ESPN Insider on Holdman and a draft update...

Redskins1974 · Post by **Redskins1974** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 11:09 am

Washington Redskins: The team really wants to add LB Warrick Holdman to its impressive list of free-agent signings. The Redskins hosted Holdman last month but reportedly only offered slightly above the minimum for a player of his experience. That didn’t get it done. Now, the Washington Post reports the team is upping its offer substantially to ensure that they pick up the six-year veteran. New defensive coordinator Greg Blanche was the Bears’ defensive coordinator the previous five seasons and Holdman was one of his favorite players in Chicago, when healthy.

#5 Pick. Washington Redskins
Sean Taylor* | S | Miami (Fla.)
The Redskins should have their choice between three excellent players – Taylor, DT Harris and TE Kellen Winslow Jr. – at the three positions of need. We get the strong impression they are struggling between Harris and Taylor. The Redskins also could trade down in order to regain some of the picks they lost, but with three blue-chip prospects available, we predict they’ll stay put and draft the one they believe can make the biggest impact. While all three players have great potential, Taylor might make the most sense for a team that just lost its best defensive back – DC Champ Bailey – in a trade for RB Clinton Portis. Taylor has the size of an outside linebacker and the coverage skills of a cornerback. He is exactly what an NFL team is looking for in terms of versatility, and he could have the biggest impact of any rookie in the 2004 NFL season.

I've wanted Taylor all along so I'm happy if we go after him. I think we must go after Defense. While Winslow is an impact player he is not as essential as building a solid D in the NFC East. We have some pretty key weapons of offense so if we have a solid blocking TE who can catch a few balls, we're good to go. Anyways, enjoy...

hkiss444 · Post by **hkiss444** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 12:01 pm

Mel Kiper was on Mike and Mike in the morning talking about Sean Taylor as the best player in the draft. He compared Taylor play and leadership ability to that of Ray Lewis. I would love to have a Taylor in our secondary for the next 10 years.

Redskins1974 · Post by **Redskins1974** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 12:13 pm

Mel Kiper was on Mike and Mike in the morning talking about Sean Taylor as the best player in the draft. He compared Taylor play and leadership ability to that of Ray Lewis. I would love to have a Taylor in our secondary for the next 10 years.

He's a beast. LB size with CB speed. He's the type of player that can change a game with a couple key plays. If we remain at #5, I feel we should be all over him. Once June 1st cuts are made we can find a substantial DT or DE to help sure of the line.

redskincity · Post by **redskincity** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 3:43 pm

Damn yall!!!!! Its day to day but I want him tooo!!!I also want Harris and a line.I just dont know anymore.

REDEEMEDSKIN · Post by **REDEEMEDSKIN** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 4:47 pm

Let's keep in mind that no matter how great Taylor was in the Hurricanes'locker room, it won't automatically transfer into the NFL. He'll be a rookie, and will have to earn his stripes in the NFL. Yes, I believe we should get him, and I'm hoping he bulks up that secondary, but, let's not forget he will be extremely wet behind the ears, and in our "win now" situation, we may not see everything he brings to the B&G table 'til 2005.

Plus, dollars paid indicate who's team this is, and looking at L.A.'s contract, this is definitely #56's team. S.T. would have to wait, especially with Smooty on the wing.

Smithian · Post by **Smithian** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 5:31 pm

Hm... If Sean Taylor comes, we could move Ohalete or Bowen to CB. Help us improve depth there.

hkiss444 wrote:Mel Kiper was on Mike and Mike in the morning talking about Sean Taylor as the best player in the draft. He compared Taylor play and leadership ability to that of Ray Lewis.

When I was watching the Pro Bowl, they were saying LaVar Arrington could be the next Ray Lewis with all that power and speed. So many people have compared players with Ray Lewis, now, that I'm starting to not listen as much.

redskincity · Post by **redskincity** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 7:50 pm

RED(EEMED)SKIN wrote:Let's keep in mind that no matter how great Taylor was in the Hurricanes'locker room, it won't automatically transfer into the NFL. He'll be a rookie, and will have to earn his stripes in the NFL. Yes, I believe we should get him, and I'm hoping he bulks up that secondary, but, let's not forget he will be extremely wet behind the ears, and in our "win now" situation, we may not see everything he brings to the B&G table 'til 2005.

Plus, dollars paid indicate who's team this is, and looking at L.A.'s contract, this is definitely #56's team. S.T. would have to wait, especially with Smooty on the wing.

Wet behind the ears?? Well tell Portis that(1500yds) Taylor could be am immediate impact player. We will have to wait and see.

Redskins Rule · Post by **Redskins Rule** » Thu Apr 08, 2004 11:46 pm

We don't need Taylor!!!!!!!!!!!

We have safeties who can play very well. We need a TE or D-lineman. We should trade down and address our teams needs.

skinsfaninroanoke · Post by **skinsfaninroanoke** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 9:06 am

Dline - Dline - Dline

this is the mantra

all you Dline people chant after me - maybe they'll hear us in Ashburn

Dline - Dline - Dline

gibbsfan · Post by **gibbsfan** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 9:53 am

i can go along with that.we need to address the frontline on defense. dline, dline, dline, dline.you heard it from me,we need to get after people for a change.

Redskins1974 · Post by **Redskins1974** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 9:56 am

We need a TE or D-lineman.

We don't NEED a TE in the draft. We NEED some more D, whether is's Dline or a Safety. Our D is average right now and close to being really good. Our O is pretty stacked. We can get by with a good blocking TE who can catch...

psuLaVar · Post by **psuLaVar** » Sat Apr 10, 2004 1:40 pm

Arrington is going to be better than Ray Lewis.

skinsfaninroanoke · Post by **skinsfaninroanoke** » Sat Apr 10, 2004 2:53 pm

Dline Dline Dline

C'mon folks - I know you Dline people are out there - chant with me dammit

Texas Hog · Post by **Texas Hog** » Sat Apr 10, 2004 6:20 pm

Taylor! Taylor! Taylor!

I still think we can pick up some bulk upfront in the later rounds and possibly in FA.

This kid is just too good to pass up. We need some pop in our secondary, and from what I've read he'll provide plenty!

kkryan · Post by **kkryan** » Sat Apr 10, 2004 6:26 pm

psuLaVar wrote:Arrington is going to be better than Ray Lewis.

That is a mighty big statement. I love LaVar but can't see this happening. I hope you are right.

ii7-V7 · Post by **ii7-V7** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 10:42 am

Smithian wrote:Hm... If Sean Taylor comes, we could move Ohalete or Bowen to CB. Help us improve depth there.

No we couldn't. Those guys don't have the necessary speed to play corner. You do see CB become safeties when they age and put on weight, but it doesn't work the other way around except in some very special cases.

Chad

Old Town Skin · Post by **Old Town Skin** » Mon Apr 12, 2004 10:56 am

I think having a dominant safety like the kind of player Sean Taylor would be would probably do more for our pass rush than drafting a defensive linemen. If he really shuts down the middle of the field and makes recievers think twice about coming over the middle our corners are going to have a much easier time locking down their assignments. Good coverage means coverage sacks and it all we need is one or two extra seconds for Lavar or Marcus Washington to whip around the corner and finsh some qaurterbacks career. I know many of you will not agree with me but I do believe that Taylor is the best defensive prospect in the draft and I think he would make one hell of an adition to our team.

Scooter · Post by **Scooter** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:16 am

Nah, I'd take Taylor in a heartbeat. As far as moving the other guys - I'd leave Bowen where he is. Insert Taylor as the starter. Give #26 to Portis and ask Ohalete if he wants to be the Chief Locker Room Technician. There are at least 20 guys that could play ahead of Ohalate at your local bowling alley :0)

D-liners... Salave'a and Noble were both starters elsewhere. Holsey came on strong and Wynn should move inside when we get another DE. Daniels will be an instant impact player in DC. I agree we could be stronger - but I'm not ready to spend a first-rounder on a DT/ DE when the best player available happens to be a NEED position for the team. Sean Taylor is simply the best player out there - and he's going to knock snot-bubbles outta guys. I'd prefer they weren't wearing B & G!
Tay-lor, Tay-lor, Tay-lor!!!

JansenFan · Post by **JansenFan** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 12:48 pm

chaddukes wrote:
Smithian wrote:Hm... If Sean Taylor comes, we could move Ohalete or Bowen to CB. Help us improve depth there.

No we couldn't. Those guys don't have the necessary speed to play corner. You do see CB become safeties when they age and put on weight, but it doesn't work the other way around except in some very special cases.

Chad

I am with you Chad......the problem we have at Safety is that we have two strong safeties. Neither on covers that well. If we do draft Taylor we will have a pretty good secondary when we go to that 3-3-5 or 2-3-6 defense I keep hearing about.

Wingman · Post by **Wingman** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 4:36 pm

Rich-
If it is a defensive lineman that you want so bad, then who? I have a hard time seeing one that I would burn the 5 pick on. Taylor, on the other hand would serve us better on both the run and pass. Money better spent on Taylor unless we trade down, then perhaps your d-line call would make more fiscal sense.

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:39 pm

Old Town Skin wrote:I think having a dominant safety like the kind of player Sean Taylor would be would probably do more for our pass rush than drafting a defensive linemen. If he really shuts down the middle of the field and makes recievers think twice about coming over the middle our corners are going to have a much easier time locking down their assignments. Good coverage means coverage sacks and it all we need is one or two extra seconds for Lavar or Marcus Washington to whip around the corner and finsh some qaurterbacks career. I know many of you will not agree with me but I do believe that Taylor is the best defensive prospect in the draft and I think he would make one hell of an adition to our team.

I agree with OTS and Taylor is the best player in the draft (NOT because Mel said it) and putting him back there with Bowen will cause WRs to have nightmares on Sat. nights "I Hope"

skinsfaninroanoke · Post by **skinsfaninroanoke** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:26 pm

Yo Wingman - your wish is my command

Seriously - I would trade back - anywhere between 10th and 15th, maybe even moving in two increments depending on what we could pick up for it as far as other picks go.

I would look at Smith/Udeze or Wilfork/Starks. I prefer Smith to Udeze simply because I have heard that Smith is more even playing the run as well as rushing the passer whereas Udeze, from what I have read, is more just the pure pass rusher.

I have a toss up between Starks and Wilfork. Both impress with their size, strength and speed and from every report these guys demand doubles constantly. And even then it doesn't do much good - they still push towards the QB. With Griffin next to either of them, I can see a problem for OLines - who gets covered on the outside by a tight end? Then they have to worry about Washington/Arrington and possibly Holdman coming free due to having to deal with the line play pushing the pocket. With everyone committed - there aren't many options left to pick up the blitz.