Redskins Round Table: The Donovan McNabb Trade

Mark ButerbaughApr 6, 2010

It’s time for another edition of Redskins Round Table, one of the most popular features here at DC Pro Sports Report. We’ve assembled some top Redskins analysts to discuss the trade that brought Donovan McNabb to Washington. Enjoy.

John Keim of The Examiner

1. Do you like the trade for Donovan McNabb?

It’s hard to knock the trade. Washington did not give up too much to get a high-quality quarterback, something this team has lacked for many, many years. Hard to put a pricetag on finding a player like that. McNabb can have a major impact; I always thought he raised the level of those around him in Philly and I would expect he’ll do that here. He has two good tight ends to throw to and a quality receiver in Santana. He’ll be helped having a coach who emphasizes running the ball like Shanahan; it helped John Elway and while McNabb is no Elway, he will be helped, too. That is, if these backs have anything left. They still have some big issues — Oline in particular — but they now have none at the most important position.

2. Does the trade change the Redskins draft?

Clearly they can address their top need, left tackle, with the No. 4 pick. The only way I see them going elsewhere with that pick is if Russell Okung is picked by Detroit at No. 2 (was told today that would not be the case).

3. What do the Skins need apart from McNabb?

A quality left tackle. Shanahan is used to having that; so, too, is McNabb. If they have that, then Shanahan can scheme around some of the other weaknesses up front. A consistent quality runner would be nice and another good wideout. But between Cooley and Davis and Moss, that is enough to get a passing game going. However, if they want to use a lot of play-action, then clearly a good running game is sort of a must.

4. What happens at running back? Do Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker all make the roster?

I still see the Redskins looking at this position in the draft, in the fourth or fifth round (which, of course, is half their draft). But I definitely can see two of these backs making the roster. If healthy, Portis is still the best of this bunch. Larry Johnson is not good in pass protection and Willie Parker is no longer fast – no runs longer than 34 yards in four years. If a guy named Fast Willie is no longer fast, what is his value?

Rick Snider of The Examiner and Rick Snider Report

Read it all at