AP Image

In honor of the upcoming fifth anniversary of the 2007 NFL Draft, the fine folks at NFL.com redrafted the first round for what five years of hindsight can offer.

Although the Redskins no longer have any original draft picks still on the roster, NFL analyst Elliott Harrison makes the argument that the team nailed the first pick with LaRon Landry:

6. Washington Redskins

Actual pick: LaRon Landry

Do-over pick: Same

He might be gone now (to the Jets), but Landry was a solid player for the Redskins. Sadly, like Gaines Adams, fellow Redskins safety Sean Taylor died way too young. Had Taylor and Landry been able to play together for several years, this team could’ve imposed its will on divisional foes that feature solid quarterbacks in Eli Manning, Michael Vick and Tony Romo. To say the least, it would’ve been tougher sledding with Taylor and Landry lurking in the secondary.

The thinking was correct, the player was correct, and for three plus years it worked out very well.  But after the last two seasons ending in Achilles injuries, he will look to restart with the Jets, and the Redskins will look to find a healthy option at strong safety.

Here’s the remainder of the Redskins’s 2007 Draft class, and a look at other options still on the board when the Redskins made their picks:

Round 5, Pick 143: Dallas Sartz, LB, USC

Round 6, Pick 179: Horatio Benedict Blades, LB, Pittsburgh

Round 6, Pick 205: Jordan Palmer, QB, UTEP

Round 7, Pick 216: Tyler Ecker, TE, Michigan

This was a curious draft class for several obvious reasons, the first being that the team didn’t have a pick from No. 6 to No. 143, a span of four rounds.  In that enormous void of picks, 21 Pro Bowl players were selected by other teams, illustrating the emphasis that the current administration has made on gaining and retaining picks.

Not to knock the collective efforts of Sartz, Blades, Palmer and Ecker, but the franchise could have gotten more mileage out of other players taken a few picks later.  In the interests of nostalgia, here’s a look back at the 2007 NFL draft board.

Dallas Sartz was a bust and never registered a down in a regular season NFL game, which means that almost anyone that played a down would have been a better pick.  The fifth round of the 200 draft was actually stocked with tight end talent, as Kevin Boss (153), Dante Rosario (155) and Brent Celek (162) were all taken within 20 picks.

Horatio Benedict “H.B.” Blades was a special teams contributor on the team for four seasons, appearing in all 64 games during his tenure.  The Redskins got quality play from their sixth round pick, but could have plucked a franchise kicker in Mason Crosby (193), who went 14 picks later to the Green Bay Packers.

In terms of quarterback brothers named Palmer, the Redskins appear to have gotten the lesser of the two.  Jordan Palmer did throw a 24-yard touchdown in preseason action against the Ravens that year, but never made the team, and wound up in the Arena Football League.  Although there were no true studs left on the board, the Redskins could have addressed some defensive depth with linebacker Prescott Burgess (207) or other quarterback Tyler Thigpen (217).

Tyler Ecker is another player who never played a down in the NFL, making any player who did more appealing.  Even though he was a mid-seventh-round pick, three players came after him that could have been impact players on offense: receiver Chansi Stuckey (235), running back Jason Snelling (244) and running back Ahmad Bradshaw (250).

That worked out for Bradshaw, but not so well for the Redskins.  Isn’t hindsight 20/20?

It should be noted that the Redskins may have had limited picks to find talent, but they did not have the worst draft class (see “JaMarcus Russell” or “Oakland Raiders”).  They have since acquired multiple members of the 2007 Draft class, including two former first-round picks in Adam Carriker and recent signee Brandon Meriweather.

Perhaps fittingly, Meriweather may be tabbed to replace Landry in the lineup.

What do you think?  What would you change?  Share your thoughts below.

AP Image

What The Team Accomplished So Far:

In Day One, the team focused primarily on adding offensive weapons at the receiver position.  The Redskins locked up two quality weapons, as Kyle and Mike Shanahan continue to makeover the roster with the pieces they want.

Now the emphasis in the market seems to have shifted to the defensive side of the ball with the signing of Pro Bowl safety Brandon Meriweather.

Whether it’s playing up close to the line as a run enforcer, or playing centerfield against the pass, Meriweather classified himself as a playmaker, and his numbers support it.  He was brought in with the opportunity to rebuild his young career after a disappointing 2011 that saw him cut and used incorrectly by the Chicago Bears.

In Jim Haslett’s defense, he should be given the freedom and opportunity to make the plays that made him a top safety in the NFL in 2009 and ’10.

Although not as great, the team still has a need at safety, and could address it through free agency or the draft.  At last check, LaRon Landry is still a free agent, but his health is an obvious concern, having only played in 17 of the last 32 games.

The team may also choose to address the issue internally, and go with a combination of DeJon Gomes and Reed Doughty.  Given the injuries at the position last year, expect at least one more face to be added to the mix at some point.

My Fair Warning Comes To Fruition:

As I noted in yesterday’s recap piece, the Redskins’ website and associated social media platforms only report on official dealings (when pen is put to paper).  News is official, and nothing is official until it’s signed by all parties and approved by the league.

The poster child for this point is new San Diego Chargers’ wide receiver Eddie Royal.  In the opening hours of free agency, the team was rumored to be in on Garçon (true), Josh Morgan (true), and Royal at the receiver position.

While the team may have been interested in Royal, nothing was ever consummated, and the reports and rumors that he had signed were simply not true.  I’m not calling anyone for journalistic integrity, but if there’s no factual backing, it’s not news.

So just remember the next time you hear an Eddie Royal to the Redskins rumor.  There may be elements to a rumor that  end up being true, but you can count on Redskins.com, Blog, Twitter and Facebook being accurate and official.

Which Redskins Are Left Unclaimed:

Another day of free agency passed, and none of the newest Redskins big free agents have signed on anywhere.  From the former Redskins free agent file, we had reports of Chris Horton signing with the Giants after sitting out the 2011 season.  Former Redskins special teamer Rock Cartwright also reportedly agreed to a deal with the 49ers, continuing his long career as a specialist.

Now for the updated Pro Football Focus rankings of the Redskins players currently in free agency.  Each player took a jump up the list of 75 available free agents after players in front of them were signed yesterday.  Lots of big fish still on the board:

18. London Fletcher, LB

So it’s unlikely that Fletcher makes a move to anywhere but Washington, but if you’re looking for an excellent linebacker on a short term deal then why not make him an offer he can’t refuse. Not every free agent move needs to be with the future in mind.

With four linebackers ranked ahead of him on the list, the market still hasn’t been set for Fletcher’s next contract.  On the obvious upside is his leadership and NFL-leading 211 tackles last season, on top of a phenomenal career.  The only downside is his age, and it’s a big one.  Fletcher is going to bide his time on this one, and so are the Redskins, so don’t panic yet about the Redskins patriarch.  When the market unfolds, he could still be anchoring the Redskins defense.

28. Laron Landry, S

Maybe the biggest question mark in free agency. Talent would see him in the Top 10, but has a huge red flag regarding his health. Will avoiding surgery prove the smart long term move?

37. O.J. Atogwe

A safety with good range, Atogwe was wasted a bit being used in the box on 21.7% of all his defensive snaps in 2011. He becomes the top safety on the market.

With the aforementioned signing of Meriweather to start at either safety position, the Redskins are presumably out of the market on at least one of these players.   Injuries played a devastating role on last year’s record, and the Redskins seem determined to exorcise those demons in 2012.

Gauging from Meriweather’s comments yesterday, the hiring of defensive backs coach Raheem Morris appears to be paying dividends in free agency already.

I encourage you to look over the rest of the list and see what’s left in free agency.  By my count, none of the Redskins on the 2011 squad have signed with any other teams yet.  If and when they do, we’ll let you know.

Remember that free agency happens like the draft: different teams target different positions, and when a run is made on one position, the big dominoes fall fast.  There is always a second, third and fourth tier to free agency, and the market will play out over time.

If there’s someone you have an eye on, be sure to share it in the comment section below.

What The Team Accomplished So Far:

The Redskins came into the offseason with a wishlist of needs, part of which they can address in free agency, part of which will be addressed in the draft, and part of which will be addressed through rehab and players getting healthy.

For a passing game that ranked 14th in the NFL last year in yards per game, the Redskins found two receivers in Pierre Garçon and Joshua Morgan that can stretch the field and fight for the extra yard.  It looks like the Redskins will have a fierce training camp battle for receiver again this year, as there are currently 10 receivers on the roster.

I wouldn’t presume that this will be the list of receivers that the team enters camp with, as that’s still four and a-half months away, but the team has displayed an aggressive approach to upgrade the aerial attack.

Here’s what industry expert Peter King tweeted about the moves:

Two best value signings so far: DL Red Bryant (Seattle, $7m) and WR Joshua Morgan (Wash, $6m). Love those guys. Now, who gets Eric Winston?—
Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) March 13, 2012

My Fair Warning:

As far as official Redskins signings, that’s it so far.  The company line on reporting free agent acquisitions is to wait until the player passes their entry physical and puts pen to paper on a contract.  Up until that point, nothing is official and anything can happen.

Since 5 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, I’ve watched Twitter, ESPN, NFL.com and PFT reports suggesting that the Redskins are interested in every player from Bart Starr to the freshman punter at Seaford High School.  Some of them have turned out to be true, including early reports about Garçon and Morgan.

But my point is that many of them are not true, and any perceived need turns into a report about every player at that position.  I’ve seen well-respected news outlets fall into the trap of running with a story, and that’s something that Redskins.com will not do.

BUT, the news and information that you read on this site, and other associated platforms will be accurate and timely to when it becomes official.  Until it becomes official though, just sit tight.  No news until it actually becomes news.

Which Redskins Are Left Unclaimed:

One of the several industry authorities on player rankings is Pro Football Focus, who tries to quantify a player’s value based on certain statistical criteria.  Their analysis isn’t the be-all, nor do I agree with sabermetrics at certain positions.  But they do a fine job, and they have kept an updated list of the remaining former Redskins available in free agency.

Here are those players with the associated rankings (with additional commentary underneath):

25. London Fletcher, LB

So it’s unlikely that Fletcher makes a move to anywhere but Washington, but if you’re looking for an excellent linebacker on a short term deal then why not make him an offer he can’t refuse. Not every free agent move needs to be with the future in mind.

Fletcher is fifth on the list of inside linebackers, and earns a fairly high ranking for a free agent of his age.  ESPN’s Matt Williamson ranks Fletcher fourth on his list, calling him “an oldie, but a goodie.”  ESPN Blogger Dan Graziano makes the argument that the Redskins and Eagles make the most sense for signing Fletcher, given his familiarity in Washington and the need in Philly.  Something to keep an eye on on free agency unfolds and the market is set.

37. Laron Landry, S

Maybe the biggest question mark in free agency. Talent would see him in the Top 10, but has a huge red flag regarding his health. Will avoiding surgery prove the smart long term move?

48. O.J. Atogwe

A safety with good range, Atogwe was wasted a bit being used in the box on 21.7% of all his defensive snaps in 2011. He becomes the top safety on the market.

With both presumed starting safeties from last season now on the market, the Redskins now have big questions in their secondary.  But given the health of the two last year (16 combined starts), they had big questions anyway.  The Redskins hired defensive backs whisperer Raheem Morris as the secondary coach, and he may be looking to go in a different direction.

I encourage you to look over the rest of the list and see what’s left in free agency.  By my count, none of the Redskins on the 2011 squad have signed with any other teams yet.  If and when they do, we’ll let you know.

Remember that free agency happens like the draft: different teams target different positions, and when a run is made on one position, the big dominoes fall fast.  There is always a second, third and fourth tier to free agency, and the market will play out over time.

If there’s someone you have an eye on, be sure to share it in the comment section below.

AP Image

Happy soggy Wednesday to Redskins fans in the DMV, and a very happy Leap Day to everyone around the globe that follows the Gregorian Calendar.  For the record, we have respect for all calendars here at Redskins.com.

In honor of the obscure extra day that’s four years in the making, as well as all of the award shows going on this time of year, I thought we’d take a look back at the 2011 season and honor the top Redskins “leaping” plays of the year.  The plays were voted on by yours truly, and preferential treatment was given to those with commemorative Youtube clips.

With that being said, it’s a pretty good batch of plays:

Top Leaping Catch of the Year: Anthony Armstrong vs. Antrel Rolle

In a show of pure athleticism, Armstrong sacrificed the body for one of the most dramatic 15-yard reception I’ve ever seen.  Ultimately, Grossman led Armstrong a little too much.  But if he doesn’t, Armstrong may not make this catch at all.  It’s funny that Giants safety Antrel Rolle had so much to say after the game (via FOX):

Top Leaping Run of the Year: Roy Helu vs. Roy Lewis

There really isn’t much more to say about this play that hasn’t already been written on this blog.  This was one of the top plays of the year for the Redskins, and indeed for the league.  In Helu’s first professional touchdown, he certainly showed an appreciation for dramatic entry (via charliemac64):

Top Celebratory Leap of the Year: Jabar Gaffney vs. First Row Patriots’ Fan

What’s better than catching a late touchdown against your former team?  Sticking your posterior in the faces and laps of your former fans.  Kudos to Gaffney for making the first of several “Landover Leaps” of the season (via CBS):

Top Leaping Defensive Play of the Year: LaRon Landry vs. Laurent Robinson

In Landry’s first game of the season, he played at an All-Pro level, striking fear into the hearts of Cowboys receivers all evening.  This was his first signature hit of the season, and as ESPN analyst Jon Gruden describes it, “he just splatters Laurent Robinson on the sidelines” (via ESPN):

Top Leaping Sack of the Year: Brian Orakpo vs. Kevin Kolb

This is a bit of an add-on, since “launching” at a quarterback is technically illegal.  Orakpo trucked Kolb on this play, with perhaps the smallest, but definitely most-impactful leap of the season.  As the FOX analyst calls it, “watch this spinal-tap knockout shot”  (via FOX):

Be sure to let me know what I got right with this list and where you disagree.

In the age of Photoshop, it’s easy to tweak a picture, but this somehow seems legitimate.  And hey, if I believe that Byron Westbrook did a Cinnamon and Old Bay Challenge, why shouldn’t I believe that Landry has ginormous arms?  Decide for yourself:

The real story, however, was in the response from his fellow players.  Today, teammates Donte’ Stallworth and Adam Carriker had something to add to the mirror muscle exposé.

First, Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) shared a workout photo of himself with Ravens linebacker Brendan Ayenbadejo at the gym.  His accompanying tweet said, “There is no ‘off season’ in my vocabulary“:

As one of the brightest people on the team, I find it hard to believe that it’s ‘not in his vocabulary,’ but the point remains: Stallworth is sweating out his Redskins Spandex.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Colorado, Redskins strong man Adam Carriker (@BigPoppaPump94) was not impressed by the physiques being tweeted his way.  So he fired off a picture of his own, saying, “Look, I can put on a tight shirt and look really jacked too! LOL!“:

Wow.  I’m not sure whose shirt that is, but it’s a solid four sizes too small.  This photo is now Carriker’s default Twitter picture, and he described his social media movement as “#Laroning.”

Good to see the players working hard already this offseason, as Twitter seems to be inspiring people to hit the gym.

AP Image

With the start of NFL free agency less than a month away (midnight, March 13), it’s time to start predicting which players are coming and going, and which will be sticking around.

Cue the obligatory ‘Top X-number Free Agents’ lists–because how else would we be able to compare a top-flight quarterback to a 4-3 defensive end?

The field of reliable football sources was limited to Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, and Pro Football Focus.  Four current Redskins were cited on any of the lists, and the rankings were sporadic at best.

Here is the rundown:

London Fletcher: Sports Illustrated (Top 30), Sporting News (48-of-100), P.F.F. (31-of-50)

Fletcher is the most highly touted Redskins free agent, appearing on nearly every list, somewhere in the second tier of available free agents.  His lauded leadership makes him especially appealing, but players at his position are at a premium when they’re a decade younger.  Although his league-leading tackles and continued success are outstanding, Fletcher gets short-changed by analysts focused on father time.

LaRon Landry: Sports Illustrated (Top 30), Sporting News (85-of-100)

When healthy, Landry is one of the best strong safeties in football.  He possesses a game-changing ability, the type he displayed against the Cowboys in his first game of the 2011 season.  But Redskins fans haven’t seen No. 30 for a full season in two years, as Achilles injuries have ended both prematurely.  He has the talent to be ranked a lot higher, his injury status gives him a more conservative ranking.

Fred Davis: Sporting News (33-of-100)

In the absence of Chris Cooley, the Redskins discovered a budding star at the tight end position in Fred Davis.  Davis put up career highs in starts (12), receptions (59) and yards (796), leading the team in those categories at the time of his suspension.  Had he finished the season on that pace he would been only the sixth tight end in NFL history to have at least 78 receptions, 1,060 yards and a 13.0 yards per catch average.  With that in mind, Davis has the ability of an elite free agent tight end.  But factoring in his off the field indiscretions, and it’s a more difficult assessment.

Rocky McIntosh: Sporting News (93-of-100)

McIntosh played in 15 games this season, starting the first eight, before being replaced by Perry Riley at inside linebacker.  He had 73 tackles, one sack, and a pass defensed this season, and has the ability to play either inside in the 3-4 defensive scheme or outside in the 4-3.

What do you think of the rankings?  Would you rank certain Redskins higher or lower?  Which pending Redskins free agents should have been ranked?  Share your thoughts below.

As the Washington Redskins get set to enter the final week of the 2011 regular season, it’s time for your 2011 virtual Redskins to do the same.  It’s been a big year for improvement in this group, as many players have taken giant steps forward.

Of the more than 275 changes made to the game this week, the Redskins constitute 18 changes this week.  Here’s the Redskins rundown, via the EA Sports Blog:

Of all movers and shakers this week, the biggest in the league was Redskins offensive guard Chris Chester, who continues to win over the critics at EA Sports.  Chester began the year–the first in his career as a full-time starter–as a mid-60′s, painfully ordinary offensive linemen.  Throughout the year, he has proven his worth, rising to a 79 overall, including a four-point jump this week.

In other news, safety DeJon Gomes’s identity crisis continues, as he continues to fill in at both safety positions.  In an effort to keep up with the weekly fluctuation, EA Sport switched him back to strong safety and promoted him to the top spot, in place of LaRon Landry.

Too bad he started Sunday’s game at free safety, in place of Oshiomogho Atogwe.

His real and virtual personas may not have a good idea of where they’ll line up on Sunday, but his strong play continues to dictate his presence in the Redskins defense.

And that, Redskins gamers, is your Week 17 Madden ’12 Redskins updates.

Last week, Landry said all of the right things: he’s ready, he feels good, but whether or not he plays is up to coach [this week, he has been full participation in both practices].  And of course:

Yyyyeeerrr meat/potatoe time n a few—
Laron Landry (@MrLandry30) October 16, 2011

According to this week’s edition of Ben Ceccarelli’s Hail! comic, his Achilles tendon feels pretty much the same way:

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, LaRon Landry is making sure that local families will have food on their tables when the holiday comes.

This afternoon Landry hosted the 2^nd Annual LaRon Landry’s Leadership for Life Thanksgiving Drive, at the King-Greenleaf Recreational Center in Washington D.C.

I'm in my zone…2nd annual turkey drive…yyyyyyeeeeerrrr!!!! #familyfoodfootball—
Laron Landry (@MrLandry30) November 22, 2011

Landry’s organization partnered with the Sasha Bruce Youthwork organization for the second straight year to provide families in need with a Thanksgiving meal from Whole Foods.

Bags included a turkey, cider, bread, vegetables, gravy, and a pumpkin pie. In addition to a full Thanksgiving meal, participants were given t-shirts that said “Leadership for Life” or “Lead by example.”

Landry understands the importance of the holidays, and wants to make sure that families in need have the opportunity to enjoy the holiday.

“Thanksgiving is about family so I’m glad to give back to families in need,” Landry said.

He learned about the values of sharing at an early age from his own family.

“Whatever my mother had, she was willing to share it with not only family members, but other folks who were less fortunate than we were,” Landry said. “So that’s what influenced me to do this event, and it means a lot to me.”

Debby Shore, who runs the Sasha Bruce Youthwork, is honored to partner with Landry again this year.

“We are just so grateful that he has chosen us, and we then get to open the doors with him to a whole community who are going to benefit from this Thanksgiving drive,” Shore said. “The Redskins are a team that are tremendously supported in the community so it’s a great moral support for the people.”

Landry’s presence is something that isn’t lost on the community either.

“This community definitely remembered well when LaRon came last year, so I know that people will come in the hopes of seeing him,” Shore said.

Redskins’ safety Oshiomogho Atogwe also attended drive to support Landry.

“He is doing a wonderful thing in giving back and serving his community so it’s a wonderful event to be a part of, where he is just helping those in need of help during a time of thanksgiving,” Atogwe said.

“It is a fabulous time just to give and serve in anyway possible,” Atogwe added.

Felt great giving back and enjoying myself while doing so!!!! Yyyyyeerrrr thanks to my Washingtonian family!!!—
Laron Landry (@MrLandry30) November 22, 2011

AP Image

Even the bravest of players will shy away from open locker room in the days leading up to a rivalry game.  Add in the recent losing streak, and the media was left to interview empty lockers for much of the morning.

That is, until safeties LaRon “LL” Landry and DeJon “DJ” Gomes came in.  Instantly, the media descended on Landry’s locker, who took the opportunity to teach Gomes how to handle an interview from the media.

Landry had some fun as he fielded most of the questions from the “DJ LL” panel.  He covered the whole spectrum of topics, from his Achilles injury, to the Cowboys, and his patented advice to Gomes on how to deflect the media:

On this Sunday’s rivalry game, Landry admitted to being excited, but wasn’t buying the Dallas Week hype.

“I understand the tradition, but every single game, I take the same way,” he said. “I don’t look at one game as greater than another, and I play each snap of each game to the best of my ability. So with that said, I don’t go with all the hype.”

And his go-to answer for questions he doesn’t want to answer?  ”Ask coach,” he offered to Gomes with a big laugh.