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A major change has taken place at Redskins Park as the team made a move on Friday evening. The Redskins now have the second pick in this year’s draft and the team will now set its sights on QB phenom Robert Griffin, III. This also alters the free agency market landscape significantly as the Redskins now have a marquee QB to entice in front of potential suitors in the FA pool.
In this third and final installment, let’s take a look at some targets with a bit of commentary mixed in on occasion.
Quarterbacks
We know that Robert Griffin, III is all but coming to Washington and will be penciled in as the starter from day one. Who in FA could be a target?
1. Chase Daniel – He has improved dramatically in New Orleans and the Redskins seem interested.
2. Josh Johnson – He is a young player who could develop into a solid backup and be starter-ready if there is a need.
3. Kyle Orton – A veteran who could provide a solid presence as a backup.
4. Rex Grossman – Familiarity with the system is his selling point.
Offensive Linemen
This will be a target in FA and the draft. Protection for a franchise QB is of the utmost importance.
1. Carl Nicks – The Redskins have nearly $40 million in cap space and Nicks would be a great addition to the line.
2. Anthony Collins – A solid lineman who quietly gets the job done.
3. Chilo Rachal – He was not a fit for the 49ers, but could be an excellent fit for the Redskins. Look for him to be a target.
4. Ben Grubbs – Coming off an injury, but if he is back to 100%, Grubbs would be a solid addition.
Running Backs
No needs in FA. A lower round draft choice can fill any needs at this position.
Wide Receivers
1. Vincent Jackson – Placing him at the first slot was difficult, but he will be a target. Another reason for placing Jackson here – imagine RG3 and Jackson as teammates.
2. Pierre Garcon – He is very underrated and would be a solid addition.
3. Mario Manningham – A player from a division rival? Yes indeed. He could be a good option if the first two choices are not available.
Tight Ends
There are no legitimate targets in FA.
Defensive Linemen
1. Red Bryant – A talented DT who can stuff the run and create pass rushing lanes for the LBs.
2. Mario Williams – Why not? If he can be signed to a somewhat friendly contract, you make the move.
Linebackers
1. Dan Connor – Pairing him beside London Fletcher would make for a powerful inside tandem. If Fletcher walks, Connor could take his place.
2. Erin Henderson – A solid player who is a good team LB. Not flashy, but gets the job done.
Cornerbacks
1. Tracy Porter – There are better corners on the market, but the Redskins need a very solid nickel/backup CB. Porter would be a good choice.
2. Aaron Ross – Reports indicate that the Redskins will target Ross in FA. Like Porter, he could be a good nickel/backup CB.
3. William Middleton – A young player with loads of potential.
Safeties
1. Craig Steltz – A hard worker who could be entering his prime at SS.
Special Teams
No particular targets in FA.
Players that should be released by the Redskins
John Beck – The reasons are obvious. The Redskins should simply move on from Beck.
Mike Sellers – A core member of the team, but age is now pushing him out the door.
Jammal Brown – Too many injuries and he is all but ineffective.
Sean Locklear – He was never a fit in DC.
Rocky McIntosh – He is not a fit in this defensive scheme.
Phillip Buchanon – No longer a factor for the Redskins.
LaRon Landry – Injuries are an ongoing concern. Ineffective at times and celebrates a tackle after the opposing team has acquired a major chunk of yardage. Attitude is a concern as well.
Bubble players that should receive consideration
Donte Stallworth – This is a tough call. Some would say that it tilts slightly to releasing due to possible newcomers and current depth chart. Others would say that he should stay due to familiarity with the system and having a good second half of the season in 2011.
Brandon Banks – Yes, he is a bubble player, but only because of his size and fragility. However, he is a dynamic player who can be a game changer.
Rex Grossman – Being familiar with the system helps, but if better options are there in FA, it is time to move on.
Redskins FAs that should be re-signed
Fred Davis – He has been franchised and will stay.
London Fletcher – The heart and soul of the defense should not be allowed to test the FA market.
Tim Hightower – He was off to a good start and then an injury derailed his season.
Adam Carriker – A steady presence at DE needs to be re-signed, but at a decent price.
Kory Lichtensteiger – He was tagged, but the team will monitor his progress.
Free agency begins on Tuesday at 4pm EDT. The next round of offseason excitement is upon us.
Hail To The Redskins!
In this third and final installment, let’s take a look at some targets with a bit of commentary mixed in on occasion.
Quarterbacks
We know that Robert Griffin, III is all but coming to Washington and will be penciled in as the starter from day one. Who in FA could be a target?
1. Chase Daniel – He has improved dramatically in New Orleans and the Redskins seem interested.
2. Josh Johnson – He is a young player who could develop into a solid backup and be starter-ready if there is a need.
3. Kyle Orton – A veteran who could provide a solid presence as a backup.
4. Rex Grossman – Familiarity with the system is his selling point.
Offensive Linemen
This will be a target in FA and the draft. Protection for a franchise QB is of the utmost importance.
1. Carl Nicks – The Redskins have nearly $40 million in cap space and Nicks would be a great addition to the line.
2. Anthony Collins – A solid lineman who quietly gets the job done.
3. Chilo Rachal – He was not a fit for the 49ers, but could be an excellent fit for the Redskins. Look for him to be a target.
4. Ben Grubbs – Coming off an injury, but if he is back to 100%, Grubbs would be a solid addition.
Running Backs
No needs in FA. A lower round draft choice can fill any needs at this position.
Wide Receivers
1. Vincent Jackson – Placing him at the first slot was difficult, but he will be a target. Another reason for placing Jackson here – imagine RG3 and Jackson as teammates.
2. Pierre Garcon – He is very underrated and would be a solid addition.
3. Mario Manningham – A player from a division rival? Yes indeed. He could be a good option if the first two choices are not available.
Tight Ends
There are no legitimate targets in FA.
Defensive Linemen
1. Red Bryant – A talented DT who can stuff the run and create pass rushing lanes for the LBs.
2. Mario Williams – Why not? If he can be signed to a somewhat friendly contract, you make the move.
Linebackers
1. Dan Connor – Pairing him beside London Fletcher would make for a powerful inside tandem. If Fletcher walks, Connor could take his place.
2. Erin Henderson – A solid player who is a good team LB. Not flashy, but gets the job done.
Cornerbacks
1. Tracy Porter – There are better corners on the market, but the Redskins need a very solid nickel/backup CB. Porter would be a good choice.
2. Aaron Ross – Reports indicate that the Redskins will target Ross in FA. Like Porter, he could be a good nickel/backup CB.
3. William Middleton – A young player with loads of potential.
Safeties
1. Craig Steltz – A hard worker who could be entering his prime at SS.
Special Teams
No particular targets in FA.
Players that should be released by the Redskins
John Beck – The reasons are obvious. The Redskins should simply move on from Beck.
Mike Sellers – A core member of the team, but age is now pushing him out the door.
Jammal Brown – Too many injuries and he is all but ineffective.
Sean Locklear – He was never a fit in DC.
Rocky McIntosh – He is not a fit in this defensive scheme.
Phillip Buchanon – No longer a factor for the Redskins.
LaRon Landry – Injuries are an ongoing concern. Ineffective at times and celebrates a tackle after the opposing team has acquired a major chunk of yardage. Attitude is a concern as well.
Bubble players that should receive consideration
Donte Stallworth – This is a tough call. Some would say that it tilts slightly to releasing due to possible newcomers and current depth chart. Others would say that he should stay due to familiarity with the system and having a good second half of the season in 2011.
Brandon Banks – Yes, he is a bubble player, but only because of his size and fragility. However, he is a dynamic player who can be a game changer.
Rex Grossman – Being familiar with the system helps, but if better options are there in FA, it is time to move on.
Redskins FAs that should be re-signed
Fred Davis – He has been franchised and will stay.
London Fletcher – The heart and soul of the defense should not be allowed to test the FA market.
Tim Hightower – He was off to a good start and then an injury derailed his season.
Adam Carriker – A steady presence at DE needs to be re-signed, but at a decent price.
Kory Lichtensteiger – He was tagged, but the team will monitor his progress.
Free agency begins on Tuesday at 4pm EDT. The next round of offseason excitement is upon us.
Hail To The Redskins!