Redskins Mailbag
Photo via: http://blogsohardsports.com/redskins/keenan-robinson-is-ready-for-otas-and-ready-to-make-an-impact/
@RipSeanShock Asks if Dri Archer is a possibility in this May’s draft?
This is a tough one. I wouldn’t be shocked, but I don’t think so. If the Redskins go running back in the draft I see them going with someone who is bigger and more durable that can come in and pass protect on third down, and catch the ball out of the backfield. A Charles Sims or Marion Grice. The Redskins already got their speedy weapon to stretch the field that can be used in a variety of ways in DeSean Jackson so Dri Archers chances of landing in D.C. are slim in my opinion
@SimoneBett Asks who will the Redskins pick with #34
This is another tough one, I could probably tell you with a little more certainty who the Redskins will pick at 34 when the first round is over and I know who will be there, but unfortunately the draft is unpredictable and it’s hard to say who will be there at 34. However, let me try to answer it the best I can. I personally see the Redskins going cornerback at 34, with names like Bradley Roby, Jason Verrett, Darqueze Dennard and Kyle Fuller making a lot of sense. If the Redskins don’t go corner they still have Issues at safety and could use help on the Offensive line. A dark horse pick would be pass rush, the skins need more depth at OLB, and our best defensive lineman are all on the wrong side of 30.
I got a couple different questions on Keenan Robinson and his realistic expectations for the upcoming season.
Robinson is an interesting prospect; he was drafted in the fourth round on the 2012 draft in the hopes that he could replace long-time inside linebacker and single caller London Fletcher. However, two torn pectoral muscles derailed his 2012 and 2013 seasons. I think realistically Robinson could still have an effect on special teams. Robinson’s best asset is his ability to cover, this could be another way he could earn playing time, if he can prove he has the best coverage skills of the inside linebackers he could earn playing time on third down and passing situations. Robinson is still a young player with a lot of potential, it will be interesting to see how he develops in 2014.
@Skinsfan2124 Asks what realistic expectations are for Chris Thompson, and how he compares to Giovani Bernard.
Chris Thompson’s biggest issue is his durability; he hasn’t been able to stay healthy. The other big question I have with Thompson is if he is the same player he was at Florida State, after tearing his ACL Thompson has never really quite gotten his explosiveness back which is what made him such a good player, but to answer your question Bernard was a bit higher rated coming out of the draft, he was selected in the second round and Thompson in the fifth. The other thing about Thompson is, the current coaching staff didn’t draft him, so it’s hard to say how they feel about his ability. I wouldn’t be surprised if Gruden opted to upgrade the position in the draft with a player like Charles Sims or Marion Grice.
@SkinsfanJW21 asks: Is Tyler Polumbus is an adequate starting tackle?
This isn’t going to be a popular answer, but yes. Tyler Polumbus is an adequate starting tackle, coach Jay Gruden has been on the record saying that he thought Polumbus did a fine job last year. Although Polumbus is an adequate starter, could the Redskins upgrade? Absolutely, and I would be surprised if the Redskins didn’t bring in some sort of competition to push Polumbus for the starting job in the draft, it just might not be with pick 34 like a lot of people think.
@DontCountMeIn asks: Should the Redskins trade up into the late first round?
No. With already a limited amount of picks, the Redskins have to make the most of every one they have, and trading into the late first would mean giving up at least another pick. My other issue with this theory is that I don’t think it’s worth it, I think the Redskins will be able to get a quality player at 34 and I don’t believe trading into the first round gets them a much better player, making it not worth it to go into the first round.
@StricknineSkinz asks: If the Skins go best player available at pick #34 in your opinion what position will they be drafting?
In my opinion cornerback. I really like the options the Redskins could have available to them at 34. There have been talks of Darqueze Dennard sliding to the Redskins at 34, while I don’t think that will happen, if Dennard does slide it could cause a player like Bradley Roby, Jason Verrett, or Kyle Fuller to be available at 34. I really like the cornerbacks that could be there at 34, but I’m also not sold on Tracy Porter manning the slot corner position and think an upgrade or at least competition would be good for the defense. Drafting another corner early would also give us a young tandem of talented corners in David Amerson and whoever we pick up to eventually take over the starting positions once DeAngelo Hall retires.
