Facing forward

[welch]

Let's assume that Kirk Cousins will start at QB all season in 2013. What else can we see?

- Rex G returns as backup

- Focus on the defense...especially DBs and LBs.

- A decision to be made about Fred Davis. He was good, but the Redskins won without him. Is he worth paying?

- Garcon needs to get his foot healed. Best receiver in a long time

- Santana might be 33 or 34 next year, but he's still sharp.

- ey? Sadly, I can't imagine him returning.

- OL took injuries and improved. Maybe the Redskins draft another lineman a few rounds down?

- Defense will improve just by having Orakpo return.

- I hope London Fletcher returns, but I don't have to live with his pain. If he retires, hire him as a coach.

- Draft a safety and a linebacker. Of the current safeties, definitely keep Reed Doughty even though he's not all-pro. Still good enough to make the team

- Keep Lorenzo Alexander.

- Keep D. Young. He does the job with no fussing and dramatics.

- DeAngelo Hall is good enough. Sometimes makes my head hurt, but he can play, and CB is a tough position.

- What about all the RB's not named "Morris"? Which ones are keepers?

What else?

(Yes, Redskins should win NFC East next season, in tight battle with the Giants)

[Hooligan]

If Cousins is the starter, I think the team keeps Fred Davis as an extra target for him along with Paulsen. Paulsen is good, but Fred is a faster YAC threat. Would Davis demand that much considering the Skins just won the division? I think players want to be a part of this thing.

Santana stays. He's not asked to do as much as he used to, and he can still hurt other teams.

O-line needs to continue to gel. Draft depth, cut Brown.

I'd keep Helu out of all the other RBs. Picking up a speedy back would be nice.

Agreed that London needs to either play, or get a coaching job here. He's football smart and a great mentor and teacher. Either way, top draft picks should be spent on his future replacement and a safety.

[grampi]

Let's assume that Kirk Cousins will start at QB all season in 2013. What else can we see? Uh, RG3

- Rex G returns as backup Nope, Cousins will still be the backup

- Focus on the defense...especially DBs and LBs.

- A decision to be made about Fred Davis. He was good, but the Redskins won without him. Is he worth paying? Yes

- Garcon needs to get his foot healed. Best receiver in a long time Agreed

- Santana might be 33 or 34 next year, but he's still sharp.

- ey? Sadly, I can't imagine him returning. Me either

- OL took injuries and improved. Maybe the Redskins draft another lineman a few rounds down?

- Defense will improve just by having Orakpo return. And Carriker

- I hope London Fletcher returns, but I don't have to live with his pain. If he retires, hire him as a coach.

- Draft a safety and a linebacker. Of the current safeties, definitely keep Reed Doughty even though he's not all-pro. Still good enough to make the team

- Keep Lorenzo Alexander.

- Keep D. Young. He does the job with no fussing and dramatics.

- DeAngelo Hall is good enough. Sometimes makes my head hurt, but he can play, and CB is a tough position.

- What about all the RB's not named "Morris"? Which ones are keepers?

What else?

(Yes, Redskins should win NFC East next season, in tight battle with the Giants) Yes, the Skins should win the division again next year, but the Giants have run their course....

[SkinsJock]

We made great progress this season - I look for more key additions and the guys coming back are just icing on the cake

I don't see a problem with winning the NFC East again - especially because the other 3 franchises are not going to be very competitive .... HA


I am so going to love the fact that our coaches & players feel that STUPID owner tried to 'hurt' our franchise - I'd love to 'open' at NY in 2013

[HEROHAMO]

I agree Welch.
We saw the difference Merriweather made. I think a good saftey would help a bunch with the return of Orakpo as well. Paulsen is a keeper. He can really block and makes most of the catches thrown his way. Doughty is a sound tackler another keeper.
Big ups to this Oline. They looked like the best Oline in the league this year.


Draft wishes,
cornerback, safety, MLB and another NT to help free up Rak and Kerrigan.

[SkinsJock]

We really should consider giving out a lot of awards for many things here ..

at the beginning of this season there was actually concern about how our O line would be even able to 'protect' our investment .. let alone have the rushing yards we had - the defense lost a really key player and still managed to be a bit of a factor - the stats do not tell the full story here ...

I thin we are very fortunate to be here and it must be a pain for the rest of the NFC East to look at how well we did with what we had

we're only getting better here folks - this team has come a long, long way - we have a lot to look forward to

[The Hogster]

Let's assume that Kirk Cousins will start at QB all season in 2013. What else can we see?

- Rex G returns as backup

- Focus on the defense...especially DBs and LBs.

- A decision to be made about Fred Davis. He was good, but the Redskins won without him. Is he worth paying?

- Garcon needs to get his foot healed. Best receiver in a long time

- Santana might be 33 or 34 next year, but he's still sharp.

- ey? Sadly, I can't imagine him returning.

- OL took injuries and improved. Maybe the Redskins draft another lineman a few rounds down?

- Defense will improve just by having Orakpo return.

- I hope London Fletcher returns, but I don't have to live with his pain. If he retires, hire him as a coach.

- Draft a safety and a linebacker. Of the current safeties, definitely keep Reed Doughty even though he's not all-pro. Still good enough to make the team

- Keep Lorenzo Alexander.

- Keep D. Young. He does the job with no fussing and dramatics.

- DeAngelo Hall is good enough. Sometimes makes my head hurt, but he can play, and CB is a tough position.

- What about all the RB's not named "Morris"? Which ones are keepers?

What else?

(Yes, Redskins should win NFC East next season, in tight battle with the Giants)

I think all of your post is correct even if RGIII is the QB.

You definitely pay Fred Davis. He's a playmaker. Paulsen & Paul are still on the roster with Davis, and ey is the odd man out.

I agree on D Hall

I think Morris is our workhorse. And, we add some guys. Maybe Hightower is in camp pushing either Helu or Royster. He is probably still the best blocker of them all--even off the street.

In the draft, I'd expect us to take the BPA and add maybe 10-11 guys after some trades.

I also think RGIII is back this year, and Tanard Jackson & B. Merriweather are the starting safeties with Reed on the team

[SkinsJock]

there have been some that have suggested Hall is only good in certain coverage schemes - can he be used as a safety in those coverages that he's not so great at?

I am not advocating for or against Hall per se but this kid can play and we need DBs

[emoses14]

To piggy back what Hogster said, who put steroids in Doughty's corn flakes Sunday morning? That guy was playing lights out (except for that one completion to a tight end right in front of him that Reed just wasn't fast enough to get to and break up).

Oh, and as for Welch's list, I agree with all of it with the following tweaks:

-We need to keep Rob Jackson (and in my fantasies, I see him being smart enough and hard working enough to perhaps be molded into an inside linebacker until either our newly drafted 3rd round backer develops or permanently)
-I think I'd be OK if the best available DB at our first pick was a Corner who we could convert into a free safety or convert D Hall to that position if the safeties available by that time are not the right fit
-Brandon Banks is history

[SkinsJock]

This is coming from a Redskins fan who is NOT exactly a Mike or Kyle fan

the performance by the players and the job the coaches have done here this year is for sure a pain in the rear end for 'fans' like Ray in Austin

WELL DONE GUYS - great job, all things considered

I'm looking forward to winning the NFC East this coming season and seeing a consistently competitive product on the field each week

[ACW]

DEFINITELY keep Jackson.

Don't forget about Carriker's return too...A rotation up front of Jenkins, Carriker, Bowen and Cofield could be nasty.

[Redskin in Canada]

My priorities:

Defense: CBs and safeties

Offense: RT.

the rest ... is gravy.

[The Hogster]

To piggy back what Hogster said, who put steroids in Doughty's corn flakes Sunday morning? That guy was playing lights out (except for that one completion to a tight end right in front of him that Reed just wasn't fast enough to get to and break up).

Oh, and as for Welch's list, I agree with all of it with the following tweaks:

-We need to keep Rob Jackson (and in my fantasies, I see him being smart enough and hard working enough to perhaps be molded into an inside linebacker until either our newly drafted 3rd round backer develops or permanently)
-I think I'd be OK if the best available DB at our first pick was a Corner who we could convert into a free safety or convert D Hall to that position if the safeties available by that time are not the right fit
-Brandon Banks is history

Even my fiancé said "wait. Isnt reed doughty the guy you said sucks??". This was after I said Reed Doughty is a beast out there.

[Countertrey]

You work on keeping Davis... his two very incomplete seasons may keep his value down... so he won't cost what he would have a year ago... but, he's the one weapon we have that can keep pressure off of Garcon. Together, they will be monsters... use him as a wide out a lot...

Doughty played as if something suddenly clicked... he was outstanding. I have always thought of him as a keeper because he was reliable... but I'd love to see him continue on this path. Jackson has to stay... with Orakpo back, they become an awesome rotation.

We need some additional help in the D backfield... and I'd really like to see us possess a true, space eating NT.

[HTTRRG3ALMO]

Double post, my bad

[HTTRRG3ALMO]

I agree Welch.
We saw the difference Merriweather made. I think a good saftey would help a bunch with the return of Orakpo as well. Paulsen is a keeper. He can really block and makes most of the catches thrown his way. Doughty is a sound tackler another keeper.
Big ups to this Oline. They looked like the best Oline in the league this year.


Draft wishes,
cornerback, safety, MLB and another NT to help free up Rak and Kerrigan.

I agree but we need a couple world class linemen on that front line still. They have been really impressive after all the criticism this year, but they're still a little rusty on the pass protection. Again, they improved vastly through the year, a couple extra powerhouses would solve the issue.

I also think we need to steal up another powerful WR. Garcon is great as well as Moss. Can't believe how strong Moss is still going. Moss will be leaving in probably a few more seasons; Garcon might still have issues with his toe next year (GET HIM HEALED UP!!).

So another threat would be great. I've heard a lot of people saying great things about Aldrick Robinson but I just haven't seen enough of his play to know if he's a future "secret weapon".

[The Hogster]

We finally have depth! Guys that could start on other teams who won't for us. Guys like Rob Jackson. Josh Leribus. Kirk Cousins. Zo Alexander.

[emoses14]

I agree Welch.
We saw the difference Merriweather made. I think a good saftey would help a bunch with the return of Orakpo as well. Paulsen is a keeper. He can really block and makes most of the catches thrown his way. Doughty is a sound tackler another keeper.
Big ups to this Oline. They looked like the best Oline in the league this year.


Draft wishes,
cornerback, safety, MLB and another NT to help free up Rak and Kerrigan.

I agree but we need a couple world class linemen on that front line still. They have been really impressive after all the criticism this year, but they're still a little rusty on the pass protection. Again, they improved vastly through the year, a couple extran powerhouses would solve the issue.

I also think we need to steal up another powerful WR. Garcon is great as well as Moss. Can't believe how strong Moss is still going. Moss will be leaving in probably a few more seasons; Garcon might still have issues with his toe next year (GET HIM HEALED UP!!).

So another threat would be great. I've heard a lot of people saying great things about Aldrick Robinson but I just haven't seen enough of his play to know if he's a future "secret weapon".

I think Aldrick makes a quantum leap next year. Also Josh Morgan.

I am still out to lunch on LEONARD!!!

[markshark84]

Let's assume that Kirk Cousins will start at QB all season in 2013. What else can we see?

- Rex G returns as backup

- Focus on the defense...especially DBs and LBs.

- A decision to be made about Fred Davis. He was good, but the Redskins won without him. Is he worth paying?

- Garcon needs to get his foot healed. Best receiver in a long time

- Santana might be 33 or 34 next year, but he's still sharp.

- ey? Sadly, I can't imagine him returning.

- OL took injuries and improved. Maybe the Redskins draft another lineman a few rounds down?

- Defense will improve just by having Orakpo return.

- I hope London Fletcher returns, but I don't have to live with his pain. If he retires, hire him as a coach.

- Draft a safety and a linebacker. Of the current safeties, definitely keep Reed Doughty even though he's not all-pro. Still good enough to make the team

- Keep Lorenzo Alexander.

- Keep D. Young. He does the job with no fussing and dramatics.

- DeAngelo Hall is good enough. Sometimes makes my head hurt, but he can play, and CB is a tough position.

- What about all the RB's not named "Morris"? Which ones are keepers?

What else?

(Yes, Redskins should win NFC East next season, in tight battle with the Giants)

Agree with much of this, but I expect RGIII to be back next year. Personally, I do not see us winning the division with Cousins. He is a good QB, but there is a considerable drop off between him and RGIII.

Defense should be the PRIMARY focus in this years draft; no question. We should draft 2 DB with BOTH our top picks. We only have 1 starting calibur player in our secondary. I don't think we can count on Merriweather moving forward. He has not been able to finish a season (for one reason or another) since 2010. I don't expect anything from Jackson. After that, I would personally focus on a DE or CB.

Davis will get offers, but not huge ones. He is a question mark with his inability (one way or the other) to play a 16 game season. He should be back and we desperately need a pass catching TE. Agree ey won't be back.

Agree that Moss has gas left in the tank. He should continue to be part of the gameplan until he proves he is no longer an asset. The decision should be based on his play and not his age. Garcon is great, but I wouldn't mind seeing us draft a WR late.

Helu is a great compliment to Morris. Once he is back we are VERY good at the RB position.

I don't see Fletch retiring. He is too competitive. I think our LB team is good as long as we get Jackson back. With him we have 5 VERY good LBs. Once Fletch retires we can move Riley to his old spot, draft an ILB and he should transition well while playing with 3 good, young LBs.

Agree with OL, but they looked much better because of RGIII. We still need upgrades at the guard and RT position. But I agree that this is not a focus and if there is a deal late in the draft, I wouldn't be upset if they draft an OL late.

Lorenzo is the MAN. He should be an offseason priority. Young was solid also.

I have always maintained, and continue to, believe that DHall is a fine CB. He is grossly overpaid and the FO shoudl consider restructuring his deal, but I see no reason to draft over or sign a replacement for him.

Doughty had a great playoff game, but no matter what he is a role player. He should be resigned as a solid reserve, but not a starter. He is also a solid special teams player.

I see our draft priorities as:
1. DB
2. DB
3. (tie) DE
3. (tie) CB
4. OT/OG
5. WR
6. LB

[HTTRRG3ALMO]

I agree Welch.
We saw the difference Merriweather made. I think a good saftey would help a bunch with the return of Orakpo as well. Paulsen is a keeper. He can really block and makes most of the catches thrown his way. Doughty is a sound tackler another keeper.
Big ups to this Oline. They looked like the best Oline in the league this year.


Draft wishes,
cornerback, safety, MLB and another NT to help free up Rak and Kerrigan.

I agree but we need a couple world class linemen on that front line still. They have been really impressive after all the criticism this year, but they're still a little rusty on the pass protection. Again, they improved vastly through the year, a couple extran powerhouses would solve the issue.

I also think we need to steal up another powerful WR. Garcon is great as well as Moss. Can't believe how strong Moss is still going. Moss will be leaving in probably a few more seasons; Garcon might still have issues with his toe next year (GET HIM HEALED UP!!).

So another threat would be great. I've heard a lot of people saying great things about Aldrick Robinson but I just haven't seen enough of his play to know if he's a future "secret weapon".

I think Aldrick makes a quantum leap next year. Also Josh Morgan.

I am still out to lunch on LEONARD!!!

Man I can't stand Morgan. Am I being too harsh here or only focusing on the plays I've seen him drop balls that hit him in the hands? What am I missing here? Seems a lot of folks have faith in Morgan.

[emoses14]

I agree Welch.
We saw the difference Merriweather made. I think a good saftey would help a bunch with the return of Orakpo as well. Paulsen is a keeper. He can really block and makes most of the catches thrown his way. Doughty is a sound tackler another keeper.
Big ups to this Oline. They looked like the best Oline in the league this year.


Draft wishes,
cornerback, safety, MLB and another NT to help free up Rak and Kerrigan.

I agree but we need a couple world class linemen on that front line still. They have been really impressive after all the criticism this year, but they're still a little rusty on the pass protection. Again, they improved vastly through the year, a couple extran powerhouses would solve the issue.

I also think we need to steal up another powerful WR. Garcon is great as well as Moss. Can't believe how strong Moss is still going. Moss will be leaving in probably a few more seasons; Garcon might still have issues with his toe next year (GET HIM HEALED UP!!).

So another threat would be great. I've heard a lot of people saying great things about Aldrick Robinson but I just haven't seen enough of his play to know if he's a future "secret weapon".

I think Aldrick makes a quantum leap next year. Also Josh Morgan.

I am still out to lunch on LEONARD!!!

Man I can't stand Morgan. Am I being too harsh here or only focusing on the plays I've seen him drop balls that hit him in the hands? What am I missing here? Seems a lot of folks have faith in Morgan.

OH I don't think he was outstanding this year, but I do think that there's something there to work with. In addition to balls he dropped, he's also caught some big catches for first downs and he blocks well.

[HTTRRG3ALMO]

I agree Welch.
We saw the difference Merriweather made. I think a good saftey would help a bunch with the return of Orakpo as well. Paulsen is a keeper. He can really block and makes most of the catches thrown his way. Doughty is a sound tackler another keeper.
Big ups to this Oline. They looked like the best Oline in the league this year.


Draft wishes,
cornerback, safety, MLB and another NT to help free up Rak and Kerrigan.

I agree but we need a couple world class linemen on that front line still. They have been really impressive after all the criticism this year, but they're still a little rusty on the pass protection. Again, they improved vastly through the year, a couple extran powerhouses would solve the issue.

I also think we need to steal up another powerful WR. Garcon is great as well as Moss. Can't believe how strong Moss is still going. Moss will be leaving in probably a few more seasons; Garcon might still have issues with his toe next year (GET HIM HEALED UP!!).

So another threat would be great. I've heard a lot of people saying great things about Aldrick Robinson but I just haven't seen enough of his play to know if he's a future "secret weapon".

I think Aldrick makes a quantum leap next year. Also Josh Morgan.

I am still out to lunch on LEONARD!!!

Man I can't stand Morgan. Am I being too harsh here or only focusing on the plays I've seen him drop balls that hit him in the hands? What am I missing here? Seems a lot of folks have faith in Morgan.

OH I don't think he was outstanding this year, but I do think that there's something there to work with. In addition to balls he dropped, he's also caught some big catches for first downs and he blocks well.

Thanks for the insight. It would be great to see the man grow into something dangerous.

I mean just look at our o-line and defense earlier in the year and who they became towards the end of the season. I'd start an apology thread on here in a second if he's groomed into a power catcher. With that, good luck Morgan

[ACW]

Oh, and again, Mara.

[welch]

I think I see roughly the same draft priorities as Mark:

I see our draft priorities as:
1. DB
2. DB
3. (tie) DE
3. (tie) CB
4. OT/OG
5. WR
6. LB

Maybe LB instead of DE, but secondary the biggest need. The team might not need another super-OL: maybe more work means more cohesion, and that will be good enough. Look for OL down in the draft, roughly the place they found Bostic and Jacoby.

Doughty will probably always be a good sub...somehow, I see him and remember that he had to start because Sean Taylor was hurt and then murdered. Doughty can't be Taylor, but he's OK.

Oh, and I'll be happy enough if Griffin can play in 2014. Just let him heal.

[HEROHAMO]

I agree Welch.
We saw the difference Merriweather made. I think a good saftey would help a bunch with the return of Orakpo as well. Paulsen is a keeper. He can really block and makes most of the catches thrown his way. Doughty is a sound tackler another keeper.
Big ups to this Oline. They looked like the best Oline in the league this year.


Draft wishes,
cornerback, safety, MLB and another NT to help free up Rak and Kerrigan.

I agree but we need a couple world class linemen on that front line still. They have been really impressive after all the criticism this year, but they're still a little rusty on the pass protection. Again, they improved vastly through the year, a couple extra powerhouses would solve the issue.

I also think we need to steal up another powerful WR. Garcon is great as well as Moss. Can't believe how strong Moss is still going. Moss will be leaving in probably a few more seasons; Garcon might still have issues with his toe next year (GET HIM HEALED UP!!).

So another threat would be great. I've heard a lot of people saying great things about Aldrick Robinson but I just haven't seen enough of his play to know if he's a future "secret weapon".

I actually think our WRs and Oline are fine. I think Hankerson, Morgan and Robinson have room for growth. A large possesion receiver wouldnt hurt but our Tight end in Davis and Paulen could fill that role if needed. I like having the speed and explosiveness that our current WRs possess.

As far as Oline I like what I see already. More help is always welcome.

Pretty much just have to add more depth on the defensive side.

Its just amazing how much upside this team now has. RG3 and Morris have really boosted this team. They are the main pieces to this puzzle obviously. Great season cant wait.