Five weeks unitl the NFL Draft

Well Redskins fans, the spring is here in the D.C area. Temperatures soared into the upper 60s today. With the weather getting warmer, March Madness is in full swing, baseball season is about to start, and daylight is getting longer, it only means one big event is coming, the NFL Draft. In five weeks from tonight, we will see how the Redskins will approach the draft under the Head Coach Mike Shanahan and General Manager Bruce Allen regime.

There should be a sense of optimism for Redskin fans. They have a real general manager for the first time in the Daniel Snyder era, and have a head coach that is well respected in the league and has two super bowl rings. Also, the draft strategy will be different since Vinny Ceratto and Snyder aren't involved and not picking the best player available.

So who will the Redskins select at No.4? Well, I already posted a series of video about potential players being selected at that position. I think the Redskins should draft at offensive linemen or tackle in the 1st round. The offensive line was one of the reason for the redskins struggles in 2009. Quarterback Jason Campbell was sacked almost every down, the running game became obsolete, and their passing game was limited. There were also dozens of injuries and the line itself had no depth. Draft linemen like Russel Okung or Bruce Campbell will be a good start addressing the line.

The team should also look for another tackle in round 2 unless they sign a couple free agents before the draft. If that's the case, then the team could draft a QB, but let's pray it isn't Tim Tebow since he has a scheduled workout with the Redskins. Either way, the Redskins had a quiet offseason this year compared to last year's $200 million spending spree.

Coming up tomorrow, I will analyze the Rex Grossman signing, and do a mock draft for the Redskins. So far, adding Grossman may not be as bad as people think it is

Another washed up player added to the roster

There are million reasons why any team will be interested with former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. His declining play on the field, injuries, major distractions in the locker room, and his off the field behavior, such as calling out his own coach.

But those issues didn't mind with the Washington Redskins. Even with a new regime in place, they do what they do best in the off-season, signing an aging running back to a three year $12-million deal with the Redskins last Friday. Once again, Snyder has hit the lottery with his Jersey sales.

So the Redskins have two running backs who are both whiners when they don't get playing time , and they are at the end of their careers , unless Johnson has a career breakout season in 2010. Still, I don't like the signing because of Johnson's history with Kansas City, and if the skins wanted a verstile running back, they should try getting Thomas Jones. However, if Coach Mike Shanahan handles both Johnson/Portis tandem without any off the field issues, then it should be fine.

One thing its clear, Portis' future beyond 2010 with the Redskins is in doubt. Given his work ethic in the off season and preseason, he could possibly lose the starting running back spot to Johnson by the end of preseason. In fact, former Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil believes that Johnson will be the starting running back for the Redskins in 2010. That is a pretty bold prediction given his struggles in the past few years. But as long as Johnson fixes himself off the field, he can become a very productive running back once again.

Possible Redskins 1st round draft selection Part 4: Quarterback Jimmy Clausen

The fourth part of our six part series of possible 1st round picks for the Redskins is Norte Dame Quarterback Jimmy Clausen. With Bradford possibly drafted at No.1, the Redskins could easily draft LT Russell Okung from Oklahoma State. But if the Redskins address the offensive line through free agency, which they somewhat did by signing former Minnesota Vikings guard Artis Hicks , then the team has some flexibility at the No.4 pick.

Given the uncertainty of Jason Campbell's future after the 2010 season, coach Mike Shananhan could draft Clausen and develop him as a starter for the future. But his leadership skills and his cockiness concerns some draft experts and redskins fans. Anyway, since Clausen is in the conversation at No.4, here are his highlights from his 2009 junior season.



Next up: Maryland Tackle Bruce Campbell

Possible Redskins 1st round draft selection Part 3: QB Sam Bradford

Next draft series features Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford. While the Redskins should focus on O-Line at No.4, the team could select Bradford if the team signs a couple of free agent offensive linemen, and if the Rams go in a different direction at No.1. Anyway, here are Bradford's highlights from 2008-2009.



Next up: Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen

Rebuilding in Ashburn?? UPDATED

With free agency and the uncappped season beginning tomorrow, the Redskins today begin their perhaps a possible long rebuilding phase as they release several key veterans that has been with the team for several years and a player that has retried today due to his neck injury.

I'll first start off with the team's firing sale today. Here are the 10 veterans that were released,

RB Rock Cartwright

RT Randy Thomas

WR Antwaan Randle,

CB Fred Smoot,

DL Cornelius Griffin

RB Ladell Betts

QB Todd Collins

RB Marcus Mason

FB Eddie Williams

J.D. Skolnitsky

Anyone get the connection between these ten released players? Almost all of them are over the age of 30, and the Redskins had one of the oldest rosters in the league last season. Now, it appear they will be a lot younger in 2010 based on cuts today.

Also, for the uncapped year, the Redskins have some financial flexibility in terms of cutting and keeping players. Under the salary cap, the Redskins can re-structure contracts with these players for the short term and get fewer production results on the field in return. Cutting the players could hurt the team's value under the cap. Now, the Redskins can cut unproductive players with no financial hit.

So far, most teams are cutting some players ages 30 or older to save any money from a potential work stoppage in 2011, so the Redskins cuts today aren't surprising by no means.

GM Bruce Allen already stated that the "status quo" is unacceptable, and there is going to be major changes coming. Well, today it happen with cuts, but will that prevent the Redskins from their high spending strategies tomorrow when free agency arrives? Or will it lead to a rebuilding mode in 2010? Stay tuned!!

As for Chris Samuels, his retirement announcement today comes as no surprise. His season ending neck injury is the reason he's walking away at age 32. Samuels leaves the Redskins with six pro bowl selections and two playoff appearances. He was the No.3 pick of the 2000 NFL Draft. We'll miss you #60.

Possible Redskins 1st round draft selection Part 2: Eric Berry

Part 2 features 2009 highlights from Tennessee Safety Eric Berry. Given the fact that Laron Laundry struggled at the safety position last season, and Chris Horton being out for most of 2009, Berry could be a sleeper pick at No.4. He provides game changing plays at defense, and he is reminds me of the late Sean Taylor to some degree.



Next Up: Oklahoma Quarterback Sam Bradford

Possible Redskins 1st round draft selection Part 1: Russell Okung

With March being here and the NFL Draft over a month away, I decided to have a series of videos about potential candidates the Redskins might select at No.4. The first video I'll share is Oklahoma State Tackle Left Tackle Russell Okung. Here is Okung's highlights from the 2009 senior season. Enjoy!!



Tomorrow: Tennessee Safety Eric Berry