Grading the Redskins so far this pre-season
The Redskins have been very busy this offseason, all 10 days of it so far! People are looking for the big splash and that simply hasn’t happened and seems to have caught most fans and pundits off guard. Love or hate the moves, this team is building for the future. Call it rebuilding, call it a potential down year, call it what you will…this is simply a season of transition. With that said here is a look at the moves that have made and how e feel did in that aspect.
Signing all 12 draft picks three days after the lockout ended: A
With the new CBA, draft pick hold outs would be virtually useless. All rookies would behoove to sign and get into camp. The Redskins were among the first to get this done and get their rookies on the field to work.
Barry Cofield from the Giants: B+
The Redskins lacked a true nose guard last season who could hold down that position. So when Barry Cofield was available, it was an excellent decision to go after him and get him to firm up the seriously under-performing defensive line. Cofield comes from a very successful 4-3 New York Giants defense, and one of the most feared defensive lines in the last 10 years.
Stephen Bowen from Dallas Cowboys: C+
Decent get. 27 years old, not too many stats. I think the book isn’t written on him yet, and until his few practices I won’t be sure on what to give him. So for now C+. Dallas tried to make it seem as if he was overpaid. In any case, they couldn’t of re-signed him because they are still about $6 mil over the cap.
Vonnie Holliday and future pick to Arizona for Tim Hightower: A-
The Redskins got younger and got a goal line threat. Not since Clinton Portis circa 2005-2006 have we had a back who could get the ball in from the goal line. I think he’s a nice change of pace back for Ryan Torain and great insurance policy.
Cutting Phillip Daniels and Casey Rabach: B+
Sad to see such classy guys go, especially Daniels but this team HAS to get younger. They made the right moves. Besides Rabach was signed by Baltimore but failed his physical, shows what shape he was in after rehabbing from shoulder surgery.
Jabar Gaffney from Denver Broncos: C+
He is a tall receiver and can catch a good fade, but he is 30. We want to see development in the youth, but he could be a good insurance policy as well. The early word is he has decent chemistry with John Beck. It is worth the wait and see.
Dante Stallworth from Baltimore Ravens: D
Not really a great signing. I take it as merely depth for pre-season or insurance in case someone gets hurt. Note: Stallworth caught 2 more passes last year than Malcolm Kelly. Kelly was place on the IR in August 2010.
Josh Wilson from Baltimore: C-
Word on the street is he isn’t stellar. Didn’t have a great year in Baltimore. He will be taking over for Carlos Rogers who wasn’t the most popular but did play very well.
Phillip Buchanon retained: D
Wasn’t that great in my eyes last year. He is a capable of being a good nickel back, but will also be suspended for the first four games. Hmmmm
Kellen Clemens from New York Jets: C
Will compete for a backup job. That’s all we can hope for. If we see lots of him, might not be a good thing.
Shayne Graham from the New England Patriots: A
Graham Gano was inconsistent last year. We need a kicker who can either push him or beat him out of a job. Plain and simple.
There were more moves but I thought these were the most key. The Redskins did what they needed to do for the most part, so far, and we fiscally responsible.