By Jason La Canfora Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, April 22, 2005; Page D14
Patrick Ramsey said yesterday he would have no problems with the Washington Redskins using one of their first-round draft picks on a quarterback, considered a possibility after Coach Joe Gibbs's visit with Auburn's Jason Campbell Tuesday, but as the draft approaches Saturday little is known about the Redskins' intentions.
The Redskins are exploring the possibility of moving up in the draft order. A source close to Michigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards said Washington is interested in him. But so are many teams. The Redskins likely would have to part with at least both first-round picks to get Edwards, which might make it impossible to draft Campbell since the Redskins don't have a second-round pick.
Ramsey, 26, replaced veteran quarterback Mark Brunell midway through last season and later was declared the starter for 2005. Washington's top pick in 2002, Ramsey has made just 23 NFL starts over three seasons and hopes this will be a breakout season.
"I'm the starter here," Ramsey said. "And I plan to go out there and start and play and win games. It doesn't matter to me [if they draft a quarterback]. Absolutely not."
Like almost all of his teammates, Ramsey has been spending four days a week at Redskins Park since late March, lifting weights and working on his conditioning. He also is working with his receivers twice a week, trying to improve his timing and develop chemistry. That process will continue through minicamp in June.
"Everything out here is going really well," Ramsey said. "I feel really good physically and I feel like I'm really getting into good shape now and I'm throwing the ball well. I'm just kind of learning some more details of the offense and it's going well."
Gibbs said Wednesday that should Washington select a quarterback, it would not be a reflection on Ramsey. Many scouts believe it would take several years for Campbell to be ready to start at this level.
Edwards is expected to make an immediate impact wherever he goes. He is atop Washington's draft board, multiple sources said, and the Redskins have long identified the position as a priority; they brought most of the top prospects to Redskins Park for pre-draft workouts.
Edwards has the combination of size (6 feet 3) and speed that teams covet, and the Redskins have only one wide receiver taller than 6 feet (excluding Rod Gardner, who is on the trading block and is not working out with the team).
Washington has contacted all of the teams picking above them about trading up and those behind them about trading down, team officials said during a news conference Wednesday, and several sources believe Miami could be the best fit for the trade.
League sources said the Dolphins are eager to trade down from the second overall pick, and will continue talking to several teams as the start of Saturday's draft approaches. The Redskins could offer their two picks and Gardner, which may be enough to get a deal done.
Two league sources who have spoken to teams at the top of the draft suggested the biggest challenge to the Redskins might be Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers, who hold pick No. 5, are looking to move up to take Auburn running back Ronnie Brown, sources said, and hold 12 total picks and four in the first three rounds, giving them ample trade ammunition.
There is some speculation that Minnesota could use its top picks (Nos. 7 and 18) to move up and select Edwards or Southern California wide receiver Mike Williams to replace the departed Randy Moss, while numerous teams are exploring options to trade down, with specialists saying this draft is not particularly deep at many positions.
Washington's front office has said it is leaving all options open ahead of the draft and would be comfortable moving up, moving back or using its top two picks. While Gibbs's visit with Campbell has garnered much attention, if the Redskins do not trade up they could also use the 25th pick on a receiver.
Matt Jones, a converted quarterback, is unlikely to be available with that pick, sources said. The Redskins also brought in Roddy White (Alabama Birmingham), who could still be around. Troy Williamson (South Carolina) and Mark Clayton (Oklahoma), who also met with team officials, are projected by many to be selected before the 25th pick.
Thats why he is our future. He knows he can handle it, and if they bring in a QB at 25, he will just pull a Drew Brees and step up. And if you ever see tape of him, hes screaming at the guys on the bench, he's getting them ready to win.
And about getting weapons for Patrick, I have been hearing that if Minn. takes a WR at 7, it might be Williamson, not Williams.
At first that sound dumb, but if you think about it, Mike is a power guy, Troy is the speedster. And they lost Randy Moss, a speedster...
Maybe, just Maybe we could load Patrick up with 6'4 Mike Williams! But I shouldnt get my hopes up...
Then we could get a solid pass rusher at 25 or maybe a CB?
joebagadonuts on IsaneBoost's signature:
-- "I laughed. I cried. Better than Cats"
Im glad Ramsey is stepping up to the callenge. He has taken the leadership role, that i havnt seen before. But again Ramsey has to do it, and he knows that if we bring in another QB, it means that if Ramsey doesnt help this season, we will already have a QB that has learned the systen. But again this is Ramseys year and he is going to take us atleast to the playoffs.
Im withyou PRAM.
Thats good. I like his personality, he's willing to fight for his starting spot. Good thing he wasn't offended when it was released that the Skins might get a QB.
"I was on the sideline and guys were talking about the score, and then it hit me -- we won by 21. I came in the locker room and I yelled it out, and immediately I just kind of broke down in tears. Because I miss Sean, you know."
Thanks Jake, I have so little respect for these guys that I do not read that stuff anymore, but I do appreciate being able to check out all the "news" here!
Like someone pointed out recently, this paper always seems to love to point out the disaster that awaits us over every little thing we do and say. This BS from these guys is almost over, and we can get on with our preparation without some of the fans here reading (AND believing!) the "media" reports about how bad we are going to be or how we are getting a QB in the first round. If Sonny were available we would not draft him in the first round. We are NOT drafting a QB with one of those picks. Now, we may get a QB (I doubt it with the number of picks we have) but that is standard procedure for any team to prepare for the future at the single most important position.
Patrick (and every other QB) faces a challenge each year getting ready to play and compete in the NFL. Give me a break! Making it out like he's some sort of special guy because of how he's handling this or that! This is the NFL people and this is what we pay him to do.
IMO he is going to be fine and I think Gibbs is looking at him as our QB for the next few years. End of speculation as far as I'm concerned.
The interesting part only is how we use what we have tomorrow! Now that is going to be "very interesting".
Until recently, Snyder & Allen have made a lot of really bad decisions - nobody with any sense believes this franchise will get better under their guidance Snyder's W/L record = 45% (80-96) - Snyder/Allen = 41% (59-84-1)
SkinsJock wrote:Thanks Jake, I have so little respect for these guys that I do not read that stuff anymore, but I do appreciate being able to check out all the "news" here!
Like someone pointed out recently, this paper always seems to love to point out the disaster that awaits us over every little thing we do and say. This BS from these guys is almost over, and we can get on with our preparation without some of the fans here reading (AND believing!) the "media" reports about how bad we are going to be or how we are getting a QB in the first round.
With all due respect, I have never had much of a problem with the Post writers. Sure, they announce some of the bad rumors that float around from time to time, but overall, I think that staff is a pretty objective bunch. I almost never hear them say they "expect" or "think" the skins will do something (unlike our Don Vito-look-a-like). I like to hear the facts, and I like to hear the rumors; you just have to differentiate the two - which, IMO, the Post usually does a fair job at.
So confident, but he's not a selfish player... I'd like to see him shine next season and kick some tail!
"Guess [Ryan Kerrigan] really does have a good motor. And is relentless. And never quits on a play. And just keeps coming. And probably eats Wheaties and drinks Apple Pie smoothies and shaves with Valvoline." -Dan Steinberg DC Sports Bog
air_hog wrote: And about getting weapons for Patrick, I have been hearing that if Minn. takes a WR at 7, it might be Williamson, not Williams. At first that sound dumb, but if you think about it, Mike is a power guy, Troy is the speedster. And they lost Randy Moss, a speedster...
Randy Moss has was always more than a speedster. Chris Carter says that he has the most phenomenal physical attributes of any WR he's ever seen because he is quick, has size, and can adjust to the ball in mid air. No receiver in this draft possesses all of those characteristics.
Perhaps Ramsey is eager to get another QB on this team, so they can finally force #8 to retire. I'm sure Ramsey would feel more comfortable with a young guy behind him than a proven starter breathing down his neck.
Either way, it's a good attitude to have. Go Patrick, let's get it done this year!!!
ejay183 wrote:Ramsey will get his chance to start and he will show he is the man for the job, the QB we pick up might be a sign that Brunell is on the way out.
The cap hit for Brunell would be too much. 8 million minus the hit from last year. We would have to cut some other players to absorb this. We CANT move up to pick up Edwards. Even keeping Brunell the signing bonus at #2 is out of our price range.
We need help at MLB, CB and DE and we cant wait until next year or the 6th round!
Over! Nothing is over until we say its over. Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor! Hell no! -- Future Sen. Blutarski.
ejay183 wrote:Ramsey will get his chance to start and he will show he is the man for the job, the QB we pick up might be a sign that Brunell is on the way out.
The cap hit for Brunell would be too much. 8 million minus the hit from last year. We would have to cut some other players to absorb this. We CANT move up to pick up Edwards. Even keeping Brunell the signing bonus at #2 is out of our price range.
We need help at MLB, CB and DE and we cant wait until next year or the 6th round!
So picking up a fourth string QB is stupid and there is no reason. This must be the media trying to stir things up.
we definetly should not take a fourth QB. Ramsey can produce if he gets a fair run at it. Hes never been given a starting position that feels secure....
Dont take williamson---hes overrated ....gamecocks fans know his value isnt at the 9 pick
I know this guy named Jimmy, he has a pet....POSTERNUTBAG! Thats his cats name, POSTERNUTBAG!!!
