2012 NFL Offseason: Washington Redskins
Draft Grades, Season Previews, Offseason Needs, Free Agents
Washington Redskins (Last Year: 5-11)
2012 NFL Draft Grade: B
Goals Entering the 2012 NFL Draft: Robert Griffin will the choice at No. 2, so Washington needs to provide him with a target and protection. The Redskins have the personnel to contend for a playoff spot with quality quarterbacking, so they must do everything in their power to make Griffin's transition to the NFL as smooth as possible. The secondary must also be addressed.
2012 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Redskins didn't obtain a target for Griffin. They didn't address their secondary until the seventh round either. What they did do was beef up their offensive line. Josh LeRibeus was a reach, but the Adam Gettis and Tom Compton selections made up for it. As I wrote below, if the three linemen pan out, Griffin may never be sacked.
The Kirk Cousins choice really bothers me. What the hell was the point of it? Mid-round quarterbacks are a dime a dozen, so if Mike Shanahan really wanted a developmental project, he could have obtained one in 2013 or 2014. Griffin, as a rookie, will need as much help as he can get. Why not use that selection on a running back, receiver or a corner?
2012 NFL Draft Individual Grades:
2. Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor: A Grade
I said it in my 2012 NFL Mock Draft and I'll say it again - Robert Griffin is worth every bit of those three first-round picks Washington surrendered in order to swap the Nos. 6 and 2 picks with the Rams. I'm usually against moving up, but not if it involves landing a franchise quarterback. I have a difficult time seeing Griffin bust because of his talent, athleticism and intelligence, so the Redskins should be a force in the NFC East for the next 10-15 years. I doubt the Washington fans will mind not picking in the 20s (or 30s) in the 2014 NFL Draft after watching their team make a playoff run.
71. Josh LeRibeus, G, SMU: D Grade
This is a reach. Josh LeRibeus was No. 140 on the consensus board, and no one had him above 90. He does fill a need, however, and the Redskins needed to find Robert Griffin some help.
102. Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State: D Grade
Ugh, what the hell is the point of this pick? Kirk Cousins can become a good backup eventually, but the Redskins would have been better served finding some weapons for Robert Griffin.
119. Keenan Robinson, ILB, Texas: B+ Grade
London Fletcher's successor? Keenan Robinson fits the range in the middle of Round 4. Fletcher, despite popular belief, can't play until the end of time. Washington will need someone to take over in a year or two beside Perry Riley.
141. Adam Gettis, G, Iowa: B- Grade
This is a slight reach, but I like that the Redskins are making an effort to improve the offensive line in front of Robert Griffin and Kirk Cousins. Adam Gettis fits perfectly in Mike Shanahan's blocking scheme. Oh, and it's also hard to hate any pick used on an Iowa lineman.
173. Alfred Morris, RB, Florida Atlantic: C+ Grade
You can't question a Mike Shanahan late-round running back pick. Alfred Morris has some good running ability, but he's guilty of fumbling a lot. The Redskins needed to find a running back because Tim Hightower is a free agent.
193. Tom Compton, OT, South Dakota: A Grade
Another lineman? If these guys pan out, Robert Griffin may never be sacked, given his scrambling ability. Tom Compton is a really nice value pick; he was a Round 4-5 prospect enterting the weekend.
213. Richard Crawford, CB, SMU: C Grade
It's really surprising that the Redskins waited this long to address their secondary. There were better defensive backs available.
217. Jordan Bernstine, S, Iowa: B- Grade
More secondary help, so no surprise here. Jordan Bernstine was a fringe draftable prospect, so this pick makes sense.
*** 2012 NFL OFFSEASON NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***
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Johnny Long Long
05-23-2012
05:21 pm
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Kirk Cousins will be used as trade bait (like Kevin Kolb) so Redskins can get some of those picks that they traded away for RG3
...
05-15-2012
12:01 am
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Secret about the Cousins pick:
when old granny announced Lamar Miller, she was booed when hot blonde announced cousins, crowed roared with cheers it's a pr game, folks. don't be bashing on dem redskins
MITCH
05-06-2012
03:27 pm
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I WANT TO SEE THE OFFSEASON NEEDS PAGE NOT THE GOD DAMN DRAFT GRADES
RB, WR, or CB?
05-03-2012
01:02 pm
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Part of Walt's nonsense about the Cousins pick is to grab a RB, WR or CB? Seriously?
Shanahan is always right about RB. Always. To question him on that shows just what an arrogant, clueless prick you are. The Redskins just moved Niles Paul to TE and cut Jabar Gaffney after he led them in receiving last year. Despite that, their 1-4 is set and they've got 8 freaking WR on the roster. Why in the world would they take another WR? CB? Maybe, but only if there was one available that was a greater value than Cousins at that point. Let's not forget that they've added 5 DBs during the FA period.
Capt Blood
05-01-2012
12:06 pm
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The Cousins pick deserves a regrade.
That said, look at the grades Walt gave the Cardinals draft. The Cards drafted OT Bobby Massie at #112 (A+), G Senio Kelente at #151 (B+), and OG/T Nate Potter at #221 (A). Massie was available at #71 and #102. He seemed to be Kiper's "best available" for the entire 3rd round and part of the 4th. He's a big athletic tackle who can be your swing tackle if Jamaal Brown gets healthy. The Redskins' coaches must have come away with a different opinion of Massie from that of the draft analysts. But not, it seems, a different opinion from the other NFL front offices.
Chris
04-30-2012
04:41 pm
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Analysts are funny. First they rant on and on about how this is a QB driven league then act shocked when a team decides that they need more than one good one. I mean it's not like star QBs ever get concussed or twist their ankles or break fingers on their throwing hand during their follow through. Who'd want a plan B?
Walter is a moron
04-30-2012
10:10 am
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Your "analysis" of the Kirk Cousins pick illustrates why you're a moron.
UhYeah
04-30-2012
10:03 am
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Its safe to say that the large majority of successful NFL QB's had time to sit and apprentice for at least a couple of years before starting.
I've never been a fan of taking them high in the draft, I'm more of the philosophy of 2-4 round development picks at the QB position. Hopefully they don't throw Griffin into a situation where he won't be successful.
@Joseph N.
04-30-2012
02:57 am
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I think what that person meant was that RGIII might never be sacked because he might blow his knee out during training camp or hold-out all year, or simply be benched because Rex Grossman will be simply that awesome this year.
James
04-29-2012
11:09 pm
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Now that we've added Minnifield from UVA as an URFA that makes a total of 3 DB draft prospects among the other 5 free agent signings. So that makes a strong secondary going into minicamp. DEPTH PEOPLE. And with WR depth of Garcon, Morgan, Moss, Hankerson, Armstrong, and Austin, we are set there too. O line is set with 3 picks and the Lee siging. Even with Cousins and Grossmen we have QB covered. Redskins are building a championship team that defenses and injuries wont be able to put a dent in. This wont be the year for the playoffs but 2013 and 2014 keep an eye out for the B& G.Be happy if you're a Redksins fan.We have the weapons needed. This is Shanahan's work, not Synder's. His hand isnt in the cookie jar any longer. #DEPTH
@Cousins Pick doesn't suck
04-29-2012
08:51 pm
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Two more words: John Beck.
Beck, and his 16 sacks suffered in 3.5 games, are gone already. RGIII, Rex, and Kirk will be the order this year. RGIII, Kirk, veteran FA will be the order the following 2 years. It's a GREAT pick when you get a 2nd round talent in the 4th round because other teams are too focused on need.
Joseph N.
04-29-2012
12:11 pm
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"Griffin may never be sacked."
Really? Did you forget what division the Redskins play in? Osi Umenyoria, Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul, Demarcus Ware, Justin Babin, and Trent Cole all disagree with you.
Cousins Pick doesn't suck
04-29-2012
09:28 am
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It really baffles me that people can't see why the cousins pick makes sense. Two words -- Rex Grossman. Shannahan has watched Andy Reid have to start his backup QB a couple of games the last two years. No way were the Skins mgmt going to let RG1 (rex grossman) start again. Running QB's get crushed and RGIII will take big hits this year.
Really?
04-29-2012
12:21 am
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Get a real commenting system Walt, this is pathetic.
"Either you hate 'em or you love 'em," he said. "I'm definitely one who hates 'em."
Again since Walt's comment system is awful
04-29-2012
12:19 am
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His comment about the failed waste management system that is the Dallas Cowboys:
"Either you hate |
Season Summary:
The Redskins haven't won more than 10 games in a season since 1991. Their quarterbacks have been mediocre at best since then, which would explain their lack of success. Washington will have a chance to acquire Peyton Manning or Robert Griffin this offseason, so the franchise will finally have an opportunity to turn things around.
Offseason Moves:
Offseason Needs:
- Quarterback: As mentioned in the season summary, the Redskins haven't had anything better than mediocre quarterbacking since the early 90s. Peyton Manning and Robert Griffin will probably be available this offseason. Washington cannot go into the 2012 season with Rex Grossman as the starter. Re-signed Rex Grossman
- Wide Receiver: The Redskins have some young wideouts on the roster. Santana Moss is still there as well. None of them, however, is a legitimate No. 1 weapon. Washington will be searching for one this offseason. Signed Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan
- Two Safeties: LaRon Landry is yet another Washington free agent that Daniel Snyder will need to keep. O.J. Atogwe was cut. Signed Tanard Jackson, Brandon Meriweather and Madieu Williams
- Left Guard: Kory Lichtensteiger played well in 2011, but tore his ACL and MCL. There's no guarantee he'll be anywhere close to 100 percent this year.
- Inside Linebacker Depth: London Fletcher continues to get the job done, while Perry Riley was really good in replacing the ineffective Rocky McIntosh. McIntosh is as good as gone though, so Washington will need depth, as well as a successor for Fletcher. Re-signed London Fletcher; signed Jonathan Goff and Bryan Kehl
- Right Tackle: Washington should look into adding an insurance policy at right tackle because Jammal Brown can't seem to get healthy. His hip injury just won't go away. Signed James Lee
- Cornerback Depth: The Redskins don't really have anything behind DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson. Nickel Kevin Barnes struggled in 2011. Signed Cedric Griffin and Leigh Torrence
- Nose Tackle: Barry Cofield wasn't bad at nose tackle by any means, but he would probably be a better fit at defensive end. It'll be difficult for the Redskins to find any sort of upgrade, however.
- Tight End: Fred Davis is a free agent who will need to be re-signed because Chris Cooley is too unreliable at this point of his career. Re-signed Fred Davis
- Center: Will Montgomery had an OK 2011 campaign, but he's another free agent who will have to be retained. Re-signed Will Montgomery
- Rush Linebacker Depth: If either Ryan Kerrigan or Brian Orakpo goes down, the Redskins won't have much of a pass rush. Signed Chris Wilson
2012 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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Neil Rackers, K, Texans. Age: 36. 
Signed with Redskins (1 year)
Neil Rackers' field-goal percentages over the past four years: 89.3, 94.1, 90.0 and 84.2. He's 7-of-9 from 50-plus in the previous two seasons. Only his age (36) is a concern.
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Pierre Garcon, WR, Colts. Age: 26.
Signed with Redskins
Pierre Garcon is fast, but is also unreliable because he drops too many passes. Still, he had some big games with Curtis Painter and Dan Orlovsky at quarterback, so teams know he's not just a product of the system.
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Tanard Jackson, S, Buccaneers. Age: 27. 
Signed with Redskins
Tanard Jackson was considered to be one of the NFL's top up-and-coming safeties prior to his season-long suspension in 2010. He returned to the lineup last year, but really struggled. He's still young and talented, so maybe he can revert to 2009 form with good coaching.
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Jonathan Goff, ILB, Giants. Age: 26.
Signed with Redskins
Jonathan Goff did a solid job as New York's inside linebacker in 2010, but he missed the entire 2011 campaign with a torn ACL.
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Josh Morgan, WR, 49ers. Age: 27.
Signed with Redskins (5 years, $12 million; $7.5 million guaranteed)
Josh Morgan looked like he was on his way to having a solid year, catching 15 balls for 220 yards in five games, but he went on injured reserve with a broken leg.
- Cedric Griffin, CB, Vikings. Age: 29. -- Signed with Redskins (1 year, $2.5 million)
- Brandon Meriweather, S, Bears. Age: 28. -- Signed with Redskins (2 years, $6 million)
- Madieu Williams, FS, 49ers. Age: 30. -- Signed with Redskins
- Bryan Kehl, OLB, Rams. Age: 28. -- Signed with Redskins
- James Lee, OT, Buccaneers. Age: 27. -- Signed with Redskins
- Leigh Torrence, CB, Saints. Age: 30. -- Signed with Redskins
Washington Redskins Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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Fred Davis, TE, Redskins. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Redskins (1 year, $5.416 million)
Fred Davis caught 59 balls for 796 yards and three touchdowns in 2011. He's a really skilled tight end, but the downside is that one more suspension for substance abuse will result in a season-long suspension.
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London Fletcher, ILB, Redskins. Age: 37.
Re-signed with Redskins
London Fletcher amazingly just keeps getting it done. He played on a really high level last year despite being 36. The Redskins absolutely need to re-sign him.
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LaRon Landry, SS, Redskins. Age: 27.
Signed with Jets (1 year, $4 million)
LaRon Landry would be ranked much higher than this if he weren't so injury-prone. Landry has played in just 17 games the past two years. He could miss some more time next season because of an Achilles injury (not torn).
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Rocky McIntosh, OLB, Redskins. Age: 29.
I called Rocky McIntosh an idiot for re-signing with the Redskins last offseason. He's not a good fit in the 3-4. I don't get how he didn't understand that. Maybe he'll learn his lesson and sign on with a 4-3 team this time around.
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Will Montgomery, C/G, Redskins. Age: 29.
Re-signed with Redskins (4 years)
Will Montgomery is a good fit in Mike Shanahan's scheme as a lineman who can play guard and center. He's worth more to the Redskins than most other teams, so he should re-sign with them.
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Graham Gano (RFA), K, Redskins. Age: 25.
Tendered by Redskins
Who knows if Graham Gano would have hit the five kicks that were blocked in 2011? He was at least reliable otherwise last season.
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Tim Hightower, RB, Redskins. Age: 26.
Re-signed with Redskins (1 year)
Tim Hightower is a pretty mediocre running back with solid receiving skills, but he's coming off a torn ACL.
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O.J. Atogwe, FS, Redskins. Age: 31.
O.J. Atogwe still would be a decent safety if he could stay healthy, but that has been really difficult for him over the past couple of years.
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Rex Grossman, QB, Redskins. Age: 32.
Re-signed with Redskins (1 year)
Rex Grossman has proven himself as a capable backup quarterback, but he commits too many turnovers to be a starter.
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Adam Carriker, DE/DT, Redskins. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Redskins (4 years, $20 million)
Adam Carriker can be a solid rotational player in a 3-4 front, but he shouldn't be a starter going forward.
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Kory Lichtensteiger, G, Redskins. Age: 27.
Re-signed with Redskins (1 year)
Kory Lichtensteiger played well in Mike Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme last year, but tore his ACL and MCL in mid-October.
- Jabar Gaffney, WR, Redskins. Age: 31. -- Signed with Patriots (2 years)
- Donte' Stallworth, WR, Redskins. Age: 31. -- Signed with Patriots
- Kedric Golston, DE/DT, Redskins. Age: 29. -- Re-signed with Redskins
- Keyaron Fox, ST, Redskins. Age: 30.
- Byron Westbrook (RFA), CB, Redskins. Age: 27.
- John Beck, QB, Redskins. Age: 31. -- Signed with Texans
- Mike Sellers, FB, Redskins. Age: 37.
2012 NFL Free Agent Rankings Coming Soon
Divisional Rival History:
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys have won 11 of the last 14 meetings, but Dallas-Washington games tend to be close regardless; 12 of the last 16 matchups have been decided by six points or fewer. New York Giants: New York used to dominate this NFC East rivalry, having won the past six meetings prior to 2011. The Redskins swept last year. 
Philadelphia Eagles: Philadelphia has claimed the past three matchups.
Features to be Posted This Offseason:
- 2012 NFL Draft Grades (Pick-by-Pick NFL Draft Grades as well - Live on Draft Day!)
- Detailed season preview
- Fantasy football projections
- Positional rankings
- Daily updates on free-agent signings
2012 NFL Offseason Pages
2012 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25
2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 22
Charlie's 2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
2012 NBA Mock Draft - May 19
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 7
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