#Redskins 2013 #NFL #Draft Recap!

Even without a first round pick, the Redskins managed to pick up several quality players that not only fit the system but filled a need while still being near or top of the board when they were picked.

Here are the 2013 Redskins Draft Choices:

Round 2 - David Amerson - CB (NC State) - Though still under some teams radar, Amerson has the speed, size and skills to perform well in the NFL and really, was probably the best-fit CB left by the time the Redskins picked, late in the 2nd round.  Measuring 6'1", he has the ideal size match up against larger WRs in the NFL.  At the Combine, he ran a 4.44 officially, though several clocks stopped around 4.37.  Add Amerson's speed and physical play, and he is a great fit for this defense.  Amerson has the opportunity to work himself into a strong starting role, but will not have the immediate pressure to do so...the perfect environment to bring a young DB along.

 Round 3 - Jordan Reed - TE (Florida) - I was shocked to see the Redskins pick a TE so early, but after watching some tape on this guy, I know why...he is a match-up nightmare.  This 6'2" 236lb TE is the kind of tight end wreaking havoc in secondaries in the NFL.  His style, size, speed, and hands reminds me of Aaron Hernandez.  He is a route running, pass-catching tight end who can line up just about anywhere, be used in motion, or even out of the back field.  It is nice to have some insurance behind Fred Davis with pass-catching and field stretching skills.

Round 4 - Phillip Thomas - FS/SS (Fresno State) - At this point, I was ready to jump up and down for any safety they would pick, but this guy is actually worth jumping around about!  Had he not missed 2011 with a broken leg and ankle, he likely would have played his way well into the first two rounds.  He has great ball skills and instincts for playing either safety position.  He had 8 picks last season for Fresno State.  Measuring 6'0" and 208lbs, he has ample size for either safety position.  Needless to say, this guy will get plenty of chances to push into a starting role, but will face stiff competition.

Round 5 - Chris Thompson - RB (Florida State) - It would not be a Redskins draft without a few surprising moves, and Thompson was one of them.  Thompson is speedy, crafty running back with great one-cut skills, but lacks the size and durability to be an every down back in the NFL.  Out of high school, he was regarded as one of the most dangerous offensive weapons out of the back field, but after injuring his back 2011 it looked as if his NFL dreams were over.  He worked incredibly hard to return to the field in 2012.  Not only did he return, but he had not lost a step and led the Seminoles in rushing, showing improved pass protection.  I think, if he can stay healthy, he will be a nice change-of-pace back.

Round 5 - Brandon Jenkins - DE/OLB (Florida State) - When Jenkins got hurt at the beginning of 2012, it was thought he may decide to Redshirt and return to Florida State to improve his draft stock, but a decent combine work-out and thin class of pass-rushing OLB/DE left his chances good for being drafted.  If Jenkins shows the speed and edge-rush ability he had prior to his injury, he could provide much needed pass-rush depth at OLB in the Redskins 3-4.

Round 6 - Baccari Rambo - SS (Georgia) - This guy was on every Redskin fans radar.  Starting his career on the Georgia practice team, he worked and earned his way to being an important starting piece of that Georgia defense.  This guy moves well, has good size, and is a good tackler.  Besides his defensive play and ability to "clean clocks" and create turnovers, he excels on special teams as well.  Let's not forget his fantastic football name too...it all helps.  He had some early behavior issues, but given the opportunity he has with Washington and the path he forged to get here, my guess is this guy turns into quality starting materials at SS in the coming years.

Round 7 - Jawan Jaminson - RB (Rutgers) - Though not a need position (after draft Thompson), Shanny could not pass on this guy.  Though he lacks blistering speed or bruising size, this guys has a knack for breaking big runs.  He is very versatile, showing good carry skills, pass-catching ability, and pass-blocking ability.  Though likely a developmental project and joins a very crowded and talented backfield, but if he is patient he will get his shot.  I give this guy huge respect for coming out a year early to help financially care for his mom when he could have returned the Rutgers starter.

My Redskin's Draft Grade:  B  (great for no 1st round pick)

I agree with Shanny....we are a much improved and healthier football team....come on football season!

Hail to the Redskins!

Links to the Best #Redskins Pre-Draft Info!

There is a ton of great info out there, collected by fans and sports reporters....here are some great links to get yourself ready for the draft!

For EVERYTHING Redskins, check out Rich Tandler's Real Redskins!
http://www.realredskins.com/


Other great draft reads!

http://bloggingthebeast.com/nfc-east-2013-draft-picks/redskins-2013-draft-picks/

http://www.hogshaven.com/2013/4/10/4208176/redskins-7-round-mock-draft

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1535052-washington-redskins-potential-2013-nfl-draft-radar-bacarri-rambo

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2013/04/22/should-the-redskins-trade-draft-picks-this-year-for-better-ones-next-year/

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/23/team-needs-washington-redskins-3/

The Calm Before the Storm. #HTTR

I have never witnessed such a quiet Redskins off-season.  Cap penalties and a conservative approach has limited the personnel options available to the Redskins Brass, putting more of a focus on the draft.  Most believe that, in the long run, this will greatly benefit the team, despite Commissioner Goodell's unwritten rules and attitude towards the mighty Washington Redskins.

With the draft in mind, I will not bore you with more mock-drafts that will never be, but more a mock-up of where I think we will shop in the draft to fill our needs.  I think this list will come in handy for those hawking every move in the draft, as I will be.  Though I think the idea of picking the "best on the board" will take center stage, there are some needs that will have to be addressed in this draft...here is where I think they will do their shopping.

Round 1 - Sadly, no picks and little hope of moving up....besides, the cost of moving up with defeat the benefit of not over-spending this summer.  Just think, as you watch that first round, of all the work that goes into finding that 1st round pick, that we then could spread out among the other rounds.

Round 2 - FS/SS - I think the consensus across the sports world has us picking a Safety or Corner Back in the 2nd round.  I think the go for FS/SS. I doubt they trade back, but you never know.

Round 3 - CB - Much of this pick depends on the choice made in the 2nd round, but I see them taking a CB in this round.  They could opt for the best OT on the board too, but only if is the best player on the board.

Round 4 - OT - There should be several good developmental OT at this point in the draft, though, they could opt for a G/C too...there are needs across the board, as far as keeping the stable full.

Round 5 - ILB & OLB - The Redskins have two picks in this round, and they need both to count.  Though there are not projected to be many starters this deep in the draft, there will be guys well worth a roster spot, as this draft has fewer stars and lots of role players.  Expect a pair of LB's in this round.

Round 6 - FS/SS/CB - Though I think this pick, along with the 4th & 7th round picks, will be a "best player available  kind of pick, but if they only have chose 1 Safety and 1 CB by now, they will want to add another for sure...and by the 6th round, it is time to act.

Round 7 - Special Teamer - This could end up being a WR, RB, LB, or CB...but there is no doubt, the Redskins would like to add a return man to their game...they also have a hole to fill with the departure of Lorenzo Alexander, who was Pro Bowl special teamer last year.  Though depth at RB seems strong, what fan wouldn't want to see Shanny pick another RB gem in the 7th?


I think the Redskins will also be quite active in signing un-drafted FA's this year, more than ever...so just consider those your late, LATE round picks.  There could be some talent to be found there too...


Hail to the Redskins!

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Welcome back DeAngello Hall!

Glad to announce D-Hall is coming back on a 1 year deal...filling a need left by his departure a month back.  Though he has played many, many years in the league, this guy is still getting better and still only 29 years old.  He played admirably in the Nickle slot and, though a few extreme ups and downs, has played well as a starting CB....combine that with his improved tackling, and you have a pretty good signing.  Also, this guy knows our system...knows the roles of this defense and will not miss a step or play under a learning curve.  The Redskins has done an amazing job holding on to talent while still getting better, with cap issues limiting every action, the front office is on their game.

Good times for fans here in the District....

Hail to the Redskins!

Happy 30th to Sean Taylor #RIP21

In my lifetime, since I began watching football around 13 years old, there were some players that stood out.  True legends of the game.  Barry Sanders, Joe Montana, Art Monk...the list could go on and on....but there was one that was special to me.  Funny how those things work.  Sometimes, a fan is a fan just because.  A cosmic connection of sorts....some familiar understanding of what a fan perceives as the way to play that instantly connects with the mindset of a player and his play on the field.  For me, that connection was with Sean Taylor.  Sure, there have been many hard hitting SS and FS throughout NFL history, but something was different about this guy.  Big, fast and a living, breathing, screaming sledge hammer.  I was his fan starting about a week before the draft.  At that time, I just did not sit still long enough to follow much college sports but always brushed up for draft day.  My brushing around led to me watching some video of Sean Taylor.  "Good God" I said, as I watched him just about knock guys heads off on the field....the explosiveness, natural talent...unmatched in this draft.  "Will the Redskins dare pick him?"....I thought...sure, at the time (much like know) FS/SS was a big need....but there was some character questions that had some teams leaving him alone.  The Redskins took him with the 5th overall pick of the draft.  His first year, though his talent was obvious, he did have some work to do.  Over the next three seasons he grew immensely, while maintaining his natural nose of the ball and aggressive tackling.  I remember his first Pro-Bowl.  He was the only guy playing at full speed.  His hit on Brian Moorman is still my favorite Pro-Bowl moment of all time.  He started the 2007 season with one hell of a head of steam.  Then, I think it was week 10, he hurt his knee.  Serious, but not year ending...at least, most of us thought.  I was at that game, wearing 21.  The special fan gift that day was a cheap sweatband watch...never thought I would cherish that thing.  On November 27, 2007, Sean Taylor was stolen away from us...during an effort to protect his family from thieves, he was fatally shot in the leg.  Soldier...Warrior to the end.  He was, by far, my favorite player....in ANY sport.  A true story of hope, hard work, determination and natural God given gifts at work...plucked from this world far before his prime, at only 24 years old.  As a fan...hell, as a person, I was heart broken.  I had uncles and aunts pass away that did not affect me like Sean Taylor's death did.  To this day, when I need inspiration...I wear 21.  When my wife went in for critical brain surgery, I wore 21.  When the Redskins play any important game, I wear 21.  I suppose, in a way, he is still my favorite player, though some guy name RG3 is kind of growing on me.

Sean Taylor would have been 30 years old today, April 1st, 2013...Happy Birthday Sean.  Miss you, bro.

New #Redskins Training Camp Facility Construction Underway and On Schedule

The new practice facility broke ground only a short time ago, but is well underway and on, or ahead, of schedule.  The Redskins moving training camp to Richmond, VA, brings a much needed tourism boost to summertime in Richmond.  The team is also expected to take some interest and an important roll in the Richmond community as well.

Here is a picture of the progress: