There is much debate over the Washington Redskins' performance in the 2008 NFL Draft. By selecting two wide receivers and a tight end in the second round, following a trade out of the first round (they were to pick at number 21 in the first round), the Redskins added talented depth at a position of dire need a year ago.
Fans tend to forget that the Redskins signed Reche Caldwell two weeks prior to the start of the 2007 season, and longtime veteran Keenan McKardell two weeks after the start of the season. This happened out of necessity, not "cuz they felt like it."
Yes, they have veteran Todd Yoder backing up Pro Bowler Chris Cooley at TE. Yoder has amassed an astounding eight, count 'em, EIGHT receptions the last two seasons combined.
Other than Robert Royal's 18 receptions in 2005, there has been no other tight end catching passes from Redskins quarterbacks since Cooley was drafted. They needed a quality backup TE. And now they have one.
I wrote in my roster breakdown that I expected the Redskins to draft a TE, and they did. I didn’t think it would be in the second round though.
The bigger, more reasonable question would be: Was there a quality defensive lineman available when the Redskins selected their second wide receiver, Malcolm Kelly?
Well, the short answer is: It depends on who you ask.
Trevor Laws, Calais Campbell, Quentin Groves, and Jason Jones were drafted after the Redskins' first pick of the second round (34th overall). Phillip Merling, the only defensive lineman left that the Redskins had targeted for their original pick at 21st overall, was selected two spots ahead of them in the second round by the Miami Dolphins.
Just missed him, but that is how things go in the draft sometimes.
One could say this was evidence that they shouldn't have traded down to begin with. But others recognize the value obtained from that trade and agree with it. And then it was time to move on to the next best player available.
None of the players I listed had consensus grades above the three players the Redskins chose in the second round. Does that mean Thomas, Davis, and Kelly will be better than each of them in the NFL? Certainly not.
But it does mean the Redskins selected "high quality" with “high value” at each selection—a much better result than "reaching" for players to fill a need who may not even be able to make the team.
The reality is that drafting players is a crap shoot to begin with. The only thing any club can do is evaluate each player, and select the players they consider to be closest to a "sure thing" for their team.
No one can say otherwise. And no one can properly judge a draft class for at least two, or more likely, three years. So let’s break down the draft as best we can.
The Washington Redskins draftees:
2 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Paul Cox about 1 year ago
Brilliant analysis, Craig. I enjoy your writing more than almost all of the sports writers who cover the Redskins. Keep up the good work.
Edit Comment Cancel
Craig Garrison Sr about 1 year ago
Thanks Paul, I appreciate the compliment. I hope to keep going now that I have this very outlet.
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.