Washington Redskins Roster Breakdown 1st Edition: Offense

This is my first article here, so let me have your comments/critiques, I want to know what you think.

 The 2008 NFL season brings about much change to the Washington Redskins, new head coach(Jim Zorn, first year as head man at any level), new Defensive Coordinator(Greg Blache, 2nd stint as DC, 1st was with the Chicago Bears), and a new offensive system(including new offensive coaching staff). While much has changed, much has also stayed the same. The Redskins will bring back all 22 projected starters from a year ago. This should be a good thing. Injuries could play a major role in the upcoming season, and WILL play a role in April's NFL draft. Carlos Rogers(last years opening day starter at RCB) and Rocky McIntosh(last years opening day starter at the weakside LB spot) on the defensive side of the ball, and Randy Thomas and Jon Jansen(last years opening day starters at right guard and right tackle respectively) will influence the draft choices new GM Vinny Cerrato and Jim Zorn make on April 26th and 27th.

    In this first addition(for me) I will break down the Redskins offensive roster from my perspective. Agree or disagree as you will, I want to hear it(read it actually).

                Offensive line

•  Left tackle: Chris Samuels has yet another pro bowl year in 2007, and there is no indication he'll not be up for another in 2008. Depth is the only issue here, Stephon Heyer played well for an undrafted rookie at the right tackle position, and will likely be listed on the depth chart as the number 2 at both OT positions, adding depth(and a future starter) is key for this draft
• Left Guard: Pete Kendall did an admirable job stepping in at the position just 2 weeks before the start of the regular season. At 34 years old, the Redskins need to be realistic, his truly productive years are likely behind him. He has never been considered a "top level" guard, but "solid" is a good description, and still is. Depth and a future starter are keys at this position.
• Center: Casey Rabach has been solid and reliable since being signed in 2005. At 30 years old, he is not "over the hill", but experienced. The center position could be "upgraded", but is not a priority. Depth, as at most all positions, is needed.
• Right Guard: Jason Fabini filled in for Randy Thomas when Thomas went out with injury in week 2, and early results were not good. Fabini is a "life long" right tackle, and was thrust into the guard position without the opportunity work into it. He improved throughout the season, and finally seemed to reach some comfort level in the last 6 or so games. He has re-signed with the team and solidifies the backup spot at guard. Randy Thomas is considered to be a "top level" guard when healthy, but has missed most of 2 of the last 3 seasons to injury. At 32, many believe he may be reaching the end of his career. I disagree. His injuries have not been what I would consider "age related", and having taken 2 years off over the last 3, he should be good to go.
• Right Tackle: Todd Wade filled in for Jon Jansen after Jansen was injured in the season opener. While Wade has been a serviceable backup, he leaves much to be desired as a run blocker, and the Redskins running game suffered as the season progressed. The inability for the offense to "run right" became a MAJOR weakness, and played a significant role in the losses during the mid-point of the season. Stephon Heyer took over for Wade in week 14, and played well, this was also when QB Jason Campbell was injured and Todd Collins took over, both WRs(Randle El and Moss) seemed to suddenly get healthy. Heyer is likely the future starter at RT, but for now is the backup at both tackle positions.
• Tight End: This is a rather difficult position to analyze for me. Cooley is a pro-bowl player, but is he a TE? Apparently he is, and his blocking at the point of attack has improved every year since being drafted prior to the 2004 season. Backup has been an issue at the TE position for years, and still is. 

Overall the offensive line is solid, but aging. An infusion of youth is absolutely required. Considering the depth in this draft, there is little excuse for the Redskins to not come away from the draft with 2 or 3 linemen.

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