A Two-Step Plan for the Redskins to Turn the Franchise Around in 2010

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I really believe that if the Redskins tune their roster a little bit and then let everything play out for a few years, the franchise will shift from mediocre-sometimes-good to good-sometimes-great.

They have a great core of young-ish talent at almost every position... almost. Which brings me to my two-step plan on how to use the 2010 draft to steer the team to greatness.

1. Keep all of their five remaining draft picks, or trade down to get even more

2. Draft at least one player in every offensive line position (LT, RT, LG, RG, C)

I look at nearly every position on the roster, and I see a glut of high-potential young players. I don't see enough of it at the most important part of the roster, though, the O-line.

You've got the aging veterans, like Randy Thomas and Chris Samuels. You've got the workhorses at the end of their prime, like Casey Rabach and Derrick Dockery. You've got one real-deal prospect, Stephon Heyer.

You've got a couple of players who have been drafted in the past year or two, but are considered mid-level prospects, like this year's fifth-round pick Cody Glenn.

And that's it. After that there are a bunch of low-level prospects, busts, and "projects."

It's not enough to build a team around. Five high-level and mid-level prospects later, though, the story's a lot different. Then you have a unit with potential to get a lot better fast, especially under an experienced offensive line coach like Joe Bugel.

Those linemen entering their twilight years as NFL players can show the whippersnappers how it's done, then leave the franchise in good hands.

And an improved offensive line has an impact on the entire time. It gives the quarterback and runners space. An improved offense puts less pressure on the defense and allows it to develop and operate properly, without quite as much pressure.

Seriously, Dan Snyder, it will work. Draft five offensive lineman. Then, if you can control your itchy trigger finger and keep the players on the team and happy, you'll start winning all sorts of games within a couple of years.

Here are a few potential objections and how I'd respond to them.

• But the 2010 class looks like it might be a weak one for linemen! I've heard this argued, but I see no evidence for it. Look at the prospect rankings for the 2010 draft and compare it to the spots that linemen were taken in recent drafts, and they're not all that different. In fact, 2010 might even be slightly above average.
• But the Redskins have other needs! None that are as pressing, though. With contracts ending, you never know when a hole will open up, but you can fill those with free agency. Plus, the O-line is the most important position in the game. You need a long-term plan there more than anywhere. Not patchwork
  
• But they need experience at the line, not more prospects, because the veterans have had a lot injuries, and the O-line depth lacks experience! This is a valid point, but with Joe Bugel and other experienced linemen on the roster, players can learn fast.
• But seriously, five linemen? It seems like a lot, but every part of the offensive line needs more talented depth, especially considering how injury-prone the Dirtbags seem to be.

Make it happen, Snyder and Cerrato.

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