Redskins Pre-Draft Visits

[riggofan]

Thought I'd start a thread where we could discuss some of the guys the team is bringing in before the draft for private meetings and workouts. I don't follow college football as closely to comment on the individual players, but I'm interested in the types of guys the team is looking at heading into the draft.

I mentioned WR Cody Latimer yesterday in another thread. Today I thought these two were interesting:

Chris Russell ‏@Russellmania980 Feb 24

Kyle Van Noy...another guy the #Redskins brass things very highly of runs a 4.66/1.63 unofficial. BYU LB.

Van Noy is an OLB from BYU, but apparently can play every LB position. He's a guy who could easily be picked in the first round but a possibility he would be available at #34.

Marion Grice RB from ASU is the third player with whom they've set up a predraft meeting. They also attended his ASU pro day. Projected as a late round, third day draft pick.

More evidence that Gruden is looking for a pass catching RB? Love that.

[riggofan]

Two OTs in to visit the team today. I suspect more than a few of us are happy to hear about that interest.

Stanford OT Cameron Fleming (6-5, 323) visited #Redskins today, source said.
— Mike Jones (@MikeJonesWaPo) April 15, 2014

.@ESPNRadio980 hears #Redskins are planning to have Ohio St OT/OG Jack Mewhort in for a visit before the draft http://t.co/M6gLoxSIq5

Both projected as 2d-3d round picks, so not necessarily guys you would use the #34 pick on.

I would be curious what drafting a guy like one of these would mean for Polumbus. I'm not sure you'd be expecting a 3d round rookie to be starting at RT on day one, would you?

[Neo]

Thanks for this thread Riggo.

Gruden & friends seem to use a lot of smoke screen tactics IMO. Makes me wonder which of these they truly like, and which they're using to make other teams prematurely pull the trigger in the draft. Pretty smart tactic though.

[riggofan]

Thanks for this thread Riggo.

Gruden & friends seem to use a lot of smoke screen tactics IMO. Makes me wonder which of these they truly like, and which they're using to make other teams prematurely pull the trigger in the draft. Pretty smart tactic though.

No prob! I'm stoked for the draft. Three weeks and counting...

Is that true about the smoke screen tactics? I know there are some teams that do that, wasn't sure if Gruden had any history.

I've seen a TON of mock drafts that have the Redskins taking Cyrus Kouandjio at #34. Not a guy the team has had in for a visit, or even met with that I've read.

Btw Kiper's latest two round draft has the Skins taking Chris Borland, ILB. He does say that Borland is a guy who could very easily be taken in the first round and not be there at 34.

I'd be happy with either of those picks. I'd love to have those Alabama book end tackles.

[Neo]

Thanks for this thread Riggo.

Gruden & friends seem to use a lot of smoke screen tactics IMO. Makes me wonder which of these they truly like, and which they're using to make other teams prematurely pull the trigger in the draft. Pretty smart tactic though.

No prob! I'm stoked for the draft. Three weeks and counting...

Is that true about the smoke screen tactics? I know there are some teams that do that, wasn't sure if Gruden had any history.

I've seen a TON of mock drafts that have the Redskins taking Cyrus Kouandjio at #34. Not a guy the team has had in for a visit, or even met with that I've read.

Btw Kiper's latest two round draft has the Skins taking Chris Borland, ILB. He does say that Borland is a guy who could very easily be taken in the first round and not be there at 34.

I'd be happy with either of those picks. I'd love to have those Alabama book end tackles.

I don't have any proof of them using smoke screens, just something I thought may be a part of their tactics. I wish I had a handful of examples, but during this offseason, they would bring in a few guys, then suddenly you'd hear about someone that was under everyone's radar. Could have simply been that they were sincerely interested in everyone that visited, but they just went all out if someone came around they loved.

That's a great question about if Gruden has a history of that. I'll ask my friend who's a Cinncy fan.

[Neo]

Oh BTW, I've been getting pretty curious about Cyrus myself. There's been a lot of talk about his knee. Is his knee an issue or are people blowing it out of proportion?

[riggofan]

Oh BTW, I've been getting pretty curious about Cyrus myself. There's been a lot of talk about his knee. Is his knee an issue or are people blowing it out of proportion?

Hard to say, man. He had an ACL injury at some point and there were reports from the combine about the knee still being in bad shape or arthritic or something. Definitely costing him in his draft stock.

Dr. Andrews has supposedly called BS on all of that and given him a clean bill. I don't know. How does everybody feel about his opinion after the RGIII stuff last year?

[Countertrey]

I don't have any proof of them using smoke screens, just something I thought may be a part of their tactics. I wish I had a handful of examples, but during this offseason, they would bring in a few guys, then suddenly you'd hear about someone that was under everyone's radar. Could have simply been that they were sincerely interested in everyone that visited, but they just went all out if someone came around they loved.

As an OC and Assistant, I suspect Gruden has had no opportunity... but Allen... he is the son of a bonafide psyche artist, and master of head games, George Allen... you can bet that it's part of his repertoire.

During the run-up to the 2009 draft, there were a number of players, including Mark Sanchez, whom the Redskins were very publicly showing interest in... with LOTS of talk about plans to trade up. It was all the chatter here on THN... and I warned folks that they had no real interest in Sanchez... that the real target was Orakpo, and they were doing what they could to get a shot at him... I may have been talkin' some crap... but how'd it work out?

Most teams play this game... but, as I was once fond of saying to my soldiers, "sometimes you eat the bear... and sometimes, the bear eats you".

The bottom line is, don't believe a damned thing that "sources at Redskins Park" say about the draft. There is a better than even chance that the #34 pick will not have a meeting with the Washington Redskins prior to the first announcement that "the Washington Redskins are on the clock".

[Countertrey]

Oh BTW, I've been getting pretty curious about Cyrus myself. There's been a lot of talk about his knee. Is his knee an issue or are people blowing it out of proportion?

Hard to say, man. He had an ACL injury at some point and there were reports from the combine about the knee still being in bad shape or arthritic or something. Definitely costing him in his draft stock.

Dr. Andrews has supposedly called BS on all of that and given him a clean bill. I don't know. How does everybody feel about his opinion after the RGIII stuff last year?

It's pretty clear that Shanahan was not completely honest. Andrews still has a golden reputation, and he's not likely to risk it on a rook. There's a reason that every player in the league seeks Andrews to deal with their knee injuries, and every team wants him wandering their sidelines.

If Andrews is buying Cyrus, so am I.

[riggofan]

Oh BTW, I've been getting pretty curious about Cyrus myself. There's been a lot of talk about his knee. Is his knee an issue or are people blowing it out of proportion?

Hard to say, man. He had an ACL injury at some point and there were reports from the combine about the knee still being in bad shape or arthritic or something. Definitely costing him in his draft stock.

Dr. Andrews has supposedly called BS on all of that and given him a clean bill. I don't know. How does everybody feel about his opinion after the RGIII stuff last year?

It's pretty clear that Shanahan was not completely honest. Andrews still has a golden reputation, and he's not likely to risk it on a rook. There's a reason that every player in the league seeks Andrews to deal with their knee injuries, and every team wants him wandering their sidelines.

If Andrews is buying Cyrus, so am I.

Yeah I think I'm in agreement with you on that. To be fair, Dr. Andrews was basically proved right last year. He said Griffin's knee was completely healed and that seems to have been the case. His knee being physically healed just wasn't the same thing as the player being ready to start. That's on Shanahan like you said. (RGIII probably shares some of the blame for that too.)

And hey, if rumors about the knee mean a quality RT slips to #34 then coooooool!!!!!

Btw I'm impressed that you predicted Orakpo. I doubt there were many "experts" who made that pick in their mock drafts that year.

[Deadskins]

During the run-up to the 2009 draft, there were a number of players, including Mark Sanchez, whom the Redskins were very publicly showing interest in... with LOTS of talk about plans to trade up. It was all the chatter here on THN... and I warned folks that they had no real interest in Sanchez... that the real target was Orakpo, and they were doing what they could to get a shot at him... I may have been talkin' some crap...

Or you might be talking some now. Can you provide a link to one of these "draft Orakpo" posts?

[Skins Fan in Indy]

The big question that I have is with that #34th pick do you draft to try and fill a need or best player on the board?. Can you get "the right guy" at 34?.

[riggofan]

The big question that I have is with that #34th pick do you draft to try and fill a need or best player on the board?. Can you get "the right guy" at 34?.

BPA. I don't think there is any question about that.

I'm not sure I completely understand your question of can you get "the right guy" at 34. I would say I don't think there is any doubt we can draft a quality, starting material player at #34, especially if we get the best guy available at that position rather than reaching for a guy just because we need a safety or whatever.

[SkinsJock]

The best player available at #34 is most likely at a position of need - so we get both bases covered

This FO is not 'reaching' for players - they are bringing in players that fit what the coaches want and need

[riggofan]

The best player available at #34 is most likely at a position of need - so we get both bases covered

hah. No doubt! My argument would be though if you ask anybody what our biggest need is, I'll bet 9 out of 10 people would say SAFETY. We'll see how it shakes out, but I'd be willing to bet a safety won't be the best player on the board at #34.

Draft the best guy. No point in reaching for a guy to fill a need just to find out he can't start for you four months later.

[SkinsJock]

The best player available at #34 is most likely at a position of need - so we get both bases covered

hah. No doubt! My argument would be though if you ask anybody what our biggest need is, I'll bet 9 out of 10 people would say SAFETY.
We'll see how it shakes out, but I'd be willing to bet a safety won't be the best player on the board at #34.

Draft the best guy. No point in reaching for a guy to fill a need just to find out he can't start for you four months later.

I understand what you're getting at ... fact is, we badly need help at more than just safety

like a lot of drafts, the key is to have guys making the picks that have done their due diligence and find and select the players that can contribute
some may take a while to develop - this FO and scouting department have to do a great job

the key is to identify players that have the desire - they are all talented - some want to play ... most just want to get paid

[Countertrey]

During the run-up to the 2009 draft, there were a number of players, including Mark Sanchez, whom the Redskins were very publicly showing interest in... with LOTS of talk about plans to trade up. It was all the chatter here on THN... and I warned folks that they had no real interest in Sanchez... that the real target was Orakpo, and they were doing what they could to get a shot at him... I may have been talkin' some crap...

Or you might be talking some now. Can you provide a link to one of these "draft Orakpo" posts?

It starts here... http://www.thehogs.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=31172&p=442577#p442577

Postby Countertrey » Fri Mar 06, 2009 12:20 pm

If it goes the way you project, I agree... it will be Oher... but, if Orakpo is there (as is very possible) it will be him (I'm assuming they lock up a starting RT by then). They may also go with Cushing, if he is there.

Then, in response to a post in Mark Sanchez to make a visitsaying "Sanchez will be off of the board long before the Redskins get a choice." I replied

Perhaps... but if he's still there... this "interest" is likely to foster a tremendous amount of interest from other teams in pursuing a trade up to 13 (or higher, which might preserve one of the other linemen that we are also interested in...)

It's just as likely that this is an attempt to stir such interest, and increase the likelihood of trading back in round 1, while picking up a 2nd round pick.

For the record, in that thread I was essentially accused of making stuff up... turned out, I had stuff pretty much nailed. It was clear that the Redskins were interested in either a LT or Orakpo... and that their maneuvering may well have influenced some teams to take a player or two earlier than they should have. I'm still convinced that they really wanted Orakpo all along.


OH! And, JSPB... That's right... CT, bringin' it.

[yupchagee]

Rather than BPA I say draft the player who will help us the most. For example if the best player is a QB or RB we either trade back (1st option) or pick a player at a position we need.

[riggofan]

Rather than BPA I say draft the player who will help us the most. For example if the best player is a QB or RB we either trade back (1st option) or pick a player at a position we need.

I have no problem with what you're saying. If we can trade back and still get a starter 20 spots later or whatever, win-win.

I guarantee QB or RB won't be the BPA at #34 though. So many QBs get inflated into the first round just because they're so valuable to those teams who don't have one. And RB is just the opposite right now, very undervalued. You might not see a RB drafted until the third round this year.

[Deadskins]

During the run-up to the 2009 draft, there were a number of players, including Mark Sanchez, whom the Redskins were very publicly showing interest in... with LOTS of talk about plans to trade up. It was all the chatter here on THN... and I warned folks that they had no real interest in Sanchez... that the real target was Orakpo, and they were doing what they could to get a shot at him... I may have been talkin' some crap...

Or you might be talking some now. Can you provide a link to one of these "draft Orakpo" posts?

It starts here... http://www.thehogs.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=31172&p=442577#p442577

Postby Countertrey » Fri Mar 06, 2009 12:20 pm

If it goes the way you project, I agree... it will be Oher... but, if Orakpo is there (as is very possible) it will be him (I'm assuming they lock up a starting RT by then). They may also go with Cushing, if he is there.

Then, in response to a post in Mark Sanchez to make a visitsaying "Sanchez will be off of the board long before the Redskins get a choice." I replied

Perhaps... but if he's still there... this "interest" is likely to foster a tremendous amount of interest from other teams in pursuing a trade up to 13 (or higher, which might preserve one of the other linemen that we are also interested in...)

It's just as likely that this is an attempt to stir such interest, and increase the likelihood of trading back in round 1, while picking up a 2nd round pick.

For the record, in that thread I was essentially accused of making stuff up... turned out, I had stuff pretty much nailed. It was clear that the Redskins were interested in either a LT or Orakpo... and that their maneuvering may well have influenced some teams to take a player or two earlier than they should have. I'm still convinced that they really wanted Orakpo all along.


OH! And, JSPB... That's right... CT, bringin' it.

I didn't think you would make that up, but I did a search search.php?keywords=Orakpo&terms=all&author=Countertrey&sc=1&sf=all&sr=posts&sk=t&sd=d&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search and the oldest post that returned was from December 01, 2013. Wierd.

[Countertrey]

I had to really dig to get it... I suspect it relates to all that was involved in the emergency conversion from the old version, so it may just be "what it is"...

[Neo]

Rather than BPA I say draft the player who will help us the most. For example if the best player is a QB or RB we either trade back (1st option) or pick a player at a position we need.

I have no problem with what you're saying. If we can trade back and still get a starter 20 spots later or whatever, win-win.

I guarantee QB or RB won't be the BPA at #34 though. So many QBs get inflated into the first round just because they're so valuable to those teams who don't have one. And RB is just the opposite right now, very undervalued. You might not see a RB drafted until the third round this year.

NFL Network was talking about that a little the other day as well; saying the league is becoming so pass/undervaluing RBs.

Been hearing our name & the RB Archer (I think that's his name) a lot lately

[riggofan]

NFL Network was talking about that a little the other day as well; saying the league is becoming so pass/undervaluing RBs.

Been hearing our name & the RB Archer (I think that's his name) a lot lately

Yeah lots of talk about Gruden maybe being interested in a pass catching RB. That sort of makes me wonder what's wrong with Helu? Its just chatter of course.

[Deadskins]

And Alfred looked pretty good catching the ball at the Pro-Bowl.