Against Daniel Snyder's Wishes, The Redskins Select DE Brian Orakpo

With the 13th pick if the first round of the NFL Draft, The Washington Redskins select Texas DE Brian Orakpo.

For all the angst, the Skins backed into a selection that could help them most. The pass rush gets help. Washington had the highest rated defense not to make the playoffs last season.

Washington's defense was smothering, but not particularly disruptive.

By selecting Orakpo, Washington bypassed OT Michael Oher. Jim Zorn said Washington had Orakpo ranked higher at the 13 slot.

The O-line still needs attention. I'm not counting Mike Williams, signed yesterday, as anything other than a look-see.

Like Erasmus James, if Williams works out, it's all good. If he does not, there's nothing lost but invested time.

A good tackle prospect might be had in the third round (Sunday). Chad Rinehart was a third round pick last year. He's dropped out of any discussion about starting at tackle or guard.

Vinny Cerrato said at his press conference today that he called five teams ahead of him in the draft to get Orakpo. He was the guy he always wanted, he said.

Cerrato also acknowledged that he made a few calls about QB Mark Sanchez, but it was "too expensive" to get him. He moved quickly off the topic, but added that Jason Campbell was "always their quarterback."

This is Washington. We know spin when we hear one, but we'll take it in pure relief of what might have been.

This is the second year under Cerrato that Washington used a twisted process to arrive at a good solution. Last year's goat rodeo was the search for a head coach.

Washington backed into a good choice in Jim Zorn. This is Daniel Snyder's Redskins. Mike Shanahan is out there to flirt with.

That's a story for next year.