After the theatrics of what is the NFL draft, and with the regular season in jeopardy, one can only hope that a labor agreement gets signed so that team workouts and training camps can get under way on schedule.
This season, Redskin fans should be especially excited, due to the uncharacteristic(ally good) flurry of activity in this year’s NFL draft.
Going into the draft, the Redskins had eight total picks; as the weekend ended, the Skins had drafted 12 players--trading away their own picks to stockpile picks in the later rounds.
The later rounds is where teams strengthen their reserves, create competition in training camps, and maybe even find a Tom Brady (6th round pick in 2000).
Mark the end of April 2011 in your calendars as the weekend where the Redskins tried to shake their poor-drafting image, and make strides in the direction of success.
Trading down from 10th pick to the 16th is an obvious attempt of drafting for needs, not for awe. Instead of falling to the pressure and drafting the "NFL-Ready" quarterback Blaine Gabbert, they realized that while the quarterback situation is a tumultuous one right now, we have QB’s under contract, and one of the bigger issues last season was the defense.
Drafting Ryan Kerrigan, a monstrous defensive player who will fit well into their 3-4 scheme, is a clear attempt at improving a defense that finished 31st in the league.
Kerrigan’s work ethic, physique, and Jared Allen-esque determination are all welcome attributes for someone who will be attacking the quarterback opposite Pro-Bowler Brian Orakpo.
Look out opposing quarterbacks: you aren’t safe anymore.
Later rounds highlights include nose tackle Jarvis Jenkins from the Clemson Tigers, wide-out Leonard Hankerson from the University of Miami (Fla.), and school legends Roy Helu from Nebraska, and Virginia-native Evan Royster from Penn State.
Hankerson’s size and confidence (6’3” 215lbs), as well as Helu and Royster’s ball skills and nose for the end zone will add necessary offensive ingredients to make the Redskins’ offense more lively this season and for seasons to come.
So, owners and players: let’s get a deal done so we can see these dynamic players in uniform this Summer.
(This is Jonathan Wigginton's first article for ChatRedskins. Many more to come)
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