The Redskins added receivers Devin Thomas and
Malcolm Kelly, giving QB Jason Campbell some big targets. Neither of the team's
two starters last season were taller than 6 feet. Washington spent its first
four draft picks on offense before adding cornerback Justin Tryon in the fourth
round. The team took a flyer on Hawaii QB Colt Brennan, who'll need plenty of
work under Jim Zorn to become an NFL signal caller
Round 2, Pick 3 (34)
(From Raiders through Falcons) Devin Thomas WR 6'2" 215 Michigan State
The Redskins traded back and still got the top wide receiver on their board.
Thomas has great athletic ability, but really only put up big numbers one year
in college. He'll have a chance to get immediate playing time in Washington.
Round 2, Pick 17 (48)
(From Texans through Falcons) Fred Davis TE 6'4" 248 Southern Cal
Davis gives the Redskins a solid one-two punch at tight with starter Chris
Cooley. Washington decided to add depth at the position because Davis' hands and
his ability to separate were too good to pass up. He started 23 games over the
past two years.
Round 2, Pick 20 (51) Malcolm Kelly WR 6'4" 218 Oklahoma
The Redskins use a second draft pick on a wide receiver in the round. Kelly is
similar in size to Devin Thomas and gives the team a lot of young talent to work
with. It appears Washington will wait to address its other needs.
Round 3, Pick 33 (96)
(Compensatory selection) Chad Rinehart OT 6'5" 320 Northern Iowa
Rinehart was very impressive at the Senior Bowl and has good strength. He's able
to pull and moves well for a guy his size. He may have potential to play tackle
as well, but has not played against strong competition so he will need some time
to develop. He gives the Redskins depth on the offensive line with a chance to
grow into a starter.
Round 4, Pick 25 (124) (From Titans) Justin Tryon CB 5'9" 190 Arizona State
Tryon has good feet and is able to change direction well. He could be a nickel
cornerback. While Tyron is undersized, he's a good fit for Washington's scheme.
Round 6, Pick 2 (168) (From Rams ) Durant Brooks P 6'0" 204 Georgia Tech
Brooks was the top-rated punter in the draft. He has a strong leg, averaging
45.1 yards per punt.
Round 6, Pick 14 (180)
(From Broncos through Rams) Kareem Moore DB 5'11" 213 Nicholls State
He worked out extremely well at his pro day and has strong measurables. He's a
safety who runs well and will help fill a void for the Redskins.
Round 6, Pick 20 (186) Colt Brennan QB 6'3" 205 Hawaii
Brennan saw his stock fall after a disappointing combine performance and is
small at quarterback given the prototypical size at the position in the NFL. Was
prolific in June Jones' run-and-shoot scheme at Hawaii, but needs to prove he is
not a system quarterback. Lacks arm strength, but has moxie and toughness.
Round 7, Pick 35 (242)
(Compensatory selection)
Rob Jackson DE 6'4" 257 Kansas State
Jackson is a good pass rusher with limited run-stopping abilities. He has decent
speed and burst from the outside and a good value this late in the draft.
Round 7, Pick 42 (249)
(Compensatory selection) Chris Horton FS 6'0" 212 UCLA
Horton is a solid prospect with potential based on his athleticism. He gives the
Redskins another safety to add to the roster in an area of need since the death
of Sean Taylor and the decision not to re-sign Pierson Prioleau in the offseason.
Washington Redskins 2008 NFL Preview
Jim Zorn takes over and there is
also a new west coast offense for QB Jason Campbell to learn. The
good news is that he appears to have picked it up instantly and is
very comfortable in it. There is an excellent running game as long
as Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts are healthy. Then there is the
defense which was very good last year and now adds Jason Taylor to
the mix. Things are looking up, but it is a transition year and like
all teams in transition there will be some bumps in the road.
Offense: Jason Campbell can be brilliant, but also
inconsistant like most young quarterbacks. The new offense with
receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly, and Fred Davis at TE can
be very good, just most likely not this year. There is just too much
youth to fit in and come out winners this year.
Defense: Marcus Washington is healthy again and he should be
an impact player. They also add Jason Talylor to an already good
defensive unit and should become somewhat dominant by the end of the
year.
Overall: The team now has all pieces of the puzzle in place,
but it is asking a lot to add this many new players, and a new
system, and have them all gel immediately. Look for a team that gets
stronger as the season goes on and next year should be a big one for
the Redskins
