Vision Quest: The State of the Redskin Offense, Pre-Draft 2006....on the blog!!!

[CNYSkinFan]

I have posted my latest VQ article recapping the first part of Free Agency and examining the offense position by position. You can read it on the blog by clicking below:

Vision Quest: The State of the Redskin Offense, Pre-Draft 2006 (http://www.hailredskins.com/blog/index.php?p=260#more-260)

And comment on it in this thread if you like.

[S.Taylor36]

Solid write up as usual CNYSkinFan. I have to agree there no glaring needs besides offensive line depth. Offensively the team is built to put up points and do it now. I would have added arguably our biggest off-season move in bringing in Al Saunders. Our offense will produce if our guys can pick up the offense quickly, thus making Collins a great pick up as well. Come draft time we will fill the needs of the defense and look forward to hearing your take on that unit.

[danny's stogie]

Good work. Any article that mentions Jennifer Wolcott gets an A+ from me.

[bantu]

I would still look for depth at O-line with our 2nd round pick; only if a good player happens to fall to us.

[The Skinsinator]

Great article Dustin. Right on about everything and you really showed all of us specifically how good we've been in fa this offseason. They have been amazing. The draft should help fill some holes and I wouldn't mind nailing our future cb or lb especially with our 2nd rounder. Good read man.

[DUCKIN_TACKLERS]

Nice write up CNY...I could still see us taking a TE in the second but only because of the value of the player. That position is real deep and if no one that fills a need is worth that pick i could see a value TE brought in. To be quite honest im starting to feel more secure about our Offense next year then our D. The only exception being the QB position which is alway a worry sence any teams season can end in one blow to the knee.

[meloveskinslongtime]

nicely done .... i hope we save that 2nd rounder for defense and not offense

[Red Bear]

just for the record, i believe i read in several places that the olineman we signed from the texans, walters i think, never saw the field last year much less started

[MWballer]

Gr8 write up I appreciate the time u spent in writting this article!! I agree with all of your assesments except I don't quite know if Betts is going anywhere next year. I think he really likes it here and I think him, Betts, and Cartwright have a bond over their at RB. Betts isn't starting quality and won't get a big pay day anywhere he'd want to go. Unless he wants to go to a Buffalo he'll be a long term skin.

[NCskinsfanatic]

I have posted my latest VQ article recapping the first part of Free Agency and examining the offense position by position. You can read it on the blog by clicking below:

Vision Quest: The State of the Redskin Offense, Pre-Draft 2006 (http://www.hailredskins.com/blog/index.php?p=260#more-260)

And comment on it in this thread if you like.

Nice in depth article there CNY, I agree on many points. Infact I really think we are set on O, with the possible exception of another versatile Olineman to add to the mix (via the draft). And while it's true we have limited picks I still wouldnt be suprised to see the FO package a couple of low picks in 06 and a pick in 07 to move up and snag a guy to contribute this year...but on D :) !

Which leads me to the signing of Wright and the resigning of Evans, both eliminate glaring needs on D and apparently didnt break the bank in the process. I still think we need a WLB to contribute(this year) even if it's in a rotation with Clemons and maybe Campbell. S is another area of concern for me, even if Taylor is cleared. We lost Clark, Bowen and Stoutmire while only adding AA, and while I love our starters it appears depth is lacking for GW's scheme.

[Spence]

Great work, as usual, Dustin.

[bgforever]

thumbs up on this Vision Quest! I agree, the filling of the needs with FA, has allowed the options to stay a bit more open and like CB, you can never have too many OL waiting in the wings. I also agree that we shouldn't prioritize TE, but keep an eye out for one in the later rounds. Joe Gibbs forte is TE and I guess we'd all agree, Saunders aint bad either :) .

[skins4oreva]

outstanding article. everything that needs to be addressed on the offense was clearly stated in the article. this years draft seems to have an average depth of db's. so we should be able to get a fast db that will be we could convert into a safety or corner for the future to replace springs or just in case taylor's case doesnt as smoothly as we pray for, but exceptional article can't wait for the rest of it.

[CNYSkinFan]

Solid write up as usual CNYSkinFan. I have to agree there no glaring needs besides offensive line depth. Offensively the team is built to put up points and do it now. I would have added arguably our biggest off-season move in bringing in Al Saunders. Our offense will produce if our guys can pick up the offense quickly, thus making Collins a great pick up as well. Come draft time we will fill the needs of the defense and look forward to hearing your take on that unit.
Well I think Collins is a solid pick but he is a 3rd string QB at best and probably just here for one or two years before we transition to JC and get another young guy to groom to be the backup after Brunell retires.

[CNYSkinFan]

Good work. Any article that mentions Jennifer Wolcott gets an A+ from me.
from both you and Adam I would imagine.

[CNYSkinFan]

I would still look for depth at O-line with our 2nd round pick; only if a good player happens to fall to us.
I think, and I will get more into this next week with defense, that OLB is going to be the pick on the 2nd day unless someone drops at another position we just have to have. I don't think Williams is comfortable with Clemons, McCune, Sykes, and Campbell as the candidates for the job. He may throw in a rookie to mix it up a bit and add depth as well.

[CNYSkinFan]

Nice in depth article there CNY, I agree on many points. Infact I really think we are set on O, with the possible exception of another versatile Olineman to add to the mix (via the draft). And while it's true we have limited picks I still wouldnt be suprised to see the FO package a couple of low picks in 06 and a pick in 07 to move up and snag a guy to contribute this year...but on D :) !

Which leads me to the signing of Wright and the resigning of Evans, both eliminate glaring needs on D and apparently didnt break the bank in the process. I still think we need a WLB to contribute(this year) even if it's in a rotation with Clemons and maybe Campbell. S is another area of concern for me, even if Taylor is cleared. We lost Clark, Bowen and Stoutmire while only adding AA, and while I love our starters it appears depth is lacking for GW's scheme.
I don't know if Stoutmire is definitely not coming back, and I don't understand why not if not. He is a great guy. If we didn't sign Wright I would think Cedric Griffen could be a great 2nd round pick, and still may be. But while we need depth at Safety, we need a starter at Will

[CNYSkinFan]

Nice write up CNY...I could still see us taking a TE in the second but only because of the value of the player. That position is real deep and if no one that fills a need is worth that pick i could see a value TE brought in. To be quite honest im starting to feel more secure about our Offense next year then our D. The only exception being the QB position which is alway a worry sence any teams season can end in one blow to the knee.

I am hR's resident TE lover (man I gotta get a new title) but even I don't think TE is a priority, and definitely not at the 2nd round pick. I think this for two reasons:

1.) With Saunders and our WR corp we are going to see more 3 WR sets and Cooley will stay in the game at TE needing less of the 2 TE sets.

2,) Signing Fauria gives us a vet starter and the coaches may want to give Robert Johnson a chance to fully develop for one season and then address TE next year if he doesn't pan out.

that all said if they can move into the 4th to get a special guy everyone is over looking (like Cooley) then I would not be surprised.

[Redblood]

nicely done .... i hope we save that 2nd rounder for defense and not offense


Great read Dustin er CNYSkinFan! All except some minor spelling, and the 2nd Clinton reference! That ain't happening!

I've offered to proof your stuff. Offer stands!

[redskin_rich]

I don't know if Stoutmire is definitely not coming back, and I don't understand why not if not. He is a great guy. If we didn't sign Wright I would think Cedric Griffen could be a great 2nd round pick, and still may be. But while we need depth at Safety, we need a starter at Will
Stoutmire already signed with somebody else, New Orleans I think.

[CNYSkinFan]

Great read Dustin er CNYSkinFan! All except some minor spelling, and the 2nd Clinton reference! That ain't happening!

I've offered to proof your stuff. Offer stands!
my misspellings are a trademark. I did spellcheck it through word though but what can you do....


As for the 2nd clinton...we'll see.

[chrisbcbu]

Great read Dustin er CNYSkinFan! All except some minor spelling, and the 2nd Clinton reference! That ain't happening!

I've offered to proof your stuff. Offer stands!

I guess you havent seen Pennskinsfan type!

[CNYSkinFan]

Stoutmire already signed with somebody else, New Orleans I think.
your right. We still have Pierson Prioleau to backup both safety spots, we need another guy for depth though.

[smoak]

I'd take a late round or FA flyer on Gerald Riggs Jr. He could practice squad this year and compete to take over for Betts next season.

Also, I'd say Portis put up ONE of the greatest seasons in Skins history. I think his '04 campaign was a major disappointment for me, but I am a tough old critic. ;)

Good read so far and I am looking forward to finishing it during lunch.

[Redblood]

I guess you havent seen Pennskinsfan type!


PSF Types?

[CNYSkinFan]

I'd take a late round or FA flyer on Gerald Riggs Jr. He could practice squad this year and compete to take over for Betts next season.

Also, I'd say Portis put up ONE of the greatest seasons in Skins history. I think his '04 campaign was a major disappointment for me, but I am a tough old critic. ;)

Good read so far and I am looking forward to finishing it during lunch.
If Portis did not miss the last game of the 04 season he would have broken Davis's record in04 and rebroke his own rushing record in 05. That was with no qb or passing attack at all. Coles and Gardner did no blocking downfield and Cory Raymer was our starting center and Jon Jansen never played a game.

I think 04 was a tough year yet still Cliunton produced at a high level.

[smoak]

PSF Types?

I'm pretty sure he just smashes his face against the keyboard until the letter combinations are close enough.

:D

[CNYSkinFan]

I'm pretty sure he just smashes his face against the keyboard until the letter combinations are close enough.

:D
must resist typing with one hand joke............

[Redblood]

I'm pretty sure he just smashes his face against the keyboard until the letter combinations are close enough.

:D


ROFL!

[smoak]

If Portis did not miss the last game of the 04 season he would have broken Davis's record in04 and rebroke his own rushing record in 05. That was with no qb or passing attack at all. Coles and Gardner did no blocking downfield and Cory Raymer was our starting center and Jon Jansen never played a game.

I think 04 was a tough year yet still Cliunton produced at a high level.

I see your point and I think you are in the majority. I was frustrated with his 3.8 YPC average, but like you said with Raymer and no Jansen that is not as bad. However, I was really disappointed with his negative attitude (most noteably after the Browns game) and the fact that he did not have back-2-back 100 yard games until the famous stretch run last season. Also, breaking the Skins single seaosn record is not that impressive as for whatever reason ours is really low!?

Bottom line is Clinton won me over with his attitude, performace, and heart in '05 and I expect even bigger things next season. I just think his '04 was a disappointment and I hope we always look back on it as his worst year ever.

[CNYSkinFan]

I see your point and I think you are in the majority. I was frustrated with his 3.8 YPC average, but like you said with Raymer and no Jansen that is not as bad. However, I was really disappointed with his negative attitude (most noteably after the Browns game) and the fact that he did not have back-2-back 100 yard games until the famous stretch run last season. Also, breaking the Skins single seaosn record is not that impressive as for whatever reason ours is really low!?

Bottom line is Clinton won me over with his attitude, performace, and heart in '05 and I expect even bigger things next season. I just think his '04 was a disappointment and I hope we always look back on it as his worst year ever.
I guess you can some up my reason for being excited in his 04 season with two words

Trung Candidate

[Keino]

I'd take a late round or FA flyer on Gerald Riggs Jr. He could practice squad this year and compete to take over for Betts next season.

Also, I'd say Portis put up ONE of the greatest seasons in Skins history. I think his '04 campaign was a major disappointment for me, but I am a tough old critic. ;)

Good read so far and I am looking forward to finishing it during lunch.

I'll say. 1300 yards is disappointing?

[joethefan]

as usuall great job dustin, I can't wait to see you defensive analysis next week.....

[Fathead]

Another great article. You should get paid.

[OCSkinzFan]

Hey Dustin, Have you thought about re-evaluating the H/TE evaluation. If you check the Skins website out you'll not see an H listed.

Instead:

TE's - Cooley, Fauria, Johnson, Powell
FB's - Sellers, Nemo, Manny.

Listed like this, bringing in someone to compete with Powell seems more logical. If Cooley or Fauria (or both) get hurt we're SOL.

Calen Powell at Duke had career totals of: 43 games, 34 catches, for 463yds. and 3 TD's. And if you look at his season by season stats, he peaked his sophomore year and then went down hill.


http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2004&org=193&player=87

[Hr fan]

I have posted my latest VQ article recapping the first part of Free Agency and examining the offense position by position. You can read it on the blog by clicking below:

Vision Quest: The State of the Redskin Offense, Pre-Draft 2006 (http://www.hailredskins.com/blog/index.php?p=260#more-260)

And comment on it in this thread if you like.

Excellent analysis. Looking forward to you defense and strategy posts.

One comment. Having been starters the two FA G/C adds are good, but tackle looks thin and a definite downer should either starter be hurt. Remembering that of the top 7 new players no one can play tackle, and that Dockery will be a FA at years end, we need young depth for the future. A good G can be had in the 5th round (Kuper maybe), but a good backup tackle can only be had after June 1 cuts, if then. Unless someone the 'Skins really like slips to 53, or all reasonable tackles are gone, I think OT is a real possibility.

The glaring need on defense is the will LB, and Marshall could step over there in need. Good LBs will be available for MLB late, such as Anthony Schelegel of OSU. Also, how about our #5 from last year? Khary Campbell looks interesting and should get a shot. MLB is a 2 down player unless it is third and short. If an exceptional OLB slips then he could be #2. If neither an OLB or OT is worthy of the pick, Gibbs could go CB. He has shown willingness to carry 5 CBs in the past.

[HanburgerBum]

Great work, as usual, CNY.

I presume that you are reserving the 2nd rounder for WLB. But, would you have a different mindset if the Skins sign someone like Keith Adams?

Just as you have a soft spot for TEs, I like OLinemen. I am not sold on the "depth" the Skins just brought in (Pucillo and Walters), since these guys were let go from arguably the two worst OLines (Cleveland, Houston) in the league last year. And, I am certainly not sold on any of the leftover depth players from 2005 (I am not sure any of them has even played a down in anger yet).

If Charles Spencer, Daryn College or Davin Joseph were there at No. 53, wouldn't that be a good pick for the Skins? WLB is a concern, but GW always seem able to make do with whoever is on the roster. On the other hand, the last two years have shown that one key injury to the line can torpedo the entire offense.

[HanburgerBum]

Gr8 write up I appreciate the time u spent in writting this article!! I agree with all of your assesments except I don't quite know if Betts is going anywhere next year. I think he really likes it here and I think him, Betts, and Cartwright have a bond over their at RB. Betts isn't starting quality and won't get a big pay day anywhere he'd want to go. Unless he wants to go to a Buffalo he'll be a long term skin.


I hope you are right. But, whether Betts is starting material or not (and I think he is for some teams), it is human nature for a player to think he can be a starter. And, the urge will be there to try and find out.

In Washington, barring injuries, Betts knows that he would never become the starter since he is apparently older than the incumbent. Betts also knows that he will not be the 3rd down back because he can't block like Portis can. So, Ledell's future would essentially be a back that spells the starter 2-3 series a game. Will that satisfy him? I seriously doubt it. But, hey, maybe he won't get the offers he anticipates. Backing up Portis at decent money for a decade on a perennial contender isn't the worst job in the world.

[HanburgerBum]

I am hR's resident TE lover (man I gotta get a new title) but even I don't think TE is a priority, and definitely not at the 2nd round pick. I think this for two reasons:

1.) With Saunders and our WR corp we are going to see more 3 WR sets and Cooley will stay in the game at TE needing less of the 2 TE sets.

2,) Signing Fauria gives us a vet starter and the coaches may want to give Robert Johnson a chance to fully develop for one season and then address TE next year if he doesn't pan out.

that all said if they can move into the 4th to get a special guy everyone is over looking (like Cooley) then I would not be surprised.


I know it must have been difficult for you to recommend passing over a TE the first day of the draft when the 2006 crop is apparently talented and deep and when you are such a great TE lover (your own words). But, thank you for being objective. Spending the second rounder on a TE for this team would simply be (there is no polite way to put it) STUPID.

[Death_Venom]

Another SOLID write up.......My only 2 remaining concerns are Derrick Dockery (should we keep or recycle him?) and Sean Taylor-to be free or not to be free that t'is the question..............I am thinking GW might have a solution for our LB concerns.

[CNYSkinFan]

Another great article. You should get paid.

From your lips to God's ears......

[skins111111]

well done Dustin- hope your right about quality O-Line debth. Sellars will be huge this year........I think Taylor Jacobs is gone no matter what this year, I agree with your wr debth but if anyone gets hurt Jimmy Farris will step in over TJ...imo

[CNYSkinFan]

Hey Dustin, Have you thought about re-evaluating the H/TE evaluation. If you check the Skins website out you'll not see an H listed.

Instead:

TE's - Cooley, Fauria, Johnson, Powell
FB's - Sellers, Nemo, Manny.

Listed like this, bringing in someone to compete with Powell seems more logical. If Cooley or Fauria (or both) get hurt we're SOL.

Calen Powell at Duke had career totals of: 43 games, 34 catches, for 463yds. and 3 TD's. And if you look at his season by season stats, he peaked his sophomore year and then went down hill.


http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2004&org=193&player=87

Yeah that changed after my article was posted. I too am wondering what this means for our fair skins. Every interview seems to suggest that the Redskins are not dumping the h-back system. Take robert Johnson's interview on Redskins.com a month ago for example. He talked about starting with Chris Cooley.

I rather think that Snyder, Gibbs, and Cooley are tired of Chris being passed over for Pro-Bowl honors. H-Backs are considered full backs in terms of Pro Bowl voting and that means less spots on the pro-bowl roster. Cooley now being listed as a TE will mena more votes. Gibbs could care less about what he calls his players as opposed to how he uses them.

[CNYSkinFan]

Excellent analysis. Looking forward to you defense and strategy posts.

One comment. Having been starters the two FA G/C adds are good, but tackle looks thin and a definite downer should either starter be hurt. Remembering that of the top 7 new players no one can play tackle, and that Dockery will be a FA at years end, we need young depth for the future. A good G can be had in the 5th round (Kuper maybe), but a good backup tackle can only be had after June 1 cuts, if then. Unless someone the 'Skins really like slips to 53, or all reasonable tackles are gone, I think OT is a real possibility.

The glaring need on defense is the will LB, and Marshall could step over there in need. Good LBs will be available for MLB late, such as Anthony Schelegel of OSU. Also, how about our #5 from last year? Khary Campbell looks interesting and should get a shot. MLB is a 2 down player unless it is third and short. If an exceptional OLB slips then he could be #2. If neither an OLB or OT is worthy of the pick, Gibbs could go CB. He has shown willingness to carry 5 CBs in the past.

Actually WLB is a two down player in Williams system as Marshall and Washington stayed in on third down passing situations and Arrington went out last year. Marshall, a former safety, is perfect in that role and most interviews I am seeing with coaches are syaing they are loathe to move him. A second year knowing GW's system and making the calls can not be overlooked. Stability at Mike is a good thing.

[CNYSkinFan]

I know it must have been difficult for you to recommend passing over a TE the first day of the draft when the 2006 crop is apparently talented and deep and when you are such a great TE lover (your own words). But, thank you for being objective. Spending the second rounder on a TE for this team would simply be (there is no polite way to put it) STUPID.
Itr is a bumper crop...and I am not opposed to moving up to say the 4th round with our low roudn picks (and maybe something from last year) if a Fassano or someone of that like drops (doubtful but possible).

[CNYSkinFan]

Great work, as usual, CNY.

I presume that you are reserving the 2nd rounder for WLB. But, would you have a different mindset if the Skins sign someone like Keith Adams?

Just as you have a soft spot for TEs, I like OLinemen. I am not sold on the "depth" the Skins just brought in (Pucillo and Walters), since these guys were let go from arguably the two worst OLines (Cleveland, Houston) in the league last year. And, I am certainly not sold on any of the leftover depth players from 2005 (I am not sure any of them has even played a down in anger yet).

If Charles Spencer, Daryn College or Davin Joseph were there at No. 53, wouldn't that be a good pick for the Skins? WLB is a concern, but GW always seem able to make do with whoever is on the roster. On the other hand, the last two years have shown that one key injury to the line can torpedo the entire offense.

I am leaning that way.....yes. A starter on D or one of the most important reserves a team can have? It is a tough choice. None of our offensive linemen are old so investing a second rounder in a guy who will not start for at least 3-4 years is a little risky. However Dockery could be gone next year since he is not locked up so a young guard could be looked as an eventual replacement, espescially if Dock does not progress as he should and wants too much next year.

[CNYSkinFan]

well done Dustin- hope your right about quality O-Line debth. Sellars will be huge this year........I think Taylor Jacobs is gone no matter what this year, I agree with your wr debth but if anyone gets hurt Jimmy Farris will step in over TJ...imo

Probably but cutting TJ costs as much cap wise as keeping him. I don't see a roster spot for either him or Farris right now with Moss, Harris, Randle El, Patten, and Thrash takling upo the 5 WR spots usually kept. The skins could keep 6 wrers, but that would mean less somewhere else.

[OCSkinzFan]

Yeah that changed after my article was posted. I too am wondering what this means for our fair skins. Every interview seems to suggest that the Redskins are not dumping the h-back system. Take robert Johnson's interview on Redskins.com a month ago for example. He talked about starting with Chris Cooley.

I rather think that Snyder, Gibbs, and Cooley are tired of Chris being passed over for Pro-Bowl honors. H-Backs are considered full backs in terms of Pro Bowl voting and that means less spots on the pro-bowl roster. Cooley now being listed as a TE will mean more votes. Gibbs could care less about what he calls his players as opposed to how he uses them.
I'm thinkin it was Al Saunders' call to change the H back label. He seemed to be a very flexible play caller using a talented TE like Gonzales. I think that's how he's going to try to use Cooley and I expect to see Sellers play a more traditional FB roll.

I guess we'll have to wait and see. If Cooley did get hurt, I wonder if Sellers would run many of the plays that target Cooley?