THN Official Draft Day Thread

funbuncher · Post by **funbuncher** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 2:47 pm

HB Blades
ILB | (5'10", 236, 4.79) | PITTSBURGH

Scouts Grade: 65

Flags: (B: BULK/SIZE) Lacks size/bulk for position Selected by: Washington Redskins
Round: 6
Pick (Overall): 5(179)
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Strengths: A squatty inside linebacker with good bulk for his short frame. Is an instinctive player with very good recognition skills. Reads keys quickly and shows good initial burst. Displays better range in run support than 40-time would indicate. Takes solid angles in pursuit and is a reliable wrap-up tackler in space. Extremely productive at the middle linebacker position and also has experience playing on the strong-side. He shows very good instincts in zone coverage, which helps him overcome lack of elite speed. Also displays above average ball skills in coverage. Not a great student but displays good football intelligence. Grew up surrounded by the game and shows great passion for it. He's a natural leader (captain in 2006) and displays a great work ethic off the field.

Weaknesses: He's a shorter prospect with short arms that will get erased in the phone-booth by bigger blockers at times. He is an extremely reliable tackler but he does not display explosiveness and he won't make many jarring hits. Lacks ideal speed and athletic ability. Is quicker than fast. Will have some limitations in terms of one-on-one matchups in the NFL. Does not show the speed or hip-fluidity to cover top-tier running backs man-to-man in the passing game. Also lacks the explosive burst to make much of an impact ass a pass rusher in the NFL. Minor durability worries due to wrist surgery in 2004. Suffered a lower leg injury versus West Virginia in 2005 but he was completely recovered by spring practice in 2006.

Overall: Blades saw action in all 13 games (one start; Continental Tire Bowl vs. Virginia) as a true freshman in 2003 and registered 57 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, and one blocked kick. In 2004, he received first team All-Big East accolades after starting all 12 games at the "SAM" linebacker spot, finishing the year with 108 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, three interceptions, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble. Blades then started all 11 games at "MIKE" linebacker in 2005, again earning first team All-Big East honors, and recorded 121 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. He started all 12 games in 2006, earning first team All-American honors (media), his third straight first team All-Big East selection, and the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award after finishing with 147 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and two blocked kicks. H.B. Blades' uncles, Al and Brian, were also standout players at the University of Miami and went on to play in the NFL.
Blades lacks ideal height and top-end speed. He is not an explosive hitter, he has trouble matching up in the phone booth and he has limited range in coverage. However, he is an extremely productive between-the-tackles run stopper with great instincts and toughness. His effort is contagious and raises the level of intensity of those around him. While he's not talented enough to warrant first-day consideration, Blades is the type of player that will find a way to contribute (defense and special teams) for several years in the NFL as a Day Two pick.

* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.

Jeremy81 · Post by **Jeremy81** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 2:48 pm

wow...i didn't know HB blades was still available...why? i thought he was projected top linebackers? i don't mind that pick at all

frankcal20 · Post by **frankcal20** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 2:48 pm

Thats good depth.

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 2:52 pm

Did anyone see how fast the Pats drafted that DE after our pick? I mean if they can give a guy a look at DE why can't we???

I'm beggining to think Greg Blache has an ego problem thinking he can make our lineman studs all of a sudden.

We must have some kind of plan...i just can see us being this blind.

Blades may be decent, I mean his dad was goo.

Apparently we like little MLB"s now.

everydayAskinsday · Post by **everydayAskinsday** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 2:54 pm

no because they drafted a ILB

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 2:54 pm

Any chance we draft a place kicker? I mean this is basically the first round for PK's...I know we have whats his face, but if we're gonna blow some picks why not use one on a top Kicker who could be out next Lohmiller.

frankcal20 · Post by **frankcal20** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 2:55 pm

I think the Dline as well as Oline will be our area that we focus on from here on out. May be a tall WR like Dallas Baker from Florida:

Dallas Baker
WR | (6'3", 208, 4.53) | FLORIDA

Scouts Grade: 51

Flags: (D: DURABILITY) Player that can't stay healthy

Strengths: He is tall, well-built and strong. He has long arms, big hands and good leaping ability. Will flash acrobatic playmaking skills. Is a weapon on the jump ball and in the red zone. He has a knack for coming up with the big catch in the clutch. He has developed outstanding hands and will pluck the ball on the run. He can catch the ball over his head and away from his frame. Shows good fluidity and COD skills for his size. Can make the first defender miss after the catch and he builds speed as he goes. He also has the size and strength to be an effective stalk-blocker if he works at it harder.

Weaknesses: He lacks ideal speed and initial burst. Will struggle to separate as consistently in the NFL. Not a vertical threat versus man-to-man coverage. He seems to lack some toughness. Does not like to work the middle of the field. Essentially is a possession receiver outside the hashes. His technique as a blocker is poor and his effort in that area is too inconsistent. Missed some playing time with a broken rib and punctured lung in 2005, so durability is something to be monitored.

Overall: Baker was redshirted in 2002. He played in all 13 games as a redshirt freshman in 2003, finishing with 13 receptions for 209 yards and one TD. As a sophomore in 2004, he played in a rotation in all 12 games and finished with 26 catches for 410 yards and five TDs. As a junior in 2005, he finished with 52 catches for 695 yards and five TDs. In 2006, the All-SEC first team selection hauled in 60 passes for 920 yards (15.3 average) and 10 touchdowns in 14 games.

Baker was an underachiever prior to his junior season in 2005, when he was slowed by a lingering ankle injury late in the season but emerged as a consistent playmaker with an average of nearly five catches for 60 yards in the team's first eight games. Baker has always possesses impressive size and body control, but it took him a while to develop reliable hands and quality intermediate route-running skills. Baker does not possess elite speed, which will always limit his NFL potential. But he still projects as a sub-package possession receiver in the NFL, which is why we think he warrants consideration in the final few rounds of the 2007 draft.

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 2:56 pm

Hasn't the NFL learned its lesson about QB's yet. The 6 foot factor does not mean much....why is Chris Leake still on the board or is he. I haven't heard his name.

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 2:58 pm

frankcal20 wrote:I think the Dline as well as Oline will be our area that we focus on from here on out. May be a tall WR like Dallas Baker from Florida:

Dallas Baker
WR | (6'3", 208, 4.53) | FLORIDA

Scouts Grade: 51

Flags: (D: DURABILITY) Player that can't stay healthy

Strengths: He is tall, well-built and strong. He has long arms, big hands and good leaping ability. Will flash acrobatic playmaking skills. Is a weapon on the jump ball and in the red zone. He has a knack for coming up with the big catch in the clutch. He has developed outstanding hands and will pluck the ball on the run. He can catch the ball over his head and away from his frame. Shows good fluidity and COD skills for his size. Can make the first defender miss after the catch and he builds speed as he goes. He also has the size and strength to be an effective stalk-blocker if he works at it harder.

Weaknesses: He lacks ideal speed and initial burst. Will struggle to separate as consistently in the NFL. Not a vertical threat versus man-to-man coverage. He seems to lack some toughness. Does not like to work the middle of the field. Essentially is a possession receiver outside the hashes. His technique as a blocker is poor and his effort in that area is too inconsistent. Missed some playing time with a broken rib and punctured lung in 2005, so durability is something to be monitored.

Overall: Baker was redshirted in 2002. He played in all 13 games as a redshirt freshman in 2003, finishing with 13 receptions for 209 yards and one TD. As a sophomore in 2004, he played in a rotation in all 12 games and finished with 26 catches for 410 yards and five TDs. As a junior in 2005, he finished with 52 catches for 695 yards and five TDs. In 2006, the All-SEC first team selection hauled in 60 passes for 920 yards (15.3 average) and 10 touchdowns in 14 games.

Baker was an underachiever prior to his junior season in 2005, when he was slowed by a lingering ankle injury late in the season but emerged as a consistent playmaker with an average of nearly five catches for 60 yards in the team's first eight games. Baker has always possesses impressive size and body control, but it took him a while to develop reliable hands and quality intermediate route-running skills. Baker does not possess elite speed, which will always limit his NFL potential. But he still projects as a sub-package possession receiver in the NFL, which is why we think he warrants consideration in the final few rounds of the 2007 draft.

I think one guy named "Dallas" is more than enough for one year. :lol:

Two guys named Dallas and one named Landry. would be funny,.

frankcal20 · Post by **frankcal20** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:01 pm

Hell, why not. I just like his size.

everydayAskinsday · Post by **everydayAskinsday** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:03 pm

Hes still out there.. Troy Smith JUST got snatched up at the end of the 5th.. teams like that taller QB that can see over the line.. Leak doesnt have mobility to get outside the pocket like some of the other shorter QBs

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:05 pm

frankcal20 wrote:Hell, why not. I just like his size.

He could be a find, his write up sounds alot like Rod Gardner though.

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:07 pm

everydayAskinsday wrote:Hes still out there.. Troy Smith JUST got snatched up at the end of the 5th.. teams like that taller QB that can see over the line.. Leak doesnt have mobility to get outside the pocket like some of the other shorter QBs

He's more mobile than Drew Brees who is the same height. Probably less mobile than Steve Young. All I'm saying is that GM's make too much out of certain measurables. All of these guys play college ball, and this kid was a winner, and a leader at a top program. He deserves a in my book before someone who was mediocre at a small school just because he's got "the look".

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:23 pm

The Hogster wrote:HAHAHAHAHA mmuahahaha.. All I can do is laugh....Cerrato must go!!! How many LB's are we gonna draft???

Tears.

Linebacker has been the talk of the whole off season. Is there a reason why this team feels more comfortable with the D-line on the roster than the guys that play behind them?

Injuries hurt the entire defense last year, but maybe we are looking at it wrong. MLB & CB were addressed the first week of free agency... not even a single D-lineman was brought in :shock:

.
Macklin was added way later yet still before as much as a visit for a DL. Trade talks/rumors around the draft involved the Skins getting this LB or this DB not once was there any real talk about help at D-Line.

Briggs name has come up so many times you'd think he signed before LFB. On message boards every time you hear we don't need a LB because we have Marcus and the real need is at DL, listen to the Redskins and they are saying the D-line will be fine (even much improved) but they keep saying Marcus is "getting healthy" or say things like "with a healthy Washington".

Bringing Linebackers for depth really isn't a bad thing. Gibbs said last week there weren't too many players out there that could step right in and start. I wish he had traded down for more pick but every trade I ever heard of required TWO partners. In the end I think he in fact drafted a guy that can step right in and start (at a position of need).

Gibbs also said they would be looking at players not drafted and there have been a lot of offensive lineman that have fallen to the wayside that can make NFL rosters. They'll be June 1st cuts to consider.

Williams prefers to run his hybrid 46 defense but due to injuries last year he ran more Cover/Tampa 2 than he should have. I think he's grown somewhat tried of the scheme as a fallback. Every scheme he's every used revolved around LBs and most of his LB are on the otherside of 30.

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:37 pm

1niksder wrote:
The Hogster wrote:HAHAHAHAHA mmuahahaha.. All I can do is laugh....Cerrato must go!!! How many LB's are we gonna draft???

Tears.

Linebacker has been the talk of the whole off season. Is there a reason why this team feels more comfortable with the D-line on the roster than the guys that play behind them?

Injuries hurt the entire defense last year, but maybe we are looking at it wrong. MLB & CB were addressed the first week of free agency... not even a single D-lineman was brought in .
Macklin was added way later yet still before as much as a visit for a DL. Trade talks/rumors around the draft involved the Skins getting this LB or this DB not once was there any real talk about help at D-Line.

Briggs name has come up so many times you'd think he signed before LFB. On message boards every time you hear we don't need a LB because we have Marcus and the real need is at DL, listen to the Redskins and they are saying the D-line will be fine (even much improved) but they keep saying Marcus is "getting healthy" or say things like "with a healthy Washington".

Bringing Linebackers for depth really isn't a bad thing. Gibbs said last week there weren't too many players out there that could step right in and start. I wish he had traded down for more pick but every trade I ever heard of required TWO partners. In the end I think he in fact drafted a guy that can step right in and start (at a position of need).

Gibbs also said they would be looking at players not drafted and there have been a lot of offensive lineman that have fallen to the wayside that can make NFL rosters. They'll be June 1st cuts to consider.

Williams prefers to run his hybrid 46 defense but due to injuries last year he ran more Cover/Tampa 2 than he should have. I think he's grown somewhat tried of the scheme as a fallback. Every scheme he's every used revolved around LBs and most of his LB are on the otherside of 30.

It's not a bad thing, but we've drafted and/or signed several in the past two years and not one of them is still on the roster except McIntosh...which leads me to believe that we don't evaluate talent as well as some other teams.

Robert McCune
Spencer Havner
Kevin Simon
Zak Keasey

Add in the fact that these guys this year were all takin in the mid-to late second day, and it does not give you much promise that these guys will all of a sudden be any different.

Now we add London Fletcher and 2 more rookies...just the pure numbers suggest that at best one of these guys can make the team.

The only rationale I can see for this is that a late round LB who makes your team will be able to play special teams. While a late round DE on your roster will not....and if he's not on the field its a waste of a roster spot.

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:42 pm

I'd have liked to grab the Kicker Crosby over Dallas Starks...but I'll take the wait and see.

DaSkins24 · Post by **DaSkins24** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:42 pm

Did the Skins convert to a 34 defense? What the hell is up with all these LB's?

SkinsFreak · Post by **SkinsFreak** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:43 pm

Thank you, 1niksder! Finally a common sense perspective.

Nobody within the Skins organization has said anything about the d-line being a pressing need. NOBODY! Only fans and the media has said that. In fact, Gibbs has said just the opposite, offering some positive insight and compliments regarding our current crop of d-linemen.

Gibbs said just yesterday that they were going to look for depth at the LB position. Then they draft a LB, which Gibbs said they were going to do, and everyone has a sh*t fit. Do you people only listen to yourselves and the media rather than Gibbs? :roll:

Joke.

I read an article this morning with the headline..."Vinny hates the d-line". :roll:

Ok, then why did they sign Carter and draft 2 DT's last year? Funny how some folks think they know more than a HOF coach. :roll:

frankcal20 · Post by **frankcal20** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:44 pm

We really have no depth at LB'r that the coaches feel confident in outside of special teams.

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:48 pm

SkinsFreak wrote:Thank you, 1niksder! Finally a common sense perspective.

Nobody within the Skins organization has said anything about the d-line being a pressing need. NOBODY! Only fans and the media has said that. In fact, Gibbs has said just the opposite, offering some positive insight and compliments regarding our current crop of d-linemen.

Gibbs said just yesterday that they were going to look for depth at the LB position. Then they draft a LB, which Gibbs said they were going to do, and everyone has a sh*t fit. Do you people only listen to yourselves and the media rather than Gibbs? Joke.

I read an article this morning with the headline..."Vinny hates the d-line". Ok, then why did they sign Carter and draft 2 DT's last year? Funny how some folks think they know more than a HOF coach.

The numbers don't lie. 16 sacks in a year is pathetic.

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:50 pm

frankcal20 wrote:We really have no depth at LB'r that the coaches feel confident in outside of special teams.

I understand this but what is our track record with second day LB's?? Not one on the roster, and the one's that were barely cracked the special teams lineup.

If our second round pick could only make special teams with Warrick "The Matador" Holdman ahead of him, what do we really I expect from these guys? They are rookies and will take time to develop, but whats the chance that the Redskins keep these guys on the roster for 3 years?

frankcal20 · Post by **frankcal20** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:52 pm

I guess we will have to take a wait and see approach. I have a good feeling for some reason.

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:55 pm

SkinsFreak wrote:Thank you, 1niksder! Finally a common sense perspective.

Nobody within the Skins organization has said anything about the d-line being a pressing need. NOBODY! Only fans and the media has said that. In fact, Gibbs has said just the opposite, offering some positive insight and compliments regarding our current crop of d-linemen.

Gibbs said just yesterday that they were going to look for depth at the LB position. Then they draft a LB, which Gibbs said they were going to do, and everyone has a sh*t fit. Do you people only listen to yourselves and the media rather than Gibbs? Joke.

I read an article this morning with the headline..."Vinny hates the d-line". Ok, then why did they sign Carter and draft 2 DT's last year? Funny how some folks think they know more than a HOF coach.

If your post was actually accurate it would be cool, but just because people object to us selecting two late round LB's AGAIN...does not mean that peole don't think we need LB's.

I guess the fact that we've now taken 6 second day LBS in the past two years and of last year's 4 not one is on the roster....uh, that says a lot about our late round evaluation.

THIS IS NOT AN INDICTMENT OF GIBBS...Gibbs is a HOF coach, but he is a HEAD COACH...meaning when he's sleeping at the park, our scouts are out there evaluating players live. Gibbs doesn't start that until January and its all done via film, and the evals given by our scouting dept who answer to .....Vinny Cerrato.

Now it's not Gibbs' fault if our scouts continually rate these late round guys above where their talent is as shown by training camp. When you take a guy in the 4th round and he's out before the year is over, that says we made a mistake. Now I hope and pray we're right about these guys, but meanwhile Phillip Daniels and Reynaldo Wynn...mid 30's are what we call "depth" at DE. what if Carter is hurt....? we're back to Daniels and Wynn. and Evans can't rotate inside as much....that tandem has proven to be sub par.

So save the criticism..

frankcal20 · Post by **frankcal20** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 3:57 pm

It is pissing me off we go to commercial everytime we pick on NFL Network and ESPN.

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 4:00 pm

Wow...a Quarterback. I guess we like having guys in the NFL Europa