2012 NFL Offseason Prospectus: Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins are at it again. Every year, it seems, they try to make a big splash, spend millions on free agents and yet only rarely make the playoffs.

For years now, the only thing Washington has won is the offseason.

It certainly doesn't help playing in a division with perennial power teams. In the 1990's, there was the Cowboys dynasty. In the early 2000's, Philadelphia was making a deep run every year, and now the Giants have won two Super Bowl titles in the last five seasons.

But Washington, instead of rebuilding through the draft and setting a solid foundation, has tried quick fixes to remain competitive.

Now, finally, the Redskins have made an offseason splash that may also serve to set that foundation.

They gave up a lot to get him, but trading up with the Rams to draft Robert Griffin III may be a seminal moment in this franchise's history.

RG3 is one of the most unique talents we've ever seen come out of college and has a chance to be special in the NFL.

Owner Daniel Snyder made a few moves to bolster the receiving core and the defensive backfield, eschewing the big names, while aiming for the kind of role players you need to compete every week in the league.

This somewhat new approach may not pay off this season, but could pay long-term dividends for the Redskins. 

Offense
Despite what Donovan McNabb says (try to stifle your laughter), Griffin III will be an ideal fit for this offense. Roy Helu appears to be a solid running back and with a new group of receivers, RG3 will use play action and roll-outs to put defenses on their heels.

Just how much this offense will be tailored to fit the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, we'll find out once practice begins. I doubt we'll see much speed option, but you can expect some designed runs for Griffin as well as frequent use of boot options and read plays.

Josh Morgan and Pierre Garcon were signed to bring some consistency to this skill group. Santana Moss is getting older, but can still be explosive at times. Getting a deeper group of receivers should take the pressure of him and open up more lanes for him to make big plays down the field.

There are some concerns with this offensive line group although Trent Williams has been ad advertised when he's been healthy. Getting some protection for RG3 should be a perennial focus from now on.

Adding a pass-catching tight end would also give Griffin III a security blanket and a red zone threat. There is a solid group of tight ends in this class, and the Redskins, despite not having a second round pick, could still pick one up. 


Key Free Agents: David Anderson WR, Rex Grossman QB (re-signed w/ Redskins), Tim Hightower RB, Malcolm Kelly WR, Kory Lichtensteiger G (re-signed w/ Redskins), Sean Locklear OT, Will Montgomery C (re-signed w/ Redskins), Mike Sellers TE, Donte' Stallworth WR (signed w/ Patriots), Ryan Torain RB

Defense
While Snyder didn't break the bank on one of the big fish in free agency, he did stockpile defensive backs after losing both his starting safeties in free agency along with two other role players.

Washington will bring in Madieu Williams, Brandon Meriweather and Tanard Jackson, all who have been impact safeties at various times in their respective careers.

Out of those three, you'd hope Washington could find two who play well enough to emerge as starters. Jackson is the biggest playmaker in coverage of the three, but was the worst defensive back in football last year making tackles according to Pro Football Focus.

Leigh Torrence and Cedric Griffin (assuming he still has working ligaments in his knees), should provide some depth behind DeAngelo Hall at corner for a defense that finished 12th last year against the pass.   

The Redskins are in good shape when it comes to pass rush with Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan, but the defensive interior is weak to say the least and getting some beef in the middle should help secure a defense that game up more than 117 yards per game on the ground last year.

Key Free Agents: O.J. Atogwe S, Phillip Buchanon DB, Adam Carriker DE (re-signed w/ Redskins), London Fletcher ILB (re-signed w/ Redskins), Keyaron Fox LB, Kedric Golston (re-signed w/ Redskins), Chris Horton DB (signed w/ Giants), LaRon Landry SS (signed w/ Jets), Rocky McIntosh ILB, Byron Westbrook DB

Draft Targets

Needs: QB,DL,OL,TE,DB
Round 1 (Pick 2 F/ Rams): Robert Griffin III QB Baylor (Pos. Rank: 2, Overall Rank: 2)

We know this is the pick and what the Redskins gave up to make it. We also know that Griffin III is the most athletic quarterback to come into the league since Mike Vick, but doesn't have the same run-first mentality. In some ways, RG3 is the quarterback we always thought Vick should be, using his feet to keep defenses honest and creating problems when the play breaks down. This is a make or break moment for the Redskins. If Griffin III is the player the 'Skins think he is, it was well-worth the price they paid and ironically, he has a much higher ceiling than Sam Bradford, who happens to play on the team Washington traded with to get this pick.

Round 2 (Pick 39): Traded to Rams for #2 pick

Round 3 (Pick 69): Alameda Ta'amu NT Washington (Pos. Rank: 8, Overall Rank: 69)

Washington did re-sign Adam Carriker, but there are currently only three defensive tackles on this  roster. Ta'amu has dominant physical skills, was unblockable at the Senior Bowl, but much like fellow nose tackle Dontari Poe, the film doesn't show him to be a consistent force. Luckily, he doesn't have the baggage that Albert Haynesworth had and as such, should be much more coachable at the next level. This probably isn't who I'll have have in my final mock, only because I think Daniel Snyder will want to get more weapons for RG3. That's why to me, Orson Charles seems more likely even if Ta'amu makes more sense.

Overall

The value of this draft is dead on (0), but you have to remember what the Rams gave up to get Robert Griffin III. It seems like the Redskins might have given up one first round pick too many if you go by the charting, but if you look at next year's draft would RG3 have been rated about Matt Barkley? Maybe, but Barkley is the presumptive #1 overall pick next year, not to mention Griffin III has a higher ceiling. He certainly ranks about where Landry Jones would have been, which means if you were going to pick a year to get a quarterback, this is it. Either Ta'amu or Orson Charles could be impact rookies and either would be a welcome upgrade to what the Redskins have at the position already. 

Final Thought
Even if Robet Griffin III can step in and be as good as Cam Newton as a rookie, the Redskins will be extremely lucky to win 8 games next year. In a division where the Giants, Eagles and Cowboys all appear to be stronger than last year (with the possible exception of the Giants), the Redskins will have an uphill battle trying to make strides. To me, you can't judge the Redskins based on 2012 however, because the move to get RG3 signals a shift to make long-term improvements. Six or seven wins would be outstanding, particularly given that the 'Skins have the NFC South and the AFC North teams on their schedule. Four or five wins with RG3 at quarterback seems much more likely, landing the 'Skins back in the top 10 of next year's draft. I know it won't make the fans happy, at least during the season, but that could actually be a good thing and would give Washington the ability to continue this rebuilding project through the draft, adding young talent around their franchise quarterback. 

2012 NFL Offseason Prospectus: Dallas Cowboys

You don't have to like Jerry Jones (I don't), to like the way the Dallas offseason has been handled to this point.


Underachieving names like Keith Brooking and Terrance Newman are out, as are four other key contributors on a pass defense that finished 23rd in the league last season.  

The Cowboys signed Brandon Carr and Brodney Pool to improve a woeful secondary and Dan Connor was brought in fill the void left by Brooking and Brady James.

Dallas also signed a proven veteran in Kyle Orton to back up Tony Romo,  but added two guards to a poor offensive line.

I think the talent on this team the last few years has been vastly overstated. When you look at the way Wade Phillips was able to turn Houston around, you understand that this team wasn't lacking direction or scheme, but rather lacked both talent and effort.

No matter the talent influx, this team isn't going to get better until they start playing harder and with better focus.

On the other hand, there are some definite holes that need to be addressed, including on the offensive and defensive lines.

It'd honestly be hard to argue with any pick the Cowboys make in the first few rounds because they could use help at basically every position.
 
Offense
Tony Romo finally put together a complete season and showed why Dallas has had so much faith in him. Dallas' offense has playmakers like few other teams and until DeMarco Murray got hurt, the Cowboys were one of the most balanced offenses in football. 

Lawrence Vickers signed from Houston, as well as new guards Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau should help get that run game going again assuming Murray can get healthy.

Murray was having an astoundingly successful rookie reason despite falling in the draft (For what it's worth, I had him much higher than he was drafted).

With Dez Bryant and Miles Austin and Jason Witten, few teams can match the fire power of this team.

Getting better along the offensive line, particularly at tackle opposite Tyron Smith will help keep Tony Romo upright and firing to his group of weapons.

Even with the aforementioned players, Dallas did lose Martellus Bennett and Laurent Robinson in free agency and adding some depth at the skill positions will make this offense even more dangerous.

Key Free Agents: Martellus Bennett TE (signed w/ Giants), Derek Dockery G, Tony Fiammetta FB (signed w/ Patriots), Montrae Holland G, Jon Kitna, Kyle Kosier G, Sammy Morris RB, Laurent Robinson WR (signed w/ Jaguars),

Defense
If Dallas wants to compete in the NFC East, this is the side of the ball where they must improve. Pool and Carr should give the Cowboys more time to get after the quarterback.


At worst, Connor is an adequate fill-in for Brooking/James and at best, he could be a solid compliment to Sean Lee who really came on last season.

With that being said, this defense still needs to get better at every level, especially along the defensive front and at corner.

Mike Jenkings, for all of the talent he has, gives inconsistent effort, loses focus and doesn't seem to have the drive to be the kind of elite player he could be.

Also, outside of Demarcus Ware, Dallas doesn't have another passrusher that you have to fear. Somehow, Ware is still able to get pressure despite double teams.

Adding a defensive lineman or two in the draft could help lighten the load on Ware, as well as take pressure off of this weak secondary.

Key Free Agents: Alan Ball CB, Keith Brooking ILB, Abram Elam SS, Bradie James ILB, Terrance Newman CB (signed w/ Bengals), Frank Walker CB

Draft Targets

Needs: OL,DL,DB,WR,TE


Round 1 (Pick 15): Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama (Pos. Rank: 2, Overall Rank: 16)

This pick could come down to whether or not Dallas is comfortable with the inside linebackers they have. If Luke Kuechley falls to Dallas, he might be extremely hard to pass up. On the other hand, Kirkpatrick is a corner who has top 10 talent. He is a physical, instinctive corner who, unlike the other corners on this team, isn't afraid to come up and play in run support. Playing on that dominating Alabama defense, Kirkpatrick  is cerebral and can play in zone or man schemes because of his affinity for being physical at the line of scrimmage. Kirkpatrick reminds me a little of Darrelle Revis in the way he can body receivers and still transition in and out of breaks to make a play on the ball. I'm not saying he's on that level, but he has some of those same skills and could be a Pro Bowl corner.


Round 2 (Pick 45): Harrison Smith S Notre Dame (Pos. Rank: 2, Overall Rank: 49)

Admittedly, this isn't an ideal fit for the Cowboys who need the help in coverage more than in run support. On the other hand, Smith is shooting up draft boards and as a smart, physical defender who possesses the toughness this defense lacks. He could be a leader of the secondary and even though he's not going to blow you away as an athlete, he fills hard in support and can be used in the box like an extra linebacker. A passrusher like Bruce Irvin or a running back like Lamar Miller could also make some sense here, but Smith has the potential to be a solid contributor in sub packages as a rookie and on special teams. Eventually, he could be a starter, although I do think he's an overrated prospect overall.

Round 3 (Pick 81): Mike Martin DT Michigan (Pos. Rank: 9, Overall Rank: 76)

I'm skeptical Martin will fall this far (this is actually the third time I've put him in this mock and he goes higher every time). Dallas can use Martin all over the defensive line, either as an undersized nose tackle or as a five technique in their 3-4 defense. Rob Ryan will love Martin, who anchors well and uses his hands well despite not having long arms. Martin is a big-time sleeper in this draft and it's looking more and more that he may not even make it this far. The more scouts watch him, the more they are impressed and after working out well at the combine, this does seem low for the former Michigan Wolverine. Dallas would love to get a defensive lineman who can anchor as well as be disruptive the way Martin can.

Overall

Dallas may hope an offensive lineman falls to them in one of the first few rounds after striking golf with Tyron Smith last season. In this scenario, they don't get one, but do address their two biggest holes other than the offensive front. Kirkpatrick doesn't just have starter potential, he has all-pro potential. Martin also could  be an above average starter and difference maker for this defense. Smith is the wild card. If he can mature as a player and get better with his instincts, he could be another solid player for the Cowboys. On the other hand, he has significant bust potential as well given his inconsistent tackling and coverage skills. The value (0) is average, but because of the ceilings for this group, it has to be considered a successful draft.

Final Thought

Are we going to get last year's Tony Romo? Can he stay healthy? Will this defense get better? There are plenty of questions that need to be answered before Dallas can be considered a threat in the NFC East, particularly with the Eagles and defending Super Bowl champions in their division. The offense will score plenty of points, but there is a mental toughness that seems to be lacking when it comes to focus and dealing with adversity. Even so, they went 8-8 last season and should have won several games that they simply gave away. The Cowboys should be in the thick of the NFC East race, but health and the draft will be a key to determining whether or not they can hang with the giants, both literal and metaphoric of in NFC.

2012 NFL Offseason Prospectus: Philadelphia Eagles

Rarely do you see a team with so much talent falter so horribly over the course of a 16 game season.

Philadelphia, on numerous occasion, snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. This easily could have been a 12 or 13 win team, but miscues, a lack of mental toughness and injuries ended up being too great to overcome.

As the favorite, or at least one of the favorites to win the NFC, the Eagles had a splashy offseason, but were never able to translate that onto the field.

They didn't have the players to institute the new defense which happened to be coached by a former offensive line assistant.

Andy Reid consistently and relentlessly botched clock and challenge situations, despite having solid game plans.

Ironically, Mike Vick will never be a rock as your franchise quarterback as long as he continues to be the dynamic dual-threat, based mainly on the fact that he simply gets injured too often.

If you're the Eagles you must have a competent back-up quarterback because you have to plan on Vick missing at least a game or two with injuries.

That number will likely increase as Vick gets older.

Luckily, the Eagles have one of the most electric skill positions groups in football with Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson, LeSean McCoy and Brent Celek.

The defense has elite difference-makers at defense end and corner, absolute musts for a passing league like the modern NFL. Their linebacker and safety groups are, on the other hand, well below average.

Philadelphia is probably the most likely 2011 non-playoff team to rebound in 2012. There's simply too much talent on this team and frankly, Andy Reid's job depends on it.
 
Offense
Philadelphia only signed three free agents this offseason, all of whom play offensive tackle. Steve Vallos from Cleveland and Mike Gibson from Seattle will provide depth while Demetrius Bell, signed from Buffalo, is the presumed starter at left tackle with Jason Peters suffering a major Achilles injury.

The offensive line could still use help on the interior and the Eagles will likely draft some help upfront. 

It's strange to see a team in the top 10 of every major offensive category only win eight games and miss out on the playoffs. Part of the reason was this team's heavy reliance on big plays. Maclin and Jackson are as explosive a duo as you'll find in the league, but on 3rd and 8 with safeties deep, those big plays don't come and you're having to punt. 

Also, the Eagles ranked second to last in turnover margin, thanks in large part to the offense's carelessness with the ball whether it was fumbles or interceptions.

If you look at the teams who lead the league in turnover margin, seven of the top 10 teams made the playoffs and the top three teams, San Francisco, Green Bay and New England, were the three best teams in the league most of the season.

If the offense can cut down the turnovers, they will be in a better position to win games. Also, adding a big-bodied receiver to help convert in the red zone and on third downs would be a plus.
 
Key Free Agents: Ronnie Brown RB, King Dunlap OT (re-signed w/ Eagles), Jamaal Jackson C, Evan Mathis G (re-signed w/ Eagles), Owen Schmitt FB, Steve Smith WR (signed w/ Rams), Vince Young QB

Defense
A year after the Eagles went all-in with free agent signings, particularly on the defensive end, the biggest move Philadelphia made this year was trading for Demeco Ryans.

Philly desperately needed a run-stopping linebacker to help plug the leaks of this front seven which, at times, was out-muscled.

Adding some beef to this front would help as the defensive front seven is athletic and disruptive, but not overly physical.

Whether it's defensive lineman or linebackers or both, the Eagles need to get stronger and bigger upfront.

Corner is one position the Eagles won't struggle with, although Asante Samuel is reportedly on the trade block. This is a deep group despite the fact that Nnamdi Asomugha didn't play up to this reputation last year.

Safety is a concern position for the Eagles despite Kurt Coleman's success creating turnovers last year. Unfortunately, there is only a handful of potential starters in this year's safety class.

This defense, much like the offense, was also in the top 10 in points, yards and total defense, they just couldn't make the plays when they needed to get off the field.


Key Free Agents: Victor Abiamiri DE, Antonio Dixon DT (re-signed w/ Eagles), Derek Landri DT (re-signed w/ Eagles), Trevor Laws DT, Juqua Parker DE (signed w/ Browns)

Draft Targets

Needs: OL,LB,S,RB,WR


Round 1 (Pick 15): Luke Kuechley ILB Boston College (Pos. Rank: 1, Overall Rank: 10)

If there was ever a marriage of need and value this is it. Kuechley was a tackling machine at Boston College and is the kind of physical, instinctive linebacker that could really improve this Eagle defense. He showed surprising athleticism at the combine, but the tape shows a lack of elite explosion to the ball. Luckily, he's so smart and adept at reading plays, for him, it's the difference between meeting the ball-carrier in the hole versus the backfield. He's still going to be in position to make a playe and is the kind of kid you can build a defense around.


Round 2 (Pick 46): Rueben Randle WR LSU (Pos. Rank: 6, Overall Rank: 46)

Scary. That's what this would be for defenses in the NFC East. Randle is a 6-4 receiver who reportedly ran in the 4.3's at his LSU pro day. Without a quality quarterback in college, it's hard to know just how good Randle can be, but physically he has every tool you could want. He's risen up draft boards and has even gotten some first round buzz leading up to the draft. If you trot Randle out there with Maclin and Jackson, you can put Jackson in the slot and suddenly you have a nightmare for opponents trying to cover maybe the fastest trio of receivers in the game. When you consider Randle's frame, he also has the size to give you those possession catches in the red zone and across the middle, something they don't have currently.

Round 2 (Pick 51 F/ Cardinals): Brandon Thompson DT Clemson (Pos. Rank: 7, Overall Rank: 51)
Andy Reid admitted after the season that he didn't have the defensive personnel to play some of the schemes they wanted to play last year. Really, that's his way of saying we don't have the right defensive tackles and linebackers because the 'wide 9' technique fits these defensive ends perfectly. Thompson is a player who has seen his stock consistently fall over the course of the season, but he's a powerful defensive tackle who can man his gap and uses his long frame to occupy blockers. He won't be an elite penetrater, but doesn't have to be in this defense where the ends are so dynamic off the edge.

Round 3 (Pick 88 F/ Texans): Brock Osweiler QB Arizona State (Pos. Rank: 6, Overall Rank: 86)

I absolutely love this pick for the Eagles. Osweiler is a physically-gifted player who is surprisingly athletic for a player who is 6-7 240. He doesn't have much experience, but he'd have time to develop behind Vick and Andy Reid, for all of his faults with some in-game management, is still one of the most creative offensive minds in the game. Osweiler likely isn't ready to be the guy to step in should Vick get injured, but after a year or two he might be. With this young group of receivers and Shady McCoy in the backfield, you couldn't ask for a better position to be as a developing quarterback.

Overall

Philadelphia is one of the better drafting teams in the league and this class would be no exception. From a value standpoint (7+), it'd be an elite group, plus they pick up a luxury pick in the second round when they traded Kevin Kolb. That deal already seems like a steal for the Eagles, but if a first round talent like Brandon Thompson falls to them, it will get even better.You're looking at up to three first-year starters right away, but at least two, plus a potential franchise quarterback. Under any circumstances, that's an excellent draft, but when you add in the kind of value here, it's an outstanding blend of quality and need.

Final Thought

There's no denying the players this team has is good enough, with no upgrade this offseason, to make the playoffs. Demeco Ryans was a solid upgrade and Demetrius Bell is a terrific insurance policy given Jason Peters' injury. Beyond that, any additions the Eagles make are gravy from a talent perspective. For the Eagles, the biggest questions are whether or not they can eliminate the mistakes, both player and coaching. The turnovers killed the Eagles last year, as did a few botched situational calls from Reid. Turnovers tend to regress to the mean given that they're often  based on a few lucky bounces. That's worth at least a win or two for this team and that's enough to put them into the playoffs. If that happens, they could make a deep run given the immense and explosive players on this team.