A Quick Note About The Off-Season For The Redskins

First I'll deal with the latest 900 pound gorilla at Redskin Park and that's Clinton Portis running his mouth, again.

Lately, it seems that everyone and their mother is calling for Portis to be let go or traded.

This has become the knee-jerk trend in our Nations Capitol whenever anyone steps out of line.

The topic of ridding us of Clinton Portis is one that always stirs a big discussion.  He's older, been injured, and past his prime, so unloading him would seem ideal.

However, there are a few problems with that.

First off, who is going to replace him?

Ladell Betts?

I'll admit Ladell had a wonderful season in 2006 replacing Portis which lead to the team resigning him at a higher price tag.

But since then what has he done?

Not much. http://bleacherreport.com/editor_cms#running-spell-check

In spot carries he hasn't wowed anyone, and when Portis went down this year, Betts was very lack-luster before he too went down with a season ending injury.

After Betts there is Rock Cartwright who couldn't even beat out Quinton Ganther—who was picked up after Betts went down—for the starting job. I think that sums up his qualifications.

So amongst our own roster Portis is still the best choice.

What about a trade?

Even without a salary cap next year I don't see any team wanting to take on Portis's contract. I doubt the team will get anything in return there.

There are a few free agents out there, but this team needs to get young first. Any free agents brought in should be to help bolster the Offensive Line.  I don't think it would be wise to spend that money on a running back.

My solution, give Portis another year.  The team is going to have a young line and possibly a young starting quarterback which means the Redskins are going to rely heavily on the running game. Out of all the options out there right now, I'd rather see Portis carrying the load.

Maybe next year they can use a first or second round pick on a high profile back, or even better, find a gem in the later rounds this year.

But honestly I feel Portis is the best we can hope for this season.

Now on to the 2010 NFL Draft.

What to do with that fourth overall pick?

This one's a toughie.  Some say Sam Bradford, some say Jimmy Clausen, yet others say offensive tackle Russell Okung is the way to go.

What do I say? 

I'm not sure.  On one side you want to build around a good offensive line.  Even average quarterbacks can look good or great when given time.

On the other hand though, if Coach Shanahan doesn't believe Jason Campbell is his guy and that Bradford or Clausen could become a legitimate player, he should pull the trigger.The Redskins need to properly assess if there will be a quarterback later in the draft or in the 2011 draft that has potential to be a franchise quarterback.

All and all the draft is a crap shoot.  Guys who seem like can't misses can be, and third rounders like Montana or sixth rounders like Brady can save a team.  So really the Redskins could hit with any of the three or miss.  I trust that Shanahan will do what he feels will best help the team win.

Well there you have it loyal reader, my critique on the Redskins' off-season thus far.  I'm sure after free agency starts I'll have more.  Until then take care, and for those of you in the District Area, don't eat the yellow snow.