Burner's Burning Questions: Free Agency, The Mock Drafts, 2015 (Continual Updates)

Free Agency, The Mock Drafts, 2015 (Continual Updates)​

Welcome to this special Sunday morning edition of BBQ. So much has happened in the last two days and an additional update was needed. We’ll have the planned updates on Monday and Tuesday as promised. Free Agency is about to begin as we take another look at the current market for players. With a new football GM in place the Redskins were expected to be minor players in the FA market. However, we had an early signing and two key players were released. With plenty of cap room, the Redskins could be something of a player when FA begins in earnest on Tuesday afternoon. Last week we had our second mock – feel free to scroll back and see what was posted. The mocks will slowly increase in number as we get closer to the draft.

Feel free to offer your own ideas about the draft, free agency, team cuts, coaching changes, and anything else related to these subjects. Too, we’d like to see your mocks if you are so inclined.

Free Agency 2015​

Free Agents Obtained:
Ricky Jean Francois, DE/DT

Unrestricted Free Agent Predictons:
Brian Orakpo, OLB - Walks
Tyler Polumbus, OT - Walks
Roy Helu, RB – Walks
Jarvis Jenkins, DE – Re-signs (One year prove it deal)
Brandon Meriweather, S - Walks
Leonard Hankerson, WR – Walks (50-50 Chance)
Niles Paul, TE – Re-signs (As Predicted)
Chris Neild, DT – Walks
Colt McCoy, QB – Re-signs (Not Re-signed, Walks)
Ryan Clark, S - Walks, Retires (As Predicted)
Santana Moss, WR - Walks
E.J. Biggers, CB - Walks
Justin Rogers, CB - Walks
Tanard Jackson, S - Stays suspended

Exclusive Rights Free Agent Predictions:
Trenton Robinson, Tendered
Chris Thompson RB - Tendered

Restricted Free Agent Predictions:
Duke Ihenacho, S – Tendered (Re-Signed)
Kai Forbath, K - Tendered (As Predicted)
Tom Compton, LT - Tendered (Re-signed)
Travian Robertson, DT – Tendered
Rishaw Johnson, OT – Tendered

Possible Cuts And Cap Savings:
Stephen Bowen - $5.5 Million (Released)
Barry Cofield - $5.0 Million (Released)
DeAngelo Hall - $4.0 Million (Restructured Contract)
Chris Chester - $4.0 Million
Perry Riley - $3.0 Million
Shawn Lauvao - $3.0 Million
Andre Roberts - $2.75 Million
Tracy Porter - $2.3 Million
Logan Paulsen – $1.75 Million
Josh LeRibeus - $700,000

Available Free Agents:​

Quarterbacks:
None. Look for the Redskins to draft a prospect or sign an UDFA.

Running Backs, Fullbacks:
Stevan Ridley, Patriots
Matt Asiata, Vikings (RFA)
Justin Forsett, Ravens
C.J. Spiller, Bills

Ridley is very underrated and is likely the best RB on that roster. Asiata would cure the short yardage woes and is an effective receiver out of the backfield. There are rumors of the Redskins being interested in Forsett and Spiller.

Tight Ends:
Virgil Green, Broncos

Green is an excellent blocker and should receive serious consideration.

Wide Receivers:
Jeremy Maclin, Eagles.
Kenny Britt, Rams
Brian Hartline, Dolphins

Could the Redskins steal another player from the Ducks, er, Eagles? It’s unlikely. Britt is underrated and would’ve had higher numbers if the QB situation was stable.

Offensive Tackles:
Bryce Harris, Saints
Joe Barksdale, Rams
Jermey Parnell, Cowboys
Bryan Bulaga, Packers

The cap constraints that the Saints are encountering will force them to dump good, young prospects. They may not match any offers for their RFAs as well. A solid year for Barksdale at RT in 2014 could get him a visit to Redskins Park. Bulaga began to enter the conversation on the first day of legal tampering – no word of any actual contact.

Offensive Guards:
Mike Iupati, 49ers
Clint Boling, Bengals

Mike Iupati could be a top target. Some reports are suggesting that he will be signed. If a bidding war ensues, the Redskins will pass on him.

Centers:
None.

Defensive Tackles:
Muhammad Wilkerson, Jets
Ahtyba Rubin, Browns
Dan Williams, Cardinals
Stephen Paea, Bears

Wilkerson and Rubin would be a good solution for the DT woes. Both are likely affordable. Williams and Paea are rumored to be favored by the Redskins.

Defensive Ends:
Corey Peters, Falcons
Tyrunn Walker, Saints

Walker could be a great option – young, talented, and not tendered by the Saints due to salary cap constraints.

Outside Linebackers:
Pernell McPhee, Ravens
Jabaal Sheard, Browns
Brandon Graham, Eagles

McPhee is the preferred choice, but will be way too expensive. Graham is probably a better fit. Sheard could be the best of the lot with experience at DE as well – could be special in a hybrid 3-4 scheme – excellent size.

Inside Linebackers:
Spencer Paysinger, Giants

It will depend on what is done with Perry Riley and the draft. Paysinger is solid in coverage packages.

Cornerbacks:
Chris Culliver, 49ers
Walter Thurmond III, Giants

Culliver and Thurmond stand out, but depth is needed and Thurmond is a former pick of Scot McCloughan.

Safeties:
Da'Norris Searcy, Bills
Sergio Brown, Colts
Ron Parker, Chiefs
Rahim Moore, Broncos
Nate Allen, Eagles
Tyvon Branch, Raiders
Marcus Gilchrist, Chargers

Searcy is the preferred choice and Brown would bring special teams abilities. Parker could be signed - if affordable. He is a SS with considerable experience at CB.

Special Teams:
None. A returner should be targeted as an UDFA after the draft.

We’ll return tomorrow and Tuesday with two entries. Free agency officially begins on Tuesday at 4 pm, EDT. Feel free to add names to the list or subtract from what has been posted. Who do you prefer to be the main target(s) in free agency? Who would you keep? Who would you not re-sign? Who would you cut? That is all for now. See you as we go along.

Hail To The Redskins!

Some buzz around Skins possibly going after Bryan Bulaga (Packers) to fill RT need. Bulaga is young, and rated above Trent Williams on a lot of OL rating charts, but he has only played all 16 games once in his NFL career so far, having had a hip injury and a torn ACL that had him miss all of the 2013 season. He will demand big money. I don't think it's worth the gamble. Our problem is, the Skins aren't giving up on Moses yet, but he probably won't be ready to return following the Lisfranc injury.

Boone said:

Some buzz around Skins possibly going after Bryan Bulaga (Packers) to fill RT need. Bulaga is young, and rated above Trent Williams on a lot of OL rating charts, but he has only played all 16 games once in his NFL career so far, having had a hip injury and a torn ACL that had him miss all of the 2013 season. He will demand big money. I don't think it's worth the gamble. Our problem is, the Skins aren't giving up on Moses yet, but he probably won't be ready to return following the Lisfranc injury.

Click to expand...

Tom Compton is a more likely project than Moses. I know you think it's foolish to discount Moses after his limited time, but I think pinning hopes on him as anything other than a backup is wishful thinking. He showed very little to suggest he could even be a project. Compton, on the other hand, was an upgrade over Polumbus coming off the bench mid-season. I still think we need to upgrade the position, though.

At this point, I am almost prepared to see us draft a player we can plug in and move Trent over. Trentis coming off a season that saw him take a beating, physically. He doesn't have many more taking on the leagues best, the way he did this year. Maybe it's time to move him over, lengthen his career at the RT position and let one of the LT's coming out this draft take over. LT is a position we can spend a pick of such value as the 5th pick in the draft.

Of course, that all depends on how free agency and the first 4 picks go.

No doubt, moving TW over would give us settlement on the right side. Hell if we don't excuse Chester I'd be willing to see what he's got at center. Lord knows Leribus ain't unseating anyone. I'm perfectly fine letting Chester walk too, dude sucks as a G.

If wondering about heir Lichtenbrasen, he's our new blocking TE.

Free Agency, The Mock Drafts, 2015 (Continual Updates)​

Free Agency is about to begin as we take another look at the current market for players. With a new football GM in place the Redskins were expected to be minor players in the FA market. However, we had an early signing and two key players were released. With plenty of cap room, the Redskins could be something of a player when tomorrow rolls around. Last week we had our second mock – feel free to scroll back and see what was posted. The mocks will slowly increase in number as we get closer to the draft.

Feel free to offer your own ideas about the draft, free agency, team cuts, coaching changes, and anything else related to these subjects. Too, we’d like to see your mocks if you are so inclined.

Free Agency 2015​

Free Agents Obtained:
Ricky Jean Francois, DE/DT

Unrestricted Free Agent Predictons:
Brian Orakpo, OLB - Walks
Tyler Polumbus, OT - Walks
Roy Helu, RB – Walks
Jarvis Jenkins, DE – Re-signs (One year prove it deal)
Brandon Meriweather, S - Walks
Leonard Hankerson, WR – Walks (50-50 Chance)
Niles Paul, TE – Re-signs (As Predicted)
Chris Neild, DT – Walks
Colt McCoy, QB – Re-signs (Not Re-signed, Walks)
Ryan Clark, S - Walks, Retires (As Predicted)
Santana Moss, WR - Walks
E.J. Biggers, CB - Walks
Justin Rogers, CB - Walks
Tanard Jackson, S - Stays suspended

Exclusive Rights Free Agent Predictions:
Trenton Robinson, Tendered
Chris Thompson, Tendered

Restricted Free Agent Predictions:
Duke Ihenacho, S – Tendered (Re-Signed)
Kai Forbath, K - Tendered (As Predicted)
Tom Compton, LT - Tendered (Re-signed)
Travian Robertson, DT – Tendered
Rishaw Johnson, OT – Tendered

Possible Cuts And Cap Savings:
Stephen Bowen - $5.5 Million (Released)
Barry Cofield - $5.0 Million (Released)
DeAngelo Hall - $4.0 Million (Restructured Contract)
Chris Chester - $4.0 Million
Perry Riley - $3.0 Million
Shawn Lauvao - $3.0 Million
Andre Roberts - $2.75 Million
Tracy Porter - $2.3 Million
Logan Paulsen – $1.75 Million
Josh LeRibeus - $700,000

Available Free Agents:​

Quarterbacks:
None. Look for the Redskins to draft a prospect or sign an UDFA.

Running Backs, Fullbacks:
Matt Asiata, Vikings (RFA)
Justin Forsett, Ravens
C.J. Spiller, Bills

Asiata would cure the short yardage woes and is an effective receiver out of the backfield. There are rumors of the Redskins being interested in Forsett and Spiller.

Tight Ends:
Virgil Green, Broncos

Green is an excellent blocker and should receive serious consideration.

Wide Receivers:
Kenny Britt, Rams
Brian Hartline, Dolphins

Britt is underrated and would’ve had higher numbers if the QB situation was stable.

Offensive Tackles:
Bryce Harris, Saints
Joe Barksdale, Rams
Jermey Parnell, Cowboys
Bryan Bulaga, Packers

The cap constraints that the Saints are encountering will force them to dump good, young prospects. They may not match any offers for their RFAs as well. A solid year for Barksdale at RT in 2014 could get him a visit to Redskins Park. Bulaga began to enter the conversation on the first day of legal tampering – no word of any actual contact.

Offensive Guards:
Mike Iupati, 49ers
Clint Boling, Bengals

Mike Iupati could be a top target, but the team seems to be cooling on him – possibly due to higher contract demands.

Centers:
None.

Defensive Tackles:
Dan Williams, Cardinals
Terrance Knighton, Broncos

Williams and Knighton are rumored to be favored by the Redskins. Look for the Redskins to add one DT.

Defensive Ends:
Tyrunn Walker, Saints
Stephen Paea, Bears

Walker could be a great option – young, talented, and not tendered by the Saints due to salary cap constraints. Paea would be a DE in the Redskins 3-4.

Outside Linebackers:
Jabaal Sheard, Browns

Sheard has a lot with experience at DE – could be special in a hybrid 3-4 scheme – excellent size.

Inside Linebackers:
Spencer Paysinger, Giants

It will depend on what is done with Perry Riley and the draft. Paysinger is solid in coverage packages.

Cornerbacks:
Chris Culliver, 49ers
Walter Thurmond III, Giants

Culliver and Thurmond stand out, but depth is needed and Thurmond is a former pick of Scot McCloughan.

Safeties:
Ron Parker, Chiefs
Tyvon Branch, Raiders
Marcus Gilchrist, Chargers
Taylor Mays, Bengals

Parker could be signed - if affordable. He is a SS with considerable experience at CB. Many names being linked to the Redskins indicates that one or two safety signings is likely.

Special Teams:
None. A returner should be targeted as an UDFA after the draft.

We’ll return tomorrow with another entry – a few hours prior to the start of the 2015 season (4 pm, EDT). Feel free to add names to the list or subtract from what has been posted. Who do you prefer to be the main target(s) in free agency? Who would you keep? Who would you not re-sign? Who would you cut? That is all for now. See you as we go along.

Hail To The Redskins!

It sounds like we have serious interest in Taylor Mays, one of the stars of Hard Knocks a few years back.

McD5 said:

It sounds like we have serious interest in Taylor Mays, one of the stars of Hard Knocks a few years back.

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I haven't followed Mays since he was a prospect coming out of the draft.

Has he done well? Would he be a good fit for us?

bird_1972 said:

I haven't followed Mays since he was a prospect coming out of the draft.

Has he done well? Would he be a good fit for us?

Click to expand...

Well we probably need 2 of them. And with a draft class that's incredibly soft at the position, it's likely we grab at least one, if not more in FA.

Mays comes from USC, and was highly touted as a rookie. He hasn't lived up to that lofty billing, but is likely better than anyone we have at the position currently.

He's good.

BB what is the chance we sign Kerrigan to an extension?

McD5 said:

Well we probably need 2 of them. And with a draft class that's incredibly soft at the position, it's likely we grab at least one, if not more in FA.

Mays comes from USC, and was highly touted as a rookie. He hasn't lived up to that lofty billing, but is likely better than anyone we have at the position currently.

He's good.

Click to expand...

He's played 5 seasons, has never had an INT, only forced one fumble in his career, and had a grand total of 9 tackles last season. Not exactly impressive from a stats POV. His rookie year was by far his best.

Well here's the problem. McCourty was probably the only superstar safety available (probably the 3rd best in the league) and he's apparently staying in New England.

Collins seems like a big reach in the draft at the number 5 spot. It gets really thin after him.

It's rare for a rookie safety to actually start in his first season, so that makes a lesser player we might take in rounds 2-6 unlikely to see the field this year.

There aren't any incredible ones left in FA. So now we have to just find a solid one, and accept that they might not be the permanent solution.

Mays is no pro-bowler, but I bet he'd be better than Doughty ever was. That might be the most we can hope for this season....and then next season draft a great one.

If he's not expected to be a long term contributor, I wouldn't bring a free agent in. We can find cheaper placeholders. We don't need to fill every need in one year.

That's the key Snyder, Vinny and Bruce never learned - sign a couple of mid-career solid vets in free agency but don't try and patch every hole all at once.

Let the talent come to you.

One draft it's OL. The next its WR and OLB, etc.

Ditto with free agency. This year there seem to be a few DL out there that could help us and the draft is not chock full of DL candidates in the top 15.

So, use free agency there.

This year it appears there is a bumper crop of linebackers in the draft, so I would be leery about spending in free agency for this position.

Bulaga was drafted as a left tackle but has short arms and not as quick a first step as you would like to see.

That's how he ended up at RT and has taken to the position.

But he is not going to unseat TW at LT.

Not a chance.

Boone said:

If he's not expected to be a long term contributor, I wouldn't bring a free agent in. We can find cheaper placeholders. We don't need to fill every need in one year.

Click to expand...

I agree with this 5,000,000%. But look at our alternatives right now.

Merriweather is our best--if he can avoid suspension for 16 games.

Duke? Phillip Thomas? Maybe we can get a full season combined between those two players?

D Hall back from surgery? That's a possibility if fully recovered and he can make the transition.

And that's about it.

Can we go into a season like that? I doubt it. That makes having to sign one of these guys a necessary evil.

I believe Chester took quite the pay cut and is now only making something like $1.5 million... just fyi.

Okay.....here we go.

Several journalists are claiming that we are close to signing a NT. Paea from Chicago. Some notes below:

Re #Redskins FA NT target Stephen Paea: 4yr vet, 6-foot-1, 300. At combine shattered bench record w 49 reps. Had career-high 6 sacks last yr

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bears/post/_/id/4697539/ranking-the-bears-free-agents-no-1

And another....

Report: Washington near deal with Stephen Paea | ProFootballTalk

Be an interesting discussion around here if we sign this guy ... who is apparently better suited to play DT in a 4-3 than NT in a 3-4.

Did I read recently that Barry favors a more 1-gap style 3-4 than the 2-gap we ran under the last administration?

Om said:

Be an interesting discussion around here if we sign this guy ... who is apparently better suited to play DT in a 4-3 than NT in a 3-4.

Did I read recently that Barry favors a more 1-gap style 3-4 than the 2-gap we ran under the last administration?

Click to expand...

You are correct. General opinion seems to be that the 1-gap would be better for him.

Most believe he is young with good upside.

The doubters would suggest that his best year was his contract year.

theScore