, because anything is possible.

Until next time.

schedule out tonight, and Maualuga visiting

The team brought in Southern Cal linebacker/macho man Rey Maualuga, right, for a visit. Wonderful hitter. Not sure if the team needs a linebacker this badly, though.

(I kind of wish they did, just because of how terribly awesome he is).

Also, check back tomorrow for my take on the Redskins' schedule, which will be announced tonight.

The opponents are already known:
Home: New Orleans, Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Denver, Kansas City, Philly, Dallas and NY Giants;

Road: Carolina, Atlanta, Detroit, San Diego, Oakland, Philly, Dallas and the NY Giants.

Redskins miss out on Leftwich

Back from a wedding. Sorry for the lack of updates.

Anyway ...



If the Redskins ever really wanted Pittsburgh backup quarterback Byron Leftwich (and I don't think they ever did), apparently he'll sign with the Buccaneers soon. Leftwich is promised a shot at a starting spot in Tampa, something the Redskins weren't about to give him.

If Jason Campbell isn't a good fit in coach Jim Zorn's system, with Campbell's slow delivery and such, Leftwich is even worse. Leftwich has a slower delivery. The Redskins are better off without him.

If the team wants a good backup, former Tampa QB Jeff Garcia would have been an excellent backup. Too bad he signed with the Raiders last week.

What does this all mean? Are the Redskins really looking for a backup quarterback? To be honest, I'm not sure. My feeling is that the team is probably looking to add someone. But why the team seems to be giving up so early on second-year QB Colt Brennan is beyond me.

Rumors have gone a little wild lately after the Redskins worked out Southern Cal signal-caller Mark Sanchez, right. ESPN draft guru says that the Redskins will draft Sanchez in his latest mock draft.

I think there is little chance that 1:) Sanchez will be left on the board when the team is "on the clock," and 2:) the team will select him. Just don't see the Redskins not only dropping Campbell, but also giving up on Brennan so quickly.

To me, it looks more like the Redskins were trying to make teams think about the possibility of them drafting Sanchez, maybe getting some draft-day trades in order. Should be interesting.

Other Redskins news

• Defensive tackle Kedrick Golston signs an offer sheet, essentially keeping him a Redskin. Solid worker. Should improve with the signing of Haynesworth.
• The team signed oft-injured linebacker Robert Thomas. I really like this signing. Hopefully this will keep H.B. Blades from starting as an outside linebacker, which would be a mistake.

All quiet on the Redskins front

The offseason is terrible.

Seems like it's pretty quiet right now over in RedskinsLand.

Probably scheming up draft scenarios.

As for the actual Redskins draft pick itself, most seem to suggest the team will draft offensive tackle Andre Smith, out of Alabama.

At this point, I don't think anyone knows anything about what the Redskins will do.

But I don't think they'll draft Andre Smith.

Anyway, that's all for now.

More Redskins news

• Feel sorry for Devin Thomas, but congrats to the Red Snapper, a giant North Carolina fan.
• Linebacker H.B Blades apparently could emerge as a starter. Uh. Doubtful.

Why aren't you all dancing in the streets?

Say it with me now, folks. And wipe that sweat off your brow.

PHEW!

It's (apparently) finally over. Jay Cutler is no longer a Bronco. And the best of all news? He is NOT a Redskin.

Oh yes, that is good news, my friends. Don't let anyone tell it it's not good news. On ESPN's PTI, the big headline was "Redskins miss out on Cutler" or something like that. No. It's a good thing the team "missed out" on Cutler. A very good thing.

Look, just take a gander at what Chicago gave up to get him. They got rid of quarterback Kyle Orton ... and then gave away two first-round draft picks and a third-round choice. For Cutler and a fifth-round draft choice.

Talk about a fleecing.

The Redskins need every draft pick they can get. So if the Broncos were asking for Campbell and all those draft picks I'd be saying no, no, no, no.

Not that I think that Campbell is the "quarterback of the future." I'm pretty sure I don't think that. Pretty sure. But I do know that Cutler cost way too much. And people in Chicago aren't even happy.

Good luck to the Bears. But I, for one, am glad the Redskins didn't pull the trigger on this trade.

Other Redskins news

• The team will apparently meet with Campbell, now that the Redskins have done to him what the Broncos did to Cutler.
• Lucky strikeout: Wilbon says the Redskins are lucky to have Campbell. I disagree. But here you go.

Cutler, AGAIN!?!

From the "Why won't this story die again?" file:

Apparently, the Redskins are STILL looking to trade for Denver QB Jay Cutler.

I've already written much about this story. So I'm not going to talk much more about it.

But suffice to say that I think, in the end, it'll cost way too much for the Redskins if they trade for Cutler.

While I'm not too worried about losing Jason Campbell (Cutler would be an improvement, no doubt), losing draft picks and/or multiple players could be very, very costly. And I don't think mortgaging your future on a single player is a good idea.

The team needs to learn to live (and die) with its home-grown talent.

Oh, and that's offseason-king Redskins owner Dan Snyder over there on the right. In case you know nothing. And in that case, how did you get down to the bottom of this post?