2007 Results: 9-7
2008 Projected Cap Status: $3,239,580 under the cap
2007 Season Recap:
The 2007 Washington Redskins dealt with a tragedy unlike any other with the loss of young star safety Sean Taylor, who was posthumously named to the Pro Bowl. The passing of Taylor, who seemed to be on track for a Hall of Fame career, hit the team hard emotionally, mentally, and physically. Just five days after his death, the team played their first game against the Buffalo Bills, losing a heartbreaker in the final seconds. The next day, the team attended Taylor’s funeral and had to play another game just three nights later against the Chicago Bears, beginning a four-game winning streak that gave them their second playoff birth in three seasons.
Following the team’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the first round, legendary Head Coach Joe Gibbs stepped down, admitting the toll the season took on him and that he could not put the effort required to fill role as head coach.
Team Needs:
1. Wide Receiver – The team has been looking for a reliable lengthy receiver for several years now. New Head Coach Jim Zorn and Executive Vice President, Football Operations Vinny Cerrato have given high praise to youngster Anthony Mix, who stands at 6’5. Mix, who seemed to make plays on special teams every game he was in towards the end of the season, is an unproven at wide receiver but played collegiately with current teammate Jason Campbell.
2. Defensive End – Defensive end Andre Carter had a very solid season in 2007 but isn’t the speed rushing defensive end the team needs. On the other end, Phillip Daniels is 35 and could serve as a good mentor to a rookie waiting in the wings. It is a good possibility the Redskins take a defensive end with the 21st pick in the draft.
3. Offensive Line – The Redskins would be well suited to bring in an influx of youth the offensive line. Chris Samuels is the youngest starting offensive lineman at the age of 30. Over the last couple of seasons, health has been an issue for Randy Thomas, who is one of the best pulling guards in the league, and Jon Jansen, the team’s bookend right tackle, who has had two season ending injuries by Week 1 two of the last four seasons. With an uncharacteristic nine picks in the 2008 NFL Draft (the most since 2002 when they had 10), expect the team to draft at least one or two offensive lineman.
2008 Draft Picks:
1st Round – 21st overall
2nd Round – 51st overall
3rd Round – 84th overall
3rd Round –96th overall (Comp)
5th Round – 154th overall
6th Round – 186th overall
7th Round – 228th overall
7th Round – 242nd overall (Comp)
7th Round – 249th overall (Comp)
Free agency status:
UFA:
LB Randall Godfrey
S Pierson Prioleau
S Omar Stoutmire
OL Ross Tucker
OL Rick DeMulling
OL Mike Pucillo
WR Keenan McCardell
TE Brian Kozlowski
RFA:
None Available
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
WR/KR Jerome Mathis
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
LS Ethan Albright (UFA)
QB Todd Collins (UFA)
RB/KR Rock Cartwright (UFA)
OL Jason Fabini (UFA)
DT Ryan Boschetti (UFA)
P Derrick Frost (UFA)
K Shaun Suisham (ERFA)
FB Nehemiah Broughton (UFA)
PLAYERS LOST
WR Reche Caldwell (Rams)
CB David Macklin (Rams)
WR Brandon Lloyd (Released – Signed with Bears)
QB Mark Brunell (Contract voided – signed with Saints)
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Jake Russell