Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 1:17 pm
Where's the love for the Skins?
05/27/09 3:48 PM EDT
The Redskins love to fancy themselves a certain way, trotting out Super Bowl trophies for news conferences (after removing the 18 years of dust, of course), talking about things like Redskins grades for draft picks.
That's their reality.
Then there's that of others, who naturally view a franchise that hasn't won more than 10 games in 18 years in a different way.
Look at a couple offseason ratings of players by position. The Redskins don't rate highly. In some cases the ratings are comical. In other cases they're telling.
Take one that appeared on Sports Illustrated's Web site Tuesday, ranking the backfields of all 32 teams. Washington, with Jason Campbell and Clinton Portis, checked in at 26th.
Behind Denver with Kyle Orton and a rookie running back. Behind Tampa Bay with Byron Leftwich and anybody. Behind San Francisco with Shaun Hill and Frank Gore. Behind three unproven New York Jets quarterbacks and Thomas Jones.
Campbell isn't a Pro Bowler, but he's closer than Hill, and Campbell's athleticism and arm strength give him more to offer than Leftwich.
But the ratings by Sporting News today, using a team of former NFL scouts is more telling. Only one Redskin rated in the top five at their position -- defensive tackle Albert Hayneworth was considered the top player at his spot.
Other than that, a lot of low numbers. Portis was the sixth-rated running back; Chrisey the eight-rated tight end; DeAngelo Hall was the No. 8 corner; Chris Samuels the 10th-rated tackle.
And those are the Pro Bowlers.
You can argue with
And a few other surprises: fullback Mike Sellers was not included among the top 10 at his position. That's because he's viewed as one-dimensional and, though tough, not the smartest of players.
There were no defensive ends in the top 20 nor any outside linebackers. London Fletcher was the 14th-ranked inside linebacker, which is about right considering the rise of the 3-4 and the fact that he's slowing down.
Others ranked: quarterback Campbell (18th), safety LaRon Landry (16th) and guard Derrick Dockery (19th).
All of this means nothing. But, for now, it does say a lot.
