Category: NFL Draft (Page 47 of 102)

Washington Redskins 2010 Team Needs

As part of our 2010 NFL Draft coverage, I will be breaking down positional needs for all 32 teams, starting in reverse alphabetical order. First up, the Washington Redskins. Check out other team needs by clicking here.

1. Offensive Line
People can blame former head coach Jim Zorn for all of the Redskins’ offensive woes last season, but the fact of the matter is that if the team doesn’t re-build their offensive line this offseason then Mike Shanahan won’t succeed either. Shanahan will implement the zone blocking scheme in Washington, but the problem is he doesn’t currently have the right players to fit the scheme. Chris Samuels (neck) career is in jeopardy, Randy Thomas isn’t durable and is aging, and the team lacks serious depth at all five positions. There’s a large contingent that thinks the Skins should draft a quarterback in April, but offensive line is far and away their biggest need and might be addressed with the No. 4 overall pick in the first round.

2. Running back
Clinton Portis has clearly lost a step, but what’s worse is that he began the offseason by criticizing Jason Campbell for not being a leader and just recently, he admitted to asking for fullback Mike Sellers to be benched during a game last season. The problem is that even if the Skins did want to rid themselves of Portis, he’s guaranteed $6.43 million in 2010. Regardless, running back remains a need, as Laddell Betts, Quinton Gantehr and Marcus Mason should be viewed only for depth purposes.

3. Quarterback
This is all contingent on whether or not Shanahan views Jason Campbell as the right player to run his offense. Campbell isn’t Joe Montana, but he would be fine if he had more weapons at his disposal and played behind a real offensive line. But if Shanahan wants to draft a quarterback at No. 4, then Campbell will likely serve as the starter until the young signal caller is ready to take over. But if the Redskins do go that route, they run the risk of alienating Campbell (which Daniel Snyder did last year too by pursing free agent Byron Leftwich), who may request a trade. We’ll see what Shanahan decides.

Cornerback and overall depth in the secondary are also needs for the Skins this offseason.


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McCoy hopes to throw at scouting combine

According to Adam Schefter via his Twitter page, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy says that the pinched nerve in his throwing shoulder is making progress and he hopes to throw at the NFL scouting combine in a couple of weeks.

McCoy suffered the injury on Texas’s first possession against Alabama in the national championship game and he didn’t return. After visiting with the esteemed Dr. James Andrews, McCoy was given a two-week recovery period.

But if he can’t throw at the combine (which takes place almost two months after he suffered the injury), then red flags about his health will certainly be raised. There was some talk that the type of injury he suffered was career threatening, but if he throws well at the combine, those doubts will obviously be erased.

McCoy doesn’t have great arm strength as it is, but a good showing at the combine will keep his stock from plummeting as we get closer to April’s draft. Personally, I hope he’s healthy and has the opportunity to compete in the NFL because he showed during his four years at Texas that he’s got great character. The NFL could use more of those kinds of players.


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Jaguar offensive lineman Nwaneri blasts Tebow

In a recent posting on the Jaguars’ official web site, offensive lineman Uche Nwaneri lambasted NFL draft prospect Tim Tebow.

From the Florida Times Union:

So Nwaneri posted his five points on Tebow, with capital letters:

“1. He can’t throw, PERIOD.

2. He can’t read any coverage other than probably cover 2 or man.

3. The QB Wildcat WILL NOT WORK IN THIS LEAGUE. PERIOD.

4. He doesn’t know how to take a snap from center.

5. HE CAN’T THROW, and that’s really something you either have or not.”

Nwaneri then urged fans to buy tickets because he doesn’t want to come out “for pregame warmups to a COMPLETELY EMPTY STADIUM ANYMORE.’’

I realize that Nwaneri has some upside and is a starter on Jacksonville’s O-line (plus, I don’t necessarily disagree with what he said), but if I were Tebow the only thing I’d respond with is: Who the hell is Uche Nwaneri?

Of course, Tebow would never say that in response because he’s all class. He has more important things to worry about at this time of year than what some no-name Jaguar offensive lineman has to say about his talent.

And somebody inform Nwaneri that the stadium (any stadium) is never full when the players come out for warm-ups.


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Tebow has rough Senior Bowl week

Tim Tebow just blew his first opportunity to prove to doubters that he can be a quarterback at the next level.

After botching several snaps and struggling with his accuracy during practice this week, Tebow fumbled twice and finished 8-of-12 for just 50 yards in the Senior Bowl on Saturday. Worse yet, his scrambling ability (his forte) was neutralized by Jim Schwartz’s defense.

Granted, Tebow was battling strep throat, so he may deserve a mulligan for his performance this week. But sick or not, the same doubts that scouts have had about him were on full display all week. His mechanics are poor, his wind up motion is troubling and he continues to struggle with his accuracy.

Tebow still has the scouting combine and individual workouts to improve his draft stock, but it was clear this week that he’s a massive project at quarterback.


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2010 NFL Draft Player Profile: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

One of the most talked about prospects heading into April’s NFL draft will be Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. Perhaps one of the best college football players of this decade, Tebow now has the task of trying to convince pro scouts that he can make the transition from the collegiate ranks to the NFL.

Some believe that Tebow is better suited for the H-back position or out of the Wildcat at the next level, and not at quarterback. Although he wants the chance to prove that he can be a drop back passer, Tebow may have to settle for being a versatile specialty piece in some team’s offense.

Strengths: Tebow is a football player. He has excellent strength, size and bulk, is a powerful runner, a hard worker and is as tough as they come. He’s an outstanding leader, is smart, and played against top competition at Florida. His arm is also strong enough to make all the throws and he can throw on the run. Because of his character and determination, he’s a low risk player if some team can find a spot for him in their offense.

Weaknesses: He’s never played in an offense that requires the quarterback to take the ball from under center. He has a wind-up motion and his delivery is slow and elongated. He’s not accurate, demonstrates poor footwork and has trouble throwing a tight spiral. He’s also never had to read a defense or coverages and his learning curve will be incredibly high. In essence, he’s a major project at the quarterback position and that’s why most NFL teams will look to move him to another position.


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