The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

I'm sure this video has been posted elsewhere. reason for putting it here is, if you listen to Zorn describe the offense, he mentions "attachments" to pass routes. He mentions that Holmgren didn't think these "attachments" Zorn implemented resembled the "West Coast" offense at all. Just a small note, but it is an example that labels like "West Coast" offense don't mean all that much. Sure they may be a base description of the style of offense, but THAT and $3.50 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks. To be successful in the NFL, (since every defense has been working ways to stop the WCO since the 80's), you have to INVENT stuff. (like attachments and options to old defunct WCO pass routes that Jerry Rice used to score touchdowns when Dan Snyder was still wearing his Redskins belt buckle to school.

So, I really don't think Zorn, the QB guru, is going to force-feed Campbell a system that doesn't suit him. Hell, I don't think Zorn would have taken the job if he thought JC was ill-suited for this offense.

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d806d5f26

fleetus wrote:I'm sure this video has been posted elsewhere. reason for putting it here is, if you listen to Zorn describe the offense, he mentions "attachments" to pass routes. He mentions that Holmgren didn't think these "attachments" Zorn implemented resembled the "West Coast" offense at all. Just a small note, but it is an example that labels like "West Coast" offense don't mean all that much. Sure they may be a base description of the style of offense, but THAT and $3.50 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks. To be successful in the NFL, (since every defense has been working ways to stop the WCO since the 80's), you have to INVENT stuff. (like attachments and options to old defunct WCO pass routes that Jerry Rice used to score touchdowns when Dan Snyder was still wearing his Redskins belt buckle to school.

So, I really don't think Zorn, the QB guru, is going to force-feed Campbell a system that doesn't suit him. Hell, I don't think Zorn would have taken the job if he thought JC was ill-suited for this offense.

http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d806d5f26

Absolutely agree.

New role for Portis

After studying Clinton Portis on tape during the offseason, Redskins coach Jim Zorn is preparing the seven-year vet for a bigger role in the offense.

Portis, who finished sixth in the league in rushing with 1,262 yards, is spending his offseason training at the team's complex. "We think that he can be a 1,800-yard back this season," assistant head coach/running backs Stump Mitchell said. "Running behind that offensive line, he should average four-and-a-half to five yards per carry."

The Redskins are keeping their blocking schemes intact and believe that continuity will allow Portis to thrive as their feature back. Furthermore, the Redskins are contemplating expanding Portis' role as a receiver after the vet hauled in a career-high 47 passes last season.

"We know that he was productive as a receiver last season, but most of his receptions were of the 'check-down' variety," Mitchell said. "We will see how he runs routes during mini-camps and O.T.As (Organized Team Activities) and determine if we can make him a bigger part of the passing game. He is a complete player with an unbelievable set of skills and we must find a way to maximize his talent."

I think many of us have had the feeling that Portis will explode in this new offense. I'll bet Portis is ecstatic about a potential new role. Should be fun to watch, and quite frankly, I can't wait to see it. I like hearing that Portis is spending his offseason training at the complex. I think this new offense will be rejuvenating for him.

"Running behind that offensive line"

Yeah. . .IF they stay healthy. I'm really proud of what the line accomplished last year given the (Gibbs' favorite word) adversity they faced. However, there was a clear drop off with the loss of Jansen, and an even bigger drop off with the loss of Thomas. It's a big gamble keeping our line 100% the same going into this year.

How much do people expect our running game to change next season? I'm hoping for a more spread out running attack such as what teams like Denver employ, but that article says that we are going to have the same blocking schemes as last season.

CanesSkins26 wrote:How much do people expect our running game to change next season? I'm hoping for a more spread out running attack such as what teams like Denver employ, but that article says that we are going to have the same blocking schemes as last season.

Blocking schemes meaning zone verses man. We went to more zone blocking schemes last year. You can utilize zone blocking from a spread offense or a tight or bunch formation. But regardless, I seriously doubt they would disclose exactly what they intend to do. There's always some level of a bluff with coaches today. I'll wait to see what they actually do. But with 2 former RB coaches and a West Coast head coach, I'm sure they'll get very creative with the running game. I'm not worried in the least. Even with Buges, we should be fine even if we sustain a few injuries. Our running game was still respectable last year, and I see it improving this year.

Even with Buges, we should be fine even if we sustain a few injuries. Our running game was still respectable last year, and I see it improving this year.

I agree it will definitely get better. We might not have as many overall rushing yards as I think we'll be passing more, but I definitely expect it to be more effective (higher yards per carry, more longer runs, etc.).

CanesSkins26 wrote:

Even with Buges, we should be fine even if we sustain a few injuries. Our running game was still respectable last year, and I see it improving this year.

I agree it will definitely get better. We might not have as many overall rushing yards as I think we'll be passing more, but I definitely expect it to be more effective (higher yards per carry, more longer runs, etc.).

Well Stump was talkin about Portis being an 1800 yd back.....

SkinsFreak wrote:

CanesSkins26 wrote:How much do people expect our running game to change next season? I'm hoping for a more spread out running attack such as what teams like Denver employ, but that article says that we are going to have the same blocking schemes as last season.

Blocking schemes meaning zone verses man. We went to more zone blocking schemes last year. You can utilize zone blocking from a spread offense or a tight or bunch formation. But regardless, I seriously doubt they would disclose exactly what they intend to do. There's always some level of a bluff with coaches today. I'll wait to see what they actually do. But with 2 former RB coaches and a West Coast head coach, I'm sure they'll get very creative with the running game. I'm not worried in the least. Even with Buges, we should be fine even if we sustain a few injuries. Our running game was still respectable last year, and I see it improving this year.

I agree! Every team has to expect injuries, this is a part of the game but there are a number of teams each year that have very few (if any) major losses to the team like we had last year. As much as some here like to look on the likelihood of losing 2 or 3 players I think that we will keep our line intact this year and it is the other teams in our division's turn for a rash of O line injuries

I fully expect there to be some problems with our players growing and learning this season but nothing like what the opposing defenses will have in trying to prepare for a team that they have absolutely no game film on.

There is a lot to like and look forward to here - we seem to be managing better and making subtle changes rather than panic moves - we have a number of draft picks and I'm sure there will be some cuts from other teams that we can use - all in all I'm liking what has happened (or NOT happened) this off-season.



I think that Portis will gain well over 1,500 yards and if the passing game is better than the ground game, as expected, we should give a lot of teams a scare this year and I fully expect us to be contending for the top spot in the NFC East next season.

Gibbs left this team as a playoff team and we are going to continue to improve. Last season was not too bad when you consider everything that happened and i look for continued improvement.

The FO has already shown that they have changed their thinking and things are very stable with the team and the organisation for the first time in many, many years.

VetSkinsFan wrote:

CanesSkins26 wrote:

Even with Buges, we should be fine even if we sustain a few injuries. Our running game was still respectable last year, and I see it improving this year.

I agree it will definitely get better. We might not have as many overall rushing yards as I think we'll be passing more, but I definitely expect it to be more effective (higher yards per carry, more longer runs, etc.).

Well Stump was talkin about Portis being an 1800 yd back.....

When he mentioned 1800 yards I assumed he meant combined rushing and receiving, but I could be wrong. Expecting 1,800 rushing yards is ridiculous.

Irn-Bru wrote:"Running behind that offensive line"

Yeah. . .IF they stay healthy. I'm really proud of what the line accomplished last year given the (Gibbs' favorite word) adversity they faced. However, there was a clear drop off with the loss of Jansen, and an even bigger drop off with the loss of Thomas. It's a big gamble keeping our line 100% the same going into this year.

Every team can say the same thing.

CanesSkins26 wrote:

VetSkinsFan wrote:

CanesSkins26 wrote:

Even with Buges, we should be fine even if we sustain a few injuries. Our running game was still respectable last year, and I see it improving this year.

I agree it will definitely get better. We might not have as many overall rushing yards as I think we'll be passing more, but I definitely expect it to be more effective (higher yards per carry, more longer runs, etc.).

Well Stump was talkin about Portis being an 1800 yd back.....

When he mentioned 1800 yards I assumed he meant combined rushing and receiving, but I could be wrong. Expecting 1,800 rushing yards is ridiculous.

I don't think it's ridiculous. Set your standards and goals high, and let your machine strive for them. A good business plan should always set high goals.

1800 yards divided by 16 games = 112.5 yards per game average. That is not impossible but it certainly would require a fully healthy offensive line and a fully healthy running back for the entire season.

GSPODS wrote:1800 yards divided by 16 games = 112.5 yards per game average. That is not impossible but it certainly would require a fully healthy offensive line and a fully healthy running back for the entire season.

ANd it'll require a passing attack that requires the full attention of the defense so that they cannot afford to stick 8 guys in the box.

It won't happen. I'm sure the offense will be competent but let's not jump the gun and set these needlessly high/unprobable expectations of a 1st year offense, coach, play caller, etc. etc..

Chris Luva Luva wrote:

GSPODS wrote:1800 yards divided by 16 games = 112.5 yards per game average. That is not impossible but it certainly would require a fully healthy offensive line and a fully healthy running back for the entire season.

ANd it'll require a passing attack that requires the full attention of the defense so that they cannot afford to stick 8 guys in the box.

It won't happen. I'm sure the offense will be competent but let's not jump the gun and set these needlessly high/unprobable expectations of a 1st year offense, coach, play caller, etc. etc..

I didn't say it. Jim Zorn apparently did. I'd settle for a combined 100 yards rushing per game between Portis, Betts and Sellers, and a combined 200 yards receiving per game. That would be enough to win most games.

1,800 yards rushing for CP is a ridiculous idea. If that's the goal that the Skins are shooting for for him then they have lost their minds. In recent years 6 players have surpassed 1,800 yards or finished just shy of it. Their carries were as follows: 348, 416, 370, 357, 355, 387. There is absolutely no justifiable reason for CP carrying the ball that many times. The one time in his career that he broke 350 carries he spent most of the next season injured. Outside of Tiki Barber in 05 and 06, every other player that has reached 1,800 yards recently either declined considerably the next season or was injured.

LJ got hurt this past season after rushing 416 times in 2006. LT's numbers dropped across the board this year and he got injured after 1815 yards in 06. Shaun Alexander has been injured and ineffective since going for over 1880 in 2005. Jamal Lewis went for over 2000 in 2003. The next season he was injured and his rushing total dropped by 1000 yards. Ahman Green gained 1,800 yards in 2003 also. Since then he hasn't played a full season.

Since joining the Skins CP has had carry totals of 343, 352, 127 (injured), and 325. In Denver he never even reached 300 in a season yet was more effective. There really is no reason to be putting that kind of pounding on CP.

CanesSkins26 wrote:1,800 yards rushing for CP is a ridiculous idea. If that's the goal that the Skins are shooting for for him then they have lost their minds. In recent years 6 players have surpassed 1,800 yards or finished just shy of it. Their carries were as follows: 348, 416, 370, 357, 355, 387. There is absolutely no justifiable reason for CP carrying the ball that many times. The one time in his career that he broke 350 carries he spent most of the next season injured. Outside of Tiki Barber in 05 and 06, every other player that has reached 1,800 yards recently either declined considerably the next season or was injured.

LJ got hurt this past season after rushing 416 times in 2006. LT's numbers dropped across the board this year and he got injured after 1815 yards in 06. Shaun Alexander has been injured and ineffective since going for over 1880 in 2005. Jamal Lewis went for over 2000 in 2003. The next season he was injured and his rushing total dropped by 1000 yards. Ahman Green gained 1,800 yards in 2003 also. Since then he hasn't played a full season.

Since joining the Skins CP has had carry totals of 343, 352, 127 (injured), and 325. In Denver he never even reached 300 in a season yet was more effective. There really is no reason to be putting that kind of pounding on CP.

1800 Yds / 4.0 YPC = 450 rushing attempts.
1800 Yds / 5.0 YPC = 360 rushing attempts.
1800 Yds / 6.0 YPC = 300 rushing attempts.

So, if Portis averages six yards per rushing attempt, he can reach 1800 yards and carry the ball fewer times than he usually does per season.

Again, I didn't say anything about 1800 yards. Jim Zorn did.
I would assume he meant 1800 yards rushing and receiving.

GSPODS wrote:

CanesSkins26 wrote:1,800 yards rushing for CP is a ridiculous idea. If that's the goal that the Skins are shooting for for him then they have lost their minds. In recent years 6 players have surpassed 1,800 yards or finished just shy of it. Their carries were as follows: 348, 416, 370, 357, 355, 387. There is absolutely no justifiable reason for CP carrying the ball that many times. The one time in his career that he broke 350 carries he spent most of the next season injured. Outside of Tiki Barber in 05 and 06, every other player that has reached 1,800 yards recently either declined considerably the next season or was injured.

LJ got hurt this past season after rushing 416 times in 2006. LT's numbers dropped across the board this year and he got injured after 1815 yards in 06. Shaun Alexander has been injured and ineffective since going for over 1880 in 2005. Jamal Lewis went for over 2000 in 2003. The next season he was injured and his rushing total dropped by 1000 yards. Ahman Green gained 1,800 yards in 2003 also. Since then he hasn't played a full season.

Since joining the Skins CP has had carry totals of 343, 352, 127 (injured), and 325. In Denver he never even reached 300 in a season yet was more effective. There really is no reason to be putting that kind of pounding on CP.

1800 Yds / 4.0 YPC = 450 rushing attempts.
1800 Yds / 5.0 YPC = 360 rushing attempts.
1800 Yds / 6.0 YPC = 300 rushing attempts.

So, if Portis averages six yards per rushing attempt, he can reach 1800 yards and carry the ball fewer times than he usually does per season.

Again, I didn't say anything about 1800 yards. Jim Zorn did.
I would assume he meant 1800 yards rushing and receiving.

6 yards per carry over 300 carries is damn near impossible. Even 5 yards per carry is tough when you are rushing 300 or more times. Looking back over the last couple of years, the majority of guys rushing over 300 times where averaging around 4 yards per carry. LT had 5.2 once and Tiki had 5.1, but that's about the best that you can expect out of a guy carrying the ball that many times.

CanesSkins26 wrote:6 yards per carry over 300 carries is damn near impossible. Even 5 yards per carry is tough when you are rushing 300 or more times. Looking back over the last couple of years, the majority of guys rushing over 300 times where averaging around 4 yards per carry. LT had 5.2 once and Tiki had 5.1, but that's about the best that you can expect out of a guy carrying the ball that many times.

Adrian Peterson averaged 5.6 YPC last season. That is the highest YPC I've seen this millenium from a #1 running back with over 200 attempts.
So, all Zorn expects is for Portis to be the greatest single-season rusher in NFL history. The man seems to set high standards.

It was Stump Mitchell that said it, not Zorn. Maybe he did mean rushing and receiving combined, since the article was about a bigger receiving role for Portis. Speculating or forecasting yards is irrelevant to me. We all know Portis can be more productive in this type of offense.

As Chris pointed out, a stronger passing attack will keep defenses from stacking 8 guys in the box all the time, as they did when Gibbs was at the helm. Everyone knew Gibbs was going to run the ball and defenses were just waiting for it. Zorn's version of the West Coast system will keep defenses honest and will open up lanes for Portis.

1400, 1600, 1800... who cares. Portis appears to be extremely motivated, as he is at the complex working out, and the coaches seem to want to increase his role. That's all I need to hear.

SkinsFreak wrote:It was Stump Mitchell that said it, not Zorn. Maybe he did mean rushing and receiving combined, since the article was about a bigger receiving role for Portis. Speculating or forecasting yards is irrelevant to me. We all know Portis can be more productive in this type of offense.

As Chris pointed out, a stronger passing attack will keep defenses from stacking 8 guys in the box all the time, as they did when Gibbs was at the helm. Everyone knew Gibbs was going to run the ball and defenses were just waiting for it. Zorn's version of the West Coast system will keep defenses honest and will open up lanes for Portis.

1400, 1600, 1800... who cares. Portis appears to be extremely motivated, as he is at the complex working out, and the coaches seem to want to increase his role. That's all I need to hear.

That's the thing - some want to look forward to all the possibilities and some want to point out all the reasons the "possibilities" cannot possibly be attained - there are 1000 reasons why we "cannot" achieve any success and all are based on the past failures - there are a few positives and all are based on the "possibilities" - I'm kind of looking forward to it unfolding and this team being a lot more successful than they have been - mainly because of what they will do and a "can do" attitude AND not because of what they have been doing

Realistic Goals for the Redskins in 2008:

OFFENSE
235 passing yards per game.
120 rushing yards per game.
350 total yards per game.
25 points per game.

DEFENSE
Under 200 yards passing per game.
Under 100 yards rushing per game.
Under 300 yards total offense per game.
Under 20 points per game.
2.5 sacks per game.
1.5 interceptions per game.

What the Skins did in 2007:

OFFENSE
216.4 passing yards per game.
116.9 rushing yards per game.
333.4 total yards per game.
20.9 points per game.

DEFENSE
214 yards passing per game.
91.2 yards rushing per game.
305.2 yards total offense per game.
19.4 points per game.
2.0 sacks per game.
0.87 interceptions per game.

Achieving the 2008 goals listed would place the Redskins in the top 10 in every offensive and defensive category. From the 2007 stats above, the Redskins met or exceeded these goal numbers in several areas last season, and were not far off target in other areas.

Based solely upon these statistics, the single greatest team weakness last season was passing defense, not passing offense.

For those thinking a pass rushing defensive end is critical, a total of 48 sacks last season, which is 1 sack per game more than the Redskins total of 33, would have put the Skins #2 behind only the Giants.

For those thinking a cornerback is a necessity, the Redskins 2007 interception total of 14 was tied for 23rd and only three INT's more than the worst teams statistically.

For those thinking the Redskins "have to" draft for, or trade for a wide receiver, the Skins were 14th in receiving yards per game last season, and only 30 yards per game out of the top 10. We all know who was lining up at receiver last season. To be in the top half of the league with changes at both the QB and multiple WR positions is impressive.

On statistics, this Redskins team is close to being a serious contender once again. This is much more positive than the usual "on paper the Redskins look like the team to beat every year, until the season starts."

What are everyone's thoughts?
Are statistics for baseball?
Do any of these numbers even matter?

I'm one who thinks that there is too much emphasis placed on "stats" in football and I feel that is primarily because the sports fan in the US has this almost force fed to them every time a media type wants to present his case. Stistics can be used and twisted so many ways to make a "case" for almost anything. That being said there are certain "stats" that can and should be "used" and can be helpful as long as the full "evidence" is understood and presented. Unfortunately if there are stats available that "make" your case then the stats that disprove that same "theory", in most cases, are not presented.

IMO stats are primarily a baseball pre-requisite but are not as important in most cases to the NFL.

I was not brought up following stats driven sports as so many here were so I look at these "numbers" a little differently.

I do know that at the end of last season we were playing pretty good football and were a better team than the team that won the Super Bowl. That being said the Giants were not the best team at the end of the season by a long shot. They were not in the top 5 in the NFC and IMO not top 10 in the NFL BUT they won the Super Bowl.

I do know that we need to get a WR that suits that #2 type better BUT I'm hoping we can help our pass defense as more of a priority. We need some help and depth at many positions but in my opinion I'm hoping we can help the pass rush and secondary be a lot more effective.

We all know we have to be able to run the football and stop the run to be good these days BUT you have to be able to pass and defend the pass too.


We seem to be handling this off season better as far as the FO decisions are concerned BUT there also was not a lot of "talent" available really - this draft and next year's draft will solidify our team for a long time to come. We are not going to be able to add all the pieces this year but we should be able to do that in 2 drafts, providing we "find" or locate those players that help make our team better not just "better on paper"!

We need to do very well with this draft and that is all on Cerrato's "team" of both college scouts and who becomes available with the June cuts that can help this team.

HAIL

SkinsJock wrote:I'm hoping we can help our pass defense as more of a priority. We need some help and depth at many positions but in my opinion I'm hoping we can help the pass rush and secondary be a lot more effective.

The stats do seem to bear out that pass defense is more of a priority than a wide receiver is. Stats can be manipulated to prove any point, you are correct. That is why I attempted to include both the positive and the negative stats from both the offense and defense equally.

The stats show that the Redskins only need an additonal 30 passing yards per game to be in the top 10 in the league. The stats show the Redskins need one additional sack per game to be in the top 10 in the league. The stats show the Redskins need to give up 15 less passing yards per game to be in the top 10 in the league. The stats show the Redskins need one more interception per game to be in the top 10 in the league.

So, the question is whether or not Vinny Cerrato and company pay any attention to stats to determine which position is a priority. Would more offense win more games? The Redskins need another six points per game to be in the top 10 in the league. Or would a better pass rush improve the passing defense? Or would simply having two healthy cornerbacks and two healthy safeties improve the pass defense enough?

If the Skins draft a wide receiver, that receiver would need to have four receptions per game at eight yards per reception with no drop off from the other receivers to add that 30 yards receiving per game. There are several receivers in the draft who would fill this requirement. Keenan McCardell was drafted by the Skins at #326 in the 12th round.

If the Redskins draft a defensive end, that defensive end would have to combine with Andre Carter for 25 sacks to be in the top 10 in the league, with no drop off in sacks from the other defensive players. This player won't likely be available when the Redskins are at the podium. Anyone remember Greg Scott, Delbert Cowsette, Kelvin Kinney, Rich Owens, Dexter Nottage, Sterling Palmer, Shane Collins? Kenard Lang was the only solid defensive end drafted by the Skins since 1990 and he was a first round selection at #17. While undoubtedly a need with Phillip Daniels nearing retirement, this does not appear to be a safe draft selection position.

If the Redskins draft a cornerback, that cornerback would have to hold the opposing receiver to under 50 receiving yards per game and average one interception per game to bring the Redskins passing defense into the top 10 in the league. This is hit or miss. The last cornerback the SKins drafted was Andre Lott in the fifth round in 2002. Fred Smoot was drafted by the Skins at #45 in the second round. Barry Wilburn was drafted by the Skins at #219 in the eighth round.

If the Redskins draft a safety, that safety would have to either play strong side run defense with no letdown in the Redskins top five rushing defense, which is the likely scenario, or would have to have equal or better speed and equal or better hitting and tackling skills than LaRon Landry. This player is not available, and anyone trying to convince themself or anyone else that Kenny Phillips is that player is fooling themself. There was, is, and ever shall be only one Sean Taylor, world without end, Amen. No one could live up to replacing that much talent, Reed Doughty or otherwise. So, is Doughty that bad? Or is it just that he isn't Sean Taylor and any player would be a drop off?

These decisions are why General Managers make the "big bucks."
My question is: What do THN members think of how the stats bear out the needs? Is passing more important than stopping the pass? Does defense still win Championships? The Giants made one hell of a case for defense over offense. The Patriots perfect record and ridiculous points-per-game average didn't win the brass ring.

GSPODS wrote:Realistic Goals for the Redskins in 2008:

OFFENSE
235 passing yards per game.
120 rushing yards per game.
350 total yards per game.
25 points per game.

DEFENSE
Under 200 yards passing per game.
Under 100 yards rushing per game.
Under 300 yards total offense per game.
Under 20 points per game.
2.5 sacks per game.
1.5 interceptions per game.

What the Skins did in 2007:

OFFENSE
216.4 passing yards per game.
116.9 rushing yards per game.
333.4 total yards per game.
20.9 points per game.

DEFENSE
214 yards passing per game.
91.2 yards rushing per game.
305.2 yards total offense per game.
19.4 points per game.
2.0 sacks per game.
0.87 interceptions per game.

Achieving the 2008 goals listed would place the Redskins in the top 10 in every offensive and defensive category. From the 2007 stats above, the Redskins met or exceeded these goal numbers in several areas last season, and were not far off target in other areas.

Based solely upon these statistics, the single greatest team weakness last season was passing defense, not passing offense.

For those thinking a pass rushing defensive end is critical, a total of 48 sacks last season, which is 1 sack per game more than the Redskins total of 33, would have put the Skins #2 behind only the Giants.

For those thinking a cornerback is a necessity, the Redskins 2007 interception total of 14 was tied for 23rd and only three INT's more than the worst teams statistically.

For those thinking the Redskins "have to" draft for, or trade for a wide receiver, the Skins were 14th in receiving yards per game last season, and only 30 yards per game out of the top 10. We all know who was lining up at receiver last season. To be in the top half of the league with changes at both the QB and multiple WR positions is impressive.

On statistics, this Redskins team is close to being a serious contender once again. This is much more positive than the usual "on paper the Redskins look like the team to beat every year, until the season starts."

What are everyone's thoughts?
Are statistics for baseball?
Do any of these numbers even matter?

Adding 1 sack & 1 int/game is a HUGE goal. Improving the pass rush should impeove the int's, but not vice versa. That's part of why I'm in favor of picking a DE early. There should be some very good DE's available at #21. Most of the DE's you mentioned were late round picks. I think that once Rogers is back in shape, we will be fine at CB. I'm opposed to using a #1 or 2 pick to deal with a temporary problem. Smoot & Springs did well as starters last yr & Torrence did his job as nickel back. I still see the need for starters at WR & DE. interior OL depth is 3rd & S depth is 4th IMHO.