The general consensus among NFL scout-types and Redskins fans alike is that the team from Washington will draft Oklahoma State tackle Russell Okung with the fourth overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
But I'm here to ask a question:
Might the Redskins, who lack draft picks, be better off trading down, thereby picking more draft picks, and selecting either Oklahoma tackle Trent Williams or Iowa's Bryan Bulaga?
There's a growing thought that Williams and/or Bulaga might actually be better than Okung for various reasons -- athletic ability, NFL potential, etc. But there's also the question of whether Williams especially, but also Bulaga, might fit the Redskins' new blocking schemes better than Okung, who has struggled against speed rushers.
It's something to think about at the very least. The team could obviously use more draft picks, but the likely trades of Jason Campbell and/or a running back might solve that issue. Don't be surprised if the Redskins bypass Okung.
Of course, the Lions might make the decision much easier if they select a left tackle with the No 2 overall draft pick.
CSN's Rich Tandler had a far more detailed write-up, and you should all go read it.
Okung highlights/lowlights
Williams highlights/lowlights
Bulaga highlights/lowlights
Posts
I watched Bulaga in the bowl game vs. GT and no I don't think he'd be a better pick for the Skins. The short arms are a concern and he had a great deal of problems blocking on stretch plays.....
ReplyDelete-I'm hearing mixed reviews on Williams. I've heard he'll be a good LT and others have concerns b/c he looked better at RT and was more fluid there. Plus, some have mentioned that it was Williams' guy that hit Bradford and caused the injury.
Also, there's a problem with trading down. 1st, who wants to move up to #4 and how far could the Skins move back to still be able to get Williams? Say Buffalo decided to move up and switch with us: I'm guessing KC will take Okung. I would guess Seattle would then take Williams. Oakland would then take wither Bulaga or Anthony Davis. That leaves us the other guy.
Last year, I would have been very happy if we took the 4th LT off the board (Michael Oher), this year not so much.
So, I think for the Skins the best bet is to take the LT at #4 and hope Shanahan can make some deals and that our scouts can find some talent in the later rounds b/c if we trade down too far, we might be losing some serious talent.
Hmm, Bulaga's name popped up a lot recently because of his bowl game. He did a good job on Derrick Morgan, who will probably be a top pick as well.
ReplyDeleteHey, trading down might be a bit of a gamble, but if the team can trade down a couple of picks, maybe, and still get one of those top tackles while picking up a draft pick or two later on, I think it would be well worth it.
At least we can have some confidence in this front office staff, unlike the last few years.
Sean,
ReplyDeletein Bulaga's Bowl game, he did hold Morgan to 0 sacks. That said, Morgan knocked him back a few times and Bulaga had to recover. With some of the more elite DE/OLBs in the league that probably would have been at best a pressure and at worst a sack.
My concern was also when they ran stretch plays. On two occasions it was Morgan who made the tackle despite Bulaga blocking him.
Okung was interesting in his bowl game vs. Ole Miss. He took on Greg Hardy and some other speedy guys and did pretty well.
Thought about the post again last night and I do have two options if the Skins traded back: Charles Brown and Roger Saffold. Both are raw and some think Saffold would be better as a guard but both should do well in Shanahan's scheme.