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

Redskins.com wrote:The Redskins have released wide receivers Mike Espy and Steven Harris, the team has announced on Monday.

Espy was set to assume a more prominent role on the Redskins' offense last year when he suffered a knee injury in preseason. He was placed on injured reserve following surgery, ending his season.

An undrafted rookie pickup in 2006, Espy spent time on the Redskins' practice squad that year before being promoted to the 53-man roster midseason. He saw action in one game.

Harris had suffered a knee ligament during a 2007 mini-camp practice. He was placed on injured reserve following surgery.

Harris spent the 2005-06 seasons on the Redskins' practice squad. He was originally signed by the Redskins as an undrafted rookie in 2005.

SkinsFreak wrote:If this was posted already, sorry, I missed it.

Redskins.com wrote:The Redskins have released wide receivers Mike Espy and Steven Harris, the team has announced on Monday.

Espy was set to assume a more prominent role on the Redskins' offense last year when he suffered a knee injury in preseason. He was placed on injured reserve following surgery, ending his season.

An undrafted rookie pickup in 2006, Espy spent time on the Redskins' practice squad that year before being promoted to the 53-man roster midseason. He saw action in one game.

Harris had suffered a knee ligament during a 2007 mini-camp practice. He was placed on injured reserve following surgery.

Harris spent the 2005-06 seasons on the Redskins' practice squad. He was originally signed by the Redskins as an undrafted rookie in 2005.

I thought Espy might turn into something. His injury was disastrous. I hope another team gives him a shot.

If my numbers are right and I haven't forgotten anyone, that leaves only 7 WR's signed to our current roster. Three of those are Billy McMullen, Maurice Mann and Burl Toler. McMullen hasn't played since 2006 and Toler and Mann were undrafted free agents and have never played a down in the NFL. I have to think it will be tough for those guys to make the team. That only leaves Thrash, Mix, Moss and ARE.

That leads me to believe two things; the Skins will try to re-sign Caldwell and will either trade for or draft a receiver.

Jake wrote:Espy had so much potential. I was hoping the team would give him at least one more year.

Jake wrote:Espy had so much potential. I was hoping the team would give him at least one more year.

Chris Luva Luva wrote:

Jake wrote:Espy had so much potential. I was hoping the team would give him at least one more year.

I knew I'd find you in here.

1. I'm shocked you didn't break the news to the forum.
2. I'm shocked that you weren't the 1st to reply.


As far as this thread is concerned, Espy was never going to make the starting lineup anyway.

yupchagee wrote:

SkinsFreak wrote:If this was posted already, sorry, I missed it.

Redskins.com wrote:The Redskins have released wide receivers Mike Espy and Steven Harris, the team has announced on Monday.

Espy was set to assume a more prominent role on the Redskins' offense last year when he suffered a knee injury in preseason. He was placed on injured reserve following surgery, ending his season.

An undrafted rookie pickup in 2006, Espy spent time on the Redskins' practice squad that year before being promoted to the 53-man roster midseason. He saw action in one game.

Harris had suffered a knee ligament during a 2007 mini-camp practice. He was placed on injured reserve following surgery.

Harris spent the 2005-06 seasons on the Redskins' practice squad. He was originally signed by the Redskins as an undrafted rookie in 2005.

I thought Espy might turn into something. His injury was disastrous. I hope another team gives him a shot.

If my numbers are right and I haven't forgotten anyone, that leaves only 7 WR's signed to our current roster. Three of those are Billy McMullen, Maurice Mann and Burl Toler. McMullen hasn't played since 2006 and Toler and Mann were undrafted free agents and have never played a down in the NFL. I have to think it will be tough for those guys to make the team. That only leaves Thrash, Mix, Moss and ARE.

That leads me to believe two things; the Skins will try to re-sign Caldwell and will either trade for or draft a receiver.

I also had hopes for Espy. He looked good in preseason. I agree that this is more evidence that we will go after a WR in the 1st rnd or in a trade.

yupchagee wrote:I also had hopes for Espy. He looked good in preseason. I agree that this is more evidence that we will go after a WR in the 1st rnd or in a trade.

skinsfan#33 wrote:God I hope not!

Brandon Albert, OG, UVA. He can play OG, OT and maybe even C.

There are almost no WR worthy of a 1st round pick in this draft and lots of 2nd round talent.

I just hope we pick the best available player, but I hope that player is Albert.

skinsfan#33 wrote:

yupchagee wrote:

SkinsFreak wrote:If this was posted already, sorry, I missed it.

Redskins.com wrote:The Redskins have released wide receivers Mike Espy and Steven Harris, the team has announced on Monday.

Espy was set to assume a more prominent role on the Redskins' offense last year when he suffered a knee injury in preseason. He was placed on injured reserve following surgery, ending his season.

An undrafted rookie pickup in 2006, Espy spent time on the Redskins' practice squad that year before being promoted to the 53-man roster midseason. He saw action in one game.

Harris had suffered a knee ligament during a 2007 mini-camp practice. He was placed on injured reserve following surgery.

Harris spent the 2005-06 seasons on the Redskins' practice squad. He was originally signed by the Redskins as an undrafted rookie in 2005.

I thought Espy might turn into something. His injury was disastrous. I hope another team gives him a shot.

If my numbers are right and I haven't forgotten anyone, that leaves only 7 WR's signed to our current roster. Three of those are Billy McMullen, Maurice Mann and Burl Toler. McMullen hasn't played since 2006 and Toler and Mann were undrafted free agents and have never played a down in the NFL. I have to think it will be tough for those guys to make the team. That only leaves Thrash, Mix, Moss and ARE.

That leads me to believe two things; the Skins will try to re-sign Caldwell and will either trade for or draft a receiver.

I also had hopes for Espy. He looked good in preseason. I agree that this is more evidence that we will go after a WR in the 1st rnd or in a trade.

God I hope not!

Brandon Albert, OG, UVA. He can play OG, OT and maybe even C.

There are almost no WR worthy of a 1st round pick in this draft and lots of 2nd round talent.

I just hope we pick the best available player, but I hope that player is Albert.

yupchagee wrote:Most analysts disagree with you about WR talent in the 1st rnd. We need a starter there. It makes sense for us.

SkinsFreak wrote:

skinsfan#33 wrote:God I hope not!

Brandon Albert, OG, UVA. He can play OG, OT and maybe even C.

There are almost no WR worthy of a 1st round pick in this draft and lots of 2nd round talent.

I just hope we pick the best available player, but I hope that player is Albert.

This is just an opinion and I realize everyone thinks differently.

In the 1st round, I come from the school of thought that you take the best player available, although it must fill a position of need to some degree. For example, they had no intention of drafting Adrian Peterson last year because RB was not a need for us.

I also think, with the type and size of contracts to be paid to 1st round picks, with the exception for QB's, in most cases, you'd expect a 1st rounder to be a contributor in his rookie season. Paying a player huge money to sit on the bench seems like a waste.

We already have starters all the way across the offensive line and all are paid quite handsomely. Drafting an OG in the 1st would most likely means he would sit his first year. The only way an OG makes the field, would be a result of an injury, which you hope doesn't happen. I understand we lost a few o-line guys last year, but all are expected to return fully healthy this year. I absolutely agree we need depth on the o-line, but not starters, at least for now. Therefore, there will be a plethora of o-line guys available for the taking in the mid rounds. Our patched o-line held their ground last year and Buges did an outstanding job. Again, I agree we need depth.

For the Skins, a DE, WR, CB, or a S would get a chance to play quite a bit this year and perhaps even earn a starting role. The release of Espy and Harris means we are quite thin at the WR position. And even if Mix turns out to be a starter, that still only leaves us with 4 starters and Thrash, a solid contributor and ST'er, but a #5 receiver at best. And many of you have previously argued that ARE is mediocre or extremely average. (Although, I believe ARE in the slot will terrorize nickel backs.)

A stud WR or DE could start from day one, and for the money these 1st rounders will make, to me, it seems far more logical to draft someone in the 1st that will contribute, and not by way or means of default, such as an injury. If no one gets injured, you've just spent huge money for someone to spend his time sitting.

Wide Receiver Position Remains a Focus
By Gary Fitzgerald
Redskins.com
March 18, 2008

Free agency is in the middle of its third week, and the Redskins remain quiet.

Don't expect any action anytime soon, either.

The Redskins continue to focus on the NFL Draft, scheduled for April 26-27.

"If something comes up [in free agency], we'll run it down," head coach Jim Zorn said on Tuesday. "There isn't anyone that I'm hot after. There's nothing on the hot list."

Since free agency started Feb. 29, the Redskins have had just one free agent visit: wide receiver D.J. Hackett.

Hackett, who played for Zorn in Seattle from 2004-07, visited Redskins Park on March 13, but left town and moved on to scheduled visits with Tampa Bay and Carolina.

Hackett ended up signing a 2-year deal with Carolina on Monday.

Zorn was asked if he was disappointed to lose Hackett.

"I'm excited for D.J. just because I know him and he's a good receiver," he said. "He's off and running now and he has himself an opportunity. He looked at all of the situations and took the one that was best for him."

Wide receiver remains an off-season need, Zorn said.

It appears the Redskins will look toward the draft to find one.

Oklahoma's Malcolm Kelly, Texas's Limas Sweed, California's DeSean Jackson, Florida's Andre Caldwell, and Michigan State's Devin Thomas are some of the top prospects.

The team has made a contract offer to Reche Caldwell, who caught 15 passes for the Redskins last year. Caldwell, older brother to Andre, remains a free agent, however.

With off-season workouts underway this week, Zorn has been getting his first look at many players. Until now, he has spoken to many players only by telephone.

In discussing wide receivers, Zorn mentioned Anthony Mix, the 6-5, 235-pound second-year player out of Auburn.

"Wow, he's a big receiver," Zorn said. "He's going to get an opportunity."

Added Zorn: "I'm just getting to know many of the players now. This is the early part of workouts. This is the first time I actually get to see them, try to put a name with a face, and see what I have to work with."

Overall, Zorn said he was "comfortable" with the Redskins roster as it stands right now. That echoed comments from executive vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato in recent weeks.

The Redskins are coming off a 9-7 season that earned them a Wild Card playoff berth.

SkinsFreak wrote:

skinsfan#33 wrote:God I hope not!

Brandon Albert, OG, UVA. He can play OG, OT and maybe even C.

There are almost no WR worthy of a 1st round pick in this draft and lots of 2nd round talent.

I just hope we pick the best available player, but I hope that player is Albert.

This is just an opinion and I realize everyone thinks differently.

In the 1st round, I come from the school of thought that you take the best player available, although it must fill a position of need to some degree. For example, they had no intention of drafting Adrian Peterson last year because RB was not a need for us.

I also think, with the type and size of contracts to be paid to 1st round picks, with the exception for QB's, in most cases, you'd expect a 1st rounder to be a contributor in his rookie season. Paying a player huge money to sit on the bench seems like a waste.

We already have starters all the way across the offensive line and all are paid quite handsomely. Drafting an OG in the 1st would most likely means he would sit his first year. The only way an OG makes the field, would be a result of an injury, which you hope doesn't happen. I understand we lost a few o-line guys last year, but all are expected to return fully healthy this year. I absolutely agree we need depth on the o-line, but not starters, at least for now. Therefore, there will be a plethora of o-line guys available for the taking in the mid rounds. Our patched o-line held their ground last year and Buges did an outstanding job. Again, I agree we need depth.

For the Skins, a DE, WR, CB, or a S would get a chance to play quite a bit this year and perhaps even earn a starting role. The release of Espy and Harris means we are quite thin at the WR position. And even if Mix turns out to be a starter, that still only leaves us with 4 starters and Thrash, a solid contributor and ST'er, but a #5 receiver at best. And many of you have previously argued that ARE is mediocre or extremely average. (Although, I believe ARE in the slot will terrorize nickel backs.)

A stud WR or DE could start from day one, and for the money these 1st rounders will make, to me, it seems far more logical to draft someone in the 1st that will contribute, and not by way or means of default, such as an injury. If no one gets injured, you've just spent huge money for someone to spend his time sitting.

skinsfan#33 wrote:

SkinsFreak wrote:

skinsfan#33 wrote:God I hope not!

Brandon Albert, OG, UVA. He can play OG, OT and maybe even C.

There are almost no WR worthy of a 1st round pick in this draft and lots of 2nd round talent.

I just hope we pick the best available player, but I hope that player is Albert.

This is just an opinion and I realize everyone thinks differently.

In the 1st round, I come from the school of thought that you take the best player available, although it must fill a position of need to some degree. For example, they had no intention of drafting Adrian Peterson last year because RB was not a need for us.

I also think, with the type and size of contracts to be paid to 1st round picks, with the exception for QB's, in most cases, you'd expect a 1st rounder to be a contributor in his rookie season. Paying a player huge money to sit on the bench seems like a waste.

We already have starters all the way across the offensive line and all are paid quite handsomely. Drafting an OG in the 1st would most likely means he would sit his first year. The only way an OG makes the field, would be a result of an injury, which you hope doesn't happen. I understand we lost a few o-line guys last year, but all are expected to return fully healthy this year. I absolutely agree we need depth on the o-line, but not starters, at least for now. Therefore, there will be a plethora of o-line guys available for the taking in the mid rounds. Our patched o-line held their ground last year and Buges did an outstanding job. Again, I agree we need depth.

For the Skins, a DE, WR, CB, or a S would get a chance to play quite a bit this year and perhaps even earn a starting role. The release of Espy and Harris means we are quite thin at the WR position. And even if Mix turns out to be a starter, that still only leaves us with 4 starters and Thrash, a solid contributor and ST'er, but a #5 receiver at best. And many of you have previously argued that ARE is mediocre or extremely average. (Although, I believe ARE in the slot will terrorize nickel backs.)

A stud WR or DE could start from day one, and for the money these 1st rounders will make, to me, it seems far more logical to draft someone in the 1st that will contribute, and not by way or means of default, such as an injury. If no one gets injured, you've just spent huge money for someone to spend his time sitting.

We need a starting LG. Kendal is not starting caliber any longer and that is why the Jets traded him - he was going to be a backup on their team and should be one on ours. Don't get me wrong - we needed him when they traded for him, but his play proved why he was going to be a back up.

VetSkinsFan wrote:

skinsfan#33 wrote:
We need a starting LG. Kendal is not starting caliber any longer and that is why the Jets traded him - he was going to be a backup on their team and should be one on ours. Don't get me wrong - we needed him when they traded for him, but his play proved why he was going to be a back up.

I thought he did pretty well last year. Not pro-bowl, but he held his own, which was more than we had BEFORE the trade. You also have to take into account that we ran predominantly to his side, so the defense reacted accordingly, with extra guys. I wouldn't really hold the decimation (and adaptation from) the right side against the left side.

SkinsFreak wrote:

VetSkinsFan wrote:

skinsfan#33 wrote:
We need a starting LG. Kendal is not starting caliber any longer and that is why the Jets traded him - he was going to be a backup on their team and should be one on ours. Don't get me wrong - we needed him when they traded for him, but his play proved why he was going to be a back up.

I thought he did pretty well last year. Not pro-bowl, but he held his own, which was more than we had BEFORE the trade. You also have to take into account that we ran predominantly to his side, so the defense reacted accordingly, with extra guys. I wouldn't really hold the decimation (and adaptation from) the right side against the left side.

You're right, VetSkinsFan. For as late as Kendall arrived, having to learn a new system, and with the injuries to the right side of the line, as you pointed out, Kendall played very well considering the circumstances. To suggest Kendall is not starting caliber and the reason the Jets traded him is inaccurate. Kendall was in a contract dispute with the Jets and asked to be traded. It was reported many inside the Jets organization and many Jets fans were disappointed the Jets FO did not settle the dispute.

Most are in agreement the Skins need depth on the o-line and need to start adding and grooming younger guys for the future. But to single out Kendall for the lines struggles last year is disingenuous.

skinsfan#33 wrote:

SkinsFreak wrote:

VetSkinsFan wrote:

skinsfan#33 wrote:
We need a starting LG. Kendal is not starting caliber any longer and that is why the Jets traded him - he was going to be a backup on their team and should be one on ours. Don't get me wrong - we needed him when they traded for him, but his play proved why he was going to be a back up.

I thought he did pretty well last year. Not pro-bowl, but he held his own, which was more than we had BEFORE the trade. You also have to take into account that we ran predominantly to his side, so the defense reacted accordingly, with extra guys. I wouldn't really hold the decimation (and adaptation from) the right side against the left side.

You're right, VetSkinsFan. For as late as Kendall arrived, having to learn a new system, and with the injuries to the right side of the line, as you pointed out, Kendall played very well considering the circumstances. To suggest Kendall is not starting caliber and the reason the Jets traded him is inaccurate. Kendall was in a contract dispute with the Jets and asked to be traded. It was reported many inside the Jets organization and many Jets fans were disappointed the Jets FO did not settle the dispute.

Most are in agreement the Skins need depth on the o-line and need to start adding and grooming younger guys for the future. But to single out Kendall for the lines struggles last year is disingenuous.

I agree that he was better than any other option we had when we traded for him and with the fact that always running to his side hurt his performance, because the D knew where the play was going. He performed OK, I wouldn't say well. He absolutely can not pull. How many times did Portis have to wait because Kendal was asked to pull and was 2-4 yards behind the line when Portis needed him out leading the play.

If Randy Thomas goes down again our running game will go to he11 again. We just don't have another OG that can pull when RT goes down.

Brandon Alberts is a beast and can most definitely pull. He can also play almost every position on the line. I just think he would help this team more than any WR in the draft and possibly more than any DL that will be available at 21.

If RT stays healthy and we don't lose anyone else on the line, then Kendal would be OK, but if RT goes down, we're screwed. Are running game will go to pot, like it always does when RT goes down and then the passing will take a hit without any running game.

It all starts up front and we need a OG to start (not as a backup) and we need a pass rushing DL. Either one I will be fine with. We also need a depth at CB and someone to push for a starting spot at SS.

WR can be filled after that!

We need to start grooming young players NOW. We also need a starting WR & a pass rushing DL as our top 3 priorities.

CanesSkins26 wrote:

We need to start grooming young players NOW. We also need a starting WR & a pass rushing DL as our top 3 priorities.

I agree with those being our top priorities. I would rank them as 1a. WR, 1b. Dline, 2. interior oline. Offensive line is very important, but at least for this season we have a full complement of starters. At dline and wide receiver we need starters for this season, not just depth. With the compensatory draft picks we should be able to draft some offensive linemen in the 3rd round if we can take care of wr and dline in the first and second rounds.

I feel much more comfortable at WR than I do at OG.